The press conference was held in the Garrett Automotive atrium at 9:00 a.m. sharp.

Cameras flashed like machine-gun fire. Every major network in Corban and Kretia had sent crews. The marble floor reflected a thousand lenses pointed at the long table where Reed Garrett sat alone, charcoal suit crisp, face carved from the same stone his great-grandfather had used to build the first factory.

Behind him, the company logo had been draped in black velvet.

Marcus Garrett stood to ...