The next week, Mr. Nuri called for a meeting with Conor. The team assembled in the large boardroom of Vokrizin. It was the first time this large room had been used. When Conor arrived, he saw Mr. Hartland there, who had negotiated his original contract with NewAge Gaming.
"Mr. Hartland, how goes business these days?"
"Very well Mr. Brantley. "I like the new office space, but I noticed on the way in this is Vokrizin. I am not sure I am familiar with the company. Will they be partnering with us?"
"You already do. I am Volkrizin, and all of our contracts will reflect that from now on."
"I see." Mr. Hartland looked skeptical but took his seat. "Well, if we are all here then, I will begin. I was approached by Joram Incorporated about being our new supplier for copper, silver, and other essential elements for the circuit boards for our newest gamming system the Zorox system, which we hope to release next summer. The terms seemed interesting and as a 20% share holder, you are one of the largest interests. Additionally, we would appreciate Mr. Nuri's experience with the contract."
Conor looked at his team, "Do we know anything about Joram Incorporated?"
"They are one of the best companies in the area to get such materials from. They don't currently control their own shipping, instead of using the fairly inexpensive Bayan Rail line to move goods." Mr. Nuri explained.
"Do you see any reason for us not to cooperate with them?"
"I would have to look over the terms in detail but on the surface, no. If we don't use them, we would likely need to partner with Dragon Corporation to get supplies from their northern mines. It would likely be more expensive unless Dragon Corporation was oddly inclined to do us a favor."
"I think I want to avoid Dragon Corporation right now. Fine, set it up. But Mr. Nuri, see if you can ensure that there is a heavy penalty for late shipments. I don't want to risk a competitor jeopardizing our launch by cutting our supply lines."
"Of course, I can have it written in that so long as shipments are on time there is a quarterly bonus, but any that are late, it will be a steep hourly charge to Joram. If they want our business this bad, they will not have a problem with that."
"Very good. Anything else?"
"Just a general update for you, Mr. Brantley. With the new game launch, our company has expanded to now being valued at over three hundred million dragons. We anticipate that at least doubling when we launch our own system in the summer, if not going higher. Young Mr. Yuri Lockman is quite the genius. He has already patched several serious issues with previous games we had, and he and his team are working on a project some of the other designers had begun that sounds quite promising. Of course, that is likely to not be complete until later next year or the year after," Mr. Hartman explained.
"Excellent work." Conor stood and shook Mr. Hartman's hand. "I look forward to working with you more in the future." Turning to Mr. Nuri, "Mr. Nuri, if you and the team will hold back for a bit, I would like a word."
When Mr. Hartland left, Conor turned to Mr. Nuri, "I want a regular update on the Joram Corporation. Do a deep dive into its background and see if there are any hidden characters we need to know about. I trust you will already, but make sure the team triple checks the details of that contract. I don't want to be caught off guard if something happens. As long as they are on the up and up, treat them fair."
"Of course, Mr. Brantley. Anything else?"
"Yes," Conor paused, feeling Celia stir, "You said they don't control their transport... Bayan Rail Line correct?"
"I believe so... why?"
"Bayan Rail also is the rail that transports from the Benedict mines, correct?"
"I would have to check to be sure, but I am not aware of any other lines in that area."
"Good, please also prepare me a file on them as well. If Dreadnaught investing is interested in following Celia's guidance... start looking at what it would take to have a controlling interest in Bayan Rail."
"Mr. Nuri's eyes brightened. "We can do that. I don't believe we can make a dent in their ownership right now, but if it is of interest to Celia, we can start increasing our allocations there. It may take time, but eventually, we can make that happen."
"Very well. Please keep me posted. The last item for today... Celia's Blessing. I have asked Miss. Brooks to shift gears from looking for a building to looking for raw land for a new community center. Even an old building we can replace would work if it had enough land around it for ball fields."
Mr. Nuri considered for a moment. "Dreadnaught investment firm currently owns a few of the abandoned warehouses around the current community center. I admit, that investment has not proven to have been your mother's best foresight. Perhaps when Miss. Brooks finds this new location we will be able to secure more of the sites around it, and make sure it becomes a center of the area. Do you know how much land you are looking to acquire?"
"My current ideas will require around twenty-five to thirty acres."
"Hmm, for that much land we will likely need to look around the outskirts of town, perhaps to the east where there is less development currently. We will see what we can find."
As the team departed, Anna hung back to speak with Conor.
"Conor?"
"What is it, Anna?"
"I have been thinking. While it is... convenient to already be at the office in the morning... I think it may be time for us to find you a proper apartment. The room was never really designed for you to live in full time. It was only meant as an escape when you needed it, or if things carried on too long here at the office."
"Hmm, you are right. With everything going on, I really haven't even considered it. But it would be nice to cook a meal for myself again instead of eating out all the time. Perhaps we can begin that hunt."
"Conor."
"Mmm?"
"There is another thing. My grandmother is getting on in years. My family has begun taking shifts taking care of her. They have asked me to commit to spending a month in Targu province with her very soon. I think I may have to be away for a while."
"I see. Family comes first. I understand. Know that when the time comes, you will still have a job here. In fact, it may be possible for you to help expand our influence for Vokrizin into Targu some while you are there."
"Of course, sir," she replied, the formality catching Conor off guard.
"Anna?"
"I... well when we talk business, I guess it is best for me to remember that you are still the head of our company. Also, with me being away for a while, well, I would understand if you found someone else, so I don't want you to feel bad about that. Distance is a hard thing."
"Anna, I-"
"It may be best for us both, but I think I am really going to need to focus on my grandma for a while. I don't want you to worry about me while I am out there, ok? For right now though, let's start with getting you a decent place to live, and then we can see about a few of the commercial sites I have been eyeing for investments."
Conor studied her features hard, but decided it was best not to push her right now. His tone slipped, a bit more dejected than he intended, "I suppose we should look for a new place soon then. How soon are you planning to leave?"
"Likely by the end of the week, unless I get word her condition gets worse. She has led a full life, but we all want to be with her near the end," Anna said, a hint of sadness rounding her words.
"Well, can we plan on going and looking Wednesday afternoon? Perhaps pick me up from Jackson's?"
Anna smiled, "Of course."
Conor gave her a tired smile, before saying, "If you are able to before you go, or maybe have one of your agents follow up on this, but could you please look more into Jackson's Furniture? I believe I would like to make that acquisition sooner than later if funds permit. For now, leave my name out of any negotiations."
"Sure thing. We can likely leverage some bank funds and make it happen in short order. I will double-check the accounts and see if we can allocate cash directly for it."
"Thank you, Anna. You really have been an amazing asset here. You will be missed."
"It shouldn't be forever, and, I know." She said with a twinkle in her eye.