CHAPTER 19


 

SOLARIA KNEW she was taking a chance talking to the man behind the counter but decided it was the only way she could locate the records she needed. The Bureau of Community Planning oversaw construction of all commercial sites for the past thirty years. The Future Dynamicon site had relocated to Washington State fifteen years ago after having exhausted its expansion capabilities and good will in Southern California. Even with all the power and pressure they thought they could weld over local politicians, they misjudged the determination of the people in the area. The constant verbal attacks and protests about their government and military involvement made the City Council uncomfortable. Accusations of spying and intimidation of employees and fear by local businesses that the Company intended to expand beyond their existing boundaries had created an unacceptable environment for Future Dynamicon. Knowing the situation would escalate if he didn't do something, Stalling recommended to the Board members that they relocate to another state: one that had enough open land where they could expand without local problems, especially if the Company could offer incentives to the political engines in the area and entice the locals into believing they had just won the billion dollar lottery because of job opportunities and benefits.

It didn't take much for the people of Temple, Washington to embrace the idea of having a huge corporation on their back steps, especially since the town had been losing its young to the big cities for years. With the opportunity of acquiring work at a decent pay and benefits, they were more than ready to welcome Future Dynamicon. Fifteen years later, many of the original enthusiasts had their doubts.

Over time the original townspeople discovered that working for the Company meant giving up many of their rights, especially privacy rights. Disclosure contracts, arbitration contracts, employment contracts prohibiting dismissed or fired employees from taking on jobs in similar occupations without the Company's permission (which was never given) made it almost impossible to find outside work unless they moved several states away. Even then Future Dynamicon's influence was far reaching and many discovered they were unemployable no matter where they went. The lesson to the remaining workers was "Don't cross the Company. Do your jobs, keep your complaints to yourselves and you can lead a relatively comfortable life." Most accepted the terms without complaint.

Still, no matter how big and powerful the Company was, the one thing they couldn't get around was submitting the proper paperwork outlining specific details of the buildings and infrastructure being planned on the thousand acre site. Too many companies had been involved in the design, implementation and construction to keep any of the structures secretive. Of course, Solaria realized there was a lot that could have been done over the years that was not permitted by the local government, especially considering the size of the establishment. The add-ons would have to be dealt with at the time they were uncovered.

"Really, Ms. Dudley, it's going to take me several hours to isolate those records. They've been archived for years; not to mention the computer shows they're now classified. I'd lose my job if I allowed an unauthorized person to look at them."

"I understand Mr. Timmons but I do have the proper authorization and this is a priority issue. Future Dynamicon is concerned about a security leak and needs to make sure every possibility is covered. Would you like me to call Mr. Stalling to confirm my credentials?"

Sweating profusely, Joey Timmons wasn't sure what to do now. The I.D. she had flashed at him looked official and the brown haired, brown eyed woman certainly matched the photo. Winston Stalling was known for his intolerance when unnecessary interruptions disturbed his busy schedule and had chastised many a public employee for their lack of cooperation with his agents. Chastisement was a nice word for being fired or demoted.

"No, no," he replied nervously. "It's just going to take time."

"How much time?" Solaria asked, giving a symbolic glance at the clock on the wall.

"A few hours, that's all," Timmons promised.

"I see. Well, I guess I'll just call Mr. Stalling and let him know he's going to have to wait awhile longer."

Taking out a cell phone she pretended to dial a number.

"Wait! I didn't know it was that important. Give me fifteen minutes. I think I can have them for you."

Smiling her thanks Solaria wandered around the office as Timmons scurried from the room, wiping his sweaty palms on his pant legs. As promised, fifteen minutes later he rushed through the door carrying several rolled up documents in his arms. Dumping them on the desk, he picked through them and pulled out three.

"Here!" he exclaimed, holding them up proudly. "The original site plan and blueprints, the modifications done about seven years ago and the latest from last year."

"Very good, Mr. Timmons. Now if you don't mind, I'll just take a quick look at each one to make sure they are what you say they are."

"Sure."

Unrolling the first one, he stood back and let the woman see them. When she nodded, he rolled it back up and then did the same with the second and third.

"They all seem to be in order. You've done a very good job of keeping them in good condition. I'll let Mr. Stalling know how efficient and cooperative you've been."

Timmons beamed at the compliment.

"Thank you, Ms. Dudley."

"You're welcome. Now, one more thing, my visit here is confidential. I serve Mr. Stalling at his pleasure and no one else's. Do you understand what I mean?"

Timmons nodded his head up and down vigorously.

"Good. If anyone... and I mean anyone other than Mr. Stalling comes in here to ask about this little episode, you are instructed to tell them nothing. This meeting did not exist. Mr. Stalling has some concerns about the reliability of a few of his security personnel and Homeland Security. We're trying to determine who has been leaking top secret information."

"Wow! That serious?"

"Yes, that serious. If you were to disclose any information about my visit or even hint of anything out of the ordinary, well, I'm not sure we could get to you and protect you before something happened."

Timmons swallowed.

"I... I see what you mean. Tell Mr. Stalling he can count on me."

"I believe you. Thank you again Mr. Timmons. You have no idea of the importance of the service you've just provided. I'm sure after all this is over, you'll be amply rewarded for your help."

Giving him a polite smile, Solaria left. The information she needed was now stored in one of her processors. She would retrieve it later when she had time to review it more thoroughly.