Linda Watson was on a career path to an executive promotion.


    She had a reputation for a ruthless work ethic. Her direct reports often feared requesting time off or lessening their workloads. She was recently responsible for advocating that the board of directors lay off over 10,000 employees, saving the company''s stakeholders hundreds of millions of dollars.


    "Linda, Mr. Chambers would like to speak with you privately," said Lachelle Jackson, his chief of staff.


    Linda knocked on his office door.


    "Come in," said Mr. Chambers.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    She entered …


    "Good morning Linda, please close the door behind you and have a seat."


    She did as he requested.


    "Linda, it''s about time I promoted you. How would you like to join the executive rank?"


    "Oh, I don''t know what to say." She smiled. "Of course, I would love to."


    "You''ve done very well for us, Linda, but … but …"


    "Mr. Chambers?"


    "No, stop that! No, I won''t! She''s one of our best!"


    "Mr. Chambers, what''s wrong? Why are you talking to yourself?"


    "Linda, you''re fired."


    "What?" She gasped and stood up.


    "I can''t resist it, Linda. After that new Stakeholder Capitalism law, every executive must ingest an Ethics Chip. I''ve lost control. The voice, it won''t stop … I''m sorry Linda, you''re terminated. Good luck."