I was up early and took a hot shower and dressed in black jeans and a long sleeve dark grey crew neck and went down to the breakfast area and looked around. Totally unimpressed I settled for coffee and as soon as I sat down I saw the Colonel walk threw the door. I checked the time and laughed, of course he was 10 minutes early. When he saw me he walked up and handed me a paper and said, look this over and he went for coffee. When I looked at the paper it was the start up procedures for an F-18. I went right to the list and saw 23 items and and the last read "Park Break Off". I immediately started at the top and I had some time as the Colonel stopped to chat with someone. When he returned he asked what do you think? Rob, it is a bit complicated but I have the first 10 items down. He said what are they? I put the paper down and said, #1 Battery switch to on.
#2 Fire test switch to A: hold until complete
#3 wait 10s
#4 Fire test switch to B: hold until complete
#5 APU on: wait for green light
Rob said hold on right there, have you seen this before? No sir, I have not. Well please explain how that is possible? Sir, I have a more than fantastic memory. Well do you know what any of that means? Sir, I do not but I will have an idea once I see the instruments. Look Mike, cut the Sir shit, remember I said to call me Rob unless the brass is around.
Ok Mike, all the cards on the table, I had a long talk with Messer last night about you and JJ. Jim will be dealing with JJ so don't worry about him. As for you, I was told you are very intelligent, work your ass off and are as natural a pilot as Jim has seen. He also said that a while back you were in the back seat of an F-18 and in spite of his efforts you were very comfortable. Mike, what surprised me was what he said on the flight down as he totally surprised him as he threw a lot of shit at you and you were almost flawless. All that ups what I had originally had planned for you. Originally I was going to put in a simulator, let you get the feel, put you in a flight suit and in the back seat and take you for a ride. That still might happen but depending how well you do in the simulator I'm considering letting you fly. Understand it will be a F- 18 modified to let me sitting in the back fly the plane. It is how we train grunts to fly these things. We will be out over the ocean and your instrument knowledge need to be up to it. I will take off and land and we will find out SLOWLY what your up to. Rob, that's more than I expected.
With that we were off to the training facility. By the time we got to the training facility which took 45 minutes I had the startup procedure pretty well memorized. We checked in and we got to a simulator and I was strapped in. This wasn't a chair you sat in the damn thing moved like you were in a jet. I was told when I crashed it would simply shake violently and we would start over. I laughed and said well whose crashing. Rob laughed and said well at least you won't be shot down. I shook my head and went through the startup procedure. Rom was at some panel and had communications with me. Yes, I even had a helmet and mask on. This was very very real.
Once I was up and running and sitting there I asked, ok how do I get to take off, who do I talk with? Rob laughed and said well Dark Knight, simply identify your self to the base tower and follow instructions. I immediately said Base Ground, Dark Knight at service are requesting permission to taxi for takeoff. I immediately heard Dark Night, cleared to taxi to Runway Romeo 25er. I replied Base Ground Rodger that. There was a buzzing noise in my head set. Then I heard, who the fuck just acknowledged Rodger? I simply said Base Ground Dark Knight, Rodger to taxi. At the runway, my comms were good and I was cleared and pushed the throttle forward and increased speed and was in the air. This time there were instructions and heading to follow and once over the Atlantic, I was told to have a great flight and simply said Rodger that. Then Rob was in my ear and he gave me a bunch of things to do turns, altitude changes. Then he added a roll with even in a simulator scared the piss out our of me. The other scares part was when he had me at 50' above the water and from there or 50,000 feet almost straight up. Finally he gave me a heading back to the base and said see if your comms are good enough that they let you land. Turned out that was no problem at all as I caught on to the military speak as the session progressed. Once the simulator went dark, I took off the helmet and mask and climbed out. Rob said well that was interesting, let's see what the boss thinks?
I grabbed my backpack and follow along and just took in the sites. As we approached the training commanders office, Rob's entire demeanor changed and I knew I needed to be very formal and respectful. Rob knocked on the door and we were waved in. Once inside Rob snapped to attention and saluted. I just stood there and waited. The General looked at me and asked, no salute? I said no sir, I'm not military and a lot has been thrown at me and I didn't know what to do, in situations like this I do nothing and plead ignorance. The General laughed and said son you are fine, have a seat. I sat and patiently waited for what would be next. The General looked at me and said son, can I see your log book? I must have tensed at being called son as the General asked, what did I just say that you didn't like? Sir, I don't like to be called son and I handed him my log book. He leaned back in his chair and started to read. He finally closed the log book and when he handed it back he asked Mike, why do you fly? Sir, I love it and it relaxes me. Mike, why does an 18 year old need to relax? Before I could answer Rob handed him a folder and again the General started to read. I simply remained quiet.
I was now in the office for about 25 minutes and didn't know more than when I came in. At one point the General chuckled but didn't say anything. Finally he handed Rob the folder back and looked at me. Mike, I stand corrected, I see why you need to relax. That doesn't stop me from wondering how someone 40 years younger that me, who has spent a life in the military and flown combat missions has the same Security Clearance I have. Sir, all I can say is that the Feds must want to keep working with the company. In my position, I have the ability to see everything and I pay attention to security and what may be laying around unattended. Ok Mike, I have a few concerns. You are very new to this and have successfully pushed every envelope. I trust Major Messer and McBaine, to a point. I hope you are more like Messer. In looking at the log and the print out of the simulator you are in between those two and you were, or should have been, conservative in our simulator. Your Coms are very civilian, which is to be expected. In looking at you simulator score of 94 and the majority of deducts being communications you are cleared for flying a training mission. Understand son, if you fuck up you will be older than me before you get into another fighter. I smiled and said, well as you saw when you read my rectal exam I don't fuck up, thank you. The General looked at Rob and said Colonel, whatch this guy very close. Rob said, No problem Sir and thank you.
When we were away from the office Rob said Mike, you had the General when you sat down so why poke the bear at the end? Rob, I was as good as I could be and because he has a couple of stars on his collar doesn't mean he his special to me. Rob actually laughed and said son, one of these days someone is going to nail your ass and there is a part of me that would like to see it. Right now it's fun to watch. With that I was taken to the NASA Center for my noon meetings. Rob said he would be back and we could be wheels up at 4:00. I was excited and wasn't looking forward to the review of what we were doing for NASA.
Thankfully there was food in the conference room and I made a small sandwich and poured a coffee. I sat down and was eating when Major Messer sat down and asked how things went and I said good an a training flight at 4:00. He smiled and said JJ has one scheduled at 3:00. I laughed and said well don't let him fuck up the jet. Just the Kyle sat on the other side of me and said Major, I need to talk with fly boy here. Mike, grab your food and come with me. I left the half eaten sandwich and grabbed the coffee and followed Kyle into another room. Liam was there as was Riley and dad. I sat down and took a sip of the coffee and dad said Mike, we all know this is unfair but we need you to run the meeting. I took another sip of the coffee and said ok, we will deal with how this happened later. What do I need to know?
Kyle said we have spent 2 hours and put together a briefing book and an agenda. You can deal with the agenda and any issue you feel comfortable with and we will be there to weigh in. There is a summary of the things in each section that are important. Kyle said, Mike the key areas are and I said Robotics, space operations, flight management. Now how much time do I have? Dad said 45 minutes. Ok everyone out and please bring me another coffee.
I looked at the agenda and saw that Robotics first and that made sense. Liam returned with the coffee and I asked for a pen. The first thing I did was pencil in an introduction but had no idea what that would be. Robotics were easy as we were tasked with developing a rover for an unmanned mission to Mars. We had three options and two mock-ups and. Third under way but all were a tad over weight by a few ounces. I know I needed metric weight so I made mental notes to use grams. The amount of weight we were over was ridiculously small 11, 12 and 15 grams.
Space operations were also easy as we had already adjusted the shuttle arm and developed a new less bulky space suit. Our current project involved enhanced technology and instruments. Then there was the issue of tiles falling off.
Flight Management was a bit more complicated as that involved communications around the world and all the communication issues. If there was an area we were behind it was here. There were a lot of issues none easily solved. Then there was the issue with flight operations being in Houston. That was a political issue involving LBJ, president at the time and a former Texas Senator. I would not go there and not deal with that at all. We would be ready to propose a new and improved communication system in 3 months. It involves a couple of new communication satellites.
I started to work on my opening comments and dad came in. I stopped what I was doing and he asked, so how mad are you? Dad that will come later but right now I'm a bit too busy to be mad. Mike, before you explode you need to know that the Admiral isn't buying that I'm back. Dad we can discuss all that at dinner but I'll work it into these opening remarks and do so gently. Dad please come get me 5 minutes before I need to start. We don't want them thinking this was anything but planned in advanced. Dad, please send Liam in. When Liam appeared I said have a seat. Then I looked at him and asked, WHY? Mike can you leave it till after? Liam, please answer the question? Liam, we have 5 minutes and I need to know. Mike, your dad has been unable or unwilling to convince the Admiral that he will be fully involved and that you, Kyle and Dillon are up to it. Liam, thanks and I got this. Dad appeared and said Mike, we are ready and the Admiral just arrived.
In the conference room, I was surprised how many people were there but want right up to the Admiral and thanked him for a great morning and how much I appreciated the hospitality. He was polite but clearly didn't give a rip. I have to admit that I was a bit taken a back but put my briefing binder on the table and said well let's get started.
Once everyone had a seat I asked does anyone know what happened in Houston, Texas in 1965? I know many of you live there or visit quite often. There were no takers and a lot of puzzled looks. I waited a minute and said, well dad taught me never to ask a question that you don't know the answer to. In 1965 in Houston the Astrodome opened, it was considered one of the modern wonders of the world. A technological marvel, a domed athletic facility. It caused a lot of excitement and yet some nostalgia. There was the optimism of change and yet the pain of losing the past. That building raised the question of what we gain (and what we lose) as technology progresses.
In the last year our company has undergone a lot of change. We moved from a complete dump to a new facility it reflected the past of our region and what we came from. State of the art workspaces were installed and yes, people bitched. A number of us were involved and real issues were dealt with, others were not and people were told to adjust or move on. We made an adjustment to the outside of our building and reflecting our special relationship with you guys we put NASA medallions on the outside of our building. That was big as the outside was to reflect the regions past. New rising out of the ashes or an old Steel Mill. We adjusted and moved on.
Businesses forever have had to change and adapt. Those that don't simply wither and die. Recently we made a bunch of internal changes to strengthen our company. We grew and survive by word of mouth and the sales ability of my dad. Dad, newly married and with a baby on the way needed some time off. What we agreed to was that he would establish a sales force to grow our company. It was then and remains so today that he would be back full time as I got ready for college. Kyle was move from fixing technical problems to running the day to day operation. Dillon was an in-house promotion to President and a younger face of the company. Riley another in-house promotion is COO. The financial team is unchanged. As for me I'm the big picture guy and the one ultimately responsible for everything. Then there is Liam, he is my right hand and will be keeping the mundane shit off my plate. We are a younger more responsive company because we moved people around. It's the same team just different positions.
Today we were asked to review what we do for you. Each of you have an agenda and we are all prepared with a presentation and we could put on a dog and pony show that would impress the heck out of you. What would happen is that you would know exactly what we want you to know. I'm going to take a lot of crap for this but that's not what's going to happen. I simply tossed my briefing book to Liam and said, I won't be needing this. Then I looked at the Admiral and said, Sir what does your team want to know? Simply ask any of us.
There was silence and that worried me but I wasn't saying another word. Then someone in uniform asked, did you, very politely, just tell us to accept your current changes or move on? I smiled and said, I guess I just did. Your business and our relationship is important, very important, but we get to decide how we conduct business and you get to decide who you work with. It was just last night that the Admiral told me we were doing everything he expected from us. Then the questions, real questions started to fly and I gave a superficial answer to most and the team filled in the details. I noticed dad and the Admiral both smiling as I was apparently thrown to the Junior Wolves to see who survived. I actually found this fun and as always needed the last word. Once the questions got mundane I asked, are there any serious questions left because the last 3 or 4 could be answered my someone from our secretarial staff. That brought laughter. Then I looked at the Admiral and asked, so did I pass the test you and dad set up. He smiled and said in spades. I looked around the room and said thanks and remember Change or Go.
I went right up to Kyle and said please tell me you didn't know I was set up? Kyle shook his head and said Mike, that was all your dad and the Admiral. They were both tired hearing the complaints from the junior officers about dealing with a teen. Then he said go easy on your dad. When did you figure it out? Well I started to figure it out when dad came in while I was prepping. Then during my opening comments I saw them exchange looks and I knew. Kyle, I was serious they can take a hike anytime they want and the medallion are being turned off, you know technical issues. Just then a younger guy came up and asked, are you always that direct? I said nope, I was being polite but who are you? I'm second lieutenant Clark. Well I don't appreciate your attitude and I deal every day with people who are way above your rank and pay grade. So unless you have something positive to say I would suggest you get out of my face and learn to be polite. The captain just stood there with his mouth hanging open. I looked at him again and didn't say another word. He finally turned and hurried off. Kyle said Mike, I think you better get out of here.
Just then dad appeared and asked, so we still on for dinner? I smiled and said sure but make sure there is Crow on the order as I'm calmly pissed, 7:00 will be fine. Now I have to go fly a fighter jet, I'll see you later. I don't know what he thought and I really didn't give a fuck. I was going to end this shit but do it in a polite and caring way. But then again he might be taking a commercial flight back home.
I was waiting for the Colonel and talking with Liam and I was pleased that everyone stayed away but there were a few strange looks. Liam said Mike, I think you pissed a number of junior officers off. I shrugged and said well the Admiral was pleased but I get that some of these guys won't be junior officers forever. Then I saw Rob and told Liam to have a good night. Rob asked about the meeting and I simply shrugged and said, it wasn't what I expected. Rob laughed and said I hope you gave those juniors some shit. I laughed and said well then mission accomplished. We got in the car and Rob said review the startup procedures. Remember you Dark Knight handle. I laughed and asked was that because how I was dressed? Rob said that and your sculptured body looks like armor. The review of the startup was spot on and when we got there I was fitted for a flight suit and we walked to the jet.
When we got there there was ground crew all over the jet. I asked Rob, is this special treatment? Rob laughed and said Mike these guys are the best and the jet is in great shape. Just walk around and act like you have done this before. Don't say thanks, nothing more than hi. I said damn you Air Force guys are strange. with that I climbed the small ladder and jumped into the front seat and immediately started the procedure for start up. I went through the complete procedure and even closed the canopy and armed the ejection seats. The engines were on idle and I put my foot on the break and released the parking break. Rob was still quiet and I asked, you alive back there? Knight, when I have something that needs said, you will think I'm sitting on your lap. Just get us in the air and remember stay under Mach 1 until I say so. I replied Rodger that and Rob laughed. We were shortly in the air and heading out into international waters. Once there and cleared for speed I hit the afterburners and hit Mach 1.5. Once there I simply slowed down and Rob said that I just shortened the flight by 10 minutes and suggested I watch the fuel. I answered that with a spin and I was having a blast. It was the most fun I had in a very long time. Sadly it was time to head back and once I was on a heading for the base Rob said, great job Dark Knight but my plane. I said, Rodger that and Rob landed the jet. Rob walked me back to the changing locker room and said Mike, please just go to the Air Force Academy, you would be a rock star. I laughed and said Rob, no offense but I already am. He laughed and said Mike, don't ever admit that you don't need to.
As we finished showering Rob asked where I was watching the launch tomorrow and I said the NASA VIP reception room. Mike, I might have a surprise for you but I need to get that cleared by the Admiral. Rob that sounds like fun but don't go out on a limb. He smiled and said no worries. Back at the hotel I went to my room and called dad and simply asked what's the dress for dinner. When he said casual as it's a steak house I was pleased but realized he thought he was in for a long night and that I would be pissed over the noon meeting. I hung up and put on khakis and a long sleeved sweater and went down stairs. I was starving as all I had to eat all day was half a sandwich. Dad appeared and we hailed a cab and went to an OUTBACK Restaurant. Dad ordered beer and I simply asked for an iced tea. There was the house specialty a BLOOMING ONION and we talked bout my day and how I loved flying the jet and that the speed at Mach 1 was mind blowing. I ordered ribs and fries and dad a steak and baked potato. Finally did asked about the meeting and I said that I wished he would simply trust me to know what he knows and to stop setting me up. When I told him that those officers were not important today some of them would be in the future and that I would have to deal with today for a long time. Then dad surprised me and said well NASA won't be in the manned flight business long as the shuttles are getting old, none are scheduled to be built and the next mission, to Mars, is decades away. There will be private companies and guys with lots of money putting things in space and you and I will need to deal with that. Then I was shocked further when he said Mike, I'm all into that and hoping we have enough money to be in the mix. We finished eating and dad ordered a third beer and I got a cappuccino. Sitting there I looked at dad and said dad, I really need you to stop relying on you guessing on how I will react and discuss shit, like happened today, before we fuck something up. I am mad about today and if my people knew in advance that person would be flying home commercial and I would have their personal shit shipped home. We will have no more secrets and peoples careers are on the line. I require complete loyalty so please don't put them and me in a tough spot. By the way, I discussed all this with Kyle earlier today.
Back at the hotel, I stripped to my underwear and jumped into bed and laid there thinking about the day. Then there was a knock on the door and I said JJ, it's open and he came in locked the door and jumped into bed beside me and we kissed and talked about our day. The talking didn't last long and soon enough we were making out. There was a massive fuck session and when we each had our asses filled with come he dressed and said, I'll see you in the morning.
Thanks for reading and the comments, they are appreciated.
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