TANYA
The sun was finally starting to show. She wasn't technically supposed to have access to these particular systems. Ford's department operated as a black hole in their accounting magic money vanishing into projects with minimal oversight, not to mention the privacy clause Ford and his silent partner refused to budge on of course, she understood maintaining hosts and terraforming required substantial capital and then there was a conversion cost to Reminibi and back, father insisted upon.
James had this idea that you can't deprive the wealthy of paying for things upfront with cold hard cash, a sentiment she could've found some understanding with a decade ago but not in this day and age though 1% conversion interest aside she supposed it did keep some of the older guard content.
Logan, predictably, agreed with her view on digital currency, though for his own short-sighted reasons. His Harvard friend group consisted largely of fellow rich family rejects who'd made their names riding the cryptocurrency wave. Sometimes she questioned if Logan even viewed those people as friends or just as an audience to star among.
Tanya briefly considered the variables that had shaped her brother's behavioral patterns. Their family dynamics had left predictable marks on her brother and even father's mental portfolio, Logan was far from averse to random trips to westworld where he "blew off steam" often times the type that did atypical amounts of damage to the expensive park tech and James loved to suddenly call newly acquisition companies up demanding some new addition to a project. But these standard financial oddities couldn't explain the patterns she was seeing in Narrative and Landscaping Development allocations. Beneath the expected currency fluctuations and operational costs lay discrepancies that suggested obfuscation rather than legitimate expenses.
"Maintenance costs up 12% in Sector 16," she muttered, fingers moving across the keyboard with the same precision she'd once directed artillery barrages. "Yet no corresponding increase in operational activity."
More concerning were the numerous small requisitions for expanded operations permits from the Chinese government. Individual requests none large enough to trigger board approval protocols but together amounting to significant territorial expansion of underground facilities.
The pattern was unmistakable to someone who had once managed military logistics: Ford was building something substantial beneath the park's surface.
Her screen shifted to the latest park attendance metrics. At least one of her initiatives was showing measurable success lowering the daily rate to $30,000 had increased overall revenue by 22% through higher occupancy.
The board had initially balked at what they saw as devaluing their premium experience, but the numbers had silenced those concerns.
"Ms. Delos?" Her intercom chimed. "The quarterly revenue presentation is ready for your review."
"Send it through," Tanya replied, closing the Ford investigation files. There would be time to return to that particular puzzle later.
Not an hour later she stood in front of the board yet again.
"As you can see," Tanya said, gesturing to the projection before the executive team, "the partnership's initiative has exceeded projections by 18% in the first quarter alone."
The conference room held the typical board members as well as Delos's top management, all focused on the figures displayed on the wall , Victor Nvarro though seeming far more captivated by whatever he held in his Manilla Folder. The sole addition at least person wise was William who sat to her right, attention unfailable as typical. Her brother was notably absent today, a supposed "scheduling conflict" that likely involved expensive substances and equally deficit inducing company.
Tanya suppressed a sigh. She'd led the horse to water and the horse had drunk, but it always seemed to trot back into the barren wastes. At least Logan had been strategically useful this month, even if his methods raised questions. His work with the Dempsey family had potential long-term value—they were interested in developing AI technology, focusing on algorithm generating software while Delos dominated hardware.
Logan had loaned Liam Dempsey Sr. $800,000 and provided some of Delos's outdated helper AI tech. The official rationale was building a cordial relationship with Dempsey's new "Incite" venture to facilitate a future acquisition, it made plenty of sense on paper. But Tanya had her reservations. Liam might seem clueless about technology, but money and connections could compensate for personal limitations. And the Dempseys maintained European relationships that the Delos family had burned through James's particular brand of diplomacy.
It was a calculated risk. Best case: Insight became valuable enough to acquire or remained a minor player in Delos's shadow. Worst case: they evolved into a competitor with insider knowledge of Delos technology. Something to monitor, certainly. She'd have William assign someone to track their patents and hiring patterns.
"The American Express Centurion program has been particularly successful," she continued.
"Their top-tier cardholders respond well to the exclusivity of a 'complimentary' park visit with 250,000 points , even knowing the majority of the cost is built into their annual fees and purchases."
"And the university partnerships?" Victor Navarro asked, leaning forward with interest.
"MIT, Stanford, and Beijing University students have already filled our technical internships for the summer," Tanya replied. "We're cultivating talent while building brand loyalty with future tech leaders."
"The Chinese government must be pleased with the local investment," Karen Cho noted. Tanya recognized the underlying question Cho always had an eye on their political relationships.
"Very. The additional tax revenue from increased visitation, combined with our commitment to hiring local STEM graduates, has earned us expanded operational permissions Li gave Logan's team a lot less shit this year compared to last when they renewed the land permit." Tanya didn't mention that she'd leveraged those permissions to cover Ford's mysterious excavations. One battle at a time.
"And the sweepstakes program?" Harrison asked, skepticism evident in his tone. He'd been the most vocal opponent of "giving away" park access.
Tanya allowed herself a small smile. "The ten winners from last quarter's promotion spent an average of $15,000 each on additional in-park perks, and I'm told there was a 20% increase in sales to the local Chinese businesses near the entry train station. It seems people value what they win more than what they simply buy."
Harrison furrowed his brow, still not entirely convinced. "And the long-term value? These aren't our typical clientele."
"That's precisely the point," Tanya replied, advancing to the next slide. This one showing behavioral data patterns. "These guests interact with the park differently than our ultra-wealthy regulars. According to the behavioral analysis team, sweepstakes winners explore 43% more territory, engage with 26% more unique narrative branches, and provide invaluable data diversity."
"Data diversity?" Victor Navarro leaned forward with interest.
"Dr. Ford's behavior team reports that having guests from varying socioeconomic backgrounds provides new metrics for host responsiveness," Tanya explained. "The hosts are exposed to different interaction patterns, which improves their adaptive algorithms."
Karen Cho tapped her pen thoughtfully. "The Chinese government has expressed interest in our AI development. This could strengthen that relationship."
"Precisely," Tanya acknowledged. "Which is why I'm proposing we expand the sweepstakes program in Q3, targeting key demographics that would yield the most diverse behavioral data."
The meeting continued for another twenty minutes, with the typical back-and-forth of questions and strategic discussions. Tanya noted which board members appeared supportive and which remained skeptical - information she'd use to navigate future proposals.
As the meeting wound down, Jackson Peterson from Risk Management raised his hand. "One last question, Dr. Ford's quarterly report mentioned 'expanded underground facilities' in Sector 16, but provides minimal detail on their purpose or scope. Given our liability exposure, shouldn't we have more comprehensive oversight?"
The question aligned perfectly with Tanya's own concerns, though she kept her expression neutral. "A valid point, Mr. Peterson. I'll follow up with Dr. Ford personally on the specifics."
With that, she concluded the meeting, watching as the executives gathered their materials and filed out. The brief mention of Ford's project had crystallized her decision. The financial discrepancies, combined with the expanded Chinese permits and unusual resource allocations, warranted direct investigation. A video call wouldn't suffice—Ford was far too skilled at controlling digital interactions.
"William," she said as the room emptied, keeping her tone casual despite the strategic significance of her decision. "Look into the World Parks budget. I need to see if a trip to the park next month is feasible. I need to inspect the new developments personally."
William nodded, making a note in his tablet. "I'll handle the logistics this once. Anything specific you want included in the itenerary, seems more Logans thing?"
"Full access to Sector 16. No exceptions, no escorts." Tanya gathered her materials. "And make sure all involved know not to inform Dr. Ford's team of the visit until 24 hours prior."
Back in her office, Tanya reviewed the park's organizational structure on her tablet. Ford's domain was technically just one division among many, but its tendrils extended everywhere - Narrative influenced Security, Behavior, Programming, even Facilities Maintenance. The man had built his own kingdom within the confines of the island delos purchased.
She pulled up the personnel files of key Ford's likely loyalists - Ashley Stubbs, head of security he hired on himself outside of Delos recommendation, various programmers and designers whose careers Ford had personally cultivated. Understanding the power structure was essential before any direct confrontation. Her father had been content to give Ford free rein as long as the park remained profitable. "The man's an artist," James had once said dismissively when she'd raised concerns. "Artists need space for their tantrums." It was typical of her father to reduce genius to temperament.
Direct observation would tell her more than any report. And if Ford was indeed overstepping his authority, she would need evidence beyond financial discrepancies. The board respected Ford's vision, but they respected the bottom line more. She just needed to connect the dots. Its some time since she visited the lower floors; perhaps a refresher was needed. There always were things she learned from those visits.. Things that would never make it to the desk of any of the board much less the Delos family.
The operations department was in disarray when Tanya passed it on her way to Strategic Development, where William used to work before she found him. She had intended to continue to William's department to review any initial acquisition models they still held onto, but the familiar atmosphere of crisis in Operations drew her attention.
She paused in the doorway, assessing. Six staff members at various stations, faces tense. Davis, the operations manager, hovering uselessly at the periphery. And at the center, a woman Tanya didn't immediately recognize, seated at a terminal with three different screens deployed.
"The shipment is critical," the woman's voice cut through the noise—clear, authoritative, and distinctly European. "If it doesn't arrive by tomorrow morning, we lose three days of park operations in Sweetwater. That's approximately $6,780,500 in revenue at least, not counting potential compensation claims."
Tanya noted the precision of the figure not exaggerated. The speaker had calculated an exact number for potential impact.
The woman's back was to the entrance as she addressed someone on a video call. Her posture was impeccable not the affected straightness of someone trying to appear authoritative, but the natural bearing of someone accustomed to these situations.
"I understand your company policy completely," she continued, her accent Danish, Tanya recognized carrying that particular tone reserved for incompetent subordinates. "However, if that shipment isn't here by morning, your policy will be the least of your concerns. Delos doesn't accept excuses, we pay for the deliveries to be early, so they very well should be on time."
She didn't raise her voice, yet every word carried. A skill Tanya herself had cultivated - the ability to project authority without resorting to volume.
On one screen, Tanya could see the woman had pulled up shipping manifests and alternative routing options, already prepared with a contingency plan. On another, she'd accessed weather patterns and port authority schedules. Not just dealing with the crisis, but anticipating the variables. Impressive.
Davis, the operations manager, hovered nearby, looking simultaneously relieved and uncomfortable at having his authority superseded. The rest of the team watched with the wary respect of soldiers observing a particularly effective officer.
Tanya remained in the doorway, analytically noting each element of the woman's crisis management. Efficient. Precise. No wasted energy on emotion or blame. Just the focused resolution of a tactical problem.
"Ms. Delos," Davis hurried over. "We had a situation with the control unit shipment, but it's being resolved."
"So I see," Tanya replied, her gaze still on the young woman who had now composed her expression into a perfectly neutral professional smile. "And you are?"
"Theressa Cullen, Operations Coordinator, ma'am," she replied directly, no nervous shuffle or excessive deference.
"How long have you been with Delos, Ms. Cullen?"
"Four months, two weeks."
Precise. Tanya approved. "And your background?"
"Rotterdam Business School. Two years with Shell's logistics division I left during the European reconstruction."
European reconstruction. A diplomatic way of saying "after Paris was nuked." Someone who understood crisis management, then.
"The shipment issue?" Tanya pressed.
"Customs delay at Long Beach. The manifest was flagged due to technical components that resembled restricted items. I've arranged for our compliance team to provide verification and expedite clearance. The shipment will arrive by 6 am Bejing Standard Time tomorrow."
Tanya noted the global time format as a more mild point of interest. "Good. Send me the resolution report when it's complete."
As she turned to leave, she made her second decision of the day. "And Ms. Cullen? Come to my office at four. Bring your personnel file."
Theressa arrived precisely at four, not a minute earlier or later. Another point in her favor.
"Your file is impressive," Tanya said without preamble after Theressa sat down. "Economics degree, crisis management certification, fluent in four languages. Yet you applied for an entry-level operations position."
"It was the available opening," Theressa replied simply. "Besides, I prefer to prove my value rather than demand recognition of it."
Tanya leaned back slightly, studying the young woman. There was something in her demeanor a controlled precision, a readiness for action beneath the professional exterior—that reminded her of another life.
"You visited the park," Tanya noted, referencing a detail from the file. "Before joining Delos."
"Yes. When I was seventeen." A slight pause. Something changed in Theressa's expression—a softening around the eyes, despite maintaining her professional composure. "It was a pre-uni gift from my parents. They wanted to do something grand for their only daughter before I left for Rotterdam." She straightened imperceptibly. "We'd finally saved enough for a three-day family stay the year the park opened for the public. My father took on twice his normal client load for months to afford it."
"Most find it entertaining," Tanya observed, watching Theressa's reaction carefully.
"It was beautiful and impressive, certainly..." The woman hesitated, then decided to let the words out. "But knowing what I know now about the darker side of the parks , resource costs, staff turnover rates, the psychological impact on employees and guests— lets say, I have no particular plans to take advantage of the corporate discount."
Her eyes met Tanya's directly. "The logistics, though... maintaining something of that scale, in that remote location, with that level of technological complexity? That's genuinely remarkable. When I saw the operations job posting, it felt like a chance to understand how such a system functions from the inside."
Tanya's allowed her gaze to sharpen. Most candidates would have gushed about the park's crafted "narrative" experience, offering the expected praise they thought an executive wanted to hear. Even William, now one of her most capable hires, had failed a similar test during his interview.
She still remembered his careful, politically safe answers when she'd inquired about his thoughts on some of Delos's more controversial acquisitions. Gish Galloping around any personal issues she knew he held. impressive in its way, but revealing a certain caution that persisted even now. Even if he was typically direct about most other matters.
"Staff turnover rates and psychological impact," Tanya repeated, her tone even. "You've studied our operational challenges thoroughly."
It wasn't a question, and she didn't address the ethical implications directly. Most Delos higher ups would have bristled at criticism about treatment of lower-level employees however measured. Tanya, however, saw workforce stability as a fundamental business concern. Constant turnover was inefficient, costly, and created unnecessary security risks.
She had argued repeatedly with the board about this very issue. Not from some bleeding-heart position, sentiment had no place in corporate strategy but it was the pragmatic choice. Well-compensated specialists with proper psychological support were less likely to leak proprietary information, less vulnerable to bribery, and ultimately more productive. Her father had dismissed these concerns as "coddling, and snuffing out perseverance" then make some comment about Mid-Wilshire in the 80s, but the data was clear. Every time they lost a key technician, the replacement costs alone were staggering.
Even basic improvements would yield substantial returns on investment. No different than maintaining the other expensive machinery.
Tanya cataloged Theressa's observation as useful data. Here was someone who could detach, who saw both strengths and vulnerabilities rather than being dazzled by the spectacle, and she very well may have a point. Perhaps that trip to the South China Sea should've happened already. Even if Ford's hands were entirely clean and he was just being a mad artist like James thought, there was still the matter of employee treatment. It wouldn't do well for the parks or Delos if there weren't adequate benefits and resources for the understaff to remain content and competent.
"Most see what we want them to see," she said finally. "Few look at the underlying systems." A brief pause. "Even fewer understand what they're looking at."
Her features scrunched up definitely not dismissive, but nerves were clearly there nonetheless even with her holding good fortitude thus far. This woman didn't just accept surface appearances. That could be valuable or dangerous, depending on how it was directed.
"You've been solving problems in operations," Tanya said. Not a question. "Quietly. Efficiently. Without drawing attention."
"Problems don't improve with publicity," Theressa replied. "They improve with circumstantial solutions."
That earned a real smile from Tanya not something she often did even in this life. "How do you feel about becoming my assistant?"
The surprise flickered across Theressa's face before she controlled it. "I... wasn't aware you were looking for an assistant."
"I wasn't." Tanya's eyes narrowed slightly. "But competence shouldn't be wasted in operations." She paused. "Unless you prefer staying where you are?"
"No," Theressa said quickly, then composed herself. "No. I would be honored to accept the position."
"Good. You start tomorrow. Cho will brief you on protocols." Tanya turned back to her computer, a clear dismissal.
Theressa stood, professional mask firmly in place. But as she reached the door, Tanya added, "And Ms. Cullen? Bring your analysis of the park's operational inefficiencies. I suspect you've already compiled one."
An easy smile came across Theressa's face. "Yes, Ms. Delos. I have."
After she left, Tanya sat back, a rare moment of satisfaction washing over her. Finding competent subordinates had always been a challenge, in this life as in the previous one.
Perhaps this Theressa would prove as valuable as another efficient officer she once knew.
The following afternoon found Tanya deep in analysis of the Delos park's recent product backlog when a familiar shadow fell across her desk. She didn't need to look up to know who.
"An assistant?" Logan leaned against her office chair, a bottle of what appeared to be sparkling water in his hand. That was new?. "You! The woman who once said, and I quote, 'Assistants are just opportunities for security breaches with healthcare benefits'?"
"She's competent," Tanya assuaged, not looking up from her work. The faint scent of vodka wafting from Logan's "water" didn't escape her notice. Small hopes dashed yet again.
"She's a kid. Barely 22," Logan took a greedy sip, not bothering to maintain the charade. "And she's terrifying the board. Victor nearly had a stroke when she pointed out an error in his risk assessment."
"Good. His numbers were wrong." Tanya allowed herself a small smile. "And she was polite about it."
"Polite like a sword is polite," Logan muttered.
Tanya finally looked up. "Did you need something, or are you just here to gossip about my hiring choices? You missed yesterday's meetings, by the way."
Logan's jaw tightened momentarily before his smile returned. "Some of us have lives outside this building, Jules."
"If that's what you call it."
Logan grinned, but there was genuine curiosity behind it. "Come on, Jules. You've turned down dozens of qualified candidates. What makes this one different? Besides her apparent talent for fixing middle management's mistakes."
Tanya thought about Theressa's quiet but direct handling of the logistics crisis, and her clear-eyed assessment of the park. The way she'd reorganized the entire filing system in a few hours without being told. "She sees systems, not the stories. She's young, which means she's moldable. And she already has good instincts."
"If you say so." Logan stood, adjusting his cuffs. "Though I have to admit, watching Victor Squirm after he came into that presentation ready to go was... entertaining." He paused at the door. "Just remember… Last time you tried training someone, they had a nervous breakdown and moved to Montana."
"That was your fault and you know it," Tanya replied, finding the remembered annoyance returned with a vengeance. "I spent months finding someone with actual potential, and what did you do? Dragged him to Dubai, tried to convince him that dropping acid would 'expand his corporate consciousness,' then spent the rest of the trip attempting to seduce him despite knowing full well he was married with three kids."
"Hey, Austin was cute when he was flustered, and He still stood his ground" Logan defended, though he had the grace to look slightly abashed. "I made the acid was pure to. I had it tested and everything."
"He was an Oxford graduate with a perfect resume. Now he runs a pottery shop in Missoula and sends me Christmas cards that smell like patchouli."
"Still say he would've been fun if he'd loosened up a bit." Logan grinned. "But fine, point taken. I'll keep my recreational pharmaceuticals away from this one."
"You'll keep everything away from this one," Tanya said flatly. "Besides, she reminds me of..." She stopped herself. No need to mention Visha.
Logan's eyebrows shot up. "Of?"
"Someone who understood efficiency," Tanya finished smoothly.
"She's nothing like her," Logan said suddenly, his tone unexpectedly sharp. "Minus the fucking cigarettes she smokes."
Tanya looked at him, genuinely confused. "What are you talking about?"
The comedic ease drained from Logan's posture, his expression hardening in a way few people ever witnessed. The mask slipping into something raw. "Did you fucking forget again? Jesus fuck, Jules..." He ran a hand through his hair, agitation replacing his usual calculated nonchalance. "It was ten years as of yesterday."
Tanya felt a rare moment of being caught off guard as she realized what day it was. Marianne Delos's Death anniversary, it was a miscalculation unlike her, emotional dates were important to familial relations. She opened her mouth to respond deploy the appropriate expression of regret.
"FINE, FINE," Logan cut her off, his voice tight. "I'll leave you alone. Just better hope your upstart assistant doesn't try to take over my fucking company."
He slammed the door on his way out, leaving Tanya staring after him, the rare taste of genuine regret bitter on her tongue.