The announcer's voice filled the auditorium: "Ladies and gentlemen, vice president and general counsel, Martin Cohn."
Amid quick applause and murmurs, Martin greeted the audience. The Wallaby logo appeared, projected brightly behind him on a huge screen hanging above center stage.
"This day will mark an important juncture in Wallaby's history," Martin said. "A few months ago we announced a strategic alliance with International Computer Products, the world's largest manufacturer of computer products."
The ICP initials materialized beside the Wallaby logo.
"As a result of our announcement, sales of the Joey II computer have skyrocketed, exceeding in just two months the previous year's total sales."
The audience applauded, and the screen changed to a picture of the Joey II sitting beside an ICP desktop computer.
"Today we have an announcement that will ensure that both Wallaby and ICP continue to grow and profit together."
There was a dead silence, and a photo of William Harrell's smiling face filled the overhead screen. "Now it's my pleasure to introduce William Harrell, chairman of International Computer Products."
A murmur ensued throughout the audience. Though Martin Cohn usually started off the meetings, it was always to introduce Matthew Locke.
Martin stepped aside, and William crossed the stage. The audience applauded mildly and stopped once William arrived at the podium.