PART ONE - Surfacing the Problem

CHAPTER ONE: "THE RETREAT"

NAPA VALLEY: January, 1953

For ten years, the Six Sentinels and colleagues endured the strenuous and dangerous demands of opposing three separate "Power Cycles."

This year, Tony Garibaldi, along with their new significant other, Natalie Cummins, hoped to continue the Sentinel retreat tradition and announce their engagement.

During the first night's dinner, the questions, answers, and sarcastic comments of old friends concerned about each other's happiness enhanced the frivolity that customarily occurred when they gathered.

Mike asked the first tough question. "Natalie, why do you think this self-confessed bachelor, committed to work, will find time to be supportive of your individuality and love you as you deserve?"

"I'm glad you asked," Natalie said, then launched into a candor that surprised her listeners. "From the first night we met in the Algonquin Hotel's Blue Bar in New York, that was a frequent conversation topic. It may surprise you to learn it was the central question we needed to solve for either of us to have a successful relationship.

"Better than most, we understand the demands of big, complex challenges, and the need for supportive, caring, understanding mates. For years, we each endured difficulties when mates were intimidated by career demands or too preoccupied with their lives, failing to respond appropriately.

"What changed? We're older, achieved success, and enjoy career freedom. Now retired from the stage, I'm no longer tied to six weekly performances. My work as a successful Broadway producer, with my able crew, allows me to come and go when needed.

"Admittedly, Tony's work is West Coast and mine East Coast. Geography shouldn't impede us. For other times, long weekends and air travel will have to suffice. We agreed, when one calls, the other comes running."

Realizing it would be inappropriate for Jacques, Natalie's earlier beau, to comment, Cecelia asked, "Tony, we watched when you failed to pay attention to Claudine at graduation.

"She adored you and would have given up her Swiss banking career if invited to stay in California and join your wine endeavors. What changed? How did you convince Natalie you'd always be there for her?"

"Not long after Claudine returned to Geneva, I regretted letting someone so important slip away," he said. "I promised myself I wouldn't make that mistake again. After living alone for years, I learned you can't wish for reciprocal love and support.

"I never thought I'd have a relationship chance with someone as talented, exciting, and loving as Natalie. I love her and will never knowingly jeopardize what we share."

With curiosity satisfied, the Sentinels devoted the next two days discussing Sentinel business.

Since multi-corporate affiliations were Jacques' main concern, he assumed responsibility for that agenda portion. After several hours of discussion, Jacques concluded, "When corporate coalitions combine resources to support a common self-interest agenda, they appear to have learned to do so without breaking laws. Maybe laws shouldn't be the concern. Shouldn't we focus on protecting public interest?"

"In our democratic free-market society, somebody needs to decide if achieving these self-serving agendas benefits or harms the public. Since early 20th century, antitrust provisions protecting the public from monopolistic practices were law. Why have we learned antitrust laws no longer defend us from all abusive wealth and influence agendas? What if we hadn't focused on problems when multi-corporate resources manipulate the political process for self-service?

"Since we will have little opportunity to attack corporate coalitions directly, we must concentrate opposing their agendas. Starting today, we need to consider what form our opposition must take!"

On the second day, by agreement, Cecelia presented her progress report on the pending Sentinel Institute development.

Addressing the subject, Cecelia said, "Before completing our last plan, you found it necessary to finalize our institute development commitment. Once we had an actual plan, we concentrated on site acquisition, curriculum organization, campus design, funding completion, and construction start.

"Fellow Sentinels and honored guests, I'm here to say we completed our plan, established a budget, and identified a site. In short, we proceeded to where your approval is needed before proceeding.

"Please join me in the next room. I have something to show you."

As they entered, they saw a big table covered with a sheet. Curious what lay beneath, they quietly stood around while Cecelia and Mike carefully removed the covering to reveal a precise topographical model depicting the park-like campus setting. The view of buildings, driveways, space for future expansion, model cars, replicas of students walking, sitting, standing in groups, and proximity to Monterey Bay caught everybody by surprise. Attached labels designated each building's anticipated purpose. What was previously theoretical had become a real-life project.

Jacques spoke first. "I wondered what a Sentinel Institute should be like. Never did I imagine it would take so many buildings to house the curricula and students we hope to introduce!"

Continuing her presentation, a serious Cecelia said, "Note we've only used half the land for present needs. We must realize each new endeavor requires us to develop new tools. If the institute is our toolbox, we need room for more tools."

It had been a long day. Tony and Natalie, hoping to make that night's dinner special, decided to treat guests to the same experience offered important wine buyers. Arrangements made dinner in the large, tunneled storage area where big vats aged wine. During cocktails, five Sentinels and guests walked among oak casks, experienced rich aromas, and learned about the wines by reading labels.

Standing at the cave mouth, they saw the setting sun paint pastel hues on surrounding oak-studded hills. In groups of two and three, they busily conversed.

Waiters carried trays of long-stemmed wine glasses. Others carried smoked salmon, caviar, oysters, pâté, and toast points.

Five best red and white wines were selected. Each of five guest chefs prepared a course to amplify the wines' qualities.

No expense was spared on the white linen-covered, oak table. Ornamental gas lights ran its length. Place settings included five wine glasses, five forks, four spoons, three knives, all carefully arranged. At intervals were flower-filled vases.

Dinner proceeded in full swing. Encouraged by the elegant setting, unique dinner, and chance to sample new wines, each Sentinel and guest stood to express feelings.

The noisy, wine-influenced atmosphere made it hard to hear if toasts celebrated the previous three days, recent victory, or speculated when the next power cycle threat would emerge.

The euphoria was suddenly interrupted when the waiter-captain announced Jacques and Mike's urgent presence requested in the office. David Marcus, calling from Tehran, Iran, waited to speak with them.