By bolstering defense, Michael meant that it was time for him to own a private military firm. One that he could trust and willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect him.
He had tried contracting a private military firm before but it didn't work out as the CEO of that firm betrayed him by giving sensitive and classified information to a rival company.
While heading to his office, Michael ran into Juliet.
"Sir...how was your lunch?" Juliet asked.
"It was delightful," Michael replied. "I need you in my office in ten minutes. We have important matters to discuss."
Juliet nodded, sensing the urgency in Michael's tone. "I'll be there."
Michael continued to his office, his mind already formulating plans on how to start his own private military firm. He knew he needed a team that was loyal, highly trained, and capable of handling any threat.
Once in his office, he began drafting an outline of his requirements for the private military firm. He listed the qualities he needed: trustworthiness, expertise in counter-espionage, and the ability to act swiftly and discreetly. He also made a note to ensure thorough vetting processes to avoid any future betrayals.
Juliet entered the office right on time. "What's the matter, sir?" she asked, closing the door behind her.
Michael gestured for her to sit. "I've been thinking a lot about our security. After today's lunch, it's clear we need to take more robust measures."
"After today's lunch? Did something happen earlier, sir?" Juliet asked, her concern evident.
Michael nodded. "Yes, I felt like I was being watched. It's not the first time I've had this feeling. We need to be proactive about our security. I've decided that it's time to establish our own private military firm."
Juliet's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "That's a significant step, Michael. Do you have someone in mind to lead this?"
Michael shook his head. "That's the problem. I don't have a specific person in mind yet, but I know the qualities we need. We can't afford any more mistakes like before."
Juliet nodded, understanding what Michael wanted. "We need someone with a military background, preferably special forces or intelligence. Someone with a proven track record. It's best if we are going to look domestically. How about retired personnel in the Philippine Army?"
The next morning, Michael was ready for the first interview. He reviewed the candidate's profile one more time before the meeting. David Natividad, a former special operations commander, was the first to arrive. His demeanor was confident yet respectful as he entered Michael's office.
"Mr. Natividad, thank you for coming," Michael greeted him.
"Thank you for having me, Mr. Reyes," David replied, shaking Michael's hand firmly.
Michael motioned for him to sit. "Tell me about your experience in private security and why you think you'd be a good fit for this role."
"Well, Mr. Reyes, I have over two decades of experience in the military, with a focus on special operations and intelligence. After retiring from the Philippine Army, I transitioned into private security and managed operations for several high-profile clients. My expertise lies in strategic planning, threat assessment, and crisis management.
I believe in building teams that are loyal, disciplined, and capable of handling any situation."
Michael listened intently, appreciating David's straightforward approach. "Your experience is impressive, Mr. Natividad. Can you tell me about a challenging situation you faced in your previous roles and how you handled it?"
David nodded. "One of the most challenging situations was during an overseas mission where we had to extract a high-value target from a hostile environment. We faced unexpected resistance, but by leveraging our training and maintaining clear communication, we successfully completed the extraction without any casualties."
Michael was impressed but maintained his composure. "Thank you, Mr. Natividad. We'll be in touch."
The next two candidates were equally impressive, each bringing their unique strengths and experiences to the table. Michael listened intently, asking pointed questions to gauge their suitability for the role.
After the interviews, Michael sat with Juliet to discuss the candidates. "They're all strong contenders, but I believe David Natividad stands out. His experience and approach align with our needs."
Juliet nodded in agreement. "I think he's the best choice. Shall we make the offer?"
"Yes," Michael said. "Contact him and make the offer. Let's get this firm up and running as soon as possible."
David Natividad accepted the offer without hesitation. Within a week, he was fully integrated into Reyes Corporation, setting up the structure and operational protocols for the new private military firm. Michael was pleased with the progress and felt confident in David's leadership.
Now with the private military active, Michael took the next step, which is another technological introduction.