The following night and day was a busy one. Liin worked tirelessly on her proposal for the Board of Directors. But not before having her parents Ar'chii and Loretta Terallo look it over. Both having been Senior members of the Board of Directors for many years now; they held a prospective point of view that was rather valuable to her. The trio drafted a final proposal that Liin presented to the other members of the Board in a closed door meeting.
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Liin gestured to the holographic projection of the proposed factory complex in the middle if the boardroom table; the same one that the Marquis had provided to her yesterday. The dozen members of the Board studied it thoroughly. "
Ladies and gentlemen, merging with N&Z Umbrella Corporation isn't just an opportunity; it is a necessity. Their resources will allow us to unlock the full potential of biomolecules, our planet's only resource, and ensure our survival in an ever-competitive market."
Lord Omri was never afraid to speak out his opposition. Often attending the Board meetings with his arms crossed and an ever-present frown on his face, he chortled before jumping in.
"But what about our independence? N&Z is a leviathan! Merging means surrendering our autonomy. We would be at their mercy."
"
But think about the domed city they'll build for us! And a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to biomolecule harvesting and production. It's not just about survival; it's about thriving! We could lead the sector," Ar'chii stated, showing a little of his excitment over the new direction. His eyes showed a little bit of a twinkle as he looked towards Liin.
Loretta nodded in agreement, looking Lord Omri square in his little beedy eyes that seemed to lay halfway hidden beneath his overhanging brow. "
Exactly. This is a chance to harness technology we can't access alone. Their research division is unparalleled and up to date. We could innovate like never before."
"
And separating from the government will give us the freedom to operate without their constraints. We'd no longer be a pawn in any political games. We'd no longer be restrained by them."
Lord Omri leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. To his right was his son, Lord Neville. The young man was fortunate enough to not have inherited his Father's looks, but instead those of his mother. However his mannerisms matched that of his Father's almost equally. "
Freedom at what cost? If N&Z pulls strings behind the scenes, we'll be trading one master for another. I won't support a plan that risks our identity, and neither will my Father."
"
Oh for pity's sake!" Ar'chii interjected, his loathing of Lord Neville barely withheld. "
We can redefine our identity! Imagine the advances in sustainable practices we could implement. Imagine the advances in our own innovations! This could elevate our profound industry across the galaxy to markets that we couldn't reach on our own."
Liin smiled as she spoke, glad that they had her back on this. "
We need to t
hink bigger! This merger could position us at the forefront of interstellar resource management. We have the chance to shape the future, not just for ourselves but for generations to come."
Lord Omri let out a sigh. "
And what happens if N&Z decides to cut us off? They could dismantle everything we've built."
"
We'll negotiate terms that safeguard our interests. This isn't just about profit; it's about legacy. A factory complex and a new city could be our chance to redefine what NCBC stands for. I say we vote on it."
"
This is a dangerous gamble, Director Terallo. I urge you to reconsider before we lose everything."
Liin almost stared him down. The man was a stubborn one and yet so was she. She may be a little smaller in stature, yet in this arena she pulled her own weight. "
And I urge you to consider it. We can't afford to play it safe any longer, Lord Omri. It's time for NCBC to leap into the future."
The boardroom falls silent, tension thick in the air as the fate of NCBC hangs in the balance, before Liin continues; "
Let's move forward. A merger with N&Z will unlock unprecedented growth. We'll have the resources to dominate the markets that our biomolecules can be incorporated therein."
Lord Neville leaned forward, his voice tense as he carried on the opposition of his Father. "
Liin, you're not seeing the full picture here. This isn't just a business deal. By merging, we risk losing our voice in the very industry that we created. N&Z has its own agenda, and we'll be swept aside."
Loretta flashes the young man her winning smile. "
But Neville, isn't that the nature of progress? To adapt? N&Z's resources could make us leaders in sustainability! This isn't about losing ourselves; it's about becoming greater. Think of the legacy that you could leave to your own future children. It'd be much larger than what you have now. Oh, the eligable ladies will be lining up to have you choose to take their hand."
"
Imagine the advancements in AI and robotics we could implement in our harvesting and refinement processes! We'd be pioneers in our field, not just another name hidden in the back of the directory."
Lord Omri shook his head, raising his voice as he got to his feet. He dropped his arms just to lay his hands flat on the table as he glared across it towards Ar'chii. "
Pioneers? Or pawns? N&Z's reputation isn't spotless, I'll bet! They are sure to have a history of exploiting smaller companies. Do we really want to bet our future on a corporation that sees us as merely a stepping stone?"
Liin maintained her composure, mindful of her growing frustration at Lord Omri's stubborness. "
We can set the terms. We have leverage as a leading innovator. We won't be just any subsidiary; we'll be a key player. I'll have a spot in their own Board so that our voices will be heard."
"
Leverage? Don't delude yourself, Director. I know what's going on here. Once we're in bed with them, we'll be dependent. They'll dictate our innovations, our directions. What happens when they decide to shift focus? We'll be left in the dust, and so will you, Liin and I guarantee that you will lose your place here."
Loretta turns her attention from son to Father. "
We can't let fear of dependency paralyze us, Lord Omri. And I don't appreciate your insinuations in regards to Liin's motivations. Every major corporation has partnerships that drive them forward. This could be our chance to change the narrative; something that will not of happened without her hard work."
"
Omri, think about the benefits. We could invest in new technologies that would have taken us decades to develop independently."
With a sharp tongue, Lord Omri lashed out, "
And what of our values? The government may be flawed, but we're not just separating ourselves from them; we're abandoning our ethics for a quick profit. Do we really want to become just another cog in N&Z's machine?"
Liin siezed the moment to interject, her voice carried with it a stern tone. "
This isn't about abandoning our ethics, Lord Omri. It's about evolving them. We can set standards that N&Z must adhere to if they want us. We have to be bold in the face of uncertainty, and not resort to personal attacks."
Lord Omri's eyes narrow. "
And what if your boldness backfires AGAIN? What if this partnership leads to disaster? We could lose everything—the very foundation of NCBC as well as our industry. This isn't just a gamble; it's a reckoning!"
The room lay silent for a brief time, tensions thick as Liin looked around, gauging the member's reactions. As she speaks her voice is quiet, but fierce; "
But if we don't take this leap, we may never grow. Stagnation could be our downfall just as much as failure could be."
Ever the diplomat, Ar'chii chose a different strategy. "
I trust your vision, Liin. But Omri raises valid points. Perhaps we do need to establish clearer safeguards in the merger contract. Protect our core values while still pursuing growth."
In a nod of understanding, Liin gestures towards Lord Omri. "
I'm open to proposals. We can draft terms that prioritize our autonomy while allowing us to benefit from N&Z's resources. This is about crafting a future that works for all of us."
Lord Omri retook his seat. Although his body seemed a little more relaxed, his eyes did not. Instead they glared at the Torello family. "
If you're set on this, at least ensure we won't lose our identity in the process. I won't be complicit in the destruction of what we've built. That is not the legacy that I choose to leave behind."
The board members exchanged glances, the room filled with a mix of hope and doubt as they consider the implications of their decision. The holographic display shows the merger proposal in detail for them to glance over one more time.
Rising to her feet at the head of the table, Liin addressed the Board. "
Thank you all for your passionate discussions. Now, it's time to put this to a vote. Remember, this is not just about numbers; it's about our future."
"
Let's ensure we're clear about what we're voting on. We're deciding not just to merge, but to accept the terms proposed by N&Z Umbrella Corporation and to detach ourselves from government influence."
Loretta smiled as she thought she saw the fog of stubborness hovering around Lord Omri begin to lift. "
Yes. And if we pass this, we can set the stage for a new era for NCBC. Think of it as a rebirth."
"
Agreed. Let's also make sure we include amendments that address Lord Omri's concerns about maintaining our identity and autonomy."
"
Good point, Lord Terallo. So we're voting on the merger proposal with the understanding that we'll draft terms ensuring our core values are upheld. Is everyone clear on that?" She looked to each of them in turn. The Board members nod, though Lord Omri still looked unconvinced. Still she brought up a digital voting interface. "
I'll initiate the vote. You can choose 'For', or 'Against'."
The Board members begin to input their votes. Tension filled the air as the results are calculated.
After a brief pause, Liin raises her voice. "
The Votes are in. Let's see where we stand." A holographic display showed the results: a countdown appears as the numbers for and against are processed.
"
I hope we've thought this through. This decision could change everything."
"
Or it could propel us into the future, Lord Omri. I believe in this new direction."
Ar'chii took hold of his wife's hand. It was an almost superstitious gesture that he did upon every vote. "
Let's see the numbers. It's about what's best for NCBC."
The countdown reaches zero, and the results materialize on the screen: Eight votes in favor, four against. A clear victory.
Liin cannot help but smile with enormous pride. After all of the hard wirk and arguing, this hardest part is now finished. "
The motion passes! We're moving forward with the merger."
Lotd Omri however, wasn't looking satisfied. "
This isn't over. I still believe we're making a grave mistake. We need to tread carefully."
Ignoring him, Liin kept her tone official. "
This is our chance to innovate and expand. With careful planning, we can address the concerns Lord Omri and Lord Neville have. With a strategic approach we can ensure our values remain intact. We will draft a small committee to oversee the merger terms and safeguard our interests. Thank you all for your input. Together, we will navigate this new path."
The atmosphere shifts from tension to cautious optimism. The Board members, minus Lord Omri and Lord Neville, exchange glances of determination as they begin discussing the next steps.
Later that evening, Liin, having returned to her family's Estate, approached the guest wing. Her footsteps are light yet confident and a small smile graces her features. She finds herself to be the bearer of good news, which in this situation is all that she could hope for. As she approaches the Marquis' guards, Liin addresses them; "
Gentlemen, if I may, is the Marquis available for a word or two?"