“I’m basically ready Tom, but I’ll just run one more check on the equipment while you all talk.”
“Great, I am eager to begin! So, Paul, I should imagine you are a bit taken aback by this location for our interview?”
“Yes sir, I guess I was expecting to be in your office or a sitting room for something like this. I didn’t expect the medical setting. And Ms. Laiinet, just how do you fit into all of this?
“That explanation will take a while, Paul,” the holographic image spoke in a soft but full contralto voice. “It is the real reason why you’re here, but Tom will explain. I will rejoin you at the appropriate time but for now I will just watch and listen.” With that, her image abruptly faded from view.
“Thank you, Laiinet.” said Wang, trying not to allow his eyes to search the room for her presence. “That certainly sounds intriguing! I’m sure you both know that there will be a great deal of interest in this interview. Tom, I’m sure you are aware of the depth of interest in someone such as yourself.”
“Only too well, and that is why I have been as reclusive as I have been for all these years; but now it is time to explain to the public just how I came to be who I am and the consequences of that fact to the world.”
“Consequences”, said Wang, “I guess I didn’t expect your story would have much of a dramatic component. Unless you about to reveal the methods to duplicate your success. Tom, aside from the rumors that you are the wealthiest man on the planet and perhaps the most powerful, you have always kept a low profile and never have been involved in anything that would define you as a celebrity as such. I’m sure there are things we don’t know, but you seem to be pretty low key.”
“Yes,” he said, laughing, “rather boring don’t you think? No grand parties, no great homes and no juicy scandals. I guess I failed to keep up with my peers. However, I do intend to reveal exactly how I have become who I am. Actually, I expect it will cause quite a stir when the truth comes out.”
“Well, I can assure you that there are many out there who want to hear the tale and try to duplicate your success. Tony, how’s it going, you about ready?”
“Ready to go, Paul. Dr. Block’s got me patched into the room’s digim systems and my board’s green. Let’s put it in the cube!”
“By all means, start recording, Tony.” said Wellman, “We have waited a long time for this moment. You may begin, Paul.”
“Thanks, Tom.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, this Paul Wang of WNN News, reporting from the prestigious Wellman Medical Center; I am here today with Thomas C. Wellman, considered by many to be the wealthiest and most influential man of our times. Mr. Wellman has graciously offered me an opportunity to speak with him on a variety of issues. As you may be aware, in the past Mr. Wellman has declined all requests for interviews and has never answered questions about his business holdings or private life in a public forum, prior to this occasion.