Interesting Times

June 14th, 2174

15:43

Terra Nova, Asgard-System

Scott

"...and on that note, we end today's lecture. Furthermore, this was the last of my guest lectures for the foreseeable future, as I don't know when I'll find the time to continue. Nonetheless, I thank you all for the attention and enthusiasm you showed during my time here. I wish you all the best for your future endeavors."

I inclined my head lightly toward my captivated audience, which applauded politely. Giving the students a last smile and wave, I left the podium and the room before I was intercepted by the university's dean.

"A good lecture, Mr. Denebren. Are you sure I can't convince you to at least think about giving more lectures?"

A genuine smile appeared on my face as I shook his hand. "And as I said the last few times, I don't have the time to come more often after this semester. I plan to travel quite a lot and probably spend a lot of time on the Citadel. The commute would be too much. Perhaps during my twilight years."

"You can't take offense at me trying to get you to stay here. You may be the main sponsor of this university, and your name is deeply entwined with it, but having you as a professor would be a boon to our reputation."

I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me. I liked Dean Corhaw. He didn't mince his words and never tried to ingratiate himself with me during the time I spent here at the university.

"No, I can't," I admitted. "But your administration would probably start to hate you for that move. Think about all the applications you will get if I teach here."

Dean Corhaw faked a grimace at the thought. "You may be right about that. We already get too many applications per year, so we have to employ more people to administer the entry tests. And we had to increase our standards before the applications even get through the first selection."

"Really? I didn't know that. Was that in the information package you send every sponsor?"

"We did. It should be under the point of administrative changes."

"Well, I should probably read them by myself instead of letting my aides give me a summary," I replied awkwardly. And I meant it. Nothing was more embarrassing than not knowing what was happening at an institution you helped found and financed since its inception.

"It is of no consequence. Should anything important happen where we need your help, I will leave a personal message." Dean Corhaw assured me. "You know that we hold our educators to a high standard and expect our students to respond to it to ensure that our graduates are among the best."

"Of course, I know," I said. "I was part of the committee that decided the direction this university was to develop. And I helped to recruit the first professors. You should know that. You were there."

"I am sorry," apologized the dean. "I sometimes fall back into the habit of explaining and repeating everything. Perhaps a holdover from when I was a professor, too."

With a wave, I showed that I wasn't offended and that he should continue, which he did.

"Thankfully, we succeeded, and by now, we are among the best universities inside the Alliance. And due to our success, we get far more applications than we can handle. We have to reject more than half of all applications. Yet, we have the best of the best of students."

"Always wonderful to hear. After all, a lot of your graduates are applying to my company," I said and looked behind the dean, where I saw a student standing at a door and outside the circle of my bodyguards, looking toward us. "And it seems like one of your students wants to talk to us."

Dean Corhaw turned around, and his face brightened when he recognized the student. He waved and called: "Ms. Pandey! Come over!" Realizing that I may not like to talk to a student, Dean Corhaw turned to me and raised an eyebrow questioningly. I nodded to his unasked question, and he repeated his gesture of calling the student to us.

"May I present to you Mr. Denebren, one of our brightest students in the engineering track? Ms. Bina Pandey."

The young woman who stood before me came barely up to my chest, and I had to look down at her tanned face to look into her dark brown eyes. Black horn rims dominated her face, but the glasses made her eyes look bigger than normal, and besides the emotions in them, I could also recognize the immense intellect of the person before me. I was always a champion of the saying that the eyes were the windows to the soul, and I saw the conformation of it once again. Her black hair fell around her shoulders, but the most attention-grabbing thing about it was the bright blond streak that started at her left front and parted her hair into two parts.

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Pandey. It seems like Dean Corhaw thinks highly of you," I greeted her and held my hand out for her.

She looked unsure if she should take it and loosen her grip on the datapad she held to her chest, but decided to take it. I could feel her hand tremble in mine, and I shook her hand firmly but gently to reassure her.

"It's nice to meet you, too, Mr. Denebren. It is an honor, " Ms. Pandey replied, and even her voice shook with nervousness, made even worse by her accent.

I smiled reassuringly, trying to calm her down. "The honor is mine. I always like to meet with the new generation, especially the best of tomorrow."

My words had the intended effect and caused her to blush.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Now, Ms Pandey," Dean Corhaw brought himself back into the conversation, "what do you have there?" He pointed to her datapad. "Is that the reason why you approached us?"

"Yes, yes, it is," Ms. Pandey exclaimed, and I noticed how she brightened up when Mr. Corhaw brought up her reason for coming to us. 

She turned the datapad she held to her chest around and tipped around on it, disengaging the security on it, and I saw some schematics appear on it.

"I am sorry to bother you with this, Mr. Denebren, but when I heard you would be a guest lecturer, I knew I just had to show you this."

"Any reason why you waited until my last day? I am not judging you, but I am curious. I probably won't be able to review that and give you feedback personally."

She looked down momentarily and whispered: "It is a bit of a hurdle to overcome to talk to you as a simple student, and I wanted to check over the data and tidy it up."

I nodded and smiled when she looked back up and said: "Understandable. I, too, would be nervous to talk to you if our roles were reversed."

"Stand proud, Ms. Pandey," Dean Corhaw reassured her. "You're one of our best students, and every single one of your professors has nothing but the highest praises for you. I have no doubt that anything you have to show and feel is important enough to enter a restricted area is worthy of Mr. Denebren's time."

I couldn't help the small chuckle as I saw how her eyes widened when she realized what she had done.

"I am sure that the dean will overlook this fact as a favor to me. But only if you show me what you have."

The dean agreed with a nod, and Ms. Pandey took a deep breath before she turned her datapad to me and started to talk.

"I've been working on this for two years now. Ever since I talked with Dr. Hoshiyume when he held his lectures here."

"Dr. Hoshiyume is always a welcome guest at our university, and whenever we can announce that he's going to hold a class, we have to link the screens of two more lecture halls to accommodate all students who want to participate in the course. We even have to hold a lottery for the main lecture hall where he talks."

"Takahashi is as popular as ever," I snorted, remembering when I first met him, and back then, I never thought that he would become something akin to a rockstar in his chosen scientific field. He was a genius, of that I had no doubt, yet he didn't give off the impression of being able to handle public speaking well. Nowadays, he looked respectable instead of someone who hadn't bathed or showered for a week.

"It's nothing," I waved off as I noticed the questioning looks they sent me. "It is an old memory between Takahashi and I."

I rolled my eyes at their continued looks and gestured to Ms. Pandey that she could continue.

"After one of the tasks he set for us during his lecture, he invited me and some others who accomplished it to Dr. Hoshiyume's specifications. During the conversation, he discussed a project he was working on for you. It concerns the possibility of synching multiple smaller E-Zero cores to achieve the same effect as a gigantic one. Furthermore, we discussed the way to accomplish the task, and I am sure Dr. Hoshiyume already managed to do it. But ever since then, I couldn't get it out of my mind, especially since E-Zero cores and connected technologies have been the topics of my bachelor's thesis. It is my specialty. My master's thesis is going to be in that field, too."

I listened while nodding along. It sounded like Takahashi was doing his best to nurture and make an impression on those he found had the greatest talent and intellect of the new generation. Besides, I was sure he was also recruiting them into his team or at least into Ad Astra's R'n'D division.

Perhaps I should ask him about it when I visit Reach sometime during the next two or three months.

"I worked on that project during my free time and found a way to reduce the energy upkeep of the cores while keeping their output at the same level. If you want to take a look," she said and swiped over her datapad before holding it up so that I could take a look.

It would be false to say that I completely understood everything I saw, yet my understanding was enough to get a good picture of what Ms. Pandey had created. A good enough picture to know that this was revolutionary and something that Takahashi would want to see.

"I didn't have any way to contact Dr. Hoshiyume personally, and I didn't want to send in my work through channels where I don't know through how many hands it's going before it reaches him."

I nodded along with her words. She understood how valuable her work was and the possibility of a leak in the communication chain. Having those schematics in the hands of Cerberus, people willing to sell them outside of the Alliance, or even an organization from outside, would be disastrous.

"I understand your caution. It was correct for you to wait. This," I pointed at the datapad, "is probably more valuable than a cruiser or two. And if you want, I will make sure it will get to Dr. Hoshiyume with a courier I trust unconditionally."

She hesitated for a moment before turning the datapad around and tipping furiously. After a minute, she nodded to herself and handed it to me, saying: "I trust you, sir. I secured the schematics with a program that a friend and I developed together, and the password is the word Dr. Hoshiyume said to me when I asked how he chooses his tea, followed by the word in binary." 

Perhaps it was a bit extensive on her part concerning the security, but if it gave her peace of mind, I wouldn't say anything and take the datapad with a nod.

"I will give it to my courier, who usually handles all the communication between me and Dr. Hoshiyume that can't be conveyed through the extranet. She will get it to him promptly. I'll also tell him that you can temporarily be added to the list of people who can send messages to the secure location he's currently working at. At least until you graduate. After that, it will be your decision."

"Thank you, Mr. Denebren," she exclaimed, and a bright smile, which lit her whole face up, appeared. Yet, there was a question in her eyes that shedecided to speak out loud."But what are you meaning by my decision?"

"Well," I drawled, "it will be your decision if you're going to accept the job offer I am giving you after you graduate. Ad Astra's research and development department is always on the lookout for talent like you."

"You're offering me a job?" she exclaimed, and I had to suppress a wince at the high pitch.

"Of course. With this," I pointed at the datapad Ms. Pandey had given me, "I would be a moron to not offer you one. If Dr. Hoshiyume agrees, you will given a minor position on his team. How you go from there will be completely up to you."

This time, I was prepared for the high-pitched shriek coming from her, but as she tried to jump me for a hug, I drew the line. With a swift step back, I got out of her range, and as she noticed what I did, she started to recompose herself.

When I looked at Dean Corhaw, he was smiling awkwardly at me, a bit embarrassed at her actions.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," Ms. Pandey explained, retreating into herself and looking to the ground.

"It's alright," I reassured. "It is an exciting and surprising offer. I will send someone to you in the coming days with two contracts for you. One for your schematics and one for the job offer. The first is going to be the standard contract for sold intellectual property. Of course, I will personally increase the amount of money for the one-time payment, in addition to the percentage you're getting, since it is extremely valuable to us."

Her eyes widened at my words. Apparently, Ms. Pandey hadn't even thought about getting compensated for her work.

"You agree to sell these schematics, your research, and everything connected to it to Ad Astra, right?"

I had to ask the question. It was the right thing to do. I could not have mentioned it, but that would have been idiotic as there would have been numerous consequences, especially a hit to my reputation.

Besides, I wanted to recruit Ms. Pandey, and that would be impossible when she calmed down and realized what she had done.

"I...," Ms. Pandey stuttered, "I hadn't even thought about that."

"I know," I replied. "That's why I am mentioning it."

"Thank you," she said while bowing her head slightly.

"It is my duty," I said, smiling at her. "Now, you still haven't answered my question."

"Yes!" she almost shouted. Then she repeated in a more normal tone: "Yes, I agree to sell my research to Ad Astra."

"Then we will be in contact," I said, telling her that she could leave, which she did with more thanks for the offer and my time.

Dean Corhaw hadn't said anything during my last exchange with his student, but the smile he sent me spoke more than any words he could say.

"You truly have a very bright student," I said, and his smile turned into a big grin.

"Our university has them," Dean Corhaw answered. "If more students show such outstanding talent and achievements, can I forward an introduction to their work to your offices? At least, if they want."

"I'll leave the contact details for one of my best scouts with your office," I responded and held out my hand.

He shook it and bid farewell, leaving me alone with my bodyguards.

"Well, let's get to work and kick the hornet's nest that is politics," I said to no one in particular while stretching my arms above my head.

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June 20th, 2174

13:08

Arcturus-Station, Arcturus-System

Recreation District

Contrary to popular belief among those who never visited the heart of the Alliance government and only thought of Arcturus Station as a governmental and military building, the station had a thriving civilian component.

Shops, clubs, restaurants, cafés, businesses, and more could be found on the station, which tried to be a miniature and manmade recreation of the Citadel. Furthermore, there were also schools and parks for families.

A necessary addition since the personnel working on the station, be they governmental or military, often had families who didn't want to be separated from them by hundreds of light-years.

I should know. I saw the construction plans before the materials arrived at the place where the station was going to be built.

Sitting here at the biggest park of the station and sipping on a wonderful coffee, it was hard to marvel at what humanity achieved in the middle of space without the help of one of the more established species in the galaxy.

Furthermore, hearing the happy shouts of children playing in the park and seeing them running around without care was enough to bring a smile to my face. A genuine smile, not one of those I used during negotiations, nor one of those empty smiles to hide my real emotions, nor those to achieve something.

"It's nice to simply sit here and observe this peacefulness, right?" asked Micheal Port, drinking his cappuccino with cinnamon slowly and enjoying every sip.

"It is," I answered, doing the same with a simple coffee with milk. "Seeing with one's eyes the things we achieved and want to protect is wonderful."

"And being able to enjoy it without worrying about the protection part and knowing competent people are on the job that can do it without my input is great."

"Really? There is nothing you would rather take the lead on?"

"At the moment?" Micheal deliberated, looking up in thought. "No. Nothing. I am happy working on my projects and having enough time for my family."

"Then, I am happy for you, too," I answered truthfully.

And I meant it.

I did not follow his career closely after we both left the Alliance in our official capacities, but I always had an eye on any news about him.

While they were sparse, they reported about the various charities and aid projects throughout the Alliance Micheal headed.

His reputation was as clean as ever, and among certain circles, it soared even higher.

If he ever decided to return to politics and run for the post of president again, it wouldn't surprise me if the election would be a sure thing for him.

After all, he was the first president of the Alliance and an extremely successful to boot.

Yet, it didn't matter.

Micheal didn't want to be involved in politics, for now.

Who knew what the future would bring.

"Yet, you're asking for a meeting with me in a public place on the station that is the heart of Alliance politics. Aren't you going to ask me something?"

"Nope," I said, popping the word with no little enjoyment at the surprised look and raised eyebrow. "We are simply having a nice conversation among friends."

"You are tormenting them, aren't you?"

There was no need to specify who "them" was.

"They annoyed me by going over the line, and now I am giving them a little payback by making them sweat about what I am planning with this meeting."

"And what do you plan?" asked Micheal.

"Absolutely nothing," I replied, smiling at him and tapping my right hand on my left wrist, implying without words that I had a jammer active so that even the agents reporting directly to government officials wouldn't be able to report anything.

Micheal hid his face in his hands and said: "You're a monster." I knew he didn't mean it. After all, the quiet laugh couldn't mean anything else, in my opinion.

"Only for some time. Their transgression wasn't so bad that I am going to do more than this. I am not going to escalate."

"That's not something I want to see," Micheal commented. "I have seen you annoyed, peeved, and angry but never in a mood ready to escalate, and I probably never want to see it directed at someone undeserving."

Considering I started a minor crusade against Eclipse after they killed one of my employees, and some would say I acted disproportionally by doing this. But at least I evicted Eclipse from the Alliance and made sure their organization never would be able to take root inside our territory.

And that could only be a good thing.

Yet, I knew I couldn't prevent some mercenary outfit from operating inside the Alliance territory, which would mean I would have to devote a considerable amount of my time to this project. And I didn't want to start another project like the one on Illium.

"I promise you, only those deserving of my wrath will see me escalating. And currently, there is no one deserving of it, so it won't happen any time soon."

"The galaxy sends its thanks," replied Micheal, eliciting a short laugh from me. "Now, how do you want this little play of yours for our dear observers to continue?"

My smile widened when I heard him. His consent and willingness to play along were nice.

"Nothing difficult. In essence, we simply continue doing what we're doing, perhaps drinking another coffee, and afterward, when we see each other off, we smile and shake hands. And if you could do me the favor of not answering any questions when they're going to ask what we talked about, that would be great."

"Simple enough," Micheal answered and exactly did as I asked. "Furthermore, I think it will have some positive effects for me, too."

"How so?" I asked, having not expected Micheal to get something out of this.

"There are some bureaucratic hurdles some of my projects are experiencing, and this little play could help to accelerate the process or let them completely disappear. I wouldn't be surprised if certain people thought that this would make me more agreeable to not do what they think you're asking me." 

Lifting my coffee in acknowledgment of his goals, I replied: "Well, in that case, I am happy to be of use to you."

"I help you, you help me, and nobody has to suffer more than a few sleepless nights worrying about our plans. And my projects are going to help a lot of people. Do you want to hear about them?"

"I could use another coffee," I said, putting down my empty cup," but sure. Tell me how you and your wife are making the galaxy a better place."

And he did. Micheal started to tell me everything about all his ongoing projects and even managed to get me to agree to some substantial donations.

I didn't know how, but he did.

Meanwhile, I had some fun picking out everyone who was observing us, and thinking about the mercenary situation within the Alliance.

Perhaps I should look into the situation and pick out one of the established organizations with morals and a work ethos I could agree with.

Maybe I should search for Zaeed Massani if he started the Blue Suns, or recruit him into one.