Page 73 of Unwanted Vows

“A select audience,” Andrew says. “All of whom have a vested interest in steering Aims Corp into a better direction. Madeline, Paul, Austin and I discussed some of the difficulties on the way here. I’m sure I don’t need to go over them with all of you.”

There were general head shakes and nods, all indicating their understanding of the situation.

Andrew goes on. “I am taking over a hostile company that will need to be weaned off illegal activities. In some cases, those activities will need to stop immediately. Others can be addressed more gradually. Fortunately, Grandfather had begun investing in legal enterprises before Rylie was born. However, his definition of “legal” and “ethical” are somewhat fluid.”

Old Emily lets out a cackle. “I’ll say.”

Andrew gives her a look, and she rests her chin on one hand and looks back demurely. “One thing Madeline and I discussed is that you cannot take away someone’s livelihood without replacing it with something else. While you might not think of them in that way, most of Grandfather’s people are family men and women. That means spouses and children to support, aging parents, even pets. At this point, I am stumped as to how to do it. The floor is open for discussion.”

Richard Lane lifts his hand, and Andrew dips his head to recognize him. “I might have an idea about that,” he says. “You see that screen at the end of the room?”

Andrew nods. I hope he understands Mr. Richard Lane’s idea, because I can’t see how a bunch of wild and crazy people inhabiting the desert for a weekend or a week can have anything to do with our needs.

“This is not a full answer,” he explains, “but Richard and I have discussed it, and we think we can make it work. The people who participate in Burning Man are dedicated to equality — anyone can take part. They place value on what they call “gifting.” They follow ten common sense principles, which include following local, state, and federal laws. They also borrow from the Scouts, leaning on the idea of ‘leave it better than you found it.’ It’s like this giant, self-governing party held once yearly.”

Kandis frowns across the table at her husband. “I think you are just sold on the idea of ‘one big party.’ Richard, I know you like the idea, but I seem to recall that the principles are not as carefully applied as one could wish.”

Kate just gives a quiet smile. She peers around her husband, who is regarding this debate between Richard and Kandis gravely, and gives me a wink.

Right. Let the men bluster and present the impossible so we can then get down to what is really possible.

Andrew smiles gently at the couple at the end of the table. “It is an interesting concept. As a gathering of artists, it mostly works. But I believe Kandis is correct in saying that there are several problems with it, including that the area where ‘Black Rock City’ as it is called, is erected each year has dust so alkaline as to be nearly toxic. Other ideas?”

MIDNIGHT MEETINGS

ANDREW

Burning Man as a model for a community is only good so far as the basic ideas. But there is merit to the idea of creating a village to “raise” our city people to a different way of life.

“Where are you planning to put together this village?” I ask.

“I’ve recently acquired several acres of desert,” Richard says. “It has reasonably good soil, just sandy and dry. I’d had it in mind to hire Charles and his company to put solar collectors and windmills on it. But I think we might extend the idea to include earth ships designed by Kate’s brother, James.”

“That is an idea,” I say. “And I like it. Just one problem: What are you going to do for water? I don’t suppose this place has a handy oasis in the middle of it?”

“Not exactly,” Charles says. “But I am interested in various experimental water collection methods. Also, it is not far from the ocean. While sea water is not potable, it can be distilled. That would create an industry for the community.”

Old Emily leans forward and catches my eye. “Uh-huh. What kind of industry?”

“Sea salt,” I return. “Otherwise known as sodium chloride, or common table salt. It does contain some trace elements, and considering the condition of the California coast, it would probably need quite a bit of cleanup.”

“At least it’s not gold or diamonds,” she says. “Are you going to peddle it like snake oil?”

Catriona looks puzzled. “What’s snake oil?”

The men at the table all get solemn looks on their faces. Kate, Maddy, and Kandis all try to smother their giggles. Rylie shakes her finger at them. “Not nice, ladies,” she says. “It’s an idiomatic expression meaning something sold as a cure-all, even though it has not a bit of medicinal value. I’ll blow the whistle on you, gentlemen, if you even try it.”

Austin places his hand over hers. “They wouldn’t, dearest mermaid. But they can market it, absolutely truthfully, as salt distilled from sea water. Some people place a high value on sea salt.”

“Oh. All right,” she says. “I guess that would be ok.”

Old Emily grins at her. “It would be better than ok. It would be smart upselling of something pretty ordinary. With a little testing, I bet we could show that it has iodine in it, even.”

“Old Emily,” I say, “You are one sharp cookie.”

“Of course I am,” she says. “I eluded your grandfather’s matrimonial plans for me, and still made a place for myself in the corporation. So let me point out, if you aren’t careful, you’ll have a community of wise guys, made-men and their molls, and it will be a repeat of history.”

“Point taken,” I say soberly.

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