The executive boardroom of Leviathan Industries was a stark contrast to Marian LeVane’s personal office. Where her workspace was sleek and minimalist, the boardroom exuded opulence. A long obsidian table dominated the room. Its polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of recessed lighting. The walls were lined with digital displays each cycling through critical data streams. Stock performance, project updates, and global economic indicators. The air was thick with tension and the scent of expensive coffee.

It had been an hour since Marian called the meeting, and the executives filed in promptly. Their tailored suits and precise movements potraying both wealth and a shared hunger for power. These were some of the most influential figures in the corporate world. Each a master of manipulation, strategy, and survival.

Marian sat at the head of the table, her sharp gray eyes scanning the room. She tapped a finger on the table, activating a holographic display in the center. It projected a detailed report from the Helios-3 colony. Images of the black pillar, scans of its energy emissions, and notes from the colony’s scientists.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” Marian began, her voice crisp and commanding. “We’re here to discuss an unprecedented discovery on Helios-3. An alien artifact of unknown origin and function. I want options, strategies, theories, and contingencies. No stone unturned.”

The first to speak was Alaric Voss, the head of R&D(Research and Development). He was a tall, wiry man with silver hair and an almost predatory air about him. “The energy signature alone is worth billions.” he said, his voice smooth but calculating. “If we can harness it, Leviathan’s dominance in the energy sector would be unchallenged. Fossil fuels, nuclear, even solar, all obsolete.”

“Assuming it’s safe to harness.” countered Elena Karros, the chief legal officer. Her auburn hair was neatly tied back, and her expression was one of measured skepticism. “We’re dealing with an alien artifact here, Alaric. For all we know, it could be a weapon or a containment device. One wrong move, and we could be unleashing something catastrophic.”

“What’s the alternative?” Alaric shot back. “Leave it buried? Let some competitor find it and reap the benefits? If we don’t take the risk, someone else will.”

Marian raised a hand, silencing the brewing argument. “Let’s stay focused. What are the immediate risks to the colony?”

Victoria Malik, head of security operations, leaned forward. Her presence was intimidating. Her muscular frame clad in a black suit that matched her no-nonsense demeanor. “From the reports, the artifact doesn’t seem to pose an immediate threat. No radiation, no anomalous effects on the environment or personnel. But that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. If it’s transmitting energy, it could be broadcasting a signal. For all we know, we’ve just rung the dinner bell for something out there.”

“That’s speculation.” interjected Hugo Ren, the head of logistics. His tone was dismissive, his round glasses reflecting the holographic display. “We have no evidence of extraterrestrial activity beyond the artifact itself. And even if there were, Leviathan has the resources to handle it.”

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Victoria glared at him. “Resources won’t mean much if an unknown alien force decides to target Helios-3. We need a containment plan, not just optimism.”

The conversation shifted as Darian Wolfe, the chief financial officer, spoke up. His voice was calm but laced with ambition. “Let’s not forget the political leverage this artifact could provide. If we’re the first to confirm the existence of alien technology, Leviathan’s influence would extend far beyond the corporate sphere. Governments would scramble to align with us. Our stock would skyrocket.”

“And what about the scientific community?” asked Elena. “Once this goes public, there will be calls for transparency. You can’t just sit on a discovery of this magnitude without sparking outrage.”

“We control the narrative.” Darian replied smoothly. “Frame it as a Leviathan-led initiative to study and secure the artifact for humanity’s benefit. Spin it as a philanthropic effort, and we not only avoid backlash but also cement our role as pioneers.”

Marian tapped her finger on the table, her gaze distant. The debates were endless, each executive vying for their preferred angle, profit, power, or prudence. Yet none of their suggestions fully addressed the complexity of the situation.

As hours passed, the tension in the room was growing palpable. Coffee cups emptied and were refilled, and the holographic display flickered as more data was analyzed and debated. Finally, it was Lena Corvin, head of exploratory initiatives, who broke the stalemate.

“We’re approaching this the wrong way.” Lena said, her voice quiet but firm. She was a reserved woman, often overshadowed by her louder colleagues, but when she spoke, the room listened. “We don’t need to decide the artifact’s fate here and now. What we need is control of the narrative, of the artifact, and of the colony.”

“What are you suggesting?” Marian asked, her tone sharp.

“A two-pronged approach.” Lena replied. “First, we send a specialized team to Helios-3. Experts in xeno-archaeology, energy systems, and containment protocols. They can study the artifact on-site and provide us with actionable intelligence. Second, we begin drafting a media strategy. When the time comes to reveal the artifact, we do so on our terms, ensuring Leviathan remains at the center of the discovery.”

The room fell silent as the executives mulled over Lena’s proposal. Slowly, nods of agreement spread around the table.

“It’s a sound plan.” Darian said. “Minimizes risk while maximizing our control over the situation.”

“I agree.” Victoria added. “A specialized team would also allow us to implement better security measures.”

“Then it’s settled.” Marian said, her voice cutting through the murmur of agreement. “We’ll assemble a task force and prepare the colony for their arrival. In the meantime, I want all departments working on Lena’s suggestions. This is our opportunity to redefine Leviathan’s legacy. Let’s not squander it.”

The executives nodded, the meeting officially adjourned. As they filed out of the room. Marian remained seated, her thoughts racing. The artifact was a gamble, one that could either catapult Leviathan to unparalleled heights or unleash consequences beyond comprehension.

Alone in the boardroom, Marian activated her comms. The holographic display flickered to life, connecting her to the colony on Helios-3. As she waited for Elias Crane to answer, she gazed at the image of the black pillar on the screen. Its veins pulsed faintly, almost hypnotically, as if alive.

“So you’re the key.” Marian murmured under her breath. “Let’s see where you lead us.”

The connection stabilized, and Elias’s face appeared on the display. Marian straightened in her chair, her expression unreadable.

“Mr. Crane.” she began, her tone as steady as ever. “We have much to discuss.”