Gulliver's Travel to the Moon E-Book

Carl Maria Stifter

• Herausgeber: novum publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 208

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

The satirical economic thriller "Gulliver's Travel to the Moon" humorously sheds light on the intrigues and criminal machinations of a global technology company that is led by corruption, cronyism and unscrupulousness of its executives to the brink of the abyss. AMIGO AG, an internationally operating German company, is in trouble, which is why a new CEO is appointed, the management team is replaced and production sites are to be relocated abroad. However, all the company's corrupt dealings, which extend into the political sphere, are ultimately uncovered – with the help of a groundbreaking innovation from the company's own medical technology laboratory. Gulliver, a protagonist and himself a member of the board of directors of the aforementioned company, is instrumental in this.

Leseprobe

Any inconsistencies in the text are due to the fact that it was translated using computer-aided technology for a company-wide study.

© 2025 novum publishing gmbh

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Dedication

Dedicated to my dear Brigitte,

who could motivate me to tell this story

Summary

"Gulliver's Journey to the Moon" sheds light on the intrigues and criminal machinations of a global technology company that is led to the edge of the abyss by the corruption, cronyism and unscrupulousness of its executives.

Gulliver, a board member, uncovers these machinations and takes the reader on a humorous but critical journey through the world of corporate management.

An amusing satirical comedy that provides an illuminating insight into the executive floors of management cultures.

AMIGO AG

AMIGO AG, a DAX-listed technology group, is regarded as one of Germany's flagship companies. With over 75 locations worldwide and almost 650,000 employees, the Group is also considered an international heavyweight. With 12 different divisions across the Group, ranging from medical technology to industrial and building automation, power generation and distribution, mobile ICT solutions, trains and transportation systems of all kinds, AMIGO AG generates annual sales of almost EUR 82 billion.

Since its IPO in the USA nine months ago and its seat on the White House Economic Committee, AMIGO AG has risen to become a genuine global player.

The gazettes are full of praise for the growing success of the Munich-based company. Even the New York Times writes: "We welcome this unique German technology powerhouse to the United States!"

Unfortunately, AMIGO HQ in Munich has recently had to contend with allegations of corruption and charges of alleged cartel agreements. The allegations, which were initially played down by the company management, are proving to be increasingly persistent.

As the number of criminal charges for "black accounts" continues to rise, insiders now agree that a tsunami is brewing.

They should be proved right! Since the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently filed criminal charges against AMIGO AG for price fixing and corruption, the worst is to be expected.

This is where the real story begins.

Bad news

Gulliver Reisaus sits in his office on Hohenzollernstrasse in Munich and reads the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Not a day goes by without new horror stories about AMIGO AG appearing in the newspapers. Gulliver has been working for this German flagship company for 14 years and has even made it to the boardroom in his role as Head of Marketing and Communications.

As his uncle, Heini Ballflach, was the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AMIGO AG until six years ago, Gulliver is regarded as the protected bird of paradise and has consciously cultivated this status. His colorful suits, elegant hats and purple Porsche are now his trademark. He has long since broken away from the prevailing civil servant culture and acquired his own dose of sarcasm. As it's hard to get rid of him for political reasons, he has been repeatedly praised for years.

Gulliver is glued to an article in the Süddeutsche newspaper. He knows that Heinrich Binoben, his uncle's successor, has set off for Carinthia this morning.

The Österreichische Kronen Zeitung puts it in a nutshell:Carinthia in free fall - economically only in eighth place among the nine federal states - from primus inter pares to persona non grata!

After yesterday's storming of Klagenfurt town hall by radicalized citizens, the police command requested assistance from Salzburg. It took a large contingent of police to free the town hall from the violent squatters at around 17:00.

The mayor of Klagenfurt understands the economic plight of many citizens, but is appalled by the unscrupulous actions of the demonstrators. "We still live in a civilized country and not in the jungle!"

Hubertus-Schlösserl, Wörthersee, Carinthia

The sun slowly rises majestically over the historic Hubertus-Schlösserl on Lake Wörthersee. Almost silently, the first excursion steamer leaves the jetty at Metnitzstrand. The bow waves glisten playfully in the still flat sun.

It is 10:00 in the morning. A conspiratorial meeting with Austria's most influential families is planned at the Hubertus-Schlösserl. Since the unfortunate death of the governor of Carinthia, who for years successfully managed to attract major banks and industry to the Klagenfurt area, and who brought prosperity to the country and the moneyed aristocracy through a favorable tax climate, Carinthia has been on the decline. The promising partyBündnis Futura Österreich (BFÖ)has sunk into insignificance and is no longer visible at federal level. According to the moneyed aristocracy, this development is primarily due to the policies of the new provincial governor.

He is not fond of high finance, shows little political sensitivity and is not very enthusiastic about what his predecessor left him.

AMIGO AG from Munich is the largest industrial investor in Carinthia with four production sites and over 85,000 employees; its sales volume corresponds to 67% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Carinthia and just under 20% of the GDP of Austria as a whole. The three most influential families hold 45% of the shares in AMIGO AG Austria via a foundation, which in turn is a subsidiary of AMIGO AG Germany.

As a result of the corruption scandal uncovered by the US authorities in AMIGO AG's three strongest main countries, the German parent company is almost unable to act due to the expected penalties,lawsuits and the threat of market exclusions; the management is extremely nervous. Accompanied by the fact that the CEO left the AG five days ago and is being sought by the police, the Austrian families are now fearing for their money and influence.

The representative of the three investor families, Helga Raffzahn, and the former paternal advisor (VB) to the late governor, Justus Einfluss, sit in the marble hall of the art nouveau villa "Hubertus-Schlösserl" and wait for the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AMIGO AG.

In order to regain power andinfluence, the investor families have spent nights discussing a joint proposal that they would like to make palatable to the expected visitor today.

The heavy car driven by a chauffeur can be heard gurgling dully on the driveway, displacing the gravel. Both waiting guests rise and make their way downstairs to the foyer, which is decorated with hunting trophies, to give the guest a proper welcome. The chauffeur opens the door of the Maybach and Dr. Heinrich Binoben, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AMIOGO AG, gets out. His expression is anything but carefree. The tailored suit with silk pocket square (white with red initials) gleams in the sun; they greet each other curtly but warmly.

The heavy entrance door slams shut and the group of three retreats to the upper marble hall.

After offering refreshments, they get down to business relatively quickly; all three are seated at the table. The men's cufflinks touch the marble table at the same time with a uniform "click".

Everyone picks up their prepared exposé.

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Heinrich Binoben, looks into the audience with a serious expression and begins to speak with thinly pursed lips: "The corruption affair is like a shockwave that is catapulting our entire Group to the brink (his diamond-studded signet ring flashes in the incoming sun). The German Chancellor has already warned meto resolve the problem with the US Securities and Exchange Commission quickly - Germany cannot afford any more bilateral tensions with its big American partner. Among many other things, this problem must therefore be resolved with the highest priority. In my opinion, this can only be done with a radical new start, i.e. a new CEO must be appointed and the management team must be completely replaced. This is the only way to restore confidence and reassure the US Securities and Exchange Commission. This is essential so that investors' capital is safe and the fresh start bears fruit for everyone, at least in the medium term."

He looks around; both nod. "But how are you supposed to conjure a new CEO with this kind of stature out of a hat in a hurry?"

The VB speaks up: "Dear Heinrich, we are well aware of your situation and we have thought long and hard about how we can best help you and AMIGO AG. The great-nephew of our late governor has been working in leading positions abroad for years and is extremely well connected with the US authorities. He is now a recognized diplomatic mastermind for tricky situations and could certainly use his connections at the US Securities and Exchange Commission on our behalf. He is extremely assertive, has political flair, is loyal and capable of suffering! His name is Adolf Kreuzbrecher ... ha, ha ... nomen est omen!"

Heinrich keeps a straight face: "Where is the man now?" VB: "He's currently working in the USA, but he's coming to Lake Wörthersee next week for a sort of 'furlough' (grin) ..." Heinrich looks hesitantly at the tabletop and plays nervously with hisem pearlescent fountain pen.

The representative of the investor families speaks up with a charming smile: "Dear Heinrich, I am speaking to you as the current ombudswoman of our joint foundation, Inter-Alpin. I think you know her very well; I have to tell you honestly, I'm realizing more and more that I'm actually too old for this job. Let me put it in a nutshell. We could very well imagine you taking over the chairmanship of the Foundation Board in the future." Heinrich looks at the marble table with a mock serious expression. "Heinrich, wouldn't that be the perfect "Austragshäuserl" for your life after AMIGO AG?" She puts on her charming Austrian smile again, looks him firmly in the eye and bends her ample cleavage low over the table.

Heinrich returns the look and turns his poker face into a broad smile: "Helga, with so much charm, it's probably hard for any man to say no ...! But first we have a few tasks to solve here!" Helga folds her hands in front of her cleavage in delight.

Heinrich leafs through his notebook: "I could offer to meet with Mr. Kreuzbrecher next week ..." VB: "I've already taken the liberty of reserving two possible dates. How about Wednesday or Thursday? I think it would be best if you met back here in the Foundation House ... you'll be undisturbed."

Heinrich nods expressively. "I would introduce you to each other and then retire ... I think that would make the most sense ..." Heinrich nods a second time.

Helga briefly interjects: "Dear Heinrich, before I forget, at the end of next month we'll be celebrating our foundation anniversary at the Jagd-Schlösserl; this year the who's who of business and politics have been invited ... my Gusterl always says: 'Österreich AG' is doing the honors. We would be more than happy to have you among us, please say yes ..." A hopeful look with a twinkle in his eye at Heinrich; Heinrich nods reliably a third time.

The new prototype

AMIGO AG, Development Department for Medical Technology, Measurement Technology Department, Stuttgart

AMIGO AG's medical technology department is located in an extensive industrial area with countless sober industrial buildings in the greater Stuttgart area. In the basement, in the so-called Block 5, there is a large hall with various technical test setups. You can hear the electrical whirring and constantly repeating signal noises of the technical devices used. The neon lighting and daylight from the shafts mingle, several engineers in white coats sit in front of computers or work on experimental setups.

Four people are sitting in a meeting room separated by a glass wall: the development manager, two engineers and an Indian trainee. An image of a technical test set-up is projected onto the wall. We see the development manager stand up, close the door and darken the glass walls with a curtain.

Two engineers present the test results from the current project with the code name "Hirnläpple" in broad Swabian.

One of them, Wilfried, explains: "The latest tests have produced astonishing results. The latest setup for brainwave measurements makes it possible to turn sensors into actuators. In other words, brain waves can be specifically stimulated via the synapse endings. This is achieved by stimulating the synaptic carriers with high-frequency modulation. The effect is that the temporary hyperactivation can reverse the pathological characteristics of a living being. Let me give you an example: Depression becomes high spirits, restraint becomes exuberance, hyperactivity becomes passivity, restraint becomes dominance, etc." Indian trainee Samir, nicknamed IT-Ra Gandhi, emphasizes: "We are currently only stimulating temporarily, i.e. we don't yet know what the long-term effects of the stimulation will be. Long-term tests would have to be carried out for that!"

Herbert, the second engineer, summarizes: "I think we all agree that the potential applications of such technology are almost unlimited, could help many people, but also has considerable criminal potential!"

Dieter Immerda, the long-standing Head of Development, listens to the results with rapt attention. His mind begins to work; he sits silently at the table and stares at the documents. After a short time, he explains: "Dear colleagues, thank you for your presentation. But let's call it a day. I would ask you to be back here tomorrow at the same time. Please keep the prototype absolutely confidential. I'll tell you why tomorrow ... I'm relying on you!" Wilfried, Herbert and Samir nod at the same time. The team leaves the room as one.

The interview

Dr. Heinrich Binoben is sitting in his chauffeur-driven car and is on his way back to the Hubertus-Schlösserl on Lake Wörthersee to meet Mr. Kreuzbrecher for the first time for an interview.

He leafs through his crocodile leather signature folder, unfocused and pale-faced. Events have come thick and fast in recent weeks. New international corruption complaints are piling up daily from the private sector, but worse still, also from the "public sector" in Argentina, Brazil, India, Russia and most threateningly from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the SEC. A penalty of USD 2 billion has been announced there. The current legal costs already amount to EUR 1.5 million per day.

Mr. Binoben gets stuck on a statement of claim: "Violation of antitrust law due to price agreements in the subsidy sector." His breath catches in his throat. He had hoped that this chalice would pass him by. Heinrich speaks quietly to himself: "If this also comes out now, then we're screwed ...!" His face is covered in neurodermitic red spots and cold sweat. He quickly swallows one of his pills from a mother-of-pearl box in the inside pocket of his jacket.

The heavy carriage drives along the avenue and reaches the driveway of the Hubertus-Schlösserl. The fatherly advisor (VB) comes out of the front door with outstretched arms and welcomes Heinrich Binoben in a companionable manner. Behind him, a lean, tall, well-dressed, gray-haired person appears, reserved and reverent and slightly bent forward: it is Adolf Kreuzbrecher.

Heinrich Binoben, accompanied by the VB, walks up the entrance stairs with a firm step. The VB introduces them to each other. Adolf Kreuzbrecher greets Heinrich Binoben with a firm handshake and a direct look.

All three gentlemen disappear upstairs into the marble hall. The VB waits until everyone has entered and says goodbye at the door with the words: "I think you need a chaperone ...! I'm off to the orangery ...!" Binoben nods.

They both take their seats and Heinrich Binoben begins to speak: "Mr. Kreuzbrecher, first of all, thank you for interrupting your vacation to talk to us. I don't think I need to introduce myself, as I'm sure you've already been informed about everything. I make no secret of how difficult the situation is at the moment for AMIGO AG and for me as interim CEO and Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Especially when you knew nothing about all the unpleasant things. Our former CEO has been relieved of all duties and is in an unknown location.

I can and will only get this company back on track with a radical new start. This is the basic prerequisite for regaining the trust of customers and investors (plays nervously with his mother-of-pearl fountain pen set with diamonds). By a radical new start, I mean in particular the replacement of the entire management team. The new CEO has a decisive role to play here. He must be a leading figure both internally and externally, he must stand uncompromisingly for compliance and cultural change and represent this unimpeachably in his actions.

We therefore need a leader with unwavering assertiveness who knows how to operate on the international stage and already has the right network of business and political decision-makers. There can be no compromises here!" Binoben raises his head and looks Adolf Kreuzbrecher in the eye.

Adolf Kreuzbrecher calmly withstands Binoben's authoritarian gaze. Adolf Kreuzbrecher's eyes are so cold that Heinrich Binoben feels shivery.

Mr. Kreuzbrecher begins to speak (Austrian dialect): "In my career, I have already managed to successfully implement two ground-up renovations; renovations always need a reason, after all. The first was because of 'bribe', as the Americans say. With such fundamental restructurings, you have to rely on a high level of loyalty from the closest management circle. Internal and external lobbying is just as important. The union, i.e. works councils, must be involved; externally, you can only win the buy-in of investors, customers and authorities with action. There is no hiding and not a single misstep is allowed!"

Heinrich Binoben is impressed and leans forward: "How good are your contacts with the US Securities and Exchange Commission?" Adolf Kreuzbrecher speaks more quietly: "In the last criminal proceedings, which were also initiated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, I got to know the head, Mr. Schwarzenfelder. We worked together for months and in the end I was able to reduce the sentence to a third of the requested penalty. This was only possible by demonstrably replacing the entire central management board and introducing transparent compliance processes on a sustainable basis. Mr. Schwarzenfelder is half-American with Austrian roots." The expression on Adolf Kreuzbrecher's face remains serious.

Binoben opens his crocodile leather folder and makes a note. At the same time, he estimates the potential savings in his head (from USD 2 billion to approx. USD 700 million) - he thinks:A person can't earn that much that it wouldn't be worthwhile for AMIGO AG ...

"Mr. Kreuzbrecher, what is your current professional situation, when would you theoretically be available?"

Adolf Kreuzbrecher: "As you know, any contract in the USA can be terminated at any time. It's always a question of the amount of compensation. My current Central Managing Board contract runs for another two years and three months."

Heinrich Binoben makes another note: "What is your current salary, including bonuses, shares, etc.?" Adolf Kreuzbrecher: "Averaged and simply put, around USD 6 million." Heinrich Binoben makes a note of the sum, unimpressed.

"Could you even imagine taking on such a challenge as CEO of AMIGO AG?" Adolf Kreuzbrecher: "I wouldn't hesitate for a second!" He leans forward: "If you intend to make use of my services, you shouldn't wait too long. I know that AMIGO AG is currently the central issue with the US authorities. I am far from putting pressure on you, but a constructive response from AMIGO AG is required within the next two weeks. Otherwise the sentence will be set in concrete, you know what I mean!"

"Could you help us at all in this short time frame to influence the amount of the sentence?" Adolf Kreuzbrecher: "I could definitely achieve a postponement with regard to the official application for the sentence, but then AMIGO AG would have to act quickly!"

Binoben jumps up and shakes hands with Mr. Kreuzbrecher: "You're our man! Please tell me the amount of the contract compensation in the next few days. I will send you a five-year CEO contract by the day after tomorrow. I think the total package will be more than worth your services." Adolf Kreuzbrecher chimes in and keeps a straight face: "Here's to a good working relationship."

They both leave the Marble Hall and walk down the staircase towards the exit. In the foyer, the VB comes towards them: "No, I've been told ... I'm off!"

Adolf Kreuzbrecher accompanies Heinrich Binoben to the car: "Tomorrow is the Supervisory Board meeting, where I will announce our agreement. I'll see you there, goodbye!" Another handshake.

The heavy limousine speeds away with flying pebbles.

The new CEO

HQ AMIGO AG, in front of the Palais am Zollamt, Munich

The news of the appointment of a new CEO from Austria for AMIGO AG is the central topic in all the media. The gazettes are overflowing with research into how this rapid change has come about. Childhood, parental home, marital status, career ... everything is scrutinized and commented on.

The Kreuzbrecher family originally came from a working-class background in the Klagenfurt area. Kreuzbrecher's father, the youngest of nine siblings, studied law and was the only one who managed to free himself from the family's social status. As a Carinthian, he quickly made a name for himself in politics and business. His good reputation led him through various political mandates to become an advisor to the Austrian Chancellor.

His son, Adolf Kreuzbrecher, had access to Austria's "high society" after completing his business studies thanks to his father. This was his springboard for an international career abroad, which he spent mainly in the USA. His unceasing commitment to Carinthia and finding foreign investors for a wide range of industries earned him the Austrian Order of the Countryman 1st Class.

Adolf Kreuzbrecher has earned a reputation in international business circles as an advocate of business ethics and morality, is considered to have integrity and is a welcome speaker at international business forums.

Adolf Kreuzbrecher is married and has two grown-up sons who currently live in the USA.

The press has certainly given Adolf Kreuzbrecher advance praise and is eagerly awaiting his official enthronement.

After a week, the time has come. The new CEO introduces himself and his new close-knit management team to the public.

Gulliver doesn't know what hit him. Three days ago, Heinrich Binoben suddenly called him into his office and announced that he was the new Marketing Officer as a member of the new management team. Although Gulliver is delighted, he is skeptical about his appointment for various reasons. He has simply known AMIGO AG for too long.

It's a sunny but windy day and two flags with the new AMIGO AG logo are flying at an angle next to the balcony: white, red and gold.

The lectern in the middle of the staircase is lined with two large bouquets of flowers and a red carpet from the entrance to the lectern. Below the stairs are barriers, behind them cameras, press people, loudspeaker boxes; security people to the left and right; a second barrier line for the public, behind it police, press and ambulances.

The door to the palace is opened. It is similar to the Vatican, only the white smoke is missing. It becomes quiet on the forecourt; Heinrich Binoben and Adolf Kreuzbrecher are the first to emerge from the front door, followed by the new management staff.

The gentlemen wear dark blue suits. Ms. van Hinton, as the new HR manager, wears a dark blue suit, the suits of Mr. Abschuß as the newly appointed Operations Manager and Mr. Freifall as the Finance Minister gleam greasy in the sun. Only Mr. Schmerzfrei's suit as the new Sales Officer appears to be new. The ties are uniformly red with gold threads, matching the new logo.

Ms van Hinton wears a color-coordinated silk scarf instead of a tie. Gulliver's tie as the new marketing officer is also red, but enriched with appliqués of little white bunnies, which are flanked by amatching handkerchief with the same motifs. Ms. van Hinton raises her toes slightly to accidentally show off the red leather soles of her EUR 3,000 Louboutin shoes.

Heinrich Binoben strides proudly and resolutely to the lectern, which is littered with microphones from various media channels. His graying right-parted hair is alternately lifted by the wind. Adolf Kreuzbrecher stands next to him, one step behind.

Heinrich begins: "Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure -he brushes his windblown hair out of his face, slightly exasperated, and touches a few microphones with his rose gold-plated Hublot watch, muffled scratching noise- it gives me great pleasure to present our new CEO and the entire management team to you today.