The engineering crew did bond over the first night and John returned with his full "Driller Head Shave"
When he entered the Dorm area both Keith and Bill said I think you in the wrong place mate. The John spoke I am so glad you did not recognize me that is going to be great over the next week, as I have told Neil I wish to return ASAP I hope you don't mind Keith but I think you understand my situation and it will give me the break I feel I need.
So John do you have someone you can trust to look after your place in town. Oh yes my brother will do that and in fact he is living there right now and also has a mean looking dog who does not like my X wife.
The one thing I ask of you guys is please you do not know where I am and further more I'm going to ask for a change of Email address. Neil is listening to this and he says no problem with Email address change, do you want your old address totally deleted or would you like me to intercept any mail sent to you say for one month, and then delete this will allow the office to get there address books adjusted. I will also send a note to Julie who answers all phone calls coming into the company.
We will make that change as soon as we are back in the complex I will introduce you to Tony our computer system administrator. His brother is here as an assistant driller, he is from one of the local schools Park High back in town.
Bill asks is brother's name Ken, yes it is; well I be dammed I knew him when I was at the same school what a small world. How did he get a job like that? Well you can ask him when you meet up
Keith then says I cannot believe how the company tries hard to help an employee out like this case. Well Keith as I keep saying we are one large family and we endeavor to have all family members look after each other.
Therefore, guys I am going to leave you all and we will see sometime tomorrow, please enjoy your own company.
With that, I departed to the Bar for a nightcap. I really slept well that night as I spent some time in the sauna prior to go to bed. Next morning I phoned the engineers and asked if they wanted breakfast in there room, they said that would be nice and would save dressing I laughed and said I will join you all dressed in the same manner.
I let the staff know what was going on as I went in to the dorm just wearing my jock, looked around and said how come everyone is over dressed. Very quickly they all got rid of there pants and I said that has to be much more comfortable. So how was your night, young Bill said exhausting I don't think any of us settled down till about 3:00 am. So from that you all got to know each other a lot better, Keith and John said it was a wonderful experience, well I'm so pleased at your comments.
There was a knock at the door and I called out come in please, with that the breakfast wagon arrived and everyone had a good breakfast, Jim the bar man who was doing the honors of severing said I guess you have a whole pot of tea to yourself Neil. Jim said to the others Neil here hardly ever drinks coffee so guys enjoy.
During breakfast I said we will leave here about 11:00 am and that means we will be back at the complex by approx 1:00 pm as I want to take you a different way around to give you a better idea of the countryside. This will give you all time to get your bags packed have some lunch and then take the flight back to town. For you John if there is anything you wish to leave here I will give you a bag and it can stay with me until your return the following weekend. I also suggest you wear a clean set of coveralls for your flight back to town and on return wear your coveralls for your return flight. The same as I do also this apply to you all if you wish to wear coveralls in the office there is no problem at all and in fact in the warmer weather they are generally much cooler however all I ask is to put clean ones on daily.
Everyone returns to town and goes there own way, Keith sort of linger behind and I said to him I have a feeling you want to talk to me. Yes lets go up to the office once there Keith says Neil this last week has been a real eye opener for me, I never realized what a close knit organization sorry family this is and if you don't mind I would like to give you a great big hug -- sure go ahead, With that Keith really did put the squeeze on me, further more I'm so happy for John he's a good man and I was scared we might loose him.
You know the thing that amused me was when he asked for a full driller shave and I said I would do it for him. Actually it does two things for him he blends right in with everyone else up north and it gives him a disguise while here this week especially when you guys didn't recognize him at the resort. I know he sort of like that and I doubt if he will ever let his hair grow again while working for this company. I looked at my watch and said I think we should both go home as I know my brother will be expecting me home for supper, Keith said like wise. Good night Keith see you tomorrow sometime.
Once back at my brothers place he wanted to know how thing went, so I filled him in and said I had a few jobs to deal with over the next couple of days and then I would go back up north as I needed to be there for the weekend when John would be arriving plus I want to ensure he had two adjacent rooms fairly close to the office.
Monday morning I get to the office at the same time as Don arrives, I get a chuckle as Don is in coveralls as well; morning Neil how did things go with the engineers? Really well it opened there eyes as to what we really are all about and they had two days at the resort to get to know each other better -- that went very well.
If you stop bye the engineering office sometime you will get a sort of surprise and I'll leave that to you to find out. Oh bye the way John is going to move up north and be on the job working with the various crews to endeavor to iron out any engineering problems. There is one personal matter here his Email address has been changed and if there are enquiries for him we don't know where he is these days. I must go and see Julie and those that take incoming calls and have a quick talk with them.
So is the move north voluntary? Yes as while there John came to me and said he wanted to be up there ASAP so he is sorting out his office material for shipping this week, he will have access to the engineering office computer from the north that setup is in motion right now both Roger and Tony are working on that. Tony has a spare computer which he going to use for John. Don says if it's an old machine get a new one and also don't take any furniture from here get new for him up north. What are you doing regards office accommodation for him? Two adjoining rooms one his private room the other the office and we are going to locate close to Jacks office as practical, sounds good Neil. Once everything is setup I am going to see what has been done -- you know me plus I can get a good shave at the same time .
One other thing I have told the engineering office if they wish to wear coveralls in the office that is OK but please have clean one on each day, oh I like that arrangement good for you. Well Don I must go and see the ladies downstairs, perhaps you can let Frank know what is going on please -- will do, thanks Neil.
I head downstairs and first talk to Julie and find out who answers the phone if she is not there? Oh Ann or Mary, I wonder if we can get all three of you together right here now as I need to advise you all on a delicate matter.
Within minutes the other two ladies are here; Ladies firstly what I tell you is for your ears only and is strictly confidential. John in the engineering office has major domestic problems and as of this coming weekend he will not be around here any more however he will still be with this company. So should you get any phone calls from the outside asking to talk to him just simply say John is no longer here and you do not know where he is. Also his Email address is being cancelled in roughly one month's time and for the present any mail that comes in will come to me for vetting automatically.
This is to prevent his X wife bugging him. So ladies do you have any questions please feel free to ask and if I'm away ask either Don or Email me and I will reply as I will be between this office or my the oil patch office. Thanks ladies but this conversation remember please is very confidential -- thanks again.
Next I head for the engineering office and the first thing said to me was thanks Neil for a wonderful week, very interesting and we are all jealous that John is returning there next week. Are well Bill you get your engineering papers and you never know what might happen. John you got a minute please sure Neil come and sit down here;
John something that flashed by my head have you changed your bank account as I would suggest that your pay go to a different bank that way there is no money going into your existing account which I would strip the bulk of the funds out of there so that your X can't get her finger on it. You also mention last week that your brother was living at the house, yes that is correct.
Have you changed the locks or had the place re-keyed no I haven't well get it done ASAP. Better safe than sorry, I slap him on the back and if you need to get out during working hours to hit the bank I will let Keith know it's OK. Once you have done that phone payroll and get your bank address changed. Thanks Neil I will get right on that later today.
Keith stops me and says both he and Bill would like to wear coveralls and could they have chit so they can get the discount. No problem at all, I will have to find the pad as Don will know where it is, I'll get it for you by lunch time.
I head for my own office now, and Don walks in and say's you're a busy man; oh while you are here where are the discount chits for work gear. Should be a pad second draw down right hand side, if you run out they have a supply in the general office. Found it thanks so who wants something, both Keith and Bill want coveralls now Don has a big smile on his face.
I check my Emails and find one from Jack saying once John has got setup here I would like him to spend sometime on #7 rig it is still not running as smooth as I would like. No problem I will make sure he has a full set of drawings of each rig with him when he comes up. Bye the way we should issue him standard driller's coveralls and under his name on the back put Engineering. This will give him better protection I would suggest three pairs plus his regular Hi-Vis ones. I will be sending up a new plan table as I'm sure we don't have any spares there, how are we off for a suitable chair to go with the plan table. Jack reply is no chair and no reasonable desk either, ok then I will go and get that moving today and get it on the Wednesday freight flight all being well -- talk to you later.
It's a busy week for me, I discuss also with Don and Keith about the rest of the office getting there FA Tickets and ask Keith how he feels about either Bill or himself taking the incoming phone calls that day of the main course. Keith said that is fine we must all work together on that on.
Don said you know Neil we have to get our security staff and warehouse done as well. Thanks I had forgotten them Don and in fact I don't really know all the crew although I have seen them many times when getting a flight. I could take you down right now if you wish, I said no because I have to arrange for some additional furniture for up north so who do we use for that as I want it here for the Wednesday freight flight.
Don said lets go right now I know the manager at Office Depot I'll grab a PO and I'm meet you down at your truck in five minutes.
We are soon on our way and were able to get everything and delivered it to our freight terminal. I said to Don now we are here you can do the introductions please and we will can tell them about the forth coming FA Course that is planned and we can gauge there reaction.
We got very favorable comments and they asked were the general office staff going to do the same thing we said yes and in fact the Engineering group is now all with FA Tickets. The course takes one full day with study that evening plus approx ½ day to do the written exam. So we have to devise a way of doing this with out affecting the freight handling so I would like you all to think about it and hopefully come up with an idea so please let Don or I know your ideas -- thanks guys we will stay in contact.
As we left I said we will have to run two courses that is obvious now, one though is half and half in other words half the ladies and half the men and then the other half.
Don looked at me and said I think that is the answer and that way we will not need to have Keith's office disrupted dealing with phone calls.
Don I'll leave it to you to setup when you want to do the courses once we have heard any suggestions from the freight crew. Believe or not the freight crew came up with something similar so it now time to look at how we do this. We both agree we would like Allan to have a whole weekend here. This could be done over two part weeks or all in one week. Now before we go any further we must talk to Allan and I think that is best on a face to face meeting - I agree with you on that Neil and you let me know the best dates and I will organize everything here. We will use the board room for the course -- sounds good.
Well the rest of the week went very fast on Friday evening the Engineering crew all went to the pub in there coveralls and took John out for a good Dinner, both Don and I were also invited so we had a really good party. As we arrived at the pub the barman said this looks like a serious business meeting so would you like the back room -- good idea said Don. With that the door was unlocked and lights were put on, the barman saying I'll be back in a few minutes to get your orders folks.
Almost immediately this woman comes into the room where the hell is John because it looks like his truck outside. Neil yes that was John's truck but I brought it off him -- dam the bastard. Don said this is a business meeting and you not welcome here would you please leave right now. Sorry he is not here and we don't know his forwarding address either so kindly leave or we will have you thrown out.
The barman is standing behind this woman and signals his bouncer who yards her off and says don't ever come near this bar again or you may fall down.
Sorry folks for that don't worry but we are sure glad you heard that Jim. John is looking very worried. Question John do you have anything else to pickup from your home yes my camera and my own laptop so your clothes and such like are already at the freight terminal yes they are good that make it very easy, however I thing before we have a beer or what ever everyone needs a stiff drink so guys what do you say. John your are the guest tonight and gin and tonic please most of the others had rye on the rocks. Jim we would like three G&T and make this one a triple please and the rest double rye on the rocks.
So Bill I think you walked am I right, yes and do you have a driving license yes but living so close to the office I enjoy the walk then my plan will work out well. I will drive your truck but first when I leave I will do a couple of circuit s and make sure I'm not being followed then I will come to the back door and you get into the passenger seat, there is a blanket there I'll throw that over you, Bill when we leave you follow me as we will be going out to my brother place just out of town, there is about a ¼ mile of gravel road before the house comes into view. John you will stay there until you depart for going up north and if you want Bill you can stay tonight as well
Then to-morrow morning I will take Bill home and you John phone your brother and tell what has happened, in fact you should call him right now and stay you will not be home to-night and you will call him first thing in the morning OK. So Bill do you have a cell phone, no sorry then here use mine please and let your brother know.
John phones when his brother answers he sense something wrong and hangs up, he tells the others. They finish their drinks and call the barman and tell him what has happened. Don makes a phone call to the police and gets hold of his mate and explains the situation. OK give us 5 minutes and we will meet you there. Well one police car blocked the back lane the other two blocked the road. As the police walk down the road one car across the road tried to take off but was stopped and the man was arrested after he said he was waiting for his girl friend visiting that house pointing at John place. Don & Neil went to the door and rang the bell no reply so Don got his cell out and used the number that John had called his brother answered can you open the front door please, sorry I'm a little tied up at the moment.
The next thing was the police broke in and that same woman was holding a gun at the brother head. She was grabbed and the gun went off making a hole in the ceiling. The brother was released and they found his dog had been shot dead.
We took John's brother Robert back to the pub after making the house secure and provide him with a good stiff drink and Neil made the offer of coming out to his place for the night or returning back home. Robert said he would like to be with his brother if they didn't mind OK are you coming home to mine and my brother's place for tonight. Tomorrow we must get your front door repaired. So guys I think its time we eat as I'm sure everyone is hungry now.
I phoned my brother to let him know what was going on asked him to make up the spare double bed as I was bringing the two brothers home with me and will explain everything once I got home. Now Robert you are going to join with John tonight out at my brother place. In the morning we will all go and get the repairs done my brother is a retired carpenter. Robert said well actually I'm also a carpenter and got laid off about three months ago and because I'm over 40 they think I'm passed it. So what type of carpentry work do you do, well I have built a number of houses so the framing and finishing work including cabinet work. I have also worked as a construction foreman on several sites right here in town. So in other words you are a good all rounder -- well I think so -- thanks for the info.
We had a really good meal and the company picked up the tab thanks to Don everyone went there own way. John and Robert followed me back to my brother's place. There was a real good fire going and we all sat down and my brother was brought up to date, I asked my brother of a vet in town as Roberts dog had been shot dead and we needed to get his body attended to promptly I'll phone Willy he will do the job he can be there for eight o'clock in the morning if that is OK. I said I would go in first and then return for breakfast so as not to distress Robert anymore. I get up and say to my brother I `m going to get these guys a real stiff scotch would you like one, never thought you would ask Neil.
Robert says to John you know I don't think I could ever really be happy in that house anymore especially since a murder took place this evening. I know it's been the family home for many years but the building is not in the best of shape either it looks ok form the outside but it's structure is not that good and would not attempt to re-build it again it would just be too much.
John I think we should sell it please give it some serious thought as I see it we need a good three bedroom rancher level entry and no basement but on a crawl space and a double or better still a triple garage, located just on the outskirts of town.
Then John says we need to re furnish anyway as most of that is well time expired, Neil says you should get an appraisal from the appropriate auctioneer you never know there may be something of good valve that to you and I would never have in a house -- that's a dammed good idea.
Robert says thanks brother for seeing my way as well, that makes me very happy.
Then Neil asks Robert have you ever had a first aid ticket? Oh yes I have my industrial first aid ticket but it runs out in about two months time, so how long does that take to renew. You only have to go through the course once every two years and I did that last year it takes three day and then the exam so does that mean you simply apply for a renewal yes that is correct. Robert gets his wallet out and shows Neil his ticket, that a little different to our first aid tickets we use a sticker on our dog tags like this one. So what else do your dog tags have? Up on the oil patch it provides our ambulance crew with all personnel info like blood type next of kin etc, it is also your key to your private room and any other rooms that you may need to enter and last but certainly not least it is your flight ticket when traveling and your gate pass when coming onto the company site in town, the tag is worm 24 hours a day just like the army tags. Well guys I think it is time for bed, my brother pipe up breakfast 8:30 am guys hope you sleep well.
Once they were gone, my brother says you're a crafty one you were interviewing Robert there I could smell it, so tell me what are your thoughts. We need some renovations and some small items built. The last time we had anyone on site they were a pain in the arse and as you know there is always wear and tear.
Our crews are really very good in treating everything carefully however hinges come loose and the screws don't hold any more and so it goes on it really is general building maintenance with the occasional book rack or similar at the same time the two brothers can be together and I think that is very important in a situation like this because I'm sure the love between them is very strong and at a time like this they need each other.
The next morning I get a call from Don saying I think we should give John a week off to assist his brother, Don you have taken the very words out of my mouth and further more we need some general building maintenance and I'm thinking of employing Robert for four months to do that work. What a great idea, I said they both need each other at the moment and so we get general repairs done and they comfort each other and by the way Robert has Industrial First Aid Ticket which is being renewed.
The personal side of this story does take up time however it gives you an insight on how things operate within our company.
After a good night's sleep I slipped out and meet up with the Vet Willy and he collected Roberts's dog, luckily there was no blood on any carpet as far as I could see. I locked up again and went to pay the vet he said in sad situation like this I do not charge, however I did stuff some money into his hand and said go and have a drink for the dogs sake please. Willy said I will get a plague make up but I will need the dogs name -- give my brother a phone call around 9:00 am please he will have the name.
I returned to my brother's as he was getting breakfast going, is John about yet yes he is in the bathroom good I must ask him a question. I catch John as he going back to the bedroom -- John what was the name of Robert's dog and any idea how old well come on in and ask him yourself so I do. Bonso he was five years old very mixed breed why well Willy the vet ask me. Thanks see you downstairs breakfast is underway as I speak -- thanks be there in a few minutes.
I quickly wrote the info down and gave it to my brother as the phone rang, hello Willy hear got a pencil handy dogs name is Bonso and five years old before he was murdered, breed Heinz 57 varieties. Thank you so much for your help.
My brother as usual excelled in the breakfast he delivered as he says you don't need to worry about lunch when you eat well first thing and today is late.
After breakfast we all headed to John and Roberts home and got the repairs done and made the house nice and secure. I then said to John in front of all those present, look John I think you should delay your move north by one week in order to help Robert out here, as it appears to me you will selling up this place and frankly I can fully understand. So I'm suggesting you put what you need into heated storage and take a suitable motel room until you find a place to purchase however it depends on how long it takes to sell this place. John says you mean I can help Robert out for a week I said yes we will call it compassionate leave if any one asks.
John come over to me and give me a nice hug and says thanks so much Neil you folks are bending over backwards for me and I don't know how ever I'm going to be able to repay you with so much thought and kindness. Well hopefully one day something will happen and you will be able to help out someone in your other family that is all I ask of any employee.
Over the next week Robert and John cleared the house gave most of the furniture away as it was found to be worthless. Roberts clothing fitted in two large suitcases and basically John was the same however he did take one or two extra items with him for up north. The only things were Roberts large tool chest, a good quality TV and CD player, plus kitchen items and plates, cutlery and pots and pans etc that only took two cardboard boxes so really they had very little when it was all totaled up. I decided that the kitchen boxes could be stored in my garage and the tree suitcases in the house so they didn't need a lock up.
John had kept in touch with me on a daily basis via email and then on the Wednesday I told him I had a job for his brother which will problay last only 4 months to do general carpentry maintenance work around our complex. So get his tool chests brought to the freight terminal right away; make sure his name is on it.
You tell him what clothing is required and he will be supplied with suitable coveralls don't forget safety boots the same as you have. Then take him to the office to get him signup and his dog tag and you both get the Sunday afternoon flight please.
I will meet you when you arrive and you then get your room allocation.
Later that day, John emailed me and said my brother want to know how come he has been offered a job because all the jobs he had before have come via the union office.
My answer was it's up to him but we pay regular union rate but we as a company do our own selection of employee's and do not get dictated to by the union. Just advise him if you wish to work then give us a try please.
Almost bye return John said I have talked sense into Robert and told him to smarten up and accept what has been put on his plate and further more how the company has bent over backwards to help me out and it made no difference if you are staff or hourly everyone is treated the same we are one very large family and he will find it a totally different environment to work in.
Sunday flight arrived and John and his brother were there and I meet them and took them to see Allan for room allocation. John was given the numbers Allan said there was a tool chest over in Maintenance bellowing to his brother and he will taken over there to-morrow when either Neil or Jack talks with you Robert. So John you know your way around so I leave it to you and Robert if you have any question please feel free to ask have a nice evening. Oh something else John I assume you have your laptop yes I do and is that machine on the system no just my private address.
Ok I'll get Tony to contact you email id and password -- thanks Allan.
Well John guides his brother to there rooms and then says surely this is not the right room all I said all the rooms are the same though out this complex and it where everyone lives and then they though John's room to his office. John says this is my engineering office but a lot of time I know is going to spent out on a number of the oil rigs which can be fairly dirty however I don't care because everyone wears clean coveralls ever day. You will find in your drawer three sets of coveralls and the only time they are permitted in the dinning room is breakfast time when everyone has a clean set on. Now most guys just wear there underwear and a tee shirt under there coveralls because in general the whole place is fairly warm. So leave you bags here and I said your dog tag unlocks your door like this so let's go for a walk so I show Robert all the places like swimming pool, library, lounges internet café which also has tea and coffee available and finally the dinning room. Roberts's next question is how much this costs you to use these places nothing it is all part of getting a job here and is an inducement to stay. I'm told that the major turn over is as a result of retirements.
So let's go back to our rooms and I for one are going to get a shower, now this you will find very different, the shower area is more like the schools old time showers accommodate several guys with many water jets. You also scrub your mates back because as you know there are places which you cannot get to so everyone helps another.
No doubt while we are there others will come to do the same thing and you will see they all wash there hard hat off and goggles place them where they can find them, then remove there coveralls making sure pockets are empty and put there dirty coveralls in the dirty bag there underwear is taken off so that all balls to the breeze, now sometime a guy might say to someone you got your gear handy because I need a good shave please. If it is the drilling crew it's either a driller's shave or a full driller's shave so John what do you do I go for the full treatment -- Interesting I would like to see that well if Cody come in he does a real fine job.
Come on Robert get your boots off and grab your towel, I suggest also get your pants off they will only be in the way. As we enter the shower I strip off so that Robert get to understand what I mean and as I go around the corner Cody's crew is already there hi John glad to see you back here, I gather you had a bit of bad luck back home, I said well my brother did and this is Robert my brother and the whole crew give him a gentle hugs and says welcome to our family. Cody's next comment hey John your looking pretty scruffy there mate I think you need a good shave, well we have both been so busy didn't time to did it. Well then get on the bench and we will soon get you tidied up. We will try and get my brother done if possible but it may take a couple of days until he sticks out like a sore thumb. Cody says roll over please and he does the back of my head and also cleans up any hair around my arse.
Thanks Cody that feels a lot lighter and I go into the shower and say come on brother scrub my back please and I will do yours. Well I achieve that and then I get dried off, grab my underwear and tee and head for my room. I see Robert trying to get his underwear on I said don't bother as your skin is still damp wait till we get to our rooms.
Once in our rooms Robert asks what is next get our jeans on and we will shortly go for dinner. My phone goes hi John may I come and see you please sure thing Neil, ok will be there shortly.
There is a tap at my door come on in Neil what can I do for you? Well I just wanted to make sure you have settled in OK, I said for me no problem but for my brother I'm sure it is rather different way of life. Well I can understand that so John I assume tomorrow you need to get all your drawings and such like sorted out and frankly I think that will take you all day, once you are ready make contact with Jack and he will explain the problems that are occurring on several of the rigs. Oh bye the way you will find some heavy weight driller coverall's in one of your drawers.
Robert I will take you in the morning to meet up with our general maintenance foreman Tommy I think you will like him and he has your tool chest and a work space and bench for to work from. Now Robert always wear your dog tag and let your name be seen, it makes it easier when talking to various guys.
Well I guess it is getting close to dinnertime so shall we all head for the dinning room. Neil suggests we took a nook table, Robert is looking around and he ask why dos every one hear have a shaved head. Neil laughs you know this is generally the first question most new guys ask.
Well Robert I will tell what happed some years ago when I was the middleman on #1 oilrig, we also had a barber at that time, and our barber was having a problem trying to keep the oilrig guys hair clean. Then he suggested we should consider going to a very tight brush cut, well two of the guys said lets go the whole way and shave it all off. After this occurred the rest of the crew including myself had our heads totally shaved and since then I have maintain a shave head and have no regrets. Then that summer was very hot and many guy had there heads shaved. Next the barber retired his shop is still there but not used. The guy's soon got there own gear clippers and cut throat razors. Now the whole site every one has a shaved head summer and winter.
Hence, most guy's get there mates to shave them about every three days it is sort of a mutual arrangement. Now there are two cuts one is the basic driller cut the other is the full drillers cut and that came about when some years ago a drilling crew really go badly oiled and there bodies were really dirty and hence all hair removed for hygiene reasons. I should add the crew really do look after there bodies and endeavor to keep clean hence the back scrubbing in the showers.
Robert say I can see now why young brother has gone that way I must do the same tomorrow after work and then I will blend in with every one else because at the moment I stick out like a sore thumb.
We all had a great dinner and the Robert and I returned to our rooms, once there Robert asked me do you have shaving gear? I have a cutthroat but no clippers however, the concession may have something.
Do you think they are open I said yes, can you show me where it is? Come on lets see what they have, we find they have two sets of clippers one cheap set but they also had some oysters, which are top of the line clippers. They were $120 but well worth it in the end, so I offer my dog tag to pay.
We head back to our rooms and I said to Robert I see the time is getting close to 9:00pm so I'm hit the sack as we need to be up about 5:30 am to get a quick shower and use the toilet. By the way, no one shaves in the morning this is done after work in the afternoon. We also dress in our coveralls for breakfast and this is the only time overalls are permitted in the dinning room.
So Robert, I will say good night make sure your alarm is set for 5:30 am see you in the morning brother and I give my brother a big kiss. He was sort of taken back and then said what do you do if you need to pee in the night, just go down the hallway to the toilet and if you sleep in the nude just go as you are no one is offended.
Next morning I make sure my brother is a wake, I take a quick shower and head for breakfast and check on him. Ok Robert readies for breakfast all he said was he needed coffee come on then. So how did you sleep, sorry not to well a strange bed but so comfortable. We sit down at a vacant table and we are ask what we would like
I said Hi John how are you doing good thanks I assume this is your brother yes Robert hear he is finding things a little surprising what we have. Not to worry Robert here is our menu and you John bacon and scramble eggs hash browns toast and jam and a large mug of tea. Robert asks could I have I have a large mug of coffee while I Look through the menu certainly Robert.
John is soon back with my breakfast and Robert coffee then he see's mine and says I would like the same as John please.
Now three weeks have passed and we get word that the court case has taken place and the end results was both were found guilty she got life with no parole for 25 years and the boy friend got 15 with parole after 10 years. When John got word of this, he said that sure is a relief however we are going to move to a new location and I will make sure that bitch will never trouble either of us again.
Robert has realized that conditions here are very different to what he has been used to in the past but admits this is the best place he has ever work. Robert really puts his efforts into his repair work, and has become well liked by all. No one complains if he works a little later to complete a job.
He is now dealing with the loose hinges on many of the doors within the complex and despite other effort to rectify the problem Robert appears to have the require answer so only time will tell on his success.
Neil goes looking for Robert as he has a message for him, he is soon located after reading the message it would appear that their house has been sold for more than they asked but it needs both his and John's signature and returned to the estate people within 8 hours max. He says to Neil how can I possibly get this done while up here? Neil says get John so lets see if he is in his office, no then he must be out on the oil rig. Neil give Jack a call on the radio asks where he is, I'm up here with John looking at the problem.
Good says Neil however would you bring John back to the office ASAP as something important had shown up. OK will be there in about 5 minutes. In less time than that John is coming down the hall way.
Robert has never seen John so dirty before so he reads the papers and he looks at his brother and says I will go and wash my hands and then sign, does this need a witness to the signatures. You sign it I'll be back in a moment. John returns and signs and asks Neil to witness for them- it will be my pleasure says Neil. OK I'll will send this off now and it should be in there hands within 30 minutes.
Robert says I thought there were no phones here, that is right says John, it will go through the scanner and via the internet to the company office who will then fax it to the real estate folk.
Neil return their copy for there own records so John put it in his office. Ok brother I'll see you in the showers later to-day as I must get back to my problem. Robert returns to what he was doing.
John has collected all the info he needs from that oil rig so he heads for the showers to get cleaned up and as he gets there as his brother shows up. John says come here brother and with that he gives his brother a great big kiss and oil his face and then starts to laugh.
Well mate just look at yourself in the mirror I bet that's the first time you have had a well oil face! Robert looks and then starts to laugh OK lets clean up. His brother soon realizes why the routine prior to showering and he follows John and then they hit the showers. Another comment you know it does really feel good have a shaved head should have done that years ago and further more just think of it if you were to showered mud and oily sludge the problem you would have getting clean. Enough talk Robert you have a job to do scrub my back please, well Robert does get right into it and John does the same.
They have almost finished when the crew John was working with come on in however Robert does not see them and John give his brother a big kiss when a couple of the that crew drop to the floor and give them both a good blow job. Robert is moaning with pleasure as he shots several loads, he finally also sinks to the ground trying to get his breath. Finally he says thank so much it's been a long time since I have been looked after that way, John I'm heading for my room see you soon. The crew says to John you know if you are working on any oil rig you need to be well drilled, the look on John's face told it all and he said go for it, well John got well and truly fucked by the entire crew and he was given the opportunity to return the favor. John said I don't think I could handle you all at one time so where should we start. It was Ken the assistant driller who offered himself and John fixed Ken up well and then had to sit down to get his wind, the crew grabbed him and pulled him into a big all round hug.
I'll see you guys later as he left the shower area carrying his gear and his towel over the shoulder, on entry to his room Robert calls out is that you John yep sounds like you had a bit of fun back there, sure did well that's nice. John I hope you don't mind but the maintenance crew have asked me to sit with them for dinner. That's great Robert I'm glad to hear you are blending in nicely as I will be with the drillers I was working with to-day.
Eventually they return to there rooms and John goes into his office and he sees a note from Neil and a message from the real estate confirming the sale and asking if the new owners could move in within two weeks. John calls out Robert would you come and read this please. Robert reads the message and says this was only sent off 30 minutes ago and we have it all ready it's amazing how things like this can move. Look Robert one of us need to go to town to remove anything that we are keeping and also give the keys to our real estate folk. So what do we have there we need. Well the only thing are the two beds but they are really past it and some bedding. Nothing else since it is all in storage, so Robert do you have any major job on at present that needs finishing up. No I'm simply fixing up the loose door hinges in this complex.
OK then what about you going to town on the Sunday evening flight and returning on the Wednesday freight flight take a motel room and use my truck as it is at the office storage compound. So let's contact Neil and find out if this will work ok and that there seat available.
John phones Neil and asks if he has a couple of minutes as he needs to discuss some thoughts regarding the sale of there house in town. Would you like to come down to the office as I assume one of you needs to go to town and I have the flight schedules here.
See you shortly, OK Robert pull your jeans on and get your slippers we are going to Neil's office. We soon get there with the papers, John advises Neil that it appears that one of them needs to go to town at the start of next week and between them they have decided it should be Robert. If you can allow Robert to go could we get him on the Sunday evening return flight and all being well return on the freight flight on Wednesday? Neil gets the schedule out and then sees there are no freight flights next week as the aircraft is going in for maintenance the next flight is the following Sunday crew flight.
Don't worry Robert I book you on the out going flight and then you return on the crew flight the following Sunday this will ensure you do not run short of time while in town.
Thank you so much Neil and Robert offers his hand to shake. Neil asks Robert how do you like it hear. His comment was very interesting as he said I always though non-union work sites were pretty poor and very cheap. However I know there always good and bad work sites, but this place is really like a true home and can understand why my brother John likes it here. Neil said a lot of the crew don't even bother going to town when they have a break they prefer to get out in the bush, go riding and camping. Many of our crew are guys that have lost there wives either through break up or a few cases have passed away and they have had say a son which make it very difficult to bring up remotely. In general the son either lives with a grandparent or better still an uncle. With the internet they can send message to one and other but sometimes those message dwindle off. We the company run a scheme call "Yellow Men in Training" it is a three week course and is two fold. Firstly it helps to re-unite the son with his dad and secondly after the course and if they do well they are given the chance of a job here. They get to know there dads, and also they get good training in the job of there choice. Rarely do we have a Yellow Man turn down an offer of work.
Very interesting concept says Robert, well thank you again for your assistance we have taken enough of your time and I bid you good night. With that they both return to John's office. John sees the message from the real estate so he write a message to them and send it off from his own scanner with a covering note Hi Julie please fax this through to the real estate many thanks John (Eng)
Well Robert you know I think you will have a nice time in town, but I suggest you say nothing of where you are working especially to some hard nosed man because they won't believe you anyway.
Now if you need to hold of me, go into the office and talk to Julie she is the receptionists on the front desk, show her your dog tag and she will Email me and you will get a reply later from me. Use a motel that has phones in the room and provide her with your motel phone number and she can read out the message over the phone and send a reply if it needs one.
Robert's week went well, and on one trip to the office, Neil who had travel with him on the flight to town. Oh Hi Robert do you have a few minutes please sure do, please come this way and they go out to the warehouse area. You see how all this material is stacked on the floors, what I'm thinking is to put in long storage racks so that everything is about 3 feet off the floor, this way it will reduce back problems with lifting. The length required would be the length of these two walls and I was thinking of using 2 x 6 timbers on edge with 12" centers. I will get Bill to come down and perhaps between you he come and make a sketch and then we can look at the cost.
Neil phones Keith and ask if he can spare Bill for about an hour to do some sketching sure thing Neil -- great I'm in the warehouse -- Bill is on his way -- thanks bye.
By the time Robert returns up north he has the house sale monies in a separate account at the bank and invested in cashable bank bonds. Once they land he takes the bus with every one else and goes to his room, there communicating door is open and he sees John reading a book laying therein the nude on his bed but does not hear him come in. He creeps in and sees John has a good fetish magazine so he strokes his weapon and then decides to give him a blow job; John was so hard to start with he soon shoot volumes. Only then does he look down, and when he sees his brother he pulls him closer and they start to kiss rolling there tongue in and out of each other mouths, John is trying to get Roberts clothes off him, finally Robert stands up and quickly strips. Robert says he need a good fucking so John obliges but according to Robert he was to gentle John stop messing around give me a proper drilling and with that John does get up to speed and all that is being said harder; harder come on harder --Ar...e that's better. Eventually they fall apart and look into each other eyes. John do you remember the last time we did that, well it was a long time ago you had just start your apprenticeship as I must have been about 13 at the time. You know Robert this opportunity has brought us so much closer than it's been for a good number of years.
Well Roberts work went on between work in town and work up north, the company realized having John on site has saved them a lot of grief and reduced down time so he was ask to stay up north full time to which he readily agreed. However about every three months he went to town for meeting etc but was always happy to return
John loved the work with all the drilling crews and hi didn't care how dirty he got either and this fact went down well with the crews who were very willing to assist and give some dammed good idea's.
So folks life goes on in the oil patch with another oil rig to be setup, everyone enjoys the family affair -- thanks for reading.
The End