Chapter Nine, Dallas 3
By Daleman
After the earthquake tremors subsided and his guests
recovered, Glitterroch allowed the group to take their
seats around the large conference table that was the
centerpiece of the room before continuing his presentation.
"As you all well know, the Earth's land masses have stayed
mostly constant in size for literally thousands of years
and yet the population continues grow. Good land is
becoming increasingly more difficult to find, or in the
case of Yugoslavia, keep. I created this island paradise
in minutes right under the noses of the US government for
practically pennies. My scientists have created a machine
called "The Guinness Device" which can create perfect land
masses in minutes."
Xigeous asked "Don't you mean "The Genesis Device"?"
"NO YOU IDIOT!" Shouted Glitterroch, obviously annoyed at
the interruption. "I called it Guinness because I came up
with the idea while hammered in a pub. Now as I was
saying, with this device I'll create perfect islands or
continents for people who tire from living elsewhere. We
can create custom islands for people where ever they like
it. If they like it hot, we'll place it near the equator.
Colder? Well built it closer to the poles. If they want
perfect weather and don't mind the smog, we'll drop it west
of Los Angeles."
Grey Zombie was awestruck. Could such technology exist?
He couldn't deny the fact that they were on an island that
didn't exist three days ago. But could Glitterroch produce
these at will? What would the ramifications of
international law be? Could he still get cable or would he
have to finally upgrade to satellite TV?
"At first we'll only produce small, private islands of,
say, twenty to fifty acres for the super rich. Soon a
bidding war will start, as one tries to out do the other
for the biggest and best island paradise and choice
locations. Then we'll open up the bidding to corporations.
Think about this, how much would a multinational
corporation pay for a thousand square miles of land where
they can build any plant they want without having to paying
taxes, follow environmental guidelines or government
regulations?"
The realization of the scope of this plan suddenly hit
Lanzman. "This is incredible! Disney would pay a fortune
for private islands in every sea. They could build
unbelievable theme parks and resorts and charge fortunes to
stay there. It would be just like that Jurassic Park
movie."
"Small potatoes you moron, and by the way, nice cape.
We'll have a total monopoly on the oceans of the world. My
team has already contacted the twenty richest individuals
in the world to start the ball rolling. Bill Gates is
already planning on moving the entire Microsoft corporation
off shore to prevent the breakup and to get around the
minimum wage laws." Glitterroch paused a moment to let the
reality of the plan sink in. "You'll also must have
noticed the weather systems I have protecting my island.
This is another perk that comes with the purchase at no
additional charge. Total weather control. If it's to hot
for you, you can dial up partly cloudy skies. Your plant
life or crops are drying out? Order a rain storm. Mother
in law coming to visit? Sorry mom but we are being hit
with a hurricane right now, how about next month?"
"And now it's time you met my partners in this endeavor.
First, the financial genius of the Guinness project. He's
handling all the price negotiations and our going public
next month. Let me introduce you to Dale DaMann."
All eyes in the room turn as one in the direction that
Glitterroch gestured. Behind a previously unnoticed
beautiful mahogany desk topped with three computers and
papers thrown everywhere stood a short, pudgy man with
boyish good looks. His somewhat nerdy appearance was
enhanced by the phone headset still in place. He grinned
with his hands on his hips as he looked over the group of
visitors.
"Welcome to the future of." DaMann said as he walked
around the desk until the cord to his headset jerked his
head back. The headset was ripped off his head and he lost
his balance but caught himself on the corner of the
magnificent desk. Suddenly humbled, Dale righted himself
and took the seat at the far end of the conference table.
"Nice entrance idiot! Way to make me look good." Quipped
Glitterroch sarcastically. "And now, the true brains and
driving force behind the project. She's been working
covertly on this for years using all the resources at her
disposal and stealing the best scientists away from
worthless projects like global warming. I don't believe
any introductions are needed this time."
The door that the group had previously entered opened again
and in walks the first lady of the United States followed
by her aids. Grey Zombie realized the complications of his
mission have just increased tenfold.
"Ladies. Gentlemen. I do hope your enjoying our
hospitality. I assume that Glitterroch has explained our
little scenario. As you can see, I've made good use of all
that legal defense fund money that came in." the first
lady said.
The four visitors to the island sat quietly deep in their
own thoughts, each contemplating possible ramifications to
the plan. Lianna was the first to speak. "Wait a minute,
how is this plan going to effect the environment? Wouldn't
filling the oceans with islands cause unbelievable damage?
The ocean levels would rise, global temperatures would
increase, ice caps would melt, sea life would die off and
my ocean front property would be worthless!"
"All true." Glitterroch replied. "Next question?"
Xigeous asked, "What happened to your accent?"
**********
Cyber Beast hung by his fingertips in the ductwork peering
through the grating secretly listening to the entire
conversation not believing his ears. Can these madmen
honestly believe that they'll get away with this insanity?
Will they be able to stop them? How much would fifty acres
off Seattle cost?
