did some research on Robert Lawson, the inspiration for Ben and Me, and wouldn’t you know it, he had a connection with the Lafittes. Jean, according to his memoirs and his great grandson, had an obsession with the Declaration of Independence and the founders, particularly Benjamin Franklin. I think Lafitte obtained the plates through his relationship with Andrew Jackson. Jean studied them relentlessly and tried to decrypt the message before he ditched them in the ocean and because of this, I strongly believe there is a connection between the plates and Franklin—and it has to do with harnessing power so it can be used to benefit mankind. This type of energy could power entire cities, make us self-reliant, and it could be used to drive technology beyond anything anyone has ever seen.”
Stan was flabbergasted at how Walt, with all of his daily responsibilities at the studio, Disneyland, and the company in general, could have time to focus on something of this magnitude. It was a testament to how effective Walt Disney was—he always looked to the future, and he tried to make things better for upcoming generations.
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Stan listened even though he still hadn’t caught up with Walt’s mind-boggling concepts.
“If something happens to me, I need you to find the brightest technological mind on the planet to continue this research. I believe that by the 1980s, an innovator will appear on the scene and revolutionize technology. Over the next few decades, he will become one of the wealthiest men on the planet, and will have the power to innovate beyond all human comprehension. I need you to make him part of the team and continue my quest for the perfect city.”
Walt pulled a wrinkled piece of paper out of his pocket and unfolded it, showing it to Stan.
“These plates aren’t just a road map for an energy solution. They have the answer to something the founders might have used to form our country.”
The sketch was hand drawn by Walt in his famous red oil pencil. It looked like a telescope of some kind.
“The forefathers of our country, the ones who came over on the Mayflower, lived in the early 1600s. The Declaration wasn’t signed until 1776, and the Constitution was ratified about 11 years later. The founders somehow accessed the knowledge of the forefathers to form the most prosperous country on the planet. How was that information preserved during those times, when they had so many hardships, and limited technology? I believe they used something similar to this to do it.”
Walt pointed to his drawing of the object that looked similar to a telescope.
“A telescope?” Stan was confused.
“No, I’m not sure exactly what it is, but it was probably invented by Franklin—I think it was a—“ Walt paused, “something like a—“ Walt hesitated again.
“Like what, Walt?” It wasn’t normal for Walt to hesitate.
“I think it was a gateway or a… portal of some kind.”
Stan’s eyes widened. He thought that maybe Walt had gone too far—that he’d been spending too many late nights on this project.
“I know it sounds weird and impossible, and maybe it is—but I’m going to get to the bottom of this and figure it out.”
August 11, 2010
Tom Sawyer Island
Disneyland Park
Jack and Kendall jumped into the black rubber SEAL issued boat that was docked next to the wooden Tom Sawyer Island raft. Bill Gaur followed close behind, but Jack stopped him as he tried to board.
“We’ve got this from here Bill.”
Kendall started the stealth motor, and they accelerated across the water to the Island, which was dark except for the thin rays of lights poking through the trees from the search teams.
“Jack, we’re going to see the same exact door here, and have the same problem with it.” Kendall said.
Jack continued to glare at the Island. “I’m trying something different this time, I don’t need a key.” Jack pressed his