Free Timecachers by Glenn R. Petrucci

Chattahoochee National Forest, but all we’ve added to our testing repertoire is a cool new geocaching toy.”
    “It’s still a cutting-edge device, so the project definitely enhances our resume, but yes, the beacon testing is what could take our company to the next level.”
    “Then might I suggest we move the beacon test up on the schedule?” said Tom.
    “This is coming from the most by-the-book engineer of our group?” asked Adam. “I would have thought you of all people would argue for sticking to the defined plan.”
    “Usually that would be a correct statement. However, in this case we are actually doing more research than testing. If the beacon anomalies are such a big unknown, we should investigate them as soon as we are comfortable using the LANav. The outcome of the beacon tests could make a big difference in how we proceed with UAT testing, since it could possibly change the entire target market of the device. If it turns out that following the TSO LANav to an anomaly leads us to some new source of energy, an alternate universe, or who knows what, its ability to be used as a navigation device becomes just an interesting secondary function. If there is a possibility that this device has that kind of potential, all the other testing could be moot.”
    “That’s a good point; and a valid argument,” said Adam. “It’s also a good reason why I’m glad we have a former design engineer on our team. What do you guys think?” he asked Alice and Sal.
    “Dude, I’m all for it,” replied Sal. “Whatever we can do so this little adventure will get us closer to working full-time as an independent testing company would be awesome as far as I’m concerned. I was hoping this gizmo was going to lead us to the lost Incan treasure, so none of us would have to work at all anymore. Then I could spend the rest of the week playing World of Warcraft.”
    “Hopefully you’re not counting on that too much, Sal,” said Alice. “We’re a little too far north for Incan treasure. I’m in agreement that we should move the beacon testing forward, as long as the client is amenable to it.”
    “In that case,” said Adam, “I’ll discuss it with Dr. Odan this evening. I’m pretty sure he’ll agree, since he seemed to be most interested in that part of the testing anyway. In fact, I almost got the feeling that that was the only part he actually cared much about. I just chalked that up to his creative nature, but perhaps he’s had some dreams of the potential for his device like Tom and Sal mentioned. Not that I think he expects to be led to lost treasures. The astronomical navigation technology he has developed is certainly ground breaking, but he may need to wait until our space travel capabilities advance before the usefulness can be appreciated. He may be hoping for another facet of his invention to provide a more immediate contribution to mankind.”

Chapter eight
    T he languid mood of the morning had been completely eradicated by the exhilarating hike and the outstanding test results. Reaching the end of the trail, they emerged into a small meadow-like clearing with enough room for three or four tent sites. The sites were primitive, offering no more than a flat spot of ground and a stone fire-ring. There were no other campers present, and it did not appear as if the site had been used so far this season. They saw no evidence of recent campfires, and the tent sites all had new grass that had not yet been flattened by tents or sleeping bags.
    There was still plenty of daylight, but as the shadows lengthened they could feel the chill that the night would bring. They dug out light jackets and sweatshirts from their packs, placing them where they would be easily accessible in the dark. The cloudless sky revealed no sign of rain, so they each tossed a sleeping bag on the spot of their choice and pitched a single tent to store the gear. Camp setup complete, the four companions quietly commenced their individual