3- Starting Over… chapter three
Waking early in the morning after but a couple hours sleep, Walter was groggy, but, remembering he had to be at Elias Enterprises main headquarters to meet Richard by ten, he rose and got dressed. He got coffee going and scrambled a couple eggs he took downstairs to eat at his desk while checking mail.
In plenty of time he closed the laptop, put it in its case, pulled his car out and headed to Elias Enterprises. He was a bit early so sat in the car sipping his coffee, then headed to the main gate guard shack to await Richard. Not having to wait long, Richard came to the gate driving an electric golf cart.
"Walter, hop in and let's get going. Have a lot to show you. Should any ideas strike you while here, feel free to speak right up."
"I brought my laptop- you have no problems if I take notes, measurements, or other information? Once the entire system is checked over, I will go over everything in the garage and see if I can come up with any suggestions."
"I am confident you won't pass along any proprietary data to my competition. Along that topic, I have data stored at a number of outside sites I want you to up-grade security on. The off-shore hacking is getting crazy and there have been a number of attempts."
"That is what I am in business for, Richard, Just give me the necessary information and whom to contact and I can make it as secure as possible….. for a reasonable price."
Richard laughed at that. "I really have to disagree with you there, Walter. At much too reasonable a price. As a matter of fact, you need a manager to set prices, handle customers, do advertising, the mundane, bothersome business crap and use your brain for the excellent product you can provide be it code, design, or theoretical higher mathematics for problem solving for future space endeavors. You give away patentable designs- to a billionaire, no less. You may not believe this, but it just popped into my mind- how would you like to be an affiliate? We can redesign your garage, have a front office with a manager to take care of paperwork, inquiries, pricing- one of my finance interns may be the perfect person for the position, and you can work at your leisure behind the scenes and rake in the profits, I will keep you under retainer to handle issues I have."
Walter looked at Richard. "Is this how you have come up with your different business enterprises that built your international concern? Ideas pop into your mind while driving golf carts?"
"Matter of fact, some of my best business deals and decisions have been made over dinner, drinks, commercial airline travel. Since I can't get you as an employee, an affiliate is a good alternative. You will remain independent, but we both benefit from the collaboration. Here we are, come meet some engineers and designers. They are looking forward to meeting you- your reputation precedes you."
Richard pulled the golf cart by the entrance to the complex. Walking to the door, Richard opened it and followed Walter in. "I am always happy to show off my people and facilities- especially to those who actually understand what is going on. There is no rush on my suggestion, think about it, but in all actuality it is one of my better ideas and you would do quite well. Retain your independence and be able to focus full time on more important things than running a business. Come along, want to see what you think of the design and manufacture so far."
Richard introduced Walter to engineers, designers, system specialists and test personnel. The entire afternoon was spent in discussions and looking over blueprints, specs, and programs. Touring design, fabrication and component test labs, a number of personnel were familiar with Walter, both due to his component design for the space project as well as cases with Homeland that were in the news over the years. Three were particularly adamant in meeting and shaking his hand as they or a family member were personally impacted by the miscoded blood supply case or the hospital shutdown by the mold. At shift end he and Richard continued discussions with second shift personnel. By evening the tour was ended and they headed back to the golf cart.
"Since I kept you here so late, how about joining me for dinner, Walt? Have a favorite Italian restaurant you may enjoy. My driver can take us and bring you back to your car afterwards."
"To be honest, I just had a couple scrambled eggs and coffee this morning so dinner sounds good."
Entering and being seated at Richard's favorite Italian restaurant, their orders taken so their conversation continued starting with the space project.
"You need to add in your component specs the metallurgy used in component manufacture. Weight can be drastically reduced depending on alloy used, where the component is placed in the system and therefore the stresses it is subject to with its location. So many extraneous data points need to be examined prior to actual system design," Walter said. "I did not see that information on drawings. It may be that your people know this information so unnecessary to note it, but I could use the information for full system design options….. as an exercise in speculation for future use."
"I will have that added to drawings along with everything else already noted. See, you are making changes and improvements already."
"That is quite a complex you have. State of the art offices, labs and fabrication facilities are impressive. I see now why you have the attitude about the garage you do," Walter said with a smirk. "That why you want to get in there and remodel the place? And who do you have in mind for manager? Some slave driving efficiency expert, a motherly type, or a tall, sleek model to entice customers? Remember, I live there and do not need any encumbrances and as you know, I do not work well with others, especially outside the math and science sphere, so choose wisely."
"Does that mean you are going to go for it?" Richard asked. "You are ready to become an affiliate? Don't want to think it over more? If your decision is made, after the remodel is done, if you don't get along with my choice of office manager, there is always another business major ready to try out. With all the colleges and universities in and around LA, there are a million of them- surely one should be able to work with you."
"I told you I had not fully decided on what to move forward with- you have opened a whole new direction, so why not."
"Excellent. Before you have time to change your mind, I will have my remodeling design group at the garage tomorrow afternoon and see what can be done with the place. Going to be fun transforming that garage into a decent work and living space. You own the entire structure, right? Plus I will be opening an account on the banking/financial for you- I automatically deposit funds so any jobs you do as well as the retainer will be dumped into it. Will have all the accounts and ATM cards set up as a house-warming gift when your garage is done. "
"I had been thinking of opening the dividing wall so the entire structure can be used. Won't ever have a neighbor again so the lofts could be combined into one living area. One thing, I do NOT want the cellar disturbed, my servers messed with. I already have it on totally separate electrical and security systems. No one is to enter the cellar- that is MY proprietary data storage… and I prefer no Grecian statues."
Richard laughed, "too bad, one designer just HAS to put in a few life-sized Grecian statues, complete with fountains every project, so guess they will pass up this job. I am sure my designers will come up with something fabulous, an edifice to match your brilliance….. but still able to pull your car inside."
"So, what is this going to cost me?" Walter asked. "While I was thinking of opening the common wall on both floors to combine the lofts, a big total remodel transforming the place was not on my agenda- not exactly made of money. I finally own the place so was enjoying not having to make a monthly payment just to get back into making payments again."
"Easy, security software for two data centers and call it even." Richard said. "Back to trade and barter system. Dare say you will get your side of the trade done long before the remodel is completed. You can either stay there and put up with the noise and mess or stay in a company condo that is not being used."
"Message me the data centers address and whom to contact. One visit to scan the system, another to install software. I will look forward to seeing your remodelers tomorrow."
"Been a long day, so let's head out. I still have things to do at the office before calling it a night."
Walter woke, showered, and dressed in jeans and t-shirt to get ready for the remodeling designers due in the afternoon. He went downstairs, got the coffee cranked up and went to his desk to open the laptop and check mail.
Message from Richard that the remodel designers would be there at one, and the info on the two data centers and the managers to contact.
Walter messaged both managers for a day and time to scan their systems for security up-grades. He then kicked back to scan the empty garage and wondered how the place would be transformed. No Grecian statues and fountains was a good thing he chuckled. Will be interesting to combine the two lofts- more space that now, being alone he really does not need, but an added work area since his desk on the first floor would be gone. More shelves to fill with books, more area for experiments. While thinking of the coming changes, he heard a couple cars pull in and a knock on the door. He opened the door to three men and two women all sporting Elias Enterprises employee badges.
"Mr. O'Brien? We are here to discuss the remodeling of this structure," one man said.
"Come in, and Walter or Walt is fine. I take it we will be spending some time together so formality isn't necessary," Walter said waving them to the common area sofa and chairs, pulling a kitchen chair over for himself. "Will be interesting to see what you all come up with for this place. The entire structure is involved so opening the common wall and combining the two lofts will be necessary as I do live here as well as work out of the place."
"Fine, Walter. I am Dean, project manager, this is Jack who oversees basic structural integrity and electrical systems, Anna who deals with personal living space, Pat handles office design, Steve takes care of plumbing and exteriors including roof if available for use, and Mike who handles overall décor and staging."
"Anyone care for coffee or a bottle of water before we get started?"
Once water and coffee was doled out, Dean asked for a tour of the entire structure. Everyone trooped up to the loft, came back downstairs then into the back-bay, then out the door to the other side and its loft. Walter was asked a number of questions, how long he lived in the place, what amenities he wanted, color preferences, lighting, bath facilities, what he did in the back bays, tools used for pneumatic system and air compressor, what décor he preferred, formal, classic, modern, on and on and on.
"Wow, you all have raised questions I never considered before. I have resided in this place for a number of years and have been quite content. Most I have thought of is the opening of the dividing wall if it does not collapse the place into rubble to make it one large totally usable space and combining the lofts. Only thing I want is the office area separate from the rest- accessible of course but not an open plan as so many offices are. The office can incorporate the downstairs kitchen and bathroom."
"Thank you for your time, Walter. If you do not mind, we will be taking measurements and checking things out structurally throughout the place for a while."
"The place is yours, I have some work to do. You are welcome to coffee and water in the kitchen," Walter said and went to his desk to power up the desktop unit while they all headed to different parts of the place to check over their particular interest.
Two weeks have passed with the constant noise of sawing, banging, drilling, wall breaching. Now I know why I got into computers, Walter thought- they are QUIET- just the soft hum of cooling fans and keyboard strokes. Must have been out of my mind to OK this insanity. Must admit, I made out on this deal, they are still banging away and I have completed both data centers security systems. The laptop signaled new mail:
Walter- Dean let me know things are getting crazy at the garage, so how about spending time at a company studio condo not being used at this time. The hi-rise is filled with college students and interns so you will enjoy the quiet and possible conversation. Per Dean another week and the garage should be done. The two data centers have been problem free, so how about this one- contact Tom Johnson and see what you can do. A lot of the space think tank data is stored there. If you are fed up with the noise, let me know and I will send the condo address and door combination. Richard
Walter hit reply:
Richard- you are a life saver- never thought I would be happy to get out of the garage, but this remodeling is nothing but semi-controlled chaos and getting out of here will help me retain sanity. Send condo info- will go to that data center tomorrow to scan the system- will contact Tom Johnson immediately. Walter
Richard sent the condo information so Walter went to the loft that was all torn up, stepped over piles of construction debris and equipment got his duffle out and threw in some clothes. Did not even go into the bathroom deciding to pick up needed toiletries at a store, set the separate security system for the cellar, grabbed his laptop, pulled his car out and left the noisy disaster area heaving a sigh of relief.
The Elias Enterprises hi-rise condo was easily found. Richard's social organization helped exceptional students, those focused on his enterprise areas of expertise- commercial as well as the hard sciences. There were restaurants, stores, and metro hubs near the hi-rise for convenience. The underground parking had plenty of open spaces so Walter pulled in and took the elevator to the third floor to unpack and head out for something to eat. Opening the door with the combination Richard sent, he entered, put his duffle on the chair and put clothes in the closet and dresser. He then went in search of a store and restaurant. Leaving the room he walked down the hallway to the elevator where a few college age people were waiting. Walter did not notice, but two did double-takes seeing him coming down the hall. When the elevator doors opened, everyone piled in then swarmed out at the ground floor lobby. Walter strolled along to exit onto the sidewalk and halted to scan the area for restaurants.
"This place is filled with nothing but students. Either you started late or are going for another degree. What is your specialty?" a young man behind Walter asked.
Walter turned to him with a laugh, "not a student, just needed a place to park for a few days and Richard offered this place. He did warn me it was filled with students."
"Wow, you call Mr. Elias by his first name? Probably the only person around here who does. I'm Jake, future engineer for Elias Enterprises space division, presently senior at UCLA. Looking for anything in particular?"
"Yes, a decent restaurant and a store to pick up a few things."
"Any type of chow your preference? Sit-down or fast food? Two blocks that way is a twenty-four hour super market for whatever you need. I am meeting up with some friends at the Mexican restaurant one block this way if you would like to join us."
"Thank you, Mexican sounds good, lead the way."
"I would like to introduce you to my friends so a name would be nice."
"O'Brien, but you knew that."
Jake smiled and nodded as they walked. "Yes, you will find a number of students here are familiar with your exploits that have been in the news the past few years. Plus a couple of the space division interns are aware of your component design and it is well known Mr. Elias has been trying to get you on board. You will meet Terri- she worked on the testing of the latest design of yours."
Arriving at the restaurant, Jake opened the door for Walter then followed him in to scan for his friends, one of whom spotted him and waved from a long table in the corner. "Looks like there is room for two more, so let me introduce everyone."
"Walter, this is Terri, intern of space division, Tom, computer sciences, Gina, finance, and Mike, space division. Everyone, in case you don't recognize him, this is Walter O'Brien."
Walter and Jake sat then everyone started talking at once until Gina raised her voice and said "OK, one at a time starting with Jake then around the table. Hope you don't mind being the center of interest, Mr. O'Brien."
"The MISTER isn't necessary, questions are welcome though I will not guarantee answers to all."
The waiter came and took orders for drinks and food, then Jake started the conversation.
"Walter, the helicopter that was wedged in the building under construction, were you sure you would reach it? In other words, was it just craziness or a thought out, planned exercise?"
Walter laughed. "While so many thought it was death defying craziness, the physics, angles, and math were fully thought out. No craziness involved at all, just science."
Drinks, needed utensils, condiments, bowls of chips and salsa placed around the table then the conversation continued.
"When the fuel of the helicopter was leaking and ignition was imminent, did you really step off the deck and depend on the force of the Santa Ana winds to push you back into the building?" Tom asked.
"Yes, the wind speed was being monitored along a calculated distance, so the force needed was a known value, time was also known- there was no risk at all, just math and science."
Terri piped up, "I don't know if I have enough faith in math and science to step out into thin air like that. Death defying craziness is more like it- don't mean to be disrespectful, but did you have any second thoughts at all?"
The waitress refreshed drinks and served meals around the table and doled out extra napkins and assorted hot sauces.
Walter looked at her and shook his head, "Not one. There had been too many instances where the math and science saved lives, prevented disaster. The math and science will always prove itself to be the solution to any problem. The biggest problem is getting to the point where one has not faith but the sure knowledge that the math and science is truth to take that necessary step needed for survival."
"Do you think there is life beyond earth?" Tom asked.
"The math proves there is, however the bigger question is whether man will make contact with advanced life beyond earth. Let's face it, would be a waste of resources on a cosmic scale for there to be nothing but humans in the entire universe, the countless galaxies shown in the Hubble deep space pictures."
"Walter, do you mind a personal question?" Gina asked.
"Not at all, but again, won't guarantee and answer."
"What do you do for fun when you do such feats on your normal day?"
Finishing his meal, Walter laughed. "Not sure you want the answer to that, but here goes. I sometimes work for hours on code for hypothetical scenarios- get lost in the elegance of the patterns, drive back roads late at night, spend time at a telescope, work theoretical mathematics, research different subjects- working on metallurgy now after looking over some of Richard's system designs today. Not overly exciting to you youngsters, I know." Walter rose, "I need to go to the store for some things so will take off. You all have a pleasant evening."
Walter, stopping off at the register paid the bill for the entire table and left, while the students continued their conversation. He then went to the store for shampoo, soap, razer, toothbrush and toothpaste, returned to the condo, stripped to boxers and went to bed wondering how Paige was sleeping- if alone or not and finally dozed off to rewind a dream of his time with her.