POWER

Ray's flight from Dulles to Grand Rapids was uneventful. The convenient Gerald Ford airport made for an easy car rental, and he was soon enjoying the springtime drive north. "There are two times of the year when Michigan has fantastic weather--the fall and the spring," he thought. The burden of winter was lifting, trees and bushes were in blossom, and cool mornings and evenings bookends hugging clear, sunny days. The drive north was rural and peaceful. North of Big Rapids, he turned west, passed a remote gas station, and then turned up the tree-lined road to the Michigan compound. Cars were rarely seen on the two-mile dirt track. Those who did venture in were discouraged by either the dense forest that darkened the way, smothering the route, or by the gate that protected the buildings beyond their sight. The newly budding trees created a tunnel towards a clearing in the distance. The compound's staff had been dismissed, leaving Truth as one of only three occupants. As Ray approached, he saw Truth sitting patiently on the front porch of the main building. The compound was a converted hunting resort containing a collection of small cabins and one main barn-like building. The alarm from the gate had signaled Ray's approach. Despite Ray's cautious speed, a low dust plume followed him past the entrance and announced his arrival on the circular drive. Truth knew that something big was up. Ray had never visited the compound. Ray had previously warned Truth that there would be a reorganization after the incidents in Arizona had cost The Four an electable person in the past Senate race. Operations of this scale were now followed by the media, making them increasingly difficult to maintain. Ray had assured Truth that his position wouldn't be compromised; however, as Truth watched his staff slowly dwindle, his survival skills honed into a "trust but verify" mode. Ray turned off the modest, intermediate rental car and stepped outside. Smiling, he waved, "Truth! Good to see you!" Ray stretched, reached back into the car to retrieve a small folder, and closed the door. The early afternoon sun was at his back and lit the compound in a mosaic of green vegetation and white cabins. Ray was not surprised at the lack of Truth's response--in fact, he would have found a greeting out of character. As he reached the porch steps, Truth held out his hand and nodded silently. Then, he turned and started towards the open front door. Ray followed him into the austere kitchen, which served as Truth's conference room. They made an odd couple. Ray's six-foot-four-inch frame, jet black hair combed tightly back, shiny black loafers and New York casual outfit contrasted with Truth, a foot shorter, dirty ponytail, and cowboy boots, could have passed for a miniature Davy Crockett. Ray knew and appreciated the fact there would be no small talk. Ray sat, crossed his arms, and started, "Here's the deal." Ray opened his folder and produced a map. "You are going to Tucson. You know that area well. As you arrive, there will be a real estate deal in progress. Instructions will follow. You may or may not be involved in that activity. If so, it will involve finding the key people and using whatever means necessary to convince them to complete the transaction. That is the easy one." Ray paused for effect. "The second part is much more interesting." Pointing at a map, he continued, "This is the location of Tucson Electric Power Company's new natural gas-fired, reciprocating internal combustion engine generators and the 138 kilovolts transmission lines." Pointing to the map, "It is located at South Contractors Way and East Irvington Road in Tucson, Arizona. Are you familiar with the area?"