2206 : Window Onto A New World
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XVI. The Solid Time Of Change
his head reflexively in embarrassment, « the investigation is still underway » he justified at once, « I'm sure you can understand » he added vaguely. « Oh, I see... yes, of course, I understand » promptly acknowledged the vicenarian. « All I can really say is that new information has emerged that makes it plain that it can't be you » the doctor of physics maintained, hoping to bring the topic to a conclusion. « Okay » readily accepted the programmer, seemingly satisfied with the statement, « I can live with that ! » he chuckled after a few seconds. « I trust I can rely on your discretion ? » the space engineer continued in an interrogative manner, « you realize this is classified » he pointed out with a severe expression. « Oh, of course » assured the coder, « I won't tell a soul » he promised without hesitation. « Excellent ! » exclaimed the former professor, « I'm glad that's settled ! » he cheerfully declared. « Yeah, so do I » echoed the assistant, reflecting that the candid exchange would decidedly contribute to mend the climate between them.
The scholar was genuinely pleased that the affair had been resolved peacefully. Evans hadn't complained, objected, or questioned anything, and on the contrary he was obviously very happy that the misgivings had been eliminated. Most likely, the young man would remain quiet about the ordeal, and the concern would soon vanish into oblivion. After all, the scientist had personally vouched for his colleague, so it was highly doubtful that Milton, or anyone else from the Administration for that matter, would think of interviewing him any further. The project manager figured that the case was closed, and so the two of them could move on to more inspiring prospects. – – –
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« Okay ! » uttered the researcher, « shall we begin ? » he proposed enthusiastically. « Why don't we ! » reciprocated the software specialist. « I wanted us to meet this morning to discuss certain aspects of the architecture of SAVIA in more depth » announced the pundit, « I assume that by now you're done reading the materials I've prepared for you » he ventured, staring quizzically at his interlocutor. « I'd say I've read most of it, yes » concurred the developer, slightly confused, « I haven't read anything past the prototype phase, as you instructed » he observed dutifully, « well, apart for the roadmap that is » he lastly mentioned. « Very good » Sturn noted, delighted, « I suppose you don't have any questions thus far » he hazarded, apparently implying that the other shouldn't have met any problem. « Well, actually, I have many » remarked the techie, somewhat defeated, « it's not at all what I had anticipated » he admitted, chortling nervously and looking puzzled. « Excellent ! » laughed the physicist, « don't worry » he clarified immediately, « judging by what I've seen from the assignments I've given you thus far, I have no doubt you'll feel right at home again very soon » he carried on, though his encouragement was manifestly not of much help to the programmer, « now, if you don't mind, before we talk about what
The Threshold
222
Christopher Stewart