Finally got this chapter done. Been a little busy with my girls being off from school this week. Hope you enjoy.

Bold Italics = telepathic messages

Disclaimer: I do not own Sanctuary or any of its characters.

Chapter 7

(Site Manager's office, Bellavista (Mining) Camp, Cerro de Pasco, Peru - September, 1956)

"Why can't she be like all the other members of the Board and be happy telling us what to do from the comfort of her office?" the site manager grumbles to the foremen gathered with him.

One of the foremen asks, "And who are these specialists she is bringing with her?"

Helen, Natalija, and Vladimyr are standing just outside the site manager's office, quietly listening to the ongoing conversation in Spanish. It is quite apparent that the men do not care for the trio's perceived intrusion. Not that it will deter them at all. They are here to accomplish their goal, and nothing or no one will stop them.

"Perhaps, she doesn't think we are up to the task of bringing the site up to the standards they have set for us," a different foreman speaks up.

With that the three of them enter the room, as Helen informs them in Spanish, "That is exactly why we are here, gentlemen. My name is Dr. Helen Bancroft and these are my colleagues, Doctors Natalija and Vladimyr Banks."

"My apologies, Dr. Bancroft," the site manager interrupts having recovered from his surprise, "We did not know you would arrive so soon."

"Obviously," Natalija murmurs sarcastically, in English. Helen gives her a look and Vladimyr puts his hand on her back soothingly. She turns to them and sighs. I will try to refrain from making any more snide comments. But he started it.

Vladimyr tries to suppress a smile. Helen just rolls her eyes at her daughter, before returning her gaze to the gathered men continuing, "As you know, gentlemen, this site has, once again, failed to pass inspection by the Peruvian government. Our assessment of the site is no better. We have found the conditions here appalling. You have been given plenty of time and access to the resources needed to complete the necessary changes. Seeing as you are want to do so yourselves, we are here to oversee the improvement projects personally."

She nods to Vladimyr, who steps forward and begins to speak, "First off, some of the older houses are showing signs of structural damage caused by the blasting at the mine. The residents must be moved to new accommodations and the buildings repaired. Those deemed beyond repair, will be torn down and replaced when necessary. La Esperanza Guest House will be remodeled and enlarged. A new medical facility will be constructed along with a new recreations building that will include a library, bowling alley, modern cinema, dining room, and a bar with a large dance floor."

"Also the roads need to be paved and ground cover planted to reduce the exposure to the lead present in the ever-persistent dust," Natalija adds. "I also want all workers and their family members, currently living here, to be given complete physicals."

"We don't have the medical personnel to do that," one of the foremen argues.

The site manager blurts out, "And do you realize how much time and work all of this will take? There is no way I can be expected to do this and carry out my normal duties."

Helen holds up her hand to quiet the protests, "As I have already stated, we are here for the purpose of overseeing these projects. Vladimyr will be heading up the construction projects, while Natalija and I will be administering the medical exams. We are bringing in our own personnel to carry out the actual work. You are to just go about your jobs as usual. Any questions?"

The men shake their heads, but none say a word. In a more sympathetic tone she states, "It is our hope that we will not only meet, but exceed, the standards set by the Peruvian government. There by, we will ensure that this site will remain in operation for decades to come. This will not only bring prosperity to the company and its investors, but also provide safety and stability to the workers and this area."

The men now look at Helen and the twins with awe. They have come to accept the company types pushing for a higher profit margin to impress investors, but it is a rare individual that spares any concern for them or their subordinates. Here stand three such people.


Well there you have it. One more stolen moment in a life that never should have been. Hope to get the next chapter up soon. Thanks for reading.