America's Trust by Murray McDonald Page B

very few Americans could argue with. Particularly, as ‘the greatest’ wasn’t just from an economic perspective. Military spending and acquisition by the Trust was perfectly within the Trust’s remit. In fact, America’s military had never before seen such a surge in spending, particularly in peace time. The Trust was buying out contractors and suppliers and within three years had become the largest military supplier in the US and the world. Investments in new equipment and upgrading current equipment was being undertaken at unprecedented levels and speed.
    This meant there wasn’t a single more influential person in the modern history of the US than Mr. Roger Young.
    “Roger, so good to see you again,” greeted Jack warmly, showing the younger man to the sofas.
    Roger returned the handshake with a tight smile and, following the president’s lead, sat down.
    “Coffee?” offered Jack standing by the coffee machine.
    “No thank you, Mr. President.”
    Jack poured himself a coffee and took a seat opposite Roger. He was always amazed at just how young Roger looked, thirty-five tops, and certainly the most unlikely head of what had become America’s largest and most influential company in history. Although it wasn’t that he had spent much time with Roger. In fact, it was only the third time he had met him and the first time in Washington. The CEO of America’s Trust was almost a recluse, seldom leaving the America’s Trust headquarters in New York where his apartment sat on the top floor. In the three years since the Trust had raised its head, Roger had never featured in any magazine or given any interviews. The Trust was slick. In fact, it had perhaps the slickest PR machine ever assembled. Its recognition blew Coca Cola and Google out of the water, while its approval ratings were off the chart. You had to travel far and wide to find anyone who had anything other than positive things to say about the Trust. It certainly helped that every senior executive who ever appeared in public looked as though they had come straight from a Vogue or GQ photo shoot.
    Even if Roger had been one for the limelight, Jack knew the Trust would suffer some negativity. Roger Young was not your apple pie and ice cream vision of America. He was the modern face of a multicultural and diverse population, the son of a political dissident who had sought asylum from China at the height of its Communist regime. The small-framed and Asian-faced young man was most definitely not the ideal poster boy for all things American. However, when it came to intellect and an ability to understand the complexities and scale of the Trust, he had no equal. “Brilliant” and “genius” failed to convey just how unique he was in the business world. Where others saw problems, he saw opportunities. Where others saw costs, he looked at the profits beyond.
    “It’s been a while,” said Jack, having given up waiting for Roger to speak.
    “We may have a slight problem,” replied Roger, matter-of-factly. He wasn’t one to waste time on small talk.
    Jack placed his coffee mug down on the table. “Whatever I can do to help,” he offered sincerely.
    “As you know, we’ve launched the new Future Leaders of America Program in universities across America.”
    Jack nodded. The Trust was identifying the brightest and best across the country and ensuring they received all the support and encouragement required to ensure they fulfilled their potential. It was all part of the Trust’s ongoing belief that greatness was created from within.
    “As part of the program, we take the students on special tours. Behind the scenes tours that only the truly great and talented can ever hope to see.”
    “Yes, I know the tours. I had one tour group here and spent an hour with them, showing them around the private residence.”
    “Exactly. It’s the climax of the program and one that gives the students more impetus and drive than anything else we do. It shows them what