But before we get to that, how about an update. The last proof is almost done and then our editor will do her last sweep through the manuscript; finally the layout artist adds his magic touch. Poof! Pow! and we're done. Then the pre-readers will get the first shot at Kracken then its out to the public. I don't think I've ever been this excited for a book releases as I am for Kracken.
So without delay, I introduce you to Ted Waters, CEO of The Company:
Excerpt from Kracken by Ray Ellis:
“Look at them,” a male voice said to her.
Ted Waters stood with his back to her, staring out the
wall-sized window. The vista that was Millennium City, formally Uptown Manhattan,
seemed to go on forever in every direction. Much of the Hudson River now
channeled underground and what had been New Jersey was now encompassed within
the new city. With over a hundred million people, Millennium was the largest
city on Earth, rebuilt on the ruins of old New York just after the final skirmishes
of the last world war over a hundred years prior. “We built this city brick by
brick, layer by layer. Reconstructing it from the fragments left after the
rebels and religious fanatics had finished killing each other. Feral dogs!”
Iona had heard the speech before—many times. She watched as
Ted Waters stood motionless in the charcoal gray suit that was his staple, his hands
clasped behind his back. She admired that he maintained his excellent physical
condition, looking only a third of his sixty-plus years.
Waters continued talking, taking no notice of her. “They
are small-minded individuals, fighting amongst themselves without the foresight
to see beyond their own petty issues. They are animals, ignorant as children,
threatening the very structure of civilization itself with their insignificant
ideals.” He shifted his gaze, but still looked out of the window. “We saved
them from themselves.”
Iona stood quietly, knowing better than to interrupt,
knowing that Ted Waters would acknowledge her when he was ready.
“The Company brought an end to the chaos, and in its place inserted
order. We have taken control, removing or reducing the variables of their
meager existence giving them stability and peace.”
He turned to face Iona. He walked over and sat behind his oversized
desk. “In the old world, more than a few generations back, my family were shepherds;
did you know that, Ms. Bowers?”
Iona still said nothing; she was not expected to.
Waters continued, more talking at her than to her. “People
are like sheep. They need a leader—a shepherd.” He spread his hands toward her.
“I provide that service; I am the shepherd.
“I protect and care for the sheep, and in turn, the sheep
produce a certain standard of living for the portion of society”—he smiled
sardonically—“that provides that care. By this industry, the shepherds enjoy a
certain standard of living. A perfect balance.” Waters finally looked directly
into her eyes, “Ms. Bowers, that balance has been disturbed.”
The office felt dark. Even though the curtains stood
opened, very little light seemed to filter into the room. A feeling of
heaviness lingered in the office like the smell of a burnt meal after the
ruined repast had been discarded. Smokey-bronze light fixtures built into dark
leather wall coverings, set against a blood red carpet with over-sized elaborate
furnishings reflected the man whose office it was. His throne-like desk sat in
the center of the space, very large and made from rich, lunar marble, its
subtle veins of dull color teasing the eye with suppressed hues. The large
leather chair, with its polished brass spike mounted at the intersection of the
shoulder blades, above the juncture of the intercostal nerves, stood in stark
contrast to the dark leather wall coverings.
Ah, now you have had a brief view of Ted Waters, I am looking forward to your getting to know him personally; or perhaps we shouldn't make it too close. Smile
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