[Scene – Titan Industries, Executive Penthouse, Same Day – 11:55 AM]
The elevator doors closed behind Chris Blackwood, and the silence he left behind was louder than thunder.
For ten long seconds, no one moved.
Then Director Halden Pike exhaled — a shaky, hollow breath.
---
Halden's POV
His hands trembled on the polished conference table.
Everything he built — every deal, every risk, every sleepless night — had just been claimed in under five minutes.
The King didn't shout.
He didn't threaten.
He rewrote ownership with a conversation.
Halden stared at the digital display on the wall — the Titan Industries logo flickering beside a live BBN ticker.
> "Breaking: TITAN INDUSTRIES ACQUIRED UNDER ROYAL ECONOMIC AUTHORITY."
His empire was already trending as property.
---
Halden (to himself, whispering):
"He took everything… with a smile."
He slumped into his chair, staring at the skyline — the glass city he helped build.
Every tower reflected the Blackwood crest now, projected holographically from the palace signal towers.
Even the sky belonged to the throne.
---
Assistant Mara (softly entering):
"Sir… are we supposed to continue operations?"
Halden didn't look up.
He poured himself a drink — hands shaking so badly that half the glass spilled on the table.
Halden:
"Continue? That's what he said, didn't he? 'Nothing changes except who you work for.'"
He laughed bitterly.
Halden:
"That's the beauty of tyranny — it makes theft look like order."
Mara stood silently, unsure whether to speak or leave.
---
Halden (turns suddenly):
"Do you know how long it took to build Titan, Mara?"
Mara (quietly):
"Thirty-two years, sir."
Halden:
"Thirty-two years of labor. Thirty-two years of politics, risk, and blood.
And he erased it in less than five minutes — without even raising his voice."
He stared at the glass again, watching distant drones carry the Blackwood emblem banners through the sky.
---
Halden (muttering):
"The Queen gives hope. Classic shows mercy.
And the King… takes."
He took another sip, eyes dull but burning underneath.
Halden:
"Do you know why people like him win, Mara?"
Mara (hesitant):
"Because he has power?"
Halden:
"No. Because he doesn't need to ask for it."
---
Mara (nervously):
"What will you do, sir?"
Halden chuckled — the sound of a man realizing he's both free and trapped.
Halden:
"What can I do?
If I resist, I die.
If I serve, I live… in his shadow."
He stood up, walked to the giant holographic screen, and swiped his palm over it.
The Titan logo disappeared.
In its place appeared a new one — Blackwood Economic Authority — automatic, inevitable.
The system had already updated itself.
---
Halden (bitterly):
"Even the software knows who owns it now."
He looked out the window again — at the people far below, cheering the royal banner.
Halden (softly):
"They don't even realize they just lost the last man who wasn't a Blackwood."
His reflection on the glass looked older, smaller, and defeated.
---
Mara (timidly):
"Sir… maybe this is protection. The King said it's for the Union's stability."
Halden (turns sharply):
"Stability is just control with better lighting."
He downed the rest of his drink.
Halden:
"Cancel all private contracts. Redirect all shipments under the new seal. And Mara…"
Mara:
"Yes, sir?"
Halden (coldly):
"If anyone asks how I feel about this — tell them I'm honored."
---
[Cut – BBN BREAKING FOOTAGE: HALDEN'S PUBLIC STATEMENT]
Reporter Dora Vale:
"Director Halden Pike has just addressed the press, calling the acquisition a 'strategic partnership' with the Crown. Sources close to him, however, say he's been visibly shaken since the King's visit."
---
Halden's Statement (pre-recorded):
"Titan Industries has always served the Union faithfully.
Under His Majesty's direction, we will now serve even greater purpose.
We are honored… to be chosen."
He smiled on camera — the most rehearsed lie of his life.
---
After the broadcast — Private Office
Halden sat alone in the dark.
His reflection stared back at him from the empty glass.
Halden (murmuring):
"They call it a partnership.
But partnerships require two kings."
He looked down at the Blackwood crest glowing faintly on his datapad.
> PROPERTY OF THE CROWN.