The Chess Master

(A short fiction inspired by my good brother and former classmate at POMNATHS 989, Mr. Gordon Sailas)

The institution was revered as a fortress of knowledge, its walls steeped in tradition and its reputation unassailable. Yet beneath the polished veneer, the battle to secure the future raged silently. It was not fought in classrooms or boardrooms but in the wandering corridors of Human Resources. Here, the Chess Master reigned supreme.

Malcolm Raines did not look like a warrior. His tailored suits and understated ties whispered rather than shouted authority. But behind the mild-mannered fa?ade lay a mind honed for strategy—a predator in the jungle of talent acquisition. Raines had earned his moniker not from board games played in leisure but from the deadly precision with which he moved his pieces.

It was Monday morning, and Raines surveyed his office—an arena of dossiers, resumes, and psychological profiles. His secretary, Ms. Greer, placed a steaming cup of coffee on his desk. “The candidates for the Dean of Engineering position are waiting,” she said.

“How many made it to the final round?” Raines asked without looking up.

“Three, sir. Top of their fields.”

He nodded, his fingers tapping a rhythm against the oak desk. Three contenders. Three pawns. But only one would ascend the board to become the X factor.

The first candidate, Dr. Alvin Masters, strode into the room with the confidence of a man accustomed to applause. His credentials were impeccable, his speeches were charismatic. Yet, as Raines probed, a flaw emerged. Masters reveled in his own brilliance, a king who would surround himself with sycophants rather than innovators. Raines dismissed him mentally, a pawn too proud to serve.

The second, Professor Elena Voss, was a study in contradictions. Her research was groundbreaking, her demeanor unassuming. She answered Raines’ questions with precision, but her eyes betrayed her—a flicker of hesitation, a shadow of doubt. Raines leaned back in his chair, his mind already calculating. Voss had the potential to be a knight, unpredictable but invaluable. Still, her uncertainty made her a risky gamble.

Then came the third: Dr. Simon Keane. If Raines’ office was a chessboard, Keane entered like a bishop—sharp, angled, cutting through pretense with ruthless efficiency. His resume was shorter than the others, but his achievements spoke louder. His answers were measured, his gaze tireless. Here was a player who understood the game, a piece that could adapt, evolve, and dominate.

When the interviews concluded, Raines returned to his desk. The sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows across his office. He stared at the profiles before him, the weight of his decision heavy but familiar. He reached for his pen, making notes in sharp, deliberate strokes.

By the time Ms. Greer returned, the Chess Master had moved his pieces.

“Prepare the offer letter for Dr. Keane,” he said. “And arrange a meeting with the others. We’ll find roles for them elsewhere. They’re too valuable to let go.”

As she left, Raines allowed himself a rare smile. The board was set, and the moves played. Once again, he had secured the institution’s future with the precision of a master strategist.

The battle would never end, but for today, the Chess Master had won.

(Soundtrack: Mike Dero & Gentlemen - In Your Place)

About the author

Akilino Powesiu ??? is a skilled web content writer and Communication & Creative Solutions Specialist at IBSUniversity. Self-taught and experienced, he excels in crafting engaging articles for various websites, including hausples.com.pg and Be Pacific Digital Agency. His insightful pieces have even been featured in notable newspapers like the Post Courier and The National. In his free time, Akilino enjoys reading ?? and watching movies ??, drawing inspiration from diverse excerpts.