She's so used to theoretical work.She's so used to theoretical work. She could do research all day just by sitting down and thinking. I can't. I'm a hands-on person. If it isn't bubbling away in Alpha somewhere, if it isn't made up of paper and ink, it isn't mine. I can't handle that kind of abstraction. I like using keyboards and mice and joysticks." I paused, took another deep breath, and said "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to rant and rave like that." He smiled. "I haven't got my wife's common sense, Ken, but I can see two choices here. I mean, it is your project, after all. You can either get her to accept your methods, or dismiss her." "Then who have I got?" "There's always Brieanna." "Rhys recommended her second, but he also said it was quote a distant second unquote." "Your only option, then, is to talk to her." "Not an option." He nodded. "Where is she now?" "Dave?" I said, addressing the ceiling. "Miss Traken is still on Alpha. According to Halloran, she is having a comprehensive cross-index of your notes made up." "Well, maybe that'll keep her happy," I said. But eventually, I made up my mind. A few hours later, I walked back to Alpha. When I stepped into the lab, she was standing a few meters away over a desk, a b/r headband around her temples. She was humanoid, about 170cm tall, dark blue fur and large elfin ears. I like Tindals, because for once they're not based on anything classical. Miss Traken was a little different, because she had distinctive patches of fur without any tint to them around her eyes. They gave her a slight 'racoon' look I found it attractive. The eyes themselves were of a solid greenish-yellow, sometimes more green, sometimes more yellow. Her arms were blue-furred tentacles, like all Tindals, and she deftly handled the custom keyboard with her mittens. |