Two weeks earlier. Harvard Business School Commencment.

“You have to find your own path,” he advised. “And with a Harvard MBA, you can live your dreams, live your passion by doing what you really want to do.”

The CEO of General Electric’s long winded speech was almost over; it was followed by an overly gracious applause from the eight hundred and seventy-eight fortunate graduates of Harvard Business School Class of 05′.

(note this section has been updated for 2005.. but this was written in 93′)

Alexander Charles Grayson finished clapping and gently loosened his favorite tie. The tremendous feeling of relief showed itself clearly on his clean shaven face as he let out a heavy sigh. It was over, finally over, he thought. The intense pressure he endured, striving for academic excellence was finally lifted from his broad shoulders. And it felt great.

He spent the next few moments congratulating some of his former classmates, shaking hands with future CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies and eventual leaders in this country and abroad. It was an amazing assembly of people, and he wondered if he really deserved to be here.

“Your parents would be very proud of you today, Alexander.” came a voice from behind. He turned to the strong voice, which belonged to an elegant looking woman in her 70’s, whose long beautiful gray hair hung flawlessly on the shoulders of an exquisite blue dress.

“Grandmother.” he said face beaming. “I didn’t see you in the crowd.” giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“That’s because we got here late, thanks to the damn traffic.” his grandfather added from Alec’s left.

“At least you made it.” Alec said giving his grandfather a good strong hug.

“You know we wouldn’t have missed this, Alec.” “We’re very proud of you, and your parents would be too. Very proud indeed. It’s been a long road for you, my boy, and you made it.”

It had indeed been a long road for Alec since his parent’s death, just seven years earlier.
He had been sent to Phillips Academy in Andover at fifteen, and was not happy with his parent’s decision to do so. He became somewhat rebellious in that year, his only interests being athletics especially Crew and, of course, the never-ending pursuit of the female specie.

Who needed school he thought. The only subject he needed was math, so he could figure out that his trust fund was accruing faster than the National Debt.

He began his third year at Phillips showing no signs of academic improvement. The school soon felt it necessary to notify his parents, who chose to confront him personally after hearing of his somewhat shaky status. Alec, unaware that they were on their way from Grayson’s R&D facility just outside Seattle, was watching the news in the dormitory lounge one October night, when they showed the wreckage of a plane crash just outside of Chicago.

“Check this out guys” Alec said “Those people are toast.”
Which was the last thing they heard Alec say before he went into shock

For as the camera panned the crash site, the only thing recognizable in the twisted wreckage was the tail section, found over 100 yards from the burning fuselage. The letters GT 1 displayed prominently across it. Charles and Elizabeth Grayson and a crew of two were toast.

After the funeral Alec solemnly and tirelessly began to fulfill his parent’s wishes, he hired a tutor to get himself back on track and spent countless hours studying in the school library.

His teachers were impressed with his progress, although many were saddened by his motivation, for even though he was the source for much aggravation in the past they missed the mischievous grin and quick wit he had so often displayed before the accident.

With the recommendations of his professors and remarkable progress his senior year he made it into MIT in the fall of 99′. His Grandfather, who still lived just outside Boston, had hoped that Alec would move in with him, but he chose to live on Campus. Alec graduated Magna cum laude in 03′ with a degree in Computer Science.

He was accepted that spring to Harvard Business School, with the belief that his grandfather probably pulled some strings, although he still denied doing anything to help.

Around this time Alec finally began to become himself again, actually having a few dates and taking time out to catch a couple of Celtics games with his Grandfather. Although he missed the joy of his youth worshipping Larry Bird in his prime.

Although he spent most of his time studying, the atmosphere of the Harvard Library was a little more socially conducive than spending hundreds of hours hacking away in a computer research lab at MIT. He made it through the last few months relatively easily, having become so use to the pressure he began to thrive on it. Some of his classmates were irritated by his confidence, but all of them had found ways to combat the stress and Alec’s was not unusual. Graduation had finally arrived, and he felt ready for the real world or in his case, the world of Grayson Technologies.

“Well, it’s time to celebrate, Alec, I guess we’ll meet you at the house. Are David and Eric still coming?” his grandfather said.

“Yeah, they’re coming. I told David his family could come also, is that okay?
“Of course, the more the merrier.” Mrs. Grayson said.

David Hollister and Eric Webber were Alec’s closest friends and also fellow grads. David had been with Alec at Phillips, and was there the day Alec’s parents had died. Alec and David shared an Apartment in Cambridge the last three years as well.
Eric unlike David and Alec did not come from money; he had to rely on scholarships, two jobs and several student loans to pay for his undergraduate years at Harvard. In his senior year, he managed to land a job with a large securities firm in Manhattan, who were willing to pay for his MBA, as long as he promised to work at least five years for them after receiving it. It was a sweet deal and he jumped on it. They met the first week of classes and had been friends since.

After seeing his grandparent’s off. Alec said a few more good-byes to friends and faculty then headed to the parking lot with Eric.

“Doesn’t your grandfather give you grief about driving a Japanese car?” Eric mentioned as they approached Alec’s Acura RL

“He did for awhile,” Alec replied, “then I let him drive it. He hasn’t said a word since.”

The sleek silver sports car sped out of Cambridge and headed west towards the Grayson Estate in Dover. During the drive the two young MBA’s spoke of little except the drastic changes that now awaited them. Eric was off to Manhattan to begin work at Baker Securities and old and distinguished brokerage house, and Alec’s immediate future was still unsure, as his grandfather had yet to tell him of his first assignment for Grayson. He was confident he would know tonight.

“The old man still keeping you in the dark, Alec.”

“Yes and it’s kind of strange really, I don’t know what he gains by keeping it from me.” Alec said. “David’s all ready moved out of the apartment and I’ve got everything boxed up in case he ships me out somewhere.”

“Who knows, if you’re lucky maybe you’ll end up in the Manhattan office. Do you realize how many beautiful women live in New York?”

“Aren’t you forgetting that I worked there last summer?”
“Oh yeah, you dated that French girl, Monique wasn’t it? She dumped you for that soap actor right?”

“Enough about women all ready.” Alec answered loudly.

“Okay, okay, were almost there right?” Eric asked having been there only once before.
“Yes, just around the next bend.”

The tall, well manicured hedges of the Grayson Estate soon appeared on the right side of the road, and Alec sportshifted down a gear as he approached the open gates and the small guardhouse.

“Boy, that guy looks intense.” Eric said. “Take his job a might seriously, doesn’t he? Alec gave a single wave to Jack, the intense looking gate guard, as he whizzed through. Jack was used to Alec’s speedy entrances. Alec even went so far sometimes, as to call him on his car phone. Telling him to open the gate in the next thirty seconds or they’ll be no gate to guard. Alec really liked Jack, who’d worked for his grandfather for almost ten years. A jack of all trades, so to speak, he had always seemed out of place working at the Estate, but loved the solitude of the job, and was very well paid. Alec knew that he had served in the first Gulf War and also, not to ask him about it. Jack Garrett was a very imposing figure, standing six-three and weighing around two-twenty, his wavy black hair had only a few signs of gray and from the look in his dark eyes he was not one to mess with. Jack didn’t trust anyone, and it took Alec years just to get a smile out of him, after that day, they had become good friends.

“He always looks that way, he’s a great guy though, I’ll introduce you sometime.”

“No, that’s okay I think I’ve come as close as I want to.” Eric said looking back over his shoulder.

A dozen oak trees bordered each side of the long jet black driveway, and the lush lawns behind them were a landscaper’s dream. As they approached the large stone mansion it was quite obvious from the large number of cars lining the end of the driveway, that they were late.

“Looks like grandmother went overboard again,” Alec said.

“She sure loves to throw a party doesn’t she?” Eric replied eyeing the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to his right.

“Yup, She sure does.” Alec said nervously as he saw even more cars parked on the lawn. Alec pulled up to the young valet, dripping with sweat in his red jacket, who hurriedly rushed to open the car door.

“Good day, Sir.” he said bringing the door to rest. “Enjoy the party.”
“Thanks.”Alec replied “You can park it next to the garage; I’ll probably stay the night.”
“Yes Sir.” he said hopping behind the wheel and roaring off.

Alec never felt comfortable at the house; it was just so damn big. He sensed grandfather didn’t either, but when in came on the market in late 60’s grandmother just had to have it. Alec had always loved the architecture though, especially the stonework, masons had come over from Europe to build it in the late 1800’s. He decided as a small child playing on the estate that a stone house was definitely the way to go. It held up to any weather, was always in style and best of all you never had to paint it. One place he had never been permitted to play in though, were the flower gardens, they were so exquisite Architectural Digest did a spread on them a few years back. His grandmother had thrown a party, of course, to celebrate this fact.

Alec and Eric entered the foyer to a round of applause and hear-hears. Alec gave a brief speech to the crowd, a.k.a. the well dressed rich and famous of Boston, most of whom had come to be seen at the party, not to see him. He made his way over to the lady of the house, whom he kissed lightly on the cheek then jokingly scolded for throwing such an extravaganza. It took Alec roughly twenty minutes to pull away from his grandmother’s clutches as he was introduced to at least thirty people he had never seen before.

Eric found his way over to David and his family, who arrived a few minutes earlier. David’s father continued to appraise the house as if he were working for Sotheby’s and his mother had begun to make small talk with the Mayor’s wife. David was busy talking with his younger sister, Rebecca, who now had the attention of practically every male in the room. Rebecca was absolutely stunning, the long auburn hair, deep green eyes and the body which was simply to die for, had continually brought on the question “Are you a Model?” to which she would reply with a sweet smile;
“No, I’m a lawyer.” quickly extinguishing your average pick-up attempt.

The comeback was partially true except for the fact that she didn’t start law school until the fall. Eric was hopelessly in love with Rebecca, although he knew it wouldn’t do any good. She had developed a major crush on Alec when she was just fifteen and it stuck. There was nothing Eric could do or say to change that fact. Alec failed to pick up on this, he still saw her as the tall, thin and somewhat snobby girl David had introduced him to at Phillips. Sure she had changed a lot in the past few years, but she still wasn’t Alec’s type.

The graduation party continued on for hours and Alec found himself exhausted, Rebecca had kept him on the Ballroom dance floor for over an hour and he needed a break. Faining a bathroom visit, he escaped to the study, surprisingly, the light was all ready on and he eased himself onto the big leather couch and kicked off his loafers

“Tired, my boy.” the elder Grayson said, swiveling his desk chair around and lighting his favorite pipe.

“A little,” Alec said after snapping his neck toward his grandfather’s voice.

“I’m afraid I’m not much of a partier these days, Alec. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“Business?”

“Yes, among other things.”

“Anything I can help with?” Alec said pushing himself up on the couch.

“Well,” he said pausing. “I’m sure you’ve been wondering what sort of position I have in store for you at the company.

“Of course I have, I’ve been afraid to ask lately, you always seem to change the subject when I bring it up.” Alec said hopeful that an answer was near.

Thomas Grayson placed his pipe on the waiting ashtray atop his desk and locked his hands behind his head. Breaking into a big grin he simply said. “Pack your bags.”

“What?” Alec replied.
“We’re taking Resilient to the Caribbean for a little R & R, then when we get back if you want it. I’m making you Head of Operations in New York.” Thomas said.

Alec couldn’t believe it, he had been hoping for New York, he loved the energy of the city, had friends there and the fact that Grayson NY was the newest and largest division in the huge conglomerate didn’t hurt either.

“What about Maxwell?” Alec finally said thinking of the current Chief Operating Officer.

“He’ll be working with you for awhile, then I’m assigning him to Head of European Operations.” Thomas answered.

“Do you really think I’m ready for that much responsibility, Grandfather?”
“You will be. This trip will prove it to you.”
“Yeah, what’s the trip all about?” Alec said seriously.

“Alec, come on now, you’ve worked hard these past few years, you deserve a break before you start your new job and for that matter so do I.

“You know what?” Alec said looking his grandfather square in the eye.
“No, what?”
“You’re absolutely right. When do we leave?

“Three days.” his grandfather said bringing his hands down to the desk and putting his business face on.

“Hopefully you can get your affairs in order by that time, don’t worry about an apartment just yet. You can take care of that when you get back, just put your things in storage and pack for the trip. We’ll fly to New York on Tuesday, meet with Maxwell that afternoon, then leave for St. Thomas Wednesday morning; I had Resilient brought down there last week.

Any questions?” “No, not right now.” Alec said anxious to tell Eric and David of his new job.

“Alec, there’s one more thing.” Thomas said with a stern face.

“Starting now, you work for me. You’re still my grandson but you’re also an employee of Grayson Technologies. Any job I ask of you, I expect you to do. Is that understood?”

“Yes, of course.” Alec said.

“Good, now your first job working for me is to kick everybody out of my house so I can go to bed.” Thomas said with a chuckle.

“Consider it done!” Alec said pushing himself off the couch. “Goodnight Sir, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight, Mr. Grayson.”

The Grayson Building in New York had been completed in 1995, built at a cost of 2.1 Billion dollars it was the most technically advanced skyscraper ever constructed. Completely energy self sufficient, the top five floors on the south and west sides were one big solar generator. Wind Turbines captured the high cross winds and all the energy was stored in photovoltaic batteries located on the 35th floor. The batteries are capable of holding a two week surplus of electricity.

All floors were virtually fireproof, mostly because a hi-tech heat detection system, which was a Grayson invention. The system had the ability to detect the lighting of a match anywhere in the building. Once the system is activated, it determines the threat potential of the heat emittance and recommends the proper response.

Biometrics and facial recognition software did most of the security work for the building and security cameras were nowhere to be seen in the Grayson building because they’re simply too small. The latest in fiber optic surveillance systems run throughout the building and then there are the computers. Workers in the Grayson factory in Seattle had no idea that the one cubic inch black box they had set behind the monitor screen was actually a camera and transmitter, allowing a privileged few to look out of any computer in the building. There were over 4500 screens in the building, and very few people knew it.

Thomas Grayson could certainly make heads turn when he entered the lobby of his buildings, he was after all an American icon, especially to his employees, who revered him and the company he had founded.

Walking briskly they headed straight for the Executive elevator and looked up as most people do.. This one second look up was so the facial recognition software could identify them and open the Elevator door. The software also worked in the elevator and if an occupant wasn’t identified, the elevator would stop. Alex took a second to gaze around before the door opened to take the scene.
The elegant lobby with its marble floors was reminicisent of a Hyatt hotel, for the first ten floors were exposed to form a vast atrium. There was a water fountain in the center which shot a six inch wide streams three stories high, then fell into a coy filled pond. The pond never had a shortage of coins in the water, since once a month an employees name was drawn, and they had the pleasure of cleaning it out and keeping the change. April’s winner netted 147 dollars, but no coy. The atrium’s restaurant was almost totally hidden from the lobby’s view because of the abundant plant life. The restaurant named of course, The Atrium, had actually gotten some excellent reviews, as of late, and getting a pond side seat was no easy task.

The glass enclosed elevator whisked the two Grayson’s out of the Atrium and into the upper floors of the 60 story structure. Alec saw his reflection in the glass, and quickly ran his fingers through his hair canceling out the wind blown look.

“What do you think of Maxwell, Alec?”
“He seems okay….maybe a little arrogant sometimes.” he replied hesitantly.
“Don’t mistake arrogance for confidence, he’s done well here.” Thomas said.
“We didn’t get along too well last summer, you know.” Alec mentioned.

“You know why, don’t you?” Thomas asked while watching Alec signal “no” with his shrugged shoulders. “He was afraid you were going to take his job.”

The elevator stopped its rapid ascent on the 58th floor. The shiny gold plated doors opened without out a sound and the two passengers stepped into the sunlight. The 58th floor otherwise known as “The Bridge” had cost almost as much as the ten floors below it. Built in the same atrium concept as the lobby, a huge sky dome 100 feet in diameter rested on the roof two floors up. There was also a scaled down version of the water fountain and pond in the center, surrounded by extremely comfortable looking chairs and couches. Four hallways led off to the Executive offices.

Maxwell’s office was located in the North hallway; each corridor assigned a directional name. They walked briskly passed the other offices their presence unnoticed by the diligent staff especially the one in a hurry.

The smartly dressed girl, carrying one too many research reports rounded the corner unaware of any oncoming traffic. The ensuing collision between her and Alec was far from graceful yet Alec did manage to save three of the loosely bound reports from hitting the ground.

“Are you all right?” Alec asked bending down to pick up the fallen reports.
“Yes, it was stupid of me to try to carry this much stuff at once” she said slowly looking up at the two of them. “I’m terribly sor-” she said unfinished realizing that the founder of the company was standing directly in front of her. “Oh, Mr. Grayson, I’m sorry about this it won’t happen again.”

“Don’t worry about it my dear, accidents happen.”

It was then she looked at Alec and he at her. They’re eyes took each other in for several astonishing seconds until they both broke into grins and picked up the last of the reports.

“Alec.” Thomas said observing the speechless look on his grandson’s face.
“Why don’t you escort this young lady to her destination then meet me in Maxwell’s office?”

“Sure, No problem. See you there.” Alec replied trying to appear professional.

The young woman couldn’t have been more nervous, she had just embarrassed herself in front of Thomas Grayson and now his grandson and heir was causing her heart to race.

“Hi, I’m Alec Grayson.” he said nervously.
“Yes I know, I’m Allison… Allison Sands.”
“I guess that makes us a couple of Al’s.” Alec said thinking soon after what a stupid line it was.

“Yes, I guess it does.” Allison said smiling.

“So, how long have you worked here?” Alec asked as they made their way down the hall.
“About six months.”
“What’s your position?”
“I’m a research assistant to Mr. Smithson.”
“Really?” Alec replied totally tongue tied by the beautiful young woman.
“Yes, really.” she said “Well this is my stop.” tilting her head to the open door. “Thanks for the escort.”

“No problem, maybe we can bump into each other again sometime.” Alec said.
“Maybe.” she said already beginning to blush as she entered the office.

Alec paused for a moment outside the door looking in at Allison then hightailed it back to Maxwell’s office, finding his grandfather and Maxwell engaged in a hearty laugh next to the window.

Gary Maxwell was in his late forties and stood a hair shorter than Alec. He had been with Grayson for twenty years, starting as a programmer, then he had taken on the administration duties for his superior on an extended vacation. By the time his boss had gotten back he implemented changes on his own that cut operating costs in his division by 27% percent, which had gotten him noticed and onto the fast track at Grayson

“Back so soon.” Thomas asked. “By the way you two looked at each other, I thought you’d be consummating the marriage by now.”

Alec put his head down slightly embarrassed but smiling.

“I take it you met Miss Sands, Alec.” Maxwell broke in. “She’s an excellent researcher and I do believe she’s single.”

“Really?” Alec said pausing. “So she’s an excellent researcher?” he said seriously, causing all three to laugh.

After a few more pleasantries the discussion turned to business and Alec’s new role at Grayson NY. Alec was pleasantly surprised that Maxwell was not upset about being transferred to run the European division. He mentioned that he was excited by the challenge and that his wife was thrilled to finally get him to Europe, even if he would be working most of the time.

Thomas and Alec wrapped things up in less than an hour and soon found their way back to the Airport. Alec had peeked into Allison’s office on the way out, but didn’t catch a glimpse of her. I hope she can stay single for a couple of weeks, he thought while getting into the elevator.

The Grayson Company Jet made the trip to St. Thomas in little over three hours and they arrived in the Virgin Island around 8 pm, to a temperature of 73 degrees and a mesmerizing sunset. The next morning Resilient would hit the open sea and the adventure would begin.

Posted by on Tuesday, March 7th, 2006 at 4:31 pm.