Hall turns off his computer monitor and checks to find his nuclear key. He can’t find it.
Frantically, he unzips his jumpsuit, finding that the key had slid down the back of his suit overnight. He moves the key to the front of his jumpsuit.
“This is the answering service supervisor,” says a voice. “We wish you would adopt a more serious attitude, Doctor Hall.”
“Sorry,” replies Hall, “her voice is quite lucious.”
“Well,” says the voice, “the voice belongs to Miss Gladys Stevens, who is sixty-three years old. She lives in Omaha, and makes her living taping messages for voice reminder systems.”
“Much obliged,” says Hall, stepping into the corridor.
In the cafeteria, Dutton, Stone, and Leavitt are already in a meeting.
“Let’s not get sidetracked by Rudolf Karp and his meteorite theories,” says Stone to Leavitt. “His technique was worthless.”
“I still think we should contact him,” says Dutton.
“Fair enough,” says Stone. He turns to Ruth. “Where is he?”
“Behind the Iron Curtain,” says Leavitt. “He couldn’t get a research grant here.”
Hall enters the cafeteria. He grabs a tray and utensils, but then notices the cafeteria kitchen windows are closed. He looks over at his team, seated nearby. Leavitt raises a glass.
“Hemlock!” she announces to Hall.