Ensemble [Book 1: SEKTOR V Trilogy]

Chapter 21: Stanley Gets Initiated

Chapter 21: Stanley Gets Initiated

As the Director welcomed the scientists entering the room and engaged in small talk, Stanley remained seated alone at the large, rectangular conference table, deep in thought.

Did I just sign my own death warrant? Did I just unknowingly sign my family's death warrant too? Stanley tried to rein himself in and allow his thoughts to settle. He had a lot to process. The last week of his life had been a roller coaster ride to end all roller coaster rides. He certainly wanted stability and calm, especially for his worn-out family. But was jumping in feet first with these people who were potentially crazy the best way to achieve that goal? The thought made him nervous.

Stanley took a deep breath and let out a loud exhale. Just get information from them, that's all. Take it one day at a time and everything will be OK. In an attempt to stop his brain from going into overdrive, he looked around to find the Director still engaged in a conversation across the room.

"So how did you find me?" he blurted. "And how were you able to communicate using those creepy, all-caps holograms?"

Startled, Director Wilheim broke off her discussion with one of the scientists. She gestured for the rest of her colleagues to join Stanley at the conference table, then sat down next to him.

"I bet that must have been quite the shock. And yes," she nodded, "that is something I can certainly answer for you. However, before I dive in, let me introduce everyone here. They're all experts in their fields and they all make me look good!" She beamed a smile. "More importantly, without their depth of knowledge and ability to execute that knowledge into real-world action, I'm afraid we wouldn't stand a chance against the Ministry and their resources.

"So, without further ado, to my left, we have Dr. Astrid Fujita. Astrid is an M.D. who received her training at UNC-Chapel Hill. She specializes in the theoretical and now quite real biological effects time travel has on mammals. And yes, Stanley, you qualify as a mammal."

They all politely chuckled.

"Wait, you mean you people don't have an intrusive test for that?" he quipped as he shook his head.

"Next to Dr. Fujita, we have Dr. William Bell. Dr. Bell has degrees from Yale and MIT in economics, sociology, and computer science. And next to you we have Dr. Patricia Rugov on loan from the University of Prague. Patricia is a mechanical engineer who specializes in robotics and advanced drone technologies. She also is a leading expert on many aspects of artificial intelligence. And on Dr. Rugov's right, we have world-renowned physicist, Sir Alexander Smithson. Dr. Smithson is our celebrity among celebrities."

"Oh, please," interjected Sir Smithson.

"No, it's true. Dr. Smithson's specialty, as you may already know, is in the area of general relativity. Any time-space-gravitational conundrums we may face, or possible paradoxes we need to avoid will fall squarely into his lap," the Director said with a smile. "To Sir Smithson's right, we have the illustrious Dr. Anita Narain from the University of New Delhi. She has a deep and diverse background in advanced mathematics, physics, and many aspects of modern computer science. And last but by no means least, to the left of Dr. Bell, we have the glue that keeps this world-class Institute together, Dr. Edward Karak.

"Professor Karak is a renowned physicist in his own right, not to mention an incredibly talented professor."

The bearded professor politely nodded in acknowledgment.

"Edward has been running the Institute for the last twelve years. Isn't that right, professor?"

"Thirteen, but who's counting," he responded with a smile.