Nick had been in the lab just long enough to get into a groove when Goody asked him if he had about 10 to 15 minutes. They proceed to his office and Goody shuts the door.
"I didn't do it." Nick starts.
"Hey as long as no one can prove it you're all set."
"Well that was too easy."
Goody just smirks and looks for some papers. "So...how's your old dad these days?"
"Last I saw he's older than ever."
That earns a laugh. "Sometimes I miss it over there. Has he mentioned any prospects?"
"Nothing specific but entry level could open up at any time, seems a lot of changes are on the horizon, expansion...I hear this and that but never sure."
"From what I understand they are taking on bigger and better things soon, and I'm not sure you'd just be limited to entry level."
"Well I don't know -"
"Nick I just got an update from the registrar, if you hold on you'll graduate above a three-nine. That's in the top 2 or 3 of the ET division and my best by a head. Congratulations."
"Wow, thanks, that sounds like good news."
"And remember you haven't slacked at all, full electives including an extra programming language. All that will open doors."
"I'm not very good with doors sometimes."
"So I’ve noticed...alright, here's what I know...now, remember there's a lot in play here, but we are looking at a few positions here at the campus that you'd be considered for, in the upcoming months."
"Oh."
"Yeah, we'd love to have you around. Now remember this is confidential."
Nick sits up in his chair, "Of course."
"OK, well, Brian, (as he points toward the lab tech’s lair) may be moving on soon, he has yet to put in official notice but was kind enough to let us know. It's nearly full-time at 36 hours a week, you'd be full staff, benefits, and report officially to Sue Richards, of course, you know, she's not so concerned about day to day stuff in the lab, so you'd coordinate with me."
"Right...wow."
"Hey, and I think you know about what that entails, maintaining the scopes and the CPU lab computers, some questions from students."
"Poor Brian."
"Yeah...well, he does get a little frustrated at times, but I think - again, between you and me and the doorpost - his temperament is probably better suited for, you know, less interaction and more concentration."
"A cave dweller."
(Chuckles) "yeah maybe, but I think with your easy going nature it should be a good experience all around, you seem to have a good sense of boundaries. It is OK to say 'no' sometimes, since that role is primarily to maintain equipment and not assist students with their assignments."
"That sounds about right."
"Alright, well, in addition to that....as you know, the enrollment has been growing and expected to grow, with estimates that the fall will see at least 5% overall increase over this past year."
"Wow again."
"Yeah, it's terrific. And so you've also been put on a list of those to consider for adjunct instructors, you know, for the entry level classes. These would be mainly evening courses, and should you also take the lab tech position then we would adjust your hours accordingly -"
"That makes sense."
"So what do you think about teaching?"
"Well, had never thought about it. I've had some great examples though."
"Flattery, Nick...."
Nick grins. "Well, you too of course, Goody."
Goody just shakes his head. "Well, I think that covers about everything I'm aware of. Any questions? Oh, have you sent out many resumes?"
"What's a resume?"
"Now come on -"
"I did sign up for the placement and had her, um-"
"Barb?"
"Yeah, Barb, I sat with her and looked over the (jazz hands) ol' rez and then sent out a few to cold companies, but...well, that was last quarter, I never heard anything back. It just doesn't feel...well, like I am in a huge hurry, that I need to jump in right away. I'm still at RadShack -"
"Oh that's right, I'd forgotten. Is Emmett still running those?"
"Lord help us he is."
This gives him a hearty laugh. "Oh my he's a character...do you get along?"
"Almost too well, he wants to make me a manger somewhere."
"Well, I'm impressed, that would be decent experience on the leadership side of things."
"I try not to think about Bain. He's always got something up a sleeve or two."
"Alright, well think things over and you know where to find me, I'm taking some days off here and there but leave a message."
"So the lab tech, when could that start?
"Well, of course that kind of depends on Brian but we would want to have someone in place by the first of August to get ready for fall. OH, and another perk with that, or at least I see it, you might too, is that there will be down times here and there, when everything is set and working as it should, and, maybe, not that much going on, then you can just, you know, play games or work on pet projects, you know, have access to the equipment that's not being used elsewhere."
"Cool. Sounds about right. I appreciate all this, sir."
Goody nods, "Well you've earned it and we know you'll make the right decision," with that wry grin.
They shake hands and he heads back to lab.