Deke was confused. He had a stack of papers about his new hires the day before, but now he couldn't find them. The first orientation was in two days. They were only halfway through hiring for the operation. Most of it was set to be done today and tomorrow. They were working hard to finish for him.

Deke knew he didn’t take it home. But it wasn’t at his desk. The last place it had been was with him in the PR head’s office, Starry Mural.

The office was closed but Deke opened it up and entered it, stopping in the doorway. She had a prospective employee in the chair opposite of her desk. Deke ignored it.

“Have you seen my files for employment?” Deke asked her.

Starry Mural sighed. She was not happy at the interruption.

“On my table there. You left them on my desk yesterday.”

“Ah,” Deke replied walking over to get them. “Thanks. Sorry for the interruption. I can’t do anything without these.”

She smiled a fake smile. “Next time, knock please. I am in the middle of an interview.”

“Yeah,” Deke said stopped at the door. The Pegasus in the seat was middle aged and in a suit. “I can see that.”

“Derecho here is the Director of Operations for this project,” Starry Mural explained when Deke didn’t leave.

“You are old,” Deke said stepping back in. “Relatively speaking. We have some looking to boost their income right before retirement, and plenty of second jobbers, but that suit doesn’t say that.”

The stallion shifted to look at Deke properly.

“Solar Flint is exploring employment here since he is now without a job,” Starry Mural said to Deke. “Its all complicated.”

“So you say,” Deke replied, sitting on the edge of Starry Mural’s desk, knowingly butting in. “Are you seeking part time employment?”

“Yes Sir,” Solar Flint nodded. “I recently lost my job.”

“Define lost?” Deke pressed.

Starry Mural sighed loudly. She hated working with Deke.

“I got fired,” Solar Flint frankly stated.

“Why?” Deke continued.

“I coasted. I let my performance slip. And the company smartly let me go and hired a young chap who would do my job better than I would. I got myself into a position where I got fired for being lazy.”

“Uhuh,” Deke replied. “What did you do?”

“I was an accountant, at a firm for that. A lot of companies outsource the bulk of their accounting.”

“So… good with numbers?” Deke asked.

“Yes,” Solar Flint replied confused.

“Can you pick the odd thing out on a sheet of numbers?”

“Depends on what you want to be the odd thing out.”

“Did you learn your lesson?” Deke asked.

Solar Flint took a deep breath in and let it out. “Yes. I learned. I’ve been out of work for four months now. Its been horrible on the family. I set a poor example for my foals and am stressing my wife out. Its bad. And nopegasus will hire me. Nopegasus gets fired. I messed up badly and I am paying the price. I feel awful and just want to fix everything with a job that can bring in some support.”

“Cool,” Deke said pushing off the desk and heading to the door.

Deke stopped just before exiting and looked at Starry Mural.

“Look, I’m no expert, but a numbers guy that can pick out the odd thing sounds like a good sorter. I don’t know the hiring stuff, and I didn’t look at his work history, but that’s a valuable skill on the sorting lines. And if I were to say yes, base starting pay and no guarantee on the contract.”

Deke closed the door without letting anypegasus give a response. He got back to his desk and began to flip through all of the files. He had to sort out where these ponies would train at. Deke put the guaranteed full time in a separate pile. The others were strong evaluations and some were outright just extra work.

Derecho wanted to set up the full hires in their future positions. Half would be going to the Glass Department. But he needed two in paper and one in wood. The best thing would be to let them rotate for a few days in each position, but it made it difficult to train them, switching their locations around like that.

Derecho sat there thinking. He finally realized, that if he put them with Glass Masters, that would make skipping around a bit easier for everypegasus. The Masters would help support them.

The rest were sorted out and Deke wrapped it up for the day. In the morning he would have to add any new hires from today, and then inform their trainers they would be working with somepegasus. The whole plant knew new hires were coming for the project. The day after would be doing the boring orientation. He had to lead everything, including that.

When that morning came, Deke wasn’t enthusiastic. He would rather be literally anywhere in the plant. And he knew it showed. Deke looked at his 32 new hires. All of them were decked out in new coveralls and boots, packing goggles, masks and hardhats. He was wearing an old pair that had been repaired a few times and had stains all over it.

“I don’t normally do this,” Deke stated. “But it’s part of the project, as I am the Director of Operations over this project. Its part of what they want me to do. I took a look at their orientation material and said, Deke, you can teach it better since you have been on the floors. And then I said, Damn right I can!”

Deke smirked at their confusion. “In 8 regular work days, two Mondays from now, we will begin Phase 2 of Project Clean Windows. Operations. The new system is almost installed. So we have to get you ready for that moment when we put everything we have into this project to pull it off. And we will. But we need you guys up to speed as much as possible for the start.”

“You all are going to be paired with a Master to teach you and guide you. But we will cover operations on all floors and safety measures to be taken. None of these safety measures are something to shrug off. They are there for a reason. And that’s not something I am saying because I have to. I’ve been on the floors for several years now. All of them. I have seen them save lives.”

“If you are permanent hire, as soon as that first paycheck comes in, get new goggles and your own mask with interchangeable filters. It is worth it. There are a few styles running around, but these are what I have. Its not too expensive, so you others might want to pick up at least goggles. We hate the regular ones, but they are provided free and they work. And more than sufficiently. You most likely won’t need the masks, but they have their moments.”

“So, lets start with fitting your masks and goggles. Goggles are always worn on the floor, masks only at certain jobs or if the orange and blue, both colors, lights go off. Speakers will prompt that as well. But Orange and Blue. Orange are often thrown, so not unless there is Blue.”

Once their safety gear was fitted properly, Deke took them out for hoof on learning. From start to finish he showed them the job. And he gave them every warning and common mistake the new hires made, giving them all of his knowledge about safe operation he had learned.

After lunch, he introduced each one to the Master they would be working with. The full hires were placed last, so they could learn about the rotations they would be doing to find the best place for them.

Deke stood on the walkway above paper, where several had been placed. It wasn’t as bad as Deke had expected it to be. They were respectful and well behaved. All of them were older, out of school for at least a year. This wasn’t a first job for any of them.

Starry Mural had hired Solar Flint. He was enthusiastic about a job again. Deke would be keeping a close eye on him. He was in metal, the fine sorting line. Deke wanted him there permanently, but he would have to earn it over the next few weeks. He didn’t know Deke wanted him as badly as he did.

The stallion was blessed that Deke had accidentally walked in when he had. Starry Mural had left a note for Deke. She was about to turn him down. She was placing it on Deke’s head and Deke was gladly accepting this responsibility. Starry Mural didn’t know the lines like Deke did, she couldn't have foreseen the specialized skill Deke was pretty sure Solar Flint had.

Deke was under his original hiring count. He had wanted 40, but with the restricted budged, he went with 32. He wasn’t rewarding his regulars as much as he had hoped either. But he would give bonuses if he could.

Deke moved to the Glass Department. They were putting the floor in place. The structure was built, the pieces all fixed in position, and it all looked amazing. They were just building the floor with the old tiles, bolting them down to that frame.

It was a great design and they would be giving it a test run in the morning. It had to be ready. They were two days behind their estimated set up, but not close to being late. Still, they had phase one in full swing now that the new hires had been brought on board. The countdown had begun.

---

Deke stood next to Featherlight outside his office. They were overlooking the floor. Everypegasus was there. They were about to officially reopen the Glass Department. Everything had worked out perfectly.

On the other side, on the catwalk, the Board Members were watching, along with several others Deke had never seen before. Deke knew some of them were the executives over the engineer team they had hired to build the new system. General White Blade was in attendance, but he was retired and this might be the highlight of his week, maybe month.

“Good morning everypegasus!” Featherlight said, starting it all. “This is the Glass Department’s new recycling system. I know you all got a real look at it yesterday and learned all of it. I know you are just as excited as I am to use her. But Deke has a few words.”

Deke gave a nod to Featherlight and then leaned onto the railing, smiling at everypegasus. “I am so glad to see all of you here. Especially our 32 new and temp hires. I am not going to lie, this is going to be a difficult project. But very doable. Six weeks we have to reduce that pile in the warehouse down to the 30,000 ton marker.”

“The hours will be long, the extra days will take a toll, but I know all of my fell Glass Department comrades have wanted to do this for years. Now is our chance. Now, not only do we relieve the pressure on ourselves, but set the new standard for this department, and help reset the standards for the whole facility.”

Deke threw a hoof up. “Lets do this!”

They cheered and applauded in excitement.

“TO YOUR STATIONS!” Deke ordered.

They rushed to take their stations. The entire system had been warmed up a few hours ago, so it was all ready to go. Deke wanted to be on the lines as the first glass hit them, but it was his job to watch it work for the moment.

The speed had been increased by 20% from start to finish, at the same output. And the system projected to keep it up even at the highest speeds. When the first block was taken off the line it was set to the side. It easily passed inspection, but they were keeping it for good luck. A souvenir.

After watching things flow smoothly for an hour Deke left his overwatch to join Line 3. Candy Crush had taken Line Head in Deke’s absence. They had lost 3 during the operation, moved to another line, and gained two temporary sorters. Operation wise, not having Deke was the biggest blow. But he would be there as much as possible. Featherlight would be at the end moving glass as much as possible as well.

Candy Crush quietly smiled at Deke as he joined the line. It wasn’t long before Candy Crush moved up the speed of their line. They had started slow, getting a feel for the new system and how she handled.

They were not the first to increase their speed. Line 1 had been kept the same, an all veteran line. And now, all 8 members were Master Sorters. They were working at the top speed almost immediately. All 8 Line Heads knew that they only had to go as fast as they could, and that the apprentices would slow them down, temporarily.

After lunch Deke couldn't rejoin the line. He had calculations to do. Deke had to look at the input, output, and make sure that they were charting everything correctly. His reports would be the most detailed he could make them.

---

Deke sat down in the board room. He was still in his work clothes and refused to wear anything else, even on days he would only be in the office. It was apart of who he was for work. It was Monday, which meant report day.

Deke smirked. “Its day 34. We will hit our mark on day 37. We have had no flaws, or hiccups. Outside of Summer Forge and Ornate Ruby getting cut up. He took that hit for her, pulling her out of the way.”

“We have been watching the track and the engineers haven’t been able to exactly figure out what happened so that that shard launched itself. The best thing we can figure is because of it’s size, as it was a window pane shard, that it got caught in the movement and jolted forward when it broke free.”

“All larger pieces are now being shattered by the front for safety reasons. We really should have been doing that since the beginning, and do whenever we get building materials in. But that was in the general pile for some reason.”

“Output has been phenomenal, all within the expected levels and an estimated 20% faster than the other system could handle. And we still haven’t gotten it backed up. We could feed more, but we haven’t needed too. All lines are functioning around 75% of top speed for sustainability reasons.”

“Here are last week’s budget costs. We had a few not be able to work the weekend, but the immediate, emergency costs for the injuries are in here as well. I believe the rest comes out of another budget.”

“That it does,” Balance Sheet nodded. “A pity it happened. We had another two take a hit in metal on Friday as well.”

“So I heard,” Deke nodded.

“Well,” Crimson Fluff sighed. “It shouldn’t of happened. The Metal Department was picking up the speed, trying to not have you come. I had to put the breaks on that idea. You are not taking over anything and its got nothing to do with their current operations. Still, for the past two weeks, every department is trying to raise their output.”

“That’s not good,” Deke replied shaking his head. “It works for us because we have the extra hooves and we have the new system. The operation is designed to maximize the recycling process from what they were at, not just speed up.”

Steel Feather snorted. “If there is another injury, I am shutting everything down. We can’t afford injuries due to carelessness or because they feel threatened. This was a carefully planned operation, or else the Glass Department would have solved their pile up years ago.”

“However, Balance Sheet, how is Deke’s budget looking?”

“Judging from what they have been doing, he is within the budget. And if it is done in three days, then he certainly will be within budget. Well within budget. Nothing is solid until it is finished.”

“Good,” Steel Feather said. “Deke, we want to continue this project into plastic. Their pile needs a review and then we want a plan built to solve it. Without redoing their equipment.”

Deke chuckled. “I’ll give it a look. The new equipment has been a lifesaver. We could have done it with the old, but I am glad we are not. But for plastic, are you looking at a time frame?”

“Give it a look,” Steel Feather replied. “Come up with a maximized plan to get it within manageable levels like you did with Glass. And then we can talk about a budget for that.”

“Then I better get going,” Deke grinned. “I promised to help Candy Crush on our line today, so I have plenty to do.”

Deke joined Line 3 beside Candy Crush. She kicked the speed up a bit without a word.

“A little late,” Candy Crush said.

“Monday morning meeting,” Deke replied. “I got here as fast as possible.”

“And?”

“They requested I look into plastic.”

“Good,” Candy Crush grinned. “I want to see you take this whole place down. Show them what a working Pegasus can do.”

Deke chuckled. “I’m not set against them.”

“I know. We all know. But we love seeing them relying on you. Learning from you. You learned how to do this on your own. Seeing the paper pushers with the secondary school degrees learning from you is nice.”

“Thanks,” Deke said with a chuckle. “I’m just doing what is best for everypegasus. What is best for the plant.”

---

Deke stood up on the balcony by Featherlight’s office. Everypegasus was assembled below. The Board and others were across the way as well. There seemed to always be some higher up watching, especially the closer they got. Deke didn’t know who most of them were, but it didn’t matter. Only the board mattered.

Featherlight and several others were in the warehouse calculating the mass of the glass pile. Deke knew they were below 500,000 tons, the maximum he had given the Board. They had been below it for several days.

The past two afternoons had been like this, everypegasus waiting to hear what the mass was. It decided how they would function. If it was where they needed it, there would be no evening shift.

Featherlight and the others came out and pulled their masks off. “The glass is at 52,000 tons!”

Deke threw his hooves up in the air, wings out in excitement. “AFTER 37 DAYS, WE DID IT! IT’S DOWN TO 52,000 TONS! THAT’S ALL WE NEEDED!”

Everypegasus cheered. The Board and others clapped politely on the other side as Deke grinned at them. This was a win. He had done it. But now, he had a new challenge to face.

Deke knew glass. He knew all of the pegasi in the department. It was optimized to them. He had been trying to get to know the plastic workers as much as possible, but it would never be the same.

“Temporary workers!” Deke called, quieting the crowd. “Its Thursday. Monday morning, come to my office. We will discuss any further employment. We are preparing to do the same with the Plastic Department, but I will need tomorrow to finalize employment and such.”

“Everypegasus else, take tomorrow off. There is no reason to be here and you have made more than enough financially working two evening shifts this week to cover tomorrow. Because now, we no longer are working evenings and weekends. Enjoy it, and we will see you back bright and early on Monday morning!”

“But, I really need to say it again. Not just good job, but thank you. Thank you all for making this a reality for me. I was given this special opportunity, but it happened because of you. The opportunity wasn’t wasted because of you!”

Another round of cheers went up and Deke smiled back at them. Deke had to break it off and go meet with the Board. They were waiting for him. Deke sat down, leaned back and kicked his boots up on the table with no class. He was enjoying the feeling and pushing it.

“You did it,” Crimson Fluff stated. “But you want something.”

“Yeah,” Deke said getting himself into a proper seated position. “These 12 are seeking full time employment. We could put them through another temporarily shift, but I fear we will lose them to another job. And they are trained, nearing the point of Journeyer Class C.”

Nopegasus picked up the folders Deke had put on the table.

“Is Solar Flint one of them?” Modem asked.

“Yes,” Deke nodded. “He is. Eight others didn’t want to continue past this temp shift. I hope to pick them up for the next, but these 12 want to stay, and I think should. Is there something about Solar Flint or any others that I should know about?”

“No,” Modem replied, reserved. “I don’t like having a Pegasus who was fired on the books. That is all. Is he good?”

Deke gave a slow nod. “He will hit Master Sorter in five years. In ten he will max out pay. He isn’t going to make the same mistakes he did before. And he is fast and good. All those years pouring over accounting books and his eyes are still sharp.”

“Can we hold off on the hiring?” Balance Sheet asked.

“He has no guarantee,” Deke stated. “As far as he knows, he just made his last bit and Monday he will know that for certain. You will be able to tell what he thinking if he comes in on Monday in a suit and tie, or in his coveralls.”

“I could really use him in fine sorting in metals. He excelled there for the few days he had training there. And he was with two Masters who gave good reports on him. I would say he could be a Journeyer, but he isn’t staying in Glass.”

“Fine,” Crimson Fluff caved. “Hire all 12 of them on Monday. We have been looking at things. Over the next year, we plan on taking on an additional 82 workers. That cuts us down to 70, we just need 50 of them fresh from school.”

Deke grinned. “Monday afternoon I will have the full proposal for the Plastic Department ready for you.”

Next Chapter: Story 2 - Director Of Operations Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 7 Minutes