Damned!

Project Update/ Tenenbaums

Inside the oval office the comfortable chairs were placed in a circular formation. President Hoveting, Mayor Mignon, Laura Genesis, Archbishop Dominez, Chandler Simmons- head of the department of security sat in the foreground with their secretaries standing in the back. The meeting had been going well until Laura started questioning the financial report for the apartment building.

"I would like to know the contractor appointed to the project that my department will be working with."

President Hoveting looked over at Mayor Mignon.

"We have offered a contract to several companies. We have received several responses. So far, Tannebaum's has been our main interest."

He paused.

"Did Federco Carrio place a bid? Did he not want this job? Any reason why?" Laura asked casually.

The men exchanged glances quickly, Archbishop spoke, "Carrio industries is an expensive company and has too many demands. Fedrico told me personally, that he has too many jobs already on his plate, which was the reason he refused."

Laura nodded thoughtfully.

"To be honest, I think we should go for both projects through Tannebaum's. They are a reputable business." President Hoveting put forth.

Mayor Mignon nodded in reply.

Laura made a note of this as the discussion turned to the equipment needed to gorge the Watershed River.

"Laura, can you give us a cost analysis on the equipment needed?"

Laura turned to her assistant who handed her the documents. Methodically she flipped through the pages and turned to deliver the stats on the equipment listings.

"Three excavators to dig through the jungle foliage, four loaders to remove excess debris, and one compactor to smooth down the area. I suggest that at least one of the excavators we go with is a 390 F L- as some of the embankments we will be routing through will need to be cleared of trees that have an extended root system. These systems can truly be a tangled mess to cut into, they have dwelled there for fifty plus years and are a permanent fixture in the soil. Even with advanced equipment, we will need use of a medium size person team to help manually clear the area. Likewise front loaders will need to be able to drive off road and should be of high quality."

Laura stopped to pass around report copies.

"This is all pricey equipment as you can see. Furthermore, besides the cost of machine operators, I have included the cost of manpower labor to operate this project. It is not cheap. Granted, if I have your permission, I would like to have our department employ the workers as well. I have come up with what would be the fair budgeted amount for labor."

Archbishop Dominez gave a troubled glance towards President Hoveting. President Hoveting nodded.

"This is good work Laura. However, I think we can cut costs a little, through the workforce. Leave the numbers with me; I will work on them and revise anything that will advance what needs to be worked on. We are working in conjunction with Father McNalster to perhaps offer employment to parishioners in his area and on-the-job training, enabling us to reduce the payment compensation. It is one method to help transition them to city life."

Laura nodded slowly, with questions in her mind staying put, like a cool cloth calming a simmering fire.

"Is something on your mind, my dear?" Archbishop Dominez asked in concern.

"Yes, well, I always thought my job would entail overseeing the work conditions and safety not only of the population being affected, but that of my workers. Have the Gandan people been notified of this proposition?"

"Of course, it will be safe, and don't worry about the labor. We like to delegate job duties here and Father McNalster has ties within the community."

"Yes, but have the people taken to the relocation well?" realizing she may be overstepping her boundaries, she quickly added, "Will they allow this disruption to their community?"

"She does have a point, President Hoveting. I will notify the Department of Homeland Security to provide police security on the job site."

Bingo, Laura thought to herself; they fell right into the trap.