As they drew near, Porter felt naked and alone. Images of a water cooler in front of white, lifeless walls and homogenized framed posters had an immed...ate appeal in his imagination. Then he snapped back to the gritty circumstance and wondered if he was up to this encounter. “Think of it as a challenge” his bosses used to tell him when the task seemed overwhelming.“Challenge, my butt,” he muttered as he squared his shoulders and then called out in a neutral voice, “Welcome!”“Welcome,” a dry. Everyone said the same thing to me that ‘times were tough’.I went online looking for part time work and ran across an ad for drivers needed. I waited until Monday to call the number listed inquiring about the position. To my surprise, a delightful lady answered the phone with a slight southern drawl to her voice. “Thank you for calling Happy, Happee Limo. This is Tina speaking. Do you need a limo for pickup or airport service?” Her voice just seemed to ‘smile’ over the phone.I hesitated for a. But Sir, you gave me permission for six weeks R & R. I haven't taken any time off at all — not in two years ... Yes, Sir. I'll be waiting for the sergeant." She closed the phone."Let's get to your room," she said when Jeff asked her what was going on. Shortly, inside Jeff's quarters, Kayla collapsed against him. "That son-of-a-bitch. He cancelled my leave. He said he didn't have any choice; the general sent word to do it. There is a sergeant that I don't even know who is coming to bring my. I’ve got my feelers out today we’ll see if they get anything tomorrow.” Varick advised all of them.They all nodded and went to their rooms leaving Alan on the cot, though he’d made a bed for himself in the room for the men, they thought better than to try and move him. They’d seen it to many times a defeated enemy was out but not down the same held true for Alan they didn’t know what might happen if he felt threatened while unconscious.Walking in Varick saw a small desk, three small beds a lamp.