FBB #7 Chad Renner

This chapter seemed to provide the resolution to both ongoing narratives. We see Kristen finally mustering the courage to confront the calamity which is Rocky Flats. An aspect of her life she has, hitherto, evaded discussion or even recognition of. Thus while the perpetual drama of Rocky Flats continues unabated (another fire occurs inside the plant), Kristen has achieved, at least partially, resolution. Indeed certain sections of this chapter seemed decidedly reassuring. Moreover throughout her brief time working Rocky Flats I believe that she amassed conviction to write about the sinister quality of Rocky Flats. She begins to assess the furtive nature of day-to-day operations of the plant and this enables her to truly capture the essence of Rocky Flats. Kristen describes it best in a conversation with her co-worker Diane who says “They cover things up and make them look better than they are, she says. Her face flushed. “The whole plant. You know what I mean? I’m not supposed to talk. My husband’s not supposed to talk, either” (Iversen 276). It is quite apparent especially from this conversation how Kristen could formulate the parallel between her own life which was filled with dissimulation and that of Rocky Flats. I think this section of the chapter is reveling, in that we acquire an understanding of insight which spurred Kristen to write her memoir. Many people where utterly appalled that Kristen assented to working at Rocky Flats, but in the end it really did solidify her inexorable desire to write. And had she not disregarded the evident dangers of working at Rocky Flats composing her memoir would have been very difficult indeed.