- 4 -

The Caliber facility was like any other of the manufacturing sites in New Amsterdam. It incorporated a variety of functions that an established manufacturing corporation needed. A decade ago the first thinking machine determined that a large single compound was the most efficient next step forwards for the industry.

The industrial levels reached 9 floors down below ground. The first sub floor consisted of logistics and shipping facilities. The 9 floors above were clerical offices, residential areas for Sr. Managers and higher Executives, conference halls, guest rooms, and the entire floor of clean rooms for their thinking machine. The top floor was reserved for the family’s own suite. As the tallest building for 5 city blocks, it had an uninterrupted view of the city on the sea. New Amsterdam, the center of the modern world.

The building commanded the corner of Main street and first street. It stood upon a raised concrete foundation with stairs cascading down on two sides. It resembled a fortress with a glass and steel obelisk thrust up to the sky.

The lobby was modeled after the opulent Hotel Amstel. It featured two front desks and grand staircases leading up and down. There was a smoking lounge for cocktails and waiting guests. The room was crowned by a mezzanine, with large glass windows facing the street. Guests could peruse paintings and sculptures, as well as view a menagerie of product iterations Caliber had manufactured over the years.

Mary Ruth reflected on a life sized painting of a happy family. Her father Marion Cramer, herself at age six, and Mary Satori Cramer her mother, his second wife.

Such happy people, the artist didn’t know us at all.

“Mother. You would be proud of me. I’m going to ensure the family empire stays clean.” She said.

Andrew came down the stairs from the offices above the lobby. He had traded his sweater for a pinstriped jacket in blue and gray.

“Business calls.” She said with one last look at the painting. A young Mary Ruth stared out of the pigments, sword in hand and hair done up like a duchess.

“Have you seen Ms. Cramer? I am to attend to her.” Andrew said frantically to the receptionist at the front desk.

“You are not late.” Mary Ruth said causing him to turn around. “This way.”

She led him out the First street doors and down the covered stairs. She barely paused a moment when she saw two cars waiting in the driveway. Her father’s limousine stretched out, glistening black like a night fish. Its windows were bullet proof.

“Wait for me by my car, there on the right.” She said to Andrew.

Marion Cramer stepped out from the limousine and held the door for his daughter, indicating they should speak inside. The whole car was soundproofed.

He seems unsettled. Something unexpected has happened.

“Good morning Father.” She said and stepped into the car, sliding over to the far side to make room for her father to sit. Instead, he walked around the outside of the car to kick the tires and talk to the chauffeur for a minute.

“Good morning Mary.” Said Mrs. Trilby. “I see you are still carrying that saber around.”

Mrs. Trilby had a certain look. Her features were sharp, her hair shockingly white, early for her age. Her clothes were dark hues, as if she shopped for her late husband’s funeral yet was still waiting for him to die. She wore a persistently stern face.

Perhaps her hair is tied too tightly.

“Good morning. I didn’t realize you would be joining us this morning.” Mary Ruth said.

“There has been a development. The Duke’s associates believe my services are needed in a higher capacity.” Mrs. Trilby said.

Something has happened. She never gets directly to the point.

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Her father stepped into the car. He had always been a big man, muscular and handsome. He took up more than his share of the seat.

“I see you two have started without me. How much have we left to discuss?” The Duke asked.

“Nearly at the beginning it seems.” Mary Ruth replied. “Has something happened with the reelection?”

“More than that. An opportunity has presented itself earlier than I planned. I may have the support of key people to run for governor.” The Duke said.

“It’s all still very early and there are more hands to shake before we announce anything to the press.” Mrs Trilby said.

I am not surprised. They understand how charismatic my father can be, and you cannot argue with his results.

The chauffeur started the car and let it idle.

“What is it you need me to do?” Mary asked.

“Exactly what you have been doing my girl. Lead this company towards a brighter future.” The Duke said.

“You might consider getting engaged to a handsome young man.” Mrs. Trilby said.

“Oh no, no! She’s not some fodder for your campaign engine.” The Duke chuckled. “Unless there is a man you deem worthy? I should like to meet him.”

“None yet father. I am focusing on the family business. I’m only two years out of school.” Mary Ruth said. “As you like to say ‘Rome was not built in a day’.”

Her father smiled, then shrugged.

“Fine fine. I trust your judgement. Yet there is a lesson to be learned from moving too slowly. Not all empires last my girl. You cannot build a better future alone.” He said. “Many fathers dread the day their little girls fall in love and bring a husband into the family. I cannot await the day! Someone that exceeds your expectations will be truly worthy of joining our legacy.”

“With the Duke taking on a higher stage, the company must be spotless. I have here a list of certain parties that should not come to the forefront.” Mrs. Trilby handed her a slim folder. Mary Ruth peaked at it quickly then held it in her lap.

There are board members on this list. And there are family members on this list. I am already putting them off, the business needs to stay legitimate.

“There are countless bad ideas, I assess them and reject them if they are not best for the company.” Mary Ruth said. “If an idea is good for the company then delayed action due to politics may not be in our best interest.”

Mrs Trilby stared at her for a moment and Mary Ruth held her gaze.

“This list has been drafted after careful considerations. Any delays on our part are going to be temporary. Certain favors are due that can ensure our associates interests are given due attention.” The Duke said.

“It must be a banner year. A new product, increased revenue, additional hiring or charity works would be ideal.” Mrs Trilby said. “Something the papers will love.”

“I have been preparing a few initiatives that I believe will make good press.” Mary Ruth said.

“See that some of your subsidiaries help as well, it’s good for them to get experience and a little favor goes a long way.” Mrs. Trilby said.

“When I built this company, times were different. Business was old school back then. We sent you to Pandect to learn the new school and build lasting connections.” The Duke said. “It’s time to shake those trees and see what falls out. Lots of people are going to want their voices heard when they hear the news.”

Mrs Trilby nodded to the folder in Mary’s lap.

“Take no immediate actions yet. For now stay out of the limelight and stay the course.” She said. “By the end of the week we will have our backers in a row and the Duke will make his announcement.”

-

Mary Ruth watched her father’s limo roar off down the expressway. It blew past a trolly and a commercial truck then turned down 5th street.

This doesn’t change anything today. The board meeting needs to happen.

She opened the folder of names again.

Spencer, Chapman, Mouch, Hooper. Those four have been pushing for the improved munition gin. How is that bad for the company?

“Ms. Cramer?” Andrew called. “Your driver is absent.”

She tucked her folder under her arm and strode to her car. It was black like her father’s but the similarities stopped there. A friend from school recommended the vehicle as a graduation present. His family manufactured them, making only 25 a year. They were far from luxurious, with an open cab, and seats only for two. Remarkably, it sported an engine in the back that was partially exposed for ventilation. Its high fenders and undercarriage easily cleared the trolley rails. She had taken it over the rough gravel public roads while testing it out.

The hood of the vehicle lifted forwards on hinges to gain access to the spacious trunk. Almost all the other cars of the time had the engine in the front a storage compartment in the back.

“Get in.” She said tossing the folder into the backseat. She walked around to get in on the drivers side and Andrew scrambled around the front to open the door for her.

“Really?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s polite.” Andrew said quickly. “What would you have me do? Sit on the hood and wait for you to climb in?”

She pushed past him and unhooked her sword from her belt. It fit snugly into the Johnny sling behind the driver’s seat.

Andrew shut her door after she climbed in and he walked around the front of the car to the passenger side.

“Now you are making us late Andrew.” She said as she put on some soft leather gloves.

“Apologies Ms. Cramer.” He said, climbing into the fine leather passenger seat. “What kind of car is this? I’ve never seen one like it.”

“It is a personal car for the sport of driving.” Said Mary Ruth proudly. “Someday all the finest sportsmen will have one.”

She pressed the plunger to start the engine and the rear of the car rumbled to life.

“Hold on tight. We have a stop to make downtown before the board meeting this afternoon.”