William and Valerie: Take Another Road, Ch. 9
Back at it on a Tuesday...
Our Woodchuck friends William and Valerie have settled in well to their roles at Yellow Sky... but the road not taken is always beckoning. How do they respond?
Story Teaser: Will and Val are well into their new venture at the Coffee Shop, but will another offer give them pause towards their future plans in Chase Meadows?
Chapter 9: Decision Time
It had been several months since Will and Val accepted their ‘sabbatical’ terms from Yellow Sky. The Township Coffee Shop and Restaurant they purchased was doing well, and with Stone’s help they had grown and rebranded the Business into something that encompassed both the rustic charm of the area as well as their high-tech experience and expertise. Thus, ‘The Chase Comfort Cuisine and Caffeinatory Corner’ had become both a local attraction and destination for coffee and homestyle food enthusiasts alike.
Gary and Pedro shifted their Homestead kitchen expertise to the restaurant and expertly crafted ‘home-cooked’ meals for their patrons, with Deedee coordinating and orchestrating kitchen operations to keep things moving efficiently. This was yet another attraction of the business, as the newly renovated open kitchen allowed their patrons to observe the automated symphony of their meals being prepared.
Will and Val’s success in the hospitality business prompted them to purchase the plot of land adjacent to the Caffeinatory, and they were making plans to build a matching rustic resort hotel next door, with ‘bed and breakfast’ privileges at the restaurant as well as guided tours of the Chase Meadows and Thickering Forest nature areas. Bob and his contractor partners signed on for the construction of the Woodchuck Warren Lodge, and had committed to break ground as soon as the design permits were approved by Chase Township.
One sunny Spring morning, Will and Val were going over the Business receipts as the ‘bots cleaned up from the usual breakfast rush. Will smiled as he reviewed the calculations on his data pad: “The figures from last month look exceedingly well,” he commented, turning the screen towards Valerie. She adjusted her glasses and read through the figures, returning Will’s smile and leaning in for a gentle kiss: “It’s the best of all worlds,” she sighed. “We have our coffee and dinner place, we’re successful financially, and we have each other close by always.” They looked out the window at the sun sparkling off the Chase Brook River as it lazily flowed by the Caffeinatory. “What more could we ask for?”
It was Will’s turn to sigh: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but some technical challenges would be nice.” Val’s head whipped around as she shot her fiancee an incredulous look: “Did I hear that right? You miss the Widget business?” Will shook his head: “Even with all the time demands, travel, Board meetings, and other stress… yeah, I kinda wish we still could be in the Fab from time to time…” Valerie tackle-hugged him, holding him tightly: “You’re absolutely crazy, old man… and it’s why I’m crazy about you…”
Their romantic moment was interrupted by a gentle “Ahem” from the host stand. Will and Val looked up to see a two-tailed Fox and lovely Robian standing there, smiling back at them. “Is it too late for breakfast?” queried Tails, walking towards his friends. Will’s smile was as bright as the reflections off the River outside the window, as the couples exchanged warm hugs in greeting each other. “For you two, it’s never too late for anything,” replied Valerie. “I hope that we aren’t interrupting anything,” apologized CC. “Tails wanted to discuss a few items with y’all and I suggested we both drive up here rather than utilize electronic communication…”
The woodchucks both looked pleasantly surprised at CC’s diction: “Y’ALL?” they said in unison. CC blushed: “I’m expanding my use of contractions, so given the country setting I thought it’d be appropriate…” “It’s absolutely appropriate,” confirmed Valerie. “And very much in-line with your growth as a Mobian.” CC smiled broadly at Val’s compliment as Will guided his guests to a table freshly cleaned and set for a meal.
“We couldn’t help but overhear your conversation,” admitted Tails as they sat down. “The Device Business is actually a large part of the reason for our visit.” Will looked concerned: “Is everything okay?” The fox nodded appreciatively but tentatively: “Yes and no. Receipts are still very good across the board with promising sales projections… but the junior executives currently running the team don’t have the insight, the expertise that you two have.” “And frankly… we miss you,” added CC.
The woodchucks returned a thoughtful but concerned look to their guests: “So what are you saying?” Tails presented them with formal letters from the Yellow Sky Board: “The Board of Directors would like to offer you a significant incentive to discontinue your sabbatical and return to your prior positions. We see your involvement in the Device Business as vital to our success moving forward.” Will and Val reviewed their respective letters, their eyes widening. “This is a most… generous package,” admitted Will. “But what about the future vision, the plan and direction for the Device and Widget businesses?”
“I interceded with the Board on your behalf,” said CC. “As an immersed and long-time participant in the Business I… felt… I was uniquely qualified to present a perspective they may not have previously considered.” William smiled knowingly: “You’ve always been a big part of the Widget business, figuratively and literally. So what was The Board’s impression?” Tails returned William’s smile: “They were absolutely speechless. They didn’t realize the depth and breadth of your knowledge and what a tremendous loss it would be to let you two walk away permanently.” He nodded at the offer sheets: “Thus their gestures to entice your return, to include full control over the creative direction and balance of the Device Division.”
Val looked concerned: “But we’ve put so much into the Caffeinatory, and it’s doing so well. And the Lodge should be starting construction soon. Do we have to give that all up?” Both Tails and CC smiled warmly at their friends: “Look at the second page of the offer.”
They read through the verbiage as Tails explained: “Your titles have been adjusted to a Senior Advisory level. Much of the day-to-day and on-site operations will be performed by the Junior executives who will now report directly to you. Yellow Sky will fund a local office in Chase Township for your use to telecommute as needed. There will be some required meetings and events at the Headquarters Campus, but in general you should be able to perform your job duties remotely.” Will looked at his friend critically: “And Yellow Sky has no issue with us running our ‘side business’ as well?”
Tails’ smile broadened further: “They are further heartened by your flexibility and business acumen, and have expressed significant interest in booking Corporate retreats at the Lodge once it is completed.” Valerie shook her head in disbelief: “We’re going to need a bigger boat, so to speak…” “And likely more help here as well,” Will completed Valerie’s thought. “We were already interviewing local folks for positions at the Caffeinatory and Lodge given our growth, but we definitely need someone to help with guest interactions and event coordination…”
“Perhaps we may be of service then,” spoke another voice from the doorway. Will and Val turned to see Dennie and the two ‘S’ model Emulators at the host stand, looking around to take in their surroundings. “Dennie!” exclaimed Will. “It’s great to see you… and you brought Sammy and Sandy as well!” Dennie walked over to the table and hugged Valerie, who had risen to greet her. “We had missed you at the Fabs, so when I heard Tails and CC were driving up to Chase Township for a visit I asked if we could accompany them.” William nodded in acknowledgement, also rising to greet his IvoRobian friends and addressing the ‘S’ models in particular: “How are you all acclimating to ‘Fab life?”
Sandy looked at the Woodchuck couple thoughtfully: “While we remain grateful for Dr. Prower’s generous offer to allow our AI pathways to grow by working in the Manufacturing Facilities, our core programming still trends towards Mobian assistance roles. “ Sammy nodded: “Indeed. We find that we gravitate more towards the company of… Organics… and would like to experience a purpose that is more in-line with this ‘mindset,’ as you may say.”
“We consulted with Mr. Stone during our most recent check-in,” continued Sandy. “He reviewed our systems and Dr. Robotnik adjusted a few of our algorithms accordingly… to augment our latent hospitality programming.” Dennie smiled warmly: “They have already obtained permission from Dr. Ivo to ‘transfer’ their learning experience to this location… if you all determine they can be… useful… in this environment.”
Will and Val exchanged surprised glances, Will shaking his head: “Lately it seems Ivo is the gift who keeps on giving…” Tails laughed at his observation: “He certainly has had an apparent change of heart given recent events… but we still keep a wary eye just in case…” (winking at Will and Val). CC elbowed Tails in the ribs at his insinuation: “I have thoroughly reviewed Sammy and Sandy’s programming as well as their hardware, to ensure there are no ‘surprises’ as occurred when Dennie was delivered back to us. I found no subterfuge or malicious nature to their offers. They genuinely want to be helpful and grow following Dennie’s example: to be productive members of society… and good Mobians.”
The woodchucks smiled at CC’s thoughts: “Well we certainly have experience in guiding our Inorganic friends along that pathway,” remarked William. “And we sure can use the help,” finished Valerie. The ‘S’ models returned their Woodchuck friends’ warm smiles: “Thank you so much,” replied Sandy. “We will make every effort to be… exemplary in our work for you.” “Except that you will be working _with_ us and not _for_ us… ” chided Will gently. “So noted,” agreed Sammy.
“What about you, Dennie?” offered William. “Care to join your friends in moving up here?” Dennie blushed: “I am… flattered you would offer, Mr. William. Perhaps I can consider this for short durations… as a ‘change of pace?’ Is that the correct vernacular?” Valerie smiled and nodded. “But I do enjoy the Fab environment,” Dennie continued. “And with DJ’s career blossoming in Central City… I would prefer a role… where I can stay… closer to him.” Will and Val embraced at Dennie’s sentiment: “We can certainly relate to that. Just know any time you both want to come up here, you are always welcome.”
“So we’re all set, then?” commented Tails, motioning towards the offer sheets on the table. “Absolutely,” replied William, as he and Valerie signed their respective paperwork. Just then, Gary and Pedro arrived at the table with their freshly prepared breakfast. “Now let’s celebrate!” beamed Valerie, raising a mimosa to their friends.
Author's note: CC the Robian, 'Tall Tails' concept character, and Yellow Sky Industries courtesy of @e-vay
Story Title inspiration: 'Take Another Road,' Jimmy Buffett, Off to See the Lizard, 1988
Author's (additional) note: Now that William and Valerie have the best of both worlds, they are ready to formally combine their lives (finally!)... stay tuned for an epic gathering of old and new friends to celebrate A Woodchuck Wedding... coming soon!
Take Another Road Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7 | Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 (current)
A Woodchuck Wedding Ch. 1 (upcoming)
