Everything

The Serpent’s Head

Endron’s actual leadership is something of a mystery to all but a very select few. The policy-makers remain extremely well hidden. If not for the very real effects of decisions made at the top, some might doubt the existence of any senior management. As it stands, They are very real — referred to only as “Them” and “They” by employees who won’t risk their necks enough to find out more. Not that any investigations would yield anything useful; They have made certain of that through ingenious methods of masking the truth. They exist, yes, and They even maintain offices and attend meetings the same as any other flesh-and-blood employee. Yet no records exist to trace Their pay, and They do not even operate within the expected positions within the Endron structure, whether physical or corporate. Theirs are modest offices and simple jobs without fanfare, and yet somehow They wield tremendous influence within the company. It’s a form of hiding in plain sight, and the clues as to Their true nature are difficult to notice. Someone who pries too deeply could uncover some answers, through computer hacking, social engineering, and corporate espionage. He might even be able to pass on what he’s learned to a friend or family member. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all he can do, as They like to seal leaks as soon as They can.

They are neither part of the Board nor the presidency of Endron. To outsiders, it’s as if They don’t exist. Insiders know that the CEO and other executives can do what they like, within limits imposed by Them. Max Carson is the president of Endron, a rich man whose sole desire is to make himself richer. Though capable enough, Carson is a shortsighted man whose ambitions don’t even scratch the surface of what They truly want. He makes sure that Endron is well-organized and running as slick as oil, along with his COO, Nicholas Morgan and CFO, Justin Chen. All three men are in their late forties, and all three feel as though their influence might be slipping. Carson has begun to suspect that the company has other forces at work behind the scenes, and that Endron is no more under any real control of his than the oil-soaked tides. He’s just smart enough to know he’s correct, but he’s nowhere near aware enough to know just how far out of his league he really is. Carson’s executive secretary, Allison Kerrey, has a much better idea, but she is one of the few who has puzzled out the identities of Them, and keeps the knowledge to herself. They sometimes approach people who discover Them, hoping to increase Their ranks, but so far Kerrey remains both a concern and an interest for Endron’s hidden masters.

The rank-and-file employees put forth the facade that They want Endron to display, and do so very well. In America, especially, Endron’s own kingdom, the company employs well over half a million people. The company does much to foster the image of a vital and benevolent part of the economy. Employees are well dressed, maintain a polite and knowledgeable public image, and receive generous benefits. The more attractive of them displayed in brochures, commercials and billboards — but some of these spokespeople are fomori designed to entice customers. The buying public sees good-mannered, helpful workers, top-notch performance, and clean, industrious facilities. In turn, the public comes back again and again, and Endron’s coffers overflow.