The Time Stone, Third Edition (Extended Version)

The dim lighting in the halls outside the meeting room housed by the mighty Temporo, Inc. central tower echoed with the important conversation that has transpired within it permeating time itself. The building itself has been around for centuries, but there were meetings here going back farther dealing with ancient rituals and human sacrifice. Broad Staffnight stands in the center of the conference room inside at the head of the table thinking of how his father and great, great, great grandfather before him once stands there and commanded others as he did. The room soon filled with an array of suited men and women in expensive attire and prepared to lead the directorate of the company he loved, and that has been a part of his family for so many generations before, into the new millennium and beyond.

“My friends” he speaks jovially to the group of proud business spectators. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to do something that has never been done before, a new venture will unfold, and a project of millions of years in the making and it will make shockwaves for generations to come.”

The meeting ended as usual with the words by Broad Staffnight:

“Let’s work together to build more bridges of fortunes and excellence for us all.” However, for some the meeting is anything but usual, as the project revealed to them offered both high expectation and utter despair.

“I don’t like this, Tom” says Maria Bella from the legal department to her accountant colleague Thomas Papornos. “Everything he says is either an outright fabrication or a perversion of impossible dreams.” Maria adds as she gained an inquisitive look from her Mediterranean colleague.

“But we know this can be possible. Do you not know about the transition protocols that are being prepared?”Tom speaks in a deep seated Grecian accent.

“Of course, but it doesn’t appear to be tenable.”

“I believe it is perfectly within our means. We just have to keep our wits about it.”

“Let’s hope you’re right or this whole thing will literally make shockwaves, but not in the way he’s hoping.” She gestured to Broad who is standing a few meters away engulfed in his conversation with Mark Cumberberry who has been immersed in another conversation of his own.

“Mark, Elizabeth saw you.” He speaks to his mentor and colleague now back in human form.

“I know,” he smiles sipping his glass of wine, a special unique brand of cabernet.

“You also know that our best kept secret must never be revealed to the public.”

“I will handle her!”

“No, I will handle her. We don’t need any more of your way of handling people.” Broad grimaces and began to walk away angrily and then stops. “I have to tell her the truth. You are fortunate she is one of us.”

“I have issues on you too, my apprentice. You will have to answer one way or another at the ‘real’ board meeting soon” says Mark as he sipped his cabernet.

“Well we will have to see when the mission is complete before we jump to any hasty conclusions.” Broad commanded with a threatening tone.

“Is that why I am only recently awakened, to act as cannon fodder for this merciless mission?” Mark asks curiously. “I sure as hell am not much in accounting matters.”

“No we are all equally valuable to the cause” says Broad “but we need to remember who has priority on the mission.”

“So be it… then see you when we search for the artifact of legend. It is upon us, you know. You will soon have your orders to assemble your team, Broad as you desire most.”

“In that I can count on your support then I know, but I am pulling some strings on the others, especially to keep the teleported mishap a complete cover-up. No one is to know the truth.” Says Broad as Mark nodded gently.

“We have no choice” Mark uttered empathetically.

“Hmm” Broad turns smirking slightly and walks away.

“Time is on my side” Mark whispered to himself.