Apollo 18 - Corporate Persona

Corporate Persona

            Storm had endured three meetings today and was tired of looking at charts and projections.  He was in HR, what did he care.  All he had to do is help the department heads get manpower.  Sometimes it was easy and other times, well they were just to demanding.  It was no wonder why the two men before him quit.  Storm had contemplated it himself.  But why.  His pay was good, he got to travel to other cities.  Talk at schools and see this societies best and worst.  He even got wined and dined a few times.  What could be better?  

            This afternoon Storm learned that the mining guild was planning to boycott one of the cities.  Apparently, they reneged on a deal and the guild had already delivered their end.  So, they were planning on making the city state of Norks feel their wrath.  Norks was near the far side of their rang and would be in need of services.  Storm couldn’t understand why they’d would put themselves in such jeopardy.  For him this was a great opportunity as there would be lots of qualified labor looking to jump ship, literally.  He was planning a recruiting trip when he got dragged into the last meeting.   Again, one that had little meaning for him, but would tie up most of his afternoon and maybe run late.  He needed to make some arrangements and get in before it was too lake.  The transport he was looking to catch usually left by six in the morning.  And it would be a long trip.  Two weeks on a transport that wasn’t designed for alcoholics and frolicking.  He would work on his strategies for finding qualified labor.  Once there, he would have to lay low and be discreet with his inquiries.  You see other corporations don’t like it when you take their talent.  He also would be able to do some reconnaissance.   So when he got back to his office he activated chip three and placed a message on their board for Mr Anderson.  

            He didn’t respond.  So, by the time he had made his reservation and was ready to leave he got worried.  Usually Mr. Anderson would at least let him know that he couldn’t talk.  But silence.  That was new.  He decided to go down to level sixteen and meet with Solaris.  She would pass on his itinerary to those that would want to know and if they wanted make request of him for certain pieces of information.  They would let him know via the covert communications.  

Storm packed up his desk, secured his files and made his way to the door.  He wanted to change before heading down.  Where he was going a suit would stand out like a white cat on a black stage. 

It didn’t take him long and he was back at the lift near his apartment.  He waited for a small crowd of people that were all waiting to go up.  He had to go down.  So he stood there.  Looking at the crowd and wondering where all of them worked.  He couldn’t help himself.  He like getting new people into the company.  They were one of the biggest supplies for graphene chips and processors.   The multi state material was the heart of their quantum processors.  And with the shortage of good engineers and skilled laborers, he was always looking for potential employees.  

The trip down was uneventful.  He made his way through the overly crowded isle and walkways and found the grungy bar in its usual state of revelry.  Loud music, loud people and under-dressed women.  The platforms had women dancing in low grave spots with light of various colors shining on them.  The twisted and contorted their bodies in suggestive ways as the crowd of men and women jeered them on.  Somehow in their dance them managed to undress themselves and one was down to her G-string.  She had her crowd yelling to take off even that.  Storm made his way past all this to the bar.  He ordered a drink and then made his way to the rooms.  They were to the back, near the waste rooms.  He stood there until a black woman approached him.  She wore just enough to be indecently covered.  She whispered into his ear and he shook his head yes.  She led them down the short hall to a room.  It had a bed in it.  Curtains on the walls and a nightstand.  There was no blanket, just sheets and pillows.  The woman rubbed herself all over Storm as he entered the room and seductively closed the door. 

Once the door was shut she flipped the seduction off like a switch, “Wat the fuck you doin here?” She asked.

“I needed to get a message to the... group.” Storm said to the walls.

“Teir, clean.” She told him.

“Solaris, I’m headed to Norks.” Storm said, still looking at the walls.

“Tats long way.” She said in half a question.

“Its for work.” Storm offered.

“Take off your shirt.” Solaris said.

“Why?” Storm did not come here for that and he certainly wouldn’t pay for it. He found that women tended to throw themselves at him.  He had a great job in a well known corporation, so they would do anything to be his mate.  He found it lacking and usually only dated such women for a few weeks.  Their desperation made him sick.

“Cause we’re supposed to be fucking.  And I always take off client’s shirt and bite them.” Solaris started walking towards him.  Hips swaying and arms inviting.

“Oh, no.” Storm backed away.

“It’s my mark.” Solaris said.

“I didn’t come here to be marked.” Storm didn’t like this.

“Stupid man!” Solaris was getting mad. “You don’t want any tose slutty bitches to jump you when you come in. Right?” She had a very strange accent.  

Storm considered her comment.  If he had her mark on his neck the other prostitutes would leave him alone.  That actually my be helpful if he came back down again.

She turned him and stripped his shirt.  Then pushed him until he fell on the bed.  Like a cat she jumped on him and sank her teeth into his neck.  It was painful and Storm pushed her away.  He could feel the blood run down his back.  Solaris got up and took a rag from the nightstand and gave it to him.  “Tere. You marked.”

“Thank you, I think.” Storm said as she tried to stop the blood.  

“You baby.” Solaris had a smile on her lips.

“I’m not used to being bit.” Storm protested.

“Tats because ta skinny bitches you fuck want you be mate.” Solaris acted like she spat on the ground, “I don’t care.  I need money, notting else.” She looked up at him, “You brought money? Yes?”

“Yeah.  I was told to bring credits.” Storm assured her.

“Smart boy.” She said. “Since you pay, you want.” She put her hands out as to offer herself.

“No.” Storm said.

“You say tat too fast.” Solaris put her hands down, “It could be insult.” 

“Sorry.” Storm just wanted out.  He looked at the door.

“I not tat fast.  You wait.” Solaris read his mind.

“Oh, yeah.” Storm was out of his element.  Here Solaris was boss, and he didn’t like that.

To past the time he thought he would try to learn something in return. “So, you talk to others in the group.” 

“Only one.” Solaris said. She turned her head in his direction, “Now two. No names.” 

“Oh.” Storm said.  That makes since.  He had not given her his name, but she knew who he was.  So, someone had given her a picture of him.  As for her, her name was tattooed on the back of her neck.  There was no hiding that.  But it was probably her stage name and not here real name, so there was some level of security.  

“Just so you know.” Solaris became seductive again, “I fuck him and he likes it.” 

Storm turned away.  His father’s words raced through his head, “If you don’t control the power of seduction, someone will control you.”  

Solaris put her arms around him and started to caress his chest as her hands moved downward.  

Storm softly grabbed both hands and pulled them away.  He was not to be seduced, not here and not by her.

Solaris was miffed. “Wat! you like boys or somting?”

Storm took the credits from his pocket and gave them to Solaris he then grabbed his shirt from the bed and walked to the door.  

Solaris intercepted him, “Okay.  I stop.” She looked up, “We wait more.” 

“Please sit.” Storm was taking charge.  He pointed to the far side of the bed.

Solaris did so, discussed.  She had no power over him and she did not like that.

They waited another ten minutes, “Okay.” She said and pointed to the door.

“Thank you.” Storm said and got up.  He put his shirt on but had not buttoned it yet.

He opened the door.  If he was still fixing his shirt when they left others would think what they should.  And those that watched needed to think that, so they didn’t think anything else.  Storm understood that this was a mind game and every player had to play their part.  Storm was looking back at Solaris when he walked out of the room and bumped into another woman.  She was in the hall looked out at the rowdy crowd.  She turned.

“Casandra?” Storm asked as he recognized her face.  

Just then Solaris walked out in full seductive mode, “So, Next time. don’t wait so long.” She said before she saw Casandra. 

Casandra looked at Solaris with contempt.  She then ran out into the crowd.  Solaris grabbed Storm, “No.” 

Storm wanted to pull away, but he had to maintain the lie.  He could expose Solaris and himself, not here.  

“She prude.” Solaris said.

Storm turned to her for an explanation, “What?”

“She dance, but not all the way.” Solaris was not a fan. “She not let them touch her.” Solaris shook her head, “Her body, could make lots of money.” 

Storm understood.  She just danced and was not a prostitute.  

Then Solaris made a statement the Storm almost slapped her for, “If I could sell her for one night.  I could be rich.” 

Storm had had enough.  He needed to go, but he needed to wait to see what happened to Casandra.  She was up on one of the platforms now.  She had started her dance routine and she was good.  She slowly removed her glove and threw it to someone in the crowd.  They loved it.  Others started to fight them for it. But Casandra just danced on.  Storm had to leave.  He didn’t want to see her degrade herself like this.  In school she had so much potential.  She could do with three chips, what most couldn’t do with seven.  And yet here she was using her body to make a living.  The one thing she didn’t want to do.  The one thing she kept hidden from the world for so long.    

Storm waited outside the bar for Casandra to come out.  He figured that he could sleep on the transport in the morning, there was not much else to do and he needed to see her.  He needed to find out what happened and why she worked here.  He felt guilty for his part in her being kicked out of school and removing any chance of getting out of the lower levels.  At about two thirty in the morning she finally came out of the back of the bar.  A huge escort was with her.  He had to be two meters tall with muscles that shone through his clothing.  He kept his distance but was there, so she didn’t have trouble with anyone that saw her work.  

Storm stepped out of the shadows and called out to her, “Casandra.”

The Bouncer stepped in front of her, “Buddy, you don’t want a piece of this.” And punch his hand in a threatening way.

“I don’t want any trouble.  We’re old friends.” Storm put up his hands.

“Buddy if I had a credit every time.” The bouncer said as he took another step in Storm’s direction.

“It’s okay.” Said a muffled Casandra.  Her hand appeared on the big man’s arm as she attempted to move him out of her way.

“Casandra.” Storm wanted her to know how sorry her was.  How he let her down and had forgotten about her.  About them.  His heart ached as he looked at her.  The old feelings were racing back to the front of her mind.  That night, the outfit.  The promise of a raincheck.  But that was six years ago.  

“What are you doing here?” She asked. "Well I know what you were doing here."

“No. I needed to see you.” Storm answered. He couldn't explain it.

“Well.  You have.” She said.

Storm recognized the finality in her statement.  She wanted him to leave. He couldn’t.  He couldn’t leave it like this.  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. 

The bodyguard started to step in front of Casandra as to shield her from danger.

Storm pulled out his card and showed it to the guard.  “Just my card.” He looked at Casandra and asked, “Do you mind?”  

She hesitated, then shook her head no.  

Storm tapped the card and there was a flash.  Casandra now had his contact information on one of her chips and he had hers.  All in an instant.  Storm put the card away and spoke to Casandra, “I’m going on a trip tomorrow, but I will be back in eight weeks.” He paused to see if she was listening.

She nodded her head that she heard.

“While I’m gone. I’m then going to open a position up in our mail room.” He looked right at her. “I want you to apply.” 

She didn’t look directly at him.  She was very much ashamed of what she was and where she was.  

“I need you to apply.” Storm finally said.

She suddenly looked at him. “Will that make you feel better?” 

“Yes, but that’s not why.” Storm said.

“Am I to be your plaything at work?” Casandra asked.

“You have never been my plaything.” Storm said, but it sounded like an insult. “I mean.” He paused so he could say it right. “You are so talented, and my company would benefit from your… talents.” He looked at her then added, “Your mental talents.” 

The guard looked confused. She was just a dancer. “Buddy, step off.” 

Storm looked at the guard, “I’m going.” He said and then looked at Casandra and addressed her, “Think about it.” He looked at the guard who took another step in his direction, “When I post the position, I’ll let you know.” He took a step back to keep out of reach of the bouncer. “Whitney Jackson will conduct the interview, since you will be working for her.” again another step.  

Casandra stayed behind her guard but kept listening.  She would be working up there and who knew what could happen.  She could move up in their company and do things she could never do down here.  But what does Storm want in return? She kept listening. 

“I’m sorry.” Storm finally said.

“For what?” Casandra asked.

“For everything.” Storm said not wanting to get into specifics with the Goliath standing between them.

“You won’t be sorry.” Storm said as the pitch in his voice betrayed that fact that he thought his words were working.

“I need something to wear.” Casandra said.

“What?” Storm didn’t understand. 

“I don’t exactly have anything to wear to an interview like that.” Casandra admitted.

“I can fix that.” Storm said with confidence.

“I’ll think about it.” Casandra didn’t want him to think she was that easy.

“Call me.” Storm said with desperation in his voice.  He took another step back and felt the wall at his back.  He couldn’t believe he was in a dark alley pleading with someone to take a great job.  But this was Casandra.  He needed to know that she was alright.  He needed to atone for the fact that he forgot about her all these years.  His heart was sick, and he needed her to accept his offer.  

Then softly she said, “Storm….”

He stopped moving and looked at her.

She said nothing.  Their eyes locked.  And with those beautiful brown eyes and an almost imperceptible nod of her head, she said yes.

Storm felt relieved, he was going to help her.  He was going to help his company and he was going to right, some serious wrongs, all at the same time.  “Good.” he said out loud.

“Okay.” She said in a final tone.

“Okay.  I’m going now.” Storm said half to her and half to Goliath.

He left and got back to the apartment with just enough time to pack and make his 6 am departure. Even though he had been up all night, he was not tired.  He had just found a huge piece of himself and was excited to find out what that would lead to.  Even if they… Even if nothing happened between them.  She was brilliant and she could do so much for herself and the company.  His thoughts went back to that night.  It was obvious to him now, that she had interpreted his invitation as their first sexual encounter, but he was so engrossed in the idea of finding a conspiracy that he didn’t see it. What a confusing night.  And then his dad had sabotaged everything with sending the guards down to find him and keep him from pursuing both the investigation and her.  He shook his head. “Shit.” He looked at the clock.  He had to hurry.  He could think about all this on transport.  He would have plenty of time.  

Racing to the transport stations, Storm mind wandered again to Casandra.  He was on a tube and it was speeding along without his attention.  It would arrive in minutes on the far side of the city.  The ports were always faced away from the sun so as to protect them from the constant barrage of radiation.   Well at least protect them from the most energetic forms.  The rest just permeated everything.  If it weren’t for the radiation treatments, they would all be dead by now.  He still had not slept and he wished he could postpone his trip, but the opportunity was too good, and he had to do it in person. Any form or electronic communications would be detected and then they would retaliate against his company.  No, this had to look like their employees were looking and just stumbled across an opportunity.   Which meant that this covert op had to be done in person.  

Storm mindlessly checked in, took his place in line and waited for instructions from the boatswain.  She was a short ugly lady that had been in space, way too long, or just long enough that it took any beauty that she might have once poses.  She looked at him and told him to head aft for thirty meters, drop to levels.  Then head forward.  His birth would be second from the end, Starboard. Storm acknowledged the instructions and went on his way.  He had been on this tub before and knew his way.  He tried to always get the same birth, but this time he had booked his passage too late.  His birth was taken.  So, he was on the second level instead of the first.  In the long run, it would work out better.  He needed to be less conspicuous and being on a lower level, would work to his favor. Now all he needed to do is dress down and work on getting some calluses on his hands between now and their arrival.  

Storm found his room and made the mistake of laying on the bed.  He was out in seconds.  He was awakened by a knock at his door. 

He jumped up.  Not knowing the time or even where he was.  In a moment the place came back to him, but the time did not.  

The Knock came again.  “Mr. Thyson, you have a message.” 

Storm opened the door and the boatswain was standing there with a card.  She looked at him and he nodded.  She touched it and the message was transferred to his chip.  He opened in and read it.  “Got message, Norks. A” That was it.

“Thank you” Storm said to the boatswain. Storm was relieved that Mr. Anderson had finally replied to his message.  He just wished that they could have communicated over their personal connections.  It had been almost two weeks since they talked last and he missed his old professor. If there were any further messages, he would have to decrypt it.  For not he was going back to sleep.  It was a long and boring journey and he had some things to arrange, but first he needed sleep. It came easily as things were lining up in his world.  

R.A. Legg
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