THE BRINK - OPERATION DEEP FLIGHT

by Marshall Huffman

  “Well, you know how crowded the cryogenic lab has become. It seems that one of the other departments removed some of our equipment, and as a result, we lost the information. We had increased the efficiency by close to fifteen percent,” Peter said, stretching the truth a bit.

  “Removed? Lost? You mean you have to start over?” Anderson said.

  You could almost see the wheels turning as he figured up the lost wages and materials.

  “We can duplicate some of it, once we get our shot at using the cryo lab again.”

  “That’s ridiculous. Who dissembled your equipment? Did they ask permission?”

  “In a backdoor sort of way. They knew I was gone, so they sent me a non-priority memo. Since I didn’t answer, they proceeded to remove our equipment.”

  “Who? Someone’s rear will fry for this I can assure you of that.”

  “No, really, Mr. Anderson. I can handle it. I just hate to lose the time as well. A further fifteen percent would have substantially helped increase sales, and our lead over the competition,” Peter said, playing it for all it was worth.

  “Peter, I appreciate your wanting to handle it, but this is lost revenue to DigiLabs, and that is my responsibility.”

  “Look, Mr. Anderson, I really don’t want to give you the name or department. What would really help is to add a cryogenics lab that my department could use on a full time basis. That was a partly why it took us so long in the first place.”

  “What kind of capital expenditures are we talking about?”

  “Two million, two and half tops.”

  “We could be losing ten times that amount by not having the increased efficiency,” Anderson said.

  “Or more. Who knows what further improvements could be made if we had the time and space?”

  “By God, you’ll get your own lab. I’ll personally see to it.”

  “Excellent. It will be a good return on your investment, I’ll personally see to that,” Peter said smiling.

  “Consider it done.”

  A soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

  “Yes?”

  “Sandwiches Mr. Anderson.”

  “Yes. Yes. Bring them in please.”

  Carol entered with a silver serving tray stacked with several different sandwiches and a pot of coffee. There were enough sandwiches to feed ten people.

  “Can I get you anything else?” she asked.

  “That will be all,” Anderson answered.

  He was obviously used to doing all the bossing. Peter

  just shook his head.

  “Oh, this is for you, Dr. Ferris,” she said, pulling a

  Diet Coke out of her jacket pocket and holding it out to him.

  “Hey, thanks. How did you know?”

  “It’s in your file. Diet Coke or nothing.”

  Well, thanks for thinking of it,” he said and popped the top. She slipped out and they resumed talking.

  “Help yourself,” Anderson said, digging into the pile of sandwiches.

  “Thank you, don’t mind if I do,” Peter said, selecting

  either a chicken or turkey sandwich. It was hard to tell by looking.

  After a few bites Anderson said, “Peter, what I really wanted to talk to you about was a unique opportunity that DigiLabs has. I wanted to get your input.”

  “I’m flattered.”

  “Don’t be so modest. You have been a valuable asset to this company and I happen to think that you are just scratching the surface of your potential.”

  Peter didn’t know what to say. This was nothing like the Arthur Anderson he had heard so much about.

  “What we have is an opportunity to expand the production capabilities of this company. We have been asked to develop some of the equipment that will be used on a new prototype submarine. Obviously that means we would be working with the government. That has its upside as well as its down. I’m not sure what is best for DigiLabs and that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You have been working directly with them on the NASA probe. What was it like?”

  “Well, you hit the nail right on the head when you said it had its ups and downs. The positives are that they will pay almost any figure that you put in front of them and require very little data to back up the request. Why not? It’s not their money, and it shows. Secondly, they seldom try to change the scope of the job once they sign off on it. No imagination. They seldom take a project to its full potential. They just don’t think like that. Third is, they will get you whatever materials you request. They can get things that we could never get. Once you’re in the old boy network and approved, it will be much easier to get future projects. It could be a real cash cow over the long haul.”

  “And the downside?”

  “They take forever to pay. They do pay eventually, but not like we’re used to. Sometimes it is as much as a year later. Then you have the single minded military man who is invariable in charge. They will want to double the security in this place and that will affect you as well. There are probably some others, but those are the most glaring. Can you tell me a little more about the project and I may think of some other problems?”

  “Well, it’s very hush-hush. Top secret and all that but since I need your input, I’ll tell you what I know. Apparently they are going to build, or are building, a new submarine that is unlike anything that has been done before. They have a whole list of things they want it to be able to do. They want us to help develop the air handling systems and the underwater navigational system.”

  “Wow. Both systems? That’s quite a handful.”

  “Yes it is. Which do you think we are the best at?”

  “The air system without a doubt. I have been exposed to that a great deal during my college days. I’ve always been interested it that.”

  “Excellent. What about the navigational system?”

  “That I don’t know a great deal about, but I know some people who do. I’m sure they would be willing to collaborate on it.”

  “I knew I was asking the right man. I would like to see DigiLabs jump into this but it will take the right person to oversee the project,” Anderson said.

  “Paramount,” Peter stated.

  “One other detail. The navigational system would obviously have to fit into the overall design and to dovetail into the chosen computer system, the weapons system and all the other items.”

  “I can see the headaches already. We’re talking about different companies with different agendas and personnel all trying to work together.”

  “Not only that, but they are selecting all new companies. They don’t want a soul to know about this.”

  “In the military? Who are they kidding?” Peter said.

  “I agree, but it’s their game.”

  “Well, to answer your question, as I understand it, DigiLabs has the technical expertise to get the job done. It’s a matter of working out the details,” Peter replied.

  “Just as I thought. Peter, I want you to be the point man on this.”

  “Me sir? There are other men with more seniority and qualifications in this company than me.”

  “Seniority yes, more qualified? I don’t think so. I know that if anyone can get the job done it will be you. I talked to Lanny Pearson over at NorStar. He didn’t like the way you went about getting the program approved, but he couldn’t fault you on the results and what it has meant to his company. I’m not like Lanny. I don’t give a rat’s ass how you get it done, as long as it gets done, and no one goes to jail in the process. Also, I like the way you’re going about this little crisis in your department. You could have asked me to intervene, but you’re willing to handle it yourself. I like the confidence.”

  “Well, I guess I could tackle it for DigiLabs if you want.”

  “That’s what I want. Congratulations. Peter, I am promoting you to Vice President of New Research & Development. You will report directly to this office. Compensation? That is always a tough thing to talk about. What do you think would be fai
r?”

  “Sir?”

  “What would you suggest as the appropriate compensation? You’re making eighty-five thousand now.”

  “I have no idea what I should get. Whatever you decide is fair will be fine with me. That’s your department Mr. Anderson.”

  “How about you start at a hundred and fifty thousand, for now, and let’s see where it goes from there? That’s thirty thousand more than anyone else makes around here except for Ralph, and of course me. By the way, call me Arthur. We will need to cut the formality. We will have a lot to do these next few months.”

  “Man, what a way to come back.”

  “I’m just glad you did. I was hoping you wouldn’t get hung up on that NASA program so much that you decided to leave us.”

  “It was a good learning situation, but that’s all.”

  “Great. Let’s get on with it. Here is the name of the contact person for the military that you will need to get in touch with immediately. He will fill you in on all of the details. I’ll officially notify them that we will accept the contract.”

  “Alright Mr. Anderson. I’ll get started as soon as I get back downstairs.”

  “Arthur. It’s Arthur now.”

  “Yes sir,” Peter said. Anderson just looked at him with an amused expression. “Kind of sudden isn’t it? And I’m not the heartless person that I am reputed to be. Stop and see Carol on your way out. She has something for you. Oh and here is the number of Admiral Marcus. He is in charge of the project. He’s your contact man.”

  “Okay Mr.......Arthur. We’re on our way,” Peter said, taking the card. Anderson held out his hand and Peter shook it.

  “Let’s just knock their socks of,” he said as he walked Peter to the door.

  “I just thought of something. I’ll bet we can get the government to build the cryogenics lab for us if I work it just right.”

  “See? I knew I had the right man. You’re going to do just fine.”

  Peter went into the outer office and just stood there

  and took a deep breath. What a day this was turning out to be. Carol turned and watched him with a smile on her face.

  “Congratulations,” she said.

  “You knew already?”

  “Mr. Anderson keeps me very well informed,” she said. “Now if you will follow me?” she led him into the hallway and a few yards further down. She opened the door with the key.

  “This is your new office. Your secretary will be transferred up here tomorrow or you can have a new one if you like.”

  “My office?” he said looking around.

  “Well, this is the outer office. Yours is behind this door,” she said opening a huge solid brass door. The room was enormous and lavishly appointed.

  “You can redecorate if you want. A budget of ten thousand has been approved,” she told him.

  “Heck no. It’s fine just like it is. You’re sure this is for me?”

  “Mr. Anderson knows what floats people’s boats. He is not like you hear about.”

  “It would be hard to argue with that after today,” Peter said.

  “You’ll let me know what you want to do about a secretary?”

  “Yes. Let me think about that. I’ll want to talk to Katie first.”

  “Fine. Just let me know,” she said. She held the keys to the office out to him and he took them.

  “What are these keys for,” he asked, as she held out a second set.

  “Vice Presidents drive company cars. Yours is the gray BMW.”

  “You’re kidding,” he said with a bewildered expression on his face.

  “650i I think is the model.”

  Peter just shook his head. What was going on? This couldn’t be real.

  “Welcome to life on the fifth floor,” she said, turned and was gone.

  It took Peter a second to realize that she had even left. He went into the office and sat down in the desk chair. It was massive, like everything else in the room. The office was fully furnished. It had a full bar, conference table, leather couch, massive desk, computer equipment, and a large screen television. He opened a smaller side door and found a bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi and shower, all done in Italian tile. He spent several more minutes looking the place over then returned to his old office.

  “Katie, could I see you for a minute? Have someone else cover the phone. I don't want to be interrupted.”

  “Yes sir, Doctor,” she said and went about making the arrangements. A few minutes later she appeared at the door.

  “Sir?”

  “Come in Katie. What I’m about to tell you is confidential for now. I mean that no one, and I mean no one, is to hear about this until I say so.”

  “Yes sir. I understand.”

  “I am taking a new position within the company,” he said, letting that sink in.

  “You’re leaving this department? When?”

  “Starting tomorrow. I’m now the Vice President of New Research and Development.”

  “Wow. Ah, well I guess congratulations are in order. Congratulations Doctor.”

  “Thank you, but that’s not the issue. I need to know what you want to do. Do you want to transfer to the fifth floor and continue on with me, or stay here?”

  “Oh dear. Well Doctor, I really like working for you. You’re a real gentleman.”

  “But?”

  “Well, the fifth floor. That would mean I would be under the direction Mrs. Newman.”

  “Mrs. Newman?”

  “Carol Newman. Mr. Anderson’s executive assistant. She doesn’t think much of me. We have crossed swords a couple of times and she has made it clear that it had better be the last time.”

  “Recently?”

  “Oh, no sir. This was before you came. You haven’t put me in that position like Doctor Prose did when he was in charge of this section.”

  “Katie, you would be working for me, not Carol.”

  “I understand sir, but I really don’t think that would work out in the long run. She is well suited for Mr. Anderson if you know what I mean.”

  “All right Katie. I just wanted to offer you the job first. It would mean a pay increase.”

  “Thank you for thinking of me, but I would really be uncomfortable in that environment.”

  “Okay Katie. Look, I’ll get you a pay raise here. I’ll put it in today. You just make sure that whoever ends up in this position keeps doing the kind of work that we have accomplished this past year.”

  “Yes sir. And thank you Doctor Ferris.”

  “You just keep your ears open. I may call on you from time to time to see what’s really going on.”

  “Will do. Congratulations again.”

  He stood and walked her to the door, “Hang in there Katie, I won’t forget how much help you have been,” he said.

  He went to the phone and dialed Carol’s number.

  “Mr. Anderson’s office. How may I help you?”

  “Hi Carol. It’s Doctor Ferris. I will be needing a new secretary.”

  “I’ll have several for you to interview tomorrow if that is convenient for you.”

  “That would be tremendous. I’ve been told that you were the best. I'm finding that out for myself,” he said, buttering her up. He knew where the real power was.

  “How kind of you. Any particular time?”

  “Starting at 8:30 would be fine.”

  “It will be done,” she said, and hung up.

  I’ve got to keep on her good side, that’s for sure, he thought. Next he called accounting and put in a pay raise for Katie. An extra hundred a week should keep her in his camp if the need ever arose. He looked around the office and thought that it was a far cry from his new place.

  “Katie,” he said into the phone.

  “Yes Doctor?”

  “I want you to schedule a staff meeting for tomorrow at 7:30 A.M. Everyone on the team is to be there.”

  “Yes sir. I’ll call each one individually.”

  “Get me Mr. Anderson’s office on
the line will you?”

  “Right away.”

  His phone rang almost immediately and Carol put him through to Arthur Anderson.

  “What can I do for you, Peter?”

  “I didn’t want to make a big social blunder right off the bat. I was wondering when you intended to let the others at DigiLabs know of the changes.”

  “Immediately. I know you will have to delegate the work at your old department and let the people know. I’ve had a memo drafted already. It will be circulated by 3 o’clock. You can tell whomever you think is appropriate now. I appreciate your discretion, but I’m very happy with my choice. Just watch yourself in the 650i,” he said, referring to the BMW.

  “Thank you Arthur. I’ll keep it under control.”

  “Horse feathers. You’ll have a ticket before the week is out,” he said laughing as he hung up.

  By 3:05 P.M. everyone at DigiLabs was aware of Peter's promotion. Many wondered what it meant to them, others were jealous and some didn’t care one way or the other.

  “Doctor, your staff is screaming to talk to you,” Katie told him.

  “Tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Not before,” he instructed her.

  He spent the rest of the day working out the details regarding how he wanted to structure the department and the newly created position. He called Admiral Marcus and scheduled a conference call for 2:00 p.m. the following day. The Admiral was polite but curt.

  It was close to 9:00 p.m. before he felt he could call it a night. He packed his things into his briefcase and started out of his office. On his door was a post-it note:

  Had your car towed to your house.

  Enjoy the new toy.

  A.

  He walked out past the sleepy guard and over to the new BMW. It oozed speed. You could get a ticket just sitting in this thing he thought to himself. He opened the door and slid into the contoured leather Roccaro seats. It took him a few minutes to figure out how to start the motor and to get it into first gear. The six speed gear pattern threw him off. He found the lights and turned them on. On the sign just in front of his car was his name, already in place. He eased the car out of the lot and headed home.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  - DigiLabs -

  Early the next morning he was again parking the car in his new space. He went up and reviewed his notes one last time before the scheduled department meeting. Katie came in at 7:00 a.m. with donuts and sweet rolls.