Chapter 9    Meeting with the Chairman of The Board

Summer 2016

Two days after the apprehension of the instigators, Matteo received a short text message on the safe channel. Anzio had texted: Five big fishes in lock-up. No casualties. There remains a level of danger; embeds still at large. Resume normal activities with caution. Suggest carrying protection. Will provide updates as they arise.

Matteo informed Laura of the message, then prepared to continue with his day. He and his personal secretary, Sondra Laurent, planned to prepare for a meeting. Sondra had been making arrangements for an appointment with J. Philip Gebhardt, the Chairman of the Board at the Banking Council.

Matteo had developed an idea he needed to discuss with JP (everyone knew him as JP), which related to the future planning strategy of Cellinara. He had been thinking about this idea for a long while, but the recent events involving the direct threat to the community had spurred him into action mode.

Sondra was already at Matteo's office at the High Council building. She had been on the phone with JP's secretary trying to mesh a meeting schedule between the two men. She stood, phone in hand, and walked around Matteo's desk to sit in her regular chair. Matteo took his seat behind the mahogany desk and removed his suitcoat. "Gwen is checking on something. Would this afternoon be good? She is trying to pin down a time," Sondra asked. "I checked your schedule. You have open from one to four," she added.

"That should be good," he replied.

Sondra waited for Gwen. She noticed the holstered 9mm pistol hanging from Matteo's belt as he removed his jacket.

"Oh, yes, Gwen, the 1:30 to 2:30 slot works. I will make a note. At your office, correct?

"Okay, thanks much, Gwen. I will text to confirm as we are leaving. Bye"

"Does one hour give you enough time to present?" Sondra asked.

"I think so, this is just a quick intro to what I have in mind. I am looking for only a preliminary commitment at this point. When things get more involved, we can make an appointment with the full Board, if necessary," Matteo said. "So, I want you to come with me. You will be creating a document that captures the salient points I bring up so that we may leave a copy with JP as a summary." Matteo checked his watch. We have time for a short lunch before we leave. Would you join me in the cafeteria, Sondra?"

"Yes, of course. I'll get my things together. Take me but a few minutes."

Matteo grabbed his jacket, focusing on Sondra as she gathered things to take with her.

He sometimes found himself looking at her when she was not able to notice his gaze. Sondra's appearance was always extremely attractive. She dressed stylishly and moved confidently. Sondra played tennis to keep fit. Her tailored clothes always fit her slender body perfectly. The blonde, below-shoulder-length hair was always well-trimmed. At twenty-six, Sondra had kept herself looking incredibly good. Her appearance matched her delightful, outgoing personality and her positive, confident attitude.

Matteo had been impressed by her performance as his personal secretary. He sometimes wondered if she regretted remaining single to pursue her career. He knew she was dating, but she had told Matteo that she had prioritized her career and night school classes, leaving her no time for a relationship. She also had a four-year-old daughter whom she had to care for. Those obligations seemed to fill up her time.

They left the office for the cafeteria. Each ordered only a light salad with a beverage. They had about forty-five minutes to kill. Sondra did not accompany Matteo very often to meetings. But when she did, she knew it was for a good reason. This would not be a long meeting, but she knew it was important. She was an amazingly fast typist, one of the reasons Matteo hired her. She also showed good manners and acted affably when important people were present.

After discussing the meeting's purpose, they finished their lunch and headed to the meeting. The two entered the waiting limo assigned to Matteo. It sped off toward the offices of the Banking Council.

The meeting with JP

JP greeted them cordially as they were escorted into his office. He was a very likable man with honed people skills. He walked to a small table and set it in front of Sondra to place her laptop on. They sat in the plush leather chairs close to JP's desk. He offered coffee and tea. Matteo told him they had just had lunch, but would accept a half cup. JP and Matteo exchanged some introductory small talk about the latest community news. They sipped their beverages, then got right into the matter at hand.

"Sondra will be recording my comments so that you may have a summary to refer to at your convenience, JP." Matteo turned to Sondra. She nodded, said "Ready," and Matteo began.

"Well, JP, I would like to present to you a proposal regarding an investment opportunity. I know you will want to discuss it further with the full Board. My intent today is to make a simple preliminary presentation highlighting the main points of the proposal. If it meets with the Board's approval, I will then write it into a legislative format to present to the Advisory Council as a long-term planning initiative for further review by the Judges Council. It is a request for a preliminary financial commitment from the Banking Council to fund a major project I feel would benefit not only the Banking Council and Cellinara, but also society in general."

"Basically, the broad scope of the plan is to provide various cities and small developing countries around the world with financial and other assistance for building or rebuilding their existing social orders to create a system similar to what we have developed here at Cellinara. Our success has established a precedent that others may want to emulate to improve their social and political systems. We have the ability and the means to assist in creating a better world. Therefore, I believe we have the obligation to do so.

"The sponsorship of such developing cities and countries would also serve to reward us with an alliance of appreciative people. Because we have now experienced a direct threat to our very existence, we have justification to form such alliances."

JP interjected. "Yes, I have been notified of the danger we are facing. Go on, Matteo."

"The assistance could include a variety of benefits to those receiving it: The first step would be to arrange educational conferences with leaders to establish rapport. Then would follow the establishment of needed infrastructure, the building or improvement of schools, hospitals, and other needed facilities, a re-organization of administrative systems, and, of course, financial help in the form of loans, grants, subsidies, etc. The focus would be to transform failing social orders into successful, thriving, and well-functioning ones.

"I foresee many opportunities here for the Banking Council to establish new areas of investment that would return not only monetary dividends, but the inevitable and invaluable dividends received from the making of a better world." Matteo paused for a few seconds, reflecting on the words he had spoken. He had a good feeling about the way the thoughts flowed. He liked it because it reflected his genuine feelings and his desire to help others. Sondra was keeping pace satisfactorily, typing away at lightning speed.

"The financial investment aspect is of most importance, but the idea of establishing an alliance with others is important in a strategic, long-term sense. Cellinara has, by its very success, made itself a target of those whose worldview cannot tolerate an economic and political force that may equal or surpass their own. There is a battle for hegemony being waged worldwide. We need to be aligned with the forces whose cultural and political composition approximates ours or, at least, we need to align with those who do not intend to destroy us."

"I do agree. I have been thinking that same thought recently and have discussed similar thoughts with Board members. Continue, please," JP said.

"I am making just a rough estimation of the commitment I have in mind. I feel that over the next five years, we may need to spend 200-300 billion euros to bring the alliance together and to make the necessary investments. The plan could begin on a small scale to test its feasibility, then grow in accordance with the pace of success. We would not expect the full amount to be invested unless there are satisfactory results produced.

"Of course, I would be available to consult with the Board, if necessary, to answer questions, or whatever. That is the essence of what I wanted to put across to you, JP. Sondra will provide you with a summary of what I have said here." Matteo turned to Sondra.

"I have recorded the entire presentation in document format. I will send it to Gwen. Is that acceptable, Sir?" She asked politely, addressing JP directly.

JP was amazed. "You typed that whole presentation?" He asked incredulously.

"Oh, well, I do expect there may be some minor errors in punctuation and spelling and such, but I will make it squeaky clean so it's readable." Sondra gave a disarming smile to JP, who sighed.

"Give this woman a promotion!" he exclaimed to Matteo, jesting.

JP turned to Matteo. "Matteo, this sounds like a feasible project at first glance. It does seem to present the possibility of lucrative investment returns. I will present it to the Board. If there are any questions, we will certainly get back to you. You know, I mentioned to the Board just last month that we need some new avenues for investment. Our active assets currently exceed four and a half trillion euros.

"We receive, on average, around five to ten percent return, so you can imagine how much we have coming in each day. I am quite sure the figure is around 915 million euros per day coming in, that must be turned around and re-invested; otherwise, it just sits there collecting minimum interest in some money market fund or short-term notes. What you presented here would be a good direction to feed some of that money.

"I agree with you also that the idea of an alliance is a worthy effort. Yes, indeed, we will look closely at this. Give me about two weeks to get the Board together. I will also present the written presentation to them when we receive it from this young lady. I will tell Gwen to expect it. Thank you both very much. I am so glad you were able to make it in today." JP stood and shook hands. He walked his guests to the door. Matteo and Sondra thanked him, and the meeting ended.

They slipped inside the limo, smiling at each other, like children. "We would like to be taken to the Meeting Hall, please," Matteo instructed the driver. "Would you join me for a nice warm piece of pie and some delicious coffee? I need to relax a bit," he asked Sondra, as he shifted just slightly closer to her.

She beamed at him. "Of course, I would, Matteo," Sondra replied softly, not being able to hide her smile. "It went very well, it seemed, JP appeared quite interested," she added. "You were wonderful!" Sondra could not help saying it. "The delivery sounded so professional and persuasive. You were just wonderful." She repeated, not being able to hold back. Sondra hoped she didn't come across as too personal.

Matteo showed his own kind of beaming. "I feel it went well. Yes, he did seem interested and receptive. I noticed JP did not even blink when I mentioned the figure of 300 billion. I have a good feeling about this. And he certainly was amazed by you, Sondra. I hope he does not try to hire you away from me," Matteo said kiddingly, with a chuckle.

The limo pulled up to the front door of the Meeting Hall. "Please wait for us. We should return in about forty-five minutes to an hour," Matteo said, slipping out of the limo. He helped Sondra exit, and they entered the Hall. The outdoor patio was open and nearly empty. They sat and enjoyed the sunshine. "This day has been an easy one, yet I still feel exhausted," Matteo remarked. "It's amazing how much can be accomplished in so short a time."

Sondra noticed the waiter was approaching. "I'd like ginger tea and blueberry pie," Sondra said to the young waiter.

"And I'll have your delicious coffee and cherry pie with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, please."

"Do you think if the Board approves this, it will get through the Advisory Council and the Judges, Matteo?" Sondra asked. "How long would that take, I wonder?"

"The Advisory Council will accept it and research it; I am quite sure. I will request a counselor pro tempore position to share my thoughts, as I will be sponsoring the initiative. I have a feeling the Judges will be delighted with the idea, but you never know for sure. I see no reason to prevent it from becoming law.

"The full process, once we hear back from JP, should take no more than a month. By this time next year, we could be receiving the first wave of investment returns. I know the Banking Council will want a thorough study done on where and how to invest and with whom. I may be called in to help with that. That part of it could be fairly soon if they accept the preliminary commitment."

"Sounds like I will have a ton of work to do once the study starts, huh?" she asked.

"Absolutely. I will make sure you have all the office equipment you need to handle it. If you need an assistant, you will get that also, but we are thinking ahead too far. Let us wait and see, Sondra."

The order came, and the delicious pie was consumed quickly. The coffee and tea topped off the treat. "How is your tennis game coming along?" Matteo asked, "Are you still playing regularly?"

"Oh, yes. I am improving, but not as quickly as I would like. It is great exercise, though. It certainly keeps me fit. And when I am not able to play tennis, I exercise regularly at home."

Sondra noticed how the sunlight lit up Matteo's face. He appeared his age at thirty-seven, but he still seemed to be very fit, she mused. "You also keep fit, I see. Do you exercise also, Matteo?"

"Sometimes. I should do more. I am able to keep a healthy weight without too much effort. My family is all healthy and fit. Sometimes I feel I have been blessed more than one person deserves. I am so grateful for what I am. It is why I like to help others." Matteo spoke genuinely.

"What courses are you studying at night school, Sondra?"

"Oh, I am working on a program that will lead to certification as a Personal Investment Advisor. It may take another year in night school." Sondra smiled proudly.

"Mind if I ask you a personal question?" Sondra said.

"Of course," Matteo said cheerfully.

"Why are you carrying a pistol? I haven't ever seen you carry a pistol. You don't need to answer, I am just curious." Sondra remarked.

"Anzio advised I should carry this until the threat is contained. He is right. Most people in this community have access to weapons. Years ago, during the war, it was required, I understand. I will carry it until Anzio feels it is okay to ease off. Some of the members of the governing authority have been targeted by the people who are posing a threat. Didn't you know that?"

"No, I didn't," Sondra remarked in a surprised way.

"I thought ODS would have sent out notices. I guess they did not. I get information before anyone else, so I knew about it. I have received information that some of the people planning the trouble have been apprehended, so we may soon be over this threat. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about. They are not after you."

"My gosh, that's worrisome," Sondra noted. "And you know I am still not a full member, so maybe that is why I did not hear anything.

"I almost forgot about that. I will see what I can do to get your status changed to full membership. You deserve it."

"Oh, Matteo, could you? I would be so grateful. But please do not go out of your way. I am willing to wait if that is what the rules say."

"It is not a problem. I will suggest you have waited long enough, and I can vouch for your credentials and the service you have given to me and the High Council. It may take a while. I will keep you informed."

Sondra beamed widely. "Oh, I don't know what to say. This has been such a wonderful day."

Matteo noticed how her pretty face lit up after he mentioned the status change. Her beautiful eyes glistened like sunshine on water. Matteo stood and picked up the bill. "I need to speak with some people. I will not be back in the office today. Why don't you take the rest of the day off?" he said. "And yes, Sondra, it has been a wonderful day." They exchanged smiles and eye contact.

"Matteo, you are a generous and thoughtful man," Sondra remarked softly and sincerely.

"Sondra, we have been working together for quite a while. I think it would be all right if you call me Matt. We can talk casually. There is no harm in that."

Sondra smiled. "Oh, I like Matt better, and I am okay with not being so formal all the time." Matteo saw that Sondra made it back to the office to get her car and leave for home. He texted Anzio.

Matteo: Is there any news?

After a minute, Anzio replied: There is some. When could we meet?

Matteo: I have some time now. Are you open?

Anzio: Come over now.

The limo headed for ODS.

Anzio met Matteo at his office door. He had his assistants working on consoles.

"The captives have been isolated since they were brought here. We apprehended all five," Anzio said as he walked with Matteo toward his desk. Matteo took a seat across the desk from Anzio. "They are locked up in the basement at R&D. It is secure there. "Each of them carried cell phones and paperwork that provided some more information. It took us a while to crack into the phones. There was also some information in the van that could be useful once we piece everything together. We have names and other data that we are reviewing. I also had Charlie, my interrogator, challenge each one separately.

"They are coming out with some minor details, but thus far, we have not hit paydirt. Charlie will keep at it until they break. Usually, it takes some pressuring. It is a psychological process. We have two women and three men who are connected directly with CIA. One of the women collapsed yesterday from pure fright, we think. She is in the care unit. She will be okay. The others are showing signs of fatigue and stress, so we are not working them too hard. But we will keep at it. They will break soon. They were not trained to go through this interrogation process, that is for sure. But we are treating them well, given the circumstances.

"What we are after is the names and locations of the embeds who have been chosen to carry the weapons and destructive devices into the city. We need to identify and apprehend them. We also need to find the storage facility where all their nasty stuff is kept. That will be destroyed. Once that has been accomplished, and it will be, we will devise a plan to deal with future threats such as this one. We must stay one step ahead of them. That is about it for now, Matteo. Is there anything new at your end?"

"There is. I had a meeting just this afternoon with JP Gebhardt, the Chairman of the Banking Council. I offered a proposal for a policy initiative that I will be introducing to the Advisory Panel if everything goes well. I will have Sondra send you an e-doc explaining what transpired at the meeting. I am also informing some others. When you have more time, I would like to discuss the impact of my initiative with you guys over coffee on Saturday, if we get together. We should all pitch in with input on this one."

"Sounds good. In the meantime, I will text with updates. If it is urgent, I may request a face-to-face."

"Okay, Anzio. I hope you catch the rats and put them into a cage."

"We will. I can assure you of that."

Matteo and Anzio exchanged parting words, and Matteo headed home.