Liquidation is Working

“Well, we’re not exactly in the black yet, but it sounds like we’ve at least stopped hemorrhaging cash.” Ranell used his fingers to spin a holographic 3D globe about its axis. They were over an hour and a half into their meeting, cycling through financial charts and graphs comparing operating expenses to revenue streams. Not for the first time, Ranell thought, I wish I had a better financial background. But since the tragic death of GML’s chief financial officer, these duties had fallen on him.

Dr. Dominique Larbonne seemed to sense his friend's consternation and tried summarizing. "I think this chart tells the story best, Josef," he said, pulling up a screen with intersecting red and green trendlines. "The red line indicates our overall expenses. You can see how it increases dramatically."

“Coinciding exactly with the time we purchased these airships.” Anderson never missed an opportunity to express his disapproval of the project.

Larbonne nodded in grudging acknowledgment but otherwise ignored his teammate’s sarcasm. “Oui, but see here how that trend is leveling off? This is a result of the liquidation of our underperforming assets."

“Our reliable assets like trucks, planes, and ships.” Anderson snorted.

Larbonne rolled his eyes. “The divesture has proven necessary and prudent.” He continued, “You can see how the green of our consolidated revenue stream is also trending upward. We project a return to profitability within the next eighteen to twenty-four months.”

“Two years is an eternity in this business, Dominique.” Anderson’s expected objection was right on cue. “GML will never last that long!”

Ranell had heard it all before. He was tired. “Stop it, stop it. I get it." He rolled his neck, trying to work some of the kinks out.

Seemingly unable to stop complaining, Anderson followed up with more bad news. “Here’s the real problem, as I see it.”

Ranell felt his shoulders slump. What is it now?