Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 This is fiction and just for entertainment.  If sex between a man and girl
offends you don't go further.

   Life's Changes

   Chapter 8

   The Christmas holiday was now here.  Christmas Eve dinner had been
wonderful and the cinnamon rolls for breakfast hit the spot.  John sat in
the living room eating with Kathleen in his lap.  She was a happy child and
enjoyed the voices she heard.

   Kimmi got down on the floor and pulled together the first packages. 
These were John's gift for each child.  She passed them out and watched as
they were opened.  Eyes flew open and the names engraved were read many
times by each child.

   "Now let me explain something to you.  If your bracelet needs repaired
of expanded that for the next ten years is covered.  You each should note
your last name is on these and that can never change.  Each of you is my
child and I refuse to give that up ever.  Now when you marry and have
children they will also get one of these.  These mark each of you and one
day your children as family.  The family is more important than any person
in it.  As a family we will grow and become strong.  Now just so you hear
it from me I love you all and I mean everyone of you."

   John was mobbed by his children and hugged often.  They were so pleased
with his gift and speech they could not believe his commitment to them. 
But they also felt a commitment to each other now.  It was way beyond any
they had felt before."

   Timmy stood up and got the group to settle down.  "John this is a lesson
we all need to understand and accept.  Your willingness to give and do for
us has always been beyond any our parents had given us.  It shows us what a
real father or mother is like and how we should treat our own children.  I
am and will always be your son.  It is my hope that I live up to the love
and commitment you show us now."

   The applause was loud and heart felt.  Both of the children that had
gotten in trouble came to John and asked him to put theirs on them.  Now
they knew that they had a real family and it changed them.

   The rest of the gifts seemed anticlimactic to many of the children. 
Often they looked at their bracelets and it always brought a smile to their
faces.  But once the gift opening was done John and Kimmi went to their
room for a short time together.  John handed Kimmi a wrapped gift for her
to open.  It was her bracelet with diamonds around the edge.

   "That belongs to the mother of this family my love.  That is one that
will always be different here.  But it also shows my love for you and that
you're the center of my world."

   Kimmi just melted into John's arms.  She had never felt so loved and a
part of a far bigger group.  "Life with you my man is far different than I
ever expected.  Your vision has allowed me to grow and become someone very
different from where I started.  I was just a child then and now I am a
woman.  John I love you with all my heart and thank God for every day of
our life together."

   "That is a pretty big step for a twelve year old dear.  Now I have a
piece of paper for you to sign for me." He handed her a legal document set
up by the lawyer and she read it.

   The way this was set up her decisions would be final on the family. 
That would one day pass to Kathleen.  But she had control of the foundation
and would use Doc, the lawyer, Penny and Timmy as advisors.  She could sign
any agreement for the family and commit it to any project.

   "This is far more power than I expected John."

   "It is the right thing my love.  The power passes to you either on your
eighteenth birthday or on my death.  I must make sure the family survives
any possible disaster."

   "But if something happened to you we would have no adult living here. 
Then the courts could break us up."

   "That has been handled as doc has agreed to move here until your
eighteen.  He has no family and the clinic below would be expanded for him
to work here all the time.  The court has already approved it as has the
sheriff."

   "Why do this now?"

   "There is so much money at stake now that many would try to step in. 
Our lawyer would handle any claims made and stop anyone from moving onto
the property.  He has a signed agreement from the governor on these issues.
The foundation would pay doc and the lawyer well for their time."

   "You know I don't like talk of life without you."

   "It must be considered as I could die in an automobile crash or be shot
when someone was trying to rob us.  Life is full of unexpected things and
they must be planned for.  That does not mean they will happen, but you
always must be ready if they do."

   That calmed her down and she at least saw the reasoning.  "OK I buy it
that far.  I'll also sign this for you as well.  But if you try to leave me
too soon, I will drag you back screaming and kicking."

   "Just for your knowledge you and Kathleen are going with me tomorrow to
meet the car people.  Then over the next month you will meet all of our
partners.  It is time for your face to become known outside of here.  I
have started you on a home schooling set up.  So you will not be going to
the local school any longer.  With Kathleen that is no longer a good idea."

   The day went on as normal and people enjoyed the holiday.  It was a very
different holiday than before, as it was shared much more with others in
the family.  The dynamic seemed to change as people reached out to those
they never paid much attention to before.  John had a bus converted to the
new electric power and Timmy was the driver.  So no longer would a school
bus pick the kids up, Timmy would drive them each day.

   The next day Kimmi and Kathleen were at the meeting of the car people.
This was all new to her so she listened to others.  One thing she learned
was this was much further along than she had expected.  The state had given
them a large building to start building assembly lines in.  It seems the
company that had it before defaulted on their agreement.  That caused the
state to take back the building.  So now they had the first plant coming
close to production.  A large test track had been built to test cars.  This
was now going on for days on end.

   Four trucks had been sent down from White to run the test track.  They
would be run 24 hours a day for 30 days and then every moving part checked.
The next 30 days would be run at full load and checked once more.  But no
one was concerned about any failures.

   Full production would start on February 1st.  The plant would produce
100,000 cars a year once in production.  That would mean 400 cars a day. 
This would grow after the first year.  A second plant would be built out
west as well.  But she could see the economy was turning around now.  One
of the big reasons for that was this electric drive system.

   The application of this system was being looked at for power generation
as well.  This one step would open up a new way of bringing jobs back to
the US.  No longer would carbon base fuels be needed for power, cars or
trucks.  The balance of trade would shift to the USA's favor.  It was
almost like the start of the industrial revolution once more.

   "Did you learn anything at the meeting?"

   "Yes that your far more involved than I ever expected.  People listen to
you and take direction from your suggestions."

   "Well I have an advantage here.  I saw the first electric drives and
made a few small suggestions that made it work better.  That led to more
improvements and to today's drive.  Now the boys were so focused on cars,
they did not see all the applications for that drive.  But our R&D lab has
developed many new applications.  The group has many new ways to use these
and they will make money for us all."

   "That may be true, but when you spoke people listened to you."

   "I am the oldest person there so what do you expect?"

   "It was not that John.  They saw just where you were pointing and
agreed."

   He just was not willing to be seen as the leader here.  "I just
suggested what I know others thought.  From me the engineers listen and
others get their ideas looked at.  But I had several conversations before
the meeting and had ideas to think about."

   Kimmi knew this was one she would not win and backed off.  "OK my modest
man I will give up.  But I could not have done that.  I said hello and nice
to meet you many times and that was all."

   John had to smile at this way of seeing the meeting.  "Well next time
they will know you.  You will be asked questions and expected to provide
answers.  I made it known today you would follow me in handling the stock
the family has."

   "Why did you do that?"

   "People had to know we are in this for the long term.  The amount of
shares we have is the third largest of all.  The two young engineers own
the largest amount of shares and then us.  Between the three of us we
control sixty percent of the company and patents.  So our decisions are the
ones that count, as we are the board with the accountant and lawyer.  You
will be attending a board meeting as they all asked that you come with me."

   "Why would they want me at a board meeting?"

   "One day they are going to have to work with you.  So it is better to
get to know you and for you to have time to learn."

   "Who runs the board meetings?"

   John had to smile here.  "I do dear as I am chairman of the board.  I am
the CEO for the company and our accountant is the CFO.  The two engineers
are President of the company and President of R&D.  We have a few other
officers, but not many as we wish to stay lean.  People will get awards for
saving us money or new ways to make us money.  Anyone who costs us money
will loose their jobs.  Our intent is not to make a lot off each vehicle,
but to make many vehicles and make money that way."

   "What is a CEO?"

   "That is the Chief Executive Officer.  I don't have anything really to
do with day-to-day operations.  My job is long term planning.  I am looking
for new sites and help in starting new plants.  So I deal with the states
governors and the key players in the states.  The job also requires me to
deal with companies that wish to license our technology.  But I do look
each month at our profit and loss and advise the board of where we are at
money wise.  That comes from dealing with the accountant."

   This seem like a large job to her.  One that really outstripped he
education.  "I sure am not ready for that."

   "Your home schooling will get you ready dear.  We will have much to
cover between you and me as well.  But the goal is to help you become the
leader of this family.  So that is the issue I am attacking."

   "John I am twelve years old and looking at leading a family has zero
interest to me.  In time that may change, but right now, I wish to learn
how to be a mother."

   That caused laughter in John.  "My dear the two goals are related.  You
need to learn how to be a mother and that includes being able to protect
her as well.  Protection is not just physical, but it is also financial and
future wise.  If you learn how to with Kathleen then it will translate to
our other children."

   This seemed to be something she could learn.  "OK I'll buy into that to
a degree."

   "No you will need to buy in completely dear.  You can do nothing less
than all the way.  Your mother did things by bits and pieces and you see
what happened.  She made little decisions that backed her into a world she
could not survive in.  There was never a time when she looked long term and
made the decision the right way.  A decision made for just now will never
protect anyone.  There are far to many ripples that make it the wrong
decision.  Kathleen needs freedom to learn her lessons as well.  You cannot
protect her every minute of the day."

   That Kimmi knew was true.  "I know I must teach her to make decisions
and make good ones.  But I also know she will make some bad ones."

   "They are often not bad, just learning experiences that cause growth. 
Some of the best lessons I have had came from bad decisions.  I know the
sun burns, that a knife cuts, that heat burns if hot enough and guns kill
people as well as animals.  It shows me life is based on knowledge and good
decisions."

   Once more she could see logic here.  "OK I am getting your idea.  I can
think of many times I was hurt by not knowing the rules of safety.  But I
never had the money to worry about she will."

   "That is why she also will home school.  As soon as she is ready to
start learning she will be started.  It may be around 4 or 5 and could be
as late as 7.  But we will not hurry her.  She must develop at her own rate
and pace."

   This seemed odd to Kimmi.  "Why home school her?"

   "With the wealth we will control there is far to much that could happen.
She would be a target for others wanting to improve their life.  Or she
would get to many privileges in school due to status.  But being schooled
here she will not be in the middle of that.  Other kids from around us
would be invited to join in.  That way she still gets to learn how to
interact with others.  I would hire a very good teacher to run the
schooling program."

   "Who is going to run my program?"

   John knew she was concerned now.  "I am of course.  It seems I have the
degrees and have been approved to do so.  Doc and our accountant will also
instruct some areas.  The attorney will also have his time and teach some
law to you.  So you will get a complete education far beyond a normal high
school one."

   This sounded interesting to Kimmi, as she would learn things she could
apply to normal life.  "I like the teaching staff and agree.  But it sounds
like more of a college education than high school."

   "That is due to the fact it is.  For the next six years you will get
both educations.  Tests for both high school and college will be given to
you.  I would expect by 18 or 19 you would have a BS or BA degree.  That
would depend on what major you decided on later.  But your future says that
you will need it."

   She could see John was right and it was a needed path.  But where would
that path lead?  That she did not know?  "It seems you have given this a
lot of thought.  So I will not argue with you as I see I need this.  But I
don't like what this is saying to me."

   John laughed, as he knew her feelings about his one day not being here.
"Well humor me and lets move forward.  I think you have the ability to be
smarter than I ever was.  You see far more than I did at your age as well.
So this will prove my feelings out one way or the other."

   His complements pleased her greatly.  "I don't think I am as smart, but
I know I can learn.  You see deeper than I do and that give you an
advantage."

   "The advantage is experience dear and not any other skill.  I have seen
more of the human beings actions.  Not all people are good or trust worthy.
So it takes skills to decide if you can or should trust them.  People don't
change much, so past performance is a good indicator.  But some can fool
you and those you must watch."

   "I can see some of that, but don't understand why it is important?"

   "A child that lies and steals will normally carry that over into
adulthood.  One who is honest always will tend to carry that over as well.
I never make a promise I cannot or will not carry out.  That is just a part
of who I am.  If I commit to any one they can take it to the bank.  Now how
many people do you know acts like that?"

   "Not many I have learned.  It was one of the things I learned to love
about you.  You never told me anything I could not expect to happen.  So it
built the trust factor I have with you."

   "If you look at all the children that is a common trait.  I have been
selling that for four years now.  Honesty has been taught to all of them as
well.  They know they can trust each other as well as you and I.  Every
step I have taken has built that factor.  We are honest with customers as
well as between ourselves.  Not one child would sell any bad product to a
customer.  Our kids are known as honest and fair people."

   She did know this and respected that fact.  "I can see where your many
talks added to that.  We have all been impressed with just how honest you
are.  Your challenge to find you failing at meeting any commitment was just
one more step in this?"

   "Of course it was.  Did you note how our two who made errors stood up
and admitted it?  They had lots to loose and yet were honest.  Neither one
knew if they would have food or a warm bed tomorrow.  They expected to be
rejected by me and still were honest.  It told me I had reached the
children and it was working."

   She had not seen it this way before.  "Now I understand your comments to
Penny, Timmy and me.  We were not to judge them to harshly.  Your way of
handling it made everyone feel good."

   "I could not punish honesty and being truthful.  They each said they
expected to be turned away.  Today the two are my strongest supporters and
would never lie to me.  I showed the love of a father and not anger they
had known before.  They both received a punishment and yet were still
accepted.  One day you may need both of them and they will stand by you
Kimmi."

   Now she saw John's hand building this family, as she had never seen
before.  "I remember the questions you asked me when we looked at them. 
You asked how much I trusted them.  How often they would lie to get away
with something.  Did they take responsibility?  There were many questions I
had no idea why you asked them."

   "Now you know and how important they were.  You made good judgments to
start with as none of the children have disappointed me.  So your mental
impressions were very good.  I needed a group that could be built into a
family.  But I could not change years of parent's teachings.  I had to have
some basic understanding of right and wrong.  That I could build off of. 
The older kids were the biggest worry for me.  They were far more advanced
than the younger ones."

   "But you managed to get us all on the same page."

   "True, but your input made it happen dear.  We decided to not accept
many kids.  That was due to your perceptions of them.  They just would not
have fit into the family."

   Kimmi was shocked at how John had depended on her instincts.  "How did
you know I was right?"

   "For one you were very young and honest my love.  You saw things that
bothered you and told me about them.  Children betray themselves in front
of other children.  They are more guarded with adults.  So I asked you a
couple of times to ask questions and you gave me answers.  I rejected those
who had a path set then.  The ones we took were still learning who they
were."

   She thought back to her questions John had asked for and saw his
interest.  "None of that made much sense to me then.  Now I see how
critical they were.  You actually had me try to anger some kids and if they
got mad we did not take them.  But every question was honest and they did
have the option of not answering me."

   "Had they not answered it would have spoken as loud as if they had. 
There has always been the desire to get honest answers in me.  So you
learned that early in our relationship.  I have watched you from day one
and it has been fun.  You originally thought I was going to be someone you
could control.  Then you decided to try to learn some from me.  It changed
to being willing to sit back and listen.  Over time you have grown and
learned much.  I have been pleased with how you have grown and how well you
have learned."

   She hugged him and held him tight.  "John your someone I learned to
respect.  That has not been true with anyone else.  Everything I learned
from my mother had to be forgotten.  It required starting all over.  You
gave me the time and advice I needed.  The life you have given me is beyond
any I ever expected.  I never knew I could love the way I love you.  Life
changed from the day we met and I have never felt more wanted, loved and
part of anyone."

   "You will feel part of a larger world from now on Kimmi.  It is going to
grow and your not going to feel ready.  But I assure you it will give you
time to grow.  My hope is that we can learn together and that it will help
you."

   She did not understand why John felt he would learn.  "How will you
learn?"

   "That my young lady will come easy for me.  I get to see what your
learning and will learn from that.  My goal is to help you become the woman
you want to be.  A good mother and a good sister to your family."

   She felt blessed right now.  John cared so much for her he was willing
to spend time teaching her.  "We will be a good pair my dear.  I think life
is going to get more interesting now.  You have done so much I had no idea
it was happening.  Now I get to be in the middle o it all."













































   Chapter 9

   The education was much better than she had expected.  She did have
English, but her math was business related.  Learning about accounting,
investments, cash flow and the likes was really interesting to her.  She
started to see how a business should run.  It was also the fact of what had
caused the down turn that caught her interest.  Every problem came from
people taking advantage of others.  The lack of honesty was present in
every problem.

   Here the wind farm would keep things in a good cash situation for years
to come.  Many homes one day would not need power as it was today.  But
businesses and the likes would need it for sometime to come.  Home
generating system with the new power system were the future.  But that was
ten to twenty years down the road.  It was a time he was sure he would
never see.

   But Kimmi's schooling was becoming enjoyable for John.  The questions
were often things he had never considered before.  They caused him to look
deeper into many areas and see new ways of moving forward.  Her vision and
questions open his own eyes.  She saw things at a simpler level and one
that today had value.  Life in the US had gone backwards in many ways.  The
economic depression had changed much of the outlook and ways of doing
things.

   One item that changed was the many laws that had sat on the books for
years were removed.  A simpler code of laws was set up and they were
national, not just state laws.  The new laws were covered in three books.
One for family, business and property was printed.  The laws for the new
company came under the business laws.  There it did not matter if you were
a large or small business the laws applied.  Taxation was set up to be
simple as well.  Banks collected taxes and sent it to the government.

   Many new ways of dealing with problems had been put together.  If a
lawyer brought a suite against you and it was unfounded the lawyer had to
pay your attorneys costs.  The attorney was the one who decided what had
merit and what did not.  So they were responsible for assuring a suite was
based on solid ground.  No longer could a lawyer make money on worthless
suites.

   People today had a responsibility for their actions.  Most government
suites were at the state level.  The justice department had grown much
smaller.  Both federal and state tax suites were brought by the state now.
Many of the cabinet positions no longer existed at the federal level. 
These jobs went to the states where they were done and paid for.

   One big change was the size of the military.  The US could still fight a
war, but it would take all of its resources to do that.  One step was the
moving of the UN from New York to the EU.  The UN had proven over the years
it had no real power.  It had as many crooks as any government.  So now
days it was more of a trade body than a world protector.  Because trade was
very low it was not a big organization now.  But it did have control of
world patents and had to be dealt with by John.

   Once a patent was filed in the US it had to be confirmed by the UN
patent office as open worldwide.  Then once granted worldwide it was
enforceable by courts in every country.  This held down the theft of new
inventions as each country had agreed to enforce the rules.  The country
took the responsibility of all court actions in that country.  If a company
did not have a signed license agreement they could loose the company.  It
had been the only way to protect new inventions.  A country that did not
agree to the UN plan did not have a right to trade with those who did.

   Many small countries that did not trade much did not sign.  But the
larger industrialized ones all signed.  Of course it did not apply to food,
ores or oil as those were commodities and not finished products.

   The minister from Japan had come to see John.  He bowed and then shook
hands first with John and then with Kimmi.  "Thank you for seeing me."

   "It is my pleasure sir and as you see I am just a poor man."

   This brought a laugh to the wizened mans face.  "I was told you under
estimate your self John.  But with over ten thousand acres of land and many
investments you do live modestly.  While I am here I would love to see your
wind farm as well.  How many wind turbines do you now have?"

   "I have just fifteen now sir.  That for this location is my limit.  But
as coal and oil are taken out of the generating industry we will for a time
do well.  But home power will one day be with the new electrical system we
have developed."

   That was the major reason for his visit.  "Yes, I am aware of that and
of the cars and trucks now being built with that system.  Our auto and
truck industry is very interested in a license to build them."

   "We could never supply all the vehicles needed in this country as it is.
So I am willing to license companies to produce here and worldwide.  I have
the three US automakers now discussing a license with me."

   This he considered for a time.  "Why would you be interested in that?"

   "I need a larger supply base and they would increase it.  Each company
producing in the US will have a limit to the number of vehicles they can
produce.  There will be no imports coming in as well.  The parts for these
cars and trucks must be built here.  We need solid jobs as well as you.  So
we will not export to any country.  I would expect you to require that
parts be produced in your country for your sales."

   This was not the normal approach of any license agreement he had made.
"I don't see where your looking?"

   "The new worlds trade is going to be light for years to come.  We wish
to help your country improve its economy, but not at the cost to other
countries.  You will be allowed to build plants in other countries to build
vehicles.  But I expect they are also going to want the jobs for parts
suppliers.  It does mean smaller production plants in many countries, but
the profits would come back to the company owning the plant."

   "Is this a reasonable way to do this?"

   "The vehicles are easy to build and parts are not difficult to make. 
Batteries will be the hardest part to produce.  But we have developed a
simplified system of doing that.  We pay the university a royalty on
battery produced and they keep up the R&D for them.  We also pay them on
the fuel cell they developed.  But the paint is also a solar collector. 
This all runs on water and takes a capsule inserted into the tank to
produce lots of hydrogen gas for the fuel cell."

   This was a lot more data than he had expected.  "Your being very open
with your information sir."

   "It is all protected by the UN treaty.  We received word yesterday our
patents have been approved.  We have twenty-six of them in all.  That
includes the two the university is supplying to us under contract."

   Now he understood where John was position wise.  "I would like to see
the manufacturing plant."

   They left the compound and headed to the plant.  John was driving one of
the new cars and it was very comfortable.

   Kimmi had followed everything John and the man did and saw his
discomfort now.  "Sir I get the feeling your not very comfortable with the
new UN laws?"

   "I still do not have a lot of faith in the UN.  But with the agreements
set and each country having to prosecute it does make it look like it might
work.  My own government has told me that any company using a patent
without a license will be taken and sold to pay off the judgment."

   "But it also protects your peoples inventions as well."

   "Oh yes, but I have yet to see that.  My main worry is China right now.
They have stolen more technology than any country.  I can understand John's
desires to keep production within a country.  It does help build the
economy back."

   "It will do more than that sir.  It will start to bring hope back to
people."

   "For a young girl you have a remarkable understanding."

   John smiled at this.  "Well she is the one who you will deal with one
day.  Kimmi is our families future and she is learning how to handle that."

   The man looked at her more closely now.  "It seems you may have chosen
wisely John.  She does listen well and asks good questions."

   They pulled into the plant and got out in front of the building.  As
they headed inside a man stopped them and signed in the man from Japan.  Of
course Kimmi and John were well known.  They also had their lanyards around
their necks with ID on them.

   They walked to the assembly floor and the man was shocked.  There were
three lines with vehicles moving down each one.  They were producing a
sports car, a two door and a four-door car.  There were many colors and
interiors to be seen.

   John started them at the beginning and went to final inspection.  Then
they took a new four door and went to the track.  Every car was driven ten
miles and checked for every system.  Then it was taken to a rail car and
loaded for shipment.  A bus took them back to the factory.

   "That was impressive and your quality checks complete."

   "Our dealers know if they get one vehicle that does not work properly,
we will give them a new one and they fix the other.  So every system is
checked here and once more at unloading.  That is done by the cars
identification number.  All cars produced worldwide will have that data
stored here by us.  We then will know our standards are being met
worldwide. Any company with too many faults will loose their license to
produce."

   They then went to the White plant for trucks.  Here he once more saw
production at a high rate.  Large trucks were being produced and tested
just like the cars.

   "Each truck has a self diagnostic system that checks every electrical
part several times a second.  If any part shows a failure it is flagged for
replacement at once.  You have six electrical drive motors on the wheels
and they must run at exactly the same speeds.  If one fails the opposite
wheel is also shutdown.  So your running on four then and that is enough
power to pull forty thousand pounds of freight."

   "How do you lubricate the parts?"

   "It is all non-carbon based lubricants.  Bearings do wear out from time
to time on the motors.  But the motor can be rebuilt and used again.  We
have one smaller motor that adds air power for the brakes.  But most comes
from the turning of the wheels."

   "How far can a truck go before it must fuel once more?"

   "Several days time running constantly.  The paint picks up sun power and
the fuel cell has a very large tank for produced gas.  We gain electrical
power when the vehicle slows down as well.  There the electric motors
reverse the process."

   "I am impressed and don't understand why we did not see this as well?"

   "Someone I am sure did see it.  But was in no position to take advantage
of it.  But the university came up with a new fuel cell and batteries for
us.  My partners developed a way to tie all of this together and make it
function.  Not only did it work, but it did better than expected.  They
designed controllers, testing and a full computer operating system.  The
drive motors were designed by our people to use minimum power.  So there
are patents on them as well.  Our frame is light metal and the body
composite.  The vehicle can take a sixty mile an hour crash and the people
survive it."

   "It seems you have done a lot of testing on the full system?"

   "Yes we did that before we built one car to sell.  But each week we take
one vehicle and crash it.  We must stay ahead of possible problems.  This
will be the safest car we can possibly build here.  The insurance rates on
our cars is the lowest of any made."

   "What price do you get for a vehicle?"

   "It ranges from $10,400 to $15,600 per car.  Our company makes 10%
return over costs and the dealer makes 12% on a sale.  We make 20% on parts
and the dealer makes 15% plus the labor to install.  Any car with less that
the original equipment is ban by the states.  You may not take a part not
used on the car and install it.  Each owner's book shows current pricing
for parts.  Now they may go up or down depending on the economy.  But if
they have a question on current parts prices it is online and they can
check it.  That way dealers cannot over charge."

   "Your holding dealers to a very high standard."

   "They are the face the customers sees.  So our dealer agreements are
very tight and require them to be honest.  Many current dealers did not
qualify as they had bad reputations.  So in those cities we helped new
people start dealerships for our product.  Right now we have seven hundred
dealers.  We have one bank in each city that will finance our vehicles at a
fair interest rate.  The credit must be good on the buyer right now.  But
it will open up some later for people with lower scores to qualify."

   "How do you handle trade-in's?"

   "We don't take trade-in's at all.  Once there are electric vehicles to
trade in we will do that.  But to take in gas engine vehicles it does not
make sense.  Some dealers do buy and run lots for them.  But not where our
cars are sold or serviced."

   "Does you cars come with air-conditioning?"

   "That is an option they have and it can be installed at the dealers as
well.  The compressed hydrogen gas is very cold and will bring water to a
cold temperature quickly.  So we have water coils behind each vent to pump
cold water to them.  Heat is of course electric."

   "What does you company expect as payment for a license?"

   "We get $250 per unit produced and shared engineering on new ideas. 
Your people may make suggestions on improvements and we will test them for
inclusion.  But everyone gets the improvements.  That keeps everyone on the
same page and producing a quality product.  If you can sell ten times what
we do that is fine also.  This shared improvement is where most companies
back away."

   The man could see this but he was under orders.  "I have four that will
accept this.  We would like to get our plants back up and producing here
once more."

   "Just understand that the same rules about quality apply to everyone.  I
will drop you at the motel and our attorney will come see you tomorrow.  He
will have contracts for all four companies and complete design sets.  Your
car will be returned to your motel today."

   "Does that same license apply to our plants in Japan?"

   "It can be included in our agreement.  If those same companies wish to
produce else where it is all right with us.  But the same payments and
rules apply.  Your counts will be checked against your vehicle tests to
assure they are right.  We will report to each country the exact vehicle
ID's that were tested.  If any vehicle comes up that is not on our list it
could cause the loss of the licenses."

   This was a pretty tight system and they would be paid for each car.  "We
also need to discuss the truck production."

   "When the attorney calls you advise him of the car companies and any
truck companies.  Now large trucks have a fee of $1,000 each and the other
terms stay the same.  But small trucks have the $250 fee like pick-ups.  We
will be building those next month here.  Getting a truck bed that was right
has been a challenge for us.  But now we have it and it works."

   This group of Americans was way ahead of the rest of the world today and
he saw why.  I assume that pick up production is part of the car contract?"

   "Yes and I expect your people to wish to produce them.  All our designs
have room for four people in them.  That way they can be used for a family
as well as work."

   He saw the point and knew it was valid.  "How is you government handling
this?"

   "We have been asked to do some military contracts.  To this point we
have refused.  I did suggest they set up a plant on a military base and
produce what they wanted.  But they must build their own supplier network
and run to our quality standards.  They must pay us $500 per vehicle
produced and not sell them to the public.  They can sell to other countries
militaries.  The military is the only group I know who can take something
that costs a dime and make it cost a dollar."

   The man laughed at this statement.  "Ours is the same way."

   "Well we also have a way of driving ships with this new power plant.  So
if your industries are interested we would be willing to discuss it."

   "I am sure I will be back to discuss much more John.  This has been a
very unusual trip to your country.  Dealing with a man who is open and
honest has been refreshing as well."

   "We all need the same things and the right way to do this is by
cooperating.  But I lived in Japan for a year many years ago.  I know the
people and its ways.  So understand I know what you came looking for and
did not get it.  Pleasantries aside this is a very straightforward
agreement.  Nothing is hidden and nothing has been left out.  I still have
friends in Japan in government, so I will hear what is happening.  Your
report will be on my fax the day after it is delivered.  Yes I do read your
language so I will see all the unsaid things as well."

   That hit the man hard.  "Then you understood the comments I made to
myself?"

   "Oh yes and most were right on target.  But your still looking for a way
to steal the technology from us.  That is just not going to happen sir.  I
sat down with two friends and adjusted the language of your contracts. 
They are in your language and not negotiable in any way.  You either accept
them or reject them.  But be sure your chairmen for the companies know
exactly how binding they are."

   The man was quite for a time.  "I give you credit for being a smart man.
But understand I did not under estimate you either.  Now the language I did
not know you spoke it, but did know you had lived with us.  Industry does
run Japan's government.  But on the world stage that is not true.  One man
warned me to respect you and accept what you said at face value.  So I know
you have very good friends."

   "Be sure to tell Mr.  Moto thank you for me."

   This brought another smile.  "Yes he warned me and he was right.  You
can be as dangerous as any man in Japan.  It seems you understand our way
of business very well."

   "I do as I was involved with a lot of it.  But I also don't respect many
of your business leaders.  They are not honest and that is a shame on
Japan. Mr.  Moto is one of the most honest men I have known.  Him I have
great respect for."

   Now this man knew he had met his match.  "I am his sisters husband.  So
we both share that feeling for him.  He owes no one a debt and many owe
him. So know your safe with him and me.  I've known of your project for
over a year now.  That never left my office until I was told it was OK. 
Then I approached the car companies.  Now it is all working to Japan's best
interest and your not greedy at all.  The fees are very fair and your
willingness to share new advances is good for us."

   "One issue is that all autos must be closely priced here.  I have two
more plants opening in the next three months.  But we will stop there if
enough companies come into this market.  No unions will be allowed in our
plants.  We will close down facilities where that happens.  A union is big
business just like some companies.  They live off other peoples sweat.  Our
people get an hourly wage and annual bonus on profit of the plant."

   "What does your assembly line worker make?"

   "They get $12 an hour.  Quality control gets $13 and maintence gets $14.
The President of the company gets $50,000 a year.  A plant manager will get
$35,000 a year and a bonus on profits end of year.  Now that bonus may be
cash and stock."

   "What do you get John?"

   "Well to be honest $1 a year.  I am just the CEO of our group.  I will
make my money based on profits end of year.  But I only own 18% of the
holding company."

   "That will make you a very wealthy man John."

   "Not really as most of the money goes into a trust.  The young lady
behind you controls the trust."

   "Young lady Mr.  Moto and I owe both John and you a lot.  You're putting
our auto, truck and boat building industries back to work.  With the
electric generations abilities our computer industry should get back on
track soon.  So Japan owes the two of you much."

   John dropped the man at his motel and rode home with Kimmi.  "I did not
know you read and spoke Japanese.  But you also lived there for a time."

   "It was when I was in the navy I lived there.  That was many years ago.
But friends I made still respect me and some owe me."

   "But who is Mr.  Moto?"

   "He runs what here is the CIA.  That is one very important man in
Japan."

   "Why does he like you so much?"

   "I saved his life one night in Japan.  He was the oldest son and his
father pledged the family honor to thank me.  That is a debt I have never
tried to collect on."

   "There is so much I don't know about your life.  Do you have friends in
other countries?"

   "Yes a few of them.  But you will meet those who you need to know as we
move forward."

   "You have lived an interesting life John."

   "So will you my love.  There is a whole new world out there for you to
work in.  An economic change like we have just gone through always opens up
new opportunities.  Life here will never be the same as it was before."

   That was something she did not really understand.  "I don't know much
about life before now.  As a child I was pretty much focused on life with
you and not much else.  There was so much for me to learn and understand
that I did not see much else."

   "Well you will see much of the past in your studies and we will talk
about it.  But tomorrow will never see the days of just a few years ago. 
Government will never be as large as it was and states have more control of
their people.  State laws will be the main laws of the country.  Because
state laws can differ there will be good and bad places to live.  But I
think we are in a good location."

   "What is the law here for marriage?"

   "It is sixteen with a parents permission.  But in your case eighteen
right now.  That will change in a few months.  I have started the process
to drop it to sixteen period."

   "So I still have to wait four years?"

   "I am afraid so love.  There was no more I could do and get by with. 
But it will take two years off your wait.  That is a step in the right
direction."

   "Yes, but I would like to marry you now John.  By the time we can marry
we will have two or three children.  So it's not fair that someone else can
make that decision."

   "I tried the governor and he would have liked to help, but could not. 
There are just to many people with the idea sixteen is even too young for
marriage.  But sixteen is where he was able to get support.  So the bill
will pass."

   "I don't have to like it, but I'll have to live with it."

   "Well 100 years ago the law was twelve years of age.  So may be one day
it will get back there?"

   "I don't have 100 years John.  So I have to take what I can now.  But
things move much slower than I would like to see."

   "Darling at your age everything seems slow.  But most people see a year
from now as fast.  But we have less children being born now.  So age of
consent is going to drop.  They expect that we will have fifty percent less
people here in fifty years.  DC and Northern Virginia have homes sitting
vacant now all over the place.  Large cities have many homes with no one
living there."

   "But we have no lack of people looking to come live here?"

   "That is because there are jobs here.  Our auto and truck plants have
over four thousand jobs.  The parts makers have another three thousand
jobs. The money from those jobs keep a lot more people working here.  The
university has two hundred people working in R&D for the products we pay
them on.  So this is where people want to be."

   "What is you next step?"

   "I have slowly bought up the banks stock and we now control it.  It is
the place where our auto and truck companies keep their money.  It will be
a very rich bank in a few years as we gain income from outside the country.
So now you own a bank as well."

   "How do we keep from loosing massive amounts of money in that business?"

   "Well you and I will be the deciding votes on the loan committee.  That
is part of your education and training.  I am adding Timmy to the board as
well.  He needs exposure to finance as well as you.  So this will be a good
start for him.  The committee pays a fee of $50 a meeting for you two."

   "How many meetings each week?"

   "Just one dear and it is final.  The bank will finance our autos and
trucks sold here as well.  The family owns the car and truck franchise as I
took no salary for my CEO job."

   She just smiled at him.  "Why does that not surprise me?"

   "I bought an old dealership and have had it converted for us.  An old
friend will be running it and they report to you dear."

   "What kind of sales do you expect?"

   "May be fifty a month for now on cars and twenty a month on trucks.  But
that will grow, as we will have a good inventory.  With gas at $5 a gallon
our cars will be very low cost to operate.  Fuel will not be dropping again
and transport is the major cost now.  I have requests from state agencies
for vehicles and trucks.  Many local governments will follow them."

   "How will you handle them?"

   "Police cars will be made three days a month.  Trucks for state and
local governments will be produced two days a month.  The factories sell
nothing direct, so we will get a lot of state and local buys.  We will have
pick ups for state and local governments, as they will be produced four
days a month.  Each has been sent the paint schemes and they come one way.
Pricing is at our low sale price and no discounts.  Our dealership will
take trade-in's of our vehicles from state and local agencies."

   "What will they do with what they have now?"

   "Junk it would be the best bet.  They will pay for the new vehicle in
less than two years just on fuel."

   Finally they were home and the questions stopped for now.

   Timmy was told about his new job and it pleased him.  "John I am never
sure what to expect from you.  But any money I get needs to go into a
savings account at the bank."

   "I will set it up for you and Kimmi both.  Each of you has money here
for special needs so that makes good sense.  Now I have a pick up coming
for you to drive as needed.  Kimmi will ride in with me when I come to the
bank.  But each of you will vote your own minds on each loan.  If you take
a different view be ready to defend it."

   That seemed fair to Timmy.  "I always am ready to defend any position I
take.  My interest is do they have the money to pay their bills and second
do they pay their bills on time.  If they do that it would seem they are a
good risk."

   "I can agree with that way of looking at it.  But also think does this
investment add to their income.  Like for a pick up truck?  Does it reduce
there over all costs due to gas prices?  It is possible they may be better
off with a new vehicle than before.  Our interest rate is just 2.5% now and
not likely to go up soon.  I have told Kimmi we own the dealership for cars
and trucks for both our company and White.  We will be selling to state and
local governments as well."

   "Is it possible I could work a day a week there?"

   "Yes if it would help you learn.  You could work Saturdays and two or
three days a week in summer months.  But you would have to be sure the mill
is running."

   "I have got our so called bad boy Jack doing most of my work on the mill
now.  He is a natural at repairs and really good at seeing problems before
they happen."

   "He is family my boy would you expect less?  The boy just needed
direction and to know he is loved."

   "I assure you Jack thinks the sun rises and sets with you.  He for sure
is not the same boy he was.  On the wind farm he has done some amazing
things for our technician.  I don't know if you have seen it, but he got
eight percent more energy from the same amount of wind as before.  The
program that adjusts the blades is more efficient now."

   "That needs to be made known to all the family.  That wind farm funds
everything here.  So he has made each of you more money."

   "I had not considered it that way, but your right and he will get
recognized.  But I would really like for you to do it."

   "OK dinner tonight is the time and place."

   At dinner the meal went with little fuss.  Then John got up to address
the group.  "Now for the latest news.  We will have agreements with four
companies from Japan on building cars and trucks.  They will build here as
well as in Japan and other countries.  Second tomorrow our new dealership
for cars, trucks and government sales will open.  The income from that will
go into the trust.  One more item of business interest is we now own the
local bank and Timmy and Kimmi will be on the loan committee of the bank.
For now I chair that committee.  There is one more issue to bring up to
you. Jack will you come here please."

   Jack stood and looked at John he was not sure what was coming.  "Yes
sir."

   "Everyone needs to know that Jack has increased the wind power
production by eight percent with no added cost to us.  This was due to his
intelligence and working hard to prove his idea.  That adds about eighteen
hundred every month to the income here.  When someone does something like
he did they deserve to be recognized.  Son I am proud of you and your
accomplishment." John hugged the boy as tears ran down his face.

   "Thank you sir for giving me the chance.  As you all know I screwed up
big time and John told me I was his son forever and that would never
change. Those words meant more to me than most will ever know.  My father
and mother had rejected me before I came here.  Now I would never be
rejected again was new to me.  But at Christmas I got a bracelet with my
first name and his last name.  That was the proof I needed.  John has been
fair and always listened to me before any action.  I admit I was wrong, but
I also learned that love transcends being wrong.  So know I love this man
more than I ever loved anyone."

   "One more little issue here to be taken care of." John reached into his
pocket and pulled out a one ounce gold coin and handed it to him.

   "If I may John I would like for this to be deposited in equal shares of
the three boys I offended accounts.  It is a little of what I owe each of
them." Jack went back and sat down.

   The applause was loud and surprised Jack.  Timmy stood up.  "The money
will go into your account Jack.  But an equal amount of money to one third
will also be placed into the boy's accounts by the family.  You have shown
us all a lesson we needed to learn.  We are family and that includes every
one of us.  You're a far better man today Jack and I have enjoyed watching
your growth."

   Applause was once more being heard.  But John stood and it died down. 
"Now Annie I need you as well."

   Annie stood and walked to John.  "I have been requested by doc to advise
you that your admission to nurses training has been approved.  He has told
me of how much you do for him and the people he sees.  I have been told
there are many nights you have gotten up and went to the trailer and met
people to give them drugs they needed.  No one knew of this here, but doc
did.  For your service to our neighbors and their children here is a gold
coin from the family dear."

   Annie hugged John and cried.  "I love you all and did what I did because
others were in pain.  Not for money or others knowledge.  It seems I also
made a mistake that badly hurt some of you and was still given another
chance.  But as you can see love and faith others have in you can change
you.  Like Jack I am a different person today.  But that was not easy I
assure you.  Change is hard and you must really want it for it to happen.
But John and Kimmi's way is the best for all of us.  When I was asked what
they should do I said send me away.  But they said no as I was family. 
That family may not like what you did, but they still loved you.  That was
new to me as I am sure it was to Jack.  So thank you all for not turning
your back on me." She went to sit down, but Kimmi caught her and hugged
her.

   "Let me say she is in the right job now.  Annie did more for me after
Kathleen was born and helped me greatly.  She has checked her each week for
me as well.  So trust her judgment and listen to her advice.  As she does
know about medicine."

   "Just so you all know Annie has completed her high school and will start
nursing school next semester.  My hope is she keeps going until she is a
nurse practitioner."

   Annie just beamed at John.  "Thank you dad and I will keep going."

   The dinner had served a purpose and one others felt.  It picked up the
pace of how people saw each other and set a tone of reaching out further.
This was another turning point for the family.

   After dinner Jack and Annie gave their coins to Kimmi for their
accounts. The two spent some time getting to know one another as well. 
They found that they fit well and enjoyed many of the same things.  That
started a relationship very different.  Annie was three years older than
Jack and yet both felt like adults.  They were very smart and well suited
to be together.

   Timmy had watched this and was pleased with what he saw.  "John I think
Annie and Jack are finding each other.  That will be a good match."

   "I agree with that and hope it works out for them.  But we need to give
them time and just watch."

   That night Kimmi was watching John and waiting for him to come to bed.
"What is taking so long my man?"

   "I was just looking at all the family.  The little show tonight with
Jack and Annie started it.  You should have heard doc talking about Annie.
He is impressed with her.  Timmy is completely blown away by Jack.  So we
have two problem children that turned out very well."

   "Yes and then I would have tossed them out.  So I learned as well as the
rest of the family.  People are worth saving if you can."

   "The problem is we have some round pegs in square holes.  Those must be
fixed and soon.  It means we will have to hire some people to work here."

   "Where are you going to get them?"

   "I see two choices and one to adopt and the second is to get local
youth. My feeling is to try local youth before adopting more children."

   Kimmi considered this for a time.  "We have a local children's home now.
May be looking at nine and ten year olds might be better?"

   "Let sleep on it and talk about it tomorrow."

   They made love like never before.  Kimmi just could not get enough of
John and he was the same with her.  It was not long before they woke
Kathleen.  That ended their night.

   The next day was one of much consideration.  John spent time talking
with the attorney and Kimmi listened.  The deal was coming together fast
and many changes asked for were not made.  But they had to be asked for
before it could move forward.

   Finally it came down to John.  "OK pull the deal off the table and go
home.  The auto companies either buy what were offering or they stay out of
the market."

   That was when the deal got done.  One call to Japan ended the normal
rounds of negotiating they always went through.  No one expected to change
the deal, but it was custom to go through the ordeal.  But John had enough
and decided to stop playing the game.

   The negotiator got on the line with John.  "Well this was ended faster
than I had expected.  But I was warned you did not like playing the game."

   "Please advise your people games are for children and this was business.
Now any other companies coming to workout a deal will get one offer.  If
they wish to play the offer is off the table.  That is just the way it is
today and Japan has to change its model.  So next time the fees will raise
by 5% each time the customer tries to change the deal."

   "That will be passed on to the other companies.  Today I am signing for
four auto companies and two truck companies.  Our government will put up
the bonds for each company.  Now when can they start the learning process
needed to convert their plants?"

   "The car company engineers are welcome next Monday and the truck plant
engineers on Wednesday at White.  They will get a three-day course in the
changes required.  Then they will get two weeks of time with our engineers
and maintence people.  We will supply the testing equipment for you as soon
as your companies are ready.  The fee for that equipment is one million
dollars per plant per year as the agreements show.  It must be paid up
front before the classes."

   "I see no problem with that and will have the money transferred to the
company account.  There will be thirteen plants involved here and thirty
more outside the USA.  So the transfer will be for forty three million US
dollars."

   "The delivery will take place three week before each plant is ready to
start up.  So we will need a schedule of start dates and locations.  One of
our engineers will travel with the test equipment to assure installation is
done right.  The companies will be responsible for his air tickets,
accommodations and food.  We will pay his salary and assure his work is up
to par.  Without the equipment the plant cannot run.  So we have back up
equipment to ship out if anything happens.  We will need a direct
connection via the Internet for the computers, as we do monitor their
health.  Our R&D department has one engineer watching the systems all the
time."

   "I understand, but I think the plants will want a back up on hand for
each test system."

   "They know what the cost is and we will be happy to do that.  But if we
have back up equipment at each plant it will require that we have a
technician at each plant to handle the changes.  It would cost your
companies another $150,000 a year per plant for us to supply them.  They
may wish to reconsider that idea?  No piece of equipment will shut your
plant down for very long.  Our equipment shows us expected failure times
for any system."

   "I will pass that on and yet I expect them to want the equipment and
technician on site.  You know how my people are and moving them from the
past to the future is going to be hard."

   "That was expected and we have fifty technicians trained to do just
that. They will bring and install the equipment when needed.  They will
need a central office for them to handle the central computer to watch the
systems.  That area must be off limits to plant personnel.  Our software is
encrypted and cannot be accessed by anyone not authorized."

   "That I also understand.  I assure you the government will not allow any
attempt to read or change the software."

   "The companies need to know the technician has no software
responsibilities at all.  They just watch the hardware and change out
equipment.  Hardware can be repaired on site, so they would not have to
send a piece of equipment back for that.  When any software change is made
every plant gets it at the start of their next shift.  Now there is one
last issue.  There must be a solid net connection or your plant stops. 
Much of the data is fed to your machines from here.  If the feed is broken
the lines will stop running.  So they must make sure they have back ups for
any connection."

   "I understand that and will be sure the companies do as well.  They will
have both land and satellite connections to the net."

   "I hope your trip home is a pleasant one.  Please give Mr.  Moto my best
regards when you get back.  I have loaded two cars into a container and
they will ship to you and him tomorrow.  That way you both have one of the
first cars."

   "You honor me and my brother-in-law."

   "Your both good men and deserve any gift I can offer.  I thank you for
your willingness to work with us our way.  That I know was not easy for
you, but it did help us."

   He smiled at this comment.  "Really I prefer your way of dealing with
business.  I hate the games I am forced to play as you do.  Now my
brother-in-law has requested me to ask if you would accept three of our
family's younger children for a few years.  They are ready for your middle
school system now.  He wishes them to learn to act like Americans and to be
educated there.  All speak good English now so that part would be no
problem."

   "I would be honored to do that.  He honors me greatly and I thank him."

   "Once more he is right about you John.  You will be getting two girls
and one boy.  The girls are ten and the boy eleven.  They all know your
past with my brother-in-law and respect you greatly.  So you will be
advised of their arrival and they would follow your rules."

   "Please tell my friend that no money will be required as they will learn
our family way of earning money.  All of my adopted children work here at
the compound.  Each has a job to do as well as their schooling.  We are
very much a family in your ways and work together for the families goals."

   That really pleased him, as one of the girls was his.  "I would also
like to extend the offer of coming to Japan this summer.  We would like to
spend some time with you here at our family compound.  Please ask Kimmi to
consider it, as we would love to know her better.  I know they will not
allow you to marry here.  But she can marry in our country and we would
love to make that happen for her."

   Kimmi was now excited and she could not hold back.  "Thank you sir and I
would love to come."

   "My dear lady your very welcome.  I have seen much in you that impresses
me greatly.  Our families will deal together for many years to come and you
need to become one of us."

   That fit into John's plans nicely.  "We will advise you of when we will
be there.  But be assured we will come." With that the call was finished.

   "John why was he so kind with me?"

   "The family understands your position in my life.  As I have told you
they respect me and that has transferred to you as well.  Your listening
and not saying much impressed him.  But when you did speak it made great
sense."

   "But why would they include me?"

   "Family is all important in Japan.  They're sending three children to us
is a way of bringing our families closer.  I assure you that at least one
is the child of our contact here and one is Mr.  Moto's as well.  The other
is most likely his brothers.  The wedding is just a way of letting you know
how respected you are by them."

   "I feel truly honored that they would do that for us."

   "Kathleen will be the center of attention of all the females.  The fact
she is daddies girl will make the point with the males.  But they will know
us well before we get there.  The children will have sent information and
pictures to them.  So they will know the compound and the business we have
here.  They will know every child and the skills they have.  We in return
will get much information about their families as well.  So you will know a
lot of them before we get there."

   "It sounds like we will be the American branch of the Moto family."

   "That is it pretty much in a nut shell.  Understand they are the most
powerful family in Japan.  The family is worth billions of dollars.  It
owns a lot of businesses and several banks.  They are on the boards of
every major company."

   Now she saw where their model came from.  "So we are set up very much
like they are?"

   "Yes dear we are at that.  But it took an economic change to allow that
to happen.  We are not billionaires yet, but well on the way there."

   "Where did the technical people come from for the plants?"

   "I started a group called technical responses.  It is a company with a
contract with the R&D lab.  Where requested we will supply technical people
to plants for equipment maintence and repair.  The family owns 80% of the
company and our President owns 20%.  With the deal today it now has an
income of 6.45 million a year.  We have young engineers trained to go
wherever needed."

   "You really have started us toward a billion in assets."

   "Yes and we will reach it.  But you have a class today on the family
trust structure.  The accountant will be here shortly to start.  Once your
done with that you will see how many businesses we are in.  I may make a
few additions, but you will make most of them from now on."

   "How in the world do I make additions?"

   "We have many requests each month, most offering stock for investments.
I stay away from large publicly traded companies and invest in smaller
family owned ones.  They have a profit motive more than the really big ones
do.  So read the P&L's, balance sheets and think about how they fit into
the family business.  I own part of several car and truck dealerships that
needed cash to start."

   "I see where we could get burned if the books got cooked."

   "Yes, but I pick the CPA to handle the accounting.  We have a lawyer
sitting on their board as our representative.  Each company had to bond the
sale and we are the ones who the bond company must pay for any default."

   "How in the world do you keep track of all of this?"

   "Our accounting system dear.  You and Timmy handle the books for here.
But the accountant handles them for all our outside companies.  He will
show you the investments, profits or losses so far and where he expects
that investment to go.  Sometimes we will be selling the investment back to
the family and sometimes to others.  Or we may buy the entire company."

   "I know we make good money here.  Last year we showed a profit of 1.23
million.  That was after expenses and taxes.  So what does the other
balance sheet show?"

   "My guess is a loss of many be twenty million.  But next year it should
show a gain of fifty million or more.  The auto plant and truck plant will
boost the income greatly.  I see no losses from any business next year. 
Our early sheet was meant to show these losses and they were expected. 
Just the tech service side will show a million or more profits.  We stand
to make 45 million just from the auto plant or more.  The truck plant will
turn us about 5-8 million more.  Then we have over two hundred other
businesses that will produce income.  Our assets are well over three
hundred million now."

   "We have three hundred million in assets and just twenty million in
debt?"

   "That is pretty much it right now.  Next year our assents will be well
over seven hundred million.  Our income should be fifty million plus.  That
will be our largest jump in assets we can expect for the future.  There
value will grow after that, but much slower.  May be fifteen percent per
year."

   Those numbers were just beyond her ability to understand.  "Your saying
in 3 to 5 years we will be worth over a billion?"

   "I would say sooner than that as we invest more money.  The country is
well below its value on many businesses.  Buying a good road building and
paving company could cost a couple million.  But its value could be several
million.  Picking up a small shipyard could cost 5-10 million and with
conversion contracts be worth thirty million or more.  Many businesses have
almost zero value now, but as things change they become very valuable. 
Things like scrap yards, steel mills and the many industries that are now
closed."

   This opened her mind up to the many industries that were no longer
operating.  "I can see some areas where we should invest in the future
looking that way."

   "Just remember that it must be cost effective to do it here and not
import it.  Because ten years from now enough ships will be on the new
power system to make transport cheap.  You must always look well ahead of
the current conditions.  I have a construction company we own who is going
to build us a new home here.  It will allow us all to live in one building.
Offices and the dinning room will be on the first floor and our quarters on
the second.  The children will be on the third and fourth floor one to a
room.  We will have a full basement for clothes washing, food storage and
with walk in coolers and freezer."

   "That seems like a lot of steps."

   "No elevators will supply the transportation.  I will hire one woman to
do laundry and two for cooking.  It will cost us a couple million, but it
will be nicer living there for everyone."

   "What will you do with these trailers?"

   "Move them to the mill and wind farm.  That will be where one day we
hire people to come in and work for us."

   She could see his long term plan now.  "OK I see where your headed.  But
how soon do you feel it is coming?"

   "Much sooner than you do.  Next year I will have the mill staffed and
run by hired help.  But we will manage it.  We will have to add another
tech at the wind farm as well.  In two years outsiders will run the meat
market.  It will be open six days a week but moved down closer to the road.
We will be out of the chicken business and will buy eggs and chickens for
meat.  Local people will take those contracts.  Then we will process meat
for restaurants as well as our customers."

   "We would need a lot more cattle for that."

   "What we need we will buy under contract from local people."

   "I see your headed some place with this."

   "Well we need to train our children to manage.  They know what work is
like now.  So it is time for the next step.  The furniture shop is
self-managing as they work to order.  It is art as much as anything.  But
the rest of our businesses are work and that must be changed as to who does
it.  Annie will one day take over the clinic to run day to day.  Jack has
already proven he can run the wind farm.  But he needs someplace to
experiment with new ideas."

   That seemed like a good next step.  She knew she was going to need lots
of help in the future.  With as many businesses as the family had they
would have to go to each one often, to keep things moving the right way. 
"I need the help that good managers could supply.  There is a trust factor
I have with the children that I don't with lawyers.  So their input and
suggestions would be appreciated."

   That hit a cord with John.  "It is their money also dear.  So you can
trust them to lookout for it well.  But some will want to own and run a
business.  I have promised them that would be allowed.  But they would
still have a responsibility to the family trust.  Then it would be their
child's money they are looking out for."

   "How is the trust broken down?"

   "Ask the attorney and he can show you the document.  But you control 51%
of the fund.  One day Kathleen will control that amount.  But in money that
would vary depending on the conditions.  If it were being closed then you
or Kathleen would get 33% of the funding and assets.  The rest would be
divided between the children and their kids.  Any child under age would
have their money held until they could control it.  That would not apply to
you dear.  This land and the wind farm are not part of the trust and they
would be yours completely."

   "How could it be closed?"

   "If a two thirds majority voted for that to happen it would be closed.
At that point you or Kathleen would have your pick of the assets you took.
I did that to keep it from happening.  Because what was left would be
divided up between the others.  Now no parent in that group would be able
to control their children's assets or money.  The money would be under bank
control and would cover just items for the child above normal costs for
raising a child."

   "That is not a good way to go for most of them."

   "No as they would cut off their quarterly income.  That is just thirty
percent of total income.  The balance would be held for investment.  That
does not start until the children all reach the age of 18.  You will get
20% of the income when they start to get theirs."

   "I assume we can personally invest that?"

   "Of course you can and you, Penny and Timmy will know how to do that. 
It is really a no win if they as a group decide to end the trust.  I have
made it that way for a reason.  It protects the family long term.  Now I
most likely will add the three children Mr.  Moto sends us.  With them,
Timmy, Penny, Jack, Annie and you the trust cannot get the vote needed to
dissolve.  They would never vote against my wishes.  Of course they would
get half shares rather then full shares.  But that could still be a lot of
money and a full vote."

   "Once more you have given a lot of consideration to this."

   "Yes as it is important to me.  I want to leave something good for many
years to come.  It will not last forever, but it will get many in the
family started in their own business.  My hope is that those will help
others from the family in years to come start theirs."

   She was not so sure yet it would work.  "Well they would always have me
to turn to John.  If we train Kathleen right she will also follow that
directive.  But an investment fund should always exist for future needs."

   John considered that for a time.  "I will make the change to the
paperwork.  That fund will be under your control and not touchable by
anyone else.  You may invest it while there are no needs to be met.  But
money made from it will be split between you and the fund.  Yours for
managing it and theirs for future investments.  Your money will go into
your personal account and not the fund account.  That part of the trust
cannot be dissolved by any vote."

   "How large will that fund be?"

   "Ten percent of the total trust fund.  Its assents should be over one
hundred million dollars.  I will have a standard investment agreement set
up for loans from that fund.  They should not come for twenty years or
longer.  This fund will not loan to the children or their children.  It is
for the ones that come after them.  So it will be many years before loans
start being requested."

   That she knew would work.  "I agree John and see it could work.  That
fund I can manage for Kathleen to handle later.  It could be worth a lot of
money one day may be over a billion?  But it would mean the trust loan fund
would always survive."

   He liked the idea and how she had presented it.  This would assure a
loan fund for well over one hundred years and may be longer.  It would
create a very long-term fund for the family members.

   Kimmi's lesson on the family investments from the trust was long and
detailed.  She also found that John had made sure she was well off even
without the trust.  The net worth she had right now was well over fifty
million.  That had been a shock to her.

   "I don't understand why John has made the investments he did for me?"

   The accountant knew well.  "He loves you and wanted to be sure you were
taken care of first.  The land, wind farm, market and other businesses here
are yours.  That is with the exception of the furniture factory.  It will
move one day into town and a bigger building.  You own the rights to
manufacture home electrical equipment for the car company and you will
license the technology to other companies.  That has a value of twenty
million right now, but could be worth a billion later."

   "How does it work?"

   "The car company gets $5 on every unit manufactured.  You can mark that
up to $15 or $25 dollars per unit.  It will be your choice and it will make
you the profits.  I would set up one manufacturing operation here and use
it to sell other companies on licensing the technology.  It can handle a
building up to five thousand square feet now with 200 amp service and that
will grow.  The costs of power is less that 10% of what the power company
charges.  So for many people it would pay for itself the first 24 months.
The bank said they would finance it for almost anyone that owns or is
buying a home.  It would add money in two years to the persons free
income."

   She could see the value in this.  "OK how do I get a plant started
here?"

   "You own the building now.  So hiring the engineer to run the plant
would be next.  I have three good people for that job you need to look at
resumes and talk to them."

   "I don't know enough about engineering to make sense to them."

   "Kimmi they would work for you and they know engineering.  What you need
to know is if you get along with them and if they respect you.  You can't
work with someone who does not respect the power you have.  That is
something you need to learn.  You have the power to make your manager very
well off or fire them for failure to get the job done.  The company belongs
to you and they work for you.  So their job depends on how well the two of
you can work together."

   She got the picture and knew this would be hard for both her and the
people she interviewed.  "OK set up a meeting tomorrow and I would like to
see each of them.  I will study their resumes tonight and talk with John.
But I am sure he will not help me do the interviews.  For some reason this
feels like a training exercise to me."

   The accountant laughed at her.  "It very much is dear.  John said to
explain the issue to you and give you the responsibility of putting the
factory together.  That was to include the people all except the accounting
department.  Those I will supply."

   "What about the legal side?"

   "He will be here tomorrow before your interviews.  That will be covered
for you then.  But so far I am impressed with your way of moving forward."

   "I just am not sure about how this happens yet.  But I will get a handle
on it by tomorrow."

   "I am sure you will Kimmi.  Now here is the plant layout suggested by
the company engineers.  You have one set of drawings for equipment and for
the product.  The engineers have included a list of parts for production
and a cost estimate."

   Now she had a few hundred pages of drawings and lists.  "I think I need
Timmy for some help with the drawings.  So this is going to be a busy night
for me."

   He knew this girl would handle this well.  "I have no worries about your
abilities Kimmi.  Your smart and know if you can work with someone.  Just
listen to your mind tomorrow and it will tell you a lot."

   That sounded like good advice and she would follow it.  It was her hope
to be able to make a decision on the manager quickly.  That person needed
to earn a stake in the company she knew.  When sales drops hurt your income
you looked for ways to keep them up.  But controlling costs was also a key.
You had to have a quality product, but you could not afford to give away
profits.  So the list of costs estimated would not go to the manager.  They
would get the list of parts needed and suppliers.  But would negotiate
their own deals.  If they over spent they would be gone.

   She sat for some time looking at the designs of the plant and understood
a lot more than she had expected.  Some time was spent looking at the
electrical production machine as well.  It really did look simple to her.
There was a fuel cell, batteries, DC electric motor, a tank for hydrogen
gas, one for water, the pill inserter to force the hydrogen from the water
and a small electric generator.  Everything was run by the fuel cell and DC
motor.  There would be no noise from the unit and it would be outside the
house.

   Looking at the layout she did not like it at all.  It was to big and
needed to be stacked more.  Dividing the oxygen and hydrogen gas was one
small filtering unit.  That was where the problem was she was sure.  But
she did not know why she was sure?

   John walked in and watched her for a time.  "I see your looking at the
electrical production unit."

   "Yes and I don't know why but the filter for oxygen and hydrogen
concerns me?"

   "That is what concerns us all dear.  It is far less than what we need to
do the job at its best.  But so far nothing better has come into play."

   "How many people are working on it?"

   "May be a hundred right now."

   "Are they all engineers?"

   "Yes they are."

   "Why not chemists or other types of scientists?"

   "I don't know dear, but I will ask and see if I can get an answer to
that."

   "It seems to me that nature already has a way to do this.  We need to
see how she does it and follow her lead."

   Damn that was insightful and he saw her idea.  "Hire the people you
would like to have at the plant and let them find the way.  Then you can
license it to the other companies."

   "I want to talk with Jack tonight after dinner and see what he thinks.
He thinks outside the box.  So I would fund a lab for him to test ideas."

   "That would be a good way to start I think.  He could use the Internet
to see all current methods of extracting hydrogen.  How plants do it and
then try some things he feels might work.  If we could do better then the
cars, trucks and ships drives would be better."

   "Now what do I need to be aware of when interviewing for a manager
tomorrow?"

   "Find someone good with people, who is smart and understands a profit
and loss sheet.  They must be a solid engineer, but they will be dealing
with people all the time."

   "I am not sure an engineer is what I need here.  So why should they be
an engineer?"

   "This is a highly technical product.  It is going to have a risk factor
as your storing hydrogen gas next to a home."

   "So what, I can hire ten engineers for what I will pay a very good
manager.  Not many engineers are good with people.  Just look at your car
company and you see why you're the CEO.  The one running R&D should have
been working harder on this issue and he is not.  They have something that
works so why do better?  I bet you can't find two engineers working on this
problem at R&D."

   John saw Kimmi was fired up and she was most likely right.  "What got
your dander up?"

   "The layout of this machine is so wrong.  It is way to big and no one
considered making it smaller.  There are problems due to the filter for
hydrogen and it is not being solved.  I would be funding research
everyplace and looking for answers."

   "OK I'll offer research grants to anyone who will assign the patents to
us for a one million cash bonus.  Every school will be notified and they
can send their research ideas to me for approval.  But give Jack a shot at
your problem as well."

   "Done and we will have an answer in short order.  That will increase the
power production from this unit.  But understand you have turned loose a
tiger and she bites."

   John laughed at her comment.  He had wanted to turn this tiger loose for
some time now.  "My dear I am truly impressed and glad to have you as part
of my team.  You can bite anyone you wish to and I'll defend you."

   "Unless one of the people tomorrow is very smart I will build the plant
myself.  I can use Jack and Timmy for back up brains.  As I said engineers
are cheap right now.  I think a good manager is going to be expensive."

   "I agree with your statement dear.  You do need a good manager for that
plant if you're going to sell other companies in licensing to build and
sell them."

   "Someone might consider how a power company would like to do that?  It
would soften the drop they are going to have.  They also could offer
emergency repair services and sell the capsules for power generation.  By
setting up a company they own, it would help them into the new world.  They
could sell, install and service the units or they could lease them."

   That was a great idea and one that would sell easy.  "Most power
companies have cash and could also finance them as well."

   "It would allow them to slowly remove some power lines and change the
direction of their industry.  But we have to get the power ability up for
it to work.  That means more hydrogen gas to work with and larger fuel
cells."

   "I am glad this is your problem to work with.  Here I am learning more
than I expected."

   "What do you mean by that?"

   "You my dear have fire in you and you don't like fools any better than I
do."

   "That comes from living with you John.  I guess I get pissed off like
you do?  But I will get answers as well."

   He could just smile at her comment.  "My dear that fire has always been
there and did not come from me.  I may have allowed you to turn it loose,
but you have always had it.  That was one of the things that drew me to
you. You were very angry with your mother and it showed big time.  I
watched you for a good hour before coming to talk with you.  Then you
almost did not talk with me."

   "I was not sure about you then.  My mind said you wanted my body and
that turned me off at first.  But slowly I saw the man below the surface
and fell head over heals in love.  I had never been treated like a grown
adult before and that made me love you more.  Never have you treated me
like a child and you always listen to me.  You allowed me to grow into the
woman I am today."

   "My dear your just a little older woman from what I saw then.  Because
you have always been a woman since I have known you.  Your childhood had
been taken from you sometime before we met."

   "That is true John as it went when mom decided to sell my body to men. I
lost the child with the first man.  There was nothing but pain and terror
in me.  Mothers comment was get used to it, as I was going to be doing it a
lot."

   That pain was one John still felt.  "For that pain I have always been
sorry Kimmi.  You deserved far better and did not get it."

   "Yes I did John with you and finding what love was.  You have taken the
pain away and given me love to replace it.  For that I thank you.  But you
have also given me a goal and a high one in life.  I live well, eat well
and have more money than I ever dreamed of.  We have a beautiful daughter
and are having a beautiful life.  No girl could ever have expected this to
happen.  But there are many a woman who would love to take you away from
me. Knowing they have no chance is a very good feeling."

   "Even the little eight year old had no chance when Kathleen was born.  I
told her no as well."

   "That I did not expect, but she told me about it and how much you had to
love me.  So it felt good to me as well."

   They had dinner that night and talked with Jack for some time.  He gave
them a list of what he knew he needed.  The lab would be set up tomorrow.
He was now home schooling at the wind farm.  So he could take a day or two
off and work on Kimmi's project.  He would at least get his base to start
from.

   John ordered the parts and capsules he would need for delivery in the
morning.  A set of drawings for each part ordered would also be brought. 
Jack wanted to focus on the filter unit, but needed to make gas as well. 
He wanted to check the output of the fuel cell for every change he made. 
Looking at the problem he was sure there was a better way to trap the
hydrogen.  Now the job was to find how that would work.

   With a computer hooked to the net and printer Jack started accumulating
information.  He printed each different method known to this point and
started files on each.  Then he started files on natural ways this happens.
After calling his old school and talking with the chemistry teacher he now
had a better understanding of how hard breaking the bonds were.

   Kimmi had studied much of the night and thought she knew each person she
would interview.  But after her third interview she was depressed.  There
was not one people person in the whole group.  Each had seen her as a child
and not taken her serious.  That had been a mistake for each of them.

   She called the accountant and let him know.  "I was very disappointed
with the three people I interviewed.  But never look at them for any job in
our family businesses or my companies.  So start a list of people not to be
considered for employment by us."

   That shocked him and he was a little angry.  "Who is approving this
action."

   "I am and if you wish to fight it then I will get another CPA.  You work
for me and will follow my directions."

   That jerked him back to earth.  "Your right I let my ego get the better
of me.  What was the problem with them?"

   "There was not one people person in the entire group.  The person that
who will run this plant would have to manage the many egos of their staff.
They have to be able to set goals and help people reach them.  Now the
people I saw have their own large egos and cannot see anyone else's.  They
showed no respect for me and treated me as a child.  Seeing as their pay
check would come from that was not a good move."

   He saw the problem and knew Kimmi was right.  "OK who do you wish to
handle it?"

   "I will build the plant and hire the staff I need.  There are still a
few problems with the unit to be worked out and those I am working on, as
is John.  The car company has stopped doing some research they should have
kept going on."

   "Your sure that is the case?"

   "A bet was made by me with John and I own it.  They said over 100
engineers were working on an improved method of collecting hydrogen.  When
John checked the lab there was one and he was only part time.  This is the
largest problem with the entire system and they don't see it."

   "What are you going to do?"

   "John is offering any school a research grant and a one million dollar
prize for the patents if they can find an answer.  I have a lab set up here
to test many ideas.  This is a problem we will get an answer too and fast."

   He could hear her drive and knew she would be a force in the world. 
"You seem to have taken the problem as your own?"

   "It is mine as that is what limits the ability to generate more power.
What we get now may be enough for a car or truck, but it will limit power
production or ships drives.  The current size of the system is to big and
needs a redesign to work for most homes.  Releasing oxygen and storing
hydrogen means we must have a below ground place for these units.  One
explosion would stop the product dead in the water and raise insurance
rates for the homes.  So a concrete vault needs to be the holding space for
the unit.  My best guess right now is it ill take 3 years before the unit
is paid for."

   Everything she said was accurate and on target.  "Your seeing things I
did not see.  But everything you said is right.  We are installing a bomb
beside a house when this is put in.  So we must be careful and find a safe
way to do this."

   "That is the easy part the real problem is getting enough power for
these to run a small business or many to run a large one.  Then to protect
it so no one is at risk of being killed.  This is not going to be an easy
project as many thought it would.  I damn well would not put one next to my
home."

   Kimmi was far more than he had ever guessed.  "How do you think you will
pick up dealers with the new requirements?"

   "I intend to go to the power companies and offer them the franchise. 
They have the staff and service people now.  Here is a way to start a plant
to build the units and sell and install them.  Then they can service them.
It fits their business now and they are ready to do the hard work."

   It was hard for him to understand where she had gotten these ideas.  But
she was right the power companies would be the best bet.  "You have me sold
Kimmi.  When would you like to take with some of them?"

   "Not until we have a plant ready and the current problem solved.  Now
check the list of job openings and find a way to get me people."

   She hung up and sat back to think about the conversation she had. 
During this time Timmy had come in and sat down.  "Well sister you gave him
a hard time."

   "That I guess I did, but he deserved it.  The man works for me and he
was not doing his job."

   "I can't argue that Kimmi, but he is still learning about you.  You're
an adult in most ways and that he has not see yet."

   "I need your help Timmy.  Please work with Jack on the problem John and
I gave him.  Get him help from the university or the high school as he
needs it.  We need to think way outside the box on this one.  The car
company engineers have given up on this problem.  But for power generation
it must be solved."

   "That is a done deal Kimmi.  Jack will have what ever he needs.  But
I'll bet he finds you an answer to your problem.  I thought I would make a
good engineer and now I am not so sure.  Jack has more brains, knowledge
and understanding of problem solving than I do.  He has answered question
that bugged me for weeks in just a few minutes time.  He reminds me of the
old inventors of the past."

   "Well I am going to have a plant to run this summer.  If you would like
to have the job let me know.  I'd give you 10% of the company and a full
R&D lab for improving the product.  That plus $40,000 a year might make it
interesting for you?"

   That was very tempting, as he would finish school this year.  "I may
take you up on that.  Penny and I would like to marry this year if the law
gets changed."

   "John assured me that would happen.  He has the governor's promise that
it will happen.  Understand that the 10% would make you very rich Timmy. 
We will have to pay the company $5 per unit built.  But we are free to add
our charge to that as well.  We have worldwide rights to license the
electrical power generating units.  In developed countries we will require
$50 per unit and in undeveloped one $25.  We will pay the corporation their
$5 and make a very good profit.  That does not include the units we build
and sell ourselves or our R&D returns for improvements."

   The numbers were staggering and he was shocked at her offer.  "Are you
serious about that offer?"

   "Yes I am and you may take sometime to think about it.  I think you and
Penny need to discuss it and see what she thinks?  But you could still go
to school at night if you wanted.  It would take longer to get your degree,
but you would be making millions while doing it."

   Timmy was now really excited, as he had not considered this way of
moving forward.  "We will talk tonight and I will give you and answer
quickly.  This for Penny and I is an answer we needed.  Also I like the
idea of working for you Kimmi."

   John had heard the talk and was pleased with Kimmi's direction.  Timmy
would make an outstanding manager for this business.  He could be trusted
to handle the overseas business and contracts.  That was a key for John, as
Kimmi with Kathleen could not do that right now.  There would be lots of
interest in the EU with the Russian gas problems.  The economic problems
had hit every place and Russia was no different.

   Now John could let this problem sit in Kimmi, Jack and Timmy's hands and
that felt good to him.  The three were a core group for him and they were
trusted beyond many.

   The next few days went smoothly for John.  He met with the accountant
and had a discussion about Kimmi that seemed to turn on a light for the
man. But John made it clear that she was in total control of the money and
he would take no part in managing it.  That if it was a choice of her
decision or the CPA's job her decision would stand.  So the CPA had better
listen to her and follow her orders.

   That discussion made the man understand his position and he was not
dumb. So Kimmi got exactly what she wanted from him.  Over time he would
learn just how smart this girl was.  She seemed to make money with anything
she did.  That really impressed him and he watched how she did it.  The
thing he did see was she saw things others did not.





















   Chapter 10

   The last of spring was coming to the land.  Kimmi had her plant close to
ready to hire workers now.  The cost for the new power generating system
was down by over $100 from the engineer's projections.  Jack had made a
vast improvement in the collecting of hydrogen and was still working on the
problem.  He felt he was close to a complete solution and was driven.

   Timmy had turned over the entire R&D lab to him and hired people he
wanted.  But there was a lot of respect for him by all who worked there. 
He always seemed to have answers and a new direction to look.  This drove
the rest of the lab and they did find new ways of improving the product.

   The power companies had been receptive to the presentation Kimmi had
made to them.  Her entire plant was now being run on power generating
system.  It took twenty units to do this at the present time.  But the
plant ran without needing power from the power companies and that worried
them.  It was either join forces or one day be out of business.

   She had a ten year plan for the wind farm and by then she felt it would
no longer make money.  There would be little power purchased by power
companies.  So she had set up an industrial park on the lower land the she
owned.  It was five hundred acres and would be supplied power from the wind
farm in the future.  The land would be leased for either 49 or 99 year
periods.  The buildings would return to her once the lease was up.  She
started to move some of her own companies on the land and into new
buildings.  The furniture plant was also moved down here.

   Now she had the start of an industrial park.  There was much interest as
she offered very low power rates, but these were for the lease period's
duration.  The power costs increased each year by just 3% and the land
lease was just $5,000 a year per acre.  That was better than what the land
could produce in food crops.

   The industrial park would be fully occupied in just two years time.  Now
the clinic was a key spot for doc to work.  John expanded the clinic and
added a twenty bed hospital to it.  They had all the major pieces of
equipment any hospital had as well.  Here minor surgery could be done or a
delivery of a child.  They had one pediatrician, one surgeon, one OBGYN, a
radiologist, one lab director and doc.  But that was all they needed here.
Any major problem was transferred to the larger hospital in town.

   A company in the industrial park could set up with the clinic for
families to use the facilities.  They paid a standard monthly fee for
doctor services and medicines.  The cost was low compared to normal
insurance costs.  Of course they were only covered here or at the hospital
in town if it was needed.  That agreement was worked out by Kimmi.  But it
did give people medical attention and drugs at zero cost to them.

   The power and medical clinic brought many companies to the park.  It
lowered their costs and gave the people a reason to look at the park for
employment.  There were thirty or forty people applying each day for jobs.
So the park set up a standard application on the net for people to fill out
and e-mail to companies.

   The first five power companies signed their contracts and that started
the ball rolling.  Timmy was so busy trying to get new plant drawings out
he missed his graduation.  But many power companies now wanted the new
technology and he was pushed to his limits.

   They had over two hundred companies now reviewing contracts.  This
business was going to be huge.  He had as agreed been given 10% of the
stock and the $40,000 a year salary from day one.  His personal income from
the trust started when he went to work for Kimmi as well.  So he had lots
of money in his bank account.

   He bought the farm next door to the compound and was ready to have a
house built for Penny and him.  It was just two hundred and five acres. 
But it was a start.  He and Penny wanted a log cabin type home and that is
what they purchased to be erected.  Kimmi had a power line run to his home
site, as the wind farm would supply his power.  He bought beef cattle and
would run them on the land.  Kimmi had agreed to buy his beef for the
market.  It seemed everything he did made money fast.

   But he was still buried under the mass of new contracts.  Then jack came
into his office.  "Well I finally have the new method of collecting the
hydrogen.  We get almost 99% of the gas and have a clean oxygen by product.
It really ended up be a simple problem.  But most major ones are.  Now the
new equipment will need twice the space of the existing unit.  Does that
cause a problem with production?"

   "No we left a space three times as large as what was felt would be
needed.  But what happened with the cost of the unit?"

   "It went down by 23% in fact.  But you time to manufacture went up by
7%. That has already been taken out of the cost I gave you."

   "Jack would you consider staying on as R&D manager?  I need someone I
can depend on and we still have many problems to solve.  In discussion with
Kimmi she said to offer you 5% of the company stock and $30,000 a year if
you took the job.  That in ten years would make you very wealthy and your
trust fund would start paying off now.  She also said you could do you home
school work here."

   There was not much left for Jack to do at the wind farm.  So this was a
good chance to move into the workforce.  "I would love to go that Timmy and
like working for you.  But how will the people feel about my taking the
job? I am not sure they are willing to work for a teenager for the long
term?"

   "I talked with your key three people and they like the idea.  All said
they would help you with your studies where needed.  I am going to be
traveling for a time overseas and need you to handle my job while that
happens.  You read financial reports as well as I do.  We have contracts
with several small cooperatives to supply them the needed units.  Our
payments to the corporation must be in time and accurate.  We could loose
the entire franchise if we get caught cheating them."

   Jack knew the payments the company would receive from the corporation
for the new collector would cover a lot of unit's fees.  "I accept and look
forward to the challenge."

   "Kimmi started your salary from the day you started and your stock as
well.  A deposit of sixty two thousand has been made to your account from
the company.  One of one hundred and thirty six thousand has been made from
the trust.  So my friend your starting to get very rich."

   "I have three more years until Annie and I can marry.  It would be nice
to buy land close to you and hire a couple to drive me and handle the
house. Living back on the wind farm I am getting used to hearing those
turbines blades all the time.  Quote would be very nice now."

   Timmy had to laugh as he had wondered about that.  "Lets go to the bank
and talk with the President.  He has a piece of land I think will fit your
needs at the right price."

   The deal was done for Jack quickly and he had a home to offer his
employees.  He would build one for him and Annie.  They had grown very
close and spent all their free time together now.  Matter of fact they had
been sleeping together for months now.

   Jack had Timmy stop at a small labor office and went in and filled out
his two open jobs.  He required that the people came from this area and
that they could supply references.  The salary was very nice ad the home
was part of the deal.  The wind farm would supply the power for both the
old house and his new one.  He just had to run a mile of wire to the two
sites.

   That afternoon he had the loggers cut an open space to where his
property joined the complex.  They installed poles and would over the
weekend run his wire.  He was drawing three phase, as he wanted a shop area
for his enjoyment.  A good welder took three phase power.  So the controls
for the rest of the houses would come from the shop.

   With 150 acres of land he would run sheep and sell to the market.  That
way he got wool in spring and meat as well.  The land did not have a lot of
woods, but where it did he wanted his house.  Kimmi was pleased with jack's
decision and would do all she could to help him.

   "Jack if you need money to build the house and shop you want, let me
know and I will loan it to you."

   "I paid for the land and bought the wire to run the power to my site. 
There is enough to remodel the house there now.  But the shop and new home
will have to be financed."

   "Do you know what you will need?"

   "No as Annie must have some input into to the house.  I have an idea
from our discussion, but she needs to confirm I got it right." That he said
with a chuckle.

   "You're a smart man for as young as you are.  I assume the two of you
will be moving there and living together?"

   "If she still wants me we will.  I did call John and asked for two cars
for us as well.  I will have a driver, but she can drive her own."

   "I am moving the plant to the industrial center next month.  So really
you could ride a horse.  The building and equipment at the old plant is
being taken over by a power company and they will keep producing the power
equipment there.  I assume we made a profit on that sale?"

   "Yes about two million dollars.  I have licensed the new designs you
developed and you will get 25% of the license fees and payments."

   "Hey Kimmi I was working for you not for the money."

   "Well John has a check for you for 1 million dollars as the fee agreed
to with universities and colleges for the development.  He has agreed to
pay us $2 per vehicle on cars and pick-ups and $4 on trucks for each unit
produced.  The drive people for the ships will pay us $50,000 per ships
drive for our technology.  They could not modify ships without your
device."

   This blew Jack away.  You mean I get 1 million for what I did and
royalties as well?"

   "Jack you just with that one device made the whole system work as it
should.  Where carbon dioxide was the gas to watch, we are now going to
have to watch oxygen.  Your using 99% of the hydrogen is going to release a
lot of oxygen.  It may create more rainfall and may be floods?  We just
don't know yet.  But for a time the air will be better to breath."

   "But with the million I really don't need to take out a loan."

   "I would still suggest it as a tax haven.  The government will take
about four hundred thousand in taxes of that million.  We have deducted
your taxes from your pay and trust fund payment.  I want your shop to be
well equipped and to let you do things others can't.  So buy whatever hits
your fancy."

   He knew he would need thirty thousand square feet for what he wanted. 
He would have every known welding method and way to form it.  A machine
shop, water and laser cutting system would handle the metal.  He was sure
he could keep two to three people busy making things he designed.  Jack was
an inventor and he knew this.  It was what he wanted to do with most of his
life and the new job allowed for that training.

   John got home and met with Jack and showed him a deposit slip for
$621,752 into his account.  "Young man your work was impressive to
everyone. Many asked who the engineer was and when told it had been a
thirteen year old boy were shocked.  The President of R&D wanted to hire
you.  He was told of the money you make and job you now have.  That made it
clear he could not steal your ideas.  But you will have any problem areas
to solve for the car and truck companies on contract."

   "Thank you sir as I just did what Kimmi told me she needed.  Then she
was most generous to me as well."

   "She told me you want a R&D shop behind your house.  The foundation will
pay for that for you Jack.  It is your business and one that fits your
abilities.  You will need to hire people to help you solve problems and
build prototypes.  Your first contract is for White and they wish to reduce
the weight of their trucks by 50% and not hurt the strength.  They will pay
you $250,000 for operations and 3 million if you get a good result for
them. They will crash test several units to assure driver safety."

   That was a lot of money and he liked the contract.  "I like that and
accept the challenge.  But I have no shop yet to start the work."

   "Your shop will start being built tomorrow.  They will deliver you a
fully assembled truck and a complete set of parts in thirty days to the
shop.  You will have a complete set of prints and weights on every part. 
The main weight is in the steel and tires.  They will let you hire one
welder and one engineer from their staff.  The rest you will need to find
on your own."

   "What about the house to be built there?"

   "Be at the shop site tomorrow and tell the contractor where the house
will go.  If you have plans give them to him and he will get ready to build
it after the shop.  Do you know what type construction you want?"

   "Yes cast in place concrete with a brick outside.  The walls inside will
be 2 x 2's with wallboard.  I want foam behind each opening for insulation
as well.  I want a swimming pool behind the house attached but enclosed for
use all year.  There needs to be a steam room and hot tub installed as
well."

   "That seems to be a sound plan.  Get with the contractor tomorrow and
give him a layout.  How many stories high?"

   "I think three should do it.  It needs to be big enough for a family and
for an office for me.  I wake at night and want to work.  But it also needs
a basement for food storage as well.  We never know if this economic
problem will happen again."

   "Your computer system will be hooked to my servers to give you speed and
access to data.  I also will route your road through this compound to stop
access directly.  Now I have three youngsters coming from Japan to spend
time here.  The young man is very bright and a good machinist.  Would you
like to have him for a time?"

   "Yes I am sure we would have much in common.  My lathes, mills and
machining centers will all be Japanese.  Off course all will be CNC.  But
he will know the system and most likely have run the same machine before.
Kimmi told me to treat them as family so I will.  He should stay at the
house with me as soon as it is done.  Now I have 150 sheep being delivered
and need to get to the farm."

   John had to laugh as Jack headed out.  He had his crew working around
Jack's land placing sensors and cameras.  They would make it impossible to
get to the property from the roads or land beside him.  The guard force had
gone to twelve people and they tracked any intrusions.  One person
monitored the sensors and cameras and others responded to alerts.  There
were three four person teams of ex military Special Forces people.  God
help anyone who attacked this compound.  But Timmy and Jack's land was part
of the compound now.  John had bought many farms and let them sit waiting
the needs of family.

   Jack sat down with Annie and explained what had happened that day.  She
was thrilled with Jack's success.  "Well husband to be what do you want to
do?"

   "Build the house we have talked about.  It will have a basement and
three floors.  The top floor for now will be an office for me and a study
for you.  But you layout the plan you like and I'll see it gets built. 
There will be an enclosed pool at the back with steam room and hot tub."

   She liked the whole idea and started doing a layout.  "How big do I make
the house?"

   "How big do you want it?"

   "I'm not sure Jack."

   "Well make it bigger than most homes.  Put four suites of bedroom on the
second floor.  Each should be with their own bath.  Use electric heat for
the house as power costs us nothing.  But I would like a few fire places
like in the living room and our bedroom."

   She now had direction and was having fun.  This was not something she
ever expected to be able to do.  Of course she knew Jack would make good
money, but he was far beyond just good now.  Her new education would let
her do things she wanted to do.  But she truly loved Jack and would do
anything he wanted.  She saw Jack as a younger John.  The two were so much
alike.

   Jack after his work was done for the day sat and looked over the layout
Annie had done.  The house not including the basement would be 9,000 square
feet.  That was fine with him and he liked her layout.  She did put an
elevator in so all floors could be reached by it.  It was enclosed and
sound proofed to assure it bothered no one.  The kitchen was large and most
of the time they would eat there.  But there also was a dinning room for
special events.  Jack had a library on the first floor and a large game and
TV room for play.  But the living room was very large and he could see it
decorated at Christmas.  He knew they would have many parties in the house
for children from around the area.

   He set the ceiling height at 14' and put fans in to move the air.  That
would allow for a large Christmas tree.  Their bath he set up for a garden
tub with heater, water jets and a shower big enough for both of them.  It
would be a very nice house.

   "Dear we will have one guest from day one.  The young man from Japan
will be working for me this summer and he will be at the house."

   "I don't see any problem with that dear.  From what I understand he is
family."

   "True, but I needed to tell you about what John asked of me."

   "I see you are looking for a couple to handle the house and driving for
us?"

   "Not for us you will have your own car, but I still need a driver. 
Because I will be bouncing back and forth between the plant and my shop it
may get a little hectic?"

   "Darling anyplace your working is a controlled nervous breakdown.  But
people handle it well so don't worry."

   That did bring laughter and enjoyment to Jack.  "Damn I love you woman.
It is a good thing I don't put you into a panic, with the many directions I
go."

   "That will never happen my man.  I love sitting back and watching you.
Your mind is always running and often not where your at."

   He took the layouts and set them up for the contractor.  He detailed the
windows and doors for the building as well.  He added a covered walkway to
his shop, a large safe in the basement and a large garage for vehicles.  He
figured he had just spent half a million.  But that meant little to him. 
The shop John was building cost far more money.

   He was now ready for tomorrow and the contractor.

   "Jack I have two people I think would make a good couple for us.  They
have two children I love dearly.  But they are renting and not doing well
at farming."

   "Well they will be running your house dear so make a decision and let me
know."

   That was one thing she also loved about Jack.  He trusted her
completely. "They are good people Jack and would never take ten cents that
was not theirs.  But what are you willing to pay?"

   "They get the old house after remodeling, the electric for it and each
would get a $1,000 a month.  But it is a six-day workweek for them.  So I
they are interested and your happy then handle it.  We will have 150 sheep
that will need to be fed from time to time.  Kimmi will buy sheep from us
for the market."

   "I will talk with them tomorrow, but how soon could they move into the
old house?"

   "May be two weeks time if I push.  But it needs electric heat, carpets,
kitchen and bath flooring, new tub and shower fixtures, walls painted, and
new windows.  The outside needs painted as well.  That is going to cost
another $5,000 plus."

   "What if I get them to do the repairs and painting?"

   "I would pay them the contractors fee of $3,000 and buy the parts and
materials."

   She went to the phone and talked for some time.  Finally she came back
and sat down.  "They will take both jobs Jack.  Jason is a very good
carpenter and Mona is willing to paint and do the floors.  They will both
come meet you tomorrow and workout the final deal."

   He would be at the new shop at 8 AM and he told her.  If not there he
would be at the plant the rest of the day.  They headed to bed with the
blades keeping them company.  Both would be glad for peace and quite.

   The next day Jack met Jason and Mona at the new shop.  He took them down
to the house and showed them all the problems he had seen.  They discussed
how long it would take to make repairs and Jack was surprised.  If needed
tubs, tile and carpets could be delivered they could be done in 10 days. 
The outside paint could be done once they were in the house.  Jason would
start driving Jack in one week's time.  Then work between times he was
needed.  But they told him of the banks decision to evict them.

   "That will not happen." He called the manager and advised him to stop
any action against the two and that was accepted at once.  The manager was
told in two weeks the house would be ready for the bank to move on with it.


   "Why did the bank do that for you?"

   "I have a lot of money in that bank.  But John is the President and he
would fire anyone who argued with me over this."

   Both were impressed now they had no idea of Annie and Jack's
relationship.  "How does Annie fit in?" The woman asked him.

   "She will as soon as I reach sixteen become my wife.  We will be living
in the new big house together until then.  So you will work mostly for her
Mona."

   That suited her very well.  "The girls will love this.  They see Annie
as their big sister."

   "Then they will love the enclosed pool I am building on the back of the
house.  My job does not allow for much physical activity, so I need a way
to get it.  The pool will be that way for me.  A steam room and hot tub
will also be there.  Your free to use them any time your off work."

   This was even better than Annie had said it would be.  "I thank you for
your kindness Jack."

   "Look once your working for me your family.  I have no family of my own
except for what John has given me.  So I kind of adopt people who work for
me or with me.  Now here is a check for $3,000 and my credit card for
material purchases.  Please take the new pick-up and start getting what you
will need.  If it is too big for the pick-up have it delivered today and I
mean today.  If you tell them who it is for they will do as you ask."

   "Where do you want me to get all of this?"

   "Home depot will be fine.  Buy only the very best and I mean nothing
cheap.  Price is not the object here quality is.  Make sure the tub for the
bathroom is a spa tub.  The girls will love it.  But get the best carpet
and pad you can buy, as it will last longer.  Then have their people
install it for you.  I think you may want to paint before the carpet comes.
Now next week the only way in will be through the compound.  We will have
the security service covering this land as well as Timmy and John's."

   "What about school buses?"

   "The compound has its own bus and will pick the girls up each morning
and bring them home.  It has just family on the bus, so they will be very
safe."

   This was really far better than they had expected.  Jack had given them
a check for the full amount before they even started.  "How do we contact
you if we need you?"

   Jack pulled out two phones and handed one to each of them.  "We have a
cell tower on top of the mountain and if you can see the mountain you can
call anyone.  That tower only handles family phones so it is never busy. 
My number and Annie's are in your phone book.  So if you have any problems
call one of us." They left to get the pick-up and start their new jobs.

   The contractor came forward and shook Jack's hand.  "I understand you
have more work for me."

   Jack took his layouts and note out of his pocket.  Here is the house I
want built.  It is caste in place concrete with brick on the outside.  I
want steel beams between floors and good slab thickness.  It had an
elevator and that must not be heard moving up or down.  The rest of the
specifications are on the list."

   The man looked over the layout and then the specifications.  "John told
me to treat you right and I would get more work.  So I will take $50,000
for labor and profit and you buy materials.  It will take around sixty days
to build this.  That is due to the concrete needing seven days per floor to
cure.  I like the roof being concrete and using a slope to handle run off.
We can start finishing the first floor after the second is poured.  I
assume you want electrical cast into the walls?"

   "Yes as well as fiber optic cable for computers.  That needs to exist on
every floor and every wall.  The safe in the basement needs to be heavy
steel reinforced walls with a bank type door.  I will be doing secret work
here for companies and will store plans.  So it needs to be walk in size. I
also need one in this new shop for plans being used at the time."

   "John did not say anything about a safe in the shop."

   "Call and ask him if you have the courage."

   The man just decided the best bet was to do as he was told.  "That is
not needed."

   "I want three phase electrical drops all over the place for equipment.
The power will be her tomorrow and it is three phase.  Both houses are to
get power from the shop to handle them.  But just take off single phase for
them."

   "We will start digging the basement and pool tomorrow."

   "Be sure there are no water leaks in the basement or out of the pool. 
If needed cast the walls and floor together.  But steel reinforce the walls
and floors.  Be sure the top of the pool has a key for the walkway around
the pool to connect into it."

   This man knew concrete construction well.  "I will do as you requested
Jack."

   Jack headed off to the plant on an ATV.  It was a nice day to be buzzing
through the woods.  The road crew were cutting his drive way and getting
the stumps out.  He watched for a short time and moved on to the plant.

   "Jack I see your busy with many construction projects." Timmy laughed at
him.

   "Well my house did not come in a kit.  But I think it is all under
control now.  You do know John is building me a shop behind the house as my
business?"

   "Yep he told me and about the White contract.  That sounds like fun for
you."

   "I will have four or five working there when I am here.  It may require
me to run home from time to time.  But it will not stop things here at all.
I am getting better at assigning work and letting people do it."

   "Yes you are and I am impressed.  One of your engineers told me he loves
working for you.  You assign a task and make suggestions and back off.  He
has learned more about engineering working for you than he did in school."

   "Sandy is such a bull shitter.  He is smart but does not trust his
instincts.  I have had to push him to do something off the wall.  Now I
have a check for $10,000 for each of my people in R&D.  I own the prize
from the corporation for the new collector.  So they will get some of it."

   That meant he was giving $50,000 away to his people.  "I am sure they
will appreciate it, but I am not sure they deserve it."

   "Look each one had a small piece of the answer I used.  Had I not gotten
those pieces we would not have solved the problem.  Yes I put it all
together, but they did supply pieces I needed.  That has value Timmy."

   That Tim could now see.  "OK your right Jack.  I did not know each had
added to the knowledge you needed.  So sharing is fair under those terms.
But I know they do not expect it."

   "Our next problem will be solved with less time by my doing this.  Just
know that Kimmi has given me 25% of the license fees and monthly payments
to the corporation as well.  I come out very well on this."

   He walked in with Tim following.  "Lady and gentlemen and I use that
term lightly.  I have something for each of you." They came closer and Jack
handed out a check to each person.

   "Damn boss did you win the lottery?"

   "In a way I did as the corporation had a prize for solving the problem.
Each of you added something I needed to know to make the system work.  I am
sure you may not remember what you gave me, but I do.  It was in being able
to put all the pieces together that the problem was solved.  So I wanted to
share part of the money with you.  My accountant has supplied documentation
that I paid the taxes on that money, so you don't have to.  Just have State
bank cash the checks and it will not be reported as income.  Then you can
make deposits of less than $10,000 which is reported."

   There was applause from the group as they looked at Jack.  "I have never
worked for anyone who ever gave me a dime I did not earn.  At no time have
I gotten a bonus from an employer.  So Jack you have set a new mark of
quality for people to reach for.  It is truly a pleasure working for you."
That was from the oldest man working for Jack.  He was in his forties and
had been around.

   All made these type comments.  Tim got the idea of what this did for the
people.  Here Jack was the man they would follow anyplace.  He knew Jack
knew exactly what he was doing as well.  "Well Jack at least does share
with his people."

   "The woman I the group was very pleased with Jack.  "You know this is my
new pick-up Jack.  I have the rest of the money and now I can buy one.  But
I want the new collector on my truck."

   "They are being installed on every vehicle made and any sold to this
time.  So every one of the electric vehicles will have it.  The people in
Japan were so pleased, they are offering each of you a discount of 50% on
any vehicle they make." Here he handed out letters to each person with a
bank agreement to finance the balance.

   "I guess I can afford two vehicles now?"

   "Well it gets better for you.  White has offered each of you a payment
of $5,000 on any car made by any electric vehicle company." He handed out
these letters and they were shocked.

   "Now the last item is any balance needed will be paid by the corporation
for any electric vehicle.  So you all get a free car from a Japanese
company.  They will be in the show rooms next month."

   Now everyone was excited about this.  "Jack I am not sure how you did
this, but we all thank you." That was his oldest engineer.

   "Well I had John make some calls.  He hit the corporation last for the
balance, as without your work the ships drives would not have happened. 
Now they will make millions a year from rebuilding ships to electrical
drives.  This little item has changed many people's lives.  Our fishing
boats can now go back out and fish for food.  That is true in many
countries now as well.  We will have trucks to haul those fish to where the
food is needed.  Some imports are now possible and metal ores can be
shipped to processing plants.  This puts a lot of people back to work."

   "Who would have thought that one small discovery would solve so many
problems?"

   Tim knew well Jack had known.  "Just to answer that Jack did.  We are
the third largest owner of the corporations stock.  Dad is the CEO of the
corporation.  So jack and I knew just how critical this was to the world.
It was why Jack took the project.  Yes it solved our problems here for
power output, but it also made the world better able to support trade."

   The scope of this now hit home to all of them.  "Damn who would have
thought something like that would have so much impact?"

   "Look at Kimmi as she decided to cut the power companies into selling,
installing and servicing these new generators.  Now their stock is worth a
lot of money and before it was almost a zero value.  That helped many
retirement funds, state retirement funds and investors.  They will finance
the units for any homeowner.  It will allow them to close down power plants
that cost them large amounts of money.  They no longer have to buy fossil
fuels for power in homes with the new system."

   "But your wind farm will no longer be needed."

   "The industrial park runs on the wind power that was once sold to the
power companies.  It will be needed for the next 50-100 years.  That is how
long the leases run.  Kimmi has at least one unit down for rebuilding every
three months.  But she saw the change coming and made the most of it.  That
is why you're here working now and not at the old plant."

   "But we only manufacture for co-ops."

   "Yes but they cannot afford to build a plant and the big power companies
won't sell their production to them.  So we have a built in market for our
plant.  As we develop new models people will up grade and the business will
continue.  We expect a twenty year life for our generators.  But even if
they last thirty we will never be out of work."

   Now they could see a very long-term future.  "That is nice to see.  I
had no idea how long we could last."

   "Well because we are the controlling company, we get requests from
industry all over the world.  The agreements do not allow other to export
their production.  That is not the case for us." Jack knew they did not
know this.

   "You mean we can export?"

   "We do export and a lot to poor countries.  We own three electric cargo
ships.  These handle cargo for many things including cars and trucks.  But
we ship units all over the world.  A ship is in Norfolk every month to pick
up cargo.  Those ships were nuclear powered and now will be converted to
our new system with ten more ships of ours."

   "This company is really big business I see."

   "Yes this company will make around half a billion this year." Tim wanted
that to get out.

   That sat them back a bunch.  It was time for Tim to leave and Jack to
get busy.  "OK people we have a new project to handle.  The fuel cell is
still to inefficient and we need to step it up."

   He had broken the work down to several steps.  They had thirty different
cells to work with from different universities.  Each had to be tested and
then the design looked at.  They were getting three a week now and this
would be a long-term project.  So far most did not perform as well as the
one they had now.  But they would keep looking for better ideas.

   Now with the work set to flow, as he wanted the next step were his
investments.  He called the banker and found that there was more land right
next to his current property.  It had just come on the market and had been
lost by the family that owned it for years.  The land was over 590 acres
and most was timberland.  They had an asking price of $500,000 for the land
and no one was interested.

   "Look make them an offer of $250,000 cash and see what they say.  If
they agree I want it closed fast."

   The manager of the bank agreed to step in and make the offer.  So Jack
sat back and waited.

   Later that morning the Home Depot called to check Jason using his card
for purchases.  "Look give the man what ever he wants and he always has the
use of my card.  He works for me and is doing work I have requested.  The
carpet and tile he and his wife picks is to be installed by professionals
from your store.  I want delivery fast and schedules set by him on time."

   "Yes sir it will be done as he directs." That ended one more issue.

   Then he got a cell phone call.  "Jack I have no idea what you said to
these people, but things have now gotten much easier so thank you."

   "They were told you would often be making purchases for me there.  That
you would be keeping a card for those.  They also have been instructed to
set up for professionals to install tile and carpet on your time schedule.
I want that house to be nice and one I would live in so do it right."

   "Yes sir I will and once more thank you.  I have been a little shocked
at some of the costs, but I understand quality and this will last a good
time.  Now Mona asked to check if she could paper some of the rooms?"

   "Of course she can.  Let her make that house a place you always wanted
to live in Jason.  Look I can afford to do this right, so your not costing
me a dime, as the house value grows with everything you do.  For me it is
an investment." That settled one more issue.  He knew this was all new to
Jason and Mona.  It was really new to him as well, but he was better
prepared as he had watched John for years.

   Finally he had time to walk the production floor and watch the people
work.  This was time he enjoyed each day.  Here is saw ways to improve
production rates and made suggestions to Tim.  Today he was watching the
subassembly of the new collector.  There was a lot of wasted movement and
people were still learning how this went together.  But he saw a lot of
lost time and more people than the job needed.

   He walked into Tim's office and sat down.  "Hey boss your loosing money
on the collector subassembly right now."

   Tim perked up fast.  "What did you see?"

   "More people then you needed, lots of confusion and people not knowing
what they were doing.  Other than that things were running well."

   Tim had to laugh, as Jack just did not get bent out of shape over
anything.  "OK what caused the problem?"

   "The assembly process has not been written and set up to train the
people.  You have the same jobs being done in two or more places and they
are not organized at all.  With two more people in the process than you
need it has caused confusion."

   "How do I solve that?"

   "Get your production manager to set up a step by step process of work.
Then train the people at each step of the process.  Find where one has more
time than needed and adjust work.  This happens on every change we make in
the process.  Production just tosses the job out there and does not
planning."

   Tim called the production manager in and went over Jack's report.  The
man knew Jack was right and had no defense.  "OK my people screwed up once
more."

   Jack was now upset with the man.  "Look your people screw up every time
a change is made.  Don't you think it is time to change that?"

   Now the guy was a little pissed off.  "What do you know about
manufacturing?"

   "I know your over paid for what your doing.  If you were really good at
your job there would always be a process procedure and people would be
trained before they were tossed into production.  Now if you can't do the
job then I would be willing to step in until a replacement can be found."

   That went through the man fast.  "Just who the hell do you think you
are?"

   Tim saw it coming and decided to let Jack handle it.  "I am a guy that
owns part of this company.  That is I hold my own stock as well as
royalties from every unit produced.  That new collector is my design and I
was not happy to see the casual way production was building it."

   That stopped the man and fast.  "You designed that collector?"

   "Yes and I am being paid by this company, the corporation and license
holders.  So I have a very vested interest as well as Tim or Kimmi.  The
three of us hold all the stock in this company."

   Now the man was truly scared.  "Look I had no idea who you were."

   "Who I am has nothing to do with your problem.  It should have been
solved before the parts went to the floor.  Production is to control the
floor and people should be trained to do their jobs.  They need a
step-by-step procedure to follow.  Then someone needs to stand there and
watch how the process flows and make small changes if required.  Those need
to be documented and the process updated.  At that point people need to be
trained to do the job efficiently to a high quality standard.  Now every
unit produced since the change over needs to be run through a QC test.  I
have no confidence in those units."

   Tim looked at his production manager and shook his head.  "I want every
unit produced since the change sent to QC and now.  You have until Friday
morning to correct deficiencies in your process control and to get a
process in place for every step of production.  If either Jack or I see
more problems in production, then I will have no choice but to replace you.
Now do you understand this?"

   "Yes sir I do.  Your wanting to run this like a billion dollar
corporation."

   Jack decided to punch a hole in the mans ego.  "It will do half a
billion this year and well over a billion next year.  So we are a billion a
year corporation.  Now the question is are you up to running that way?"

   That did shock the man.  "We don't run that many units here."

   "We do train all the people from other plants here.  This is where every
engineer comes for his training.  If we do the job poorly then we are
training others to do the same.  We must be the very best at what we do
here."

   "That says it all for me as well.  Jack will be handling my job while I
am out of the country.  So he could fire you if you don't make this plant
one to be proud of.  You will find that Jack is very quality conscious and
likes to see efficient operations.  He is the boy genius of our family and
is held in high regard by John, Kimmi and myself."

   "I am not sure where I need to start?"

   "One thing is the current production of the collector.  Until you have
that under control all units will require testing by QC.  Your people need
to start getting a procedure for every step of the assembly.  Then they
need to check the workloads they have assigned.  Having pictures of each
step would help new people learn faster.  But your building what could be a
bomb for a home owner.  It must be safe and not explode.  Would you want
one of the current units outside your bedroom?"

   The man stood and knew he was in deep trouble.  "I am not sure I can do
what your telling me, But I will try." Then he left the office.

   "He is way out of his depth and in big trouble Tim.  You really need
someone experienced in production control and not an engineer.  I am not
sure how he got this job, but he is not trained for it."

   "Our personnel manager was given a list of job openings and told to
promote people who had the right skills.  We left a lot of people at the
old plant for the power company."

   "I am not sure the personnel manage knew what a manufacturing plant
needed skills wise.  We may have a very big problem sitting in our hands?"

   Tim feared Jack was right after seeing how production control had
reacted.  "Well little brother what do we do now?"

   "Ask personnel for every persons files who was promoted and what job
they were assigned to.  Then you and I need to review every file and the
job they now have.  Where there is a question we will talk with that
person."

   Now the problem showed its head.  The files had people promoted to jobs
they had no experience for.  In some cases they had learned fast, but a few
were still having trouble.  Thank God the head of QC was an engineer who
had a QC background.

   She walked into Tim's office and saw Jack sitting there.  "Well Jack
what seems to be the problem?"

   "We have given you a major headache and I'm sorry.  It seems Tim had
personnel promote people who they felt were qualified for a better job when
we moved.  They promoted people sometimes without the qualifications to do
the job.  Now we are going to have to test every unit since my collector
has been in place.  I don't trust the assembly process as the production
manager has no clue what process control is?"

   "I kind of noticed that as our rejection rate is around 50%.  We have
two foremen who also are in the wrong jobs.  But the welding foreman is
very good."

   "I am sorry, but every unit will have to have the collector checked and
certified.  My best guess is some are missing parts and others are not
assembled correctly."

   She just shook her head.  "Well we have enough good units in the
warehouse to continue shipping for a couple of weeks.  But I saw this
coming and if you remember Tim I said we had a problem on the floor."

   "Yes you did and I did not understand how big it was."

   "Little problems I just solve and say nothing.  So if I say we have a
problem it will be a big one."

   "My guess is you need to have your people work the weekend to be able to
make headway.  That I can approve.  But we need to stop production and send
most people home today." Tim was not happy now.

   "I have several people in each department that can solve your problem on
current production.  We don't have the process document we did at the old
plant for people to follow.  With the changes we made here it would have to
be new as well.  But I have a good QC engineer who would make a great
production control manager.  He is young and very smart.  But that is your
call boss."

   Tim knew he was out of his depth here.  "No it is Jack's call as he is
now the operations manager as well as R&D.  He has full power to act on any
plant issue for me."

   "OK Miss Reject get the young man up here fast."

   She enjoyed working with jack and liked him a lot.  She called her
engineer and he was there in a couple of minute's time.  "Yes boss what do
you need?"

   "Guys this is Mr.  Smarty Pants as I have never found him wrong on
anything."

   "Good as he will need to be right for his new job.  Your going to take
over production control and write the process for every part and assembly
in the plant.  Quality is the top priority for you, as these are bombs
waiting for a mistake.  We will be efficient and yet produce a high quality
product.  Jobs will be leveled so each person is busy, but not overloaded.
I want classes run for training on any changes made in production.  They
must be trained before that goes into production.  I expect a zero
rejection rate and yet full expected production.  For getting production up
above expected with zero rejects there would be a bonus."

   That was very interesting to the young man.  "I have written the process
completely and have it at home.  It was a way for me to learn how this all
fit together.  In the book I even have pictures and have the new collector
in it.  But to assure training I would need every QC inspector to train
each assembly line for an hour.  That is just for subassemblies.  We have a
very good manager of the final assembly line."

   Miss Reject was smiling at Jack.  "See I told you he was good."

   "Well would you like a promotion?"

   "Yes I would very much like one."

   "What do you make now?"

   "I get $25,000 a year as assistant head of QC."

   "OK you get $32,500 as production manager.  But you have to solve this
fast as every day were down costs us a couple hundred thousand.  So what do
you want to do?"

   "After lunch we will go back to the lines and start training.  I will
run home and get the book and have copies made of it for each station of
production.  If QC will pull collectors I will provide them with
replacements to install.  Then they can test them and send them to the
warehouse.  It will be faster than running QC checks on each unit and then
making repairs."

   Jack looked at the QC manager.  "You see any problems with that?"

   "Nope I like that better.  By Monday we should be done completely and
back to normal production."

   "Fine then Tim call the old production manager here please."

   The man walked in and you could see he was a nervous wreck.  "There is
no way I can do this job.  I will have to quit."

   "What did you do before you took the job?"

   "I scheduled orders for companies to be shipped."

   "Has your old job been filled?"

   "Last I heard no."

   "Then you can have it back if you want it at your old salary."

   "I would be happy to go back to it."

   "Go see personnel and let them know what I said.  Then tell the manager
to come see me." Jack was not playing games now.

   The QC manager was watching Jack.  "Now I need to get the quality people
together and discuss this problem.  Miss Reject call your people to the
training room."

   Tim just followed Jack and learned as he went.  The room filled up and
in ten minutes they were ready to go.  "Now folks we have a problem and
will be working both Saturday and Sunday to solve it.  Notice I said WE.  I
will also be here for that time.  But today you will after lunch be
training each subassembly line, to properly assemble their product.  We
have tons of rejects for a bad collector.  Your ex assistant QC manager is
now production manager to fix that issue."

   There was applause from the group.

   "Now he has process control documents that are up to date and will be
passing them out.  But you need to see if anyone is overloaded or under
utilized.  These need to be brought to his attention.  If you see a way to
do it faster or better bring that to his attention as well."

   "Why all the fuss?"

   "Look these if poorly constructed are a bomb sitting beside a home.  If
done right there is no problem.  So understand you're the difference
between a bomb and a dud.  Now how important is your job to the people
buying one of these units?"

   That grabbed the attention quickly.  "Your serious sir."

   "Look there is a tank of hydrogen gas in each operating unit.  That gas
is explosive and that makes it a bomb.  It can be safe as it is inside a
concrete box below ground.  But if it leaks and fills the box with gas it
could explode and wipe out a house.  That unit is only a dud if we do our
jobs right and it is a bomb if we fail to do them right.  So every time you
approve a unit your saying the person buying it is safe."

   The QC manager stood and looked over her people.  "Listen to Jack well
people.  He owns a part of this company and is the one who developed the
new collector.  He may be young, but he is a genius and most likely the
smartest man you will ever know."

   "Aren't we asking people to take a risk putting one of these beside
their homes?"

   "Not if you do your jobs.  The unit is safe if it is built right.  It is
only a danger if we build it wrong.  Now we designed it and know what
building it right requires.  Our problem came from putting a round peg in a
square hole.  That will never happen again.  I will interview and approve
every promotion here from now on."

   The manager of employment came into the room and Jack went to meet him.
"Hi I asked you to come to advise that all changes in employment will now
be reviewed by me.  This is now policy ad there will be no options to
this."

   "Just who do you think you are?"

   "Well I own 5% of this company and am the new operations manager.  So
you work for me now.  If you don't like what I am telling you please call
Kimmi my mother and ask her if Tim and I can decide the companies operating
procedures."

   That sat him back on his horse.  "Your family then?"

   "I am one of the three stockholders of this company.  I hold patents
that allow you to operate and am paid for them monthly.  I run R&D and am
operations manager for the company.  Now if you have a problem lets hear
it?"

   "Your to young to be running anything here."

   Jack smiled at him.  He pulled his phone out and called John.  "Hey dad
I was just told by the employment manager I am too young to run any
department at this company.  How do you think I should handle that?"

   Jack handed the man the phone.  His face turned red and then he stopped
breathing.  "Yes sir I understand and am sorry I caused him trouble."

   The phone was handed back to Jack.  "I apologize and mean that.  My God
you have made the corporation billions of dollars.  I had no idea you made
a million for the new collector and will get many more millions in license
fees.  Kimmi was with John and said she would be happy to take my
resignation if I wished to fight you.  So you're my boss and I will follow
your direction."

   "That does make things easier for both of us.  Now your decision to
place an unqualified man in the production manager's job has cost us a few
hundred thousand dollars.  We have to go back and make repairs the Saturday
and Sunday so you will be here working with QC and me.  That is not an
option it is fact.  Please take a seat and listen to the rest of this QC
meeting."

   "OK troops we have assignments for each of you.  The employment manager
will sign off on each unit coming in and out after repairs are made.  He I
want to see every unit we have to repair and check.  So he will be under
the direction of the QC manager."

   The QC manager made a few assignments and asked the employment manager
to come with her.  She would give him the list of serial numbers of unit
that had to be pulled for checks and repairs.  His job would be to get with
the warehouse manager and be sure they were brought to the final check QC
station.  If any unit were not found the whole operation would stop until
it was found.

   Jack and Tim went back to Tim's office and sat down.  "I had not looked
at these as possibly being bombs.  That scares the hell out of me."

   "Look a spray can be a bomb Tim.  But because of the hydrogen gas this
could be very dangerous to humans.  It would be like storing bottles of it
beside your house.  But it is in a pit and that contains any leak.  So if
it exploded it would blow the steel cover off and take part of the house
and shatter the glass windows.  We have tried to direct some of the blast.
But there is no way to direct it all.  But that would only happen if it
leaked and no one knew it.  Power companies have small gas meters that read
the gas in the pits.  They would pick up minor leaks after years of
service. Every time they service a unit they check the gas in the pit.  So
if we do our jobs and they do theirs people are safe.  I have designed a
small gas detector that could be installed at each home and send a signal
if gas levels became out of balance.  But that would add about $75 to each
installation ad a monthly fee of may be $10.  But the power companies would
have to sell them, install them and set up a phone system to handle the
calls or use the house phone."

   "Have you talked to Kimmi about it?"

   "No I just finished testing it last night.  We can build it for around
$38, so it would be a moneymaker for us.

   "Damn jack does your mind ever rest?"

   "Not when something is worrying me.  But I could see a drop in insurance
for having this system.  It also could advise of a unit's shutdown so a
service call could be made at once.  I am sure we could also tie it into
the capsule system to advise of a need."

   "Man that would save the power companies lots of money in service calls
for capsules.  It also would add to their revenue for shutdowns."

   "Well we could build it into a unit cheaper than the $38 if we did it
during production and let it feed data back to the power companies
computer. But that would give us two models to sell power companies.  But I
also would like to add a cut off device for if a fire started inside the
house to cut power off.  That could also trigger a call advising of a fire.
It would require wiring a couple of thermo discs into the house."

   Tim got to thinking and saw many possible ways to use that type system.
"If panic buttons were at doors they could be pushed if someone were trying
to force entry.  So this could be some type alarm system as well."

   "I think we need to start smaller to get this going.  Later we can have
tested features and offer them."

   Man was having Jack going to make the company money.  "Little brother if
you would not hit me I'd give you a hug.  Man those are great ideas.  We
need to discuss this with Kimmi tonight."

   They headed their own ways for the lunch period.  Jack headed to his new
home site to check on construction of the shop.  What he saw pleased him
and he watched for a time.  Then went down to the house to see how Jason
was doing.

   "Hey Jack we have everything we need and they will deliver wood, the
bathroom fixtures and are set for ten days from now for carpet and tile.  I
did get the plumbing parts to put our washer and drier in the basement. 
The walls will be pained with an anti-leak paint to keep water out.  I have
floor paint for that so they could be played on by the girls."

   "Call them and add indoor outdoor carpet for the play area.  Then let
them install it.  The girls don't need cold floors to play on.  Be sure to
add a couple electric heaters down there as well.  Remember you don't pay
for power.  Now did you get a really big water heater?"

   "No I never consider that."

   "Call them and have the biggest electric unit they have delivered.  I
don't think the current one is worth much.  If you need to go to inline
heaters for each hot water tap.  That is what they are putting into the new
house, so I never run out of hot water."

   "Man jack that would cost a lot of money."

   "Look I told you it is an investment for me.  Now have someone come
check the fireplace flue and be sure the thing is clean.  Get a new top cap
for it as well.  This summer I will have he roof replaced with new
shingles. Be sure you get your garage fixed up so the pick-up has a home."

   "I can't believe your doing all of this before your home is even built."

   "That is the way life goes Jason.  You have to invest before it returns
anything to you.  Trying to be cheap always returns headaches.  Now I put a
bid in on 590 acres next to us.  It is mostly wooded and that we can sell
some to the mill and take finished wood back in payment.  But if you hunt
it will be good hunting land."

   "I love to hunt and never get the chance to do much.  I hunt with a bow
and arrow and not guns.  To me that is more sporting and I love it."

   "Well we have ten thousand acres on the mountain to hunt as well.  I'll
take you up there and show you where the deer trails are."

   "Jack your treating me like family.  I don't know what to say?"

   "If you show the card I gave you to get on the compound at the market
they will show you what family is.  The prices you pay are cost and not the
posted prices.  So when you buy for your family show the card until they
get to know you."

   "How much lower could meat prices get?"

   "May be half of the posted price.  Eggs will be free for three dozen a
week.  They will ship my meat to me, so I don't have to go there.  Mona
will just call and tell them what to bring me.  We now have a mushroom farm
producing several different types.  I love mushrooms and we will keep lots
in the cooler.  So she can take what you guys need whenever she wants."

   "Jack this is a completely new world to me.  I have never worked for
anyone like you before.  Your young but damn your smart as hell.  People
have been talking about you and I have been impressed.  I have never known
anyone who won a million dollars based on their intelligence and has an
income of millions at your age.  People say your one of the smartest men in
the country."

   "Jason, John believed in me and showed me love when I deserved a
beating. He has given me the chance to grow faster than most children.  But
he has always been the one I aspired to be like.  People sometimes wonder
if he is playing with a full deck.  But he is always in control of the
game. He is smarter than I am by a long shot, but I will catch up one day."

   That impressed Jason and he showed it.  "Well I have always considered
you to be playing with a full deck, plus a few extra cards as well.  You
see something and see what it could be.  Others never get that vision Jack.
You love a challenge and are always ready to tackle one.  Most men run from
that.  If no one has solved a problem then your interested in looking at
why.  Most would just say it was not possible.  Your life will be
interesting where others will be dull."

   The way this was put made Jack feel very good and he could see a man who
was also smart.  May be not in book education wise, but smart.  Jason would
see a lot from natures stand point.  "Saturday go by the furniture factory
and talk to my brothers.  You will love what you see and be impressed with
their work.  Tell them I sent you and they will talk openly with you."

   "That I will do Jack.  I have heard they make beautiful furniture and
then make just one of them.  When we move in you will see the items I made
and loved doing each one.  The girl's beds and chests were made by me, as
was my wife's bedroom suite.  I made each girl a desk for school and a nice
chair to go with it.  Each piece was done differently and I tried to meet
each girl's personality.  One likes to hide things, so she has hidden
compartments in her desk.  The other likes to organize she has lots of
drawers and files.  Furniture needs to fit the people using it."

   Jack like Jason and his way of seeing things.  "I will be very
interested in see each piece.  I stop by and talk to the boys and make
suggestions to them.  They have real talent and I admire that.  They take
apiece of wood and make it a piece of art.  They are making the bedroom
suite for Annie and she does not know it yet.  It is being made from oak
and I want it a natural color.  So you know Annie make some suggestions to
them."

   "I think oak is one of the most beautiful woods.  It has a natural color
not matched by most woods.  But they have choices in the type of oak here
and that will be important in choosing the right one.  She has a bright
personality and needs the lighter color oak with a good grain."

   "Well I have to get back to the plant as today I have been everyone's
pain in the ass.  I have shut production down and cause us all to work the
weekend.  The production manager has been replaced and we will be running
training this afternoon.  So it is back to the grind stone."

   "Jason had to smile at this.  "Well I am sure there was some major
problems or you would not have acted."

   "The units we produce if not done exactly right could become a bomb
sitting besides someone home.  They were not being built right so I stopped
the line.  I could never live with myself if someone or their child were
hurt due to our mistake.  We will repair all the units and be sure they are
safe."

   "I am glad your there Jack as I trust your judgment.  Having one go off
and hurt or kill someone would be hard to take for any caring man."

   Jack headed back to the plant and stopped to get a sandwich before going
out to the floor.  He headed to the collector assembly area and watched the
training.  Mr.  Smarty Pants was running it here.

   Finally the man walked over to Jack.  "I am impressed with your
willingness to stop production and fix this problem."

   "Look I hired you but don't know your name, so what do I call you?"

   "From the peoples feelings the beast would be a good choice.  But James
is my name."

   "OK James we will run this plant professionally and there is nothing
less that is acceptable.  I want 100% quality and the best product we can
make.  But we do have financial requirements to meet as well.  I have seen
we are over staffed and that is a cost we don't need.  So for every dollar
you can cut out of production, I will see 50% is given back to the people,
as a bonus this year before Christmas.  That means they produce a quality
product, but get it out at a lower cost.  There is no room for failure here
at all.  The power companies and their customers depend on us to provide a
safe product."

   James was impressed with Jack.  "Where did you get your training?"

   "I helped set up the car production company.  Then worked with White to
get them up.  Right now I am building an R&D shop behind my new home for my
extra time.  I designed the new collector and am being paid for it here, at
the car and truck plant and for the ship drives.  I own 5% of this company
and have a very vested interest.  Now I know I am very young, but my first
project made John a lot of money from his wind farm.  I got a million for
the collector and will get better than $50,000 a month in royalties.  Now
production control is a very old job.  I am a Deming man where that is
concerned.  Peter Drucker is my hero.  So I have knowledge going a ways
back before I was born.  This company will run the way Peter said one
should run."

   "Your two hero's are mine as well.  So we will get along great.  Yes
your young, but your reputation precedes you.  I worked at the car plant
and knew what you did for the corporation.  Some friends called me and told
me about the impact the collector has had.  They said you were the best
engineer they had ever seen.  That you solved problems faster than anyone
they knew.  Also that you turned an R&D job down flat."

   "I don't need anyone stealing my ideas.  The President of R&D is not
that smart, so why would I work for anyone dumber than me?"

   James laughed and like Jack even more.  "What are you going to do in
your R&D shop?"

   "I have a contract to cut the weight of a White truck by 50%.  They are
giving me everything I need to attack the problem.  I am short two people
right now for that job.  I need a structural engineer and a safety
engineer. I pay $30,000 a year and 10% of any bonus we earn.  Now everyone
shares the 10%.  But for White that would be $300,000."

   "With a shop of just a few a bonus could make more than salary."

   "The shop will be 5 people and me.  I don't want or need more than that.
So each person would get $60,000 for the bonus.  But every job comes with a
possible bonus.  My costs are being paid by White to do the research to
find out if it can be done."

   "Is it possible to cut 50% of the weight out of a truck?"

   "That I cannot really tell you yet.  But they use a lot of steel in the
trucks.  So it may be possible.  But things like tires we can do nothing
with."

   "I have a couple of friends who you might be interested in.  One is a
structural engineer and he just lost his job at a contracting firm.  The
other is not a safety engineer, but a materials engineer.  He knows more
about materials and their properties than anyone I have ever known.  He was
working for a steel company that closed."

   "Give me names and phone numbers and I'll call them.  But they had
better be kind of off the wall types to get along with me.  Don't tell me
it can't be done prove it."

   James laughed at Jack now.  "Well they both fit that mold.  The one from
the steel company tried to get them to change materials, to produce more
low cost and friendly products to the environment.  He is no tree hugger,
but knew the steel industry would blow up.  He said it would never get back
to the same place it was."

   "Just have the names and numbers on my desk tonight.  If they are good
they will have a job and moving costs.  I have ten trucks at my disposal to
go where needed and move them."

   That was a shock as no one moved people any more.  "I am sure you will
like them both.  They are young and look at things differently."

   "They may be shocked at how young I am James."

   "No I was talking with both of them about you and they were intrigued
with you.  I heard what you did for your people today in R&D and was
impressed.  You do take care of people Jack."

   "Hey they are what makes things work.  Bosses are OK, but people make
things happen."

   "They say your no boss, that you work harder than they do.  You set
things up and get out of their way."

   "Do the same for your people James and they will enjoy working for you."

   The training went well and the lines were ready to start production. 
Jack went to the main production office and took the microphone.  "Ladies
and gentlemen this is Jack and I wanted to thank you for doing so well
during training.  A poorly constructed unit is a time bomb we are placing
beside someone's house.  I could not accept someone hurt or killed because
we did not do our jobs.  This product can be completely safe if we build it
right.  So ask yourself would I put this unit beside my house?  If not get
some help to solve the problem.  You each need to know that what you did is
protecting the lives of customers.  Once more thank you and let be much
more aware of the need for high quality products."

   The applause was loud and people were now into the program.  They had
finally been told why their jobs were important.

   Tim came in and shook his head.  "I heard bitching and moaning and
groaning all over out there.  Now I hear applause and happy people.  How
the hell do you do it?"

   "Give people a reason to do something and they will follow it.  No one
understood why quality was so critical.  It had never been communicated to
them.  Now they know just how important their job is."

   Tim could see the logic and he was once more glad Jack was here.  "I
guess I do what I do because I know what my job is.  But my job has become
one of office work and training for power companies.  We needed an
operations manager to over see the rest of our people."

   "Tim once things are set up and running right we will not need me here.
But we are starting a new plant and that means bumps in the road.  I am
filling holes ad smoothing the road.  But I am going to have to sell Kimmi
on letting me give the people a bonus this year base on reduced man hours
and higher production rates.  Next year she can keep all that extra money.
But this year she will give it to the people and managers directly in
production.  If she fights it I'll do it out of my pocket."

   "No we will do it out of our pockets Jack.  I agree and will back you."

   "I want a bonus program set up for every year at Christmas time for all
employees.  It will cost us money, but we will get the very best people
here for our product production.  People will fight to work here.  Those
are the one we really want working for us.  If it costs us half a million
it will be cheap."

   Tim could see how this would work.  "I'll bring it up with Kimmi and
discuss it.  She will know it is your idea, but that I agree."

   "I would like it if John were there when we discuss it."

   "Agreed and that will happen.  She will want to discuss it with him
anyway."

   That night they had the discussions and Kimmi with John's pushing
agreed. She at first balked, but then saw Tim and Jack's side.  John had
agreed with the two and said it would make for a strong company.  Kimmi
finally agreed to up to 1% of profits being placed in a bonus fund for use
by Tim and Jack each year.  They knew this was far more than they would
need, but it was nice to have a back up.

   James came into Jack's office and sat down.  "OK boss I am ready for the
whipping if you will tell me why I am getting it?"

   "No whipping James.  The fund is approved for the bonus this Christmas.
If the people keep up the good work after that there will be a bonus each
year.  That will be paid on December 15th each year.  I want those people
knowing we want them here.  So get rid of the dead wood now as we cut
people on the lines.  Let me know who was cut and what each day's
production rate was.  I will track the fund money and post it every month.
This could add 10% to everyone's pay every year.  It should make finding
good people to work here easy."

   "It sure as hell will.  You are a miracle worker Jack.  I will have
people coming to me asking why so and so is still allowed to work.  They
are not making the job easy for the rest.  The work force becomes self
policing."

   "I want a lead person on every subassembly line.  They report to the
foreman.  Their job is to be responsible for the subassembly being
produced. If something goes wrong they are responsible for it.  But if no
problems come they get at-a-boys for their work.  Now I will pay an extra
$1 an hour for those people.  Each subassembly line is a team and I want
them treated as a team.  Final assembly is a team and they need to be seen
that way as well.  On a team everyone has a responsibility to the others.
If one person is having a hard time then the team needs to step up and
help."

   "I have the picture and will set it up.  The lines will still be a
little over staffed for a few weeks, but that will change.  Production will
be over the normal quantity by next week.  But I want to get the teams set
up before I jump to fast."

   "Do it your way James and I will back you.  Now I called your friends
and both are coming in to talk with me.  They asked me to see if you would
have room for them?"

   "I live alone and have rooms for them.  I never made enough money to
consider dating or marriage before coming here.  But finding a good young
lady is hard, as I don't like most of the ones I've seen.  They are to
shallow and have few interests I have.  I am a reader and like old movies.
A good evening is sitting in front of the fire and reading a book.  I love
to hike and swim.  So I don't find many girls who fit my ideal woman."

   "May be you need to raise one of your own?"

   "I've considered that, but the sheriff would not like it much."

   "I am building a pool behind my new home.  When it is done I bring you
up and feed you then let you swim."

   "God that would be great Jack."

   "It is enclosed and will be open year around.  I will have a steam room
and hot tub as well.  But my shop will be running by then and I am sure you
would enjoy seeing your friends."

   This was just not heard of in James world.  "I am not sure getting
together is a good idea Jack.  People who work for you should not get to
close on your part."

   "Look I take people as family.  If I hire you then your part of my
family and that is just how it is.  So if we can't become friends then you
have the wrong job James."

   Now that shook him.  "I have never had a boss who wanted me for a
friend. Let alone said I was family from the point they hired me."

   "This is a different world and there are different rules.  You're the
only one I have adopted here other than Timmy brother.  I am very selective
in the people I want around me.  They have to be bright and treat people
well.  I don't like aggressive people at all.  But a year from now I will
not be here.  The shop will need me full time and I will be working there.
So I need to find the next operations manager for here.  Both Tim and Kimmi
need to trust that person.  They will be working with my family and I need
the right person as well.  It might be a job for you or may be one other
friend I find?"

   That was a very different way of looking out for the company.  "I guess
I'd be interviewing for months." He laughed at this.

   "Nope not at all.  I want to know you and what makes you tick.  Being
adopted by me just means I will see to your future as long as your worthy.
If not here then someplace else.  But as long as your growing and getting
more knowledgeable then I'll help you.  People need to grow all the time
and never stop.  If you stop I'll kick you in the ass and get you moving
again.  Annie will be a sister to you and treat you like family as well."

   "Who is Annie?"

   "My girl friend that I'll marry as soon as we can.  She will be living
with me at the new house.  She is also family in the sense of our big
family.  She will get part of the trust.  But I am thirteen and she is
sixteen.  So we have two plus years to wait.  Annie is in nursing school
with the intent of becoming a nurse practitioner.  The hospital will be her
work place."

   "Damn your not only smart, but you have one smart girl friend.  How the
hell did she get into nursing school at sixteen?"

   "She finished high school at fifteen.  But I'll beat her, as I'll be
done this summer at fourteen.  I have two years of college now also."

   This kid was way beyond any he had every met.  "What is your major?"

   "Design engineering is what is first on my list.  But I'll get a masters
and doctorate in different fields.  I don't want to narrow my field of
vision.  The university is allowing me to study at home and take the tests
online.  So far I have got a 4.0 average."

   "I thought my 3.8 was good.  You make me look bad Jack."

   "Not really I have some English classes that worry me.  But Annie has
said she would help me.  That was never my strong suit.  So I do need help
there."

   "My lower GPA was due in part to English classes.  I had no problem with
the engineering work, but other non-related classes seemed to hit my GPA.
So lit and other English classes made up for some of my problem.  I love to
read and do well at writing."

   "I read the process documents at a few stations and they made sense to
me.  No one should have any problem understanding them and what to do."

   "I have places to spend time now and check the training.  So if you will
excuse me I'll get back to work." The he left his office.

   Jack was stopped by John and taken to his office.  "Take a seat and
let's talk.  I would like to understand the reasoning for your idea of
pay."

   "It is really simple John.  People come to work for money and normally
have little real commitment to the company.  They work, and get paid and
that is as far as the relationship goes.  Our company builds what could be
a very dangerous product if made wrong.  So we have a very high obligation
to our customers to provide a safe product every time we ship."

   "I can't argue with that so far and agree."

   "Our workforce has to be come a small extension of family.  We need to
build a strong relationship with them that goes beyond most working
arrangements.  I want people who would fight for the company, that love
their jobs and who will not allow others to screw up production.  They need
to police themselves in the factory assemble process.  If someone is
failing to do the job we need to know and fast.  So I felt that we need to
give some back to our workforce and build that bond."

   "I once saw a company who did what your wanting to do.  By sharing the
profits with their people they had what your looking for.  It worked out
very well and they had long lists of people asking for jobs."

   "Look I don't intend to be there next year.  I need to build a group of
people who I trust to keep me up to date on issues.  That group of people I
will watch out for and help.  It is not something that will be advertised
and talked about.  But as friends do we will discuss work and problems. 
That will allow me to direct things without being there."

   John smiled at Jack.  "Son your more like me than I could ever expect. I
always had friends in places where I got good information and helped them.
We built strong relationships and those carried over many years."

   "You know I want to be like you John.  You're the model of where one day
I want to be.  So I have started adopting people I like and trust as a
second family.  I will not make them dependant on me in any way.  But I
will help them grow on their own.  Most times they will never see what I
do."

   "I have been there and done that Jack and it is the right way to go."

   The two got up and headed to dinner.  Kimmi caught Jack and hugged him.
"Well Jack you have taught me another lesson.  When my companies hire
someone we take some responsibility for their lives.  So we must keep track
of them and help where we can without being seen."

   "I think that says it well Kimmi.  It is the not being visible that is
the hard part.  What people get they must feel they earned.  Gifts cause
problems between people."

   Annie came and rescued Jack and they talked during dinner.  She had been
to see Jason and Mona and was very pleased with what Jack had done.  "I
have never seen two people working so hard and yet so happy Jack.  They
think the sun comes up because you say it is OK."

   "Hey you and I never had a mother or father that cared a bit for us.  I
see them as fitting into that opening.  We both need an older adult at
times to talk with.  Someone we trust and who cares about us.  Jason is a
good man and for sure no farmer.  So they were in the wrong slot in their
lives.  I want to meet their girls, as they must be special with the
parents they have."

   "They are very special Jack.  The oldest is ready to turn nine and the
youngest is just seven.  But they are the sweetest girls I have known. 
When they look at you you're the center of their attention.  They are two
blue eyed blonds and are really tomboys."

   "We will treat them like family Annie and I am sure they will take good
care of us."

   The next day found Jack watching the shops construction.  But he saw the
basement and pool were being dug.  The contractor walked up and shook his
hand.  "Where do you want the extra dirt placed?"

   "Block off the old road coming into here.  The new road from the
compound will be done today and that will be the entrance to here.  I don't
want anyone being able to get here from the state road."

   "That works for me and we will be sure it is closed completely."

   Jack headed down to the old house and saw the pick-up.  Jason walked out
and smiled at him.  "Well boss Mona is in hog heaven and so am I.  The
basement is done except for carpet and the bathroom has been completed.  I
did have to go for inline water heaters and they were easy to install."

   "I had the idea that might be needed.  But you will always have hot
water.  How's the painting coming along?"

   "Mona decided to paper the living room, kitchen, bath and the girls
bedroom.  So I will be done with painting inside today.  I am doing it all
in white as that allows Mona to decorate as she sees fit.  But I am having
to do the ceilings for her first where she is hanging paper."

   Mona came out and ran to Jack and hugged him.  "Boss you're the best man
I have met since Jason.  I am having more fun that I expected.  But don't
you think your spending more than needed?"

   "Nope not at all Mona.  This is an investment for me and everything you
do makes this house worth more.  Now they are starting to dig the basement
and pool today.  I have told them to close off the road from the state
highway with the dirt.  The new road will be done today so you will come
and go out of the compound."

   Jason knew Jack had planned this.  "I will keep check on how they close
the road.  If I see anyway to get here from that entry I will let the
contractor know."

   "Thanks as that is one I now don't have to follow Jason.  I need to know
your moving date, as I have a large truck to haul your things.  It is a
semi and has a 40' trailer.  There will be two men to do your heavy
lifting, so don't do anything stupid and get hurt."

   Mona smiled at this comment.  "Damn Jack you know my husband I see."

   "No Mona I know most driven men.  We all have that failing, so I just
stepped in here."

   She got them coffee and went back to the paper hanging.

   "Thanks for the truck and help Jack.  Mona is a collector and we have a
lot of boxes packed with all kinds of items.  I am going to use that small
barn to store her collection."

   "Get the contractor to pour concrete in for a floor Jason.  That way
nothing will get wet sitting on dirt."

   "I'll pour the floor if he will get me the concrete."

   "I think I said have him do it.  Now understand I did not make a
suggestion that was an order.  If you want to level the dirt for him that
is fine.  But he will pour the floor.  You need to listen to what I say
Jason and follow the instructions given."

   "Yes sir I am getting the picture here.  I will run a electric line and
add a couple of heaters so it can be used in winter.  One day it might make
a nice workshop?"

   "The barn is large enough to store your boxes and be a workshop.  I'll
have some pine brought down for building a wall between the storage area
and shop.  Then they will deliver some good wood for you to work with. 
That will allow you to have a wood shop here and relax playing with it."

   "Jack I don't know what to say."

   "Well just enjoy your new job and say nothing." Jack got back on the ATV
and headed to work.

   On getting to the office he had a call from the banker.  "The man
accepted your offer Jack.  There is a house down at the road and he wants
to keep it for his wife.  But it goes to you after her death.  He is not in
good health and wants to make things as easy for her as possible."

   This Jack considered for a short time.  "Tell him I agree with one
condition.  His wife will be checked on each day by one of my people or
Annie.  She will have food brought to her and if needed cooked for her. 
Annie or doc will see her once a week to keep track of her health issues."

   "That is most generous Jack."

   "No it is just what a good neighbor should do.  I will hook the house
into the wind farm, so power will be no problem.  If the house needs other
repairs or improvements he should let me know.  My people will handle
them."

   The banker was not used to dealing with people who cared.  "I will pass
your conditions along.  But I am sure the man will be most relieved.  He is
eighty and his wife seventy-three.  They have no children as their only
child died two years ago.  So the money meant little to him, but who got
the land meant a lot.  He met you at the wind farm and liked you.  So that
is why he accepted your offer."

   "I will pick him up and take him to the closing.  Tell my attorney to
get it ready and you can cut a check for him.  Let me know when we need to
be there and we will get this done."

   Jack called John to tell him what he had done.  "Dad I just bought the
590 acres next to me.  It is mostly wooded and I got it for $250,000.  The
man and his wife will live in the house until they die.  But then it comes
to me.  You will need to get security to check out the land and place
sensors and cameras on it."

   "I had been looking to buy that and offered him $500,000 for it.  He
said no and that was that.  How in the hell did you get it for half the
money?"

   "He had met me at the wind farm the banker said.  He liked me and sold
me the land."

   "You did know there is a small lake on that land?  It is spring fed and
the best water in this area.  I wanted the water from that lake to feed the
compound."

   "Well now we have it dad.  So get the plans ready to run the pipeline to
here and the compound.  You can use your old line to feed the industrial
park and we will still have the best water."

   "Thank you son that makes life a little easier for us.  We will have the
lake covered well for any possible attack on the water supply.  But the
water is about fifty degrees and good for cooling your home and shop."

   "Just let me know what to plan for and it will get handled.  But I
wanted you to know I got the land.  We will need to lumber it some to keep
the forest healthy.  I want finished wood back for my part."

   "I'll get Tim to survey the forest and make recommendations on the best
way to do that." John hung up and Jack went back to his reports on power
from the fuel cells.  They had not shown much improvement so far.  But he
would keep looking for a better one.