Chapter 8
Mark leaned against the refrigerator as he pressed a bottle of icy cold water to hi brow, the digital thermometer next to the door of the field office read a stifling one hundred twenty degrees outside and the air conditioning units were struggling to keep up inside.
“I’m telling you Sam, if it stays this hot we wont be able to stay out here much longer.” He opened the water bottle and took a long drink before continuing, “At least not above ground anyway.”
“What do you mean?” Sofia shouted toward Mark’s face on the laptop screen as her head came into view. “Hi Mark! You guys aren’t going back into the cave until I get the SPS finished are you?”
“Of course not,” Mark reassured her, “but what I was thinking was to drop our field office into the ground around the formation. Kinda use it as the centerpiece and air conditioning system while we study it full...”
“Air conditioning?” Sam interrupted.
“Uh yeah,” Mark hesitated for a moment, “did I forget to tell you about that? About a week ago the formation started pulsing faster and as it did it got cold, fact is in the narrow shaft we have dug around it so far we’re having to wear parkas!”
Mark pointed the camera at the thermometer, then out the door where the heat waves made the horizon shimmer in the distance before coming back around to show the sweat running down his face.
“PARKAS!” he shouted with a laugh.
“Intriguing idea,” Sam’s eyes drifted out the window of her office next to the R&D lab. “You think Senior will approve the added cost?”
Mark luaghed. “Doesn’t matter! If he doesn’t, it’ll make for some good television, right?”
Mark had always been more of the type to ask forgiveness from his father rather than asking permission, not that anyone in his life had ever told him no. Even as a small child Mark Jr was given everything he wanted without question. Entertaining him became the objective so his parents could focus on work, leaving him with a nanny to fill the gap left by his parents. His life from childhood through becoming an adult became littered with broken toys, forgotten tech and unfulfilled promises left strewn about by the adults that should have been there for him instead of in the board room making million dollar deals just to add to their own vanity.
Mark’s father, Mark Sr had never been present in his life. Instead he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, always busy with work and never available to share the life lessons that are supposed to be passed from father to son. His mother was no better, coming from a life of poverty as she had, should have instilled some form of family values. Unfortunately for her, instead it became the reason her parents were never there for her. The struggle to make ends meet consumed every spare minute for them, each being forced to work multiple jobs just to have food and shelter.
When Mark Sr. met Eleanor in his junior year of college, he believed he had finally found someone who understood him. She was ambitious, intelligent, and determined to build a secure future that neither of them would ever have to worry about. Eleanor saw the same qualities in him. Where others saw obsession, she saw security. Where others saw ambition, she saw stability. Their courtship was brief, their marriage even quicker. Both were young, both were driven, and both believed that success was something you built together. They worked long hours, she chased promotions within HGH while he strained to live up to his fathers expectations as the future CEO. Together they invested aggressively, and celebrated every milestone as proof that their sacrifices were worth it.
By the time Mark Jr. was born, they had achieved nearly everything they had set out to accomplish. The problem was that neither of them knew how to stop. Every extra hour at the office was for the family. Every missed birthday was for the family. Every canceled vacation, every unfulfilled promise, every moment spent away from home was justified by the belief that they were building a better future for their son. Neither of them realized that while they were busy building that future, Mark was growing up in the present without them.
Mark’s mother, Eleanor was raised in an impoverished family where food and housing insecurity was the order of the day. Her parents tried their best to raise a well rounded and successful woman, but the tediousness of working multiple jobs kept them away from home and left her growing up as a latch-key gen x-er. The lack of parental structure led to early life behavioral problems as it did with so many of her peers, what made the difference for her was watching one of her best friends sentenced to a lifetime in prison for a botched robbery turned double homicide. The shock of the trial and seeing her friend in an orange jumpsuit reduced to an inconsolable mental break as the judge read the verdict and passed sentence. She still sees the image in her mind every time she closed her eyes, plagued by nightmares of what her life might have ended in even into adulthood.
After that she disassociated herself from all of the bad influences that had been pulling her into petty crime and dove headlong into into securing the best education possible, dedicating herself to long hours of study by her bedroom lamplight. She was a sophomore when the trial happened, by the end of her senior year she was awarded the honor of class valedictorian and earned her several scholarship offers. She worried that her scholastic success would bring shame to her parents and had set her mind at finding a small unknown college to attend, amassing an impressive stack of offers sitting unopened on her desk. One night over dinner her father tossed four of her unopened letters onto the table with a concerned expression.
“Care to tell me about these?” he said softly, his piercing eyes felt like they were burning a hole through her soul as she contemplated the question. “Princeton, Harvard, MIT, Wharton…” he paused as a tear dripped down his face.
“I, uh…” Eleanor stammered, feeling a sting of unearned shame. “I’m sorry, I should have gotten rid of those.”
“Child, why on earth would you do that?” he asked, his tone turning to pride. “You will be the first person in more than five generations from this family to attend college at all, but these schools…” he paused again as he regained control over his tone of voice, trying to hide the shakiness. “This makes it clear, you have the choice of the best schools in the world sitting in front of you. Which one do you want to go to?”
Eleanor broke as the tears that she had been holding at bay streamed down her cheeks.
“I thought you would be unhappy because of the status of the…”
“Are you kidding?” her mother interrupted nearly shouting. “Do you think we want you to struggle the way we do?”
“I…” Eleanor tried to speak past a sob.
“You are your own person,” her mother was using a more gentle tone now, “you deserve the very best. Your father and I could not be more proud.”
“And furthermore,” her father started again, “had you tossed these, you would have only been robbing yourself of a future and us of the pride of our only child getting the very best education available. Do you mind if we open these together?”
Eleanor reached out and took the envelopes as a smile spread over her face. “Please?”
Taking the first one she opened it and started reading.
“HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Office of Admissions
Cambridge, Massachusetts” Eleanor paused to take a deep breath, she continued after exhaling.
“May 3, 2026
Miss Eleanor Whitaker
Dear Miss Whitaker,
The Admissions Committee of Harvard College is pleased to offer you admission to the incoming freshman class.
Each year we review applications from thousands of exceptional students. Few, however, leave as lasting an impression as yours.
Your academic accomplishments are extraordinary. Yet it was not your final rank as valedictorian alone that distinguished you. We were equally impressed by the determination, discipline, and personal growth reflected in your record. The ability to redefine one's future through sustained effort is among the rarest qualities we encounter, and one we value deeply.
In recognition of your achievement and demonstrated financial need, Harvard College is pleased to extend a financial aid package covering the full cost of tuition, housing, meals, required course materials, and standard academic fees for four years of undergraduate study, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
Additionally, you have been invited to participate in Harvard's First Generation Scholars Program, where you will receive academic mentoring and support as you begin your collegiate career.
Miss Whitaker, your application tells the story of a young woman who refused to allow circumstance to determine her future. We believe you possess not only the ability to succeed at Harvard, but the character to enrich the Harvard community itself.
We hope you will accept this offer and allow us the privilege of supporting the next chapter of your remarkable journey.
Congratulations on your achievements.
Sincerely,
Jonathan A. Pembroke
Senior Admissions Officer
Harvard College”
The table fell silent after she finished, tears began to roll across Eleanor’s cheeks, she gently folded the paper as her hands started to shake.
“Wow.” Her father said softly as he wiped his eye to prevent a tear. “Do you realize what this says about you?” he paused for a moment. “Harvard! And they are fawning over you!”
Eleanor stared at him, her eyes distant and full of emotion.
“This one next,” her mother handed her the next envelope, “let’s see what Princeton has to say about you.”
Eleanor took the envelope and gently tore it open across the top before tugging the letter out.
“Princeton.” She said resolutely while trying to steady her voice before continuing.
“PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Princeton, New Jersey
April 18, 2026
Miss Eleanor Whitaker
Dear Miss Whitaker,
It is with great pleasure that we offer you admission to Princeton University.
Academic excellence is a hallmark of every student selected for admission. What distinguished your application was something more difficult to measure: strength of character.
Throughout the review process, the Admissions Committee was impressed not only by your exceptional academic achievements and standing as valedictorian, but by the resilience, maturity, and sense of purpose reflected in your personal story. We believe that true leadership begins when an individual chooses responsibility over circumstance, and your record demonstrates that choice repeatedly.
In recognition of both your accomplishments and demonstrated financial need, Princeton University is pleased to offer a financial aid package covering the full cost of tuition, housing, meals, required academic materials, and standard university fees throughout your undergraduate education, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
Additionally, you have been selected for participation in Princeton's Leadership and Service Scholars Initiative, providing mentorship opportunities, faculty guidance, and support for students who have demonstrated unusual promise as future leaders in their communities and professions.
Universities are often judged by the scholars they educate. We believe they are equally defined by the character of the individuals they welcome into their communities. Your application convinced us that you possess both the intellect to excel and the integrity to lead.
Miss Whitaker, Princeton would be honored to play a role in the future you are building for yourself. We hope you will consider joining a community dedicated not only to achievement, but to service and leadership.
Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment.
Sincerely,
Margaret E. Holloway
Dean of Undergraduate Admission
Princeton University”
Eleanor’s mother allowed herself a prideful grin as she considered the letter.
“So far it seems the choice is yours.” She said softly.
Eleanor was full blown crying at this point as she choked out the words.
“Can you read the next one?” she handed the third envelope to her father.
“MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Office of Admissions
Cambridge, Massachusetts” He paused as he skimmed the rest of the document before continuing.
“April 25, 2026, Miss Eleanor Whitaker,The Admissions Committee is pleased to offer you admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.” He skimmed over the salutation, mumbling through everything before anunciating the sentence.
He began again, only touching on the words he felt were the most important. “Each year we seek students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and the determination to pursue difficult questions wherever they may lead. Your application convinced us that you possess all three.
While your achievements as valedictorian are impressive, what distinguished your candidacy was the remarkable trajectory of your academic record. We were particularly struck by your willingness to challenge yourself, your commitment to growth, and your evident enthusiasm for learning. These qualities often prove to be the foundation of meaningful discovery.” He paused again and smiled as the last words left his mouth.
“In recognition of your accomplishments and demonstrated financial need, MIT is pleased to offer a financial aid package covering the full cost of tuition, housing, meals, required academic materials, and standard institute fees for four years of undergraduate study, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
“Additionally, you have been invited to participate in MIT's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, providing students with the opportunity to work alongside faculty members on active research projects early in their academic careers.”
“MIT too?” Eleanor’s mother interrupted.
“MIT too.” Her father said softly as he continued to read. “At MIT, we believe that education is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but the pursuit of understanding. The students who thrive here are those who refuse to accept easy answers and instead ask the questions that others overlook.
Your application suggests a mind driven by that very instinct.
Whether your future lies in science, engineering, research, business, or a field not yet imagined, we believe you possess the potential to make meaningful contributions to the world around you. We would be honored to provide the environment in which those talents can flourish.
Congratulations on your admission, Miss Whitaker. We hope you will join us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert T. Winslow
Associate Director of Admissions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology”
Eleanor sat silent, simply allowing the news to permeate her subconscious as she began to dream about the possibilities that her life was beginning to expose.
She picked up the last letter and anxiously tore into the envelope, shakily unfolding the page and reading.
“This one is from Wharton School of business!” she whispered, eyes sparkling with excitement before confessing, “This is the one I really want.”
“THE WHARTON SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 21, 2026
Miss Eleanor Whitaker
Dear Miss Whitaker,
On behalf of the Admissions Committee, it is my pleasure to offer you admission to The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Each year we seek students of exceptional academic ability. More importantly, we seek individuals whose character, determination, and vision suggest the capacity to create meaningful change in the world around them. Your application distinguished itself in every respect.
Your accomplishments as valedictorian are evidence of remarkable talent and discipline. Yet it was your story of perseverance, personal accountability, and unwavering commitment to self-improvement that most impressed the Committee. We believe that leadership is not defined by privilege or circumstance, but by the willingness to confront adversity and emerge stronger because of it.
In recognition of your achievements and demonstrated financial need, the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to offer you the Benjamin Franklin Leadership Scholarship. This award will provide full tuition, housing, meals, required academic materials, and university fees for four years of undergraduate study, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
In addition, scholarship recipients receive an annual educational stipend, faculty mentorship through the Wharton Leadership Program, priority consideration for summer internship placements, and access to specialized professional development opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in business, finance, public service, and entrepreneurship.
Miss Whitaker, many applicants demonstrate intelligence. Far fewer demonstrate the resilience to transform their lives through determination and purpose. The Committee believes you possess not only the ability to succeed at Wharton, but the potential to lead organizations, create opportunities for others, and leave a lasting impact on the communities you serve.
We do not view this offer as recognition of what you have already accomplished. Rather, it is an investment in what we believe you are capable of becoming.
We sincerely hope you will join the Wharton community and allow us to support the ambitions that have already carried you so far.
Congratulations on your extraordinary achievements. We look forward to welcoming you to Philadelphia.
Respectfully,
Charles H. Montgomery
Dean of Admissions
The Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania”
Everyone was silent as they all starred at the pile of now open envelopes on the table.
Her father broke the silence first. “Why Wharton?” he asked, “I thought you would study geology, MIT sounds like the best option for the sciences.”
“I do love geology,” Eleanor’s eyes scanned between her father’s eyes and the envelopes as her decision cemented itself in her thoughts. “But no,” She said finally, “specialized fields are good but I want something that I can take anywhere in the world and be successful.” The shakiness left her voice and was replaced with a steely resolve.
Her decision was made.
“Wharton eh?” her mother interjected, “Pennsylvania is a long way away, are you scared?”
“No,” Eleanor thought about the question for a full minute before continuing. “It will be new, and new is good right? I will be fine.” She paused as she looked into her mother’s eyes, “and so will you. You guys work so much just to have our home and food and doctors and…” she paused as she realized the meaning her mother might take from her words. “You are the best parents I could have asked for, and I will miss being here,” She paused again “it will be different, but we will all be fine. This is how it’s supposed to be.”
Eleanor had no idea at the time how much effect that this single decision would shape into her life, that she would fall in love in her sophomore year, marry Mark Sr. by her senior and have a life that meant she would never want for anything again. The life that she had feared falling into was coming to a close and the future, while still hidden from her mind would be nothing short of miraculous in comparison.
She didn’t disappoint academically speaking, finishing her under graduate studies at the top of her class, awarded with another full scholarship to pursue her doctorate in business and accounting. She was one month away from graduation when she found out she was pregnant with Mark Jr and immediately after graduation she took five years off to focus on her new son before accepting a starting position at Halvorsen Global Holdings as an account specialist, one intended to allow her the access she would need to the company hierarchy as the wife of the future CEO.
Mark Jr’s early childhood was storybook perfect, as answer to the shortfalls of her own childhood she made sure her son had everything he ever asked for. Toys, education and technology filled his days throughout his life and he inherited his mothers love of the ancient things of the earth. He was the type of boy who always came home with rocks in his pockets, stopping to pick up and study even the most mundane looking specimins.
One day as the two were walking through the small forested area on the family estate Mark picked up an agate and began turning it in his hand as he studied it’s smooth waxy feeling surface.
“How old is this?” he asked his mother, his young mind filling with questions.
She took the stone from his hand and held it up to the light, considering the best response. "Old enough to remember mountains that no longer exist," she said. "Long before people, before dinosaurs, before flowers. It spent millions of years growing one tiny crystal layer at a time until it became what you're holding now."
His brow knitted as he puzzled over the answer.
"That little stone began as water carrying tiny bits of silica through cracks in old volcanic rock.” She explained Layer by layer it grew, so slowly that if you watched for a hundred years you wouldn't see it change. The rock around it might be hundreds of millions of years old, and some of the atoms inside it have been around since before the Earth was born.” She paused as he started understanding. “But I studied things that are only thousands of years old, so I can’t say for sure how old it actually is.”
Mark turned the stone over in his hand. "What if I want to study things that are millions of years old?”
Neither of them realized the effect this simple conversation would have on his future.
Until the day finally came when Mark Jr met Samantha Roche by chance in an elevator as Sam sought funding for Project Parallax. Mark never found it possible to follow his father’s footsteps through Wharton and into the executive offices at HGH. Not that he didn’t try, he dedicated his teen years to the company, became known for more than just his family name within the company’s holdings around the world. Mark traveled with his father regularly, getting closer to the leadership as he got older and even being invited into high level meetings by his sixteenth birthday.
His young life was the perfect setup for an education centered around becoming the next CEO and on the surface everything looked like he was on the track that his father intended for him.
Until the day he dropped out.
“WHAT?” Mark Sr shouted.
Mark Jr stood silently at the far end of his father’s office, back against the door and fear streaking his expression. He wasn’t afraid of his father, but rather of the possibility of disappointing him.
“I said I want to go to Cal-Tech and study Geology.” He searched his fathers eyes for some shred of understanding but found none. “Father I know this company inside and out, I have since I was a kid. A diploma isn’t going to change me, nor likely to teach me anything I don’t already know. You have taught me everything I need.”
His fathers gaze was icy cold as he looked Mark Jr, scanning from head to foot.
“It’s what I love father.” Mark Jr pleaded. “Can’t I do both? Maybe take a break from Wharton while I do this.” He paused again only for a brief moment before continuing. “I have plenty of time anyway, you’re still young enough to run things for another twenty years before you even plan to retire. I should be able to take my time with my education and study what makes me happy.” His tone took on a tortured sound, “To do something that means something to me, before I am relegated to this place.”
Mark Sr was silent, his cold blue eyes cutting to his bones the way an ice glacier scrapes it’s way down to bedrock.
When he finally spoke, his words were measured, cold and resolute. "If you're going to inherit a multinational corporation, I don't need you studying rocks! I need you learning how markets move."
“I already know all that!” Mark snapped, his temper flaring for just a moment before he regained his composure. “I already do father,” he said more calmly, “I have been studying that topic since was nine. You are an amazing teacher you know?”
“But you need a real education.” His father’s voice was low and calm now as he changed his tactic from trying to force something to trying to convince his son to follow a more prescribed path he had laid out for him.
“And I will get it, I promise.” Mark Jr said, resolution now filling his own voice. “Just give me a few years.”
That was the last conversation the two had about the course on Mark Jr’s life. Mark often thought he had offended his father so deeply that he turned more cold toward him, relegating their interactions to holiday and the few visits home that Mark Jr’s new life afforded.