could, for once, thumb her nose at the all-powerful Republic, knowing both she and Srin were too valuable to remove from the project. Remove? Without them, there was no project!
Of course she wasn’t about to create romantic fantasies out of nothing. Moon always considered herself a practical person. But she was free to explore her dormant sexuality with someone she found attractive. Someone who appealed to both her mind and body. When was the last time she had felt like that?
Washing and dressing quickly, she decided to skip breakfast and opt for an early start on the day. With any luck, Srin would be feeling the same way. Perhaps, between them, they could iron out some small discrepancies in her formulae, then break for an early lunch.
The lab looked the same as it did the previous day. It was only Moon’s imagination that made it seem different. She was much happier about the empty space that should have been occupied by a high-powered computer. Who would have thought the substitute would have been so much more interesting than the original?
Not willing to appear overeager, Moon finally unpacked her data files, transferring her private research logs to the library unit and setting up the daemon to link her findings to the general knowledge base. That process would take at least an hour, she knew. Her notes were extensive.
She set up her major equations on the giant clearboard in the middle of the room and was eyeing each mathematical phrase pensively when she heard a movement behind her. Turning, she saw Srin and Hen Savic enter. She couldn’t stop the wide smile that stretched her lips.
“Srin,” she said, laughter in her tone. “You’re just in time. I want to run some basic computations past you.” She knew she was rushing him, speaking in an enthused staccato, but couldn’t help herself. She was full of energy, and didn’t care if the universe knew it. “I have the feeling I need to modify LeCoeur’s Constant regarding the behaviour of gravity waves in compressed environments. Those are compressed stellar-based fusion environments, of course. We have to start formulating the influence of electromagnetism, radiation and temperature, so we have a lot of work to start today.”
She was looking at him, searching his face for every nuance of expression, trying to send him her own message.
Yes, I’m ready. Yes, let’s explore what we have. Yes.
So she was a little surprised, but not unduly so, by the flicker of incomprehension that flitted across his face.
He might not know about LeCoeur’s Constant, she told herself. Not that it was such an issue. It was easy enough to remedy, especially with someone of his obvious intelligence.
But the puzzlement continued, deepened. She began to feel the first stirrings of unease. It blossomed into full-scale panic at his next words.
“I’m sorry,” he said, in that preternaturally calm voice, “and please excuse my rudeness, but…do I know you?”
Chapter Four
“Do you…?”
There was a pounding in Moon’s head as she gazed in disbelief at Srin, standing there with the same nonchalant attitude she’d seen the previous day. Before their dinner. Before their kiss. Could he really have forgotten what happened? Forgotten her? She felt the blood drain from her face.
What was going on?
Savic walked forward briskly and stood in front of her, blocking her view with his bulk.
“Perhaps I can discuss something with you, Dr. Thadin.” His voice was measured but there was a steely insistence underlying his characteristic rumble.
Moon frowned. “I don’t—”
“I really think it’s necessary,” he cut in.
She looked up and saw the determination on his face. Part of her wanted to stand her ground and bully her way through the confusion she felt. But another part wanted a quick answer as to what was going on. Judging by the fierce and intense expression on his face, Savic was going to be the best way to get it.
But, she told him with her own gaze,
Of course she wasn’t about to create romantic fantasies out of nothing. Moon always considered herself a practical person. But she was free to explore her dormant sexuality with someone she found attractive. Someone who appealed to both her mind and body. When was the last time she had felt like that?
Washing and dressing quickly, she decided to skip breakfast and opt for an early start on the day. With any luck, Srin would be feeling the same way. Perhaps, between them, they could iron out some small discrepancies in her formulae, then break for an early lunch.
The lab looked the same as it did the previous day. It was only Moon’s imagination that made it seem different. She was much happier about the empty space that should have been occupied by a high-powered computer. Who would have thought the substitute would have been so much more interesting than the original?
Not willing to appear overeager, Moon finally unpacked her data files, transferring her private research logs to the library unit and setting up the daemon to link her findings to the general knowledge base. That process would take at least an hour, she knew. Her notes were extensive.
She set up her major equations on the giant clearboard in the middle of the room and was eyeing each mathematical phrase pensively when she heard a movement behind her. Turning, she saw Srin and Hen Savic enter. She couldn’t stop the wide smile that stretched her lips.
“Srin,” she said, laughter in her tone. “You’re just in time. I want to run some basic computations past you.” She knew she was rushing him, speaking in an enthused staccato, but couldn’t help herself. She was full of energy, and didn’t care if the universe knew it. “I have the feeling I need to modify LeCoeur’s Constant regarding the behaviour of gravity waves in compressed environments. Those are compressed stellar-based fusion environments, of course. We have to start formulating the influence of electromagnetism, radiation and temperature, so we have a lot of work to start today.”
She was looking at him, searching his face for every nuance of expression, trying to send him her own message.
Yes, I’m ready. Yes, let’s explore what we have. Yes.
So she was a little surprised, but not unduly so, by the flicker of incomprehension that flitted across his face.
He might not know about LeCoeur’s Constant, she told herself. Not that it was such an issue. It was easy enough to remedy, especially with someone of his obvious intelligence.
But the puzzlement continued, deepened. She began to feel the first stirrings of unease. It blossomed into full-scale panic at his next words.
“I’m sorry,” he said, in that preternaturally calm voice, “and please excuse my rudeness, but…do I know you?”
Chapter Four
“Do you…?”
There was a pounding in Moon’s head as she gazed in disbelief at Srin, standing there with the same nonchalant attitude she’d seen the previous day. Before their dinner. Before their kiss. Could he really have forgotten what happened? Forgotten her? She felt the blood drain from her face.
What was going on?
Savic walked forward briskly and stood in front of her, blocking her view with his bulk.
“Perhaps I can discuss something with you, Dr. Thadin.” His voice was measured but there was a steely insistence underlying his characteristic rumble.
Moon frowned. “I don’t—”
“I really think it’s necessary,” he cut in.
She looked up and saw the determination on his face. Part of her wanted to stand her ground and bully her way through the confusion she felt. But another part wanted a quick answer as to what was going on. Judging by the fierce and intense expression on his face, Savic was going to be the best way to get it.
But, she told him with her own gaze,
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