The morning light spilled softly into Ashburn's office, casting long shadows across the maps and notes spread across the table. Today was the first day of serious groundwork for the protection and oversight structure he had outlined. Ashburn leaned back in his chair, scanning the list of candidates for the internal audit team and the security units. It wasn't enough to simply hire people—he needed professionals, trustworthy, capable, and discreet. The safety of his business and his delivery network depended on it.
Aisha and Kainat were already present, poring over personnel files and making preliminary notes. "I've gone through most of the factory supervisors and branch managers," Aisha said, tapping her pen thoughtfully. "There are a few who consistently show initiative and attention to detail. They could be good candidates for the audit team."
Kainat nodded. "I've flagged the ones who handle sensitive shipments without complaint or error. But we need to observe them carefully. Competence alone isn't enough; they must be loyal and discreet."
Ashburn's lips curled slightly, a faint smile touching the corners of his mouth. "Exactly. We'll test them quietly, without revealing our intentions. The best way to see true character is to watch how someone handles pressure and responsibility." He gestured toward a series of schedules and mock operations laid out on the table. "We'll set up tasks, assignments, and scenarios. Watch how they react, note inconsistencies, see who asks the right questions and who tries to circumvent procedures. Those are the ones who can be trusted with oversight."
While Aisha and Kainat began reviewing staff with him, Ashburn turned his attention to the security aspect of the plan. Hiring a local security service was the first step, but the ultimate goal was to have his own specialized team capable of managing oversight and protection across all branches and delivery routes. The complexity of operations demanded it. He picked up his phone and contacted his father, whose network of connections extended into areas Ashburn had yet to explore fully.
By mid-morning, a meeting had been arranged with a retired special operations soldier who had recently settled near Ashrock City. The man arrived punctually, tall, fit, and carrying himself with an understated authority. Ashburn had prepared carefully, presenting the scale of the business, the critical importance of oversight, and the need for discreet, professional, and highly skilled teams to operate independently yet under centralized command.
"I want a team that can oversee operations, coordinate with smaller local units, and respond to potential threats before they manifest," Ashburn explained, his voice steady and confident. "It will be a long-term commitment, with professional standards at the highest level. You'll have full autonomy in training and structuring your teams, but reporting and coordination will be centralized."
The former soldier considered Ashburn for a long moment, then nodded. "I've been looking for something like this. The work, the responsibility—it's different from conventional private security, but exactly the kind of challenge I'm ready for. I can bring in a few of my former colleagues—young, capable, disciplined. We'll structure a team that can function efficiently and professionally."
Ashburn allowed himself a quiet smile. "Perfect. We'll start immediately. I want to see your recommendations on recruitment and training within the week. From there, we can deploy smaller teams to each branch, each delivery route, and each critical point in the operation."
While arrangements were being made for the security teams, Ashburn continued his internal observations. Selecting members for the audit department was a meticulous process. He monitored staff, assigning tasks, introducing challenges, and reviewing their responses in real-time. Aisha and Kainat observed alongside him, noting patterns, reactions, and decision-making under pressure. Ashburn's focus was subtle but precise; he watched interactions, noted tendencies, and assessed reliability.
By mid-afternoon, a few standout candidates had been identified. Ashburn called them in individually, presenting hypothetical scenarios and evaluating their reasoning. "If you encountered a discrepancy in shipment logs, what steps would you take?" he asked one. Another was given the task of organizing a simulated delivery problem with missing components. Their responses were carefully noted—not only for the logic in their approach but for attention to procedure, discretion, and commitment to accuracy.
Simultaneously, arrangements with the retired special operations soldier progressed. Interviews with prospective security team members began, led by the soldier and his former colleagues. Ashburn observed, taking mental notes, assessing the discipline, fitness, and professional demeanor of each recruit. Those who met the standards were gradually selected and assigned to small teams, each responsible for specific branches or delivery routes. Every candidate underwent rigorous training and scenario-based evaluation.
By the second week, preliminary structures had formed. The core security team was in place, ready to oversee the smaller units that would be deployed across Ashrock City, the new big city, and other branches. Ashburn supervised the deployment strategy, ensuring no overlap, clear reporting channels, and contingency plans in case of failure at any point.
At the same time, the audit department began its quiet observations. Ashburn personally supervised initial tasks, using subtle cues to assess judgment, loyalty, and attention to detail. Aisha noted, "I think we have enough now to start forming real protocols. They're responding exactly how we hoped."
Kainat added, "Yes, but we need to keep testing. Even a small lapse could undermine the entire structure."
Ashburn nodded. "We'll continue simulations, rotate tasks, and gradually give them more responsibility. The goal is to have a reliable internal system that can detect anomalies before they become issues, without creating unnecessary fear or pressure."
Meanwhile, Ashburn coordinated with his father's network to streamline logistics for the guard teams. Local resources were allocated for transport, temporary housing, and equipment, while long-term plans for a fully self-sufficient team took shape. The retired soldier recommended additional personnel for surveillance and rapid response, which Ashburn approved after reviewing projected costs and coverage areas.
Throughout the month, Ashburn split his time between overseeing security recruitment, observing audit team members, and reviewing operational logistics. Each day, he refined deployment strategies, identified weak points in current procedures, and made subtle adjustments. Aisha and Kainat remained by his side, offering suggestions and helping coordinate schedules, yet Ashburn made the final decisions.
One afternoon, after observing a series of test scenarios with audit candidates, Ashburn leaned back and said, "This is coming together, but we're not done. Trust is earned, but systems must also be resilient. Even with the best people, we need redundancy, checks, and clear command channels. That's how we survive unexpected problems."
Aisha smiled. "It's impressive how you can think of every detail. The systems, the teams, the training… it's like watching a city grow in miniature."
Kainat added, laughing lightly, "And yet, it's more fun than it sounds. We get to test people, see how they handle responsibility, and know that it matters."
Ashburn allowed himself a brief laugh, appreciating their perspective. "Exactly. Every person here plays a role, whether they know it or not. That's why careful observation and training are crucial."
By the end of the month, a solid structure had been established. The audit team had selected members trained in discretion and accuracy, capable of monitoring branches, deliveries, and factory operations. The security teams had been hired, trained, and partially deployed, ready to provide layered protection without drawing unnecessary attention. Ashburn reviewed the budget carefully, noting that a significant investment had been made, but the payoff—a secure, controlled, and resilient operation—was worth every penny.
In the evenings, after the day's work, Ashburn would often sit with Aisha and Kainat, discussing minor refinements, personal observations, and sometimes sharing light conversation about unrelated matters to ease tension. They laughed over small incidents, discussed ideas for improving daily routines, and occasionally teased each other over mistakes or quirks noticed during training and observation. It was in these moments that Ashburn allowed himself to feel a measure of calm satisfaction, knowing that the foundation of protection and oversight was finally in place.
Evening turned to night, and the office grew quiet. Ashburn reviewed maps of all routes, branches, and delivery schedules one final time before calling it a day. The shadow of potential threats still lingered, but for the first time, he felt a sense of preparedness. The audit team and security units were forming a layered system of protection that could handle anomalies and prevent future lapses.
Aisha looked up from her notes. "Tomorrow, we'll begin assigning real responsibilities and start initial patrols and internal audits. Everyone will be tested further, but this time under live conditions."
Kainat nodded. "And we'll continue observing, tweaking, and training. By the end of next month, the system should be fully operational."
Ashburn closed his tablet, satisfied. "Yes. And we'll make sure it stays that way. Layered protection, trained personnel, and careful observation. That's how we maintain control and keep everything secure."
As he left the office, walking through the quiet streets of Ashrock City, he allowed himself a brief moment to feel the weight of accomplishment. The groundwork was laid. The teams were forming. The structure, while still evolving, was strong. And with every careful step, Ashburn knew the enterprise he had built would now be far safer and better prepared for anything the future might bring.
[System Message: Audit team and security units recruitment completed; training programs initiated; deployment and internal observation to continue; all sensitive operations to report solely to host and core members]