Chapter 6: Time Jump I
Berlin Brigade HQ, November 1st 1981
Matt entered the office of the battalion Commander and saluted the Lieutenant Colonel. The colonel, a tough old man named Compton, returned the salute and asked, "What's this I hear about you wanting a transfer to 'Permanent Reserve Status'?" Matt explained without going into very much detail about Harry and his new responsibilities. Col. Compton sighed and said, "I can't blame you for wanting to take care of your kid, but it's a shame to loose such a great officer. You will be transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve of the US Army Reserve. Good Luck Captain Evans." The two men exchanged salutes and Captain Evans went back to his quarters to pack the rest of his gear up before his return flight in the morning.
O'Hairr International Airport, Chicago Illinois. November 3rd, 2130h
Matt, Rob and Harry got off the airplane and sped through customs. Harry was getting fussy, and by unspoken agreement Matt and Rob rented a room for the night at a Holiday Inn near the airport to sleep off their jet lag.
Holiday Inn November 4th, 0852h
Matt, Rob and Harry climbed into the cab waiting for them in front of the Hotel. Rob said to the Cabby "Bunker Hill Military Academy."
The driver looked at Rob and said "that's a long drive buddy you're going to have to pay up front," Rob sighed but handed over his credit card and the cab was soon heading south to the school.
Bunker Hill Military Academy November 4th, 1600h
Matt Entered the Super Intendants office, and sat down in front of the man's desk. A name plaque said 'Brigadier General Francis White USMC (Ret.)' in a voice that was friendly but had a quiet strength behind it said "Hello Captain Evans, I have not seen you in a long time."
Matt was surprised he didn't remember ever meeting him. "I am sorry sir I don't remember you."
White Chuckled and said, "I am not surprised you don't remember, we didn't speak. I was a Lt. Col at the time, the CO of the Marine Battalion that relieved your Company in Saigon, you were focused on your platoons' welfare, not some Jarhead Colonel. Enough talk about old times, I have looked over your service record and I am impressed, you would have made a fine Marine. You also have a bachelors in Military History, with a focus on the Second World War, you graduated two years early with honors."
Matt nodded and said, "Yes sir, the second world war has always held my interest."
The old marine asked a few more questions about his qualifications then said, "You've got the job, you will teach 10th and 11th grade Cadets, you will be addressed either by your current rank or sir, now I'll explain how the students are organized." Matt nodded indicating that he was paying attention and White Continued "there are 700 students here 100 per grade. The school teaches from 6th to 12th grade. We use the Army Ranking system here and the corresponding insignia, all Students in 6th Grade start out as a Cadet Private but are just addressed as cadet. Every quarter all cadets are evaluated and either promoted or demoted based on the academic record, leadership skills and behavior. The 6-8th graders, or under classmen are never promoted beyond Cadet Staff Sergeant, and there is only one of those per grade there is also a Cadet Sergeant First Class who is considered a leader of the Underclassmen and is elected by the cadets from the current Cadet Staff Sergeants and approved by the staff. In reality Ranks for under classmen don't really matter, they cannot order each other around except during training exercises and those don't start, until 8th grade. The ranks are more of a way to reward those who have shown good performance.
The upper-class 9-12 grades is ran more along the lines of JROTC there are more exercises then and there are for the underclass and live fire training begins. The cadets must take an aptitude test at the beginning of the year to determine the branch of service that they will be sorted into, Army, Air force, Navy or Marines, those branches are like the houses seen in some private schools. No matter the branch the cadets still use army Ranks and Insignia to prevent confusion. The cadets are permitted to hold senior NCO and officer ranks up to there is a Cadet Lt Colonel for each grade in each Branch there is also a Cadet Colonel elected from among the Lt Colonels by the Cadets and approved by the staff."
When the Commandant was finished explaining everything he said "I know it's confusing at first but you'll get used to it. Will you take the job?"
Matt nodded and said "I look forward to it."
The Commandant smiled and said, "Good I'll see you at the start of the semester, dismissed." Matt walked out of the super intendants office and said "I got the Job!"
Rob Grinned and said "That's Great, when do you start?"
"January 12th."
Rob nodded and said, "Good that will give you some time to look for a house, my apartment is small for the 3 of us."
Matt Smiled and said, "Agreed"
407 Oak Street, New Bluff Housing Development (2 Miles from BHMA) November 21st, 1030h
"Well Mr. Evans I think you came to the right place" said the Real-estate Agent "it's a great neighborhood to raise a family, the house has two stories plus a finished basement, 4 bedrooms 3 ½ Bath. But the best feature is the back yard, there is a large deck perfect for entertaining friends or having a barbeque."
Matt silently agreed with everything the woman said but knew he couldn't look to happy or it would make negotiating difficult "It is definitely nice; How Much?"
The woman gave a large smile and said "Well the sticker price is $395,000 to buy and $2,500 a month to rent, we also have payment plans available."
Matt nodded and said, "Can you give us a minute?" the woman smiled and went back inside.
"What do you think Rob?"
The man hesitated for a moment and said, "It's a lot of money, what are your savings like?"
Matt thought back to his last bank statement and said "I have about $65,000 saved up, and Lily left me $200,000 to buy a house for Harry and I. What about you?"
Rob sighed and said "Not enough to make a difference; about $50,000. We both have better paying jobs now or will starting next semester."
Matt did the math in his head and said, "We are still $80,000 short; should we make an offer?"
Rob looked around one more time and said, "Offer $275,000 to start then negotiate"
Matt and Rob went back to the agent and said, "We are prepared to offer $275,000 Cash today."
The woman snorted and said, "If I took that I'd lose my job what about….." the negotiation lasted for a little over an hour when Matt said "so its agreed, $335,000. $300,000 now and 3,500 a month for ten months." The parties involved shook hands and the agent told them that they could move in by the end of the week. Rob Picked up Harry who had slept through the entire session and the three of them returned to his apartment.
Giant Steps Daycare. December 21st, 1100h
Matt and Harry were touring the brightly painted building. Matt didn't want to leave Harry in the care of strangers, but he had heard good things about this place from other faculty members at BHMA and someone had to look after him while he was at work. Matt put Harry in one of the playpens and began speaking to one the staff members, Jane Thomas, a woman who looked to be about Matt's age. "So how long have you been working here?"
Jane smiled a pretty smile and said, "for a little over a year, I love kids."
Matt chuckled and asked "do you have any of your own."
Jane got a pained look in her eye and said "no, I can't have kids."
Matt said, "I am sorry," very sincerely and changing the topic somewhat said "I think Harry likes it here"; the two looked over at the play pen where Harry was playing with blocks with a few other children. "When can he start?"
Jane smiled and said "it takes a few days for the paper work to go through and we are closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's so he could start on January 2nd."
Matt Smiled and said "Perfect." The two of them went into an office to fill out the paper work.
When the paper work was done Jane asked, "I haven't heard him speak yet, has he said his first word?"
Matt sighed and said "I don't know, his mother, my sister and his father were murdered a few months ago, I was given guardianship in their will and adopted him a few days later."
"I am sorry for your loss, but it's a good thing you're doing." Said Jane.