by Finian Blake
Rhonda parked the electric cart in front of the spa. There were four extremely large boulders, two large hickory trees positioned halfway down the front of the building, and earth piled up to the roof breaking up any line of sight which would give its true size away. The garden with the large patios on the roof and the structure that looked like a home gave the illusion of a much smaller building. Finally, the loading dock with its huge 30 by 48-foot door was located at one end of the 150-foot length of the sound stage with one hundred feet of the wall buried to within a few feet of the back balcony. The architect Morris Feynman was ecstatic when Rhonda approved all of his ideas adding $5,000,000 to the building budget which was already three million more than he had requested for aesthetics. He immediately went to work with the Disney engineers to eliminate all of the hard lines from the building.
“This is all very impressive but when are we going to see what we came here to inspect,” Senator Belight said.
“Marvin, we are almost there, and I swear to you that all of this connects to what you came here to inspect. The houses that we showed you are used by our critical personnel so that everybody is protected which is more than our government can say. The large recreation center is also used to train Four Diamonds security personnel, so that we frequently have a large security force on property. I would also like to point out that the government uses Four Diamonds Security to outsource the security of several key projects, because we recruit most of our guards from the military police and they already have a clearance.” Rhonda finished, “I will connect the rest of the cover after we conclude our tour.” Rhonda opened the doors to the spa causing a rush of perfumes and other fragrances to assault their senses.
“This is a full luxury spa primarily for women including a beauty salon however there is a small section for the use of the men. We have seven, one-bedroom luxury apartments for our VIP guests.” Rhonda move through the back of the spa through a door that was labeled DESIGN. “This is the design area for our fashion label. We can sew up our prototypes and do some preproduction for our special customers here.” Rhonda led the way back through a door labeled MODELING. The control room looked like a booth in a recording studio with a closed in glass area associated with it. Inside the enclosed area was a pedestal surrounded by several arrays of lasers.
“Instead of dress forms we create a computerized image of our subject and are all designed by computer. After the subject has been scanned we enter the materials being used and the computer will print out all of the patterns required.” Winnifred appeared to be deeply interested in this section of the tour but it was clear that Marvin was losing his patience.
“And just how does this apply to the overall project,” Marvin said not trying to hide his annoyance.
“The NSA is not the only government agency that we’re holding contracts with. We also hold a contract with the US Marshall’s service for witness protection. We are able to use the apartments as a secure location while we changed the appearance of whoever the subject might be. We also have the capability of creating a complete set of IDs for the subject.”
“So, what is to keep you from using this for your own purposes,” Marvin asked pointedly. Rhonda ignored his question leading the tour through another door that was unmarked.
“I believe that Boris should conduct this side of the tour since this site is his baby.”
“On this level we have the computer section for Four Diamonds Security,” Boris started. “We’re contracted to the NSA to test their security as an ongoing project. We have fifteen of the world’s most gifted hackers trying to break into the NSA computers. We also have the same fifteen hackers trying to break into computers of several private corporations. Once we find a weakness we notify the particular companies or agency and they can seal up that area or we can do it for them.”
“If these hackers are so gifted aren’t they wanted in several countries,” Winnifred asked.
“Not anymore…,” Boris said noncommittally as he continued. “We have thirty workstations on this level, but our mainframe computers, which we have four of, are located 60 feet below us underground under our soundstage.”
“Soundstage…,” Both senators said simultaneously.
“Yes, we have a 20,000 square-foot soundstage directly beneath our feet which we use for video productions, and commercial advertising such as photo spreads and video commercials. We are also rent out to movie companies who were filming in the area. For your reference 20,000 square feet is just a little bit larger than the total area of two and a half football fields,” Boris said with a look of satisfaction on his face at their look of disbelief. He led them to an elevator and after they were inside Boris took a round key inserting it in the ‘fire panel’. ‘We don’t use the biometric ID. It announces that there is something to hide.” The elevator started to move without him selecting the floor. “On the elevator we have buttons for only two floors and there is no indication of the third floor. “There are only ten people that have access to this level.” Boris stepped out of the elevator. The doors opened to a small lobby with a single door in it. The door opened into an office suite with eight or ten offices in it.
“This is the heart of our computer operations we keep our mainframe computers down here,” Boris said as he led the way through an unmarked door in the back of his office. Marvin and Winnifred were astounded to see the cavernous room that they had just stepped into. Boris pointed to the back wall of the room.
“We have two rooms that are 2,500 square feet each and each room contains two main frame computers along with banks of servers that act as its memory. We have two mainframe computers in each room two for Four Diamonds Security and in the other room two for the NSA backup. The NSA backup computers have a microwave link that is connected directly to the NSA and the gateway must be opened manually from this level during the backup periods. We do this so that there can be no random accidents. We have enough room in each section to double the capacity that we currently have and enough space to add more sections. There are ten feet of earth between the floor of the soundstage and the ceiling of the computer level, there is an inner and an outer wall to the foundation and floor of the computer level which is flooded with water, so if anybody tries to tunnel in the water level will drop and set off an alarm. We have electronic and physical security for any access point to the computers. And we will now conclude our tour with the soundstage,” Boris said as he motioned the group back toward the elevator.
“And what if the elevator goes out is there a second way to get down here,” Winnifred asked.
“The elevator is the only way down or up, so if it goes out a security team will have to reset the elevator. We also have three large diesel generators with a 10,000-gallon tank of fuel in case of power loss so if the grid goes down our entire operation including housing will be covered by the generators.” Rhonda said with pride.
“Rhonda, are you in charge of all of this,” Winnifred had to ask gratified to see that a woman seemed to be in charge.
“The answer would be yes I am the managing director in charge of the overall operation, Boris is in charge of the computers, and Cherry is in charge of security. You have not seen his mother Tamar who is in charge of the spa and fashion label, or Colleen who is our financial officer.” The pride was evident in Rhonda’s voice. Winnifred wanted to be as conscientious as possible with her oversight investigation.
“Speaking of personnel what about clearances?”
“All the personnel here have passed a security clearance and anybody with access to the computer level has had a rigorous security clearance. All of our on-site security personnel are Green Beret, Seals, Marines, or Air Force special operations and most of the Four Diamonds personnel are former military police,” Boris said with pride. “Rhonda, Cherry, Colleen, and I all hold the highest security clearance issued by the government having been former NSA employees.” Winnifred was about to ask another question when the doors of the elevator opened to the soundstage. As
they stepped out onto the floor of the soundstage both senators were dumbstruck at the size of the room. Boris smiled at their awe.
“The room is 22,000 square feet or 675,000 cubic feet. The doors of the loading dock are from an aircraft hangar and are 30 feet wide and 30 tall, so we could move a small house inside the stage. We use trailers for dressing rooms, sets, and lighting so if you look at our set there are no permanent walls anywhere on this level.” Boris indicated a collection of trailers that seemed to be bathed in light at the far end of the stage. “We’re shooting a commercial for Rampage Firearms. Cherry is handling the security and you will meet my mother Tamar who is in charge of costumes and sets.” Senator Belight was familiar with Rampage Firearms. He received regular visits from their lobbyist who brought him regular donations on the behalf of Rampage and the firearms industry. He looked at the table that was next to Tamar’s seat seeing a copy of Guns Galore Magazine that was open to a picture of an exotic looking woman holding a rifle between her legs with a caption across the picture that read ‘GO AHEAD AND GET MY GUN OFF’.
“That’s Mary Lee she is the Rampage girl,” Tamar handed both senators several magazines that were open to one or another ad featuring Mary Lee. She is one of our more popular models she models everything from guns to lingerie and everything in between. Women didn’t normally interest Marvin, but this Mary Lee seemed to pique his interest for some reason.
“Is Mary Lee going to do the shoot today,” Marvin asked hopefully.
“Yes, our prima donna is late again as usual,” Tamar said sounding exhausted picking up a walkie-talkie. “Wayne has her Majesty shown up yet?”
“Yes I am here ready to roll,” Mary Lee’s voice came over the speaker, “how about you? I know where the marks are, but are the drive lanes clear?”
“Yes the driveline his clear. Why don’t you enter with take one?” Tamar indicated four folding chairs for everyone to sit on. “The cameras are rolling go.” An engine fired up and the headlight flared on the other side of the stage. An ATV painted in a camouflage scheme came roaring across the open space hitting a small ramp causing it to fly three feet into the air and when the wheels touched the driver hit the brakes causing it to slide onto the mark. The driver was a dark-haired woman dressed in a camouflage sports bra and fatigue pants wearing combat boots. She swung her legs off the ATV walking up to the camera holding an impressive looking pistol in her hand.
“Rampage Firearms,” Mary Lee said with a strong confidence in her voice pointing to a human figure draped over the cargo rack of the ATV, “rape prevention when you need it.” Mary Lee held her gaze into the camera lens until the director called for cut.
“Tamar this is bullshit I’ve done some corny stuff before but this takes it.” Mary Lee pulled the slide back on the gun locking the slide open and placing it on the prop table.
“The company wants to appeal to the female shooters,” the director said walking up behind Mary Lee. “I know you object to the ad, but do you object to the paycheck? You’ll have half of the readers out there thinking of catching you out in the woods.”
“That’s the problem one of those nuts may do exactly that,” Mary Lee said not trying to hide her disgust. She pointed at the two senators sitting in the folding chairs. “Are those the two advertisers?” Both senators shifted uneasily in their chairs at her combative gaze.
“No, this is Senator Winnifred Ransom, and Senator Marvin Belight,” Tamar said easily. “They are here to do the oversight on our little project.” Mary Lee had been briefed on both senators. “From what I hear Marvin is a big fan of yours and is quite familiar with your work and Winnifred has seen you in the fashion ads.” Mary Lee shook both of the Senator’s hands warmly.
“I am happy to meet my fans,” Mary Lee said to Marvin virtually ignoring Winnifred. The director walked up behind the group.
“Mary Lee the sponsor wants to change your costume,” the director said nervously. “They want you to use the miniskirt, hose and ankle boots.” A dark look came over Mary Lee’s face.
“Are they crazy,” Mary Lee said with venom in her voice. “I would not even go walking in the woods dress like that let alone go hunting!”
“They are writing the check,” the director pressed.
“All right,” Mary Lee said knowing that she would do it, “I will go to wardrobe.”
“Tamar has everything you need in your trailer,” the director said quietly. Mary Lee stormed off to the trailer returning in a half hour dressed in the new costume. She wore a camouflage sports bra, a camouflage micro-mini skirt over camouflage hose and garters topped off by a pair of lace up ankle boots with a three-inch steel spiked heel. Mary Lee stomped over to the group.
“I feel like a tart trying to hook Smokey the Bear, this is fucking ridiculous.” Mary Lee climbed aboard the ATV swinging her legs wide almost touching Marvin’s nose with her heel giving him a clear view of her camouflage panties, driving off to the far end of the stage. Winnifred blushed furiously at the bawdy display turning to Tamar.
“I am most interested in your fashion label particularly your computer design system. I think I have seen enough down here could you show me your handiwork,” Winnifred asked in a pleading voice.
“I have seen too much of this myself,” Tamar said sounding relieved. “Cherry would you take over here while I show Winnie my little corner of the world.”
“I would love to,” Cherry said brightly leaning over to whisper in Tamar’s ear. “This is like watching a train wreck I just can’t take my eyes off it.” Tamar and Winnie walked off hurriedly wanting to be sure that they missed the next act. As the elevator doors closed both women could hear the ATV fire to life.
Tamar escorted Winnie through the spa into the design studio. As they walked through the studio Winnie pointed to the door marked MODELING.
“I was fascinated by your computer modeling, and was wondering how that works,” Winnie asked hopefully. “I am absolutely fascinated by computers and the different things that can be done with them.” Tamar escorted her to the control room and then to the pedestal motioning in the direction of various sensors located around the room holding up a white plastic sticker about the size of a dime.
“First we place these tracking stickers on our subject and then we have her stand naked on the platform as it does a three hundred and sixty degree turn. All lasers triangulate on the subject giving us a perfectly accurate model that’s why the subject must be naked. Any clothing would restrict the body and give us a false measurement.”
“Could you give me a demonstration,” Winnie asked hopefully.
“I can work the controls, but I will need Boris to give you the nuts and bolts explanation.”
“The nuts and bolts explanation would probably be lost on me,” Winnie confessed. “A quick demonstration would be wonderful.”
“In that case there are robes in our changing room.” Tamar said when Winnie blushed looking up and down Tamar’s body.
Tamar quickly got the idea. “Oh, you don’t want to be naked in front of someone that is fully clothed.” Tamar calmly stood starting to remove her clothing as Winnie stood transfixed by the site. Tamar’s body was toned and her skin was smooth. Winnie estimated that she had to be in her 60s based on Boris’s age, but her body looked as if she were forty. She suddenly blushed realizing that Tamar was standing naked in front of her while she was fully clothed so she hurried into the changing room. After about ten minutes she emerged from the changing room holding a thin silk robe tightly around her.
“That robe does not hide much,” Tamar said leading the way to the pedestal. “You better get rid of that robe it’s time to place our targets.” Tamar slowly started placing the first of thirty targets and continued until she placed the last of the targets. She instructed Winnie how to stand and stepped in the control room. Tamar pressed the button and the platform did one complete rotation. “That was for calibration this will be the live round.” She pressed her record button and the platform
did a slow rotation. When the computer flashed a green go toggle Tamar waived Winnie into the control room. Winnie stood over the back of Tamar’s chair blushing furiously as Tamar locked in the program. Tamar could feel the heat of Winnie’s blush.
“You have suffered enough embarrassment for one day,” Tamar said sympathetically. “Why don’t we both get dressed and then we can play with the program.” When Winnie walked out of the changing room Tamar had two digital models up on the computer screen that were anatomically correct.
“The right-hand model is you and the left-hand model is me. We are both size eight. I am an inch taller than you and we both weigh approximately the same but look at the differences. Our top of the line clothes are for people with money that want quality and fit.” Tamar went on to highlight all of the differences in their body makeup after which they tried several outfits on Winnie’s model finally selecting three outfits. She pushed the print pattern toggle and the printer started to produce patterns for the three outfits selected. When the printer had finished Tamar collected the patterns leading Winnie through a door marked PRODUCTION walking up to a woman that was working at a wide cutting table.
