The Big Change, Volume III

By Gene Hartley

This is volume III of a three volume series. The story's underlying intent is an advocacy for a direct democracy where money is used only to facilitate purchasing and not as a tool to hold people down. You'll understand what I'm saying after you've read the first book. On the surface it's a sci-fi adventure written mostly for young science and tech people. If the reader is a girl, I wanted her to feel she has the ability to do almost anything if given access to resources and lots of encouragement. The story has a few surprises I hope you'll like.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gene Hartley
• Release date: May 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463871928

Gene Hartley

Born in New Mexico. University of Texas degree

Book preview

The Big Change

Volume III

Published by Eugene E. Hartley at Smashwords

Copyright 2020, Eugene E. Hartley

This free ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. It may not be sold to others or be used for commercial purposes. But you are welcome to give it away to as many people as you like. I retain all commercial rights.

Disclaimer

To add more realism to this story, I name and comment about actual people, actual companies, actual places, and actual things. Please remember the contents of this book are only my opinions rolled up into a fun story. The news media always uses the word alleged to cover themselves, like the alleged offender, allegedly shot the policeman while the officer allegedly was arresting him. So when this fictional story asserts something as true, please first insert into your mind the word or the appropriate derivative of the word allege. For legal purposes I also have to say the following: All hyperlinked internet pages, photos, and videos presented are not part of this book. I’m just recommending them for those who may be interested. And, you may want to use these videos for discussion purposes with your friends. As time proceeds some may not work so I'll periodically remove or change them. Thanks.

The Story

This is volume III of a three volume series. The story's underlying intent is an advocacy for a direct democracy where money is used only to facilitate purchasing and not as a tool to hold people down. You'll understand what I'm saying after you've read the first book. On the surface it's a sci-fi adventure written mostly for young science and tech people. If the reader is a girl, I wanted her to feel she has the ability to do almost anything if given access to resources and lots of encouragement. This volume is almost 110,000 words. There are a few surprises I hope you'll like.

The Big Change

Volume III

Table of Contents

Millie and Nellie's First Day at School

Sophia's First Day at School

Las Cruces High School

After School Stuff

Lupe's New Boyfriend

Monroe

Testing the Second Generation Blinking Unit

A Little Rest and Relaxation

The Island

Returning Back to Earth From Zeta Reticuli

Lupe Visiting Sid After Mission to Zeta Reticuli

Brooklyn Hurt Herself

Trip to the Gila Wilderness

Carrie Mae Easton

Sophia

Connie

Traveling to the Memorial Ceremony

The Young Pioneers Arrive in DC

July1st, 2020

Day Two, the Infinitum

Sanctuary23

Later on Planet Earth

The Big Change

Volume III

Millie and Nellie's First Day at School

September 1, 2019. First day of school. Ima sat next to her daughter watching her sleep. Millie... Millie... I'm leaving a little early this morning. You need to wake up. It's 6:30. School starts at 8:00. She slowly cracked her eyes open and yawned. Mom, I was having the best dream. Nellie and I were on Perseus. That's the name of the dragon in your dreams? Yes. His full name is Perseus the Conqueror. Anyway, we were flying though rainclouds above an ancient forest. A cool mist was kissing my face. It felt good. Sounds like you slept well. I did. The bad dreams of last month's attack are going away. I've been dreaming, too. They tell me you're going to be key in the survival of your group on your journey into the universe. Mo'om, the Milky Way alone is so huge it would take a million years to explore just a small section of it. Forget the universe. "That's not what my dreams tell me. Somehow your group will zero in on the important places.

Listen. I set your clothes out. There's some cream of wheat on the stove. Did you sprinkle bacon bits on top with butter and a little brown sugar? Yes. Just the way you like it. You'll have to make your own toast though. I'm leaving now. Hope you have a great day. I'll see you around six. We're doing an inventory at an armory. Doesn't sound like much fun. It is when there's a problem and I have to track it down." Millie kissed her mom goodbye then jumped out of bed and began her morning routine.

Nellie called. Millie, you ready for an awesome day? Can't wait. They're big into baseball, so dad got us some gloves. Cool. I'm almost finished with my creamy wheat. Tom's outside waiting to take us. See you in a few. Tom is assigned to watch them, so he's now the new morning security guard at San Miguel elementary school between El Paso and Las Cruces.

It was 7:30 when they pulled into the teachers' parking lot. This past weekend they did a walk through to see where everything was. As you go through the front door, their class is two doors to the right.

Millie walked in their classroom first. Hi, are you Miss Fanti? The young teacher sitting at the desk looked up. Good morning. Are you girls in my class? Yes ma'am. My name is Nellie Chiva and this is my cousin Millie Williams. Oh yes, I remember looking over your files. You've been home schooled since first grade. But your parents want you to start socializing with other kids. Actually, we're the ones who wanted to come. It says here I'm only having you in the mornings. In the afternoons you'll be home to continue with your advanced studies. That's quite unusual. Millie said It's just that scholastically we are far ahead of regular fifth graders. I read that. Very impressive. Miss Fanti, I promise we'll be very good students. Millie shook Miss Fanti's hand and went to work probing her mind. She seats her students alphabetically. Millie said We like sitting together because we support each other in a collaborative fashion. I'm sure you'll have no problem with that. And when I speak up in class to correct you, you won't be offended. In fact you'll invite the class to speak up if they have a problem with the material or if they simply want to contribute to the learning process. Millie continued Nellie and I can't wait to start the fifth grade. Miss Fanti said You know, I usually have my students sit alphabetically, but this year I'll do it differently. I'd like to see friends sit together so they can collaborate during the learning process. So you two are welcome to sit anywhere you like. Thank you, Miss Fanti. If you don't mind I need to get back to my notes for today's lessons. Nellie gave Millie a stern look. Millie smiled and shook her head yes. As they were sitting down Nellie whispered Millie, you stinker. Don't you even think about using that mumbo jumbo mind control stuff on me. How do you know I haven't already? Just kidding. If I ever find out you have, I'm going to kick your little green glowing butt to the moon. Millie laughed. Don't worry, I like my butt where it's at."

More students began coming in. Four girls sat next to Millie and Nellie. Their names are Gabriela (Brie), Alicia (Allie), Araceli (Cheli), and Isabel (Bela). Brie started. Hi. You guys are new. Hi, I'm Nellie and this is Millie. We're cousins. This is our first time at a real school. We were homeschooled. I've lived here for years, but Millie is new to the area. She lost her dad so she came to live with us a few months ago. Brie introduced her buds. Allie asked So Millie, where you from? Back east, where it's way too cold. Nellie's parents were nice enough to let my mom and I come live with them.

Bela said Sorry about your dad. Family is very precious. You never know. Her eyes began tearing up and looked down unable to speak. The bell rang. Miss Fanti welcomed the kids and said it was ok to sit wherever they wanted. Just make sure you like your spot because it will probably be your seat for the entire school year. But later on you may want to switch. If so, you need to get permission from the person you're switching with." She then went forward with the day's lessons. They liked her friendly but firm attitude. She kept the class's attention by seamlessly moving through the course material while including some very funny jokes.

Time quickly passed and soon the lunch bell rang. Brie and her friends walked out with Nellie and Millie. Cheli said My mom is the head cook. Today they're serving green chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice and avocado salad. It was a large lunch room. The girls entered and breathed in the delicious aroma of Mexican food. They quickly filled their trays and took a seat.

Brie told Nellie Your cousin doesn't look like you. Millie said Some of my dad's ancestors were eastern European. That's where the blue eyes and golden hair come from. The tan skin is Native American. I have no idea where the freckles came from. Mom and I weren't doing so well after my dad died so Nellie's parents asked that we come live with them. I really miss my dad. I feel a part of my life is gone forever. (What a whopper of a lie.)

Brie said Bela's brother Rudolfo died in June right after school let out. Millie responded I'm sorry Bela. Bela said My brother was clumsy on roller skates. I kept telling him to be careful but he didn't listen. We were out skating on the sidewalk and his skates went forward and he hit the back of his head full force on the concrete. He was out cold. We got mom and our Tio. Mom was holding him in the backseat on the way to the hospital when he woke up. He looked at my mom and told her not to worry. He was going to be ok. That he was going to heaven. His eyes were looking at the ceiling of the car. He was saying to my mom... Isn't she beautiful. She's here to take me. I'll be ok. I love you mom. At that moment he let out a breath and died. Bela started crying. Millie walked over and sat next to Bela putting her arm around her. It's ok Bela, he's in a good place now. It's ok. Don't cry. Bela felt Millie's power of comfort and kindness. Her grief slowly evaporated. I'm sure Rudolfo wants you to have a happy life. He might even be helping you right now from heaven. You never know. Bela said Maybe it's good to let it out. I feel better now. And you're right, my brother would have wanted me to enjoy my life to its fullest. But I'm sorry his was cut so short. He was only nine. Millie looked into Bela's eyes. Sometimes things just happen and there's nothing you can do about it. So I try to enjoy each day as it comes. Bela said You're right. Millie continued You know what they say? What? Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, and that's why we call it the present. Bela smiled Where'd you hear that? I don't remember. Do you feel better now? Yes. Brie said Why don't we finish eating so we can go outside and clear our minds. Cheli said We're going to play baseball. You guys want to join us? Nellie said Sure. We brought some gloves just in case. Allie said All four of us played together in summer league. Our team came in first against eight others. Nellie smiled Sounds like you guys take sports seriously. I like that.

Allie's older sister Angie came up. We've got a problem. A brother and sister from Honduras are in my class and they're giving everybody a hard time. Nellie asked What do you mean? Did they threaten you? Sort of. They're saying we have to get permission to do things like play on the swings. And they want to know who the smartest kid in 6th grade is. They also want to know if any of the parents are cops. Millie said They must really be new. They don't realize every parent is a cop. And it sounds like they want a nerd to do their homework. Nellie said I'm good at martial arts. Maybe I could talk to them. Allie asked Cheli Do they know your brother is the smartest in school? Not yet. She turned to Nellie. Can you do something? Sure. But let's finish our lunch first. Your mom is a really good cook. These enchiladas are delicious. Brie changed the subject. So what did you guys do this summer? Millie interrupted and asked Brie if she wanted her pickle. Sure go ahead, I don't like pickles. Nellie said Millie's weird. She likes salty stuff. Millie added It helps my electrolytes. We didn't do much this summer. Nellie has a rad BMX track with lots of jumps and curves. Her neighbor has a huge pool so we did a lot of swimming. Oh, and then there was that problem we had a couple weeks ago. Nellie looked at Millie with a 'No, don't you say anything look' on her face. Millie whispered Trust me. She told the girls We were attacked by some crazy terrorists. Allie said THAT WAS YOU GUYS!? Yes. Nellie's neighbor is the chief of facilities at White Sands. So he has a landing strip with several huge airplane hangars. For some stupid reason they thought somebody really important lived there. The only important people were the soldiers guarding the place. Brie said Wow. The whole valley knew something went down, but we didn't know what it was. Nellie said The research center uses it as an airfield. Also next to the landing strip are some really nice apartments. Millie and her mom live in one. Allie said That's cool. Nellie asked Do you guys bike? Allie said A little. We don't like to ride next to the highway because there's no shoulder. And if we ride on the ditch banks dogs chase us. So it's kind of dangerous. Nellie suggested You all need to come over and ride with us on the BMX track. Brie said Tell you what, you teach us how to be good BMXers and we'll show you how to be great baseball players. It's a deal.

After lunch they stopped by the lockers and got their gloves, ball, and bat.

On the way out to the baseball field Humberto, the boy from Honduras, walked up. The conversations were in Spanish. He said You need to have my permission to play here. Nellie said Get lost. We don't have time for you. Humberto took the bat from Allie. Outside I'm the boss and you need to do what I say. Nellie got in his face and was about to unleash the wrath of God when Millie took her arm. Nellie, let me enjoy this. Millie gently pushed her aside. What's your name? Berto. Well, Berto, I think you're cute. I like a guy who's strong. She turned and winked at the girls. If I kiss you then will you give us permission? Now, you're talking, Mamacita. Let's go over there behind those bushes where the teachers won't see us. Millie turned to Nellie and whispered Stay here. I've got something special planned. Ok, go ahead and ruin all my fun. Millie smiled and walked off with Berto. Nellie told the others Relax, she'll be back in a few minutes. And, I guarantee you he won't bother us anymore. Cheli said You seem awfully confident. He looks old enough to be in eighth grade. Nellie said It's ok. Let's play catch while we're waiting.

Millie and Berto went behind a line of bushes at the back of the school. All of a sudden Millie pretended to see something. She looked up and said No dad. Don't do it. Leave him alone. It was my idea. Don't hurt him... please. Who are you talking to? You crazy or something? "It's my father. He promised to protect me. He died this year...... I'm sorry dad it won't happen again. Dad, don't hurt him. Berto felt something tap him on the shoulder. It was Millie's baseball glove she had sat on the ground. With full force but not enough to knock him out, the glove hit him in the face and he went down.

Millie continued pretending to talk to her father. She begged him not to kill Berto, that it was her fault. What's that dad? You won't kill him this time. But he better be good and leave all the other kids alone. Or else you'll cut his head off? Dad, that's not right. What?.... Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry for questioning you. Berto was afraid to get up because the glove was hovering over him. My dad said for you to go back to the playground and be nice, or else. Berto's eyes were wide open, his face filled with extreme fear. My dad said you better not tell anyone about this. Berto started running off screaming about something having to do with the devil. Millie thought This will shut him up. The glove came up behind and kicked him very hard in the butt. So hard he stumbled and fell. He was crying and yelling he was sorry. The glove continued with a flurry of slaps to his chest and face. He pulled himself up and ran to the end of the school building and into the boys' restroom. Millie followed him in. He stumbled and started having a grand mal seizure. Oh my goodness, what have I done? She sat down and gently laid her hands on him. She saw in his mind he was suffering from PTSD because of his horrific childhood in Honduras. He was regularly beaten and as a consequence had a head concussion that didn't completely heal. This ordeal with the glove brought him back to Honduras and the torture. His breathing and heart had stopped as he lay dying on the floor. She knelt down next to him and summoned the power of the green crystal. Millions of nano threads ran through his head, lungs, heart, and adrenal glands. She spoke to his mind. It's ok Humberto, nobody's going to hurt you anymore. I'm your guardian angel here to help you. After a few moments his heart started beating again and his breathing resumed. She continued thinking Humberto, I want you to be nice to everyone. There is no need to fight anymore. We all love you. You're going to wake up and feel refreshed. Millie will be looking at you. If you need anything just ask her and she will help. He woke to see Millie's caring eyes. I thought I lost you for a moment. Are you ok?

Millie hugged Berto as he was sitting on the bathroom floor. He began crying. She said You've got a new life now. No more beatings. The people here love you. I'll make sure you'll be ok, Berto. You have my word. What do you say we go outside and play a little baseball. Ok? She handed him a paper towel to wipe his face and blow his nose. They walked out together, and together with his sister Yolanda they all played a fun game of baseball. Millie laid her hands on Yolanda and healed her too.

(Berto's dad was recently murdered. He was a Mara Salvatrucha gang member. Hillary Clinton and some other greedy super rich Americans orchestrated a military coup in June of 2009. The country fell into disarray and dire poverty. It's been that way ever since. Some missionaries found Humberto and Yolanda hiding in a sewer to get away from gang members who had just killed their father. The gang had declared a vendetta on the entire family. The missionaries spirited them out of the country that night.)

The bell rang. It was time to get back to class. That was Millie and Nellie's que to hit the road with Tom. He drove them straight to the compound's airstrip. A Blackhawk was already fired up waiting for Nellie to fly them to the research facility.

Sophia's First Day at School

Norma stuck her head into Sophia's bedroom. Hey sleepy head, it's time to wake up. You need to get dressed and come and eat. Dad's cooking egg white omelets just the way you like 'em. With lots of cheese, jalapenos, and tomatoes? Of course. So hurry. Today's our first day of school. Sophia slowly pushed back the covers. Ok, I'm getting up. Mmm... I smell bacon.

She thought to herself I wonder what school's going to be like. Being homeschooled the last two years was ok, but I miss socializing. My tutors say academically I'm at least in eleventh grade. So eighth grade shouldn't be too hard. Wonder if the cliques keep newbies out. Maybe I'll have to create my own squad, or maybe I'll just float around for a few weeks before settling into a group.

After Sophia finished washing up and brushing her hair she scanned her wardrobe. Wanting to make a good impression she decided to wear a high thread count white cotton sundress. One side had small artistic splatters of dark luminescent raspberry and bright yellow. Her pair of raspberry penny loafers went well. Maybe I should cool it with the makeup. I'll wait and see what the others are wearing. Well, maybe some light raspberry lip gloss won't hurt. Connie came in. Hey, let's go. They're waiting for us. I'm coming. Hey, I like your outfit. When did you create that pattern? In June, I took some snaps in Central Park. Merged two photos and removed almost everything to leave a few cool outlines of people and nature.

Sophia stepped into the kitchen. Good morning daddy. Mmm. I could smell your cooking all the way into the bedroom. Morning, Sophia. You look nice. Are you a little anxious considering it's your first day of school? I think we're all a little apprehensive. It's been two years since we attended regular school. And thanks for letting us do it. We were going stir crazy. He responded Your mom and I could see it written all over your faces. You needed to get back into the real world. Norma added I'm sure you'll be ok. Sophia said At least Connie will be with the young Pioneers in high school. Norma chuckled. Sophia, you have enough confidence for an army. You'll have the kids eating out of your hands in no time. Just be careful and don't hurt anyone. Don't worry, I won't use any martial arts unless it's necessary. I didn't mean it that way, silly. You'll probably be the most beautiful girl in school. Don't lead anybody on and then break their heart later. Mo...om. You need to trust me more. I won't hurt any boys. Unless they deserve it. She giggled.

While Nellie was enjoying a bite of fresh jalapeno Norma told her Your school doesn't have many students. I like that. And it's less than a mile from here. Be careful about being assertive. Kids your age are usually a little more laid back. Ok? Ok, mom.

An agent named Joseph posing as a guard at the school drove Sophia. As we all know, Sophia is dazzling. She walked in the front door and stopped with a look of not knowing where to go. Five guys rushed up eagerly asking if she needed directions. Two who had the same class escorted her, constantly flirting, making idiots of themselves.

First period was social studies. She was bored with most of the people in class. But a quiet boy named Ren caught her eye. He was sitting one chair up the next row over to the left. Very good looking. Tall thin but muscular with deep blue eyes, dark hair, strong chin, and dimples. The girl behind her whispered he was the smartest in their grade last year. He snuck a glance back and turned red with embarrassment when she smiled back at him.

The morning passed quickly. During lunch Sophia walked her tray over to Ren. He was sitting alone at the end of a table quietly reading a book while taking small bites of his food. Hi, mind if I sit down? Go ahead. My name is Sophia. I noticed you're in my classes. He was too shy to respond. I see you're reading a book. My mom reads all the time. It's like she can't get enough. Ren looked at her forehead because he was afraid to look into her beautiful eyes. Sounds like you have a cool mom. Is the book any good? It's called The Catcher in the Rye. It's supposed to be a classic. But so far I don't like it. What's it about? A sixteen year old with no common sense or direction. I think the author was saying teens are stupid and do idiotic things on the road to discovering themselves as they escape from their current reality. It's actually an insult to teens. Maybe they were like that when he wrote the book. But no teen today is that much of an idiot. Well, maybe some bullies I know are. Sophia said So stop reading it. Relax, and we'll talk about something else. Like what? Did you grow up here? No. We moved here three years ago. My dad works for the military. That's interesting. You like it here? It's ok. Sophia laughed. You're really shy. Did you know that? Yes. And I'm feeling very uncomfortable. It's ok. Better that, than you being a loudmouth jerk. Ren looked across the lunch room. Talk about jerks, here comes Lance the idiot. A big red haired freckled faced boy with a crew cut walked up. Hey, Skippy. I didn't give you permission to talk to a girl. You gonna have my homework done by the end of the day? I want to make a good impression tomorrow with my teachers. Hi, Lance. He quite nervously said I'll have it for you when school is out. His voice was quivering as he asked Ok? That's a good boy, Skippy. See you after the last bell. Lance started walking away. Sophia stood and rather loudly said Excuse me moron. I think you left something. He turned. Well, you're a feisty one aren't you? This is men's stuff. You need to stay out of it. Sophia stepped away from the table and sarcastically said Yeah, that's right. I think you left something. Looks like you left your brains in your mother's uterus when you were born. And you're overcompensating by being an ass. What's the matter aren't you smart enough to do your own homework? Shut the hell up b-tch. Or what? Ren began to stand. Sophia pushed him back down. This is between me and Mr. I'm so stupid I can't do my own homework. Lance grabbed her arm and she tossed him to the floor. Like a bullet she kicked him extremely hard between his legs. He screamed in a high pitched voice while holding himself. Sophia smiled and said Listen up. Starting tomorrow YOU ARE GOING TO BE MY B-TCH. We'll begin with this... You are going to carry my tray to my table. After I'm through eating, you are going scrape the food off my plate into the trash, then neatly put the plate and tray on the stack for cleaning. And if you don't, I'll make you a permanent soprano. Do you understand me? She was about to kick him again when he screamed like a little girl Don't. Please don't. Good. Now we understand each other. I want you to leave Ren alone or I'll come after you. Got it? Yes, yes. Anything you want. With a sweet adorable smile Sophia took Ren's hand. You said you were going to show me to our next class. Are you ready? Ren didn't say a word as he left with Sophia. Students nearby were applauding. Dave, one of her guards posing as a lunch room monitor, stayed back and let Sophia take care of business.

Ren asked How did you do that? Anybody can kick, silly boy. They just have to know how to aim. No, I don't mean that. Lance is huge and you tossed him around like a toy. I've been taking martial arts for several years. (Not to mention a little of Tracy's super strength in her system.) She picked Ren up and held him in her arms for a moment. See... I'm pretty strong cause I work out with weights every day. My martial arts instructors taught me how to use my body to defend myself, but they also taught me something even more valuable. What's that? Never bring your hands to a gun fight. In other words see what the enemy has first, because you might have to get the hell out of there.

You shouldn't allow guys to bully you like that, Ren. Let me set you up with some karate lessons. Thanks, but no thanks. People like Lance scare me to death. Sophia smiled and put her arm around him. Don't worry Ren, I'll make a man out of you yet. So where's biology class? Ren didn't realize it but he just made a very powerful friend for life. And Sophia didn't know that Ren's dad worked for Lupe.

Las Cruces High School

Now over to Las Cruces high school. Beverly, Hope, Brooklyn, and Mallory were starting their freshman year. Connie is enrolled as a sophomore. Lupe, Tracy, and Molly are now juniors. Summer was a senior. The four older ones tested out of the remaining high school science and math courses including those courses offered for college credit. So for them it was PE, social studies, English, and speech/drama. Summer was into basketball, track, and baseball.

The younger Pioneers' first class was calculus. The bell rang. They made their way in and took a seat. Mr. Hamilton was the teacher. He fits the typical stereotype of a nerd. His trouser legs are way too short. You can see his white socks and black unshined shoes. He always wears a starched white shirt with a plaid bowtie. His face has small pock marks. His dark hair is short and oiled down. His glasses are black plastic frame with thick lenses. He is so skinny you'd wonder when he had his last meal. And his shirt pocket has a plastic pencil protector.

He was last through the door. Good morning. My name is Mr. Hamilton, but you can call me Mr. H. Welcome to the world of calculus. For some, it will be a breeze, but for most of you it's going to be very difficult. So please pay attention. And do ask me when there is something you don't understand.

At the end of class the Pioneers stopped by his desk. Mallory said Mr. Hamilton, up until this year I've been homeschooled. I learned calculus when I was eight. It's not that difficult. I wish all my students felt that way. Most will hate this class and some are going to fail. I think you're making it too hard. Your approach seems too impersonal, antiseptic, detached, and clinical. Maybe you should allow me to teach a few sessions. I could make it easier by having it interesting and exciting. Well, you sound very confident like one of my past students. You mean Lupe Solis? Why yes. She was always interrupting class to explain a concept I was trying to get across. Hope pulled out an apple and sat it on his desk. Our friend Lupe said you need to put some meat on your bones. So we'll bring you a snack every day. He smiled. So you girls are Lupe's friends? They say birds of a feather fly together. All our fathers work at White Sands. Tell her I said hello. Will do, Mr. H. And don't worry, we'll take up where Lupe left off. So stay in your toes.

They ran to history class just before the second bell. The head football coach, Charlie Strong, is the teacher. He was an all-district football player in high school and went on to play for a big name college where he earned a degree in physical education. The girls' other two subjects, speech/drama and English, were also taught by coaches. The inferior teaching quality was immediately evident. Placing unqualified people (coaches) in challenging positions was a real turnoff.

Lunch was at noon. Connie ate with Lupe. The freshmen Pioneers sat down around