Marcus Markley III Power Plays!

By J.A. Green

Markley Enterprises has continued to prosper and grow. As a result Marcus and his senior leader are placed in a new scenario where they are getting more recognition than they want. When a strong business competitor implements a plan to change the balance of power on the global stage, Marcus and his associates find themselves having to respond. Leaders will change, the world population will be effected. Markley Enterprises and the team are some of the few that can take action to restore life and a sense of peace in a tumultuous event that will change the world and how we live in it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.A. Green
• Release date: Jul 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311937230

J.A. Green

J. A. Green is an author of fiction writings in the suspense and action genres. The style of J. A. Green's writings are an easy reading often using short chapters for busy readers. He has enjoyed creative writing since his teen years (a long time ago, in a state far away). He hopes you will enjoy all his works as much as he enjoyed bringing them to you. J. A. Green is the author of the: Marcus Markley series, Passages, The Coliseum Games, Deception!, and Battlecry!

Book preview

Marcus Markley

Power Plays

J.A. Green

Disclaimer 1

All characters, events, and circumstances are fictional. Any similarity to persons living or deceased are purely coincidental.

Disclaimer 2

This book has been edited multiple times. There are possibly grammatical or spelling errors. While we have edited, revised, and scrutinized, mistakes may exist. If you wish to let us know you found one (or more), please contact me at [e-mail], providing page number and paragraph, what the mistake is and what it should be. If necessary a revision will be made.

Acknowledgement:

A special heart felt thank you to my family whose love and support has made this book and this series see the light of day.

A special thank you to the readers and followers of the Marcus Markley series that have encouraged and supported these books. It is only with you has this endeavor grown and experienced a life of its own.

Marcus Markley is a fictitious character. All characters in these storylines are original and fictitious. Any resemblance of events, people, living or deceased are coincidental.

Marcus Markley: Power Plays! 2nd ed. © 2016.

1

The horse and rider came up over the rise. They stopped under the shade tree grove. As the rider looked out over the vast plain he took a deep breath of clean Northeast Texas air. This was very different than back home. The rider looked around and saw deer in this early morning hour wandering the fields and down by the stream that flowed through the property. The dogs that had been running along with the horses were trying to chase the deer.

A second rider whistled and the dogs returned then sat by a shade tree, panting. A third rider in the party rode up and joined the first. This is some beautiful country. It reminds me of my property up north near the parks up that way. Yes, yes it does, the first rider replied. This is beautiful open territory.

We so often get busy with life said the first rider that we forget the gifts we have been given. This land is literally untouched. I would like to find a way to make it pay for itself without sacrificing the pristine beauty. So often I have taken from the earth resources and refined them into something profitable. I think it is time we begin to give back.

The fourth rider rode up. He had been hanging back with the second rider so the other two could talk. Isn’t it beautiful sir? Yes, it is David. You did good spotting this one. How many acres is this parcel? This parcel is 25,000 acres. There are adjoining parcels that are available averaging another 10-15,000 acres each.

David, I want what the eye can see from here and to the top of the ridge line in the East, then to the river we crossed at the west end. If we do that back to the front gate we entered on, how much would that be? I do not know the dollar amount that would take some investigation. David you misunderstand me. I am not asking the price but the rough amount of acreage? Well sir that would probably be in the neighborhood of 100-150,000 acres.

Okay, figure it up and get a proposal to me by the end of this next week. I will review it and my people will be back with you. Yes sir said David. He turned and rode off.

The first rider turned to #3. What do you think? I think this is a good idea. I think this will be good for you. I do not want this as company land on this purchase. This will go in my personal portfolio. I brought you out here to get an idea of how to handle the acquisition. The land and wildlife is not to be harmed in any way. We will look for a least impactful way to set up shop. Are we clear? Yes sir.

Now that you know what I am looking for find me 8 other properties similar to this scattered throughout the US and Canada. These will be in the business portfolio. Will you do this? Yes sir. I want to review each property before we acquire. This is something I need to do. I want full land, water, and mineral rights. Yes sir. Number 3 rode off. Number 2 called the dogs and headed back to the base camp. Number one took a long breath then looked around one last time before turning to return to the base camp.

2

Marcus walked into his main office suite at the Mountain. Good morning Lisa. Good morning Mr. Markley. Lisa, I have told you before, please call me Marcus. Yes sir, I understand that. I do not believe it is professional for me to do so as I am still fairly new here. Marcus looked at her for a moment. Okay, Mr. Markley is fine for now but I want you to work on it. Yes sir… I mean Mr. Marcus… I mean Marcus, I will try. Terrific. I hope we will be working together for a long time.

Is Stacey in? Yes, Miss Stacey is in. She has been here for a few hours already. I think she slept here. Marcus smiled. That is possible. It would not be the first time nor would it be the last. Please have her join me in my office. Yes Marcus, I will do so. Here is your mail and messages. I prioritized by subject as best I could. I am still trying to understand Miss Stacey’s systems. Mr. Phil Hendrix is in your office waiting. He shows as having an appointment. Yes, Lisa, Phil is the President of Markley Mining and Excavation. We are a little less formal in the office as long as we do not carry that into professional meetings outside of the organization and the inner circles. You will get it Lisa. I am confident in your skills. Marcus turned for his office door.

He walked through the large black walnut door into his ornate yet simple and tastefully decorated office. Phil rose from the large overstuffed wing chair. Good morning Marcus. Good morning Phil. Can I get you anything? No, I helped myself to your coffee. That is fine. That is why it is there. Marcus poured himself a cup.

Stacey walked into the office. Good morning Stacey said, Marcus. You look very nice today. Thank you for noticing Marcus, said Stacey. Good morning Stacey said Phil. Congratulations on the new position. Welcome to the club. Stacey smiled. Thank you Phil. I appreciate that coming from you. So Stacey, Phil asked, what exactly do you do now? Marcus and I are starting to figure this one out. He created the position without really having a job description. My tile is executive Vice President of Markley Enterprises. I answer only to Marcus. That is nothing new. I have been doing that for the past 10 years. Marcus smiled but said nothing.

We are working towards my being more of the face of the organization at many of the corporate meetings globally. The risk to Marcus has substantially increased. His being covert and inconspicuous has become increasingly difficult. He is requiring more protection details which is uncomfortable for him. After Saipan and Frankfort last year, He Thomas and I sat down to determine what would be the best path. When all was said and done, I had a new job.

Marcus will be readily available but will work from various locations throughout the globe. As you know his real estate holdings personally and professionally are diverse. Very interesting said Phil. Marcus I did not realize it had reached this point. I do not like it, but I think keeping a low profile for a while might be beneficial to everyone in the organization. Too many officials and corporate heads are prying into our affairs.

Markley Enterprises is looking at restructuring the organization to lessen liability and a forced break up. Several governments are aligning to try and force this action stating one person has too much power. I have apparently raised too many eyebrows after the last Frankfort HFG-M Stockholders meeting.

Enough of this. Phil it is good to see you. What brings you all the way to Malibu from Chile? I read your preliminary report and I am concerned. I asked Stacey to sit in as counsel as I believe it will take all three of us and our resources to make some of the changes you propose. This could be significant. Phil I am backing out of the limelight but not stepping down. What you propose is a concern that frankly will be quite costly. Please help me to understand what you propose and how this is in the best interest of Markley Enterprises and our subsidiaries to build a greater profit and a greater brand.

Phil talked of the alleged drain on natural resources in Chile, Argentina and throughout the world. Giving back and replenishing some of what we have taken and seeking alternatives to current power sources. Phil, Marcus interrupted, I want to set up a meeting with William Billings, myself, you, and the heads of Mar-Tec and Markley Energy Resources. We will meet next week in Saipan at my estate. Please develop out your plans. I will ask the same of these others and let’s see what we can come up with. Yes Marcus, it will be done.

3

The plane landed as scheduled in Munich at 9 am local time. The flight from Atlanta had been long. He had bought the business class seat knowing this would be a redeye. Usually he would fly purchasing two coach seats but he wanted to catch up on some work and get some sleep. These international flights had a tendency to wear on him. As the passengers disembarked the plane, he waited patiently for everyone to leave. He had pulled up his collar and put on his jacket and hat. It would make it that much harder to recognize. He looked like just another business traveler.

The plane was mostly empty. He stood to get his bag from the overhead compartment then grabbed his briefcase style computer case. The flight had been good. He was able to complete drafts of multiple proposals and development plans he had been working on. He would send them for final approval and sign off when he reached the hotel. He left the plane quietly with nobody noticeably paying attention. He walked up the jet way and out the gate. He stopped in the restroom before proceeding to the car rental. He bought a large bottle of water and newspaper as he stopped briefly in an airport newsstand. This way he could better identify if there was anyone following him.

At the car rental, he picked up a midsize Mercedes for his drive. He would be venturing to the villa about 2 hours north. The car was ready and fueled. He left the airport and headed towards the Autobahn 92 towards Dingolfing. About an hour and a half later he pulled off the highway at a small truck stop area. He checked his gear. All was prepared and ready. He entered the restroom and changed clothes. He then entered a service van and pulled away. He traveled the few miles up the rural country road to the villa’s front gate. He introduced himself through the intercom and was let in.

At the front door, he was greeted by a housekeeper and shown where the electrical box was for the house. As the servant turned to leave, the man injected the fluid from a small syringe into the base of the servant’s neck. He eased the servant to the floor in the room where the electrical connections came together. He connected to the video surveillance system to identify the lay out and where personnel was located.

Bingo! His target objective was in the Master bath taking a shower. He found the access panel to the main water line into the house. He dropped the contents of a small vile into the waterline. It appeared that only the shower was on. A hot steamy shower appeared to be in progress, this should make the process that much faster. About 2 minutes later, the subject dropped in the shower. The poison seemed to have worked.

The man dropped some capsules into the air purification system and turned the fan up to circulate faster. He then pulled on a gas mask. He waited about 3 minutes. There were no visible signs of movement and nobody on the grounds from what he could see. So far the intelligence report had been accurate. The man maneuvered carefully to the office library without being caught on camera. He found the documentation he sought copied the information, photographed it and substituted a like document.

The man returned to the utilities room. He placed sanitizing capsules into the air purification system and main water lines. In reviewing the video, there was no movement. The shower was now overflowing and there appeared to be a line of blood from a head wound where the subject head the shower as they fell.

The man exited through the utility room external door. He followed the path to the front drive and side pullout where the service truck was parked. He pulled his hat down and jacket over his head and neck area. The added padding and loose fitting clothes had made it easy to disguise him.

He drove back to the truck stop area. After changing back into his street clothes, he exited the restroom and service center to slide behind the steering wheel of the rental. He casually entered the highway. He drove to Munich to catch his flight out of country. About 30 minutes after his departure from the service center the electrician team that had been lunching at the restaurant got in the truck and left.

Three hours later the man was in a business class seat headed for Johannesburg, South Africa. He pulled out his laptop and returned to his development plans. The attendant asked if his time in Munich was enjoyable. The man replied, yes, the trip had been very profitable.

4

Tuesday morning at Canada House in the UBIQUITOUS President Thomas Phydeux’s offices were busy as usual. Lisa, Thomas’ executive assistant stated, Michael is on the line as requested. Thank you Lisa. Please give me a few minutes. Lisa left the room. Thomas went to his secure line. Good morning Michael. Good morning Thomas. To what do I owe this call, as if I did not already know? Thomas chuckled into the phone. Yeah, I would guess that you would know wouldn’t you.

Michael and Thomas had worked very similar positions until about a year earlier. Michael or GUTZ as he was known in his former occupation had been repositioned to his new position while his old organization was assimilated into the UBIQUITOUS organization. Michael was exceptional in his new position. He now had more aggressive tactics for making acquisitions and gaining difficult to come by information. These skills had proven useful in his old line of work. They were proving even more feasible to him and his employer in this new line of work.

Michael, I will be down at the club next week, staying at the facility. Is it possible for us to take a meeting? I think we may have an interesting line on a new product line. I would like to discuss it with you. Michael smiled. He knew when Thomas had a proposed alliance, things were about to get very interesting and many toys were involved. Michael replied, I can be down that way the later part of the week. Thomas smiled, he knew he had Michael interested. Terrific, the first round is on me. The two clicked off.

Thomas made a note to begin the proceedings for the proposed project. He sent the proper emails throughput the organization and associated companies to get the ball rolling regarding this new operation: Nautilus. All reports were to be on his desk by COB Monday. Within minutes he had the necessary confirmations.

5

Marcus arrived at the Santa Monica Executive Airport moments from when one of the Markley Enterprises long range Gulfstream arrived. He grabbed his bag as the plane taxied into his private hangar. The door released and the steward lowered the door for Marcus to enter. The captain met Marcus at the entry. Sir, we will need about 30 minutes to refuel and service the aircraft before proceeding onto Saipan. Very well Captain, do as must. I will be in my office. Yes sir, replied the captain. Marcus entered the main cabin. He saw Stacey and Thomas both working there. Well, hello. I did not realize I would be travelling with guests on this trip.

Thomas replied, I am scheduled to conduct some evaluations at the training facility. Sari, has brought some new team members in and we need to re-evaluate her status. I was hoping to also get some training time in. Stacey had shared with me that you would be heading to Saipan as well. I thought if you had some time we might catch up and take care of some business. Thomas, my friend, your company is always welcome, of course we can get some business done and catch up. I did bring work though. Of course you did, said Thomas, you would not be the great Marcus Markley if you had not.

Stacey chuckled, Marcus you are still a workaholic. You of all people should know, Stacey, as he gave her a hug. You kept this man and our operations on the straight and narrow for many years. Now you are travelling with me as an executive.

Lisa, Marcus’ executive assistant boarded the plane. She quietly found her work area and settled in working on the latest report. Marcus I see you have not changed, said Stacey, still working your assistants to the bone. It is true he said. The three shared a drink and a hamburger before the jet took off. Lisa continued to complete her reports before Marcus reviewed all the proposals for rejuvenating and replenishment of resources.

Soon the jet was underway headed for the South Pacific. "Thomas, Stacey, and Lisa I have a concern. Thomas and Stacey you have both worked with me for years. Lisa, you see much of what our operations do. We have been very blessed to have the organization we do. With this has come great responsibility. I have come to realize of late, I have been taking more than I have been giving back as to resources. We have gold and diamond mines. We have Radium and gas mines all over the world. We have oil well. Gas well, and mineral well throughout the globe. We have been taking without giving much back.

Thomas stated I hear you have acquired even more land recently. I have Thomas. We own many millions of acres for different purposes. We lease several million more. I have built on much of this land without really giving thought to the potential damage we have been doing. It is time to replenish our resources.

A recent study I read the population of the US is using our resources at a rate of 120% annually. We are using our natural resources faster than they can be replenished. I think it is time we shift the paradigm. I am on my way to meet with Phil from Mining and Excavation, William Billings Sr., Dr. Whitehead, is our new President of Mar-Tec. As you know Dr. Whitehead is the former head of Mar-Tec Space. With our recent reorganization Mar-Tec has acquired Markley Energy Resources and we are looking at avenues for advancing science and technology in geological, oceanography, and atmospheric, along with our exploration in space. It is time we begin to bring these individual components together in a collective fashion. Dr. Whitehead and his team seem the right group to do so. As Stacey knows I have placed considerable personal and organizational resources behind this movement.

Stacey commented, He have begun developing portfolios that are more energy based in order to support exploration and alternative energies other than the fossil fuel based dependency much of North America relies on. We are not moving out of the oil business though we want to change the face of how it is used and brought forth to be sold on the markets. Marcus nodded, that is right Stacey. This will take support from all angles.

Thomas nodded, I understand Marcus, but how can I help? Thomas, I am not exactly sure at this time. I suspect UBIQUITOUS and The Markley Security Force under Kat and Franco will come into play. I am not clear on this yet. I may have a better idea after these meetings. I would like you both over the next two days to listen in at these meetings as my eyes and ears. I want a report from each of you that we will discuss on the return flight.

You are both 2 of my top advisers and confidantes. I am very interested in what you have to say and what you are thinking. Both agreed. Marcus excused himself to go work in his office. Stacey, Thomas, and Lisa, I know we all have work to do. I shall leave to go back to my work and leave you to yours. Let’s enjoy a meal together in a few hours and catch up. All agreed. Each went to their private corner to begin what appeared to be a new adventure.

6

The twin engine turboprop landed on the small dirt strip deep in the hills of Columbia’s forest region. Frank had made a smooth touch down and was now taxiing the plane to the sheltered hangar deep in the trees and a hangar made to look like a small hill from a distance and above. Kat and Franc exited the plane after shutting down all systems. The jet to Bolivia from Santa Monica had been smooth. The four seater from the executive airfield if you could call it that to here was a little more adventurous. Frank and Kat entered the tunnel system that ran into the mountain. They walked what seemed like a mile. Eventually they reached the guard station at the sealed entrance to the mountain. They presented their identification and were escorted to the executive residence area.

A few moments after setting down in their suite there was a knock on the door. Frank answered the door. Good afternoon Mr. Johnson. I am Gustav. I am assigned as your guide and escort while here in the mountain. Mrs. Wellington will meet you in the executive conference room in 20 minutes. Please let me know when you are ready and we can walk over. We will need about 5 minutes. Frank looked at Kat. He asked, are you ready? I am ready, Kat replied. The three left for the conference room

Upon reaching the conference room, Gustav asked if he could get them anything to eat or drink. Both agreed on bottled water. Gustav excused himself and left them a phone that only worked with in the complex. They could call anyone or anywhere within the facility. Their mobile devices would not work within the facility, only approved equipment. Gustav was preprogrammed on speed dial.

Kat and Frank talked for a few moments. As they were talking, a panel on the back wall open about 2 feet and out walked an attractive well-coiffed female in her late 20s. She walked to the table as the door shut behind her. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, so glad you could come down.

The woman reached for a control panel and pushed a series of buttons. A moment later. The woman stated: Kat, Frank, it is great to see you. I am so glad you were able to come. I am sorry about the cover, but at this point we are watched constantly.

Hello Jennifer, Kat said as she got up to give her a hug. Is everything good up in Santa Monica? Yes everything is good, said Kat. I sometimes miss L.A. said Jennifer. I could really use a Pink’s Hot dog or a Tommy’s Double Chili cheeseburger. Kat smiled. You eat those you will not keep your good looks. Jennifer laughed, hey a girl’s got live right? It is a treat not my diet. Do you know how hard it is to get a good greasy burger here? Harder than it is in Los Angeles, let’s just go with that. They all laughed.

As the three were catching up the back panel again opened about 2 feet and a rugged looking more mature man walked in. As the door closed he walked over and sat down.

Thornton! said Frank. I was hoping you would be here and able to join us. Frank, it is good to see you. What has it been? A few years really. I think I was still at the Soda Factory when we last worked together. Thornton thought and paused. Yes, I think that is right. So, what brings you to this neck of the world? Is everything okay with the studios? What is happening with UBIQUITOUS? Frank paused, well that is sort of why we are here. As you may know I am the E.D at the Global Command Center, running operations remotely with the Foot Commander and independent operatives. Yes, said Thornton. I think I have heard that. They both knew Thornton was well connected and did not miss anything.

Thornton, Frank said, our operations individually and collectively have shifted in several regions of the country and massively changed how business is done in some of the more questionable industries. The four of us are not afraid to get our hands dirty. I think we all understand the value that we have brought to some of these industries.

Jennifer commented, illegal drug trafficking in the metropolitan United States is down by over 30%. Kat spoke up and that is due to the efforts of this consortium. You have also reduced arms trafficking and small weapons trading in the top 100 metropolitan cities around the world by over 25% and the numbers continue to improve.

The governments, politicians and advocates credit their programs. We know the truth. It is time to pull back and maintain our number for a period to allow things to level off. Our teams at the Intelligence Center are picking up rumblings of congressional hearings and investigations as to how these changes have come to be, at least in the US and parts of the EU.

What do you suggest asked Thornton? Frank let the question settle in. Thornton, I would recommend a time of subtle intervention, maintaining our market share and increasing control though in a very calculated manner that will cause minimal waves. We have removed several top players that were well connected. These players have funded some of those rumbling as their checks are no longer coming in. This is impacting their income. As such this is causing questions to be asked as a vacuum has been created that we have not back filled

Kat pulled four portfolios from her bag. She slid three out to the other members of this meeting. I propose this plan for the next 12-18 months. We have a major election coming into season in 9 months. This plan will generate a significant shift in political action across America. Several key areas in the EU are due for transition.

UBIQUITOUS and The Consortium, will set up several key enterprises that will provide legitimate business and are untraceable to us as they will also not originate in the US. We will build our own lobbying in support of key players that will be on the Ballots across the USA in key markets and in DC. As for the EU, they too will experience underdogs that are more amenable to our agenda and support the continued reduction of arms deals, illegal weapon sales, and drug trafficking.

In so doing we will be assisting with legitimatizing several of our operations in which we already have a corner. When this occurs, our reach will continue to grow, though it will not be immediately traced to us and we will continue to breakdown our competition and new entrants that might have less than ethical principles. We will offer drug programs that will expand our healthier alternative natural options. To those that choose to not adhere, they will receive far greater supplies of our more lethal product lines and we can step this up.

If we play this right, we will gain support through international monitoring organizations and watchdog groups as we will supply both sides of a more hostile nation until they literally destroy each other and amore compassionate government can be put in place.

Jennifer looked through the folder. I see many possibilities for this plan though there are concerns. We can pull back advancement for a while. I would like to review this closer and explore some options while discussing this with Thornton and some other key players. Will Michael and his organization also be involved? Yes, The Property Company will be a part of this as well. Thornton asked, does this come from the top? Marcus, and Thomas have asked us to open the discussion with you and see where it goes. IT appears for the next 3-5 years UBIQUITOUS will be working on this as a major objective. Resources, significant resources are being committed to this project.

Jennifer and Thornton looked at Kat and Frank. We will talk this over and get back to you. Frank stated, please do and get back to us soon. There are those that are waiting for your response. Jennifer stated, I will have a draft to you within the week.

Thornton rose to leave the room, exiting through the doorway, he came in through. Jennifer smiled and said, I will call for Gustav. The Dining Hall should have the buffet open as should the grill. I think you will find we have a similar item as the Famous Tommy’s Double Chili Cheeseburger with a South American flavor, I warn you it has a little fire to it. Jennifer rose to leave as well. Once Jennifer was gone and the back door shut, Frank and Kat rose to exit the room. Gustav was waiting right outside. Shall we go to the dining area? Frank said Lead the way.

The next morning at 5 am, Kat and Frank had finished preparing to leave. They walked down to the Dining area for a cup of coffee and fruit before boarding their plane. Gustav met them before they exited the residential area. Kat wondered if he ever slept. Kat and Frank sat and watched the residents of the compound as they came and went. The night shift came through from one of the labs, trading stories and telling jokes. About 5:30 Kat and Frank dumped their trash and headed back to get their belongings. Gustav met them at the dining area doors.

I have taken the liberty of having your plane refueled and serviced. We have detailed the plane and packed a small cooler for your flight. There are 2 travel mugs of hot coffee waiting. I have had your bags taken to the plane. Frank stated: I would still like to stop by the suite to check I have everything. I am sure your team has done excellent work. As you wish Mr. Johnson. The trio walked to the suite. As they walked, Frank triggered a special code into the communicator and pushed a remote in his pocket.

Upon entering the suite, Frank walked towards the back wall of the bedroom excusing himself from Kat and Gustav. As expected, the remote began to buzz. Frank opened the bottom drawer of the nightstand, removing 3 bundles of cash and 2 side arms. He placed them in the tailored holsters of his jacket. He walked out to the main living area, smiled at Kat and said, we can go. The trio left the suite headed for the plane.

Upon entering the hangar, a vibration began with the remote again. Frank looked to Kat and smiled. He looked at Gustav. Thank you, Gustav to you and your team for taking such good care of us during our stay. Gustav smiled. I hope we meet again Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. I believe we will Gustav.

The Johnsons entered their airplane for the return trip to Bolivia. Frank started up the first engine and let it run for a few moments. He then started the second engine and let it warm up as he ran the rest of the checklist. Kat returned the communication devices proprietary to the compound to Gustav. She entered the plane, closed the door and the plane taxied out of the hangar. When the plane reached the taxiway outside, the sun was just beginning to shine.

First glimpses of sunlight were coming over the eastern mountains. As they entered the edge of the runway, Kat pulled her scanner. The device isolated the tracking devices and listening devices implanted in the plane. Frank reached back, found the devices without making a noise. He removed them placed them in a steel lined zipper bag partially filled with water.

The plane took off down the runway. It rose to the sky in about 300 feet. As they climbed up the side of the western mountains, Kat opened her door just slightly, dropping the bag out from an altitude of about 2,000 feet and moving over 150 miles per hour.

Kat looked into the rear seat and found the completed proposal to her plan that Jennifer had completed and hard copied her along with the DVD with an electronic copy. Gustav and his conspirators would have to be dealt with, Kat thought, but that was another conversation. The enjoyed their early flight back to Bolivia, and then the ride back to Santa Monica, this part of the business project was completed.

7

Thomas was reviewing the directives and draft plans for an underground Oceaneering lab underneath the Old Nguyen compound in Micronesia and Cambodia. The penthouse overlooked the beautiful bay that made up the marina near Ipanema. Thomas sat out on the terrace. He was one floor below the Chief Executive Suite. He had his own suite that conjoined to four other suites and a common conference area. 

He was finalizing his draft plans for the new project. His phone buzzed. Few had this number. The caller ID said The Property Company. Hello Michael. Good morning Thomas I am heading for the conference room. Would you care to join me? I will be right over, replied Thomas. 

Thomas collected his things and walked over to the conference room. Michael was entering about the same time. They were greeted by Jorge, a valet that served the residences of this and the top floor.

Mr. Markley is expecting you on the veranda. There are some refreshments there as well. Can I get you anything else? Both stated no, they were fine. Thomas and Michael walked to the patio.

Marcus stood and greeted them. Thomas! Michael! It is wonderful to see you. Thomas spoke first. Marcus, it is always pleasure. We were not expecting you to be here. Marcus smiled. I know. I was here on other business. I heard you were coming in.

I thought you might be working on Nautilus. I wanted to sit in if that is okay. Of course. Please know we are not ready to present it yet. I am just now presenting the idea to Michael to get his thoughts. Excellent said Marcus. I would like to hear Michael's raw thoughts. Michael said so would me as I have no idea what we are talking about. 

Marcus chuckled, come let’s sit, talk and discuss the possibilities. The three sat down. All the staff left the area. The noise disrupters were activated in case someone was trying to intrude on the conversation.

Marcus had installed anti listening systems to dissuade any potential corporate or government interventions seeking to pick up a line of his dealings. Thomas, Michael, as you both are well aware Markley Enterprises owns many million acres of land globally. We operate under millions more in strategic locations. Of course the operations are divided in order to diversify interests should some regulatory, political, or military entity try to relieve us of it.

We own Billions of dollars in land, real estate, and corporate assets. This includes some significant financial operations. There are less known operations that maintain a very low profile on the public scene that function in very profitable though less reputable industries. We have acquired many of the less reputable organizations in these industries though new entrants are continually popping up. We have plans to corner market share and let some of these operations run their course, though we monitor very closely.

I say all this to head us in a new direction while strengthening and undergirding our existing operations. Thomas smiled, knowing what was coming. Michael was trying to track the conversation. Gentleman as you know Markley Technologies Space Division recently completed the first moon base for exploration and research purposes.

We are in the process of implementing our first commercial facility for visitors and commercial purposes. We have established a temporary living facility for those that would like to spend some time on the moon. Several of our core partners have requested to set up their own facilities for commercial and research facilities. We should begin to see a return on the massive amounts of money and resources invested.

We recently and quite accidentally expedited a base of operation on Mars. The Transport Station continues to monitor and work with the surface team. So far all is moving forward. A more permanent facility is in the process of being established on the surface of the Red Planet. Dry Whitehead is quite pleased with how this is turning out.

Marcus sat back to let this all set in. Thomas and Michael considered this. Thomas had been active on the initial plans. Thomas slid a folder to Marcus and to Michael. Thomas began. Mar-Tec Space is an excellent outfit experiencing growth in a way the industry has been limited from for generations. A concern though is that with these advances comes increased risk.

Michael as you know a while back Markley Enterprises acquired the former estate of Gyen Nguyen in Micronesia and Cambodia. Upon through exploration of the Cambodian facility we discovered several hidden subterranean compartments. We are venturing Nguyen was using these for a hideaway and for storing delicate inventory. The irony is so did Damian Minsk.

What is unique about this is that these two properties are about equidistant to the Saipan Training Facility. Michael smiled. He had a pretty good idea where this was going. Marcus, Michael said, you want to buy some oceanfront property in this area? Thomas smiled as did Marcus.

Thomas stated, that is good, but not quite. There are some islands that are not charted on most nautical or aerial maps within the triangle. We own all three of these properties under different entities. We want The Property Company to acquire these islands.

They are currently held by the respected governments. Michael you will acquire these properties and develop them as high end private retreats for the uber-rich. Make them extremely nice and well serviced. This should allow us primary control of these areas. Thomas, Michael said, even the great Marcus Markley cannot buy the South Pacific and South China Sea. Marcus laughed. He then stated while I like that idea, that is not what we are after. I do not want the ocean per se.

Thomas continued. Dr. Whitehead states that there has been difficulty adequately testing facilities, materials, and resources for the Moon and Mars projects. As you are aware we are looking to continue expanding these projects as well as moving to other projects Including Venus and Jupiter. Okay, I think I follow this, said Michael.

You are coming along Michael. For Mars, Venus, and Jupiter to colonize and grow we must consider subterranean facilities. One is too hot for surface survival, the other too cold. Mars has too many surface storms to justify fortifying the surface structures and expanding them. If we go internal the possibilities are greater and stand to provide a far greater ROI.