Noumenon. Marina Lostetter J.

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      FEBRUARY 5,-28 LD

      2097 CE

      … Convoy Seven has been assigned the mission designated Noumenon, the express purpose of which is to visit the star LQ Pyx, determine the cause of its variable output, conduct in-depth proximity research for two decades, and return home to educate earthbound researchers with regard to its origin, scientific significance, and viability as a resource …

      The sweet smell of buttercream frosting mixed with the pungent scent of black coffee. Under the fluorescent lights of the campus meeting hall, toasts were made and welcomes were given. It was supposed to be a party—the first time all of Reggie’s team members were together in the same place—but he wanted nothing more than to get down to business.

      His team consisted of a baker’s dozen head thinkers, each in charge of a subteam—people Reggie had never counted on meeting—who would really make the work come together.

      Now his team leaders were all here, in person. They represented five countries, and two thirds of them were still jetlagged. They only had a few short days together before everyone was expected back at their respective posts and day jobs, so a party—even one as casual as this—felt like an unnecessary drain on their scant resources.

      “Breathe, my boy. Relax. Give them all a chance to unwind before you throw new loads on their backs,” said Dr. McCloud. He’d retired after convincing the dean to hire Reggie, but had returned to share in this meeting of the minds.

      “But we don’t have much time. And teleconferencing is a bitch.”

      “Oh, I know, I know.” A sly grin crossed McCloud’s lips, an expression akin to one Reggie had seen many times during his graduate work.

      “What?” he asked cautiously. “That look used to mean all-nighters.”

      “No, no. I’m—you’re going to make an old fool say it, aren’t you?”

      “Say what?”

      “That I’m proud of you, Reggie. You’re so sure, so focused. You’ve gained so much confidence since that day I soiled your pants for you.”

      “Some people need a slap in the face—apparently I needed a lap full of beer.”

      “I don’t think that little incident is what did it.”

      “Then what?”

      McCloud threw out his arms toward a comely Greek woman headed their way. “Confidence, thy name is Abigail Marinos.”

      “Leonard.” She smiled warmly and accepted his hug. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

      “What, and miss our boy in action? Not in the cards. He won’t shake me till I’m a stiff.”

      She laughed. “I hope not. I’ll be right back, Reggie. I have to go check on a group of students.”

      “Afraid they’ll start tearing out pages for paper airplane material?” McCloud asked, clearly delighted by the idea.

      “More afraid they’re all chatting on their implants instead of focusing on the assigned chapters. I swear—they adore pontificating about how much they love books, but most of them haven’t read squat.”

      McCloud slapped Reggie on the back. “Knew plenty of those in my day.”

      “What? I was a great student!”

      McCloud laughed. Abigail СКАЧАТЬ