Tethered Twins

Chapter Two

Tobias Zen

“No man left behind. No man left to die.”

Those words echoed in Tobias Zen’s mind as he stood many miles away from Emmie in the brightly lit dressing room. On hearing back his perfect piece of propaganda he pulled a sly grin that raised the corners of his expertly pruned goatee and beard. Image meant everything to Tobias. From the way he wore his designer suit, to the words that he used whenever he spoke. 

It’s why he kept his hair extra short and why he preferred to keep his hair grey rather than try to dye it another colour. Whilst other men tried to hide their grey Tobias saw it as adding wisdom to his overall image. Tobias was his very own personal brand and he tried to put that into everything he did.

Although he could afford any procedure he wanted Tobias had only ever used plastic surgery once, to hide injuries he had sustained in an accident, and he vowed never to do it again. He wanted people to know his face and that meant keeping the wrinkle lines on his forehead, his large nose, and rounded chin consistent.

He continued to practice his speech, ensuring his words were as well prepared as he was.  “I promise, that no solider will be left behind to die. I will give my entire mind, body and soul to protect this country and to protect the brave men and women who defend it.”

“An investment in TethTech is in investment in the future of our nation, an investment in the future of our world and an investment in human lives,” he loved his new copywriter and thought about giving her a raise when this was over.

Tobias looked out on the stage. In a few moments he would appear on the Jonathan Lewis show. The most important chat show in the world.

Unlike Tobias, Jonathan Lewis was a cosmetic surgery addict. He was fifty now but he looked like a twenty five year old. His hair was a rich brown colour and he had no wrinkles on his face. His lips were so plump they looked like they belonged on a woman and the tip of his chin was perfectly shaped into a small point.  He wore jeans and a black designer T-Shirt. It sickened Tobias to see someone hide who they were but the show was just a means to an end for him so he was prepared to humour this man, at least for the moment.

Tomorrow morning his company ‘TethTech’ would go public and float on the stock exchange. Turning years of hard work in building his company, into a huge stream of cash flow from new investors.

Tonight, he would kick start that investment with an emotional speech on how his company would revitalise warfare. He would explain how through his use of Tethers, he could protect the life of every soldier on the battlefield and ensure a minimal loss of human casualties.

Playing on human compassion had always worked well for Tobias and tonight would be his biggest trick. No one wanted to see a soldier die, especially after the events of the ‘20 Day Siege’ and Tobias knew exactly how to turn public sympathy into cold hard cash.

“Two minutes Mr Zen,” said the announcer.

Tobias looked at himself in the mirror. He straightened his orange tie, checked his hair and buttoned his designer suit. Alongside appearance it was also important for Tobias to stick in people’s minds. He looked down at his shoes. A pair of Orange trainers. A vibrant contrast to his tailored suit and that was exactly why he wore them.

“The man with the orange trainers,” was a lot more memorable than being just another guy in a suit. Plus Tobias had always had a thing for the colour orange.

The announcer tapped Tobias on his shoulder and pointed to the stage. His moment of glory would come soon. Tobias looked on to the show floor to see a raised wooden platform that housed hundreds of fans. Above them was a giant skylight that looked out on to the night sky and flooded the studio with light from two giant spotlights. It was more like looking out on a stadium concert than an intimate studio interview.