The boardroom fell silent. The old man stood, thanked his lifelong friend and said, "So, if we are all in agreement, we shall go ahead with this endeavor."

The youngest man in the room cleared his throat. "I disagree."

"I don't understand," the old man replied.

"I have a different opinion. I disagree with the consensus. I would like the opportunity to debate this point further before we make a decision."

Someone knocked on the door. "Come in," the old man called out.

The door opened quickly. Three men stepped inside. They wore crisp black suits and carried semi-automatic rifles. They looked at the company men sitting around the conference table. Their eyes came to rest on the youngest. "I would ask your name," the first man said, "but it simply doesn't matter. You will come with me."

"But why?" the young man asked.

"No questions," the man replied. "Follow these two men outside while I collect and destroy your work."

The young man glanced down at the small notebook in front of him. "Destroy my work, what?"

The two men raised their rifles and convinced the young man to follow them into the hallway. He glanced over his shoulder and watched the first man pick up his notebook. The man pulled a lighter from his pocket and set fire to the pages. He then dropped the burning book on the conference table and left the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Inside, the boardroom fell silent. The old man, still standing, thanked everyone for their patience and said, "So, if we are all in agreement, we shall go ahead with this endeavor."

The company men gave their silent consent.