CEO??

Chapter 18

"Good morning, everyone," I greeted as I sat down. "I hope you weren't waiting long. I try not to be late, but I was helping my personal interns settle in."

The heads of each department sat in their assigned chairs. Operations Management, Marketing, R&D, Human Resources, IT, Ecological Recovery, and Legal.

They smiled at me. "No, we were only waiting a few minutes," Angelina, the head of HR said.

"That's good. Now, why don't we get started. Darren, please take some notes for us."

Darren nodded and readied his StarkPad.

"Let's start with R&D," I decided. "Give me a list of all the issues that your department is having and we'll work on a solution."

So, that's what we did. We went around to each department and problem solved until we had everything figured out. Darren took careful notes, making reminders for certain things. Yep, he was definitely going to make a good assistant.

"Alright, so let's go over this one more time," I said. "We'll hire 100 more employees for the labs in general, which R&D will oversee for now while Operations is understaffed, and they will be distributed accordingly. Operations will oversee the rest of the hiring. Recovery is going to move into Lab Seven, which has recently been vacated. 

"Operations, HR, and IT will each be given 20 more employees, at least. If more are needed, let me know. Legal will have six assistants for every office block because coffee runs are not an intern's job. R&D will be given a larger budget for their new employees. Everyone's workload will be lessened until we are up and running at full capacity. And, everyone, please communicate with Marketing more often." I looked around the room. "Anything else?"

"Yes, Mr. Parker, I would ask that Mr. Keener-Stark meets with me at least once a week to go over progress report and other details," Charles, the head of R&D said. "I hate to be so blunt, but the position he has filled is more than just working on projects."

"Of course, I will make sure he meets with you as often as every other day if you would like. And, please, be blunt. Unlike board meetings, this has nothing to do with politics. Don't beat around the bush; it only interferes with our working relationship. If you need something from me, don't wait for a meeting to ask, shoot me an email or text," I said. "Harley will also be available through text. Just try not to send him the information through text as much as possible. He tends to not read long messages. Just request a meeting. And you can call me Peter. We're all equals here. The board members are just sticklers for formalities."

They chuckled and nodded.

I thought of something else. "Wait do you guys have my number?"

They shook their heads so I frowned. "Here, pass me your phones real quick and I'll set up my contact info."

They all did so and I set up my contact in each of their phones.

"Thanks," Angelina said.

The meeting was ended and I had no time to relax before my meeting with the president. I sighed and moved to my sitting room. As we walked, I asked Darren the question that had been on my mind for a while. "Hey, Darren," I began, causing him to turn his full attention to me. "Do you like Midtown? You mentioned that all the older kids can be intimidating. Is anyone bothering you?"

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah," he admitted before quickly adding, "but it's not too bad."

I sighed hearing his heart rate change, indicating a lie. "That's bull, Kid. I've dealt with bullies at Midtown before and I know exactly how they are. They don't get physical usually, but they get inside your head and turn everyone against you."

He ducked his head. "They haven't gotten physical," he said.

"That's good. Your age is helping you out there. Even the worst Midtown bully wouldn't beat up a twelve-year-old." I set a hand on his shoulder. "You're an amazing person, Ren. Don't let them convince you otherwise."

He nodded and we began walking again. "Thanks, Mr. Parker," he said quietly.

I smiled. "Just telling you the truth. Now, you ready to meet the president, Kid?"

He nodded excitedly. "Yes, Sir!"

I chuckled and opened the door to find the president already there. He was without his personal bodyguards, knowing my identity and that I would be able to protect him. I had no doubt that there were Secret Service agents in plain clothes throughout the building however.

"Mr. President," I greeted politely, hiding my irritation of the lack of reasoning given for his visit. "I would like you to meet my assistant, Darren Brady."

The president didn't bat an eye at his young age and smiled. "Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you, young man."

"The pleasure is mine, Sir," Darren said with polite smile that didn't give away his excitement, causing me to have to hide an approving smile. He was good at this.

The president laughed and I gestured for Darren to take a seat in an arm chair while I sat across from the president. "What brings you here, Mr. President?" I asked. "I'm afraid I am much too busy at the moment to take an assignment from the Secret Service."

"No, no," he said, waving the comment aside. "This is about your charity work."

I raised an eyebrow. "What about it?"

"I want to thank you," he said. "It has helped many people, and I know you didn't have to help."

I smiled. "Of course, Sir. As my uncle always said, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' I would be disappointed in myself if I did nothing to help those in need when I have the power to do so."

He smiled as well. "You are a good man, Peter. You will do great things."

I nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Sir. I am proud to serve my country."

"No, Agent Parker, you aren't serving your country," he said, "you are serving the world." Before I had a chance to respond, he was out the door, being led away by his bodyguards, Gabriel and Janet.

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Thoughts?