Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 (C) Copyright 2002.  M.C.  All Rights Reserved. All Reproduction for fee or
profit forbidden.

   Copies of my stories can be downloaded from:
</files/Authors/MikeC/>

   Send all comments and suggestions to MikeC@NSpace.net



   =============

   Brenda 03

   This short story is based on the characters from my series 'James' and
runs parallel to the main story, at approximately the same time frame as
chapters 49-53.





   The conference room was already packed and buzzing with speculation when
Brenda showed up with the crew from Power & Propulsion, after their morning
meeting.  Chuck and Anna were seated along the back of the room, next to
the table with the refreshments and finger food.  Brenda smiled at them
before joining Bob at the front of the room.

   She addressed the room, "Welcome to the presentation I call 'Floating an
Idea', because we are going to try and develop a functional and practical
boat as a result of today's session." She smiled at the shocked looks in
the room, "I see not all of you are convinced that it is possible." She
looked around the room slowly making eye contact with as many people as she
could.

   "In this room I see some of the finest minds in the industry, with
decades of experience.  You have the latest tools, you've seen everything
that floats, and you know every trick in the book.  Now ask yourself again
'Why Not'?"

   "To get us started, I'm going to suggest some general parameters and we
can refine them as we progress: basic configuration, single berth cuddy, 24
feet, standard amenities including a head, if we can swing it.

   "I see some of you nodding.  Good!  And I see a few who are saying, 'Too
easy!'" Brenda grinned, "OK gentlemen, let me make it a bit more
challenging.  Let's design a class-leading boat that is the roomiest, the
easiest to handle, the most fuel efficient...  AND the best time to plane."
Brenda waited, smiling, "And since the Regan boat is already the top
performer in this class, gentlemen, the challenge is for you to build a
model superior to the existing one IN ONE AFTERNOON!"

   Brenda waited until the dull roar subsided and the group's attention
turned back to her.  Chuck smiled in the back.  Brenda had certainly opened
a hornet's nest.

   "Ah, I see the frowns, but, trust me when I say WE can do it!  What we
have to do is focus your tremendous talents, and maximize the time
available!

   "The traditional method has been to start with a roughly cylindrical
hull and to trim pieces off it, until we have a shape that fits our
criteria.  To me, that's like taking a steel bar and hacking at it to make
a paper clip." She waited for the laughter to settle, "Gentlemen, we are in
the 'glass and plastic age!  Intricate forms are no longer a barrier, we
have almost infinite flexibility in a hull shape, let's take advantage of
that!

   "First, what would a 24 foot cuddy weigh?"

   "It all depends!" One of the engineers cautiously replied.

   "Sure!  On how many passengers, how much fuel too!" Brenda smiled. 
"Gentlemen, there will ALWAYS be variables, and since the best of our
efforts so far has not been able to get us closer than 60-70% of the ideal,
let's not worry about being overly accurate!"

   She waited as some answers came from group.  "So, nominally loaded - we
have anything from 4700 to 5150.  Lets settle for 5000lbs.

   "We know what we need to fit the engine in, and that means a stern width
of...?  6 and a half...  Seven?" as a few more chimed in this time.  "OK
make it seven." She waited for the computer group to enter it into their
consoles.

   "Next, we want to run it fast and economical, and after talking with the
propulsion group - the garage weirdoes," she smiled at them, "we've
selected the most common power-source in this class of boat, the 5-liter
V8, we all know her; rugged, forgiving and adaptable." She snapped a chart
on the projector.  "This is the torque and hp output of the engine...  Now
what propeller do we give her?" Brenda held up a hand to stem the flow of
answers before adding, "Remembering we need a good hole shot." Within
minutes she had her answer.  "OK, good, a 19 x 22 seems optimal here."

   "Now, let's take a look at the boat's wet dimensions based on THAT
configuration.  And this is where I need your knowledge and your brains
because I want to work the projections in reverse.  That's right, from the
highest speed and from the stern first." She pointed at the propulsion
group, "What's the top speed of the boat?"

   "Well, it depends on..." one of the technicians started to say.

   "It's usually 52% to 59% of the speed of the propeller." Bob supplied
from her side.

   "Right on!" Brenda shot him a smile.  Turning back to the group she
said, "See what experience can do?  So with a wide-open throttle of 4800
rpm..." she waited for the computer's answer.  "OK, 53 to 62.  Lets use 57
mph.  Now, what is the planing surface we need to support 5000 lbs at
57mph?"

   Brenda smiled.  She could see the answers dawning on some of the
assembled faces.  "Right, a simple calculation; and we know the stern is 7
feet wide, and we know the necessary geometry here, what SHAPE do we need?"
Brenda took a drink of water as the computer printed up an answer.

   "You're right, too easy!" She smiled as she fastened the partial CAD
drawing on the board.

   "What about the turbulence factors?" The question came from the back.

   "Good question." Brenda smiled, "I've asked Paul to double check our
calculations on the Reynolds program, and to sing out if there's a
problem...  Paul?"

   "Nothing, clean as a whistle, Ma'am!" He replied with a grin.

   "That is our main guideline, the Reynolds tells us that we are in clean
water, and the Inviscid calculations can be used.  The Bernoulli numbers
are less significant here, and I believe Bob's estimate of top speed has
already accounted for it!

   "I think you now have a good idea of what we have just accomplished.  By
establishing performance guidelines based on your know-how and experience,
and feeding them to the computer folks, and by tackling the problem from
the simplistic side first, we avoid wasting time calculating the minute
details, and we can eliminate the additional computations until it becomes
a factor.

   "Now, by continuing with the same process for different speeds, we work
out the planing areas and we can integrate THAT with the shape we have
already...  OK, let's take a look at 4300 rpm." Brenda gave Bob a nod and
he stood up to take over, as Brenda went to the back to sit with Chuck. 
The men started shouting answers enthusiastically around the room, with an
equally excited Bob coordinating the results.

   "I've never seen the guys as motivated as this!" Chuck smiled.

   "Maybe they haven't worked with someone who's as good-looking!" Anna
suggested as she pushed a plate of sandwiches and a drink to Brenda.

   "That's for sure," Chuck agreed.  "This is one hell of a breakthrough,
Brenda.  Even if it isn't perfected today, it will still revolutionize our
industry.  Starting with Regan." He mulled, "It took me fifteen years to
come up with the integrated strakes, another ten to develop the first
stepped hull, seven for Bob's tapered hull.  And all of 2 hours for yours!
What are you going to call it?"

   "I think something like Progressive Hull would describe it best!" Brenda
suggested.

   "Progressive it shall be then!  It certainly is, at that!  And can I ask
how you arrived at this brilliant breakthrough?"

   "It was simple, really.  The staff you have assembled here IS top notch,
and you've given them the most advanced tools money can buy.  But they were
having problems working as a cohesive team." Chuck nodded, that had always
been a difficulty.  "Part of the reason was that your Stepped-hull was
already so good, they really didn't know how to improve on it!  But the
real stickler was the computers - they're too pervasive.  Instead of
relying on their experience, everyone left it up to the computers.  The
trouble is that even with the minis, it takes 2 days to generate a set of
flow-interference figures; then Design makes a few changes and we have to
start the cycle over again.  So I just made sure we reduced the problem to
its most common denominators."

   "Ah, the Gordian Knot!" Chuck smiled.

   "Exactly!" Brenda laughed, "And you know those
find-your-way-out-of-the-maze puzzles?  I always start at the wrong end
first, the solution is always a lot more apparent!"

   "I have another question," Chuck said.  "Does this mean that we have to
rerun the calculations for each power plant we put in?"

   "Not necessarily, the power curves are similar; if we design it for a
larger engine, it will likely only affect the time-to-plane ratio, and top
end performance for the smaller engines." Brenda thought a bit, "But I can
see a problem with diesels and dual drives, their operating curves may be
too drastically different."

   "I'm just concerned about the lay-up - the molds are time consuming and
expensive..."

   "But we are cutting R&D by 90%, and modeling would probably need half
the normal runs." Bob chimed in as he walked up and hugged Brenda.

   The finished design had been posted on the front and the entire room was
taking notes and commenting on it.  Bob bowed and offered his arm, "My dear
lady, shall we...?

   Chuck and Anna led the loud applause as Brenda was escorted to the
podium.  She stood and blushed as the cheering went on and on.

   "Aw, c'mon guys!" She stammered, turning bright red.

   "Isn't she something?" Bob laughed, "She faces down a room full of men
without batting an eyelash but gets flustered when she gets a well deserved
round of applause!" He held up his pop, "To you Brenda.  To a smart and
lovely lady."

   "Here, here!" "To Brenda!" The room erupted again.

   Brenda raised her drink in response, "Thank you, thank you everybody! 
It was an educating and gratifying experience.  The depth of knowledge in
this room is truly staggering.  And I have no doubt," pointing to rendered
drawing of the sleek boat on the wall, "That she will perform to our
expectations."

   She lifted her drink, "Gentlemen, I would be proud, and honored to sail
in her with you!  In fact I'm so eager to try it out that I would like
modeling to give us a go-no go recommendation in a week.  A week from
tomorrow, I want to start production on her.  Can we do it?"

   "Why not?" Chuck shouted from his seat.  He stood up and walking towards
the front of the room addressed the crowd.  "Today we have witnessed a
complete rewriting of the rules to boat design." Turning to Brenda he said,
"You have my utmost admiration and gratitude, and, on behalf of the staff
and everyone here, I will promise you a finished product based on the
Progressive Hull in record time."

   To another rousing cheer and more applause, Chuck took their arms and
escorted Brenda and Anna from the room.

   He sighed once they were outside of the conference room.  "I don't think
the full impact of your breakthrough would be appreciated for years yet."

   "Or it could be debunked in an hour when they realize that I've
overlooked something crucial!"

   "Oh we WILL doubtless be finding areas that need rethinking." Chuck said
as he looked at Brenda, "But there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the
concept.  Remember, I've been in the business a LONG time..." He grinned,
"And I am NEVER wrong!"

   Brenda hugged him, "Chuck, you sure know how to make me feel good!"

   He sighed, "I just wish you would stay..."

   "I'd like to too, but I told Sara and the guys I'd be back tomorrow!"

   "No, Brenda, I mean permanently." He coughed, "I guess I'm offering you
a full time job...  Wait, hear me out."

   He took Anna's hand, "I've known for a while that the company needed new
blood, but Anna here is still not ready, and I could not find anybody I was
willing to turn control of the business to." He sighed, "Until I met you,
that is.  You are bright, smart, the boys all love working with you; but
most of all, you have integrity." He gripped her hand, "Do you know how
much that idea inside is worth?  You can peddle it to any manufacturer, to
the highest bidder.  In fact, between you and the brains you have at Max's,
you could start your own manufacturing.  And, I am willing to bet, in five
years you'll be bigger than Regan."

   "But I won't!" Brenda smiled, "I have a job to do, with Regan, and you
have a right to expect 100% of my efforts!" She kissed him on the cheek,
"So don't fret it, OK?"

   "No, Brenda, I won't 'fret it', as you say, but I AM aware of what's
fair and what isn't.  What you've done here is already beyond any
consulting fee I can pay." He put a soft arm across her shoulder, "And
there is another, more selfish reason for my offer.  I can't think of a
better person to set an example for Anna here.  And you obviously care for
her a lot..."

   "Chuck, I appreciate the vote of confidence, but there are a lot of
things that need to be sorted out first.  I will be back here next week to
see the results of our brainstorm, so we can talk some more then." She put
her arms around his neck, "You are a DEAR man and it would please me a lot
to stay and learn from you." She gave him a soft kiss before turning to
Anna and tenderly touched her cheek, "And I will be there to push you on
the swing...  I promise, OK?  Meantime, I am taking you two to dinner,
remember?"

   "OK," Chuck laughed, "We will talk about it later.  We thought that you
might want to try Scaramouch, a really nice restaurant owned by a friend of
ours.  It's by the town on the river.  You may have seen it on the way up
here."

   "That's super!  Let me freshen up and we can go party!"

   = = =



   Dinner was fabulous; the girls were gloriously dressed in Kelly's Summer
fashions and Anna, whose hair Brenda had done up in loose ringlets, wearing
just a touch of pearl glow lipstick, was sophisticated and coolly unruffled
by the many admiring glances she received.

   "What time do you want to be back tomorrow?" Chuck asked, taking
Brenda's hand.

   "After lunch, if possible.  They will be expecting me then." Brenda
replied, "Have you made the arrangements yet?"

   "Yes, just now!" Chuck laughed, "I thought we might take James up on his
invitation so Anna and I will fly you up there!"

   "Oh!  I didn't know you were a pilot!  That would be lovely!" Brenda
smiled, "But the nearest airstrip is 15 minutes away and is strictly visual
approach."

   "Can we land on your lake?"

   "Yeah, you'll have a good 3 miles for your approach.  Do you have a
float or an amphibian?"

   "An amphibian." Chuck paused.  "You seem to know a bit about airplanes
as well as boats.  Do you like to fly?" he asked.

   Brenda laughed.  "I just got my solo license on Ultra-lights, and Jules
- JulieAnn is a Basic Flight Instructor.  We had just taken delivery of an
amphibian when we came down for the photo shoot, and I think a second has
been ordered as well."

   "Well, young lady, once again, I am amazed by you!"

   They enjoyed a Crème Brule for dessert followed by an espresso for Chuck
and Brenda.

   "Chuck, I have a request." Brenda said.  "Can I take Anna for an hour or
two after dinner?"

   "No problem!  It will give me a chance to drop in on Rosa and let her
tell me how to run the business!" Chuck inclined his head as Brenda signed
the receipt, "Thank you for a delightful meal!" He smiled.  "We'll meet
outside, say in 2 hours then?"

   = = =



   "Where are we going?" Anna asked as they left the restaurant and walked
down the main street.

   "To do something that needs doing..." Brenda answered cryptically and
squeezed her hand.

   They walked down past the cafes and touristy places to enter a building
by the water.

   As their eyes adjusted from the bright sunlight to the dark interior
they could see a woman sitting, waiting, on the other side of a large room.
At the sound of their entrance, she rose and started to walk towards them,
but stopped ten feet away looking at Anna.

   Anna released Brenda's hand and slowly took a step forward.

   "Hello, Mother." Anna said quietly.  For long moments they stood and
looked at each other, tears running down their faces.  Then Anna went and
took her mother's hands, "I've missed you."

   With a cry, Deanna hugged Anna to her and they held each other tightly.
"My love..." Deanna finally managed, "I've missed you so much!" She looked
at Anna, stroking her face, "Where did the time go?  You're so grown up
now!"

   Anna managed a smile through the tears.  She held her Mother's hands
against her face and kissed them.  "I knew," she breathed, "I just KNEW we
would meet again!"

   "We almost didn't..." Deanna sighed and took Brenda's hand, "Except for
Brenda.  She recognized me from my picture and she called earlier saying
she was bringing you." She hugged Anna and walked them to her office. 
"Even then, I couldn't make up my mind...  I was afraid..." she sighed.

   "For six years I have been living with those fears..." She looked at
Anna, "I have to tell you I am married now; have been for three years..."

   "Is he...?"

   "No, he is not your father." Deanna's eyes grew distant, "Larry's a nice
man, and he loves me...  But your father...  I could not love anyone as
much as I did him..." She wiped her tears and smiled sadly, "He was
everything I wanted, but..." She took a shaking breath.  "Let me tell you
the whole story."

   "I was your age when Alan started working for Regan.  He was 27; good
looking and oh so smart.  And Dad, Chuck, asked him to help me with my
math. Or maybe I badgered Mom until I got him to tutor me.  But he had just
found a girlfriend and could not see I was falling madly in love with him.
A year later he got married and then had a daughter, and we saw little of
each other, but I never loved him any less.  I never told him how I felt
about him and so I filled the empty ache in my heart with the consolation
that he had a happy family to go home to.

   "Then Mom died, and Dad and I drifted apart.  I started seeing some boys
in school but none of them were Alan.  The minute I came home from a date,
I was lonely again.  But I needed to forget my pain, and they were at least
fun for a few hours.  Dad was unhappy about it, but I guess he was too deep
in his problems to do anything."

   "I got to spending my time moping under the Swinging tree and one day
Alan came by; he'd seen me while he was running tests on the lake that day.
I cried on his shoulder that day and every time I felt down, he'd come by
and let me sob my heart out.  But I still could not tell him how I really
felt about him."

   "Then he started telling me about the problems in his marriage.  The
Seven-Year Itch; we even joked about it, but their relationship didn't get
any better...  And so we became each other's shoulders."

   "We had our first and only date on my seventeenth birthday.  We had a
bit to drink and I woke up at midnight, with Alan, in a motel.  When I saw
the blood on the sheets, I freaked.  Suddenly I felt like the worst harlot
in history, ruining his marriage, not to mention my life.  But," She looked
up, "The hardest part was KNOWING that I FAILED the Regan's!  I failed
Dad!"

   Deanna sobbed and cried into her hands for several minutes, then she
took a long quivering breath.  "Alan was full of remorse, but when I
refused to see him or even talk to him, he quit his job and went out West,
and a month later I knew I was pregnant." She smiled sadly and touched
Anna's face.  "I left home, because I just couldn't stand the pain in Dad's
eyes every time he saw me.  I had some money Mom left me and we did okay
for a while.  Then I got this call from the detective agency demanding that
I return you, and I did not fight it."

   "I am so sorry Anna.  I was young and stupid.  I could find a job, and
start a life, but I couldn't give you what your grandfather could.  It's no
excuse honey, but Chuck, your grandfather, he had no one.  He NEEDED you!"
She gripped Anna's hands, "Can you understand Anna?  I loved you, but your
grandfather needed you!"

   "I understand Mom..." Anna sobbed, she wiped her eyes and said quietly,
"Maybe I understand more - Mom, he needs US!"

   "I...  I can't honey.  Not yet..." Deanna cried, "There are a few things
I have to resolve yet.  My husband doesn't know about any of this..." She
looked at Anna, "But I promise, we will see each other again.  Just give me
a little time..." She hugged Anna to her and turned to Brenda, "I don't
know how to thank you for making this happen.  I won't disappoint either of
you."

   "I know, Deanna." Brenda smiled tearfully, "And you haven't disappointed
anyone.  Least of all Chuck..." She touched her face softly, "All you have
done is to prove that you ARE a Regan!  Look around...  you built THIS
business up by yourself...  Just as HE did!"



   ==============

   (C) Copyright 2002.  M.C.  All Rights Reserved. All Reproduction for fee
or profit forbidden.

   Copies of my stories can be downloaded from:
</files/Authors/MikeC/>
   Send all comments and suggestions to MikeC@NSpace.net