[Chapter 268: Each Using Their Own Means]
At Gensler Architects in San Francisco, within the office of Chairman and CEO Migras, Tasker, the on-site construction manager for the Anderson Farm Lightning Protection System, stood attentively before his desk holding a roll of blueprints.
"Tasker, did you catch the news about the winter thunderstorm in Montana?"
"Sir, I saw it."
"Tell me, is the place where the thunder struck the Anderson Farm where you're managing the project?"
"It must be. That tower is quite distinctive. No other towers around are that tall or that thick. I recognized it right away."
"Then tell me, are there any secrets or treasures hidden there? Did you notice any abnormalities during construction?"
As the owner of the leading construction company in the world, Migras naturally held considerable influence behind the scenes. When confronted with such an extraordinary event, he was obviously intrigued.
"Sir, it's just a regular farm. The geography is ordinary, and we found no abnormalities throughout the construction. There shouldn't be any secrets."
"Are you sure?"
"Very sure. The schedule was tight, and budgets were high. Everyone who accompanied me was a senior company employee. It's impossible no one noticed anything strange and chose not to report it. Besides, our blueprints show we excavated the entire farm, going over 20 feet underground. If there were any secrets, they wouldn't have escaped us."
He handed over the blueprints, which detailed the lightning protection system for Anderson Farm.
Migras examined the plans carefully. "Strange. This looks like a normal farm lightning protection system, but Montana isn't a hazardous zone, so is such an advanced system really necessary? Even more curious is that this system was just completed a few months ago, and now such a powerful thunder event occurred. Something's off. How did the client anticipate this so accurately?
Tasker, what do you think about the farm's owner, Linton Anderson?"
"Sir, do you suspect Linton Anderson is hiding some secrets?"
"Yes. And is he someone easy to handle?"
"Sir, I don't recommend that."
"Why not? I want to find out the secret."
"Sir, think it over. Linton isn't an ordinary guy. He's a top Hollywood director and star, owner of a film company, and a billionaire. The media and public watch his every move. Trying to control him would put us under immense pressure. More importantly, he probably isn't the kind of person you want to mess with."
"Not a good guy? Tell me more."
"He's built a military-style base on that farm. From what I've seen, he's got at least 100 retired elite soldiers fully armed with advanced weapons and several armored vehicles to boot. Honestly, if our company's security team were to confront them, they wouldn't stand a chance. We'd be bringing a formidable opponent right to the company's doorstep."
"Is it really that intense?"
"Sir, you know I was a soldier once -- I'm not exaggerating."
"Well, I guess this secret isn't mine to claim. Then I might as well sell these blueprints for a high price. I'm sure many would be interested."
"There's one more thing. We signed a confidentiality agreement with Mr. Anderson."
"Then let's stick to the old plan. Have two trusted employees resign and sell the blueprints. That way, if things go south, the company stays clean. Once things cool down, we can hire them back."
...
After Tasker left, Migras pondered silently, his eyes gleaming fiercely as he argued with himself.
"Giving up something I want is hard. I want to profit from this and uncover the secret too. Our security team won't be enough -- I'll have to deploy the power I wield in the shadows."
He picked up the phone and dialed. "Tajir, it's time to get to work..."
---
At 11 a.m., when Linton leisurely finished breakfast and headed to the iron tower with his bodyguard Danny, David had already secured the area with over 30 heavily armed Thunder Guards.
Following Linton's orders, they set up simple barricades forming a 500-meter perimeter around the tower, with only one passage on the east side. David guarded both sides of the passage alongside four armed men.
Beneath the tower, six individuals who appeared to be specialists held instruments as they conducted various tests.
Beyond the perimeter, two groups lingered.
One was the press -- five or six TV stations, including all three major networks, had arrived. Photographers were positioning cameras and starting to film, while hosts began introducing the situation and interviewing on-site personnel. Unfortunately, no one on site was willing to talk.
...
Upon seeing Linton, excitement broke out. This was big news. The combination of a blockbuster director and star tied to a supernatural winter thunder event doubled the story's value.
Reporters swarmed Linton, microphones nearly shoved into his face.
"Mr. Anderson, what's your connection to this farm?"
"Mr. Anderson, are you on vacation here?"
"Mr. Anderson, were you here during the winter thunder last night?"
"Mr. Anderson, do you know what caused the winter thunder?"
"Mr. Anderson, can we film under the tower?"
Thankfully, they were all general news reporters and refrained from personal gossip.
Linton, knowing the farm owner angle would soon be public, stopped and answered plainly.
"Yes, I own this farm."
"I've recently been spending time here."
"As for the cause of the recent winter thunder, the National Weather Service has dispatched experts to investigate. Once they determine the cause, they will announce it promptly."
"Please, everyone, remain quiet and not disturb the experts. Thank you."
Ignoring further questions, he moved toward the tower passage.
A group of over ten individuals tried negotiating with the guards to enter, but the guards firmly repeated Linton's orders.
"This is private property. Only National Weather Service experts are allowed inside. You're not welcome here. Please leave."
Surveying the scene, Linton was satisfied. David and his team clearly executed their duties well.
*****
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