Chapter 5: setting the trap

The sun had barely risen over the city when Kerrigan Lokir, still energized from the intense planning session with Conor the previous night, strode into Dragon Corporation’s headquarters. The early morning light filtered through the tall windows of the sleek, modern building, casting long shadows across the marble floors. Kerrigan moved with purpose, her thoughts already on the day’s agenda as she headed straight for her office.

She had a strategy to implement, and every minute counted.

“Good morning, Miss Lokir,” Natalie, her assistant, greeted her as she entered the office. “Your first meeting is in ten minutes. Mr. Vargas from R&D will be here shortly, followed by Miss Meher from Marketing.”

“Thank you, Natalie,” Kerrigan replied, flashing her a quick smile. “Please make sure we’re not disturbed. I need these meetings to be efficient and discreet.”

Natalie nodded, understanding the gravity of Kerrigan’s request. “Of course. I’ll have coffee and tea ready.”

Kerrigan moved to her desk, where a tablet displaying the day’s schedule awaited her. She scanned through it quickly, noting the meeting with the board later in the morning. That would be the pivotal moment—Dragon Corporation needed a fresh perspective, but the board would jump at the chance to sideline her and push Kelan into a role that would expose his incompetence.

They would never see Conor’s plan until it was too late.

But first, she needed to make sure her key staff were on the same page.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Mr. Vargas, the head of Research and Development, stepped inside. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. He had been with Dragon Corporation for nearly two decades and had played a crucial role in the company’s innovation and success.

“Good morning, Miss Lokir,” Vargas greeted her, taking a seat across from her desk.

“Good morning, Mr. Vargas,” Kerrigan replied, her tone professional but warm. “I wanted to touch base with you before the board meeting today. There are some developments I need you to be aware of.”

Vargas leaned forward, his expression attentive. “Of course, anything I can do to help.”

Kerrigan took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. “As you know, the board has been pushing for changes—drastic changes. They’ve been pressuring me to cut costs, particularly in R&D and Marketing.”

Vargas frowned, clearly concerned. “R&D is the lifeblood of our company. If we make cuts there, we risk stifling our innovation and losing our competitive edge.”

Kerrigan nodded, her gaze steady. “I agree with you completely. But the board is eager to see immediate financial gains, and they’re likely to push for measures that could be harmful in the long run.”

Vargas’s frown deepened. “So what do we do?”

“We play along, for now,” Kerrigan said, her voice firm. “I want you to be prepared for some potential changes. It’s possible that the board will appoint Kelan Benidict to oversee a restructuring plan, which may involve cuts to your department.”

“Kelan?” Vargas’s eyes widened in surprise. “But he doesn’t have the expertise—”

“I know,” Kerrigan interjected smoothly. “And that’s why we need to be strategic. If Kelan starts making decisions that could harm R&D, I want you to quietly move key personnel to other parts of the company. We’ll reassign them temporarily, ensuring they’re protected from any layoffs.”

Vargas nodded slowly, understanding dawning on his face. “So, we let him think he’s making progress, but we safeguard our critical assets.”

“Exactly,” Kerrigan confirmed. “This isn’t just about protecting jobs; it’s about protecting the future of Dragon Corporation and our people. Kelan’s lack of expertise will become apparent soon enough, and when it does, we’ll be ready to step in and clean up the mess.”

Vargas gave her a small, appreciative smile. “You’ve always been a step ahead, Miss Lokir. But many will not understand. What if I am not able to relocate them within the company?”

“I have a plan for that. You can assure them that even if their check is not coming from Dragon Corporation, they will still be paid and still work for me, if temporarily in a unique capacity. Just be sure to let me know if that becomes necessary.”

Vargas nodded, “I’ll make the necessary preparations.”

“Thank you, Mr. Vargas. I’ll keep you informed as things develop at the top. You do the same for me if you hear anything. Together, we will make Dragon Corporation stronger still.”

Vargas stood and left the office, leaving Kerrigan to prepare for her next meeting. She had barely taken a sip of her coffee when there was another knock at the door. This time it was Miss Meher, the head of Marketing, who entered with a brisk, confident stride.

“Morning, Kerrigan,” Mellissa Meher greeted her with a smile, taking a seat and crossing her legs.

“Good morning, Mellissa. I’ll get right to it,” Kerrigan said, her tone direct. “The board is pushing for a restructuring, and I have reason to believe they’ll appoint Kelan Benidict to lead the effort.”

Meher raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Kelan? Isn’t he the one who bungled that email system last month?”

“Among other things,” Kerrigan replied dryly. “But the board seems to think he can bring a ‘fresh perspective’ to the company. I need you to be prepared for the possibility of cuts in Marketing.”

Meher’s expression turned serious. “Cutting Marketing is a mistake. We’re the face of the company—how we’re perceived by the public, our clients, our investors… It all hinges on our work.”

Kerrigan nodded. “I know, and that’s why I need your help. If Kelan targets your department, I want you to start shifting key personnel and projects. We need to protect our core talent, even if it means moving them under different subsidiary companies temporarily.”

Meher leaned back in her chair, considering the plan. “So, we let him think he’s streamlining the company, but we’re really just moving the pieces around on the books? Out of sight out of mind?”

“Exactly,” Kerrigan said, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s important that we don’t tip our hand too early. Kelan’s incompetence will be his downfall, but until then, we need to ensure Dragon Corporation stays intact.”

Kerrigan slid a note to Mellissa with Aperture’s information and Peter’s contact info. “Incase anyone is fired, be sure they know where to still get a check until I can get things – sorted.”

Meher nodded, a glint of determination in her eyes. “I’ll make sure my team is ready. We won’t let him sabotage our work. So will have questions but I am guessing this contact will be able to safely answer them?”

“Indeed. He is trustworthy. Thank you, Meher. Keep this between us for now. We’ll need to be discreet.”

After Meher left, Kerrigan allowed herself a brief moment to collect her thoughts. The plan was set, and after a few more similar meetings, her key staff would all be on board. Their trust in her was evident. Now, it was time to face the board and make sure she held her end of the bargain.