Any Given Thursday

Chapter 2

Jake had never been one known for broaching uncomfortable topics. Somehow, the people that he socialized with knew what and what not to say around him most of the time, and he in turn knew to do the same. He rarely felt awkward in social situations, and he almost always knew how to segue into any acceptable topic spoken with polite company. Of course, his current company was far from polite, and definitely not in the mood to play games with him. He sighed loudly, catching the attention of the silent female next to him. As they walked up the steps of the Kurgan Institute, he noticed that Celina had become visibly more composed.

Her shoulders were arched, and as he stole a peek at her face, her eyes were determined as well. They went to the assigned office, noticing that they were not the only people there. Celina had noticed Anna Jacobs and Dylan Carter in the room as well. After exchanging brief pleasantries, a silent plateau filled the room. They waited patiently for a few more minutes, and then Jake began to squirm and fidget. Celina nudged his chest, trying to keep him from his embarrassing her. Jake glared at Celina, and he would have continued to move around, had a distinguished gentleman not entered the room.

The man standing before them was white, tall, and slightly overweight. He was balding, and the shine from fluorescent lights above, made his head look like a bright beacon. Nevertheless he was dressed as just another member of academia would be attired. His tweed suit looked a bit too tight on his portly body, but Celina knew better than to judge others based upon appearance. The man gave them all a once over, skimming his clipboard silently. He smiled at them suddenly, gesturing for them to enter one of the back rooms. As the quartet sat down, he passed out various forms.

"Good afternoon, I am Professor Jacob Gaither. I'm the director of this project, and if any of you have any questions they can be directed to me. You four are in luck, since you elected to begin your project immediately. The initiative that has been shown here today will be rewarded."

"The study we are conducting is an experiment that will enable us to peer into the minds of America's politically aware public. We will be examining how people tend to lean politically, how they vote, and the political groups with which they are charitable. We require both male and female participants because our experiment will focus on how open the people you talk with are based on age, sex, race, and political affiliation. You will soon discover that people are remarkably candid with those that are their complete political opposite. The same could be said regarding gender as well."

"Also, after you collect your findings, you and your partner will write a report which will be published in our nationally recognized journal. Now I know this may seem like a lot of work, but there is a bonus that will be awarded to the first six participants. Since you elected to begin your assignment immediately, you will have a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. where there will be a consortium on the results of our project.

"There is one more thing. Professor Rosenberg failed to tell you this, but there is a grand prize for the winners of this project. Not only do you win a trip to Washington, D.C. for the winning thesis but there is a 25,000 grand prize to be split between the winning team."

The professor smirked at the shocked stares he was receiving. Apparently his friend had failed to inform them that not only were they getting extra credit, but that they also had a chance to win twenty five grand. He cleared his throat, stifling any laughter that may have fallen out.

"I see Rosenberg left that part out. He has graciously referred all of his Poly Sci students to the Institute."

Celina leaned back in her chair, completely flabbergasted. She had already agreed to take on the project, but it required so much devotion. Still, she needed those twenty five points for her overall grade. It would mean working with Jake on a continuous lengthy basis, but she could set aside their differences just this once right? The project did not seem too difficult, but they were basically glorified pollsters. John Zogby never had to resort to grade curves to get his employees. She allowed herself a small smile at the thought. Her eyes fell to their project folders, which were very detailed descriptions of their assignments. According to the dossier, they would be given a stipend in case travel was required. So far, this project appeared to be simple in nature.