Gravity Versus Gravity, page 20
“Joking?” Al asked.
“Yes. But there is an element of truth in every joke. When continuously looking at the comets through the telescope, one gets a feeling that they are getting closer and are right in front of the telescope,” Samantha replied.
Al and Samantha stood for some time, holding the balcony railing. “Are you able to see the comets near the triangle?” Al said.
“Not yet,” Samantha said.
Al held Samantha’s hand and pointed in the direction of the stars. “Do you see now?” he said. “The faint arrow like object.”
“Yes, yes,” Samantha replied in excitement. “I’m able to see them finally. They are so faint.”
“Not the right configuration. The brightness of the three stars is making them seem faint although it’s a very clear night.”
The two of them stood looking at the comets for several minutes. Al was still holding Samantha’s hand. She held Al’s hand with her other hand and squeezed closer to him.
“I’ll remember this morning throughout my life,” Samantha said, looking at Al.
“I, too, will,” Al replied and kissed Samantha’s forehead.
They returned to the drawing room and sat down on the long sofa.
“Are you sure the zero-gravity event would not be in Swindon?” Samantha asked.
“Yes, I’m certain.”
“And supposing no zero-gravity event occurs.”
“I’m sure about that, too. It will. I used to question myself several times in a day till about a month ago on whether my calculations were correct. When we are talking about astronomical objects, several meters here and there don’t matter. But I’ve done my calculations with such accuracy that I’m sure I’ve calculated the area with a great degree of accuracy. I cannot tell about the exact perimeter but that it will be in Central London is a zillion-dollar fact.”
“What would have happened if you would not have discovered it?”
“Someone else would have.”
“You know what?” Samantha said. “When I met you at the airport, I did not like you at all.”
“And now?”
“Not very sure.”
“Look there!” Al said. “How is that book going up in the air? Looks like the zero-gravity event has started.”
Color drained from Samantha’s face. She got closer to Al and hugged him tightly.
Al started laughing. “I had set it up last night. It’s tied to a string which I’m pulling,” he said.
“You cheat,” Samantha said. She thumped him on his chest. Al was still embracing her. Then there was silence. They were looking into each other’s eyes. Al moved his head forward.
16
Ten days before the event, Underground trains from Central London ran only in one direction - outwards. The main roads were made one-way except for a few hours in the early morning.
Large pumps were fitted in the Serpentine, St. James’s Lake and all small water bodies. Kai Hayes, who was in charge of the water-discharge work, had to lay water pipes running all the way to the Thames in two days. He had been told about the job two weeks ago.
“What?” he had asked in surprise when he was told about his assignment the first time. He had requested the municipal official to repeat his request twice.
“I’ll require at least thirty kilometers of pipes in all. The main two-meter diameter pipes would have to be custom made. Plus, who is going to give me the several hundred water pumps that I’ll have to put in various places?” Kai had fumed.
“See, Kai,” the municipal official had replied. “Everyone knows that you are the best in the job. If you cannot, then none can.”
“But why are giving me less than two weeks?” Kai had said, raising his hands in desperation.
“I’m sorry for that, but we are firefighting every day. The DIMA team and people from our office have not had normal sleep for over two months. The least busy person gets at best four to five hours of break every day,” the municipal official had replied, attempting to calm Kai.
Kai had understood, but he was sure that it would take both immense effort and luck to get the job done on time.
The first thing Kai did was to take stock of his store. He took his two assistants, Alfie Marsh and Jamie Riley and the three of them drove down immediately to their storehouse in Belgravia.
“Let us first check the inventory on the computers and then we’ll do a physical verification,” Kai said.
After working at the computer, Alfie brought the chart to Kai. “So, this is what we have,” he said, reading out from the chart. “Seven kilometers of two-inch pipes, three kilometers and two hundred meters of five-inch pipes, three kilometers and four hundred meters of one-foot diameter pipes, one and a half of three-foot pipes and only two kilometers each of one meter and two-meter pipes.”
“And the pumps?”
“Fifteen each of two and five kilowatts, twenty two of ten kilowatts, thirty-one of twenty kilowatts and only five of seventy kilowatts.”
“We are about one-third short of both pipes and pumps,” Kai said. “That is not really bad. But we may have difficulty getting the larger pipes and pumps.”
“Our first strategy should be to check with the suppliers. Only after we have exhausted all the suppliers should we ask the manufacturers,” Alfie said.
“Our one and two-meter diameter pipes are custom made by only two manufactures in the UK. I don’t think, any of the suppliers would have them,” Jamie said.
“I know two more manufactures who make similar custom-made pipes for supply to mainland Europe,” Alfie said.
“Okay,” Kai said. “We’ll check with the suppliers within the next forty-eight hours. And then we ask our manufacturers to make the rest.”
The three of them returned to the main office, divided the suppliers into three parts. Each of them got onto the phone calling one supplier after another and jotting down the stock available with them. At the end of the first day, they found that they had made little progress. Only seven percent of additional inventory had been secured.
On the next day, Kai told his two assistants, “Mates, I don’t think calling over the phone makes the suppliers believe about the seriousness of the matter. I’m going to personally visit as many suppliers as I can do today.”
“I feel that phone is a better idea. You would be able to cover ten times more suppliers compared to the number of physical visits,” Jamie said.
“I completely agree,” Alfie said.
“All three of us sat through the day yesterday. Yet, we could up our inventory by only seven percent. I think I can do better. I know several of the supply managers personally. I’m sure personal visits are going to make a difference.”
“Okay, all the best,” Alfie said. “You can start your visit. We’ll carry on with the lists that we have.”
“I’ve changed the lists today,” Kai said. “I’ve put suppliers on my list I’m familiar with. You would find your lists on your desks.”
“Thanks. All the best,” Alfie and Jamie said, heading towards their desks to start the day’s work.
Kai started with the smallest supplier on the list. He had known the owner of KR Pipes, Seth Hardy ever since he had started his career. His experience was that smaller suppliers had larger hearts. They were always willing to cater themselves to the customer’s demands, more flexible in pricing and friendlier to talk to.
“Here’s your opportunity to save mankind?” Kai told Seth.
“How?” Seth asked.
Kai went on a long explanation about the zero-gravity event and then said, “If the zero-gravity area reaches the water bodies such as St. James’s Lake, some parts of the UK may disappear altogether.”
“Like?”
“Like Devon.”
“Jesus!” Seth exclaimed. “That’s my wife’s hometown.”
“This is your moment to become the savior of Devon.”
“How?” Seth asked, eager to assist.
“See, Seth. It’s like this,” Kai said. “The more water goes up, more comes down. Right now, the impact area is east Devon. But if the water mass is bigger, central Devon may be covered. If it’s even bigger, all of Devon and adjoining areas may be covered. Also, greater the mass of water, greater the devastation.”
“How much do you want?”
Kai read out the entire list.
“If only you had come a week earlier. I’ve committed to deliver one-foot and one-meter diameter pipes to an old client.”
“You can ask the client to wait.”
“I cannot,” Seth replied, apologetically. “He is my most important client. I’ll lose my business.”
“Tell him about the urgency. I’m sure he will be convinced. Otherwise, you don’t need such heartless client.”
“Okay, I’ll give it a try,” Seth said, returning to his chamber to call his client. After five minutes, he came out with a long face.
“What did he say?” Kai asked.
“He says that all this zero-gravity event is bull shit. He wants the pipe delivered tomorrow as per agreement since his factory is shut down due to the lack of it. He says he cannot keep his factory closed any longer.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him to go to hell. If he cannot save lives of his countrymen, he doesn’t deserve to have his factory running.”
“Great!” Kai said. “You are a real patriot.”
“Yes,” Seth said. “And I love my wife and her family very much. I’ll do my best to save them from any harm.”
When Kai left KR Pipes, he had got more than half of what he required. Seth agreed to sell the pipes to Kai at factory price.
In the second factory, Kai was able to get another ten percent. He did not know the third factory owner. He got his cue when he saw several portraits of the Queen in his office.
The owner came out and said to Kai, “How can I help?”
“The Household Master has sent an important message to be conveyed to you,” Kai replied.
“You mean the Royal Household?”
“Yes,” Kai said. “What else can I mean? It’s The Household.”
“Please take your seat. I’m at your service.”
“You would have heard about the zero-gravity event?”
“Kind of.”
“Well, the Master has selected your company as one of the few shortlisted to salvage the area around the Palace.”
“I’m confused. I’m only a small pipe manufacturer. How can I do such an important task?”
“Yes, you can. The Household has a special affection for the St. James’s Lake and the Royal fountains. They have requested if you could supply pipes to drain water from these places.”
“Which pipes do require?”
Kai read out the entire pending list.
“I may not be able to get you everything. But let me see.”
After ten minutes, the owner came out and handed over a list of pipes that he could supply to Kai. Half of Kai’s remainder requirement was met.
“Is it okay that we send you the money after we are done with the event?” Kai asked.
“What money!” the owner replied. “If I’ve to charge money to fulfil the Royalty’s command, heavens fall on me. Don’t worry about the price. I’ll get you the pipes delivered to your store tomorrow.”
Kai was upbeat at his success. He decided to give one more try. He said to himself, if I strike one more deal like the ones I’ve struck today, the boys would not have to waste their time on telephones. We could straight get into the pipe-laying work from tomorrow morning.
The fourth factory that Kai visited was a relatively larger one. He had done only one transaction with the factory in the past and recollected that he had got very high-quality material from them. However, this was the first time that he was visiting the factory.
The factory was different from the others that he had been on that day. It looked very clean and well organized. From the outside, one could not have guessed whether the factory produced computer chips or pipes.
For sure there is a great chance here, Kai thought as he entered the factory.
“How may I help you, Sir?” the very well-dressed and well-mannered gatekeeper asked Kai.
“I’ve come from the Parks Water Supply Department. I need to meet the owner regarding a very important subject.”
“Mr. Pip Parker, you mean, Sir?” the gatekeeper asked politely.
“Yes, Mr. Pip Parker,” Kai replied.
“Please take your seat, Sir, while I call Mr. Parker’s office,” the gatekeeper said, gesturing at the three beautifully colored chairs in the room.
Kai looked around through the window in the reception. The office building had been exquisitely designed. The glass-panes were painted in different bright colors. The small path from the reception leading to the office building was lined with flowers on both sides. Adjacent to the building, the small patch of land was covered by neatly trimmed grass and had a dozen trees cut in various shapes.
The gatekeeper returned in a couple of minutes.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting. I apologize that Mr. Parker is unable to meet you today. He is dealing with an urgent work right now, and he has to leave immediately for an overseas trip after he is done with the work. However, I’ve been asked if you would be kind enough to meet with Mr. Aldous Banker, our Supply Manager,” the gatekeeper said.
“That is fine. I would be able to discuss the issue with Mr. Banker,” Kai said.
The gatekeeper made a short telephone call again and returned. “Let me escort you to Mr. Banker’s chamber, Sir,” he said.
Kai found that the building was as impressive from inside as from outside. The gatekeeper ushered Kai to a huge chamber, where Aldous Banker was waiting for him.
Banker came forward to greet Kai. “Hello, Mr. Kai Hayes,” he said. “How may I assist you?”
Kai did not come to the point straight. He was impressed at the factory, and he wanted to share his feelings first.
“Thank you, Mr. Banker. Your factory is awesome. I’ve been in the job for almost twenty years, but I’ve not seen a factory even closer to what you have been able to achieve.”
“You are very kind,” Mr. Banker replied. “We try to do our best. Our owner, Mr. Parker takes special interest in the upkeep of this place. He has high standards and expects everyone to do so, too.”
Kai was optimistic that he would cut a deal with the factory. He explained about the zero-gravity event in detail to Banker. Banker listened patiently nodding his head in approval at times and not interrupting Kai even once.
When Kai had completed, he asked, “So what do you think, Mr. Banker?”
“I think we should be able to do something. When do you want the delivery?”
“In the next three or four days?”
“Our standard delivery times are two weeks for the one-meter pipes. We charge double the price for them to be delivered in a week. Delivery within four days would cost five times the price.”
“What?” Kai exclaimed. In his whole career, he had never heard such an exorbitant offer.
Banker was unfazed. “And if you want the delivery in three days, we would charge seven times the price,” he said.
“But the pipes are required to save people’s lives.”
“We don’t mix charity with business,” Banker answered, without an iota of emotion on his face.
“If you supply the pipes in four days at normal price, the whole country is going to thank you.”
“Sorry, Mr. Hayes. We are able to run our factory only with money and not gratitude.”
Kai was starting to lose his temper. He wanted to say the choicest colorful words that he had learnt as a teenager. He took two deep breaths and said, “I’m grateful that you gave your time and the opportunity to have a look at your great office.”
When exiting the gate, the gatekeeper took his head out of the small window in his room and said, “Hope you had a nice meeting, Sir.”
Kai wished he could kick the metallic gate with all his strength. He gave a smile to the gatekeeper and walked out the gate swiftly. He decided to return to the office. Driving back to the office, all he could think about was his visit to the last factory. He regretted doing that. His mood was so badly spoilt that he doubted if he would be able to make telephone calls from the office.
“Hey, mate, how were your meetings?” Alfie asked when he saw Kai.
“He looks very dejected. Looks like he only got boots on his back,” Jamie said, looking at Alfie and both broke into laughter.
“Tell us how you were kicked out everywhere,” Alfie said.
“I went to four factories. Three of them have agreed to help,” Kai said.
“How much?”
“Both together would make us reach ninety percent of the target.”
“Holy pipes!” exclaimed Jamie.
“So why are you so dejected?” Alfie asked. Kai told about his meeting at the last factory.
“Forget it,” Jamie said. “Between the two of us, we have reached twelve percent of the target today. Which means time to celebrate.” He jumped up from his chair.
“Time to celebrate. Time to celebrate,” Alfie repeated, taking out the headphone hanging on his neck.
Jamie brought three bottles of beer. The three of them finished their bottles in two gulps. Alfie brought the second round. Kai’s nerves had calmed by then. He brought the third round, and they stopped for the day.
On their way back home, all they discussed was preparations for the next day. Kai had completely forgotten the last incident.
The next day, the three men and their team started with the Royal fountains. This was the simplest part. One to three-inch pipes were used to drain the fountains. When the fountain was large or not high enough, a water-pump was attached to drain the water. All water was to be drained onto the nearest lawns.
The first hour was smooth when twenty pipes had been laid. When Kai came back after an hour, he found that thirteen fountains had been drained dry, three were still in the process, two had been ruptured by heavy vehicles despite the covering on the pipes over the portions on roads, and two were blocked.
