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Snowflake
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falling, once again
Apr 2003
time: 23:35
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The meeting room was spacious and grand. Nothing compare to the luxury that CMO Impaler was used to back on the earth. But it was decent enough for a new settlement that was only about ten days old. In the center of the floor rested a long square conference table, with half circle panels attached in both ends. The newly elected board members sat comfortably at their leather sofa. In front of each of them set a cup of hot coffee. To their back along the walls were shelves that filled with massive volumes of books and reports: “Datalinks: Running Free Market”, “Datalinks: Clean Reactors”, “Archive: SE choices”, “Archive: Pop-booming and b-drones”, “Datalinks: Using Supply Crawlers” …
It is really hard to imagine how much Morgan spent in order to bring all these luxuries onboard the Unity, thought Impaler, smelling the sweet fragrance of the fresh brewed coffee. CEO Chaunk turned on the projector and started his report to the board.
“We appear to be in the shadow of Mount Drogue, which is nice. We have a fungal tower sitting on a pod directly east of the pod to our south. The land we have looks VERY nice.” He couldn’t help withholding his smile. “The river that runs through the valley could turns out to be very profitable therefore we are moving everybody toward the river.”
Information Officer Micha stood up after Chaunk and displayed a large picture of a strange looking alien object. “The fungal tower is classified by our Biologists as a native lifeform. It is determined that it may pose a threat to any human settlements. The scout is requesting directions from the board whether they should attack it or leave it there.”
The meeting room was instantly filled with sounds of unbelieving exclaims and soft murmurs.
Last edited by Snowflake on 28-07-2004 at 21:00
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Snowflake
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falling, once again
Apr 2003
time: 23:35
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“Ehem!” CEO Chaunk cleared his throat, indicating the start of another board meeting in the newly founded Morgan Industries Base. “The first item in today’s meeting agenda is to discuss whether we should try eliminating the fungal tower. I propose we decide this issue by vote.”
“I disagree,” CMO Impaler interrupted with his deep, magnetic voice. Pleased with the attentions he attracted, Impaler continued, “I don’t see Morgan Industries as a pure Democracy. We’re a capitalistic faction. Those who contribute and make all the gears turn should be the ones who hold the most authority. Back on earth I have personally been very annoyed by people who never spend time to look over the volumes of field reports, and only strolled around all day with their nice suit or flirted with the secretaries. They knew nothing nor cared nothing about how the business was running. However, they would never miss a board meeting where they could raise their hands when less-optimal decisions were made regarding important issues. I don’t want to see the same thing happen here. It should be a meritocracy: the people doing the work get a proportionally greater say in what’s going to be done than the people who are simply watching.”
“Hmmm,” Chaunk continued thoughtfully. “I think it's vital to our survival in this new planet that the management of our faction doesn't turn into a solo effort. Nor should it be decided by a ‘shadow committee’. I truly believe that everyone's opinions should be heard, taken on board and used in decision-making. However, Impaler is absolutely right in some things. If someone has not really studied about an issue and has no experience in a similar situation, then any input he makes is limited at best. It won't be as good an input as the CEO of 35 years by a long shot. Yet in a simple poll he would have the same weight to influence the decision.” He stopped briefly, before he continued with a raised voice. “Therefore I propose a policy of ‘no polls’. Every board member will have a chance to speak his or her opinions, but the final decisions may be made differently from the result of the majority.”
“I disagree with this no-poll idea!” The young and energized COO Jtsisyoda stood up from his chair angrily. “This board does not exist to please a select few. It's for everyone to participate, learn, have fun, and hopefully do well in this brand new environment. Just as with growing up and maturing into an adult, this will include making some mistakes and facing the consequences. If we alienate non-crucial officers, we lose that critical resource, and miss out not only on new ideas, but many opportunities, and most of all a chance to share the joy of playing together and leading the faction to domination.” He glared toward Impaler with hot and determined sights, “If enough people make a choice you wouldn't, you won't get your way.”
The meeting room was starting to turn into a big commotion with everybody talking and debating at once. “Quiet! Quiet!” Chaunk again raised his voice. He turned to the most prestigious board member of the team, Arnelos. “Would you like to say something, Mr. Arnelos?”
Oh no, not Arnelos! Jtsisyoda secretly cursed. Arnelos took a sip from his coffee cup, and slowly started. “Back on earth, we started the Morgan industry many years ago. We found out a lot of things, almost all of them the hard way …” Jtsisyoda started to feel his eyelids became heavier and heavier accompanying Arnelos’ slow and smooth long speech. Until …he was startled by a wave of applause around the room.
“Well said, Arnelos! This is wisdom that should be preserved.” SOO AndiD spoke enthusiastically. “So what have we decided?” Jtsisyoda whispered to CTO #endgame, who was sitting beside him. #endgame shook his head slowly in confusion.
A secretary went in and handed Chaunk a note. It said “Alpha brigade repeats request of confirmation to attack the fungal tower. It is determined that the risk will increase drastically if swift action is not taken.” Looking at the disordered meeting room, Chaunk sighed to himself, and nodded to the secretary.
Three hours later CEO Chaunk announced to the board of the Morgan Industry, “Our Scout Alpha brigade has successfully attacked the fungal tower, however only 800 out of 2000 soldiers survived the assault. These brave troopers will now be considered the 'hard core' of the Morganite army. The other group of colonists that went down the river has found a Unity pod, where materials to build a hydroelectric power plant is stored! The colonists went further down the river and finally reach a promising base site. They have now settled down there, thus founding the base ‘Morgan Metallurgy’.”
The meeting room was again filled with sounds of unbelieving exclaims and heated arguments.
Last edited by Snowflake on 28-07-2004 at 18:50
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Kody
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If life's standing still and your soul's confused
Jun 2003
time: 14:35
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I wish Arnelos was around to make his speech before all the mistakes in the ACDGII happened. I think he gave alot of useful information, and explained things very well.
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Snowflake
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falling, once again
Apr 2003
time: 23:35
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CEO Chaunk walked leisurely along Fungus River. It was nice to be able to get away from the always chaotic board meeting room. CEO Chaunk smirked to himself, and savored his chocolate. The planet had turned out to be ripe for exploitation. In addition to Mount Drogue they had also been gifted a complex river system in their starting land, which would obviously facilitate transportation of units and materials, decreasing the necessity for roads. With the large energy credit they brought from Unity, they were able to concentrate more resources to scientific research without having to worry for any adverse impact on Morgans’ starting industry. Chaunk was confident that they’d see their first tech breakthrough real soon. With the money the Security Committee was also able to speedily recruit two new scout units for purpose of exploration. Reflecting upon the reports he got not too long ago about various sightings of the unity pods, Chaunk felt himself approving Nwabudike Morgan’s great foresight. Money is essential indeed.
Chaunk pondered about the current lawsuit against Morgan that he started. There were still people who did not believe their highly respected leader could ever have done the things that he was charged. Chaunk was clear that the chance Morgan would be convicted of anything was close to nil. However he would nevertheless become insignificant any more when the longwinded trial was over. Those who had led the faction through the first rough stage of survival would be the ones people trust and follow. Chaunk walked back toward the meeting room. It was perhaps time for him to announce his resignation. He was pleased that everything was progressing well according to the plan. The resignation would enable him to dodge some of the heat he was under for issuing command without board approval as well as from the Morgan trial. Time to see who’s really on his side …
Last edited by Snowflake on 28-07-2004 at 23:31
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Snowflake
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falling, once again
Apr 2003
time: 23:35
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So this is the feeling to be sitting in the CEO’s chair. Jtsisyoda mused. He had seen through Chaunk’s little trick of resignation. Knowing that the former CEO would reclaim his chair any time, Jtsisyoda decided that it was wise not to appear too ambitious. It was time to have a little fun, though. An evil snicker floated up at the corners of Jtsisyoda’s mouth.
“We have now discovered the secret of Information Networks.” Applauses broke out at Jtsisyoda’s announcement. “What would be the goal for our next research?” Jtsisyoda gave a brief introduction of each of the candidate projects: Industrial Economics, Century Ecology, and Biogentics. “Understandings of Industrial Economics will enable us to switch to free market model and increase our energy output by 50%. Now I propose we put this research target to a vote.” Jtsisyoda watched with a big grin at the board members being startled at his words. Some of the younger board members laughed out when they quickly raised their hands. The others followed suit, some a little hesitantly, and others showing an attitude of being annoyed. “Proposal one passed with unanimous votes.” Jtsisyoda sat back with satisfied smiles.
The meeting ran lightheartedly and smoothly. Alpha brigade was directed to pop the unity pod, with majority vote. It discovered a monolith, which was named “Morgan monolith”, again with unanimous vote. The meeting was concluded with everybody in high spirit, and CTO #endgame in mood of poetry.
“Incomprehensible riches can be ours if we can but
stretch our arms wide enough to dip from this eternal river of wealth.”
#endgame’s vociferous oration flied around the bases of the Morgans.
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27-07-2004 00:06
)
to the cigarette 
Chocolate on the other hand, doesn't it sound too childish? 
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