“We’ve been acquired!”
Heads in the office popped up as Alistair burst through the doors, waving a bottle of champagne.
“I didn’t know the company was for sale.” Whoever spoke didn’t sound too happy.
Alistair didn’t seem to notice as he all but danced towards the kitchen area. “We weren’t but the EMX guys made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.”
“EMX?” That voice sounded even less happy than the first one, and with reason, EMX bought companies and ripped them to shreds.
Alistair paused in his wrestling match with the champagne cork. “They said it’s an aqui-hire or whatever they call it. So your jobs are safe, you’re what they’re after.”
People exchanged glances. Was that any better? They might still have a job, but would it be a good one, working for those sharks in designer jumpers?
Delauney spoke up. “What if we leave?”
Alistair stared at her. “You can’t do that. The acquisition is contingent on everyone in the team staying for at least a year.” He started splashing the champagne into plastic cups. “Come and get it!”
That’s when the murmurs started. A couple of people reluctantly wandered over to sip on an inch each of warm champagne, most stayed at their desks, leaning in to low conversations with their neighbours.
Alistair seemed oblivious, he scooped up several cups and began plonking them on desks. “Here you go, great to see the work ethic still in force. The EMX guys are going to be super impressed when they come by.”
Delauney sensed trouble. “When are they visiting?”
The lift dinged; Alistair bounced towards the entrance. “That’ll be them now.”
The DNA of Stories 