Armed with a phone number Martin had given him, Rupert called weekly to see if there was any information regarding the comet study. So far, there'd been no word other than to say that it was being looked into.

Rupert Mallox was starting to think he was being blown off, and it was time to come up with a new strategy. Possibly informing the media that something was found but that its criticality was undetermined and that NASA was looking into it, would get something moving, but he certainly didn't want to start a panic, or make a statement about something that would later be proven wrong; his reputation would be destroyed if he allowed that to happen.

As if there wasn't enough excitement in his life, last week he'd been contacted by the Pentagon. Apparently, there was an opportunity for someone with his background to be involved in a classified project, dealing with suspended animation and space travel. Rupert had declined the offer immediately, despite the project sounding fascinating and knowing it would be a great opportunity. He'd spent four years in the Marine Corps after high school and had seen first-hand, the inefficiency and waste of time and resources that inevitably occurred when the government was involved in a project. He'd sworn he would never deal with that nonsense again.

Three days ago, he'd been contacted again. He was asked to reconsider and at least hear more of the classified details. The man he'd spoken to assured him that if he knew all the details, he'd definitely be glad to be on board and offered information regarding his starting pay, should he take the position. He promised to consider the offer and call them back.

He'd discussed the situation with Deborah, and while the prospect of doubling his current salary would be fantastic, she pointed out that if he was miserable in his work, no amount of money would be worth it.

Rupert returned the call and declined the offer again, but his curiosity had been peaked. Maybe he should call back and talk to them again, hear what they had to say. He sent himself an email reminder at work, planning to call back on Monday morning.

Rupert and Deborah had spent a busy Saturday doing yard work and then headed out for a nice dinner of steak and lobster, followed by a presentation of Macbeth which the University's drama students were producing.

There was heavy traffic leaving the campus, and it took twenty minutes more than usual to get home. By the time they arrived, the rain had increased and thunder rumbled in the distance.

The garage door opened as their vehicle approached. Rupert skillfully backed the oversize vehicle into the open spot beside his own car. He opened the door, careful not to bump the other car and headed to Deborah's side of the vehicle.