I was up early and as there was plenty of time, I went for a run and in a different direction so that I could see in the distance the various launch pads. I was thinking that I wouldn't be here anytime soon and a final look was cool. JJ and Alex were having breakfast and while getting coffee JJ came up to me and asked, now that you have had time to think are you mad about last night? I shrugged and said well do I have something to worry about with you and Alex. JJ looked at me and said well no more than I have to worry about you and Ray. I smiled and said well that's a fair point, but I haven't hooked up with Ray for a very long time. JJ shook his head and said well if you hadn't dragged me along I wouldn't have even thought about Alex. I smiled and said JJ, I'm good and last night was fun. JJ smiled and said MJ, like Ray he was once special but it is over, but an occasional three way is almost always good. I joined JJ and Alex for coffee.
At one point I asked Alex if he had played Latrobe Country Club and he laughed and said you don't get on the golf team at my school without doing that so yes, I have played the course a couple of times. You know Mike, I stood on the marker on the 3rd fairway and looked back at the tee and couldn't even imagine trying that shot. I laughed and said well Alex, he has tried a couple of times and hasn't come close to duplicating it. So Mike, is Cole that good? I shrugged and said, well this summer I'll get you both to Oakmont and we can play the tournament Sunday pins and tees and you can see what you think. Wow, Mike that would be awesome. Growing up I had to beg someone to get me on a club course or work as a caddy. We were comfortable but not enough so that we could afford a golf club. After the run I needed a shower and a revised of the flight plan so I excused myself and went to my room.
It was a quick shower and I just threw my shit in the bags as they would need cleaned in any case and spent 40 minutes on the flight plan. I called the Major and asked if JJ and I were really flying and he said absolutely. I asked about the shuttle mission and he said as of 10 minutes ago nominal. I said thanks and the Major said the weather is perfect the entire way. I laughed and said well does it matter at 45,000 feet. He laughed and said you might be surprised but no matter what you have to land. We hung up and I went downstairs 15 minutes early. I got coffee and was just relaxing as I was sure I would tense the entire flight and Riley came up and said that she wasn't going back as she wanted to be on site when Jack landed in California. NASA would be flying the family there and she had vacation time. I said well whatever you need but I don't know any real estate agents in Houston. She smiled and said well you boys and your toys. You and your jets and Jack with his obsession with bigger and faster thing and space. Riley, enjoy the time and I know you are worried but honestly he is safer in the shuttle than he is in a damn jet. We have a tentative plan with the Admiral and once I'm sure you and Jack are good, I'm fine. Oh, I'm still having the wedding at Oakmont unless you want it in Houston. She laughed and said God no. By the way Jace will be in Pittsburgh and you should talk with him. She shrugged and said sure but I would bet he knows. Mike, you can relax he is all into grapes and that chick, Judy. I smiled and said well that's good to hear. She saw her NASA ride and said, I'll see you in a couple of days.
Everyone was there waiting on Riley and I to finish and the van was already packed and all that was required was my ass in a set. It was a quick ride to the base airfield and the ground crew was all over the plane and even our baggage was loaded. JJ said remember the different walk around as these guys would find anything remotely close to needing attention. Everyone was on board and JJ and I entered and saw his dad in the back talking with my dad so we went upfront and we laughed when we had assigned seats. The left seat said Dark Night and the right seat said Rhinestone. JJ shrugged and said cowboy was already taken and you really don't get a say. I contacted the tower and was shocked to find it very informal. I identified the plane and the reply came back Dark Night you are cleared to taxi to Runway Romeo 2 niner. Hold for takeoff and have a great flight. JJ picked up the intercom and said Good Afternoon and welcome to MJS Airlines Flight 005. We are cleared to taxi so please find a seat and buckle up. Flight time to Pittsburgh is 2 hours and 24 minutes and the weather is a warm 29 degrees. Immediately JJ's dad yelled cut the shit and fly the jet. We were pushed away from our parking spot and I proceeded to the head of the runway and we were immediately cleared for takeoff. It was a smooth takeoff and we were headed East and at the coast there was a gentle climb to our cruising altitude of 45,000 feet and we were headed on a compass reading of 320 degrees which was North West. JJ continued to poke the bear and said on the intercom, the Captain as turned off the seatbelt light, please feel free to roam around in the less than spacious cabin. Thankfully this elicited no response from the Major. After about 30 minutes and a very nominal flight I asked JJ if he wanted to fly? He said Rodger that my plane. We hadn't said anything to each other except for flight conversation. And JJ was his usual very precise presence when in control and I asked JJ, are you ok? MJ, I'm worried about you and what you think about Alex. I smiled and said dude, I already told you I was good. Fuck we both have a history before we met and that's not an issue and never will be so just relax. There was a big smile and he said Rodger that and I said cut the military crap.
Once that was settled, I hoped, I asked JJ if I could go in the back and talk with Liam? JJ said, nope have him come up here and sit on the step beside you, I won't listen but understand once we are wheels down we need to find out who the fuck we are playing this weekend. JJ, it is either Bethel or North Hills as they are the 8-9 seeds. But it has to be North Hills as I believe they are the better team. I got on the intercom and asked for Liam to please come up front for a minute. When he arrives I said have a seat and said we are having a busy day tomorrow. First at 1:00 I need Maggie, 1:30 Kyle in his office or mine, 2:00 I'll need Jacks second in command in my office. After that a gun to shoot myself. Liam said, ok but no gun and he went in the back with the others.
As we neared Harrisburg JJ said dude, your jet as I really have to piss. I took over and as soon as JJ was gone his dad stuck his head in and asked if I was good to land the plane? I said I think so but you are welcome to do it. The Major said how about you land I'll be upfront with you and JJ can calm your dad's nerves. I smiled and said perfect. With the Major in the right seat, I was totally comfortable and checked the weather and wind and was cleared to 20,000 feet and made initial contact with Allegheny tower. We were cleared to land and no joining the pattern and I put the fucking jet down softly, hit the reverse thrusters and stood on the breaks and we taxied to the service line I was glad to be home. JJ, the Major and I secured the plane and I asked the Major about picking up Jace and he said that he would get him and that I was done flying for a while and needed to concentrate on beating North Hills. I smiled and said thanks.
Dad and I drove home and I went right in the house and talked with Megan and played with Ash and found some food. With the dishes put away I went looking for Cole and as told, Jessica and I asked to have him stop at my place if it wasn't too late. With that I went to my place and did something very stupid and checked my messages. There was 3 from coach, 1 from Heather, 1 from Ray and 2 from VT (Sean and Coach B) 1 from a reporter and finally 1 from Jace. I immediately called Jace and he asked are you still speaking to the McBaine boys? I laughed and said it isn't personal are you still coming to Pittsburgh? Yes and Tuesday would be great. Well Major Jim will be picking you up and he will call you tomorrow. Mike, just so you know, I like it here and want to stay. Jace, I was hoping you would say that as Jack will, be easily replaced but you wouldn't be. I'm looking forward to spending some time with you. We hung up and I emailed the Major a reminder to call Jace.
My next call was to Sean and he simply said that Coach B and Conn were coming to my game Friday. He said he wouldn't be along but they wanted me and JJ to be aware. He said the main reason was Josh and to touch base with you guys. We chatted a bit about his season and he said, I just want your class here and it can't happen soon enough. I laughed and said well I could be free any time now and he laughed and hung up.
Next was coach Weston and as soon as he answered I knew I needed a soft touch. Mike, will you manage to be around this week and available for practice and the game? I thought fuck the light touch and said so you want to start a fight this week right before playoff game 1. Mike you have been barely here all year and I haven't said anything as we were easily winning. Mike, you were good enough but not as good as you could been. Look coach, if you are trying to motivate me you need a new approach. Sure, I could have played all out all the time but why, we had one tough game and you will note that was my best game. I want to win the states, nothing else matters to me. We had the week off and I took that opportunity to do that. Understand I worked out and ran. Physically, I'm ready just stay out of my head and I'll be mentally ready. I'm just back from the shuttle launch and I'm tired so if your finished I need to go. Coach was quiet and I said, I'll see you tomorrow. Totally pissed I hung up.
I the called Ray and it went to voicemail and I was glad that happened. Finally, I called Heather and we talked for a long time and made plans for Monday after the movies. It was a great chat and not a word about her dad. That sale was still very much up in the air.
With that I spent an hour on English and 30 minutes on history and it was now midnight and I jumped into the shower and was quickly into bed.
I was up and ready for the run and dressed in warmer clothes and Cole was ready and so was JJ. Cole said he didn't stop in last night as he was grounded for being 10 minutes late as on school nights he has to be home by 10:30. I simply asked what aren't you telling me? He said grades as he got a B in Spanish and JJ laughed and simply spoke Spanish the rest of the run. Turned out Cole was better than me.
It was a shower and coffee and off to school. Once there it was obvious that it wouldn't be hard not to be into football because everyone was all in. The game was sold out since mid week and all sorts of games were being played to get tickets. People were even driving to the visiting school to get tickets. That didn't work for long as they started to check ID's. Heather said she wanted to come to my place and order in and I simply laughed and agreed.
School was good as it turned out I was more than ready for the English essay and was called on in History and bluffed my way through the response. It was a decent reply but everyone knew I really wasn't ready. In Physics I was again bailed out by my lab partner and she told me that it was a good thing she wasn't into jocks as if she was I would be naked with her in bed every afternoon. I found that hysterical as she wasn't my type either. Not willing to sit through gym class I went to the Athletic office. I chatted with Nancy for a while and she was glad the tickets were sold out and she was done with that for a week. Coach finally came out and asked what I needed and I said well, I'm just making sure the 2 Coaches from VT are able to get in. Mike, I'm aware they will be here with about a hundred others. Then he said well that's costing the league a lot because people can't get any, we are beyond standing room and the fire department is pissed. I laughed and said parking will be a mess but the police will ticket the shit of people. With that bit of humor I signed out and drove to work.
At work, I grabbed some coffee and walked through each floor. On the 4th floor I ran into Dillon and said we have a lot to talk about and I hope you weren't upset you were the designated survivor. He laughed and said Mike, I'm good and it was great to have the place to myself. In my office Maggie was looking around and when I came in she said well, you must have screwed thing up pretty bad as I'm here before a decision is made. I laughed and said well it is a mess and I want to see how much worse you will make it, now listen up. We will be needing a new COO and Kyle and I want to reorganize and refocus Robotics. I have a 2:00 interview for that position and we are, baring a complete change of Jack and Riley's plans, simply moving forward. Then Major Jim will be developing the flight school and he is bringing someone with him. While looking at Liam Maggie asked, will this be someone from outside. I laughed and said, I haven't discussed any of this with Liam but I have different plans for him, please find me a couple of good candidates to meet with. Maggie laughed and said Michael James at some point you will learn to listen to me. Maggie understand that Liam is too important to me than to give him that position and COO will be a pay cut. Please just once do what I ask. She laughed and said well I alway like being right and proving you incorrect. As usual I let her have the last word and she left.
Almost immediately Kyle and Tim appeared and I asked what's up? Kyle laughed and said it's your meeting. Ok, why is Tim here? Tim laughed and said, well just to tell you there is no news on the land purchase. I said thanks and feel free to stay. Now I had Dillon, Kyle, Tim and Liam in my office and if the Major would be here all the people that mattered to the company were in one place. The only item of business left was the interview with Li Chen. We discussed the position and this guy was very good in house but I at least wondered how he would do in the real world. What I really needed was another Kyle. We discussed what the new Robotics would look like and decided we would simply ask Mr. Chen for an update and let him know that Jack might be leaving but the NASA stuff would be going to Houston. Also we would ask about other avenues we could pursue. Tim said he was going to get some work done that he understood.
At 1:50 my desk phone rang and security told me that that a Mr. Chen was here and I said thanks and that I would send someone down. Before I could say anything Liam said I'll be right back with your guest. I reminded Dillon and Kyle that I had 45 minutes and had to get to practice. Mr. Ali Chen appeared with Liam and introductions were made. He was what I expected and yet wasn't. He was very Asian looking with dark black hair and all the Asian features, he was clean shaven and I would bet he couldn't grow a beard. He was about 5'11" and I would guess about 170 pounds. I quickly found out he was born in Murrysville which is about 40 minutes East of here. His dad was an engineer and he was in the final stages of a PHD at CMU in Mechanical Engineering. He said he was a graduate of Franklin Regional High School, Penn State under grad in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters at CMU and hopefully a PHD from CMU in the spring. When he was asked about the Rover he smiled and said it was a toy that might be built, might get to Mars but was poorly timed and the Mars trip was years away and new materials and ideas would certainly make the 3 prototypes we had obsolete before any launch. He said he wasn't sure if he wanted to teach or get into the real world.
I asked what real world robotics would look like and he said that they would make things more precise and cheaper, would never, in industry, replace humans but would reduce their need. Then he said that the auto industry was on the right track as machines did the physical work and humans cleaned up. Then, knowing my time was limited, I launched into the Jack saga and the rovers going to Houston. I asked if he was interested in making that move and he laughed and politely said no. Well, would you be interested in staying in our program? Mr. Simmons, that would require a lot of thought and discussion. I said, first of all please call me Mike. He smiled and said, that would be awesome and I am LEE and he spelled it out. Well Lee, I have another meeting so why don't you chat with these guys, take a tour and you and I hook up later in the week? He smiled and said Mike, even us CMU nerds know you have practice, don't get hurt. I said Rodger that and left for practice.
At school I was surprised to see everyone standing outside. JJ said there was a note on the door that said enter at 3:25. I laughed and said well it's cold out here and the door better be fucking locked or I'm goin in, this is fucked up. The door was locked and I still had 10 minutes so I went and sat in the car. Eventually everyone filed in and I got out of the car and walked in at exactly 3:30. Everyone was looking around as there were assigned seats. I simply waited till everyone was seated and my seat was easily found and I sat down and I'm sure steam was pouring out of my ears. Upfront the coaches were all standing beside coach Weston and I found that funny. Who did he think he was General Patton. Then coach said, things are about to change as I stand here looking at an undefeated team who has underachieved and doesn't work hard. From today on that will change. The most important thing will be your family and this team and then everything else. School work is third for the next 5 weeks and your girlfriends aren't even on the list. Tonight we have films of North Hills last two games and they have at least the same on us. Tomorrow and Wednesday will be live drills we will run the new plays, you need to know them. Thursday will be special teams. Are there any questions and he turned not expecting any. Then Chad stood up and said Coach I have at least one question. Coach stooped and asked are you sure? Chad, looked him right in the eye and said absolutely. Chad continued well I'm wondering if you are talking to this team or to one of those .500 teams you coached in the 80's? Coach because if you were addressing us, I have a slew of comments and as many questions. Then he went on, Coach many of the seniors in this room are 18 and in 7 months we would be able to sign up for that shooting war going on in Iraq and blow things and people up and even be killed. We are adults, treat us that way. As for our record there are 142 teams in various classes who would kill for our record. You should have been aware of us, as since 8th grade he have lost only a hand full of games our record for the last two years is 24 - 1. For that one loss we had a player in the hospital and a number of others who could have easily been in one. Coach, this senior class has never been all football and while I won't speak for others, I have other activities that are every bit as important as football and it will stay that way. So can we please stop the drama that has surrounded this team all year and look at some film?
Coach started to say something and I said excuse me, I believe we need a players only meeting. Coach said you mean you want a players meeting? Look coach, I don't give a crap who, what or where but we are having a meeting and it would be easier if we had it here. We do need to look at film. All of a sudden the assistant coaches walked into the coaches room and eventually Coach Weston followed. The ESPN crew started to leave and I said guys please let them stay. It would be unfair if they didn't get the entire story. There was no objection and I looked at Chad and asked, how is you brother Max. Chad smiled and said well he is fine and he loves the intense flying missions in Iraq. Chad, please tell him Colonel Rusnic said hello and don't get shot down. Looking at my teammates I said, this wasn't all about Chad being upset as much as us being treated, out of the blue, as kids. We all thought that and Chad made good points about this team and the Seniors in particular but you underclassmen have bought in to what we were selling. Now coach has to live with that. It isn't him or his style but he inherited the program so he needs to accept it or hire another coach. Give me a couple of minutes and let me see if we can do films sooner than later.
I knocked on the coach's office door and was waved in. Guys, you need to excuse Chad as his brother is in Iraq and flying fighter support and other less than safe missions. Coach, we would like to go back to the was it has been the last two or three games. We feel that we are ready and will work hard but Chad had many good points. Honestly, Coach this team isn't going to change so how about helping us get through these last 5 games. Coach asked Mike, do I have a choice? I shrugged and said Coach, there are 142 other coaches in the league who would kill to get this team. He shook his head and said we will be right there. I said great, as I have a date and every assistant laughed. The film session was detailed and everyone cooperated and for the most part it was positive and drama free. My only problem was I was now late getting Heather.
As soon as I got outside I called Heather and asked, are we still on, practice ran late? She said, just get here and I said fine but I'm not coming up. When I pulled into the driveway she came flying out and said I'm starving, something quick to eat and then your place. We decided on the salad bar at Eat n' Park and at my place it was instantly to the bedroom and an intense make out session followed by intense and needy sex. That was followed by some chatting and more making out and then very romantic sex. We took quick showers and she took some time drying her hair. At her place I walked her to the door and we kissed and the door flew open and her dad was standing there. He didn't say anything but the mood was trashed and Heather said good night and went inside. The door was closed a bit harder than necessary. At home it was school work and math for CMU and about midnight I was done for the day.
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