All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts…
~As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII
William Shakespeare, 1564 - 1616
I walked out of work feeling lighter, free in this world for the first time since my childhood. It was a strange feeling and a welcome one. It was time to start a new chapter in my life. I had been a student and an employee in this world my whole life, it was exciting to have new roads open before me. Okay, I have a month before anyone expects me back in Knoss and I have to lay a proper foundation there. What I need is some ground-penetrating radar to map the mountains and find mineral deposits, that should get the mining operations going. I’d like to get some satellites in orbit to map out the Island, and it’s surroundings, but that could cost a boatload, and I’d need way better infrastructure to run it. An idea for the future hopefully I can get to that level in a few years. I walked to Buttercup, I’d taken to riding everywhere, it may have looked strange, but I was still in Pennsylvania horse and carriage were not too unusual here.
“Hey, girl. You ready to get going, we have a few stops to make before we can go home.” I cooed at my horse, everyone has their ‘animal voice,’ Okay?! We mounted up and began our journey. First stop, professional excavators, who hopefully have some spar radar and peripherals to sell. That severance was burning a hole in my wallet.
As I rode, receiving the occasional honking from passing cars, I thought. The first step should be getting my mining operations in Knoss going. I can fund that with gold from here and then use my finished products to make more money here. Swords and bows are good, but I’ll need other things as well. Saturating the market is never good. Once I get enough capital together starting an Engineering firm won’t be too hard, but I’d like to grab some mining and aerospace firms and vertically integrate the companies to make the first space mining venture. With my materials knowledge and Blacksmithing skill I know I can make and use space-age alloys and even make some alloys that we don’t know about yet, but the industry to make use of that and also the Chemistry isn’t there, however. I’d be fumbling in the dark, but it’s an exciting option. I started to laugh Me with a fleet of spaceships! Awesome!! That’s the plan, for now, It’ll take some serious work and time or a tremendous amount of luck and maybe some new Advancements if I can find more points.
The ride was quick, the engineering firm and other industrial companies occupying the same district of the city. The excavating company consisted of a large warehouse building with offices in the front and a massive yard for all the big earth moving equipment that was needed to change the landscape to suit human needs. It was an impressive sight for a businessman and blacksmith coming from Knoss, and it’s middle age technology. I had seen equipment like this before, but never with any real idea of the working hours each represented. I had come from a world of wondrous convenience.
I left Buttercup ‘parked’ at the entrance and walked into the office. “Good afternoon, I was hoping someone could help me with some questions I have about equipment rentals or purchasing?” I asked the young woman at the front reception desk. She looked like she was just out of college or possibly interning for the company, cute in a girl-next-door kind of way and unassuming, but when she spoke it was with a level of authority that I wouldn’t assume she possessed. Guess I’m still sexist even with my 21st-century upbringing and liberal education I chuckled.
“Sir, I’ll be with you in a moment. I’m the manager here, just filling in for Ned, my receptionist. He’s just run out to get lunch.”
“Not a problem Miss. I can sit here?” I asked pointing to the chairs along the opposite wall.
“Of course, that’s why the chairs are there.” She rolled her eyes. I laughed openly smiling at her. “What’s so funny?” She asked a little off-put by my laughter.
“It’s nothing, just laughing at myself a bit.” I shrugged and sat down. She narrowed her eyes at me, but soon went back to the computer screen in front of her and clicked away on the keys. Twenty minutes later a tall, lanky man about my age walked in carrying a take-out bag that smelled divine. It smells like they ’re going to have Indian, a lot of curry. My stomach grumbled loudly, and I had the presence of mind to look a little ashamed, “Sorry, been a while since lunch.”
“Don’t I know it, man!” Ned replied, “This one is a slave driver.” He winked my way and bowed theatrically to the young woman.
“Ned! That’s no way to behave in front of clients.” she reprimanded, but barely contained her smile. “Now Mr…”
“McConnell, Miss…”
“You can call me Nancy. I’m the owner’s daughter. If you’ll follow me, Mr. McConnell.” She leads me to a small office that overlooked the yard. There were pictures of her with a middle-aged man I assumed to be her father. Most of the photos they were smiling in front of gigantic earth movers, it was apparent she had been involved in the business for some time even it was hanging around her dad. There were also framed diplomas from Stanford and MIT, very impressive for such a young person. I’d only finished my degree in Mechanical Engineering after six years of on and off classes.
“Nancy, it looks like you’re quite the academic,” I said sitting facing the desk. “I’m impressed dealing with someone so accomplished; you’ll be able to help me. I’m sure.” I tried to charm her.
She was smiling a very professional smile, and I knew that shallow compliments or praise wouldn’t easily move her. She’d worked hard to be where she is today despite her family connections, and I’d have to try very hard to impress her. I was outmatched, and she knew it. “So, what is it I can help you with?”
“I’m looking to buy some Ground Penetrating Radar for mining operations. I’d need a whole system possibly including any infrastructure add-ons.” She quirked an eyebrow, “I’ll be operating in remote areas doing surveys for less developed countries. I’m sure you know the type. I can’t get into specifics, unfortunately.”
“Mr. McConnell I’m sure you’re aware that this is an excavation company and even though we do use GPR on occasion we aren’t a retailer of said equipment. I can put you in touch with our sales guy, but that’s the best I can do. If you need some older excavation equipment, I can help with that. We do have several older models in our fleet that I need to get rid of so we can buy something more state-of-the-art.” She looked at me expectantly.
“Your sales guy’s info would be a huge help. I’m not in a position to buy any equipment State’s side at the moment, but maybe later on down the line.” I stood and shook her hand.
“Ned can get you the contact info. Thanks for stopping by, next time do please buy something. Our services are very competitive.” She dismissed me with a wave.
I got the info I needed from Ned and left. Not exactly what I was expecting, but at least I’ve got somewhere to start. I mounted Buttercup, and we trotted off.
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I spent the rest of the week on the phone with salespeople and researching the history of mining and metalworking. I may have a ton of knowledge about materials science, but I needed a better understanding of how and when different processes were developed and implemented in our world. It also leads me to understand better the conflicts and social developments that the new technology gave rise to. I would need to know all of this so that I could better prepare Ravens Rest for the future I had planned, It was to become the seat of an industrial empire.
It was Friday night, and I had a date with Marie and Anna at their house for dinner. Marie had called earlier in the week to tell me she’d sold all the weapons and had about 100 grand for me. It was a good chunk of change, and I’d use it to buy more gold I could use in Knoss. I’d need it once the Crown decided to give me a landed title. I fully expected the steel I was producing to win over the Royals as it was much better than what their neighbors had and I would commission a steel steamship before leaving for the mining expedition, that alone would show every country that Knoss was small but mighty.
I arrived early with a bottle of cheap wine. Marie and Anna’s house was in Squirrel Hill; it was a modest home made of brick with ivy crawling up to the roof. They had an attached garage and Marie’s truck sat in the driveway; I left Buttercup tied to the tree out front and walked to the back gate. I knew they’d be sitting on the back porch getting started on some wine, grilling, and it was a beautiful day in late May perfect for a lovely evening on the porch with some burgers.
“Hail the house!” I yelled as I walked around the corner.
“And Hail the guest!” Anna laughed, Marie had wine coming out her nose. I’d caught them off guard, and she’d laughed with a mouth full that just caused Anna and I to crack up even more. Being with old friends was nice. “Mike it’s so good to see you.” Anna hugged me and took the wine inside to pour. “Have a seat I’ll bring you a glass.” She called as she walked away. I sat across from Marie.
“Mr. Money Bags.” She threw a mock salute, “It’s good to see you and thanks again for the cut. Anna is over the moon that we can finally take that trip.”
“Hey, it’s the least I could do. You did sell everything!”
“What are you two talking about? You know it’s rude to ignore your host.” Anna joked walking back out and handing me a glass before closing the screen door.
“I was asking Marie about your plans this summer. I have it on good authority you’ll be taking a bit of a trip.” I gave her a wry smile.
“Haha, Yes! My darling wife here finally decided I was good enough to treat like a real lady.” She leaned over pecking Marie on the cheek taking some of the bit out of her sarcasm. “We’re going at the end of August for a week all around the Caribbean. It will be wonderful!”
“I’m so glad! I’ve been traveling myself, and I know it’s about the best experience in the world.” I smiled taking a drink of my wine. “I also wanted to talk to you guys about a possible business deal.”
“Oh yeah?” Marie eyed me suspiciously, “What did you have in mind.”
“I know Marie here is still in with the SCA and I happen to be a pretty good blacksmith these days. I was thinking about opening a shop here in town and selling some of my creations.” I stood and did a little twirl. I was wearing my modified gear.
“Mike I know you dressed up for us but what does it have to do with blacksmithing?” Anna asked perplexed by my impromptu fashion show.
“Well my dear, this happens to be an armored outfit. I bought the clothes and modified them to have some Kevlar, ring-mail, and ballistic plate sewn in. It’s a custom job that you’d pay a few thousand for. I can do that for just about anything from LARP to real body armor for VIPs. I also make swords, daggers, and the like. It’d be a small market to start, but we could grow it and make a good bit of money. What do you say?”
The girls were a little taken back by my pitch, and Marie was scrutinizing my outfit, running her fingers throughout it checking it’s quality. “Mike, this is outstanding work, the stitching could be better, but the mail and plates are top-notch. This would cost as much as a high-end fashion piece.” She whistled softly, “You can make these custom?”
“I really can.” I sat and took up my glass, “To partners?” I asked raising it.
Marie nodded, and Anna joined us in the toast. “To partners, Now who will run the shop? I’ve been teaching at the museum and Marie is trying out for EMT.”
“I was hoping Marie could take point. I’ve got the funds to start the shop right away and expand later, but I’ll be traveling and perfecting my craft. I’ve got some forges lined up to visit and can use their stuff to get started. We’ll need to build a forge of our own eventually.” I looked at Marie expectantly.
“Mikey, Mikey, Mikey what will we do with you. I can run it for now, but you’re gonna hire someone full-time. I want to put my medical training to good use. You’ve got me for six months tops. And we want twenty-five percent.” She grinned.
“Done!” a handshake completed the deal. “Now, what’s for dinner.”
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That next Monday found me in North Shore looking at an old warehouse. It was in my price range and with a bit of work I could have an excellent Workshop here even going so far as to expand it with my engineering firm down the road. The realtor was going on and on about development opportunities to Marie, but I was sold and just needed to let the old man run out of steam. “And so you could put in some open apartments or even three or four retail spaces!” Finally, he finished his spiel.
“Where do I sign?” I asked walking up to the pair, “I like the space. It has a lot of potential as a workshop and retail location for what we have planned. I’ve got a twenty-five percent down payment ready with collateral. The bank approved a five hundred thousand dollar loan for startup capital. Get me the paperwork.” The poor guy was dumbstruck, he’d be getting five percent of the sale, and I hadn’t even talked him down. The location would cost two hundred and that left three for development and hiring. Marie was shaking her head and laughing as the realtor ran out to the car to get the paperwork started.
“Mike, you know it’ll still be about three months before we get the place renovated and ready to work in?” She asked
“Yeah, I know, and I trust you to take care of it. Focus on the retail store, that way I can start selling what I make on my travels. Speaking of, I’ll be leaving at the end of the week. You can expect a shipment about two weeks from now with everything else I’ve made up to now. Should get you started.” I pace around our new building. It was a turn of the century building made of brick with high vaulted ceilings and big windows mostly boarded up. The building was about as big a football field with two stories, and the upper would be converted into apartments and offices while the bottom floor would hold forge, workshops, and retail areas. It wasn’t quite in the heart of the city that lay across the river to the east, but it was within the major corridor and boasted a big parking lot in the rear.
“You’re gonna leave all this to me? It’s a lot of responsibility what if I frack it up?!” Marie was a bit peeved about my whirlwind tour through town.
“I trust you, and I’ll be by once a month or so to check up on things. If sales are anything like the first run, you’ll be fine. And even if we only make enough to cover expenses the first year, it’s no big deal.” I put my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes, “Marie you are one of the toughest people I know, this shouldn’t be a blip for you. What’s really on your mind?”
“Anna’s been talking about adoption again.” She pulled away and turned her back to me, “You know I want kids, but it’s too soon. She just started teaching, and I’m between three different jobs, I need this to work Mike. My family’s future is riding on it. We’ve been friends for more than ten years, and I trust you, but this is a big step, and I’m scared, man.”
“Damn, that’s some heavy shit Marine.” I tried to lighten the mood. “You know I’ll have you back. You both have been my best friends for most of my adult life. You’re family as much as Stace and Bobby, even if this doesn’t work, we’ll figure it out together. I’m not saying it won’t work because I’m sure it will and we’ll be rolling in cash! Like Donald Duck in a mountain of gold, LOADED!”
Marie finally turned around and punched me playfully in the shoulder, “You are the biggest dork I know. And thanks, Mike.”
“I’ve got my charms.” I grinned. “One more thing.” I waved her closer and whispered, “Can we put a shooting range and combat training room in the basement? But you know on the QT.”
She gave me a severe glare, “What are you really up to, is this like your superhero fortress or something?”
I laughed as the realtor came back with the paperwork, “Something like that and you’re my sidekick, haha.”
We finished up the deal and went our separate ways. I told Marie I’d have the designs drawn up and sent to the contractor by the end of the week. We both agreed to work on the basement ourselves when time and funds allowed.
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The next day my GPR gear arrived by truck to the new building and I had it packed in wooden crates and stored there until I had to leave. I needed a nice truck to haul all this equipment, but I’d need to hide it from the people of Knoss. My best bet would be an all-purpose electric vehicle of some kind. A little research later and I had a new Polaris with the off-road package and mobile charging station entirely independent of the grid. I spent a full day retrofitting it to look like a steam engine to avoid too many questions when someone saw it. I was planning a steamship already; this would seem like the toy of a mad inventor to most people.
The rest of the week I spent on tedious planning and drafting of the plans for the new business. I sent them off to our contractor, and he gave me a six-month time-frame for completion, I told him to get the retail space open in a month, and I’d pay for the rush job. He had happily agreed. With that attended to I got to work on the steamship. The materials were vital to this, and I knew exactly how to make them. My crude Bessemer furnace could make stainless tool steel quickly, and I’d use that as the mainstay of my ship. It would be massive and require a newly developed and designed steam engine, that I had based on historical models with some modern fail-safes built in. The ship, I’d named her the Tyche after the Greek Goddess of Fate, would be a massive ship at 300 feet long, 35 wide at her widest point, and draft at only 20 feet. She was with ten boilers, four triple expansion engines, and twin propellers this would make her a fast and maneuverable ship. The amount of time it would take to complete the shipyard let alone the ship would be four to six months with the Tyche taking another six months to perfect, but it would be well worth it to rule the seas and create the infrastructure for more ships like her. She was with ten powerful compound/repeating ballista, an invention of his devising that would incorporate the steam power to draw and fire the large weapons up to 2000 feet with considerable stopping power.
I finally finished my design binge on Sunday afternoon. It’s time to pack up my gear, get Buttercup, and head out. I’ll take the APV, and the GPR do a quick scan of the mountains for a few days and head back to Ravens Rest to set up my expedition. It will probably take a month of travel for all the miners and builders to get to a good site. I’ll have to drop off Marie’s first order before we leave.
I got to the warehouse and found it empty; the work crews must take Sundays off. I piled all my gear into the APV hitched Buttercup to it and felt around me for the familiar feeling of Raven’s Rest. I had found that if I had the sense of a place memorized, I could Travel to a predetermined spot within that world, but it took a long time to resonate with the area. Frequent trips and strong emotional ties would be the best ‘tethers’, one of the reasons I ended up on Pitt’s campus was all the hours I’d spent studying there. When I came back home, I hadn’t focused and popped up in the Cathedral without much planning, and I would not be making that mistake again. I started the APV’s engine, it coughed and sputtered like a real steam engine, and drove out onto the hills above Ravens Rest a broad smile on my face.