A Different Time, a Different Earth

A Different Time

A Different Earth

Angelo Thomas Crapanzano

Copyright 2022 by Angelo Thomas Crapanzano

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotation in a book review.

ISBN 978-1-957956-37-4 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-957956-38-1 (Ebook)

Inquiries and Book Orders should be addressed to:

Leavitt Peak Press

17901 Pioneer Blvd Ste L #298, Artesia, California 90701

Phone #: 2092191548

This book is dedicated to my wife Rose and all my children, Gary, Terese, Dan and Linda. It is also dedicated to all my grandchildren: Morgan who is the oldest and a sweet young lady, Abby, Gabe and Chris who keep me young. Also, to my other grandchildren: Colton who has been a great help to me especially around the yard, and to Jacob and Danielle who have given me many hours of joy.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1:  It Wasn’t Fun Anymore

Chapter 2:  A New Beginning

Chapter 3:  The Great Adventure

Chapter 4:  Fantastic Possibilities

Chapter 5:  The Astronauts

Chapter 6:  A Time for Mourning

Chapter 7:  Survival

Chapter 8:  Exploration

Chapter 9:  A New Home

Chapter 10:  Fantastic Discoveries

Chapter 11:  New Options

Chapter 12:  The Rescue

Chapter 13:  Home Not so Sweet Home

Chapter 14:  Ultimate Betrayal

Chapter 15:  Retribution

Chapter 16:  Near Catastrophe

Acknowledgments

While it took several years to establish the story line with its details for this novel, it would never have gotten between the two covers without the encouragement and valuable comments from my beautiful daughter-in-law Tammy Crapanzano and my lovely daughter Terese Crapanzano. They both independently edited and critiqued each chapter as each was created.

CHAPTER ONE

It Wasn’t Fun Anymore

It was early morning and the sun had just risen above the horizon. Tom was later than usual. Usually Tom was eager to get to work. He could not wait to continue working on the project he had left the day before. He had never paid attention to the 4:30 end-of-day bell. He would always continue the particular phase of the research he was performing until he got to a likely place to stop and go home. Lately, however, work was not as much fun as it used to be.

Tom walked over to the bedroom window as he usually did every morning. He pulled back the drapes enough so that he could peek out and get an early view of the new day. The drapes covered the sliding doors to the terrace overlooking the back yard. The house was located on a half-acre lot. The rear of the lot was lined with shag bark hickory trees. A large silver maple tree stood like a proud leader in front of the woods nearer to the house. On this particular morning the sun’s rays were gleaming through the early spring leaves. The little droplets of water from the early morning dew seemed to dance as the spring breeze rippled through the not yet fully grown leaves. The railing was shining brightly as the sun’s ray’s bounced off its moist surface. The unusually dark blue, clear sky declared a bright and gloriously beautiful day.

Tom released the drapes and they slid silently closing off the view. Tom’s movement was strictly from habit. The beautiful morning view was not seen by Tom. His mind was a million miles away. His thoughts were on the changes that had taken place in the last few years. Tom was the manager of the Electronics Research and Development Department for the Akron Aerospace Products Corporation. The company had been sold to Northwest Industries. Before the sale Tom was required, as department manager, to provide a department budget once a year along with a manpower requirement estimate. Tom would then spend the remaining time directing the engineering efforts. The new president immediately changed this to twice a year. A few months later he changed this requirement to quarterly. Last month he said the costs were too high and wanted to review the budget and manpower monthly. This left little time for Tom to do any engineering work. The monthly review was to take place today. The rumors were that he was going to ask for a reduction in manpower.

Tom, yelled his mother from downstairs. Coming, Mom Tom answered.

You’re going to be late. Do you want to spoil your record?

Tom had not been late or absent for the last seven years at Aerospace.

Your kids want to say good bye. They are ready for school. Be right down.

Tom’s mom had moved in to help out when Annie got sick. Annie was Tom’s wife. They had known each other since high school. When Tom got home from the service they began seeing each other again. It didn’t take long before they declared their love and got married. They had Tim two years later. It was with the next pregnancy that they found out about Annie’s cancer. She had breast cancer and it had spread quietly to her lungs and shoulder. Annie refused to receive any treatment until the baby was born. She was seven months pregnant when the cancer was discovered. What could two more months harm? Because of Annie’s problem they decided to call the baby Ann after her mother. Annie did get to see and hold her daughter for six months before she succumbed to the cancer. Tom was devastated. Annie was only thirty-two when she died. Tom’s mother had planned to stay for only two years. However, after things settled and it became apparent how needed she was, she and Tom decided that she should sell her house and move in permanently. Tom’s mom had been asked to move in with her daughter Maria when Tom’s dad died several years earlier, but she had decided that as long as she was able, she wanted to live by herself. However, after Annie’s death and time passed she became comfortable living with her son and her two grandchildren. It had been six years since she moved in and it had been satisfactory to all concerned. The children adored their grandma.

Tom came down to the kitchen at seven-thirty. He was due at work at eight. He usually left the house at seven thirty with the kids who had to be at school at eight. This morning the kids were just leaving.

Good morning, Tim, Annie he said as he caught them at the door.

Hi, Dad, they said in unison. You’re late today, Tim added.

I know; you guys have a good day in school and be good, do you hear?

We will, Dad

Good morning, Mom

You’re late, Tom. What is the problem? It’s not like you I’m okay.

I’m your mom. You can’t fool me. What is wrong? Nothing

Well, we will talk tonight when you get home. Right now you’re going to be late. Get moving.

Tom slipped on his suit jacket, jogged through the family room to the garage, jumped into his car and in a few moments was on the road. His thoughts returned immediately to the problem at work. He thought of the deal that Northwest had pulled. Tom reached the freeway ramp. The light was green so he turned his car onto the ramp and was soon heading east on the west leg of the freeway. Northwest had separated the Aircraft Products Division and put it up for sale. It then created a separate company called J&M. Tom figured that it was probably just a desk in a corner of the Northwest office building. In any case it was a solely owned subsidiary of Northwest Industries. Since it had trimmed the Aircraft Products Division down to the bare minimum the profit to investment ratio was around 21%. Combining this with its high influence and reputation among banks and wealthy industrialists it was able to float sufficient junk bonds to purchase the now called Aircraft Products Corporation by J&M. Since J&M was theirs, they now had 140 million dollars, plus the company was still theirs. What it amounted to was that they took the company’s profits for the next 10 to 15 years. Now the company and its work force had to pay off the junk bonds. This meant more reductions in spending and manpower.

Tom was suddenly distracted from his thoughts. He looked around at where he was. He then realized he didn’t know where he was. Nothing looked familiar.

Where am I? he thought. He then saw a sign which indicated to him that he was on route 277. How did I get here? he said to himself. He didn’t remember getting on the Kenmore spur. How did he merge in with the traffic coming from the east? For that matter he didn’t remember merging in with the 277 traffic. A chill ran up his spine. I had better watch the road. The thought that he was driving on instinct or habit troubled him. He decided then and there that he would keep his problems away from driving time.

Tom was now very close to the exit ramp. When he had a chance he carefully moved into the right lane and within minutes was off the freeway and onto the side road. He pulled into the company drive and stopped at the gate. He showed his inside parking pass and drove along the building until he could pull into his assigned parking slot. He grabbed his briefcase, locked his car, and walked up the stairs to the office area. At the top of the stairs he walked down the aisle past the personnel offices to the first isle on the right. He turned right, walked past the printing area to the next aisle, and turned right again. A few more turns and he walked into his office. His desk was on the right as you walk in. Above the desk was a painting of ancient Greek buildings. To the left of his desk was his bookcase. To the right of his desk were the filing cabinets. On the right side of the desk sat his computer and on the left was his telephone. To the left as you walk into the office was a large blackboard. Directly in front of the blackboard was the meeting table. Four chairs surrounded the table except where Tom’s chair could turn 180 degrees and be at the head of the table. His secretary sat in an alcove across the isle from Tom’s office. She had not arrived yet.

Tom quickly turned on his computer. He was eager to review all the work he had accomplished in preparation for the upcoming meeting this morning with the president Mr. Grafsingler. Tom had worked with all his section managers to come up with a schedule of each current project making sure that the data agreed with the cost and schedule that Mr. Grafsingler had agreed to and signed off on.

The schedules were assembled from each section to show the engineering hours and cost per month for the entire program. Tom then had assembled the bottom line of each schedule to show the entire requirement of Tom’s department on a single schedule. This also included contracts not yet received if the sales department claimed that the chance of receiving the contract was better then 75%. The bottom line of all the department programs was shown in engineering hours for each month up to the delivery date of the program hardware. These hours were then divided by the number of available hours per engineer. This then provided the number of engineers required for the department per month for at least the next two years.

You ready for the meeting?

Tom turned around to see Ron Brownling the Director of Engineering.

As ready as I will ever be, Tom responded. I’m reviewing all the information. Do you know what the engineering hours as estimated to do all the jobs by the required delivery date shows? When dividing the monthly total by the hours per month the necessary manpower comes out as 32 men per month for the next year.

But you only have 30 men, don’t you? That’s right

Whoa! I’m not going in the meeting with you! He will never give you another two men. How many times have I told you that he is asking for a reduction in personnel?

Of course I know that. The figures come from the document that he himself has endorsed. Anyway I thought that at least I’d have some leverage to keep the people I now have. And Ron, we both know that you couldn’t get out of attending the meeting even if you wanted to.

"Good luck, Tom. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ll come by and pick you up at about five to ten.

Okay, see you then.

Tom quickly went back to his review. He was trying to anticipate Mr. Grafsingler’s questions and comments and how he could respond to them. It was difficult of course, but Tom had been in meetings with him before. He knew of his emphasis on money expenditure. So Tom tried to break down all the engineering hour to cost and show that it all was within the given budget. Tom knew, however, that it was very likely that Mr. Grafsingler would change the budget and leave him high and dry. He had to concentrate on delivery dates, cost and customer satisfaction. Tom was no fool. He knew that his job was going to be tough.

Time went by too fast. It was about ten to ten when Ron stopped by. He was accompanied by Stan Karlton the manager of the Engineering Service Department, Artie Burnheart, manager of the Systems Engineering Department, and Bob Strack, manager of the Engineering Test Group. Tom joined them and they proceeded to the president’s office.

This is going to be another tough meeting, Stan commented. Probably the toughest one yet, is my guess, responded Ron.

He is out to reduce our size no matter what we need. But it is understandable if you consider that he has pressure from New York. Remember they sold many ten- million-dollar junk bonds. They not only need to pay these off but also make enough to pay the one million dollars to the chairman of the board for his once-a-year visit he makes. He calls it his consultation fees.

You sound bitter. Does he really get one million for his one-day visit? asked Tom.

You bet your britches! I’m not exaggerating one bit. That is his consultation fee.

How can any of this be legal?

I know. It shouldn’t be but it apparently is.

The group rounded the corner and entered into the outer office where they were greeted jubilantly by Vicki, the president’s secretary.

"Hi, fellows, how are you all? Just take a seat. He is on the phone.

He will be with you soon."

They all took a seat on the bench that was located across from the president’s office door. Looking into the office you could see the round table where the meeting always took place. You could also see the outer windows. You could not see the president. The office was quite large. It was located in the corner of the building so that he had light on his desk. The doorway was located to the left of the room and his desk was located to the extreme right of the room. It was therefore not possible to see him from any where except from the secretary’s desk. The personnel manager and the vice president of operations joined them. They exchanged pleasant greetings and all sat or stood silently waiting. It was about ten minutes later that Vicki announced that the president was ready for them and asked them to enter his office and be seated. Mr. Grafsingler sat at his desk for a few minutes shuffling a few papers, got up walked to the table and sat in his usual place at the table. He gave no sign of a greeting of any kind.

Bob what have you to report? he finally said.

Bob gave a complete dissertation of his department projects. He had no schedules or paper of any kind to show. He didn’t even have notes. Tom thought that he was not as prepared as he should have been. He then explained how much of each project was completed and how much of the money he had expanded. The president was taking notes and suddenly became vicious.

You are only approximately one third completed in your test programs and have used up over one half of your funds, he yelled.

Bob tried to explain that he had problems with some equipment and that some products didn’t pass the tests and therefore testing had to be repeated. It all fell on deaf ears. Mr. Grafsingler went on raving about how incompetent he was and he had better get his act together. Before Bob could respond he turned to Stan.

What is your report? he asked.

Stan started describing his field service effort. Tom wasn’t listening at this point. He, as well as the others had been intimidated by the president’s outrageous outcry. Tom was thinking only of his own report. He did hear, however, that Stan was to release one man.

Arthur, what is your status? asked the president. His voice sounding much quieter. It was well known that Artie was favored by him. Artie gave his report very elegantly reading from his notes.

When he was done the president said, Very good; however, we have to reduce our manpower, he said almost apologetically. I would like you to reduce your manpower by one man by the first of July.

Tom knew that it was his turn because after telling Artie to drop one man he looked directly at Tom. Tom gave him a copy of his individual project schedules and continued to relate how he had arrived at the information. The president listened for a while and then pushed the schedules back towards Tom.

I don’t want these details. Give me the bottom line. Tom then handed him the schedule of the combined programs which showed the total department accomplishment, future efforts, costs, and manpower requirement to met product delivery. The president looked at the schedule briefly and then turned violent again.

Thirty-two men! You are not getting two more men!

Tom tried to explain that he could do the job with the present manpower with a little overtime.

No! I will not approve any overtime!

It will be difficult meeting delivery dates, Tom responded regretting what he said as soon as he had finished.

You will meet schedules, he yelled. If you can’t do it we will find someone who can.

Tom’s anger stated to rise. You had better start looking, Tom thought. He however kept it to himself.

I also want you to reduce your manpower by five men by August. Mr. Grafsingler then turned to Ron who had kept silent throughout the whole meeting. Ron, you and your people can leave now. It is not necessary that you stay for the rest of the meeting. Saying this, he pushed all of Tom’s schedules to him not wanting anything more to do with them. Ron immediately got up, obviously glad to get out of there. Tom and the others also got up and left the room. As Tom walked out of the room he gave a slight smile at Vicki. Vicki had heard all that went on in the room. She was surprised that Tom was still able to smile, even though it was a pretty sick smile.

All four walked down the hall to the next turn. They were all silent. Bob Stank pealed off to return downstairs to the test lab. He waved goodbye and disappeared from view.

I think he is in real trouble, stated Ron. He was ill prepared for the meeting. But if you know Bob, he has always been that way. He is a hard worker though.

Stan and Artie both excused themselves without a word and went straight ahead while Ron and Tom turned to the left toward the print room.

You think that Bob is in trouble? There is no way that anyone can do the engineering development on my jobs with five fewer people. Could you believe it when he said that if I couldn’t do the job that he would find someone who could? I didn’t say it but my thoughts were, ‘You had better start looking.’

Now, Tom, don’t get too excited, Ron said trying to calm Tom. Don’t let him get to you. I tried to warn you of his plan. He knows how valuable you are. I have certainly told him enough times. You also know how valuable you are to this division.

I think like many companies these days, he is trying to reduce the middle management.

That may be true, but I don’t think it applies to you

Thanks, Ron, I appreciate your confidence. However I don’t think Mr. Grafsingler is a dummy. He knows what he is doing.

By the way, I don’t know if I told you, Tom, but you may as well get all the bad news at once. Your department budget has been cut ten percent.

Of course, Tom responded sarcastically. Why not? If you don’t have people you don’t need supplies.

All I have to say, Tom, is hang in there. I’ll talk to him. Perhaps I can get him to delay the manpower reduction. You’re right. He is no dummy. He will not jeopardize the projects.

Yes, I understand that. However, he can cause us to reduce the amount of testing. He can cause us to put out a product that has no quality control.

They had now reached Tom’s office. Ron shrugged his shoulders and said, So be it. He then continued down the hall to his office.

Tom stopped at his secretary’s desk. She looked up at him in anticipation of his request.

Kelly, will you notify all the section heads that there will be a meeting in my office? Tom looked at his watch. It was almost lunch time. Tell them that the meeting will be right after lunch, say at one o’clock.

Kelly nodded as she reached for her phone. Tom went into his office and sat at his desk. He didn’t feel very hungry.

Lunch time seemed to take forever. Tom had a cup of coffee and a candy bar from the machine in the hallway. He was sitting at his table reviewing the schedules when the section heads started to come in. Bill was the first to arrive. Bill Hunter was the Hardware Section manager. He was the sharpest of all the people Tom had. He was experienced in all facets of the business. He knew digital hardware as well as software.

What’s up, chief? he asked.

"Just take a seat. I’ll explain everything when the others show up.

No need to explain everything twice."

Bernie was next to walk in. Bernard Manowitz was the Software Section manager. Bernie was a specialist in software. Tom knew that he could not have had the success that they had without him. Bernie knew all the little tricks that could make or break a software project. He was one-of-a-kind. All his people were young engineers with little experience.

Bruce came just behind Bernie. Bruce Tremble was the Design Section Manager. He was responsible for the mechanical engineers, the draftsmen, and the lab with its technicians. Sam Delicy was the lab supervisor but was not normally invited to the department meetings.

As you all know, we had a meeting with president Grafsingler this morning, Tom started. I would like to bring you guys up to date as to what was the out come of the meeting.

I can hardly wait, whispered Bill.

Tom ignored the remark and continued. First I would like to inform you that our department budget has been slashed by ten percent. There was no response from the others in the meeting. It was no surprise to them. The budget had been cut with every monthly meeting Mr. Garfsingler had had. They also were anticipating the next results of the morning meeting. They knew that typically Tom gave the better news first.

I also want to tell you of the president’s reaction to our schedules. Tom hesitated for a moment waiting to see if there would be any reaction. He also didn’t really want to tell them the next information.

He shoved them back at me and said that he didn’t want any details. He wanted to see the bottom line. I gave him the summary schedule that showed that I really need thirty-two men to do the jobs on schedule. I thought that he was going to fire me on the spot. I’m surprised that you didn’t hear his yelling, ‘You’re not going to get any additional men.’ I tried to explain that with a little overtime that we could meet the schedules with the men we now have. Tom hesitated again wanting to delay the final news. He said that in no way would he approve any overtime. I told him that it would be difficult to meet schedules without it. He told me that if I couldn’t do it that he would find someone who could. Tom hesitated again. There was no way he could delay any longer.

He also said that by August I have to reduce my department by five people

What! We can’t do the job with fewer people. Is he crazy? responded Bill.

I can’t do the job now, said Bruce. There is no way I can give up people. I have an eighteen-month backlog now in updating drawings. Boeing will never stand for it!

Tom sat waiting for all the comments to cease. He was surprised that Bernie did not make a comment. However, Tom remembered that Bernie was always rather quite and non aggressive. Tom still wondered what Bernie was thinking.

Mr. Grafsingler wants a list of names and a schedule of departure dated for each. I think that the breakdown has got to be as follows. Bill you have to give up two men. Bernie you have to give up two men. Bruce, I know that you can’t give up design people, so you have to give up a technician. Engineers will have to do their own lab work. You will have the weekend to think about it. We will get together Monday to come up with a schedule. We will have to determine who we will need the longest and keep him until August. That’s it, fellows.

The men got up and started to leave. As they were leaving, Tom called out to Bruce. Bruce, will you wait a few minutes? Bruce stopped at the door, hesitated a few minutes, and then returned to the table and stood by the chair where he had been sitting. Bruce I think that you don’t have a choice. You have to let Andy Benton go as the first man on the list.

Andy Benton was a young technician. It didn’t make sense to let Sam Delicy go. He was the lab supervisor and handled all the supplies for the lab. He also serviced all the lab equipment.

I agree, Tom, I can’t let any of the designers go and I certainly can’t let Sam go.

Well, your part in this is done. Let’s take care of it Monday. I can be with you when you tell him if you like, Tom offered.

I was hoping you would do the talking.

If you like I can do that. We will meet in your office Monday, Tom suggested as Bruce left his office.

The rest of the day dragged. Tom noticed that Bill had assembled his people in his office. Tom guessed that Bill had already started plotting his action by informing his people. Tom wondered what he was saying to them. At last the work day came to an end. It was not too soon for Tom. He had a lot of thinking to do. Remembering the morning problem he had, Tom tried not to think of his problems as he drove home. He did, however, decide to talk to Mike.

Tom and Mike met in middle school and became instant friends. They both went to high school together and finally to college. They both graduated with electrical engineering degrees and followed with masters degrees. When Mike and Sally decided to marry they asked Tom to be best man. When Tom and Annie decided to get married Mike was asked to be best man. The two couples did many things together. They even went on vacation to Europe together. Their kids got along famously. They spent many summer picnics together. Mike got a job with a small company that manufactured electronic controls for factory machinery. The work did not satisfy Mike’s creative abilities. Two years ago he accepted a job with NASA in Cleveland. Last year he got promoted but unfortunately the job was in Houston Texas. Their move hit Tom very hard. It was like losing a part of his family. The last time Tom had seen them was when Annie died. They all came to Akron to be with Tom. Tom and Mike communicated by phone regularly. They always discussed each other’s problems. They respected each other’s opinions.

Tom decided that this was one of those problems that needed Mike’s opinion and help. Mike had never failed him in the past. They could help each other because they knew each other so well. Besides, two heads are always better than one.

Tom pulled into his driveway pushed the garage door transmitter button and when the door was sufficiently opened he pulled in and closed the door behind him. He shut off the engine, grabbed his briefcase and entered the house through the family room door. It was about five o’clock and his mother was cooking dinner. Tom assumed the kids were up stairs playing with their computer games. Normally they would be doing their homework. However, since it was Friday he didn’t expect they would be doing schoolwork. Tom somehow felt that he should ask anyway.

Hi, Mom. Where are the kids?

They are upstairs playing. She responded as Tom had expected.

How was your day, Son?

I had a terrible day, Mom. I need to talk to you about it after dinner.

Dinner won’t be ready for at least another half an hour. Your sister called and tied me up for an hour. So, I’m a little late. Can we discuss it in the next fifteen or twenty minutes? It may be better if the kids are not around. I kind of suspect what this is all about.

Tom related to his mother all that had gone on that day. He also let her know how unhappy he was at his job and that he was thinking of changing his job. He also made a point of discussing the strong possibility of leaving the area. He wanted to know how she felt about moving to another state.

Tom, you must do what is best for you and your kids. You can’t spend your life feeling as you do. I’m not thrilled at the prospect of moving but Tom I will back you up in any decision you make.

I’m asking if you are willing to move with us? I will not go anywhere without you.

Of course! I couldn’t leave you and the kids to fend for yourselves and I could never be the one to hold you back.

Thanks, Mom. I am going to call Mike after supper. I would like his input on my problem. He is so good in analyzing situations.

The children came down to eat when Tom’s mom called them. They must have been very hungry since she didn’t have to call more than once. Mrs. Cortel had made catfish with her special sauce. They all loved her catfish. Small conversations took place during diner. Tom had many questions of the children’s day. Their answers where always the same.

Okay, was their answer to most questions. None of Tom’s questions were original. He had too much on his mind. Calling Mike and what action he should take concerning his job were central to his thoughts. He had already made up his mind that he wanted a change. But he wasn’t sure how to approach a solution.

When dinner was over, Tom quickly dialed Mike’s number. He was sure that Mike would be home from work. There was a two-hour time difference between Houston and Akron. The phone rang three times and a woman’s voice answered.

Hello. It was Sally.

Hi, Sally, this is Tom in Akron.

"Oh, hi, Tom, my goodness, how are you? We were worried about you. We haven’t heard from you in some time. Mike and I were talking about you this morning. Mike was planning on calling you to see if everything is okay.

We’re all well, in health at least. Now, Tom, what does that mean?

It means that I’m not happy with my job. Is Mike home yet? I will tell him all about it and then he can fill you in. I don’t want to tell it twice. It hurts telling it once.

Wow! It can’t be that bad. Yes Mike is home. Just a minute and I’ll get him for you

Sally, before you get Mike, tell me how are you all doing? How are the kids? I miss all of you terribly.

We are all fine. The kids are healthy and as mischievous as always. We all miss you, too. Hang on I’ll get Mike. It took only a few minutes and Mike was on the phone.

Tom! You old buddy, how are you? What’s happening? Sally and I were just talking about you. I was ready to call you."

I’m okay, Mike. But I do need to talk to you about a problem I have. Shoot, buddy, I’m all ears.

Tom started from the selling of the company to the results of the meeting that same morning. He gave every detail leaving nothing out. He even discussed the reaction of his section managers. Mike was silent for a while.

Then he started by saying, Well then after another short hesitation he said, "There are two things that come to mind, without giving the mass of data that you have given me more serious and necessary consideration. First, I think that you are going to lose some of your most valuable employees. Secondly, would you want to stay with that company, everything considered?

No, was the only response Mike got from Tom.

Would you consider coming out here? The rumors are that a very large new program is in the wind. I hear that they are looking for hundreds of people of all trades. If I’m not mistaken I think I will be on it. My boss told me I was going to be assigned to a new project. I am to start training Monday. Wouldn’t it be nice to work together?

I would like that, too. I have already decided to leave this area. There isn’t much in electronic here. Do you think I have a chance to get in there?

Tell you what, Tom, Let me go. I will run down to the office. The personnel manager always works late because of the new program requirements. If he is still there I’ll get a copy of the employment application forms. I’ll send them to you by overnight mail. You should get them tomorrow morning. Fill them out and mail them back as soon as you can. I’ll give you the address of the personnel office. What have you got to lose? It will at least give you another option. There is only one bit of advice I need to give you in filling out the employment forms. Never give a negative answer. You are willing to go anywhere they want to send you and there is no job you will not do. Once you’re in they will always give you another chance to back off. Say yes to every question. Now let me go so I can start working on this.

After hanging up, Tom informed his mother of the conversation he had with Mike. His mother just shrugged her shoulders and put her hands forward with the palms up. Tom took this to mean, Whatever is necessary. Tom then turned on the TV and tried to forget the whole thing.

Later in the evening his mother came up to Tom and said,

Tom I have been thinking about the possibility of moving. I think you should do what you think is best for your kids and what will make you happy. I don’t like to see you as unhappy as I have seen you the last few months. It’s been obvious to me that something was wrong. What I’m trying to say is that wherever you go is fine with me. I will follow you anywhere as long as you need me and it is what will make you happy. I and the kids will adjust with no problems. I was hoping you would fine a young lady to keep you company. It had been over six years now. It’s not good for a man to be without a mate.

Mom, I’m happy with my family just as it is now. I do appreciate your support to move because I don’t think I have a choice. Tom went to bed feeling that a little of the weight had been lifted from him.

Morning came quickly. Tom got up, went down to the recreation room where his treadmill was and walked his usual two miles at a four mile an hour rate. When he was finished he went back upstairs, took his shower, got dressed pulled back the drapes and looked out the backyard as he normally did. This time he did notice the beautiful day out side. Since it was Saturday, Mom and the kids slept in a little longer. Tom was a man of habit. He couldn’t sleep any longer than he did during the week. He hesitated a little longer than usual looking at the trees. He wondered if he would be around in the fall to rake up all the leaves.

Tom walked downstairs and was surprised to see that his mother was up and preparing breakfast.

How do you want your eggs? she asked.

Sunny-side up, he answered. He was about to sit at the table when the door bell rang.

Who could that be this early in the morning? Tom said looking at his watch. It was not yet seven o’clock.

I’ll get it, Tom volunteered. A young man stood at the door with a large envelope in his hand.

Overnight express, the man said and handed Tom the envelope. Tom signed for it, gave the young man a tip and walked back into the kitchen opening the envelope as he went. It was the employment forms that Mike had told him about. However, it was not from Mike. It was from John Toraine. Apparently the personnel manager had sent it directly. There was a note included in the package. It stated that because of the scheduled start of the new program it was essential that he respond as soon as possible. It also included a self- addressed, postage-paid, return envelope. Tom reviewed the forms. There were six pages in all.

Who was it? his mother asked.

It was the overnight express carrier. He brought the employment forms from NASA.

Tom gobbled down his breakfast quickly and retreated to his study, closed the door and started to fill the forms. Most of the questions were easy. He filled them in quickly. The hard part was the area where they required a list of his experience. Tom did this on a separate document in his computer. He chastised himself for not having this done ahead of time. He had time yesterday. Instead he watched TV. Didn’t he know that he needed a resume? Tom hated to be rushed in doing any job. Here he was rushing to do what might well be the most important task of his life. Although he had most of the day to write his resume, he would have liked to have some of the information in his office at work to help him remember his past duties. Tom wrote the resume several times editing it several times. Finally he decided that it was the best that he could do from memory. He reviewed it several times before he copied it permanently on the employment application form. He had taken the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon to finish it. It was five o’clock when he finally put the application in the envelope provided and called the overnight express people. It was helpful that John Toraine had looked up the local phone number and provided it in the letter. Twenty minutes later they came and picked up the envelope. Tom was relieved but in some ways he was apprehensive. The die was cast. He had not stopped for lunch and now was getting hungry. His mother had some noodles with broccoli, and Tom ate quietly. His children had eaten earlier with their grandmother and were now watching television. His mother finally had to break the silence.

Well Tom, how did things work out? You spent a lot of time on it. "I had a hard time coming up with the details of my experience. I don’t know if I left out anything important.

Don’t worry about it. God is in charge, don’t you know. If it’s meant to be it will be. But I know you. You are a perfectionist. It most likely is much better than it needs to be

I hope you’re right, Mom. I kind of have my heart set on going to NASA.

When Tom had finished eating he walked into the family room where the kids were watching a cartoon. He had not spent as much time with his children as he would have liked. Now things were in the air. He didn’t know if or how long he would be away from them. It was more likely that if he got accepted at NASA that he would go alone until he got settled. He would then call for them. Then there would be the selling of the house that could take some time before they could join him. They might be separated for some time. He started to miss them already. He decided to spend as much time with them as he could.

Hi, what do you say we play one of your games together? I’ve missed you guys. Let’s spend some time together. What would you like to do?

Let’s play UNO, suggested Annie.

You and your stupid UNO game. Let’s play Sequence, Tim argued.

I don’t know how to play Sequence. You do, too! Liar, Tim countered.

"Tell you what! Let’s not argue. Let’s play four hands of UNO and then we could play Sequence until bedtime.

Okay, Daddy they both agreed. They played as planned until it was bedtime. Tom thought it was funny. Tim won in UNO and Annie won in Sequence.

Sunday turned out to be like any other Sunday. Tom, his mother and the kids went to church at nine-thirty. They attended Bible study from nine thirty to ten thirty. The kids attended junior Bible study and at ten-thirty to eleven- thirty they attended regular church service. The pastor’s message was about God’s plan for each of us. How we have to submit to God and that we must trust him. Tom wondered if God was trying to give him a personal message. After church Tom cooked some steaks on the grill. He then took the kids to a movie. Tom’s mom decided to stay home. She had things to do. Besides, she didn’t care much for the children’s type of movies. The evening ended uneventfully and they all settled in for the night.

Monday morning came with the sound of rain hitting against the aluminum siding. Tom loved the sound of the rain. He would have loved to stay in bed. However he was too acclimated to his normal routine so he did not give in to the temptation. He put on his walking outfit and retreated to the recreation room. After walking his two miles he returned to his bedroom shaved and took a shower. As was his daily habit he pulled back the drapes and looked outside. The sky was overcast and the day looked gloomy. The rain had ceased however everything was wet. Two squirrels were romping in the woods. It seemed like one was chasing the other across the yard. The one that was being chased finally ran up a tree and disappeared in the foliage. The other gave up and went about looking for food in the ground. It was probably digging nuts that it had buried in the fall from the crop of the hickory trees. Tom loved the Ohio landscape. He wondered what Houston would be like. He looked the yard over knowing how much he would miss it. The neighbors on his right were an older couple. Their kids had all married and left home. They were Tom’s mother’s age and they were great friends. The neighbors on the left side were a young couple with small children. There was a high hedge on Tom’s property line. The neighbors also had a chain link fence around their property because of their dog. The children were very polite and good playmates for Annie and Tim. They were seldom seen otherwise except when the two boys played ball and they would come into Tom’s yard to retrieve it.

The rest of the early morning was routine. He ate breakfast with the rest of the family, said his goodbyes and went on his way to work. He managed to keep his mind on the road and was soon entering his office.

As he hung up his coat he noticed a piece of paper on his desk. He generally cleared his desk before he left in the evening. It was an open letter that some one had left on his desk either Saturday or early this morning. He picked it up and started to read it. As he read it the shock of the information caused him to suddenly sit in his chair. It was a letter from Bernard Manowitz notifying him that he was retiring as of Friday April 16. That date was two weeks from today. Tom remembered what Mike had told him. He had said that Tom would start losing his best people. Mike had hit it right on the head. Tom didn’t know how he could survive without Bernie. All of Bernie’s section people were so young and inexperienced. Tom then and there made up his mind that he was leaving for sure even if he didn’t have another job to go to. He just wasn’t sure of when it would be.

After digesting the letter Tom went to Bernie’s office. Bernie was there going through his papers.

What is this? Tom requested of Bernie putting the letter before him.

Seems pretty clear, responded Bernie. Yes, but why?

Tom, I’m sixty-six years old. I have had enough of this crap.

I wondered why you didn’t have a comment Friday at our department meeting. You made up your mind at that time didn’t you?

Yes, I was about ninety percent convinced that I should retire, admitted Bernie.

Well, you helped me make up my mind also. You will be sorely missed. How are your young people going to handle the job?

How have I helped you make up your mind? Are you planning to leave also?

Well, at least I will start looking. I don’t hold out much hope for this operation. Saying that, Tom left Bernie’s office and walked back to his office. He no sooner sat down that Bill walked into his office.

Got a few minutes? he asked. I would like to talk to you about the reduction of my section."

Before you start, have you heard about Bernie retiring? No, but I’m not surprised.

That makes two for our reduction list, including the technician we have decided to release.

Well, I have another to add to the list. I had a meeting Friday with my section. I told them of the reduction and asked for volunteers. I did get one this morning. Sam Brosch said that he had planned on leaving later in the year. He would like to get back to Philadelphia where he is originally from.

"He is a good man. We can keep him as long as he wants as