The admiral stared at him. Through his own conversations with Neal, and through the candid and emphatic recommendations of both Dr. West, Colonel Milton back at the Array, and his normally unfazed colleague General Pickler, Admiral Hamilton had concluded that Neal’s was an intellect not to be underestimated.

Long experience had also taught him that sometimes the question you didn’t ask was what differentiated a thorough interviewer from a truly capable one.

He nodded, notably not writing anything on his pad of what he thought the scientist’s comments meant. Then, suddenly, he got to his feet.

“Well, I think that is enough for today.” They both stared at him in surprise as he rose and came around the desk. Then they stole a glance at each other as if to say: ‘is it really that easy?’ shrugged, and returned their confused stares to the surprisingly enigmatic admiral.

“I think it’s best you both head back to the hotel.” he said, “I will leave it up to you how long you remain in Washington.”

Then to Madeline alone, “Madeline, I had not previously been aware of your relationship with the captain. Please allow me to offer my sincerest condolences. He was a very good officer, and, I believe, an equally good man.”

She nodded at this, struggling not let her emotions get the better of her, not in front of this austere officer, not now they might be able to relax for a little while. So they all stood and shook hands, but as they turned to leave, the admiral suddenly said, “Err, Neal, the sad loss of my longtime colleague, and dare I say it, friend, Dr. West, has left a gap on the White House Science Team.”

Neal turned to look at him as he continued, “I hope you do not mind that I have recommended your name to the president as a replacement?”

Neal’s mouth opened, dumbfounded at the statement. He shook his head, unable to find words.

“I am assuming,” the admiral said into the silence, “that you are planning to complete that thesis of yours ASAP? It would not do to have a lowly masters of science advising the president.”

“No, Admiral, I imagine it wouldn’t.”

“Well, take a few days to think about it. The White House chief of staff will begin interviews in about two months, once candidate background checks have taken place. That should give you plenty of time to wrap up your thesis before you get the call. How long have you been working on it, now?”

“Oh, about … eight years … give or take.” he laughed.

“Yes, well,” the admiral frowned, “you should be about done then.”

* * *

“What do you think, Admiral?” asked General Pickler as they spoke on the phone, not fifteen minutes after Neal and Madeline had left.

“I think that they’re good people who’ve just been part of a clusterfuck, Michael … and I think they are afraid.” said Admiral Hamilton.