Timecachers (8 page)

Adam radioed Tom and Sal to let them know they would meet up at the next flag, where together they would descend back down to Mountaintown Creek trail. When they arrived, they took a few moments to discuss the performance of the TSO LANav and how the test report would read.

Alice said, “We encountered zero failures, and so far for terrestrial navigation the LANav has proven to be more accurate than even our reference instrument. So far, it’s the most flawlessly performing prototype device I’ve ever tested. There are a couple usability issues I can comment on, like adjusting the menu structure to make primary functions more accessible, but that’s a minor issue. Especially considering that we are able to use the device effectively without a user manual. For such a sophisticated device, it is amazingly intuitive. If it continues to perform as well as it has, the final report is going to read more like a glowing review than a test report.”

“This morning’s testing certainly has been impressive,” replied Adam. “Remember, we are testing independently. We’re not being rated on the number of issues we find, so there is no pressure to find problems if there really aren’t any. We’ve all been in the position where we felt we had to find problems to justify our jobs. Dr. Odan assured me he is expecting an honest evaluation, not nitpicking just for the sake of finding problems. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled if our report shows that his product is perfect, but we’ve only just begun, so there is lots of functionality still to explore. I also believe that as a researcher he is most anxious for the results of our anomaly beacon testing since that will give him data on something entirely new and unexplored.

“I’ll be checking in with him later today to give him a progress report. For now, let’s head back to the main trail and scope out our campsite for tonight.”

Tom and Sal convinced Adam to set a few flags for them to find, both wanting to get some hands on time with the LANav. Adam and Alice headed off in the direction of the trail, planting flags for them along the way. By the time they all met again at the creek trail, both Sal and Tom were beaming with enthusiasm about all the possible applications the device had, Tom envisioning the military and law enforcement applications and Sal contemplating the treasure-hunting possibilities.

The day quickly progressed toward late afternoon. The temperature was unseasonably warm even within the deep shadows of the forest valley. As the sun climbed higher, the trail was flooded with intense beams of stippled sunshine as it filtered through the newly sprouted leaves of the treetops. Pollen bursting from the budding trees, suspended in the air and illuminated by dappled shafts of light, sparkled all around them like floating embers from a campfire. It was a springtime only event; in a few weeks the treetop canopy would flourish and the trail would be in shadows for nearly the entire day. The team basked in the glorious surroundings, reinvigorating them all after the long, snowy Delaware winter. The deeper they ventured into the forest, the further they drifted from the stress-filled urban life, as their souls embraced the warming sunshine, the fresh air, and the placid sounds of Georgia’s Chattahoochee forest.

The team advanced southerly along Mountaintown Creek Trail as they continued to execute the first day of testing. They maneuvered through several more stream crossings and were treated to a few small waterfalls along the way. About four miles from the trailhead, they came across a natural swimming hole formed by the large boulders in the creek. Although the day’s temperature reached nearly eighty degrees, the creek water was still icy cold; too cold for a swim but inviting enough for a quick stop to dangle tired feet in the frigid water while they munched down a few protein bars for lunch. The total length of the trail was only about six miles of descending terrain, but the side trip up and down Rich Knob added about four extra miles of climbing and bushwhacking; a decent workout for their winter-softened muscles.

Between splashes and mouthfuls of protein bars, Tom and Sal continued to laud the capabilities of the LANav. It had performed flawlessly throughout the day’s testing, impressing the entire team with its capabilities.

Alice nodded toward Tom and Sal. “You might have to look for some more objective testers. These guys are usually critical of everything we test. Good heavens, this LANav has them acting like they can’t wait to head up the TSO marketing department!”

“I think it’s just the “new toy” syndrome. We’re all prone to get more excited about a new product that works really well; especially one that we think would be a fun or useful item for ourselves. When you think about it though, we really haven’t seen any earth-shattering new technology yet. Yeah, the TSO LANav seems to be a tremendous improvement on our current geo-positioning tools—and I’m not trying to understate that achievement—but those types of technology improvements are typical, even expected, by our tech-loving society. The high-res SAT map overlays are really great, and so is the route finding software, but it’s actually the improvements in all the supporting technology, like satellite imagery and communications, that make it possible.”

“You make it sound like no big deal,” she answered. “I thought you were looking at testing this product to be a breakthrough that would open new possibilities for us as a testing group?”

“And I still think that—absolutely. It’s just that I don’t think we’ve really seen much of the breakthrough stuff so far. All of the testing we’ll be doing for the next few days will be dealing with terrestrial navigation and communications, so all we are going to see are enhancements to existing technology. Since we don’t have the capabilities to test in outer space, I’m hoping that the beacon tests will give us the chance to see some really exciting new technology.”

“In other words, the beacon tests better turn out to be something more than just a dead-end. Otherwise we have a great time testing in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest, but all we’ve added to our testing repertoire is a cool new geocaching toy.”

“It’s still a cutting-edge device, so the project definitely enhances our resume, but yes, the beacon testing is what could take our company to the next level.”

“Then might I suggest we move the beacon test up on the schedule?” said Tom.

“This is coming from the most by-the-book engineer of our group?” asked Adam. “I would have thought you of all people would argue for sticking to the defined plan.”

“Usually that would be a correct statement. However, in this case we are actually doing more research than testing. If the beacon anomalies are such a big unknown, we should investigate them as soon as we are comfortable using the LANav. The outcome of the beacon tests could make a big difference in how we proceed with UAT testing, since it could possibly change the entire target market of the device. If it turns out that following the TSO LANav to an anomaly leads us to some new source of energy, an alternate universe, or who knows what, its ability to be used as a navigation device becomes just an interesting secondary function. If there is a possibility that this device has that kind of potential, all the other testing could be moot.”

“That’s a good point; and a valid argument,” said Adam. “It’s also a good reason why I’m glad we have a former design engineer on our team. What do you guys think?” he asked Alice and Sal.

“Dude, I’m all for it,” replied Sal. “Whatever we can do so this little adventure will get us closer to working full-time as an independent testing company would be awesome as far as I’m concerned. I was hoping this gizmo was going to lead us to the lost Incan treasure, so none of us would have to work at all anymore. Then I could spend the rest of the week playing World of Warcraft.”

“Hopefully you’re not counting on that too much, Sal,” said Alice. “We’re a little too far north for Incan treasure. I’m in agreement that we should move the beacon testing forward, as long as the client is amenable to it.”

“In that case,” said Adam, “I’ll discuss it with Dr. Odan this evening. I’m pretty sure he’ll agree, since he seemed to be most interested in that part of the testing anyway. In fact, I almost got the feeling that that was the only part he actually cared much about. I just chalked that up to his creative nature, but perhaps he’s had some dreams of the potential for his device like Tom and Sal mentioned. Not that I think he expects to be led to lost treasures. The astronomical navigation technology he has developed is certainly ground breaking, but he may need to wait until our space travel capabilities advance before the usefulness can be appreciated. He may be hoping for another facet of his invention to provide a more immediate contribution to mankind.”

Chapter eight

T
he languid mood of the morning had been completely eradicated by the exhilarating hike and the outstanding test results. Reaching the end of the trail, they emerged into a small meadow-like clearing with enough room for three or four tent sites. The sites were primitive, offering no more than a flat spot of ground and a stone fire-ring. There were no other campers present, and it did not appear as if the site had been used so far this season. They saw no evidence of recent campfires, and the tent sites all had new grass that had not yet been flattened by tents or sleeping bags.

There was still plenty of daylight, but as the shadows lengthened they could feel the chill that the night would bring. They dug out light jackets and sweatshirts from their packs, placing them where they would be easily accessible in the dark. The cloudless sky revealed no sign of rain, so they each tossed a sleeping bag on the spot of their choice and pitched a single tent to store the gear. Camp setup complete, the four companions quietly commenced their individual activities, enjoying the peaceful serenity of their surroundings.

Adam grabbed his fishing rod and headed back in the direction they came. The stream continued on southward, but he had spotted a few pools along the way that looked ideal for trout. He was anxious to call Dr. Odan and discuss the test schedule changes with him; though for now that could wait. A freshly caught trout was the perfect camp dinner after a long hike, and right now his priority was to catch a few.

Alice worked on her field notes, rewriting when needed and entering what she had so far into her notebook computer. Normally she scanned in her handwritten notes, but today’s testing hadn’t required much more than five pages, so it was quick enough just to type them in. She had already given some consideration to documenting the beacon testing, expecting that it would require a more free form style than she was used to. Typically, her documentation consisted of a description of the test and the results. Whenever there were failures, she included the steps necessary to repeat the problem.

She was still a little unsure of how to document the beacon testing. It seemed to be more of an analysis of function, requiring detailed documentation of the entire procedure. She didn’t even consider it testing as there was no chance of failure if they didn’t know what the expected output was supposed to be. As a disciplined tester, the lack of a structured format troubled her, but it also intrigued her to be part of the early stages of development of a product for a change. She could understand why Adam was so eager for this project; she also hoped that it would lead to more projects for the team. She would like nothing better than to work full-time for Overhill Engineering. It was not her nature to accept change lightly, especially career changes, but her job at OSI had lost much of its appeal since she had become a contractor. The job no longer provided the satisfaction it once did. In some ways she envied Sal, who seemed to roll along easily accepting everything that came his way. Not that she would ever consider telling him she admired anything about him. Sal was a good friend and she had a high regard for him, but Alice knew him well enough to keep those feelings to herself.

It wasn’t Sal’s nature to sit still for very long. After tossing his pack and sleeping bag into a heap, he volunteered to collect firewood for their campfire. He began piling kindling and logs next to the fire ring, breaking the longer branches into smaller lengths by stomping on them with his foot. When he was done, there would be enough wood not only for them but for the next several campers—if he didn’t injure himself breaking logs.

While Sal gathered firewood, Tom performed a cursory examination of the equipment, making sure everything functioned as it should and was stowed away for the night. When he finished he planned to check out the area to the south of the campsite. He knew from looking over the satellite maps that there were one or two farms in the area, and that the stream eventually emptied into a small pond before reaching the road at the southern end of the trail. Tom felt secure spending the night at the campsite, but it was his habit to inspect the surrounding area of any wilderness campsite before darkness set in. His night’s sleep would be more restful if he familiarized himself with the surroundings while there was still plenty of light. He found the tiny, overgrown trail leading southward to the pond, and began walking.

Tom was more at home in a mountain forest than any of the others. His family had deep roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia, where he spent his childhood years until leaving to attend college at the University of Pennsylvania. His parents lived in a small town on the outskirts of Charlottesville, Virginia, and he returned home often to visit them and the other members of his family who still lived in the area. Growing up in rural Virginia, he had plenty of opportunity to spend time in the woods enjoying outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing.

Tom was just over six feet tall, with steel gray eyes, sandy hair, and a trim, close-cropped beard. He had a slight but athletic frame, with tough, sinewy muscles that gave him more strength than his features revealed. At thirty-nine, he was ten years older than the other members of the team, but had more stamina than any of them.