EM4 - Briefing Room - Crunching Numbers

[Dr. Reinhardt]

"I am disinclined to believe that members of the Draconis Combine are any more treacherous then those of and other star nation. People that betray you can come from anywhere"

[Lucretzia Winters]

"Perhaps... but it seems less likely for one of their academics to be out for free on the labour market."

She rubbed her temple, and then gestured with one hand, slender fingers splayed. "It just was too convenient. We were in such a rush to put things together and meet the deadline."

Glancing at Reinhardt, she added, "Your open-mindedness is noble, Doctor, but at this point, the expedition, and our lives, have been endangered by a foolish slip on my part. I would not begrudge you if you resented me."

[Dr. Reinhardt]

"Why would I resent you? You dragged me out of the halls of academia to come on this glorious adventure, where we have already found enough for several in depth papers, and more promising in the leads we have. We haven't even gotten to the richness that is likely to be on the other continent yet."

[Lucretzia Winters]

That brought a laugh.

"I can think of many academics who would happily wallow in obscurity to avoid any risk... it seems you aren't one of them."

Composing herself, she crossed her legs, one fluffy slipper twitching with that restless energy some people had.

"So - what do you do when you aren't absorbed in your field, Doctor? I know Jan's hobbies, such as they are, but am curious if they are a commonality among the academia..."

[Dr. Reinhardt]

"There really isn't time for hobbies. I enjoy reading, studying, mostly historical, or historical fiction. I also like to dabble some in mechanical work, but thats more to understand the technology of the star league in ways that you cant do without some hands on experience. I am afraid I am an awfully boring person."

[Lucretzia Winters]

"I wouldn't say boring... just... focused."

She laughed, hiding it behind her hand.

"My mother would compliment your work ethic."

Resting her hands in her lap, she added, thoughtfully, "I suppose I just asked because it's easy to live on the job - I know I often do - and then I meet people who live such... unusual lives. It makes me curious."

[Dr. Reinhardt]

"Mechanics, Geology, Archegology, History, Mech-Tech, Aero-Tech, one would think I had a wide variety of interests on paper, but really they are all the same, Lostech"

[Lucretzia Winters]

"Yes, but that does cover a wide umbrella, as you pointed out."

She shrugged. "I guess I just wondered what having a hobby is like. I guess neither of us know."

[Dr. Reinhardt]

"I like to think my hobby is my job, they say if you do what you love, then you will never work a day in your life"

[Lucretzia Winters]

"So the saying goes - one hopes it stays true for you through your career, Doctor."

She shrugged, thin shoulders barely moving, and concluded, "So if you had to make a recommendation - at what point do you think the find is too big, and we cut and run?"