The next morning over breakfast Henry Bosak brought his team up to speed. Leaving out the details of his call from President Harris, he shared the bright future possibilities by which VirCorp stood to become wealthier than all the nations of the European Union combined. Highet helped Bosak brush up on his sales speak and all were most anxious to get the meeting underway. Omega made the excellent suggestion of welcoming the General with a band.

Several phone calls and an hour later, Bosak and company greeted the General on the steps of the Human Resources building. The hired band made it through The Stars and Stripes Forever before quietly retiring with the minimum of fanfare.

“That was absolutely lovely,” said Montesque, doffing his hat.

"Welcome to VirCorp, General. I’m Henry Bosak. But you may call me Hank.” Indicating each emissary from the company, Bosak made his way down the line. “With us today is Jack Osprey, our Chairman. This is Robert Highet, our Head of Marketing. And, last but not least, who could forget our stunning Vice President Omega. She’s the one to ask should you have any technical questions about the program.”

Montesque pumped each executive’s hand firmly, but leaned down to kiss the hand of the sultry Omega. “Charmed. Five-star General Ralph Montesque, but you may call me Ralph.”

“Oh, Monsieur General!” Omega feigned a blush. Highet grinned at Bosak and Osprey like a jackal. Just watch her work, boys his eyes seemed to say. “Ralph. If I may be so confident, I think you will be very impressed with our tour today.”

“I am already impressed, dear lady. Your accent, Êtes-vous de Paris?”

“Ralph, you speak French!”

“Je parle très peu, Mademoiselle.”

“Wonderful!” Bosak broke in with a smile before an all-out flirt bombardment could commence. Skaggs cleared his throat in the ensuing silence.

“Ah, yes. How rude of me. Lady and gentlemen, this is Major Ryan Skaggs, my adjutant.” Skaggs blinked and blurted hello. “He’s seen more boardrooms than battlefields, so he’ll be accompanying us to take notes for our report to the President.”

“Glad to have you aboard, Major.”

“Where’s Falcon? I assumed he was going to be here today.”

“Sadly, General, he has decided to pursue other career opportunities.”

“I’d hardly call that sad, Hank. That boy was too big for his britches. Had me all worried. I’m glad he’s gone.”

“Good! Well,” Bosak pointed to the building invitingly, “shall we begin?”

“Lead the way, Hank.”