Page 95 Andrew Bacon relaxes with three sex-bots. He has built a mansion in Death Valley, anticipating that his dam projects soon will turn the area into valuable and beautiful property.
“Is everything to your liking, sir?”
“Does our company give you pleasure, sir?”
“We are the best in our agency, selected for the most demanding clients.”
“You have chosen perfectly, sir. You will have a wonderful time with us.”
“I don’t doubt it. Now, how about you dance a little for me?”
Page 96 “I’ll go first, sir.”
“Take it easy, please. I love to enjoy these hours of relaxation without rushing.”
“Do you like me like that, sir?”
“I can't ask for anything better! You're gorgeous!”
(The robot majordomo) “Erm, if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Bacon…”
“What the devil is it?”
“An urgent call for you from the city, sir.”
Page 97 “I thought I was clear, Mark, when I told you not to disturb me under any circumstances!”
“Of course, sir. Very clear. But he is your primary contact and he insisted. He reports that some unforeseen circumstances have developed that require your decision on the matter.”
“I will deal with it later! Now get out of my way!”
“As you wish, sir.”
“Oh, hell! I am surrounded by incompetents!”
Page 98-99 (Sexbot) “Sir, have I offended you somehow?”
“It’s not your fault. You heard me, right? Trouble at work!”
“Sir, I am here for your pleasure. Come inside with me; we know how to help.”
“Not now. Look. Isn't this a fabulous place?”
“If you say so, sir, it is certainly fabulous.”
“Now it is just a desert valley. There is not a single drop of water down there. Only dust… sun-burned rocks… and death. And yet I see an immense green valley. Lush vegetation… and water flowing from underground. It may seem strange to you, but in that desert there is water. A sea of water, I know. It is only hidden underground and sooner or later I will be able to understand where! So, this villa will dominate an earthly paradise just for the rich, and I will have made a fortune!”
Events like those depicted in this story have occurred repeatedly in history. For instance, in 1947, three Native American tribes in North Dakota were forced to accept an unfair settlement when developers chose their land as the politically easiest to claim under eminent domain, to build Garrison Dam for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. They were paid a fraction of the land's value and lost their homesteads and livelihoods.
