Freedom Club Read Online Free PDF Page A

are a moderate amount of intelligence, and most of all, simple OBEDIENCE. If one has those, society takes care of one from cradle to grave.”
    —Theodore Kaczynski
    “T akahana Nanites,” Joachim said coolly. “This will be our first acquisition in the nano-medical field.”
    Drexel was flabbergasted. As a Sentient Being, he was unaccustomed to the feeling. Bred to be a superior intellect within Chindo Securities, he accepted ideas once they were thoroughly vetted. But this all seemed strange. Takahana Nanites? It was absurd. Still, he had to be careful. Before him sat Joachim, Aleph-Beta’s Chief Finance Sentient. Seemingly his equal, yet something of an enigma. What on earth was he talking about? Clearly, more information was needed.
    Drexel furrowed his brow. “I see. Interesting. You realize they’re not doing well. Competition has driven them into a corner, so to speak. I was waiting for one of their peers to make a move.”
    Joachim straightened his cufflink. “Obviously we want to take advantage of the situation, but for different reasons. We also intend to inject new capital, which should be welcome considering their options. Our goal is to start with Takahana and create a new base in the nano-medical field, as an implementation of the board’s strategy to move outside publishing and utilize our core strength.”
    Gazing back inquisitively, Drexel waited for effect. He knew that Joachim had something more important to unveil, though it was a rather coy elucidation.
    “It’s expertise,” Joachim said, while forcefully pounding his fist on the virtual mahogany table. “Expertise creating conglomerations that grow into global leaders. We can and will own any market. It’s our destiny.”
    Joachim didn’t shy away from making dramatic statements. But even if his style and delivery were somewhat unusual, Sentients like Drexel held him in high regard. The Aleph-Beta Consortium was a top fifty Chindo Union entity. And Joachim had been heavily responsible for that achievement over the years. His demands had to be met.
    Drexel nodded thoughtfully. “Of course, Chindo Securities will assist you with this endeavor. Our people have had comprehensive experience with horizontal investment strategies.”
    Joachim paused for a moment and began circulating his hand on the polished conference tabletop. “There is one critical difference this time,” he said cautiously. “I need you to understand that we wish to move indirectly by using Chindo Securities as a front.”
    Drexel remained silent. Again the shock of surprise coursed through his mind as deep analytical thinking collided with unpredictable bombshells. Yes, the request was legal but highly unusual for a firm like Aleph-Beta.
    “Initially Chindo Securities will acquire them on our behalf. We would, however, purchase from you management rights via a minority stake, along with an option to buy the remaining shares at an agreed time and markup.”
    “And if you decide not to exercise the option?” Drexel asked without hesitation.
    “Then Chindo can do what it likes with the shares and AB will cover any losses up to thirty percent of the acquisition cost.”
    Drexel thought carefully. What Joachim proposed was frowned upon by the antitrust authorities. Still, it seemed possible, given the poor state of Takahana’s market position.
    “Hmm, unusual,” Drexel said. “However, the two transactions will add substantial costs. Based on your explanation, I assume that to be irrelevant?”
    “Quite,” Joachim agreed. “The important thing is to conceal our foray into this market as long as possible. Discretion is paramount.”
    “That’s sensible, given the nature of the media,” Drexel said, as he mentally scheduled a few planning sessions.
    “And because of that, we also have a special request regarding teaming,” Joachim added cautiously.
    Drexel looked up. “Yes?”
    “All information on this must be held closely, moreso than usual. It seems that