The Twins Paradox by Alan Gasparutti (best contemporary novels txt) 📖

of my motors have been doing?”
“Your vehicles have been selling well, from what I’ve head, particularly when bearing in mind the current financial climate,” Steve told him. “I hope this business does as well. I’ve also been assessing potential sales and customers.”
“In what way?” asked Henry.
“I’ve borrowed one of your vehicles, and taken it to dozens of shopping centres, all over California,” Steve explained. “I’ve asked people if they’d like to own a car that didn’t rely on gasoline, and operated on natural resources.”
“And what sort of response did you receive?” asked Henry.
“Pretty favourable responses, on the whole,” said Steve. “I would say that the current recession hasn’t yet hit California, or certainly not as badly as other parts of the world.”
“That’s good to hear,” commented Henry. “So you think sales of the new vehicles should do okay?”
“I think so,” replied Steve. “People certainly seemed to appreciate the solar vehicles, and what they could do. I got the impression that Americans care more about the environment and global warming than some would make you believe. With a new president in the White House, I’m sure this company’s heading in the right direction.”
“That’s encouraging,” said Henry. “Do you think people will have the cash to buy these vehicles?”
“I’m pretty sure there are some people out there who have the resources and will want to purchase one of our vehicles,” Steve told him. “Especially when the advertisements go on TV and the internet.”
“You already have advertising in place?” Henry queried.
“Oh yeah,” said Steve, “We just used one of your vehicles, played around on the net to amend the images slightly, to get the exact vehicles we will be selling. It’s amazing what can be done on the net these days. And we have just the right person to promote the vehicles.”
“Who’s that?” asked Henry.
“The Governor of California,” Steve informed him. “The other benefit is that as these vehicles operate on natural energy, people will be able to save plenty of money on gasoline.”
“It sounds like you have everything worked out,” said Henry.
“I’m sure there may be some things we’ve overlooked, but I can’t think of them just yet,” said Steve.
“You will maintain spare parts for the vehicles, particularly solar energy batteries and auxiliary batteries?” queried Henry.
“I’m pretty sure we have made those reservations, but I’ll check them out with Frank next week,” Steve said thoughtfully.
“So while you’ve been all over the state, promoting solar-powered vehicles, what exactly has Frank been up to?” asked Henry.
“Oh he’s been all over the state as well, attending negotiations with future suppliers, and purchasers, too,” Steve replied.
“You mean to say that you’ve already made deals for the purchase of your vehicles?” queried an astounded Henry.
“We have indeed,” said an excited Steve. “California State Authority have agreed to purchase several solar vehicles to replace older, gas-reliant ones.”
“California State Authority, as chaired by the Governor of California?” queried Henry.
“Got it in one!” laughed Steve.
“I’m beginning to see the fruits of buying shares in the new company,” Henry muttered, rubbing his hands in pre-excitement.
“I managed to buy some shares in the company myself,” Steve then mentioned.
“Oh, I thought they had all been sold,” said Henry.
“I didn’t have a lot to purchase the shares with, so I only have a few,” Steve told him. “I managed to get Frank to sell them to me. I decided to make use of my redundancy payment, though it was no way as much as Frank’s retirement package.”
Henry then looked at his watch and asked how far from the hotel they were. He also had a few other things on his mind.
“We’ll be there soon,” said Steve. “About another ten minutes.”
“The jet lag seems to be getting to me now, so you don’t mind if I close my eyes for a little while?” Henry asked.
“No, you go ahead,” Steve said to him. “I’ll let you know when we’re at the Marriott.”
It was five minutes later when Steve nudged Henry to let him know they had arrived at the hotel. Henry then woke up Lucas, and they each thanked Steve for the lift and shook his hand, before he drove away. Henry and Lucas went up to their rooms for an hour or so, before they each went to dine downstairs. They had a couple of drinks after supper, before going back upstairs to watch a DVD, before they each went to sleep.

The following day, Henry asked Lucas what he had thought about the business in Tenerife, and whether it would be prudent to set up premises over there. Lucas agreed with the idea, so after Henry had thought about it a little more, he decided to give Arthur a call.
“Do you know how much business we have outstanding with the solar paneling in Tenerife?” he asked him.
“I’m not too sure really,” replied Arthur. “I know they have at least half-a-dozen hotels still to sort out, and I’m pretty sure they’ve received a few more requests since. Precisely how much, I couldn’t say for certain.”
“Do you think it would be worth setting up premises and an office in Tenerife?” Henry then asked him.
“Why certainly,” agreed Arthur.
“The thing is, with the current recession, I’m reluctant to pay for too much just yet,” Henry admitted.
“The work is continuing to come in,” said Arthur. “Even if it slows down a little, they can still advertise our services. Plus don’t forget, Tenerife is only one island in a goup of seven.”
“Hhhmmm, I suppose so,” Henry muttered.
“Surely, you wouldn’t have to buy new premises?” queried Arthur. “They could replicate new premises themselves.”
“Are you sure about that?” asked Henry. “I don’t want them to have to step-in in case things aren’t done properly.”
“Don’t worry,” Arthur told him. “You underestimate Gaspar and Gonchaves. They both know all they need about gas & electricity, and are pretty good with plumbing, too. They’ve had plenty of experience fitting solar panels.”
“Do they know how to use the replicator?” asked Henry.
“Of course they do,” exclaimed Arthur. “They’ve been replicating solar panels and energy boxes, for goodness sake.”
“I thought you did all that?” queried Henry.
“Originally,” Arthur told him. “I showed them each what to do with the replicator, and they seemed fine with it. I don’t have the time to work for the European Space Agency and help Gaspar & Gonchaves as well.”
Henry thought to himself for a moment or two.
“Gaspar & Gonchaves are fine and know exactly what they’re doing,” Arthur told him. “I mean, they must be, otherwise they would have comeback from the hotels by now. The paneling on my house, and the observatory are first class. We’ve not had a problem.”
“Well, if you’re sure…” Henry muttered to Arthur.
“You’re worrying too much,” Arthur insisted. “If you ask me, you’d be better off keeping them happy and on your side. They’ve been talking about setting-up a business on their own.”
“Shall I send plans of an office and warehouse?” Henry queried.
“I shouldn’t think that would be necessary,” said Arthur. “Just send confirmation that they can set up premises, and I’ll make sure everything is ship shape.”
“How are you keeping, by the way?” Henry then asked him.
“Oh I’m fine, thanks,” replied Arthur. “As a matter of fact, I’m going out tonight.”
“With anyone in particular?” asked Henry.
“No-one special, really,” said Arthur.
“Well whoever you’re going with, just remember not to tell them where you come from,” said Henry.
“I won’t,” said Arthur.
“Well if you do get a little tipsy, tell whoever you’re going with, that you’re from the UK, and spent some time in Sudan,” instructed Henry. “Got that??”
“Got it in one,” replied Arthur, who looked up at the clock. “Oh, is that the time, I haven’t had my shower yet. I’ll give you a ring in a couple of days time, to let you know how things are getting along.”
Henry closed the call after saying goodbye to Arthur, before he went back to see Lucas. He told him about his decision, to which Lucas agreed. They then had a brief walk about town, before they went for lunch.
They then wandered around in the afternoon, when Henry noticed a park ahead. He then saw a sign in the street to a golf club nearby, which was where they spent much of the afternoon. By the time they completed the course, it was time for tea, so they took a taxi back to the hotel.

Arthur, meanwhile, was going for a meal with the others. They were all friendly with people from Tenerife, particularly Gonchaves, who was better known by his adopted-Christian name, Rico. Though he was past his prime, Rico Gonchaves was tall, slim and one for the ladies.
While they were eating, Arthur told the others to lift up a glass of Sangria.
“Whatever for?” asked Robinson.
“Do we have something to celebrate?” asked Gaspar.
“Yes, indeed we have,” Arthur replied. “Henry has agreed that you can have a new office and premises on the island.”
To that, they all cheered.
“I think it’s only right,” commented Rico. “We’ve been here 3 months now, and the work doesn’t seem to be drying up. Not even in the current recession.”
“I think hotels are beginning to realise that they’re likely to save on energy bills with the solar paneling,” said Arthur. “So do you have any plans for your new premises? I know you said something of the sort last week.”
“We’ve been looking at a few sites,” said Gaspar. “There’s one I’m rather interested in, three miles from Santa Cruz and a mile from the motorway.”
“Wouldn’t it be rather busy there?” queried Arthur.
“Not where we’re referring to,” Gaspar told him. “It’s a large derelict waste site, off a small road, off another main road. No-one would ever go there.”
“Do any of you have any other sites in mind?” Arthur asked the others.
“There’s one site a few miles outside Puerto de la Cruz,” said Frickas.
“He only likes that site ‘cos it’s near Loro Parque,” commented Gaspar. “And you know how much Rico likes that place, too.”
“Loro Parque is a smashing place,” Frickas told the others. “The zoo’s marvelous, and there’s plenty more to see and do.”
“Well, why don’t we all take a look at the sites tomorrow,” Arthur suggested. “We can take a look around the island – who knows, we may see a few more places to set up premises.”
They all drank to that, and had an enjoyable time out that night. Much of the time was spent discussing how large the premises should be, and Arthur suggested they could build a couple of houses there too.

The next day, they drove all over Tenerife, and visited several sites. In the end, it was decided to develop on the site near the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. However, it would be a large job, even with replicators. Arthur wasn’t too sure about it, either, but decided to support his colleagues, none the same, partly because they agreed to put a house on the premises, and so could relieve the crowding in his own house.
During the next week, they spent what little time they had available preparing plans for the site. Arthur arranged to take the following week as leave, so he could help out. He went to the site on the Monday evening, at about 7pm, as the sun was going down on Tenerife, along with Gonchaves.
“Where do we begin, Rico?” Arthur queried, to which Gonchaves took out the plans and showed them to Arthur.
“What I propose first of all, is to level-out the whole area,” said Rico. “You take one side, and I’ll