Читать книгу Stewards of the White Circle: Calm Before the Storm - JT MDiv Brewer - Страница 5

Dr. James Omega stood outside the impressive cherry wood doors to the conference room, straightening his tie and stroking every whisker of his beard in place. He knew full well the outcome of the meeting ahead. Of course, he would be offered the position. Nevertheless, he wanted to make a good first impression on the people with whom he would soon be rubbing shoulders.

Dean Hyden, standing beside him, assured him for the tenth time how excited everyone was to meet him and how honored they were to have his application in hand. Omega thanked him and politely encouraged, “I look forward to meeting the committee. Shall we go in?”

“Of course, of course!” Hyden beamed and opened the doors.

Every person turned to stare as he entered the room with Dean Hyden whispering something into his ear. They rose from their seats in unison as if yanked up by a magnet. Despite their eagerness, Omega could sense the intense scrutiny being directed at him from this group as each professor’s eyes met his.

Hopefully, he seemed human enough. He was probably a bit leaner than they expected, most people having told him television puts on pounds. Personally, he liked to think of himself as fit, not scrawny. He had taken care to tie back his shoulder-length, white hair at the nape of his neck with a black satin ribbon. It complemented his gray-streaked beard, which was short and immaculately trimmed. He held his chin high, exuding a poise he hoped demonstrated a keen observance of his surroundings rather than arrogance. He knew himself older than most expected, and was quietly amused as he saw their faces reacting to it. Just what is his age, they were undoubtedly wondering—-sixty? A well preserved seventy? On that point, with his trim build, straight posture and the confident stride with which he now approached them, he hoped to keep them guessing.

With Dean Hyden at his elbow, Omega approached the front end of the table, nodded to the professors and waited politely for an introduction.

“Doctor Omega, welcome to Colorado State University,” Dean Hyden began. “May I begin introductions with Dr. Annie Groff, specialist in avian zoology, and our Biology Department Chair.” He gestured across the table.

Omega immediately left his place at the Dean’s side and went straight to the woman’s chair, sticking out his hand.

“Doctor Groff! If I am not mistaken, you and I have already met,” Omega commented with a wide smile, shaking her hand enthusiastically. “Three years ago at the Los Angeles Conference on 'Raptor Migration in the Western Hemisphere,' was it not? And, as I recall, you presented a magnificent paper on the resurgence of the North American bald eagle. One of my favorite birds, the eagle. I especially loved your insights on their bonding with a mate for life.”

The woman’s face beamed. “My goodness, Dr. Omega, you do have an excellent memory for the trivial,” she laughed, looking somewhat flustered but pleased. She composed herself and managed a sincere, “Thank you.”

The lanky professor at the woman’s left said with a Texas accent, “Now folks, there's a sight we’ve never seen before. Annie Groff turnin' to Jello.”

Dr. Groff reddened with embarrassment.

Dean Hyden hurried to continue introductions. “Dr. Derk Long, genetics,” he said gesturing toward the Texan.

The two men exchanged a hearty handshake.

“Perhaps you know, genetics is my first love,” Omega said. “It will be an honor working with you.”

The Texan stretched a grin as wide as his home state. “Are you kiddin’? The honor will be all mine!”

Omega laughed and turned to meet the next man at the table, from whom he received a much colder greeting. He could literally feel the negative vibes coming from the eel-thin man with a hairline in full retreat, introduced to him as Dr. Frank Curnow.

“Pleased to meet you, Dr. Curnow,” Omega said, shaking his limp hand. “What is your specialty?”

“I’m in zoology, with a specialty in herpetology,” Curnow replied coolly.

Hyden, as if aware of the frigid manner Curnow was presenting to their distinguished guest, quickly stepped in to warm things up. “We’re all quite proud of Frank around here,” the dean said eagerly. “He’s nationally recognized as an authority on snakes and…”

“Oh, yes,” Omega interrupted the dean politely. “I know your articles, Dr. Curnow. I should have remembered right away when I heard your name.”

“Oh?” Curnow said, in genuine surprise.

“Yes. I especially like the one on copperheads … in the February issue of Evolutions, as I recall. And your series in The Journal of Herpetology on the lizards of Colorado. Outstanding!”

Curnow was apparently astounded beyond words.

“It is an honor to meet one of the top herpetologists in the country. My hat is off to you, Dr. Curnow,” Omega continued with sincere geniality. “I would like nothing better than to discuss some of your findings with you at length over lunch if such an opportunity presents itself.”

Curnow reddened around the collar and nodded at the invitation, while Omega smiled inwardly. An air of resentment and suspicion surrounded the man like scales, and the best way to skin such a snake was praise. He marked the instinctive impression of the man for future reference in his mind and turned to the final person at the table.

A short, gray-haired woman rose to her feet. “Dr. Juliet Marsh,” she introduced herself. “Botany dash Microbiology.”

“Ah, microorganisms, the world of infinitesimal giants,” Omega said, giving her a most complimentary smile. “An invisible realm that virtually overshadows the visible world.”

“Why, yes,” she murmured. “Quite true.”

Omega beamed at her. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Marsh. A genuine pleasure.”

The amenities finally done, James Omega was offered a chair by the dean and sat down as the other professors adjusted their chairs and shuffled a few papers. This was followed by a few nervous coughs, then silence.

For what seemed a very long time, no one in the room spoke. Omega's only noticeable movement was the gradual movement of his eyes as he slowly appraised the individuals about him one by one. They, in turn, could not help staring back.

Dean Hyden leaned forward from his chair, propping his elbows on the table. "Well, then, now that we've all been introduced, I, uh, I believe we should proceed. As all of you know, we are conducting this interview in accordance with Dr. Omega's request to be admitted to the Colorado State University faculty in the College of Natural Sciences. You have had sufficient time to study his vitae and the text of his request and I am certain you are impatient to begin the interview. I will now turn the time over to the committee."

“Doctor Omega, I would like to go first if I may,” Dr. Groff began without hesitation. “You realize it is very unusual for any university to seriously consider this kind of unsolicited request. We currently have no vacancies in our biology department. Yet, you have come to us asking for a position on our faculty. If you were anyone else, we would have refused your application out of hand. You are, however, a person of incomparable reputation and prominence in the scientific community. We recognize the honor it would be to our school to have you here and feel compelled to seriously consider your request."

Omega acknowledged the compliment with a nod of his head. “Thank you.” He liked this woman. She was direct, honest and played the game without guile. Someone it would be wise to have on his side.

“We are very proud of our biology department,” she went on. “But, to be honest, Dr. Omega, CSU could never hope to pay you the kind of salary you are currently receiving, nor offer you the amount of financial support for research to which you are accustomed. Because of this unusual circumstance, we must insist on asking...” The dean shot her a be-more-tactful-smile. “…I mean, we need to understand...” she rephrased, “why you would want to leave your prestigious position at the University of Chicago to come to a, shall we say, lesser known school such as ours?”

Though tactfully phrased, the question packed a great deal of punch. While there had been rumors of troubles at the University of Chicago involving Omega, this committee was well aware of how valuable a commodity he was, and Hyden had made it clear by everything he said since they met that he was wanted at CSU—badly.

Omega let his expression show he did not mind the question in the least. He stared into space for a moment as if deep in thought, then responded, “The answer is simple, really. First, let me make it clear that I am very impressed with the biological sciences program at CSU and would be proud to be associated with it. An astute person does not judge a university by its size, but by its successes, which, if my research on your institution has served me correctly, are many. I would consider myself fortunate to be considered one of your ranks.”

Omega took a long breath, then said, “Frankly speaking, Dr. Groff, the reason for my application to CSU is that I need a change of pace."

Committee members exchanged glances. Curnow raised a questioning eyebrow.

Omega's gaze again moved from one member of the committee to another as he spoke, this time meeting their eyes as if personalizing his message for each one. “Some people might envy the position I am in,” he said, turning purposefully toward Curnow. “To those, I would say, publicity extracts its toll and fame is a heavy task master. Largely due to my PBS series, the name James Omega has become something of a household word. I do not say this to brag, but rather to solicit your understanding that my previous life was very stressful. As my reputation grew, the demands on my time and energy increased tremendously. Indeed, at the University of Chicago, I have been under a very arduous schedule of teaching, in constant demand on the lecture circuit, and there is always the pressure to publish.”

“We should suffer such hardship!” Omega’s excellent hearing was able to catch Dr. Curnow’s sharp whisper to Derk Long.

Omega chose to ignore it and went on. “In that previous situation, I felt like I was being forced to constantly parade in the spotlight. My dean was a very good friend, but even he was guilty of applying pressure in his own way. Whenever I complained about the rigmarole eating into my preparation time for classes or into my research, he would say, 'But it is all for the University, James.' His solution was to give me a staff of my own. Trouble is, I found it took up even more time to manage the staff. Call me a fool; I am the sort that would rather do things myself. You may know what I mean.”

“I agree,” the little microbiologist spoke up. “If you want a good cup of real coffee, you have to brew it yourself!”

Omega nodded graciously, “Just so, Dr. Marsh.” But then his tone grew earnest. "To make a long story short, at Chicago, there was progressively less time available for me to do what I wanted to do. It was very frustrating. You see, I have set for myself some very significant research objectives and, in case you have not noticed, …" his eyes twinkled good-humoredly, "I am not getting any younger!"

This produced muffled, but polite chuckles around the table. Frank Curnow looked entirely unamused.

“To be totally honest,” Omega said, “I am searching for a place where I can get out of the limelight, unwind a bit and concentrate on my research. I believe … I hope CSU is the place. I would like to think of it as my new home.”

“The question is,” Curnow said dryly, “does this particular home have a budget capable of taking on such a, shall we say, valuable addition to the family.” His tone sneered more than did his face.

“Frank!” Groff cried, looking like she would have kicked him under the table if she could. She composed herself, interlocked her fingers, and faced Omega. “Excuse this rudeness, Dr. Omega. Dr. Curnow’s feelings do not represent the rest of us. I’m sure, when it comes to the budget, we can surely work something out…”

Omega held up his hand for her to stop. He sat back in a casual, please-do-not-concern-yourself manner and crossed his legs. “There is no need to fret, I assure you, Dr. Groff. Please put your minds at ease on that point. I have no intention of letting money become an issue. A modest salary would be acceptable for I am already financially secure. Offer me what you will, I will likely accept it. There are more compelling reasons for my wanting to come here."

Groff and Bill Hyden exchanged a quick, amazed look. The committee members released an unconscious, but collective, sigh. There followed a noticeable easing of tension in the room, except for Curnow, whose fingers tapped the table.

“I must say, we are relieved, but surprised, Dr. Omega,” Bill Hyden said. “But are you sure our facilities will be adequate for your needs?”

“Certainly. The research I have in mind does not require elaborate technical support,” Omega continued politely. “A lot of it is done in the field and merely involves the use of a few graduate students and a half dozen laptops to aid in the collection of data. For the rest, CSU has all the data systems capacity and laboratory facilities I require.”

Again, shared looks of approval passed around the table.

Omega abruptly dropped the smile. The tone of his voice grew more serious as well. “To be blunt, my friends, I feel bringing my research here to Colorado State can do your school as much good as it will do me. But, now we come to the meat of it. There are, I must mention, some problems to be solved, some delicate webs needing to be strung, shall we say?” He paused, holding up a decisive finger. “There are a few, important stipulations I must insist upon in my contract.”

“Wants a star on his dressing room door, is my bet!” Curnow whispered into Juliet Marsh's ear.

She gave him a haughty look and turned away.

“First,” James Omega continued, choosing once more not to notice the herpetologist’s rudeness, “I must carry a fairly light class load. I do not want to displace anyone from the department by ‘filling their spot’, so to speak. More importantly, to me, anyway … I need time to work on my research projects in relative peace and quiet. This will mandate, on occasion, short periods of sabbatical leave.”

“No problem. Those types of things can be arranged,” Hyden spoke up quickly.

“Good. Second, and I consider this item non-negotiable....”

“Name it,” Hyden cut in without hesitation. Several committee members leaned slightly forward on their seats.

Omega said, “I want the University to provide me with ... protection.”

A questioning murmur rose and buzzed around the table. Curnow's eyes squinted.

“Protection, Dr. Omega?” asked the Department Chair.

“Protection from publicity,” Omega explained, matter of factly. “I do not want the exposure I suffered in Illinois to continue. In fact, I would prefer no announcement at all of my coming to the University for at least six months.”

“But, Dr. Omega,” Derk Long interjected, among astonished protests from the committee, "everybody here knows what a coup CSU will score in the eyes of academia by havin’ the most-esteemed advocate of the environment in our age, hop on board. What good will it do us to have you here if no one knows about it?”

“Your assessment of my worth is flattering, but not entirely true, Dr. Long. There are some who consider James Omega a fraud and a charlatan. You will find that I come with a certain amount of baggage, so to speak.

“As for my insistence on my anonymity, it will not last forever. I will certainly be found out, but I would prefer it to be later rather than sooner. Just, please, do not advertise my presence. As soon as word gets around you will be badgered to no end. But I must, even then, be let alone. You see, time is precious to me, now more than ever. More precious than you know.”

His voice trembled with earnestness. The committee looked at him strangely. This was a twist they weren’t expecting. Maybe they would begin to think twice about hiring him?

Omega smiled to himself. He wasn’t done yet. He was about to plant a little seed, a mere germ of curiosity that, if he were any judge of humankind, would supersede all objections.

He leaned forward. “Honored committee members, when I said I need protection, I meant it literally. I am on the verge of a truly mind-boggling discovery. If you think my little red-banded mongoose being resurrected from extinction was a first-class accomplishment, wait until you see my encore! Which, of course, I will credit to the name of Colorado State University. I trust the exposure you will then receive will more than compensate for any inconveniences you must endure on my account.”

He had their complete attention now. Dr. Marsh was literally holding her breath.

“If I can have some time to work on this project in privacy,” Omega went on, “I mean, without a lot of distractions, my miracle can be completed soon. Do not ask me to reveal to you what it is. You will just have to wait and be surprised like everyone else. All I can say is it will be worth the wait.

“The problem is, there are a few unscrupulous hounds out there who take delight in nipping at my heels. If they could, they would steal my research and defame me. As I told you, being a celebrity has its price. Unintentionally, I have made enemies—mean-spirited, jealous people, who envied my advances in genetics and have made it their goal in life to either upstage or discredit me. Thus far, they have not succeeded.”

He drew a long sigh. “It is necessary that I have protection from them as well as from the media. Therefore, I would ask my name not be listed on the faculty roster and would expect you, my fellow colleagues, to be extremely discreet if any questions about my whereabouts or my research are asked.”

At this point, everyone around the table was exchanging mystified expressions, including Curnow, who narrowed his eyes and actually set down his Blackberry.

Omega leaned back in his chair. “Well then, those are my conditions. Take me or leave me. But, as I am under the unyielding thumb of time, I must have my answer … today.”

For several moments, excited murmurs and head-to-head conferences began around the table. Chairman Hyden called for order and Omega amiably volunteered himself to submit to any further questions from the committee that might help them in their decision.

Frank Curnow took an undue amount of time to probe hard at the nature of Dr. Omega's secret research project and the length of time required to complete it, but Omega deftly avoided responding in specifics to his questions, indicating only that his research was in genetics, primarily with vertebrates. The most he would say was that a large carnivore was involved. A minimum of one to two years, he estimated, would be required for the results to be published.

Juliet Marsh indicated how she appreciated Omega's not wishing to displace any of the faculty, which led Dr.Groff to ask exactly what kind of a class load Omega was expecting. Perhaps he should go one or more terms without teaching if he liked?

Actually, Omega responded, he really enjoyed teaching and was looking forward to getting back into the classroom. Was not that the true purpose of science, after all, to pass the torch along? He thought he could be settled in and ready to begin a class by fall term. One class—he specified seniors—and, perhaps later, an additional graduate seminar would be about right.

Groff mentioned she was putting together a summer lecture series. Did Dr. Omega think he could be a guest speaker for one evening? Would it be an imposition?

Omega smiled and thanked her. He would be delighted, would consider it a pleasure. Just keep it small – the CSU student body only. “No TV crews,” he added with a wink.

Omega answered the remainder of their questions patiently until it seemed they had run full circle and were beating around the bush at the same issues.

At length, he said, “My dear colleagues, I sense there are still some unspoken tensions here you are too polite to address. I know my coming here is unusual. I know I have proposed some things that may seem a bit unorthodox. What can I say? I simply ask you to have faith in me. I promise you, I will not let you down.”

Frank Curnow cleared his throat. “Just one thing more,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Your name. James Omega is not your real name, is it?”

Omega smiled. “Why do you ask? Is something wrong with it?”

Curnow smirked. “No, of course not. It’s just that a name like Omega … I’ve never heard it before, except maybe in some old 1950’s science fiction movies.”

This time, Groff did manage to kick Curnow under the table.

Omega’s smile tightened. He had forgiven the doctor’s lack of manners about as many times as his patience would allow. “I assure you, Dr. Curnow. There is nothing fictional about me. I am as real as they come. And so is my name.”

Bill Hyden coughed loudly and stood. "Ah yes, well then, well then ... I believe we have sufficiently run Dr. Omega through the gauntlet this afternoon. We thank you all, doctors, for coming, and thank you Dr. Omega. You have given us much to think about.

“Now, if the Committee is ready to terminate this interview, we will excuse Dr. Omega to the waiting room while we attempt to arrive at a decision.”

The committee members nodded heads to one another in the affirmative. Hyden indicated the door with a gesture of his hand. “Again, thank you very much for coming, Dr. Omega. If you will show yourself to the door, Ms. Walker, my secretary, is waiting for you outside. I will rejoin you shortly in the foyer with our answer.”

“Of course,” Omega said and, quietly rising from his chair, strode for the door. But he stopped just short of it and turned. “By the way, Dean Hyden,” he said, motioning with his eyes toward a large salt water aquarium on the other side of the room, “your poor fish are about to poach.”

“What?” the Chairman muttered.

“The temperature of the water is too hot.”

Hyden walked over to the aquarium and squinted at the tiny thermostat. “Why, you're absolutely right. It's a full five degrees above what it should be! But, how could you know? You couldn't have read the thermostat from across the room.”

“I know,” Omega replied with a grin, pulling the door closed behind him as he finished over his shoulder, “because the fish told me.”

The heavy brass lock clicked shut and the room stood in silence for a very long moment.

“How'd he do that?” Derk Long broke the silence, shaking his head in amazement.

“He's a biologist,” Annie commented stiffly. “A very observant one, obviously. He saw how the fish were behaving, that's all.” But, having said this, she pursed her lips and looked strangely at the door through which a very amazing man had just exited.

Heads slowly nodded agreement, while an unsettling question mark seemed to float almost tangibly above the faces around the table.

The chairman stood, tapping his pen on the tabletop for attention. “Okay, folks. Let's tackle the subject at hand. In spite of the unusual circumstances, sound judgment tells me we should not question our good fortune. James Omega could do great things for our university. A mind like that—here! He's as much as begging us to take him, asking so little and offering so much in return. I don't need to remind you President Hewitt has taken the effort to call me personally on this matter. Therefore, as Chair of this committee, I move we accept James Omega's application along with the conditions he requests. All in favor?”

Curnow was silent as the others responded in an eager affirmative and he knew when he was licked. If he voted no, he would never hear the end of it, from Hyden, from President Hewitt and especially from the beautiful, hard-nosed Annie Groff. Begrudgingly, his hand joined theirs.

“Wonderful! Then the voting's unanimous,” Hyden said, delightedly rubbing his hands. “We will therefore offer Dr. Omega a full professorship in the College of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, contingent upon the negotiation of a satisfactory salary, benefit and tenure arrangement. Meeting adjourned.”

Everything about James Omega irked Frank Curnow. Now, he was coming to CSU, asking for a job. It was ludicrous! Why would a PBS superstar give up all his publicity and prestige at the University of Chicago to come to little Fort Collins, Colorado, boasting no more than 140,000 residents and ignobly titled by its student body as “Funtown, U.S.A.?”

It didn’t make sense. Omega already had everything. His television series had made him as famous as Carl Sagan. He had three or four bestsellers in his hip pocket, not to mention numerous public appearances on the late night shows, and who knew what else waiting in the wings! Why give all that up? Omega’s simple explanation that he needed ‘a change of pace,’ didn’t fly. There had to be something in it for him. Unless… Curnow recalled how the mongoose thing had led to a rash of accusations and litigation. What if the man had been discreetly offered his hat by the University of Chicago and was simply trying to find a place to lie low until the waters settled. Omega was considered by many not only one of the most brilliant genetic engineers of the age, but a master marketer of his persona as well as his knowledge. It was the cause for a split ballot; some respected him, others loathed him. Curnow fell one-hundred percent into the later camp.

The professor grinned and at once began to lay out a course of action in his mind. He would not embarrass the dean or the department by attacking Omega directly at this interview as he had previously thought to do. No, for the time being, he would be insidiously gracious and polite. He would acquiesce to Annie Groff and the rest and would not cast a ballot against bringing the Great Wizard aboard CSU’s ship. But in his heart, he was steeled: James Omega was a man who needed watching, and he was the one who would do it.