The System, Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Welcome to the family

         Robert Casus leaned back in his office chair and supervised his situation. It has been three years since he joined the science team to create the robots that would virtually replace police men. Once the robots were launched the company skyrocketed and became a multi-million dollar conglomeration. Now Robert sat in a cozy third floor corner office with a salary so large that he would never have to worry about money again. Yet somehow he felt empty. All he had to do was sit around drinking coffee and think up ways to make the crime stopping system stronger. All the while he thought of Alex, who became a low level tech after the release and makes only a fraction of what he does and his old friend James, who he never herd from again after the release. Oh well, he thought frowning at his empty cup of coffee. He was halfway to the break room to refill his coffee when he overheard a conversation between the techs.

         “Hey Alex, you going to the barbecue tonight at Jim's?”

         “Na, I can't, I need to reconfigure the mainframe tonight, I wish Casus wouldn't  lay down all of these patches that need to be made.”

         “Oh well, you are going to miss out, Fred is bringing some grade A steak, I can't wait.”

         Robert felt hurt that Alex felt that way about him, but at the same time felt sorry that he was weighing him down. Walking up to Alex he said, “Good afternoon Alex.”

         “Oh, good afternoon Mr. Casus.” Alex replied looking at the ground and hoping that Robert didn't hear what he said. “What can I do for you? Do you have another bug that needs fixed?”

“Dude, come on, you know me better than that. You know we are on a first name basis.”

“Sorry Robert,” Alex retorted, “I uhh...”

         “Its nothing, anyway, the bugs that I reported are actually very minor, If you want you can just do them tomorrow if you want.” Robert replied.

         “Thank you Mr. Casus, err I mean Robert, that would be very much appreciated.” Alex said, with a note of excitement.

         “Just promise me you have a good time at the cookout.” Robert said coolly, walking out of the break room. Alex walked off kicking himself because he knew that Robert heard him.

         Later on that evening Robert fought exhaustion as he stayed after work to correct a few errors in the mainframe. Unexpectedly Roberts desk phone began to ring. On the first ring Robert almost fell out of his chair, on the second ring Robert composed himself and picked up the phone “Good evening, Robert Casus here.”

         A voice on the other end replied “Casus this is Mr. Tasso, Come to my office immediately.” Then the line went dead. Robert gave the phone a funny look then sat the phone on the receiver and walked towards the elevator. Robert pressed the up button and straightened his tie before stepping in.

         When the elevator door opened Robert was surprised with what he saw. On the desk there was a metal bowl filled with Faygo and behind the desk the swivel chair faced away from him, towards the window overlooking the Brooklyn bridge. “Robert,” Mr. Tasso said without turning around, “Please help yourself, I know they are your favorite.”

         “Thank you Mr. Tasso.” Robert said attempting to cover up his tone of surprise, “What is it that you wanted me to come up here for?”

         “Not now Robert, just drink.” Mr Tasso continued to stare out the window as Robert grabbed a Cream Soda and took a sip. It wasn't until Robert was halfway through the soda until he turned around and faced Robert. “Robert, I am growing old. You must see this in my eyes. I need somebody too take over this company. Somebody that has been with us since the beginning. Somebody with great charisma. Robert I am telling you this because I think that the somebody that I am talking about is you.”

         Robert almost dropped his soda when he heard this. “If it is what you want sir, then I will do my best.” Robert folded his hands and set them on the table, waiting for instructions.