"Sounds about right," Tom said with a heavy sigh, but there was still humor in his voice. "Even given the rushed accommodations, I doubt I'll have any trouble falling asleep tonight."
He stops to listen to the stranger talk, expression brightening at he heard more. Well, it seemed there was no end to the men of science Tom would be meeting today. The age and exhaustion fades from his expression, a spark of interest and intrigue quickly drowning it out. And then he mentioned teaching!
Tom himself had little interest in being a professor, as it often took time from his own projects, but he had endless respect for those who took the time to pass knowledge on -- especially if there was a profit to be made from hoarding the information; After all, he'd lose a chunk of his customer base -- even create competition! -- by passing along his skills.
He gazed at the stranger with a mix of wonder and respect, relieved to know there was someone who had both the heart and the privilege to put progress over profit. Perhaps his gaze lingered a little too long before he finally answered. "Private sector is certainly the way to do it, if you have the opportunity. I know I was happy to break away from military funding back home."
When the stranger offers his name and his hand, Tom wastes no time accepting the handshake with a firm, friendly grip. "Doctor Thomas Light."
He held the man's hand a moment longer, looking him in the eyes, smile broadening. Tom had a good feeling about him.
"You know, this might not be the best place to have a conversation. I believe the hotel is serving food to us -- er, the ones without those... gems, I think."
no subject
He stops to listen to the stranger talk, expression brightening at he heard more. Well, it seemed there was no end to the men of science Tom would be meeting today. The age and exhaustion fades from his expression, a spark of interest and intrigue quickly drowning it out. And then he mentioned teaching!
Tom himself had little interest in being a professor, as it often took time from his own projects, but he had endless respect for those who took the time to pass knowledge on -- especially if there was a profit to be made from hoarding the information; After all, he'd lose a chunk of his customer base -- even create competition! -- by passing along his skills.
He gazed at the stranger with a mix of wonder and respect, relieved to know there was someone who had both the heart and the privilege to put progress over profit. Perhaps his gaze lingered a little too long before he finally answered. "Private sector is certainly the way to do it, if you have the opportunity. I know I was happy to break away from military funding back home."
When the stranger offers his name and his hand, Tom wastes no time accepting the handshake with a firm, friendly grip. "Doctor Thomas Light."
He held the man's hand a moment longer, looking him in the eyes, smile broadening. Tom had a good feeling about him.
"You know, this might not be the best place to have a conversation. I believe the hotel is serving food to us -- er, the ones without those... gems, I think."