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[File 30023a]
[Subject: Employee unscheduled self-termination]
[Post: Senior Executive Secretary]
[Reasons: Possible non-professional relations to [Level VIII Access required]]
[File Ends]
What the hell is that noise? I bet the Senior Operations Executive hasn't got this problem.
[File 30023b]
[Subject: Employee termination by non-Dalyn-Steward source]
[Post: [Level VIII Access required]]
[Code name: Mr. Smith]
[Reasons: Termination by unknown subject whilst in rehabilitation from surgery. Method involved a spontaneous total implant activation resulting in a level III cardiac arrest.]
[File Ends]
It is getting bloody louder! What the hell, is my Secretary walking around the lobby with jackboots on now?
[File 30023c]
[Subject: Shopping list]
[Ingredients: Fresh broccoli florets, olive oil, red bell pepper, zucchini, small yellow squash, fresh basil, thyme, fettuccine, parmesan cheese.]
[File Ends]
They are knocking at the door now. I am sure I have no appointments until 2:00.
[File 95021e]
[Appointments: 24/12/74]
[10:00: Meeting with C.Penn regarding project Kingfisher]
[11:00: Yogic stress-management class, floor 219, room 3245]
[12:00: Lunch with V.Stoltz at The New Ritz]
[2:00: Meeting with Agent Pressman]
[4:00: Meeting with fashion consultant regarding new wardrobe]
[File Ends]
No, didn't think so. This had better be important. Exit.
With that simple command Dietrich disconnected himself from the internal Dalyn-Steward network. The files were far too sensitive to be allowed on the Internet.
"Come in."
As soon as the first person of the group entered the room Dietrich knew it was important, even more important than his meeting at 4:00. Black shiny uniforms with red insignia, expressionless faces, sleek black helmets with mirrored visors. A QRL-21 sub-machine gun slung at the side. Internal Security.
Following the four guards in was a smaller, stockier man, but somehow he could be more intimidating than an entire battalion of Internal Security troops. His long black trench-coat hid whatever he had underneath it. The deep red scar, running all the way from his forehead, through his milky white left eye, past his mouth and terminating under his chin, marred his pale, grinning face.
"Take that dumbfounded look off your face, Peter. Dear me, it would make someone think that you were scared of me or something. Nice office; the promotion was worth it. Mind if I help myself to a drink?"
Dietrich could but nod. His mouth had gone dry. The man standing in front of him was Lawrence Emery, the Lawrence Emery. The head of Internal Security. He had personally rooted out corruption in all levels of the corporation, a total of 132 executives so far. A mere visit from him was often a sign that you would be one more poor soul to add to his tally.
After pouring himself a generous measure of Dietrich's most expensive cognac, he took a seat. Dietrich felt the terrible urge to stand, but he fought the impulse.
"Now then, you have been one busy chap, haven't you? Promotion here, assassination there. Your file has been of much interest to me in IntSec. I must say, I admire your tenacity."
"Assassination? Wh-what assassination?"
Emery smiled, the scar tissue pulled taut across his face.
"Why, project Jade of course. Very well done. Why, what assassination did you think I meant?"
"Oh, nothing, just curious." Dietrich tried to feign relaxed laughter, but failed. His hollow laugh echoed around his large office.
"Let me say that I do not blame you for the death of Internal Operations Executive Williams. You would not be so stupid as to kill him off in such an obvious manner. Why, if I were you, I would much rather do it by, say, suicide. Yes, such as throwing yourself out of your window."
Dietrich's face went an even paler shade of white.
Emery thought about this for a moment, and then took a large swallow of the cognac. His eyes never left Dietrich's face once.
"Oh, but hang on. Did not your superior die in such a way? What a coincidence, yes?"
"Oh yes! So he did!" Dietrich tried to smile, but his face was not co-operating under that steely gaze. He felt a few droplets of sweat start to accumulate on his brow. Quickly, he wiped it with one of his monogrammed silk handkerchiefs.
"It is amazing the misfortunes that can strike employees of this company. I think you should ensure that whoever did that to poor Bradley will not do so again. Otherwise, well, Mr Dalyn-Steward may get upset. When he gets upset, he starts poking his way around my department. It does frustrate me to have him do that."
"Yes, sir. But that is out of my jurisdiction."
"Not any more." Emery looked at his watch. "The Senior Operations Executive is due to resign in about twelve minutes. If you go out onto that large balcony of yours you might see him do it. Good day, Peter. I hope you enjoy your new position. Make more of it than your predecessor."
Emery got up to leave, taking the half-full glass with him.
"Oh, and merry Christmas."
The four guards, who had not once moved, standing with parade-like precision, turned on their heels and left. Dietrich collapsed into his seat. Then he realized what Emery had just said to him.
His triumphant scream was heard in the lobby outside, but his secretary was too busy to hear it.
Andrew Jones, 18/12/00
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