D. B. Goodin - Chromatic

Welcome to the second installment of Cyber Overture. Since the first installment ended with a cliffhanger, youre probably interested in digging in, but I thought I would share a few words with you first. When I was a kid, I took the city metro bus down to Hollywood. I wanted to experience the grandeur of it all. After several hours of looking at the walk of fame, and various costumed hero performances I ended up at the Hollywood Wax Museum. I had spent countless hours looking at the exhibits. Thats probably the point when I became a writer. I had dreams of writing and directing movies. Later in life when I started my career I worked for large studios and entertainment companies either as an IT guy, or a security consultant. Those jobs required a lot of interaction with people. Ive tried to capture the essence of all the fun stuff I experienced. Most of the more eccentric character inspiration came from bumping into these characters in various locales and studios in Los Angeles. I started the book in a futuristic New York City because it is one of my most favorite cities.

Hollywood, California, 2029

Carol Morris walked into a circular white building just off Vine Street. Although the building was ancient, it was still in excellent condition. She admired the polished marble floors and walls in the lobby. A large statue of a golden gramophone with the words Tabularium Music underneath was in the center of the lobby. It glistened in the late afternoon light. While waiting Carol checked her sleeveless pencil dress for wrinkles. Im still in pretty good shape for a woman pushing forty. She introduced herself to the receptionist, a young woman in her mid-twenties.

Oh... I see you have an appointment with the president, he will be with you shortly. A few minutes later, a gigantic man appeared from behind the reception desk. He was tall and wide and about the size of an average football player. His jet-black hair was combed back. He smiled as he approached Carol.

Well, Ill be damned, is that Carol Newman before me? the large man said.

Im Carol Morris now, she replied.

The gigantic man gave Carol an appraising look. How did I let you get away?

I dont know, Raul, I guess I just slipped out of your reach.

I outgrew you, old man! Carol thought.

Raul laughed. Its good to see you, Carol. Lets talk in my office.

Carol followed Raul down a long hallway and into an elevator. Carol noticed that even the elevator had polished marble embedded in the floor. After a brief trip she followed Raul into his office.

This will be MuseFams new headquarters once I finish gutting it.

A few minutes later, Carol was comfortably seated in an oversized leather chair. She watched Raul fill two glasses with ice.

You still like bourbon? he asked.

Ooh, you know me so well, Raul.

Raul smiled as he poured two fingers then handed the drink to Carol. He stood motionless next to her for several seconds. She noticed that his gaze slipped to the lower regions of her dress. Carol straightened her dress hiding the exposed part of her leg in the process. Raul seemed to lose interest then and took a seat across from hers.

So, where did you end up after the collapse of that scrappy recording studio in Santa Monica?

An up-and-coming start-up in Long Beach called MuseFam.

The techno-AI company? You must be desperate to work for a tech start-up in this economy.

I believe in the companyRoger has a great vison. So great that we want to offer Tabularium Music Group a tender offer at fifty dollars a share.

Raul frowned.

Tabularium is worth a lot more, he replied steadily. What makes you think I want to sell, anyway?

The economy has suffered in recent years, and most nonessential businesses have been depressed for years. Correct me if Im wrong, but I believe Tabulariums revenue has been down for twelve consecutive quarters. Im surprised that youve been able to make payroll.

What does an AI-generated music company want with Tabularium?

We see great potential.

Raul downed his two-finger pour in one gulp then filled the glass almost to the top. He made half of that disappear before he spoke again.

Bull... shit. You just want our library.

We want it, more than you can know, Carol thought, remaining silent as the wheels continued to turn in Rauls head.

Raise the offer to one hundred a share, then I will consider it, Raul said.

Why would I want to pay one hundred dollars a share for a company that hasnt signed a singer or a band in the past twenty-four quarters? Carol calmly replied.

Raul clenched his jaw and said nothing for a long time. Carol could see that he was on the verge of losing his temper but doing his best to control it.

Whats this about anyway? I havent seen you in ages then you try to buy my company for pennies on the dollar?

Carol looked at her drink in the fading afternoon sun for a moment then said, Rumor has it that you need to sell parts of the company so you can meet payroll. Im just trying to help you here.

Get the hell out of my office, bitch.

Oh, Raul, you could never hold your liquor.

Carol got up, set her untouched drink on a side table, and then turned to walk out of Rauls office.

Wait! Raul called.

Carol froze.

Seventy-five a share, and I keep my job and this office, he said, relenting.

The price just dropped to forty a share, Carol said as she headed again toward the door.

Can we discuss this over dinner?

Carol turned around to face the desperate man. I will have dinner with you so long as you agree to my terms. Otherwise I leave this office for good.

I need to run this by the board.

Carol laughed. What board? Tabularium Music Group is privately held, and you are its largest shareholder.

Raul sat down on an aging couch and stared out the office window toward the Hollywood sign.

When I took over Tabularium we had less than ten labels and a catalog of less than a thousand songs, Raul said. Now we have twenty times that amount.

Carol put a hand on Rauls shoulder. He took her hand and kissed it. She could see tears on his face.

We can either bid on Tabularium in six months when the company is auctioning its intellectual property, or you can take my offer, Carol said. Its a fair offer. We are friendsthat is why this offer is as high as it is.

Raul hesitated before answering, his drink just inches from his mouth. He finally downed it then said. Give me the papers.

Youre doing the right thing for your employees, and your family.

Raul studied Carol for a long moment then gave her a dispassionate smile. Tell me. When did you become so ruthless?