Ben Bova - The Precipice

She took a deep breath, then started, “I was just as surprised as any of you when Dan Randolph said he wanted me to take his place on this board. I’m an engineer and pilot, not a banker or a lawyer. But Dan said the board needed some fresh blood, and he picked me. So here I am.”

Surveying the men and women watching her, Pancho went on, “I think I know why Dan wanted me here — and it wasn’t for my good looks, either.” A few chuckles. O’Banian smiled broadly.

“With all due respect to you, I think this board could use somebody who has some practical experience in Astro’s activities. Dan sure did, but I don’t think any of you have been involved in the company’s actual operations. I’ve been flyin’ Astro spacecraft for nearly seven years now. I’ve been out to the Belt and back. That’s where our best chance of makin’ real profits lies: out in the Belt. I know what it takes to get the job done. I think I can help this board to make the right decisions as we start to tap the resources of all those asteroids. Thank you.” She sat down. No one applauded. Humphries gave her a hard stare, then swept his eyes along the table, trying to fathom the opinions of the other directors. “Oh, one more thing,” Pancho said, without getting up from her chair. “If you do elect me to the board, I intend to vote for Ms. O’Banian as the new chairman.” Now Humphries scowled openly.

O’Banian said, “Very well. Let’s vote, shall we? All in favor of Ms. Lane, raise your hands.”

Two hours later, as the meeting broke up, Humphries accosted Pancho.

“Well, now you’re a board member,” he said “By the margin of two votes.”

“And Ms. O’Banian is the chairman of the board.”

Humphries scoffed, “Do you think that’s going to stop me from taking control of Astro?”

“It won’t stop you from tryin’, I know that.”

“I’ll get Astro,” he said firmly. “And Starpower, too, eventually.”

“Maybe,” said Pancho. “And maybe not.”

He laughed at her.

“Lissen, Humpy,” Pancho growled. “I don’t give a shit how your lawyers wiggled you out of it, you killed Dan Randolph. I’m gonna make sure that he haunts you for the rest of your natural days.”

“I don’t believe in ghosts,” said Humphries.

Now Pancho laughed. “You will, Humpy. You surely will.”