by Bob Blanton
Catie and Liz entered the warehouse together. Catie waved to Dennis Hoffman, the guy that would be handling all the construction and manufacturing for their prototype efforts.
“Hi, Dennis.”
“Hey Cat,” Dennis said, waving back. He liked to use her call sign since he’d been on her support crew aboard the DSS Enterprise back in the war.
Jackie and Morgan were standing at the table in the corner of the room. The rest of the team waited with them.
As soon as they reached the table, one of the men came forward and extended his hand to Liz. “Commander Farmer, I’m excited to meet you. I didn’t know you were running this project. I’m sure with you in charge, we’ll nail this thing.”
“I’m not in charge,” Liz said. “I was just curious to see how Catie’s going to run this program. She’s your boss.” Liz pointed at Catie.
“You’re kidding me, she’s what, eighteen?” the man said.
“I’ll be fifteen next month,” Catie said. “Hello, I’m Catie McCormack. You’re Scottie Murphy, if I remember correctly.”
“Yes, that’s me,” Scottie said skeptically. “You are pulling my leg, right? I know you’re the princess and all, but this is a complex design project.”
“No, I’m not pulling your leg,” Catie said. “If working for me will be a problem, we’ll pay for you to return to Seattle. But why don’t you give me a chance first?”
“Sure,” Scottie said, still sounding skeptical.
“Great. Let’s start with introductions. As you’ve just heard, this is Scottie Murphy; he’s going to run the design team for all the internal mechanical and electrical design.” Scottie nodded to everyone.
“And this is Jackie Drummond; she’s going to be our manager of cabin operations. She’s here to make sure we design the cabin so that her people can work efficiently.” Jackie said hello to everyone.
“This is Pierre Voclain; he will be managing the design of the avionics. We probably won’t see much of him. He’s got two simulators over on the other side there. He’ll be replacing their parts and code with whatever he designs. I don’t think he cares much about what’s not in the cockpit,” Catie said.
“I do care about the engines and the sensors,” Pierre said.
“Of course. Now that’s something else we’re going to do. All the sensors will be in triplets; two of them must agree before the computers do anything related to flying the jet. If just one of them is reading an issue, it will produce a yellow alert so the pilot can assess whether it is something he should be concerned with. I want all of us to be looking at each system and deciding if it needs backup. Anything critical will be triplets,” Catie said.
“I’m loving working for you already,” Scottie said.
Catie laughed at him. “And last but not least, this is Francisco Muñoz; he will be responsible for making sure that any necessary maintenance can be performed efficiently and quickly. He’ll let us know where crews have noticed issues that are hard to spot, or easy to overlook. We want to make it so that any problems are easy to detect and see. The jets will have standard preventive maintenance, but we want the crews to be able to spot unusual wear. As we build the planes, he’ll be conducting maintenance on them to verify that we’ve left enough room for his crew to actually do the work.”
“Can you explain this virtual reality thing better?” Scottie asked.
“As we design the plane, the plans will go into the computer. It will produce a virtual image of the plane that will be displayed in your HUD,” Catie explained. “Everyone will then be responsible for walking through the prototype, performing their task list as though they were actually doing the job in a real aircraft. You’ll note any issues, and bring them up at the next design review. We’ll modify the design or procedure to resolve the issues and then move on. As we finalize the design, Dennis will make prototype components to install into the planes. Alpha will only have confirmed designs added to it. Beta will be built over there. When we are working on a design, Dennis will prototype it and put it in Beta. We’ll conduct our walkthroughs to discover any issues. Beta might have several prototype components in it at the same time, even conflicting ones if we’re making an A-B comparison. Generally, those will be foam mock-ups or whatever Dennis can put together quickly. When we’re ready to commit, Dennis will make a production-quality prototype that we’ll install in both Alpha and Beta. We’ll use the virtual reality to iterate options quickly, test them in Beta, then build them out.”
“I like it,” Scottie said.
“Good, I want to be flying a prototype in six months,” Catie said.
Everyone guffawed at her.
“Hey, we built the Oryx in less than three months,” Catie said. “And we didn’t have nearly this good a team working on it. Try to organize your teams into shifts so they can work around the clock – at least two shifts. Second shift gets a fifteen percent bonus. Any questions?”
“Can I work on second shift?” Pierre asked.
“You already get the bonus,” Catie said. “We’re assuming you’re on call for both shifts. Work whatever hours you want.”
“Chouette!” Everyone’s Comm translated that as ‘cool.’
“Now our first decision is how wide to make the plane,” Catie said. “We can make it up to 6.5 meters in width without impacting the top speed or fuel usage. The 777 is 5.78 meters wide; the Airbus 340 is almost 3.5 meters. I’m inclined to go for the extra width. We are going to want our passengers to be comfortable.”
“That extra two feet will come in handy when you’ve got the three-four-three or the three-three-three configuration going,” Scottie said.
“I don’t think we’ll be using that configuration,” Catie said. “I like the two-four-two configuration for economy; that way, you only have to get by one person to get to your seat. Most people travel in pairs, so it’s a better configuration for seating. Of course, Jackie gets the final say on that.”
“I agree with you, people like the two-four-two best,” Jackie said. “And it’s easier to service the customers too.”
“We’re going to be a fast service, and we’ll be charging a premium for it. Even if the width doesn’t matter, the weight will, so we want to optimize for comfort, fuel efficiency, and speed. That includes boarding and deplaning,” Catie added.
“How long is it going to be?” Jackie asked.
“We’re going to make it seventy meters; that’s the max length we can have before we have to slow it down,” Catie said. “Everyone, spend some time with Dennis and get your office space laid out for your teams. There’s office space around the edge of the warehouse, two floors worth. Pick out which one you want for your team, and Dennis will build it out to your specifications.
“Jackie we’re planning to have an onsite team of six designers for the cabin. If you need more, I was thinking we’d subcontract offsite. But if you think you need a bigger team, let me know.”
“I’m sure that’s plenty,” Jackie replied. “A lot of what we’ll be using should be standard parts; it’s really about how you arrange them that counts.”
“Okay, I’ve got another meeting to go to. I’ll see you at eight?”
“I won’t be late. Morgan showed me where the restaurant is on the way over,” Jackie said.
“Bye.”
“Girl, you were a badass in there,” Liz whispered to Catie as they left.
“You really think so?”
“Yeah, you had them eating out of your hand, trying to keep up with you. Reminds me of someone.”
“You mean Daddy?”
“No, your Uncle Blake,” Liz said. “He’s like a machine gun when he’s giving orders.”
“You’re right,” Morgan said.
“Thanks.”
“You up for doing a workout on Monday, now that you’re not working at the plant?”
“Sure, see you at six,” Catie said as she and Liz parted ways.
◆ ◆ ◆
“Hi, Dr. Metra.”
“Hello, Catie. Are you ready for another session?”
“Yes.”
“How are you doing with the sensors?” Dr. Metra asked.
“I think I’m doing pretty good. I’m just starting to use them to type,” Catie said, “but it’s pretty slow.”
“Well, let’s see what we can do about that. Jump up on the table and lie down. I’ll program the stimulator, and we’ll get your brain excited about working those nerves.”
“It sure feels good when it does,” Catie said.
“Well, after today, you’re going to have to generate your own sense of joy since I’ll be turning the endorphin kicker off,” Dr. Metra said.
“Do you have to?”
“Yes, you need to stop getting a kick every time you simply stimulate the nerve; otherwise, you’ll never learn to type. You’ll have to rely on a sense of reward when you get a word right.”
◆ ◆ ◆
Catie’s next stop was with the design team that was working on the probes she was having designed.
“Hello, Ajda,” Catie said as she greeted her design lead.
“Hello, Catie,” Ajda said. “I was wondering when you’d stop by to check on us.”
“It’s been a busy week,” Catie said. “Tell me where we are.”
“The solar explorer is ready to test. We just needed to upgrade the sensor package from the ones we used on your test probes. We’ve upgraded the optics so we can get a better image of the planets in the solar system from the sixty AU perimeter the explorer will be popping in at. We’ve added reaction mass so you can push into the system for a closer look if you want. Because weight isn’t a problem, we’re using tungsten since it’s relatively plentiful and one of the densest elements. It will allow you to go into a system far enough to engage the gravity drives and then get you back out once you’re in; of course, you can just let your momentum get you out if you have the time.”
“How much reaction mass are you giving me?”
“We have enough room for one-tenth of a cubic meter of reaction mass; that gives you a little over two kilotons of mass to play with. You should be able to go in and out of several systems with that.”
“That’s good; we probably won’t be going into that many systems,” Catie said. “Our primary goal is to find systems with green planets that don’t have a sentient species. Since you have to actually catalog the dominant species on the planet to determine if there’s sentience, the probes won’t help. You have to land on the surface and travel around.”
“Okay, so what are you going to do with the ones that have a civilization on them?”
“Catalog them, determine if they’re space-faring.”
“Like the Paraxeans were doing here?” Ajda asked.
“Not exactly. We’re just going to record the images of the planet and any signals they’re transmitting so we can study them,” Catie said. “We don’t need to get that close since we don’t need to spend decades getting to the system. Once we have a good catalog of what’s around us, we’ll decide who we should visit.”
“Okay, sounds like we designed it right.”
“How many sequential jumps can it make?”
“If you have the capacitors fully charged, you can make two to four jumps depending on how big they are. It takes eight hours to recharge the caps if you draw them completely down.”
“Okay, plan on making eight probes, we’ll divide this section of the galaxy into eight quadrants and send one into each,” Catie said. “Now, how about my asteroid prospecting probes?”
“We just started on them, although they should be easy,” Ajda said. “We assume you only need gravity drives since they’re going to be working inside the asteroid belt.”
“That’s right,” Catie said.
“Good, we plan to put the standard sensor package in them. My Paraxean partner tells me that they will be able to detect an asteroid’s metal content from two hundred meters. They will need to circle the bigger ones to get a complete reading. I assume we’re not going to include quantum couples since you’re going to be about six light-minutes away,” Ajda said.
“That’s perfect. How long before I can have four of them?”
“One week,” Ajda said. “I assume you’re going to have them hauled into place, they’re pretty slow.”
“Yeah,” Catie laughed. “We’ll have someone place them using an Oryx. Thanks for the update. Is there anything you need?”
“Just the authorization to pull the material to build them.”
“You’ll have it within the hour,” Catie said.
◆ ◆ ◆
Catie spent the rest of the day working with her team on the new jetliner. She was so engrossed with the work that she was surprised when it was suddenly time for Jackie and her to leave so they could get changed for their dinner date with Blake.
“How am I supposed to get to the restaurant wearing heels,” Jackie asked Catie as they left the warehouse.
“Oh, I’ve booked a taxi for you,” Catie said. “It’s just a covered golf cart, but it will keep your hair from getting blown out of shape.”
“That’s nice; you didn’t tell me that you had taxis,” Jackie said.
“I think the only ones who use them are the really old folks and women with heels. And most women wear sneakers to where they’re going and then change to heels. They even sell these slippers that are good for walking, but don’t take up much room in your bag.”
“I’ll have to check them out,” Jackie said. “I’ll see you at the restaurant in ninety minutes.”
◆ ◆ ◆
Morgan alerted Catie that Blake was approaching her condo. Catie slipped on her heels and exited the condo, meeting Blake in the hallway.
“Wow, you really clean up nice,” Blake said.
Catie did a spin so he could get a full view of her red skater dress. The skirt flared out as she spun on the toes of her red high heels.
“Does your father know you have that dress?” Blake asked.
“I just bought it this week, especially for this date,” Catie said.
“Well, I’ll just say it’s a good thing you have a bodyguard. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep the boys away by myself,” Blake said as he smiled at Morgan.
Catie snorted. “I never had any boy problems.”
“Yeah, but that was before you bought that dress,” Blake said. “Just promise me you’ll wear it to your birthday party; I want to see your father’s expression when he sees you in it.”
As they started down the hallway toward the elevator, Catie stumbled a little. Blake caught her by the arm to steady her.
“Take smaller steps,” Morgan said. “Make that man slow down for you.”
“Oh, that is better,” Catie said as she shortened her stride.
“And pretend you’re walking on a line, put the heel down right in line with your other toe.”
Catie let go of Blake’s arm and walked out in front for a few steps.
“I don’t think you should have told her that,” Blake whispered to Morgan as he watched his niece’s hips sway as she walked.
“She needs a few boys chasing her,” Morgan whispered back. “That girl works too hard.”
“I agree about the working too hard; I’m not sure her father’s going to agree about the boys chasing her.”
Catie bounced a few steps as she walked back to Blake. “Thanks, Morgan, I’ve never worn such tall heels before.”
“Oh, those are baby heels,” Morgan said. “Two and a half inches are nothing, wait until you try walking in five-inch heels.”
“Not helping,” Blake whispered. “Now let’s go, your chariot awaits.”
◆ ◆ ◆
Morgan already had agents stationed in the restaurant and on both ends of the block, so when they arrived at Deogene’s, she just stood to the side while Blake helped Catie out of the cart and escorted her into the restaurant.
They were immediately met by the Maître D'. “Your Highness, we
lcome to Deogene’s; we’re so pleased that you selected us for your evening out.” He clearly meant the introduction to be for Catie, even though Blake was also a royal.
“Thank you, Kenyon,” Catie said. “Is everything ready?”
“Of course, Your Highness. Just follow me,” Kenyon said. He led them to the back corner of the restaurant. The best location, since it was away from the kitchen and the front door.
Blake was immediately confused; it was obvious which table was to be theirs, but a woman was already sitting at the table with her back to them. He waited for Kenyon to take care of the problem, feeling sorry for the woman who’d managed to get seated at the wrong table.
“Uncle Blake, have a seat,” Catie said, indicating the seat opposite the woman.
“But . . .”
“Just have a seat.”
As Blake walked around the table, he finally got a look at the woman’s face.
“Jackie, my god!”
“Hi, Blake,” Jackie said.
“You imp!” Blake said as he turned to Catie.
“I needed some help, and Jackie came to mind,” Catie said. “Now, you two have a nice evening.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m having dinner with Sophia,” Catie said. She leaned down and kissed Jackie on the cheek. “Have fun.” Catie walked across the restaurant to the table where Sophia was waiting for her.
“Wow, I love that dress,” Sophia said.
“Thanks,” Catie said as she gave the dress another twirl before she sat down.
“So, do I get to write an exclusive, Princess Catie paints the town in a red dress?”
“Not unless you want to lose your inside source,” Catie said.
“Come on, it can just be a little blurb, Princess Catie debuts red dress at Deogene’s. It’ll be innocent, and Kenyon will love it.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Hey, who’s the chick with your uncle?”
“That’s Jackie,” Catie said. “They dated for a couple of weeks when we were in Hawaii. They really clicked, but then she had to go back to work, and we were off to the Caribbean after that.”
