Chapter 7

Madge and Shane had created what they considered a final review copy of the Operating Agreement for our real estate LLC, and provided it to us. We reviewed it and agreed with them. Shane would submit it to the state with the other submissions that he would have us sign once the state informed us that the LLC’s processing was complete.

Things were progressing and we were very close to the date we needed to begin preparing for the next meeting. We had received our long-lead items from Alibaba and our other suppliers, and we stored the equipment in our warehouses.

When Alicia had initially called Alibaba to schedule one of their crews to disassemble our two tents and flooring, she had been informed that Alibaba had decided to discontinue the expandable line of tents that they sold some time in the coming year. She had been told that if we wanted additional fifty meter wide end sections or expansion modules, we should order what we needed now before they discontinued that line of tents.

We decided to order two additional fifty meter end sections and enough of the fifty meter wide, ten meter long expansion modules for extending the meeting tent to its new length. We also increased that number by two expansion modules so we could set up a larger media tent due to there being a larger number of media personnel being allowed in the meeting area. In the future, that should allow us to set up three large tents for any embassy function we may host.

We also decided to film the disassembly and set up process that Alibaba used when they disassembled our tents and flooring after the last meeting and when they set up the tents and flooring for the next meeting. We had already filmed the disassembly process.

The films could be used by Edgar’s people to learn how to disassemble and set up the tents. When the next meeting ended, we would have Edgar’s people remove and pack the PVC roof and PVC side panels in their storage bags, and they could disassemble the support frames and store the parts in their storage bags. We would store the tents’ components in our warehouses, until the embassy warehouse was built across the street. The six end sections and expansion modules should be adequate for any outdoor functions that the embassy may wish to hold in the future.

The aluminum frames of the end sections and expansion modules were virtually indestructible, if handled appropriately. But the PVC roof and side panels would eventually deteriorate. We could always use the PVC coverings as a pattern and have similar coverings made using more durable materials that we believed would be available to us in the future.

(Author’s Note: When I first researched meeting tents for the story, I found Alibaba and settled on their expandable tent product line for use in the story. They made tents in various widths and for each width, you could add as many ten meter long expansion modules as needed to create a tent that was as long as you desired. That seemed like an ideal concept to me.

When writing Part 4 of the story, I decided some heat and air conditioning would be appropriate for the delegates. I checked Alibaba’s web site to see what type of insulated coverings they offered for the fifty meter wide tents I had selected. I discovered Alibaba had apparently discontinued the product line.

When I read a story, I will often check the areas, buildings, locations, etc., that the story mentions to form an accurate image of the author’s description. So I knew some of my readers were likely to check Alibaba’s website, and they wouldn’t find the expandable tents I described. So I added the above content and this note.)

When I stop and think about what is involved in setting up, disassembling, and storing a tent of this type, I find myself wondering if the related costs are worth the advantages. That may have contributed to Alibaba’s decision to discontinue the product line.

I called Edgar about the IT Department needing office space.

“Edgar, I need a quick job taken care of here at our headquarters building. We have a Support Division that includes all of the maintenance activities necessary for maintaining the building and its equipment.

“Currently they are all working in a basement with no designated area for their functions. What they need are certain areas to be sectioned off with walls and within those areas they need a few offices and work areas. Right now, the most important function needing a designated space is the IT Department.

“We should have a sketch of what is needed by late tomorrow. Hopefully, you can build those walls and offices for us. Can you meet us at the farm the day after tomorrow to go over the sketch?”

“Yes, I’ll be there, Jeb. Is 9:00 AM good for you?”

“Yes. See you then, Edgar.”

On the way home, we discussed Terra’s area. Madge started the discussion with, “I doubt that either one of them has any idea of how much floor space Terra will actually need for her department.

“When I leased my office, I underestimated what I would need, but I managed to survive. We need to make our own sketch of what we think she will need based on our experience and knowledge of JAMP’s growth rate, which is something she is not aware of.

“To start with, Terra is going to need an office that is sound-proofed for discussing personnel matters with her people. Next to or near her office she needs a storage room with space for two file clerks and filing cabinets. We can make that a single room with enough floor space to accommodate two file clerks and a row of three five-drawer lateral filing cabinets on each wall with two rows of back to back lateral filing cabinets down the middle of the room.

“She can start out with two filing cabinets on each wall, and add the others, if and when needed. Her IT techs will need small offices and a large work area. I think she will eventually need three techs for the day shift, safety considerations will require two techs for each of the two night shifts, and two techs off duty. That means nine techs for a minimally staffed rotating shift schedule. Add an additional three techs for illnesses and vacations. That means a total of twelve techs for adequate coverage. She will require six two-man offices right now. I would allocate an additional two offices for future growth, so eight two-man offices.

“If the people in an office are on different shifts, there would only be one person in the office during a shift. We may want to consider building three-man offices for additional expansion.

“Once we get home, we can do a layout with realistic measurements.”

Phyllis said, “I can’t think of why an IT tech would need an office other than a place to wait until they are needed to fix something. I think cubicles would be more than adequate for what they need.

Madge said, “You know what I think of cubicles.”

I said, “The techs need to read technical manuals and study documentation about the advancements in their discipline, so they will need good lighting and cubicles don’t supply that, Phyllis. An office with walls would be far better for the ceiling would support light fixtures. If necessary, their offices could be heated and air conditioned, which would be better than trying to heat and cool the entire basement.”

The next day was busy with us cleaning up a lot of miscellaneous tasks that we had deferred. Quinn dropped his sketch off, and it left out a lot of the things that we discussed last night. We were looking forward to tomorrow morning and our meeting with Edgar. We would have to talk with Quinn about why we didn’t use his sketch.

Edgar arrived at 9:00, and he brought Elba with him, which surprised us. Once we were gathered around the dining room table, Edgar explained her presence.

Edgar said, “You and your wives may not be aware of it, Jeb, but the Planning & Development Services Department in Snohomish requires a building permit for all construction done in commercial buildings. To obtain a permit, you need to submit a drawing of what is to be built. That is why I brought Elba with me.

Elba asked, “What did you have in mind, Jeb?”

I explained the history and circumstances that led to our decision to build a dedicated area for the IT Department. I also told Elba that we would probably need to do additional construction in the basement, but what was needed hadn’t been identified yet.

When I finished, Alicia slid the sketch we made to Elba, and said, “Our building has a common entry point for the power, internet, and telephone lines. Those lines were connected to the equipment that was in place when we bought the building.

“Since then, we positioned a server and other equipment near the original equipment and tied it into the building’s network. There are no walls around the equipment, so we decided we should enclose that area. That also seemed to be the ideal location for the IT Department. We drew a sketch of our ideas and labeled the rooms with their use.

“We overlooked something yesterday. We forgot to measure the area where the equipment is located, and its position on the wall.”

Elba said, “That isn’t a problem, Alicia. I would have to look at your basement any way, and take my own measurements. Usually, people go with cubicles for offices, but you indicated walls on the sketch. Is there a reason for that?”

In a pleasant voice that didn’t display her frustration with the topic of cubicles, Madge said, “The lighting isn’t the best in the basement, and I don’t like cubicles. Regular walls with light fixtures on the ceilings will resolve both of those issues. If possible, we would also like to avoid heating and cooling the entire basement during the non-business hours.”

I looked at Edgar and said, “I guess that delays our plans. Do you have any idea of how long it will take to get the permit?”

He replied, “Based on your sketch, the drawings should be ready in a couple of weeks depending on Elba’s workload. The drawings will have to go through Snohomish’s plan review process, but that should be just a formality for there doesn’t appear to be any load bearing walls to worry about, and you aren’t affecting the structural integrity of the building.

“I would guess three weeks to obtain the permit, and about five or six weeks to finish the construction. What do you think, Elba?”

Elba said, “Depending on what I find and my workload, the drawing package for all the construction mentioned to me will take more than a month. I don’t see a problem with doing the drawing package for this part of the effort within two weeks. My workload mainly depends on whether Jeb and his wives want me to focus on the drawings for this job or the drawing package for their office building.”

Alicia immediately said, “This job takes priority; we can wait.” We all nodded our heads in agreement.”

Edgar said, “Since we are here and Elba will be visiting your headquarters building, I think we should brief Elba on the parking garage you want her to design.”

Madge said, “Okay, but we haven’t come up with a count of how many parking spaces we will need.”

Elba said, “That’s okay, Madge. At this point, all I need is a general idea of what you have in mind. When we are at your building, I can take some photos of the area where you are thinking of putting the garage.

“Jeb, Edgar told me you want a concrete pad for parking a large heavy truck that is away from your house and office building, and that you need walkways to interconnect the pad, building, and your house. A pad away from the building for parking a truck makes no sense to me. Can you give me a better idea why you need the pad, how big it needs to be, and how much weight it needs to support?”

Alicia said, “To be truthful, Elba, we are planning to buy what is known as a hovercar in the Empire when we can find a trader and cut a deal. From what we have been told a hovercar looks like a car, but it flies. We have no idea of how big the vehicle is or how much it weighs. About all we really know is, it is basically a car that flies. That is why we need a pad away from the house and building.

“I should also mention that we will want the roof of the parking garage to be reinforced to serve as a landing area for the hovercar. We can discuss the requirements for housing the hovercar on the roof later.”

“I see. Now that I know that, locating the pad away from buildings makes sense. I suggest that you wait until you know the size and weight of the vehicle before you proceed with the pad. I assume you plan to fly between home and work. Does the FAA allow that?”

“We did a brief review of the FAA’s rules and regulations. They don’t appear to address hovercars, but their rules and regulations do address ultra-light aircraft. The use, size, weight, and operation of an ultra-light aircraft seem to be similar to that of a hovercar. The main differences are the propulsion system and number of passengers.

“The FAA rules and regulations seem to only govern aircraft with wings and propellers, if we ignore jets and gliders. A hovercar has neither of those, so it is in a category of its own that their regulations do not address.

“We plan to apply for certification of the car as a special class of aircraft, and we expect the government to reject the need for a new class of aircraft. If and when that happens, we will start flying our hovercar and wait to see how the government reacts.”

“What will you do if they ban the use of your hovercar?”

“By that time there will be factors that will allow us to continue to use our hovercar and mandate that they create a new class of aircraft.”

Elba said, “Jeb, your jobs are interesting. Do you have anything else that is out of the ordinary?”

My wives and I had a very brief mental conversation. We looked at each other, nodded, and smiled. I looked at Phyllis and said, “Phyllis, I get the feeling that all of us want to keep Elba involved with our future work. If no one objects, I think you should explain the projects that we plan for across the street.”

No one objected, so Phyllis said, “The lot across the street is very large and we also own some of the adjacent lots, which are smaller lots. We plan to trade with the Empire, and that means their freight shuttles will need to land on Earth. On the back third of the lot we want landing pads built for freight shuttles. Right now we have been told a freight shuttle is a lot bigger than the shuttles you saw outside; when loaded with cargo, they’re very heavy. We have no idea of how big the pads need to be or how much weight they will need to support.

“Elba, the next part of what I will tell you is a secret that would cause a lot of problems if word was leaked too early. Can you keep our secret?”

Elba said, “Yes.”

In our heads we heard Mary confirm that Elba and Edgar would keep what we told them a secret. Mary also dropped the bomb that Elba would be joining our relationship in the near future.

Phyllis started describing the work, while the rest of us asked Mary for details of her bombshell. We didn’t get much more information from her. Phyllis seemed to just ignore our mental conversation.

Phyllis said, “On the front two thirds of the lot and adjacent lots, we want to build several buildings and a parking lot. The main building will be an embassy for the individual assigned to Earth as the Empire’s Ambassador to Earth. We have no idea how big the building will be or how many floors will be required. We wouldn’t be surprised if it exceeds forty thousand square feet. There will also be workshops, warehouses, and a parking garage in addition to the visitor parking lot.”

Elba and Edgar looked at each other, and there was total silence for almost a minute.

Elba asked, “Did you know about this, Edgar?”

“No. Jeb said he had a big construction job for me across the street, but he didn’t tell me what it was or how big of a job it would be.”

Edgar said, “This is the first I’ve heard of an Ambassador to Earth, Phyllis. Why would we need an Ambassador?”

Phyllis said, “We believe the Alliance Agreement will be ratified by Earth and sent to the Empire’s government for approval. We have been told that when such an agreement with a planet is approved, the Empire always appoints an Ambassador to the planet.”

Elba looked at us and asked, “Why did you tell us about this now, Phyllis?”

Alicia responded, “Elba, the four of us were very attracted to you on a personal level when we first met and we are still drawn to you for some reason. Do you feel attracted to us and is the attraction for just one of us or for all of us?”

Elba had a fiery red face, but said, “I thought it was just me, so I’ve tried to ignore it. Jeb I could understand. I am not gay or attracted to women, but, I felt an attraction to all four of you. I thought it would pass, but it’s been getting stronger. Do you have any idea why I have those feelings?”

I said, “Yes, we do, Elba, but now is not a good time or place for us to explain it to you.”

Edgar said, “Perhaps it would be a good idea for me step outside and let the five of you work this out.”

Alicia said, “That’s not necessary, Edgar. Elba needs time to get her thoughts sorted out. Once she decides what she wants, it will be time for us to talk.”

Elba said, “What are you trying to tell me, Alicia?”

“Nothing right now, Elba. As I said, you need time to decide what is right for you. The four of us already know what is right for us.”

I could see Elba’s eyes go wide in realization of what Alicia was suggesting. I think Edgar got the same message, but he kept his mouth shut.

We ended our meeting, and Elba and Edgar left. We left to go to our headquarters building for Elba would join us there at 1:30 to take her measurements and to photograph the area where we would build the garage.

At 1:45 PM, the five of us were gathered in the basement. Elba agreed with us that the lighting was just barely adequate. Elba made a sketch of the basement, and then she used her laser distance meter to measure distances in the basement. Surprisingly, she measured the entire basement.

Phyllis said, “I thought you would only measure the area where you will build the walls for the IT Department.”

Elba said, “Jeb said that you were likely use my firm to do further construction in the basement. From what I see and know of other buildings, that is probably true. For example, there is no employee break area in the basement and the restrooms are probably not adequate for the work environment. Since I’m here, I might as well measure the entire basement, so I won’t have to return.”

Phyllis asked, “What do you mean by the bathrooms not being adequate for the work environment?”

Elba replied, “What I see appears to be two basic restrooms, and they are probably each equipped with a single toilet and sink with a urinal in the men’s restroom.

“Building maintenance workers typically have special requirements. They can be exposed to chemicals that will harm them if not removed in a timely manner. So their restrooms will probably need showers and a change room with lockers. More than one toilet will probably be needed in each restroom, which means stalls for privacy, but a single urinal may be adequate.”

Phyllis just nodded in response, so Elba finished her measurements. She then photographed the basement. When she finished, we moved outside so she could photograph the location for the parking garage. When she finished, we walked Elba to her car. It was a quiet walk.

After putting her equipment in the trunk, Elba said, “I have been thinking about what Alicia told me. If I understand what Alicia said, the four of you are interested in me joining your relationship. Is that true?”

Alicia said, “Yes, it’s true. We know you have reservations about joining us, and we are more than willing to discuss your concerns with you.”

“You’re right, I have several concerns. The main one is, I’m not into sexual relations with women. How would a relationship with the four of you work, since three of you are women?”

Phyllis said, “I had the same types of concerns, Elba, but worse. You see, Alicia is my daughter and I am also a good bit older than Jeb and Madge. My ideas about sex with women changed. Currently, I have sexual relations with Jeb and Madge, but not Alicia. But that is gradually changing.

“When you are in bed with three people, you can’t help but be in physical contact with all three of your partners. Since we enjoy being in bed with each other and are all sexually aroused, things just seem to happen between Alicia and me. I am gradually changing my perception of our society’s sexual morality, and getting closer to having a full sexual relationship with Alicia.”

“What if I don’t want to change my beliefs?”

Alicia said, “Nobody is going to force you to do anything, Elba. The four of us have many secrets that we don’t share with people who are not part of our family. One of those secrets allows us to know what is likely to happen in the future. We understand your position for all of us have been in the same situation. You can believe me when I tell you we have been told a bit about our future and we know that you will voluntarily change your mind, and decide to join us. When you do, we will explain our secrets to you.”

I could see that Elba was struggling due to her trying to deny what Alicia said and what she felt. I reached out and took her hand. Then I said, “Elba, things seem bad to you now; perhaps difficult would be a better word. We know you are struggling with what Alicia told you and are trying to reject the changes that are happening within you. We won’t pressure you, and if you need to, come talk with us.”

I stepped into Elba’s personal space and gave her a brief friendly hug. My wives hugged Elba also before she left. We were talking about Elba’s resistance to joining us and guessing at when she would join us when Mary contacted us.

Mary thought to us, “Elba is further along in changing her mind than you think. I have seen her coming to you soon to let you know she is interested in the possibility of joining your relationship. Things will proceed rapidly from there.”

We thanked Mary for the information, and decided to handle the situation when it occurred.

We reconvened our meeting in our meeting room. Phyllis said, “I was looking at the schedule and at our Action Item List this morning. We have closed almost all of the action items, and the remaining items are proceeding on schedule.

“There are a few things that we need to do in the near future, but none are time critical. We talked about a vacation, but nothing has been scheduled or planned. The weather is nice. Do we want to go somewhere, and if so where?”

Madge said, “If you are talking about spending a week or more somewhere, then I would say ‘No.’ My preference would be to take periodic two or three-day trips during the weekends. I’m not sure where we should go, but we should discuss that now if we want to fit a trip in before the meeting starts.

Phyllis said, “Actually, we will need to fit that vacation in before The Seeker returns. When that happens we are likely to be overloaded with unexpected changes here at the farm.”

We had a good idea of what Phyllis meant for The Seeker would probably be carrying Altairian delegates to the meeting. It wasn’t clear whether the delegates would commute between the farm and The Seeker or if they would take up residence here at the farm.

Either way, their presence at the farm during the meetings would mean we need a higher level of security than we currently have. Things would have to change before the meeting started, and right now we had no idea what changes would be necessary.

Alicia said, “I agree. We need a break, but it doesn’t need to be a long break. A weekend away from here occasionally would be fine with me, and stretching some of those weekends to three days is also okay with me.”

I said, “I’ll make it unanimous. So where should we go. My choice would be hiking in the mountains.”

Alicia said, “We need to find several vacation spots. Somewhere in the mountains is good, but we also need a beach location. The beach location could be on a lake or next to the ocean.