A New World Begins

Taking a first step.

Noah eased the dorm door open and slid through it carefully, trying not to spill any of the mugs of coffee he had balanced on the tray he was carrying. As well as the coffees there was a large paper bag on the tray.

“What’s in the bag, Noah?” asked Shane. “Cookies?”

Noah nodded as he placed the tray down on Nat’s admin desk and offered the bag first to Nat. Everyone else quickly crowded around, grabbing a cup of coffee and rummaging through the bag to find their own particular favourite cookie. It always paid to send Noah for coffee and cookies: the kitchen staff always seemed to favour him over anyone else, with the possible exception of Shane, and he rarely returned with only the official allocation of one cookie each.

“The cookies are a little bigger than usual,” said Noah. “The lady at the counter had them put to one side for us. She said it was a special batch of first-class cookies for a first-class squad.”

“That was nice of her,” said Will. “I’ll be sure to thank her if she’s serving at dinner tonight.”

“Okay,” said Nat, “When you’ve got your coffee and cookies, settle down in a chair and listen in. I know it’s unusual to have a briefing on a Thursday evening but I have some extra admin to get underway. It concerns Easter.”

There was a flurry of activity as chairs were re-arranged and cups of coffee passed around, but after a minute or so everyone was seated and looking at Nat as he leaned against the side of the admin desk waiting for them.

“Okay? Right, let’s get on with it. As you’re aware, time’s flying by and it’s not long until the Easter holiday. Main business of tonight’s briefing is to start planning for what you are all doing at the end of term. I’ll need to know shortly who’s parents are coming to collect them, and when, and the travel arrangements that we need to put in place for those of you who are making your own way home for Easter. Scheduling minibuses to the airport, for example, if anyone’s flying.”

“I’m flying home, Nat,” said Travis. “I spoke to my parents only yesterday about it. I’ll need transport to the main terminal though, I have to catch a commercial flight. Our plane is going to be busy out on crop surveys.”

Nat nodded and made a note on his pad. “So that’s one travelling to Pittsburgh International at the end of term. If you can let me know when your flight is I’ll add it in the schedule and get you on a minibus. No need to rush just yet, but don’t leave it too late either.”

Travis nodded and then turned to face Noah. “And one more thing. My pop asked if I’d invite Noah to come and stay with us at Easter. It seems my little sister, Ella-Marie would like to see you again, Noah. So maybe we’ll need two places on the mini-bus for the same flight. That’s if you want to come and stay again, Noah. You don’t have to.”

Noah smiled as everyone turned to face him. “I’d like that, Travis. I’ll talk to my parents, I’m sure they’ll let me go, and then I’ll write a letter to your pop and Ella-Marie thanking them for the invitation.”

“Okay,” said Nat, “That’s potentially two of you needing transport to the airport at the end of the semester. Now, Shane, Will, what about you two? Any idea of plans yet? If not, can you contact your families and start asking the questions?”

Shane looked at Nat and spoke. “I don’t know what I’m doing yet. Kyle and I should have been going to Florence together to meet up with Edward and Mary. They should have been on leave for a week and we were going to travel in Europe again, but Kyle said yesterday that there might be a problem with that. We’re still waiting to hear for definite. But Kyle will probably sort me out any transport I need.”

Will looked thoughtful for a moment, then spoke. “Nat, I’m off to our place in Florida for the holiday. Pop is working, he’s directing a launch, but he’s said that I can invite some friends along to stay with us. He can fix a visit to the Kennedy Space Centre for us and to watch the launch.” He turned to look at Travis and Noah. “I enjoyed staying with you in Dakota, Travis, and you’re welcome to come to Florida in return, but I’ll understand if you have other plans for Easter. You could always come to my place another time.”

Travis smiled. “That’s good of you, Will. I’d like to come to see a rocket launch sometime, but this Easter I want to go home. We’re planning on taking Grey Bear on the flight you and Kimimela plotted for us for his ‘Last Walk’. I don’t want to delay or miss that.”

Will nodded. “I understand. Say ‘Hau’ to Grey Bear and Kimimela for me. Coyote and his axes too. And I guess, Noah, Ella-Marie trumps me when it comes to priorities?”

Noah blushed and smiled.

“Shane,” said Will, “If you don’t go to Florence, do you want to come to Florida? I’d sure like you there with me. I can show you round, get you in to the Space Centre, see behind the scenes of course, and then there’s Disney World and EPCOT, plus we have our boat in Miami.”

Shanes eyes widened. “I’d like that, Will. I’ve never been those places. Can I talk to Kyle later and let you know?”

Nat smiled. “So, shall I put you down provisionally for two more places on a minibus to the airport, exact date and flight to be confirmed?”

“Sure, Nat,” said Will. “And the offer is open to you too. If you aren’t doing other stuff at Easter, you’d be welcome to come along to Florida.”

Nat smiled. “I’ll bear it in mind, Will. That’s good of you.” He paused and flicked the tip of his Cross ballpoint, then put his pad down on the desk. “That takes care of the main business, for now at least. Don’t forget to update me as soon as you can on the details of your travel plans. Next item on the agenda is specifically for you, Shane. Don’t forget that we have a meeting of the golf club committee straight after dinner tonight. It’s in the library.”

“I’ve remembered,” said Shane. “I’ve made some notes about what I’m going to say. The confirmation is through from American Airlines about the sponsorship for travel and Miss Delville, the Traffic Lady, has emailed me some suggestions for a trophy design. We can vote on that tonight and I’ll get back to her.”

“Okay, that’s good, you seem to have that covered off. Travis, while me and Shane are away at our golf meeting, you’ll be in charge of the dorm. Try and keep Noah and Will out of trouble.”

“Roger that,” smiled Travis.

“So, final thing is this coming weekend. It’s military skills as usual on Saturday morning. We need to score some extra points to really consolidate our lead at the top of the inter-dorm scoreboard. I know we are ahead, but we shouldn’t get complacent. Every other squad is really doing their hardest to try and claw back some ground on us. This Saturday we’re doing First Aid. Travis, did you…”

“Sure did,” interrupted Travis. “Will got some stuff emailed through from Boots, and I called Mr Hart, the Trauma Nurse that we met when we were on the snow emergency. He’s sent us through some of his Trauma Flash Cards to help us learn from. Will and I can combine resources and put a lecture together based on what we’ve got. We’ll start tonight when you’re at your golf meeting.”

“Okay, that’s good. Now, one final thing for Saturday. After lunch I’ve been granted a pass out for the rest of the weekend. I haven’t had a pass out all semester, and I need to go and see my pop about something, so I’ll be gone until Sunday night. Obviously, you’ll need a dorm senior in charge of you while I’m away. Kyle is going to be here all weekend  and has agreed he’ll officially be responsible for you in case you need anything. However…” Nat paused for a moment, ensuring all attention was fixed on him.

“Yes?” asked Shane.

“I’ve talked it over with Jackson, and he’s agreed that Kyle doesn’t have to move down here for the weekend, or be around keeping an eye on you all the time. We’re going to trust you to look after yourselves for the weekend. You’re all Privates First Class now. That counts for something. Kyle will be available if you need something, and of course you can always escalate to the staff if he’s not there and you need some help immediately.”

“You mean,” enquired Travis, “That we’re not going to have a dorm senior actually in with us over the weekend?”

“Not quite,” smiled Nat. “There has to be a dorm senior. A clear point of command. Someone to ensure that stuff gets done and rules are obeyed. Someone to make sure you don’t all stay up until 3 am playing on your console and eating pizza in bed. So, we contemplated getting Sergeant Quinn or Sergeant Laquois to keep popping in and checking on you from time to time. That would have meant extra work for them, of course… Then we had a better idea for a dorm senior to keep you all in order.”

The guys all looked at each other apprehensively. Surely Jayden or Connor were too senior to be delegated to keep an eye on them? And Sergeant Laquois would be better than Sergeant Quinn. Or maybe Nat had Riley in mind. He wasn’t already in charge of a dorm of his own. Riley wouldn’t be too bad. He always seemed pretty laid back when he came visiting Nat.

Nat slowly reached into his pocket, prolonging the tension. “You do need a dorm senior,” he said. “It’s in the rules. Can’t have you unsupervised until I get back on Sunday night. So, after talking it over with Jackson, it’s been decided that we’ll give you a try, Travis. If you’re up to it, you can wear this again from Saturday lunchtime.” Nat stretched out his hand and gave Travis a set of Corporal’s stripes. “Acting Corporal, Travis. Dorm senior for the weekend. I think you’re up to it. Prove me right.”

* * *

“Hello? Mr Allardyce? This is Craig Wright, from the shooting syndicate. My mom said you called earlier. Asked me to phone back.”

“Ah, hello Craig. Yes, that’s right, I did. Thank you for calling back. I take it now is a good time for you to talk?”

“Yes, I can talk Mr Allardyce. Dad’s not here though. He’s still in America. But he’ll be coming home for Easter. Is it something about the shooting club?”

“No, it’s not about the shooting club. It’s more about you, Craig. Perhaps I’d better start at the beginning. As you may know, I used to be a barrister before I retired, and obviously a solicitor before that. I specialised mainly in corporate law. Your dad got in touch with me a couple of days ago and asked if I could recommend a solicitor specialising in corporate law because of the offer you’ve received from your friends in America. Naturally, I can, but I suggested to your dad that he tell me a little more about the matter first so I could make sure I recommended the correct firm to handle it. Once he told me more, I became intrigued and suggested that I might be interested in handling it myself. I may be retired but I still take on the occasional case, mainly out of interest and to keep my hand in. I don’t need the money any more, but it keeps my brain ticking over…”

“Er, wow. You mean it’s actually serious?”

“Yes, Craig, it would appear so. They’ve provided the details of an American firm of attorneys – lawyers to you and me – to deal with.”

“I didn’t take it seriously, Mr Allardyce. It was just my friend Will, he mentioned on a chat we had that he could set up a company and sell some software he’s written based on something I showed him about photogrammetry. He joked that’s he’d cut me in and give me a share of the company. Or a fee for checking his maths. He’s always talking about setting up companies and stuff. Last time it was one to build re-usable space rockets.  He said he could sell the concept to a space company. Like that’s ever going to happen either.”

“Well, it appears he wasn’t joking Craig. The company of attorneys he’s working with are a well-respected firm and they’ve sent an offer letter to your dad for consideration on your behalf. That’s when he contacted me to ask if I could recommend someone to look at the matter for you. Obviously, as you’re under eighteen, your parents have to act on your behalf.”

“Err, yes, I guess so. So Will really is serious then?”

“Yes, Craig. Unless it’s a very expensive and elaborate hoax, and I don’t think Bransholme, Goldberg and Partners would be part of any such thing. Well, perhaps only the expensive element…”

…

Craig? Are you still there?”

“Oh, yes, sorry Mr Allardyce. I was thinking. I wasn’t expecting anything like this. I thought you were phoning about the shooting club. Like maybe you wanted some people to trim hedgerows and stuff ready for next season. What happens next? Did dad say what I had to do? I can try and phone him later.”

“Well, right now, you have to make two decisions. The first of which is are you happy for me to represent your interests, at least from the legal perspective? Even though I’ll be dealing with your father, you’re the primary party in the matter and so it’s important for me to ensure that you are happy with me acting on your behalf. Your father may be the one signing things, but you’re the one whose interests are to be safeguarded. Now, I am sure your father does have your interests at heart but it would be remiss of me not to check, and to keep on doing so. Is that clear?”

“Err, yes, that’s clear. My dad does always do what’s best for me though. But I understand you have to check. But there might be a problem though. The fees to pay you. I don’t have much money. I do have a job though, part-time, after school.”

“That’s not an issue, Craig. As I said earlier, I’m just doing this for my own enjoyment, keeping my hand in. It’ll give me an opportunity to meet up with old colleagues perhaps. Call in to my old Chambers again. So don’t worry about the fees, there won’t be any from me, at least not now. I may change my mind if you become as big and successful as Microsoft or Apple.”

“That’s very good of you, Mr Allardyce. I promise you, if I become a millionaire I’ll pay you. I don’t think it will happen though.”

“The second decision you have to make is whether you want to take a fee from Mr Brooke now, as a one-off and final payment, or to have a share in the company Mr Brooke is setting up. I can’t help you make that decision, I’m not a qualified Financial Advisor. My advice is purely on the legalities of the situation. That is something you’ll have to discuss with your dad, and perhaps a Financial Advisor. When you have decided, I’ll relay the decision to Bransholme, Goldberg and Partners on your behalf. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Mr Allardyce. That’s clear. I think I need to talk to dad. I didn’t do it already because I thought this was just another of Will’s mad ideas. He’s always having them.”

“Well, it seems that this mad idea might be one that benefits you, at least a little. I told you it was intriguing. That’s all I need to know for now. As you’ve confirmed you’re happy for me to act for you I’ll get back in touch with your dad. You should do the same. And, as a final point, if you do speak to Mr Brooke again, don’t make any commitments on this matter. That’s important.”

“Okay, Mr Allardyce. I understand. I can still talk to Will though? He is my friend. Just I won’t talk to him about accepting the offer until I know what I’m doing.”

“Yes, that’s fine. By all means talk to him as a friend, but not about business. Strictly speaking, it shouldn’t matter as because you’re under 18 you can’t give a legally binding commitment, but it could just complicate matters, so best to try and steer clear.”

“Okay, I get it. I’ll let the grown-ups deal with it.”

* * *

The last minibus back from the local township pulled up at the gatehouse to the College to allow one of the duty Corporals to jump aboard and check off the remaining names on the list attached to his clipboard. Satisfied that all the students who had been given passes out for the afternoon and evening were now accounted for, he smiled and nodded to the driver. “You can head up and drop them off at the accommodation block. That’s the last run for tonight, everybody’s back who needed a bus. Just the officer cadets with their own cars to come in now. They should start arriving soon.”

Shane, sitting in a front seat, smiled and opened the pizza box he was carrying, holding it out in front of him. “Do you want a slice, Corporal? We’ve got plenty.  You can have a slice each for the other duty students in the gatehouse too.”

“Thanks, Shane, that’s mighty kind of you. We’re on until midnight so this’ll be a welcome snack. I’ll see you at golf practice tomorrow.”

A few minutes later, Shane, Noah, Will and Travis arrived back in their dorm. Travis closed the curtains over his bed space and then turned to the others. “Shane, can you and Noah take those pizzas down to the kitchen and warm them up a little? Noah, can you do coffees for everyone? Or hot chocolate if anybody wants it instead.”

Shane smiled and snapped to attention, saluting Travis. “Yes Sir, Corporal King Travis.”

Everyone laughed. “Okay guys,” smiled Travis, “No need to stretch things too far. And Shane, I should put you on a charge. You shouldn’t salute me when you’re in smarts, only if you are in uniform and wearing your cap. When you are in smarts, bowing is all that’s required.”

Everyone laughed again as Shane and Noah hung their overcoats and jackets in their wardrobes, gathered up the three pizza boxes and headed off to the kitchen down the corridor. As they left, Will kicked off his shoes and sent them skidding across the dorm floor towards his bed. Travis was looking at him. Will gave way.

“Okay, I’ll put them neatly under my bed, Travis. I don’t want putting on guard duty down at the gate.”

Travis nodded and smiled. “That’s good, Will. Now, let’s get the screen set up ready for when Noah and Shane get back with the pizzas. But, remember what I said. Just one film tonight. It can be a long one, okay, but only one. We shouldn’t take things too far just because Nat isn’t here. He’s relying on me to keep things running properly.”

“He might not have approved of you giving all of us a pass out, Travis,” smirked Will.

“I didn’t give everybody a pass out, Will. Just the three of you. I only went into town myself to supervise you. That’s my duty.”

“I don’t think Nat would mind too much,” said Will as he connected his laptop to the screen. “Have you noticed he doesn’t play ‘bad cop’ half as much as he used to? He seems to be a lot less strict with us than he was during the first semester.”

Travis nodded. “Yes, but I think that’s because we’re doing well. He only did the ‘bad cop’ role when Kyle was in charge. It’s like Craig said, it’s just a ruse they use in the army to unite the recruits. Or here at college, new students like us. Make us bond together by focusing our issues on Nat instead of each other. Now we have gelled as a unit, there’s no need to be hard on us.”

“I guess so,” said Will. “So maybe two films…”

Travis smiled. “Don’t push it, or I guess I could turn into the new bad cop, Will…”

* * *

It was just after one in the morning when the guys were finally ready to climb into their beds.

“Your turn to do the lights, Will,” said Travis as he snuggled down under his duvet.

Will pulled his dressing gown cord a little tighter then walked over towards Shane’s bed space and picked up the trash can from beside Shane’s desk. Holding it in front of him, he marched smartly towards the dorm door.

“Halt!” giggled Shane as Will reached the door. “Who comes there?”

“The Trash Can,” responded Will, standing to attention.

“Whose Trash Can?” asked Travis.

“Shane’s Trash Can,” replied Will.

“Pass, Shane’s Trash Can,” said Travis as Will placed it neatly just a few inches behind the door, just as Craig had shown them.

“All’s well,” said Shane as Will turned out the lights and marched carefully back to his own bed.

“Amen,” came Noah’s voice from the dark to end their nightly tradition of the Ceremony of the Trash Can.

Travis laughed. “I can’t believe we’ve been doing that every night since you came back from London, Shane. I guess we’ve only got another thousand years to go before it gets to be some kind of official thing with tickets…