9- Starting over… chapter nine

Cabe left, got in his car to head to his apartment and Allie. While driving, he thought of what to tell Allis about Walter. First thing Cabe noted is that it is obvious Walter is getting back into robot mode. Animated over the business, but that is to be expected as his home and electronics depend on that income. Should Walter lose his beloved garage and cherished electronics he probably would never recover. But mentioning seeing and talking to Happy but it being the last time was troubling. Of the whole team, the closest in friendship was Walter and Happy. Over the years, Happy was the one that brought Walter out of deep rabbit holes, helped Walter survive the Collins time, was the one to change Walter's mind to get him involved with the first LAX case leading to the Scorpion Homeland collaboration. Walter appears to be cut off from everything and everyone but his computer work, reverting back to robot.

Walter closed the door after Cabe left and went up to the den, glancing at the picture of Megan before sitting at his desk. Sitting there for a few minutes his stomach growled.

Funny, he thought, man cannot live by coffee alone but I sure do keep trying. Got a kitchen full of crap he thought while he pulled his phone out and ordered a pizza. Going downstairs to wait for it in the seating area. Didn't feel like doing anything- the energy of the day just petered out, but mind was still going- presently thinking of some of the component placement on the space capsule… back-up on some systems as well.

Knock at the door- "PIZZA!" Pulling some bills out of his pocket he opened the door, took the pizza, said, "Thanks, keep the change" and closed the door. He took the pizza up to the den, got a bottle of water and some paper towels and had dinner at the computer. He brought up a bunch of cars for sale to see if anything piques his interest without costing an arm and a leg. Finishing two slices of pizza and the bottle of water, he put the rest in the fridge and hiked up to the roof. Sitting on the picnic table he was thinking of specs for fuel ratios while watching the city lights get brighter and the stars that were visible got dimmer from the light pollution. Fall was setting in so dark earlier, lights on longer, more traffic accidents. Wonder if Cabe will try and rope him in on any Homeland operations….. hope not, doing enough with security programs to stop hacking. Hackers are usually nonviolent types, sitting in their parent's spare room trying to infiltrate a lot of data systems to make a name for themselves in the underground hacker hall of fame. He snorted, wonder if any of them hacked into NASA when they were eleven. That hack sure set his life on a different path than expected for an Irish farm kid.

Walter rose went to the loft to take a shower and go to bed.

Waking early, Walter laid in bed a few minutes then got up and dressed. Would be heading to Pacoima to scan the data center and get back to get a program to install by late afternoon and another data canter down, have to find out how many more Richard has lined up. Would be nice to spend some time in the space complex again for something different and get away from the coding for a while. He went into the den to open the laptop on the corner of the desk to check for mail.

Messages from Bob Martin, Tom Johnson and Harley Bishop reporting no incursions in their systems.

Message from Seth Clements to report no incursions in their system…. that message got him to thinking of Sarah, but he shook his head. Don't need the entanglement.

Message from an unknown so he checked it over and opened it- from Ralph:

Walter- I aced the robotics class. Working with Happy was fun- sure learned a lot and I think she actually enjoyed it, too. Hard to tell with her sometimes- least she never threw a wrench at me, so good to go, right? How goes things with you? I saw an ad for Scorpion Security Systems. Guess you are doing better than Centipede as it is kaput. Have no idea what they are going to be doing but it won't be working as a team anymore. Applications are going out. Don't worry, we are all sharing the house and have the income from the patents and savings people had. They are all smart so will get regular employment in time. Less than a year they lasted. So glad you are doing well, wish I was there. Out of time- Ralph

Walter hit reply:

Ralph- I am very sorry to hear the bad news. If you should need anything, let me know. I have more than enough for myself so can help out if things get difficult- can figure out a way to get the funds there. Let me know. Congratulations on acing the class- not surprising at all. Who can compete with you, especially with Happy at your side? Yes, business is doing well- you know me and coding. Also involved with Richard's space division off and on. Have three issues I am working on, just in the design stage at this time. Again, if things get bad, let me know, whether the rest like it or not I can help- they will get over it. Know I love you. Walter

Message from Gina to remind the Pacoima data center, manager Joe Reed was scheduled for the morning.

Message from Richard:

Walter- want to spend time at the space center get away from the computer for a while? If so, Friday at one, main gate. Richard

He hit reply on the message from Richard:

Richard- will be nice to get away from the computer for a while. See you Friday at one. Walter

He closed up the laptop and put it in its case and headed down to the office. Knocking on the door he entered the kitchen and on into the office. "Good morning Gina. Got your reminder about Pacoima, heading out now."

"Good morning, Walter."

"Richard wants me at the space complex Friday, so don't schedule any data center that day as I will want to spend the morning reviewing some of the designs I have been working on."

"Walter, before you dash off, did you review the bank accounts and change your PIN for them yet?" Gina asked. "I can't do that stuff as it's separate from the business, but you need to get it done."

"OK, remind me when I get back- that isn't real high on my list of things to do right now. See you when I get back. Send a message off to Joe Reed I am on the way." He went back through to pull the car out and head to Pacoima.

The following month Walter had installed security software for data centers in Pacoima, Reseda, Tarzana and Van Nuys as well as being involved in the space capsule design. Being kept busy kept him from being able to research a vehicle for late night drives- his late nights were spent designing and coding. Having been reminded about the bank accounts set up by Richard he changed the PIN number and saw he certainly did not have any financial worries, and the business ledger was doing exceedingly well. Gina had business cards designed and made, designed the letterhead for correspondence and invoices. All was going smoothly getting close to Halloween. Fortunately Gina remembered to water the lemon and orange trees in the planters. The roses on the roof were struggling, but still alive, so may make it to the rainy season.

Cabe had messaged to arrange visits but at every turn Walter explained his schedule out of office as well as the time in office spent coding for the jobs or designing components for the space program prevented his being available.

A Sunday rolled around and Walter, at the whiteboard working some math for the space program was interrupted by knocking on the door. When he opened it there stood Cabe and Allie with Chinese takeout.

"We know you are busy, but you gotta' eat, Walter," Cabe said. "Put down whatever you are doing and join us. NOW."

"Hi, Walter," Allie said with a big smile. "What's that on the whiteboard? Sure looks Greek to me."

"Was working an algorithm for a rocket system before being so RUDLY interrupted," Walter said with a smile. "Hi, Allie. Timing is perfect I have not eaten yet- got caught up in the numbers." He turned on the lights around the seating arrangement. "You want coffee or water?" He asked entering the office kitchen to get drinks.

"We will have water, need some plates and utensils…. and napkins or I will have noodles on my shirt." Allie called. "So tell me all about what has been going on with you."

"Between security software coding and working with the space designing and," pointing to the board filled with formula, "math I have not had much time." Bringing in from the office kitchen plates, utensils and napkins, he went back for bottles of water and a cup of coffee for himself and sat down. He chuckled, "getting away from the board and out of the math focus, I really am hungry, so thanks or I would have just filled up with more coffee until tomorrow."

"I figured as much," Cabe said. "You get into whatever you are focused on and forget the little things like eating, and spending time with friends so we just decided to invade. Weekends are supposed to be time OFF from work, Walter or you burn yourself out."

"You know me, Cabe, keep busy or go nuts. I do not like going nuts."

Cabe looked at him, "rabbit holes are not good for you, either, Walter."

"Don't look at me like that, have not scampered down a rabbit hole in a long, long time, Cabe. See, eating, drinking, properly dressed and able to converse." Walter said, turning to Allie, "Does Cabe get on your case like this?"

Allie laughed, "I have a big stick by the door to keep him in line. Took a few lumps before he wised up. We have been spending every spare minute fixing up the place out of town, and I finally put my foot down that I wanted some time off from pounding nails, painting and scrubbing, so here we are."

"Have you gotten the well trained old nags you mentioned?" Walter asked with a chuckle. "John Wayne Gallo just does not have the right ring to it."

"No, we will be looking into that AFTER retirement." Cabe said. "Can't let them just sit out there all alone. You were a farmer, gotta' tend those critters."

"I was never a willing farmer, Cabe." Walter said with a laugh. "Were it not for Gina watering the planters outside, those trees would be dried out sticks by now. Remember those two rose plants on the roof? They MAY survive to the rainy season…. may. I have not been spending much time on the roof these days."

"I know you are quite busy, Walter," Allie said with a smile, "but we were wondering if you would like to join us for Thanksgiving dinner. Even a small turkey is more than enough for just the two of us."

Walter flashed her a look. "I don't know, Allie. Over the holidays is when a lot of the facilities are closed or lightly manned so easier to get into and get things done. I would hate for you to expect me and I not show up due to something being available that would not be normally. You know me, not into holidays, anniversaries, and the like." After cleaning his plate, Walter sat back, "thanks for this meal, though. Sure hit the spot."

"Well, we can always fix you a plate and bring it by but know the invite is open should you find you don't have any pressing work to do." Allie rose, "We will let you get back to your math. Monday morning is hard enough without being up too late Sunday night. Was really nice to see you."

Walter walked them to the door. "I really do appreciate the dinner and the invite. Drive careful."

All the dishes and utensils Walter put in the office kitchen dishwasher. Gathered up the empty containers and cleaned up the tables then got back to his algorithm on the whiteboard. Late he finished up and went to shower and bed as he was meeting Richard at the space complex in the morning. Big conference with engineers and planners of the space division.

Richard met Walter at the gate in the morning. "Ready for the big conference with the think tank bunch?"

"I am ready to listen to them and their plans. I will reserve my comments until later."

"Your designing and suggestions have all been incorporated. That new design for the air recirculation you submitted really has a couple engineers excited- better filtration cleaning according to a couple of their tests, less space, lighter. You have really been of benefit to them. Whether you like it or not, your name is on the patent paperwork on two systems."

"You know that isn't necessary- matter of fact, Richard, want to get back to the trade and barter system?"

"How so? Trade what for what do you have in mind?" Richard asked. "This should be interesting."

"How would you like to trade one of my designs patents for one of your spare Ferrari?" Walter said. "I have been trying to decide on a vehicle for late night drives and liked the handling of the Ferrari- you have a bunch and don't even drive them. Waste to have such sitting around unused."

"I don't want to see you sitting on the side of a cliff again, Walter."

"I no longer suffer the need for speed. Older, wiser, more on an even keel and looking more for handling back roads than how fast I can go."

"You do realize the income from that patent could garner a lot more than the cost of a Ferrari, right?" Richard said. "You give a billionaire designs, now patents, you see how strange that is?"

"I do not envy you your money, Richard. My bank accounts are quite full and the business doing quite well. You should take note by the way, been over six months and Gina has not asked for a transfer as you said she would working with me. She is enjoying running the operation."

"OK, Walter. After the conference we can hit MY garage and see what we can work out. It really is a shame to have them just sit. But you damage yourself with it, I will kill you myself." Richard said. "There was another issue I wanted to discuss with you, Walter, before the conference. Shall we go to the office for coffee?"

"This sounds serious, you can't fire me as I'm not exactly an employee."

"Come in the office, have some coffee."

"You are really making me nervous, now, Richard. What is on your mind? You plan on launching me into space?" Walter put down his laptop case, poured himself a coffee from the server and sat down.

Richard poured himself a coffee then sat at his desk. "You know the enterprise takes in applications and resumes all the time- always have positions open and people just hand paperwork in for employment in one division or another."

"OK, what does that have to do with me? Somebody drop off an application with my name on it? Another Walter O'Brien would be confusing…. scary, too," he said with a chuckle. "So what is the problem?"

"Alright, there are always engineering positions open and one Happy Quinn submitted an application. Her resume mentioned having worked with Scorpion. That was why it was brought to my attention."

"You want me to give a recommendation?" Walter asked. "OK, you will find her to be exceptional. Throw a box of gears and scrap metal at her and she will make a functioning device out of it. That what you want to hear?"

"Walter, you may not believe it but I consider you a friend, you also are of great benefit to me in my most important endeavor, the space division. You would have no problem having her employed here?"

"Good grief, Richard. Even you should know by now I have absolutely no issue with anything involving people, mostly avoiding them like the plague. I do not socialize, but I do recognize excellence, that is why I had put that team together. You would do your enterprise well to hire the whole bunch of them- Paige had worked for you before and did well. I certainly have no input on whom you should or should not hire. They are all exceptional in their fields, none of which is in my sphere, and should I run into any of them I most certainly won't have a problem- I have learned to be civil to everyone. Shall we go to the conference?"

Richard stood up, "You never cease to amaze me, Walter."

Walter laughed, "My math proficiency amazes me at times as well, to be honest."

"I'm not talking of your math though it is amazing, too. Most people would do all they can to keep former partners from gaining employment. Hold grudges, throw roadblocks in their way."

"People are of no concern to me, Richard. Their feelings are of less concern. Some day when I do something that angers you, I won't even be aware of it until you tell me… and I guarantee I won't change a thing. Nature of the beast- why I live with my computers."

Reaching the conference room, Richard opened the door for Walter looking at him with a slight frown then followed him in to get the space think tank conference started.

After the conference Richard took Walter to his garage….. Walter drove a green Ferrari home.

Thanksgiving came and Walter was installing security software in a holiday shutdown facility of a jewelry business in Reseda. The owner and his wife kept him company plying him with turkey sandwiches and cookies. All in all a pleasant afternoon and evening with the old couple. Walter, understanding they were not overly proficient with the computer system, let them know he would drop in periodically to check and monitor the system for them and he was assured there would be cookies available when he visits.

The day after Thanksgiving Cabe and Allie knocked on the door. They had everything for making turkey sandwiches in assorted containers in a bag. Opening the door for them Allie entered saying, "It was unfortunate you could not join us yesterday, Walter."

Entering the garage Cabe stopped, "another Ferrari, Walter?"

Leading the way up the stairs to the den Walter explained "Yes, did a bit of a deal with Richard, he still has a herd of them. Thanksgiving I had a security install for an old couple in Reseda for their jewelry store. I will be having to check it for them- not the most computer literate at seventy years of age. They filled me full of turkey sandwiches and cookies the whole time I was there."

Cabe sat in an easy chair while Allie and Walter continued into the kitchen.

"This is really nice up here, love the color scheme and the kitchen is much bigger than the old set-up." Allie said putting the containers and bread in the refrigerator and pulling out two bottles of water.

"Yes, quite the set-up, now. The bathroom is much larger as well. Like a spa," Walter said pouring himself a cup of coffee. "I brought in a trunk load of groceries and barely filled the cabinets. Could stock up for a month worth of hibernation and have room left over in all these cabinets."

"Certainly hope you do not get into hibernating like a bear for the winter." Allie said with a laugh. "Cabe and I would like to invite you over for Christmas. You worked Thanksgiving, surely there won't be any need to work Christmas."

Leaning against a counter, Walter glanced at Allie. "Not everyone celebrates Christmas, I never did most of my life. There may be program installations needed as many businesses shut down that day. I really do appreciate the invitation but cannot guarantee I can make it."

"Should you be able, the door is open." Allie also leaned against the counter holding the two bottles of water and looked at Walter. "We both want you to know you are not alone, Walter. Cabe is quite concerned with your isolation."

Walter smiled. "Allie, Cabe of all people should know I am quite adept at single living- I have my computers, designing, math to keep me occupied. An occupied Walter is a happy Walter, Cabe knows that."

Allie gave him a look, "just know our door is open at all times. We can offer, you have to be the one to accept it. Shall we join Cabe?"

"After you," Walter said and they returned to the den. Allie handed Cabe a bottle of water and sat in another easy chair as Walter sat at his desk.

"So what are you doing for fun these days, Walter?" Cabe asked. "Not going to be hanging off the side of cliffs I hope."

"Everyone says the same thing. Don't have the need for speed anymore, so don't worry. Been doing some design on the personnel capsule for Richard's space program. At the rate things are going, there is a good chance Richard may get to the moon within two years. The rocket testing at his Arizona test site has been going well. The design and fabrication for the personnel capsule and lander is moving right along. He has patent process on two of my designs, one I traded for the Ferrari, as well as five others by his engineers. Things are moving right along."

Cabe looked at him, "I said fun, Walter."

Walter leaned back in his chair, "You, Cabe, have known me since I was eleven years old. Sooner or later it will register with you that your idea of fun and mine are two very different things. You want to ride horses into the sunset, I do theoretical math at the whiteboard."

"Would you be willing to work with Homeland again?" Cabe asked. "If some case came up I thought you might be able to work?"

Walter looked at Allie then Cabe. "Sorry, but absolutely not. My time is dedicated to the business and Richard's space enterprise. I do not sleep much as it is with what I am doing, the coding and design. Homeland cases to catch baddies is no longer on my agenda. I have sustained enough injuries the past four years working with Homeland without having any military training like you. I came within a hair's breath of losing everything, did lose my business, nearly lost my home, came close to losing sanity. I will not subject myself to all that again."

"What about your 'greater good' philosophical stance?" Cabe asked.

Walter tensed and sat up, "the work to secure peoples livelihood, working to get man off this planet is certainly working for the 'greater good' and is more geared toward my abilities. You have decades of training for that kind of work, I went into situations unarmed and at times paid for it with my skin now being scarred and bones broken."

"Calm down, Walter," Cabe said. "I merely asked. There are cases involving hacking and trying to locate people through their computers who have posted threats to individuals as well as the nation."

Walter relaxed and leaned back again. "Should you have something within those bounds, bring the info you have and I will see what I can do- from here. That I willingly offer, but no more leaping off buildings, out of planes, or off-shore SEAL operations."

"Thanks," Cabe said. "I may be seeing you within a week as we have exactly that- threats that need to be pinned down. Do not mean to get you up-set, kid. Was not my intention, but, I have my problem with being tunnel-visioned and thinking everyone is like me."

Walter laughed, "thank the gods not everyone is like you, even more thanks that everyone isn't like me. Allie, how do you put up with him?"

"Like I said, a big stick by the door- he has learned in time," Allie said rising. "We have to head out, make sure you eat what we brought, Walter. No getting so wrapped up in your designs and math you space out eating."

Rising as well, Walter said, "thank you for the chow. I will fix a sandwich this evening while at the whiteboard, don't worry."

They all trooped down stairs to the man-door. Walter opened the door. "Be careful driving, and again, thanks for everything."

Allie put her hand on Walter's arm and said, "So nice to visit, Walter, and remember you are welcome for Christmas. Would be nice to see you."