Free Tesser: A Dragon Among Us (A Reemergence Novel) by Chris Philbrook

their information and staff gathered in time for today."
    I would straight up suck his dick off. Jesus, I'm lonely.
    "I'm sure you're all really quite nervous, but I assure you there's nothing to worry about. No one is getting laid off today, and I'm about as happy as can be. Everyone can call their husbands and wives and let them know they don't have to pick up that second job to make their mortgage payments."
    Everyone laughed.
    "I've actually brought you all together to share a bit of information about an exciting project that we've kept under wraps for about a decade now. Something my father started that I'm excited to bring to completion with your help."
    The crowd murmured with subdued excitement. The Fitzgerald family had built this corporation and expanded science with respect, attention to their employees, and a zeal for making humanity and the world better. Anything that was thrilling to Alec had the potential to change the world.
    "We've already seen some results from our first ten years of work. I can't share what exactly is going on with the project until we get the rest of our team picked and in place, but I can say that this project has the potential to make our company a world leader in nearly every market imaginable. What I am about to say is of the utmost secrecy, and I would remind you of your employee contracts, and beg you to please keep this to yourselves."
    More murmurs of excitement came from the crowd. Alexis looked over her shoulder at Matty and flared her eyes in glee. This could be a very good thing for them.
    Alec's voice and cadence picked up in its vigor and pacing, "You might recall that about a decade ago we spent a good deal of money on research in Asia. We'd gotten some reports of a few species of flora and fauna that Fitzgerald Industries might be able to analyze, and I am happy to report that the mission we undertook ten years ago has yielded tremendous fruit. We are calling it Project Amethyst."
    A roar of polite applause came from the gathered executives and scientists.  
    These people have no idea what they're clapping for. He might be talking about a new jock itch cream for all we know.
    "Hold your applause, people. Thank you."
    The adulation ended and Alec was able to speak once more.
    "We are hand picking people to join Project Amethyst. Several of you in this room will be the first to join the small Amethyst team, but some of you will not be chosen because your current roles are far too important for us to move you at this time. Please don't think this is a slight. I value you—we value you—all, and keeping Fitzgerald Industries strong in our current markets and areas of research is as important to me today as it was important to my father before he died. If you are not moved to Amethyst, your responsibilities will be paramount in keeping everything moving along swimmingly."
    Man, he's good at this. He just told people they were getting passed on a promotion and they're patting each other on their backs in celebration over it. I don't know how this guy could disappoint people. I bet if he pissed on one of these board members, they'd tell him how thankful they were to be warm.  
    "My team of assistants will be handing out transfer papers to Project Amethyst at the end of the day today. As it is Thursday, you'll be asked to pack up your offices and personal affects to move over to our new facility that's dedicated strictly to the project. All the details will be in the packet you get. If you have any questions, you'll be able to ask them tomorrow afternoon at an Amethyst all-staff meeting in the new facility."
    Alexis turned and whispered again, "New facility? Where? When did they build a new building for the company? Talk about hush-hush bullshit."
    "Yeah, kind of strange," Matty replied.
    Or kind of awesome. I feel l like a super secret agent. I need a cape, or a fedora and a snub nose revolver.
    "Again, on behalf of my family and all of the executives of Fitzgerald Industries,