Believe me when
I tell you that my introduction to Consec was more unusual than a
meeting in a parking lot. But also believe that everything I have
today is the result of becoming a Consec partner. Partnership
brings virtually limitless opportunities and resources. Joining
Consec was the greatest thing to ever happen in my life and right
now they’re offering you four hundred thousand just to prove how
serious they are. In thirty days, if you don’t like their offer you
are free to keep the money and seek another partner. But I promise
you, once you see what Consec can offer, you won’t need another
partner.”
----- X -----
They were picked up by
limo four days later. Once on the road the driver’s voice came
through a speaker. “Gentlemen, I’m taking you to a helicopter
transfer that will forward you on your journey to Consec. If you
would direct your attention to the screen, Consec Leader has
recorded a short message for you.”
On the in-car TV
screen, an animated logo played of three interlocking shapes coming
together above the word Consec. An older man appeared. Silver
haired and blue eyed. He sported a neatly trimmed silver beard and
sat at a desk behind which was a pure white background. He was
perhaps in his sixties or even maybe his seventies, but he looked
like he kept himself fit and trim.
The man in the TV
spoke. “Mister Conway, Mister Olivier, my name is Consec Leader and
I’d like to introduce you to the concept and principles of our
organisation. We’re a parent company that assists high-end and
cutting-edge science projects and businesses that are of benefit to
North America. We have a great many partners, some of which are
household names, yet the umbrella of Consec is not known to the
public. Our role is low-profile to an almost invisible level, but
the companies, entities and people we invest in, we do so because
we believe they have something that will take North America into
the future. I’ve talked with Oleksander Bartok who spoke very
highly of you both and of your Veraceo technology. He believes that
Veraceo could be used to enhance the prospects of North America
greatly and as such, I’m very interested to speak with you. I look
forward to meeting you in person very soon.”
The recording ended
with a replay of the animated logo. “I need to have a car like this
one day,” Barry said. “I want a chauffeur driven car with a
TV.”
The limo took them to
an industrial park on the outskirts of the city where a helicopter
was already waiting. White and tan in colour, the Bell Jetranger
had a Consec logo on the side. “Limousines and private
helicopters,” Barry whispered. “They’re not short of money.”
“Or secrets,” Brian
whispered back.
The flight took almost
an hour. They descended towards a non-descript grey building by a
lake. “Do you see what I see?” Brian asked.
“I see it,” Barry said.
His expression switched from gleeful to concern. Men were on the
landing platform wearing grey security uniforms; they looked like
the policemen of a fascist dystopia. They carried Remington,
pistol-grip shotguns.
Brian and Barry got out
of the helicopter and ducked low as they ran to the side. “Mister
Conway,” a man yelled over the noise.
“Yes?”
“My name is Cue Ball;
I’m here to take you through security. Follow me.” He took them
inside, the bluster and noise of the chopper dying as the door
closed behind them.
“I’m sorry, but did you
say your name was Cue Ball?”
He nodded. “My security
name is Cue Ball. Within Consec we have security names that are
used during meetings. In the minutes of the meetings your special
name will be recorded, not your real name. Sometimes sensitive
matters are discussed and you may wish to keep your real life and
Consec life separate. Security names have been designated for you,
too.” He brought out two plastic security badges to be clipped to
their jackets. “Barry, your security name is Convex; the name