Chapter 82

Hawk’s morning began with an early flight to the proposed area where the power and desalinization plants were to be built. As they flew along the coast Hawk could see one of the reasons for this location was it was the closest spot to deep water. However, Hawk was concerned about its isolated location and its proximity to other countries. He was also alarmed about its vulnerability to an attack by Iran. Back at the palace the two men discussed some of these concerns, as well as the construction and planned operations.

“Hawk, you’re correct about the deep water, but I feel the other concerns you have are baseless. First, with plenty of fresh water and power, that area will no longer be a remote stretch of desert, but will become like an oasis. As for its proximity to the other countries, we plan to use that closeness to sell some of the water and power to the Saudis and Qatar at very reasonable rates. This will bind the three of us, and they’ll defend the facilities as if they’re within their own country. Finally, we come to Iran, the regional bully. What we’ve done is take a page from the Swiss in Hitler’s time - we’ve become their banker.”

“Well, that does relieve my mind a bit.”

“Good, though I’m curious. The eventual loss of the operation would not have affected you, so why did you worry?”

“I guess the main reason is because, according to Jason, you’re family, and to me, family is important. The other reason is a matter of pride - pride in looking back and seeing your efforts were worth the time spent.”

“Like the work you did on the new computers?”

“Yes, that would be a good example, though not in the way you could imagine.”

“How’s that?”

“Though my company developed the hardware I wasn’t involved in the design. Where I contributed was the core of the new operating system. As I said earlier, I was able to accomplish something Microsoft has been attempting for more than eight years.”

“Then I can see why you’d feel that way. Now, let’s return to the subject of our project here. Besides using your new wire to upgrade and expand the grid, what are your other thoughts?”

“I’d use an engineering firm like Foster Wheeler to help with the design and building of the production facilities, as I actually see three interconnected operations. We’ll draw water from the ocean and use part of it as steam to drive the turbines. After it’s passed the turbines the steam condenses, which we can draw off as distilled water. Finally, we can use some of the electricity that’s generated to power a standard desalination plant, or it would start off as standard. I believe my research team can find major improvements to the process.”

“What do you plan to use to heat the water, and what will you do for power during the construction phase?”

“Prince, our research team is in the testing phase of a new ceramic that absorbs heat quickly, but dissipates it slowly. It can also withstand heat up into the thousands of degrees Celsius. Using that material I think the primary heat source would be the sun, with natural gas being a secondary source.”

“The sun? We’d just sit this into the sun?”

“In a sense, but we’d use an array of computer controlled mirrors, to concentrate the sun’s energy in the optimum locations to heat the water into steam, and that steam would drive the turbines. We’re currently designing turbines which should produce over four times the current power for each turn of the shaft. As for the power we’ll need during construction, I was figuring to use some of our newly designed windmills. Their generators utilize the same technology.”

“So, from the beginning, this operation will be on the cutting edge of technology.”

“Yes, and we plan to use this plant to show the rest of the world what we can do.”

“Since you’ll be using seawater for this operation, what about corrosion?”

“Good question. In the areas most susceptible to corrosion damage from the salt water or air, such as the turbine blades, we’ll be using a new ceramic based alloy Mark Grey Fox has developed. This new ceramic is almost like working with Teflon - the salt and crud just doesn’t stick to it.”

A concerned Prince asked, “With all these futuristic products required to make this come together, how long before they’ll be ready?”

Hawk replied, “Before we can finish the design.”

“Really? You’re that close?”

“If we’d followed the original plan of you coming to Phoenix you would’ve met Mark Grey Fox. Mark is a key part of our R and D Department, and he has a PhD from Cal Tech. He’s one of the world’s leading experts in ceramics. His primary focus is the creation of ceramic-metallic alloys and ceramic-polymer composites.”

“So he’s the one behind your new wire.”

“Yes. The original concept was used as his doctoral dissertation. Of course, it’s been refined a lot since then. I suspect he’ll eventually receive a Nobel Prize for the wire.”

“How did you get him to join you?”

“He was being screwed over by Cal Tech. They were trying to treat him as a low paid graduate assistant. They even tried to steer companies offering research grants away from him. Because he’s an American Indian they thought they could get away with it. We offered him a grant and also assistance with finishing his doctorate if he’d come to work for us afterward. It has turned out a good match for both of us.”

“So Cal Tech’s loss is your gain?”

“Yep, but they lost even more than that. I won’t send students there for study anymore.”

“You send your employees to college?”

“We’re just starting. Most will be going to Arizona State due to its proximity to the office. There’s a young man in our R and D area who can build anything you can design or describe. He’s a mechanical and electrical genius, but he barely finished high school. We’re working hard to convince him to go get his degree, and we’ll pay for it, along with his salary. In our eyes it’s just a good investment.”

“Interesting. I must think on that concept some more. We’ve done it for family, but never for someone who was just an employee. Now, let’s go on to other things. Later today we’ll be leaving, for Mexico, and I’ve got something to show you. Where are your wives and that precious daughter?”

“The Princess has taken the three of them to a clinic, as both Brenda and Maria have been having stomach problems the past few mornings.”

“I hope it’s not a virus, or our food was too rich?”

“That’s my wish, too. At least neither Katrina nor I have had any symptoms.” The prince raised his eyebrows in thought, but didn’t reply.

“Come with me. While they’re gone I’ve something to show you.”

Prince Rashid led Hawk into an area of the royal compound Hawk hadn’t seen before. Its sparse, simple décor was in harsh contrast to the vast luxury found elsewhere within the palace walls. As the two men stood just inside the doorway a door on the opposite side of the room opened, and two people were callously dragged in. It took a moment for Hawk to realize who they were.

“I’m afraid it’s judgment day for the two of you,” announced the Prince. “And, since it’s the two of you I’ve brought a special guest to observe the proceedings.”