Athena Corp Chronicles Ch. 02

Athena Corp Chronicles

Chapter 2 -- Black Swan

* * * * *

<[ SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE FALL ]>

Madam Snow opened the mini fridge in her office and extracted a bottle of liquor. She smiled, observing the familiar crystal clear bottle with it's thick orange lettering near the top spelling out the brand name. It featured thin, black, cursive script down the center describing its delicious contents. It was Absolut Mandrin, 80 proof; her favorite variant of the popular vodka. She only ever opened a bottle on special occasions like this.

"This vodka is flavored. Mandarin Orange. I hope you don't mind, my dear."

"As long as it's on the rocks, I don't care" Anastasia answered dryly.

Madam Snow snickered. "Of course, love. What are we? Savages?"

Ice cubes rattled into two glasses. As the middle-aged matron prepared their drinks, Anastasia scanned the immaculately clean and well organized study. Everything was in its place, neatly arranged. There were large shelves on either side of the office filled to bursting with every kind of book imaginable. The furniture was all authentic hardwood. Fancy upholstery, detailed carvings and ornate metal decorated each piece. Ana was reasonably sure it all came from Europe. Her and Madam Snow couldn't be more different when it came to decorating.

The walls were covered in memorabilia of her exploits. Diplomas for all the Femdom arts in which she'd achieved excellence and was now certified to teach other women. Vintage S&M gear, nicely arranged in proud display. Framed photos of the women's liberation protests and marches she'd participated in during her youth. Pictures and posters of the many munches, play parties and other BDSM events she'd attended and managed. Her experience, more than the decor, told the tale of the Madam Snow she'd come to know and respect.

Ana had been working under the Headmistress for a year and she'd only been inside this office a few times. Before today, each visit had been brief. This time it seemed the Iron Maiden wanted to chat. Brandi had clued her in to the nickname not long after Anastasia joined the group. It was an affectionate, yet fittingly stern moniker for the experienced Pro Domme given to her by her own pupils. The name was never used in her presence, however. Neither was her first name, Veronica.

Footfalls on the office's lush carpeting announced Madam Snow's return. The elegant matriarch set one liquor-filled glass down on a coaster in front of Ana before walking around the length of the impressive desk. She pivoted and lowered herself into the towering office chair gracefully. It was weird to see the proud Dominatrix in normal clothes. Under most circumstances, they'd be garbed in some kind of fetish attire when they were together.

Snow was, true to her name, a platinum blonde. Her thick, short locks tumbled around her head in graceful waves. Her oval face was the picture of poise. Thin, stark eyebrows matched the slender, peach toned lips below them. Her dark brown eyes were surprisingly warm for a woman with her title, but Ana knew how fast that could change.

A white suit-jacket with black accents covered most of her matching white blouse. Both garments flowed down to loose, silky black pants. A pair of small, golden hoop earrings dangled from her earlobes gracefully. Looking at her, one couldn't help but be reminded of Meryl Streep.

For her part, Ana wore a simple gray short-top, black jeans and a burgundy leather jacket. Most of her hair was tied back in a ponytail and the rest fell around her face in a chaotic mess. Normally she'd be wearing her silver aviators, but they were secure in her jacket pocket. She dared not don shades in the lair of the Headmistress.

Madam Snow raised her glass and Ana followed suit, picking up her drink and holding it in salute. Daylight flooded in from the two windows behind the head Domina, causing their glasses to sparkle.

"To women's liberation and female rule" the Headmistress toasted.

"To Femdom" Anastasia acknowledged with a nod.

They both took a swig of their drinks. Ana leaned back in the cushy visitor's chair and ran a hand through her hair. She sighed.

"Everything ok?" Veronica asked.

"Yeah, it's just I was up late last night. Wasn't expecting to come in this early."

"Sorry for the short notice, but this should help wake you up" she replied. Her eyebrows raised as she held up her drink and gave it a gentle shake.

"I suppose it can't hurt"Ana pouted. They both took another long sip.

"This is about the audition next week, right?" the blonde asked as she leaned forward and set her glass on the desk.

"Correct" Snow answered, lowering her drink as well. "I wanted to see you before you meet him. Not only to give you some advice, but to tell you how proud I am of how well you've done here."

"Your words won't make me blush, but this orange shit will if we drink enough of it."

Veronica smirked. She'd grown used to Anastasia's abrasive manner over time, but it hadn't been easy at first. "You and I have come a long way since I almost threw you out the first week you were here. Don't you think?"

The blonde nodded. "We have. Thanks for putting up with me."

Madam Snow's lips extended into an amused smile. "It was my pleasure, dear. The truth is, you remind me a lot of myself, some twenty years ago. Now that there's a unique opportunity sitting before you, it gives me hope to see how ready you are."

"Thanks... Though when you put it that way, I'm starting to feel the pressure."

"A little pressure is good. Just don't let it overwhelm you. Honestly, I don't think you have any competition. I suspect he's either going to pick you or he'll go with another agency."

Ana's brow furrowed. "What makes you think that?"

"I've crossed paths with Mr. Telos before. We've had dealings. I understand him, to some extent. Would you like a little guidance?"

"By all means."

Veronica leaned back, her chair creaking as she crossed her legs. "This is going to sound somewhat pedestrian, but I promise, it will serve you well. When you meet Jacob, be your authentic self. Do not pull punches and, I stress this, do not tell him what you think he wants to hear. He's a reprehensible pile of contradictions, but he's rather bright. He will decipher, with ease, any attempts to ingratiate yourself or to pander to his sensibilities and you'll be out the door."

"I see. So, just be myself?"

"Be yourself and hold nothing back. Follow your instincts. Let him meet the real you and he won't be able to resist. Telos is a thin veneer of confidence papering over a pit of guilt and the most desperate need for self-destruction I've ever seen in a man. He craves to be owned and dominated on a level most men would never take it to. A level he likely believes is impossible or the realm of pure fantasy. Until the right woman comes along and convinces him otherwise, that is."

"And I'm that woman?"

"Oh, I think you might be. And if you are, I don't need to tell you the doors this could open for you, and by extension, all women."

"All women? That's giving me a lot of credit, isn't it? What makes you think I won't just fuck off with my new riches and live a life of luxury?"

"You're not the only one who's good at reading people."

Anastasia chuckled and her gaze shifted downward. Her eyes traced her leather boots up and down before looking back and meeting Veronica's cheshire grin with a smile of her own. "You got me. I have... certain ambitions."

"The same kind of ambitions I've harbored for many years, I suspect, but I was unable to fulfill them. Sadly, I came before my time. Jake wasn't a titan yet and I wasn't fully committed. I'd go before him myself if I thought he'd fall for my charms a second time. Not likely. But you? The world may be your oyster, very soon, if you're prepared to seize it."

Ana reached for her glass and raised it one more time. "Sounds like fun. What shall we toast to this time? The future?"

Madam Snow raised her drink emphatically. "To a brighter future."

They simultaneously downed what was left of the tangy vodka in one gulp. Anastasia coughed and recoiled, unused to hard drinking this early in the day.

Veronica laughed, then eyed her mini-bar. "Ready for another?"

* * * * *

<[ ONE MONTH AFTER THE FALL ]>

Brandon unbuttoned his suit and took a seat in the small, private lobby. He'd dressed to impress this morning, wearing a dark gray jacket, white button-down shirt, a black tie with thin, white diagonal lines flowing down its length and light gray dress pants. A lean, black leather belt and shiny, black dress shoes completed his professional look. His dark hair was slicked back in a stylish wave and his face bore a thin beard, neatly trimmed down to a few days worth of stubble.

He considered pulling out his phone to check his messages and newsfeed, but the flat screen TV in the corner piqued his interest first. It was tuned in to one of the popular financial news networks and as it just so happened, the story unfolding was relevant to his upcoming meeting.

HOST: "Welcome back to Investor Class! I'm Catherine Flores and it's time to introduce our panel. Joining us to discuss the topics of the day are Jason Sherman of Pine Field Management and Mark Lamont of the Gold City Group. Welcome to the show, gentlemen."

GUEST #1: "Thanks Catherine, it's nice to be with you."

GUEST #2: "Good to be here."

HOST: "OK, let's get right into it! Our first big story of the day: The Athena shakeup! Jacob Telos shocked the world three weeks ago when he announced he was stepping down as CEO of Athena and handing the reigns over to a woman who, until now, hasn't even been part of the company. Little is known about Anastasia Dominique Sins or her relationship with Mr. Telos. To say this has thrown the markets into turmoil would be an understatement. Jason, what's your read on this so far?"

GUEST #1: "Well, you saw the fallout like everyone else. Athena is down twenty five percent in two weeks and who knows if or when that ship is going to right itself! I don't think many people appreciate just how unprecedented this is. For the largest corporation in the world to trade hands so quickly and to someone we know so little about. It's very concerning! I'm not even sure how Jake pulled it off. Sure, he controls a large share of the company, but he must have really twisted some arms to make this happen! I can't imagine their board of directors and shareholders are very happy right now."

HOST: "You're no doubt correct. I know I'd be concerned if I was an Athena investor. Mark, what's your take on all this?"

GUEST #2: "The nice thing about being the richest man in the world is you don't have to care what other people think. By and large you can do what you want and Jake Telos has chosen to exercise his executive prerogative. Why he's handing his empire over to a woman young enough to be his daughter, I have no idea and I suspect we won't know for a while. I mean, we're talking about someone who's not even old enough to run for president and she's now in charge of the largest engine of commerce on Earth. It's definitely a shock, but I have to think Jake has his reasons."

GUEST #1: "Oh, there's definitely a reason. I can think of one or two. Have you seen Ms. Sins?"

HOST: "I think we have a picture of her we can put up..."

An image of Anastasia appears on the screen. She's striking a model pose in a leather jacket, tight leather pants and heeled leather boots. Her blonde hair is tied back in an elegant bun. She looks down at the camera haughtily with hands on hips.

GUEST #1: "Woooooo! There's your reason, right there, Mark!"

GUEST #2: "Oh, c'mon! Do you really think Jake Telos is just falling for a pretty face? Nonsense! A man like Mr. Telos can fly anywhere in the world and have a taste of forbidden fruit whenever he likes. The idea that this is about sex appeal is silly and insulting. There's definitely something more going on here."

GUEST #1: "You say that, but I don't see many women like her in Barbados or Thailand! Besides, didn't you read The Iliad in high school? Mightier men than Mr. Telos have done stupider things for a beautiful woman!"

HOST: "Boys, boys! There's a little too much testosterone in this discussion. Let's focus on the facts. Mark, what do we know about Ms. Sins?"

GUEST #2: "Sadly little. We know she got her undergrad at Whitman and her listed addresses over the years suggest she's been living in the American northwest most of her life. What she's been doing since college is anyone's guess. Her employment records are nonexistent since her early twenties. This implies that, whatever she's been doing, she files as an independent contractor."

GUEST #1: "I think I have a pretty good idea what she's been up to, but I'll spare Catherine the details of my imagination."

HOST: *smirks and shakes her head*

GUEST #2: *laughs*

GUEST #1: "I'll tell you what the problem is. We have no way of looking at her tax records because she's not under indictment. That is to say, we can't get them from the federal government. However, if she's ever used H&R Block, Turbo Tax, or one of the other mainstream tax filing services, those companies CAN share that information if they choose, and since there are many people who suddenly want to know who this woman is, I suspect we'll learn more about her in time."

HOST: "Good to know. What about the wider implications of someone so young and from outside the corporate hierarchy suddenly..."

Brandon heard footsteps in the distance and turned to see the receptionist approaching him.

"Mr. Sparks? Ms. Sins will see you now."

He stood, re-buttoned his jacket and nodded to the young man. "Very good, thank you."

"Right this way."

Brandon followed the fresh-faced young man past the front desk and down a long hallway. He studied the new hire up and down, curiously. The last time he'd been there, Mr. Telos had a female assistant. This was most likely Anastasia's doing, which begged the question: What other changes had the new head of Athena made before Brandon could even make her acquaintance?

The question was answered, at least in part, as quickly as it was posed. As they walked down the corridor, Brandon noticed how much the setting had changed. This was the top floor of the Athena building. Until now, it had served as the personal lair of the richest man in the world. Virtually all the old decorations and furnishings that lined the executive floor were gone, replaced by little or nothing. It seemed Anastasia was just getting started with the re-decorating.

Was Telos still the richest man in the world? It was difficult to say. Maybe on paper, but his fortune and what he did with it had always been a web of obfuscations. It was difficult even for the nation's intelligence apparatus to keep a comprehensive beat on what was being done with all that wealth. And now, out of nowhere, Telos had bestowed full, durable, unrestrained power of attorney to the woman he was about to meet. Brandon was there to make sense of the whole mess, if such a thing was even possible.

As they reached the end of the hallway, the young man opened the wide door to the main office and motioned him in. Brandon entered the massive chamber and the door shut behind him. Just like the hallway, most of the old decor was gone. The large, main desk and the chairs surrounding it were among the few pieces of furniture that remained. Sitting behind it was Anastasia, her nose buried in a book. Brandon strode into the giant room, his footfalls echoing off the marble floor.

Ana looked up as she heard him approach. She folded the corner of the page and set the book aside. The Chairwoman, owner and new President of Athena Corp rose, the leather of her skirt and boots creaking as she did. Her golden hair rolled down the left side of her head in a luscious wave. Her frilly white top, reading glasses and ruby red lips gave here a severe, yet sensual, appeal. Her ample bosom protruded; her breasts restrained in silky alabaster.

Brandon perked up as he got his first in-person look at the gorgeous blonde. Tearing his eyes from her flawless curves was an effort, but he didn't wish to be rude. He couldn't help but associate her with every man's fantasy of the naughty librarian. If that's the look she was going for, she was nailing it.

He slowed to a stop as he reached the desk. Anastasia held out her hand in greeting.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sparks."

Brandon shook her hand firmly. "And you, Ms. Sins. May I call you Anastasia?"

"Call me Ana. Saying all five syllables gets tiresome, I assure you."

He smiled and nodded. Brandon's gaze swept across her desk. She'd been reading Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century. There was a large pile of books on the left side of the desk, likely waiting for new shelves to be delivered. Brandon scanned the titles quickly. He wasn't familiar with The Shore of Women, but he recognized Heretics of Dune. It seemed the new CEO of Athena enjoyed science fiction.

Those weren't the books that stood out, though. A People's History of the United States, Venus in Furs, Das Kapital and The SCUM Manifesto were much more notable. Brandon looked up to find Ana staring back at him with a mischievous grin. The agency had been right to assign him this case. In her new position, this was a dangerous woman.

Ana removed her glasses and set them on the desk gently. "Won't you sit down?"

"Thanks" he replied, before undoing his suit-jacket and taking a seat.

Anastasia lowered herself gracefully into the executive leather office chair. She crossed her legs and leaned back. The curvy Domina studied Brandon like a tigress scanning her prey. Early thirties. Fit. Tall, dark and handsome. Well dressed. No ring on the finger.

'Have they sent me a honey pot? Don't mind if I have a taste...'

"I've been catching up on some reading between meetings" she began. "So many books and so little time."

"Yes, it looks like you've been busy."

"Are you a reader?"

"I read a fair amount when I was a kid and in my college days. Not so much now. At least not for pleasure."

"Oh? That's a shame. It's the perfect way to unwind while expanding one's horizons."

"You're right, of course, but that's now how I unwind. With all the research, paperwork and meetings involved in my job, I usually head to the gym to blow off some steam after work. I find it impossible to relax until I do."

"Ah, so you find physical outlets for your frustration! A healthy practice. We have that in common. I'm told you're the new federal liaison, but you were only a deputy liaison until now. Is that right?"

"Yes. I think my superiors felt it was best for a fresh face to broker this... new relationship."

"And what does that relationship entail? Enlighten me, Mr. Sparks."

"Please, call me Brandon."

"Ok, Brandon" she replied with a sultry smile.

"Officially, I'm here on behalf of the Department of Commerce."

"And unofficially?"

"I know you're new to this, but I'm sure you're at least tangentially aware of the many agencies within the federal bureaucracy that have an interest, and many would say an obligation, to monitor the activities of companies like Athena. Without getting into specifics I'm not allowed to, you can assume I work for one of them."