“And I think it’s a whole world down there; untouched and waiting for us to explore. This could change our knowledge about everything. We need to get back there and do a full exploratory – before anyone else. I’ve put some basic numbers together.” She hurriedly turned to her computer and called up a spreadsheet. She spun back to him.

Bill had a single hand up. “I think that’s enough for today, Cate. Thank you.”

“If I get a modest draw down, a hundred thousand, I can assemble a team, and be up there within a month.” She knew she was beginning to talk too fast.

“Cate…” His sounded fatigued.

“Everything we find will have Stanford U’s name on it.” She was losing him.

“Cate… there is no funds to be drawn down on.” His expression was grave.

She felt deflated, and searched his face, looking for anything encouraging. There was nothing. “So, you’re saying, just not now, then?”

“No Cate, not now, and not ever, I’m afraid. There’s something else.” A muscle in his jaw twitched. “There’s no demand for evolutionary biology anymore.” He sighed. “I’m sorry; the board has already decided… we’re going to have to shut down your Department.”

*   *   *

Cate pushed open the door so hard it slammed into the wall, knocking out a chip of plaster.

“I knew it. The bastards.” She gritted her teeth.

“Well, that doesn’t sound promising.” Greg frowned.

“Bastards!” Cate repeated, feeling a tension headache coming on.

“Let me guess; budget cuts?” Greg had to jog to keep up with her.

“Budget cuts? More like fucking Cate and Greg cuts.” She banged a fist into her leg as she strode down the hallway, her face like thunder. People stepped out of her way, students and staff alike parting like the Red Sea before her. She pulled up, stopping so suddenly Greg banged into her back.

“Hey, what did you mean about Cate and Greg, cuts?” He tried to get in front of her.

“Nothing, like you said; budget cuts.” She couldn’t bring herself to tell him just yet that he was also out of a job. There had to be another angle she could pursue, and her mind worked furiously.

She clicked her fingers. “I’m an idiot; I should have said we were going to explore the effects of climate change on newly discovered species.” She went to turn around, head back into his office, but Greg grabbed her arm.