Wow! Getting through this episode was hard. I mean there are layers that I really didn't consider. Happy to be finished with this one and moving on. I hope the next one is easier.

Saturday Part Two

Sometimes I can be a little hasty in my judgements, some (Oliver O'Toole for one) might even call me impetuous. I like to think, however, that I am a big enough person to admit when I am wrong, and I was completely wrong about Captain Hopper. I initially thought he was not very invested in the cases that passed across his desk, but now, I think he does care, but is enough of a realist to know that he can't answer every request and so prioritises those he thinks he can do something about. When we returned with the name Benjamin Parker, he was much more helpful, even putting us in touch with an old friend of his who came up with the goods! Tomorrow, we are meeting with Mr Parry, and hopefully through him, Corporal Parker.

Sunday

Before I go on to the wonderful events of today, oh my goodness, I must express that war is horrible. What a price we expect those who serve to pay.

I don't think I will ever forget Corporal Benjamin Parker (or Peg or Samila for that matter). It is not easy to see the wonderful person that Peg and Samila knew, become so turned around by what he experienced. I am proud to have met him. Oliver is right – Buzz gave Samila and so many others a hope and a future. He deserved our thanks, and we were determined to do whatever we could to support him.

Although initially reluctant, and somewhat overcome, Benjamin agreed to come with us to the DLO so we could get him ready for Samila's graduation. Little did we know that our very own Good Fairy was waiting for us at the office. Teresa Capadiamonte, in full flight rehearsing for the part of Glinda in the Wizard of Oz, worked her magic with Buzz. She had us scurrying to do her bidding before she even clicked her heels. I was dispatched to find a suit, Oliver to find shaving gear, Rita for hot towels and Norman for entertainment, I guess? Whatever, she was fabulous, and she truly worked wonders with Buzz. In three hours, Buzz was transformed back into Peg's beloved son, and Samila's friend and saviour.

Her graduation was wonderful. She spoke beautifully and inspired everyone in the room. And to see Samila's reaction when Buzz made himself known, oh, I almost lost it. I used to think that what I did before was important, that I needed to be in the centre of everything in DC to make a difference in this world. I am now beginning to think that we can make a different one letter, and one life at a time. Is this what my purpose really is?

Speaking of purpose – Teresa, I mean wow! She was wonderful on stage, but really, quitting the post office? I guess it never is too late to follow your dreams. I am not sure that she should have given Oliver a score of 100 on his performance review – how insufferable is that going to make him? She did get all Delphi oracle before she left us though, I mean, 'dance a little'. Yeh right! I think you generally need a partner for that.

Her other little truth bombs were a bit more like it however, Rita, our own little cowardly lion needs courage to embrace her technicolour future. What did Teresa say, 'whatever or whoever it is'? And our very own little Toto - Norman, has not a clue! What did she mean when she said to Oliver, 'I'll miss you most of all'? Is he our scarecrow without a brain? I think I would be insulted if I were him, although the Scarecrow really did have a brain, and became known as the wisest in all of Oz. But what does that make me, the Tin Man with no heart? Yeh, I think I am reading too much into this analogy.

I will take to heart her parting words, however. 'Don't waste a moment.'

Now, about my floating workspace, desk thing… Okay I will admit, at first I was a little…something. I mean it had gears, and an old sewing machine table as a base, and what looked like a wooden computer keyboard, ink bottles, brass lamps and a scissor arm attachment for my tablet. It was the most steampunk thing I had ever seen. The more I looked at it, however, the more I kind of fell in love with it. I mean, who has a co-worker who is so sweet that they spend time making something like that to make you feel included? Norman is weird, but he really is the sweetest little guy. The more I looked at the desk, the more I saw how perfect it was. It was like this homage to Jules Verne, but also a way for me to be as geek as I want, without making Oliver's head explode. He surely couldn't think that something hackerishly good could come out of something so vintage, could he?