Excerpt: Do Overs

Mike moved to the desk. The paperwork was better this time around. Computers were taking over. He was sure he could get several routine for his act just standing in line watching the bewildred. The girl who had called him had a bluetooth headset that wispered an AAR tune to him as he neared.

Not even glancing up from her laptop she asked, "Major?"

Mike resisted his normal responses of , "No, just a civilian" or "General, actually, General studies." Instead he pleaded, "Political Science, B.S."

The girl chuckled as she typed and said, "Isn't all politics. Do you have an advisor?"

"No, I've been away for awhile. Who do you suggest?"

"You'll need to see Professor McConnal, he is head of the department, or Dean Johanson if the Professor isn't back." The girl shuffled the forms into a neat pile while she talked. Then handed them to Mike. "Professor McConnal's office is in Thomas Payne Hall. Dean Johanson's is downstairs by the fountain."

Mike smiled and turned to leave. Payne Hall was across the main lawn to the south. The walk was a mix of familiarity and the reality of change. Five years had seen two new buildings added to the main lawn, making it more of a courtyard. The cobblestone pathes were more worn smooth and the statue of Barry Atwater seemed less impressive.