Amanda could hear the crowd roar as she pulled the large doors closed behind her creating an uncomfortable silence in the private hallway. She closed her eyes, paused, took a deep breath and then began to walk down the corridor.

Michael Tuteur walked into the open far end of the hall and patiently waited to greet her.

Amanda could only see a shadowy profile of a person back-lit from the afternoon sun. She squinted to attempt make out who it was as the figure was clearly and intentionally waiting for her. As she continued to approach him she could finally recognize a familiar face. She spoke out with a tone of happiness and surprise "Michael?!" "I didn't know you made it?" and she embraced him "When did you get here? You missed my panel…"

Michael nodded "I was actually right behind you."

Amanda looked a bit confused "I did not see you?"

Michael grinned "One of the Senior Fellows grabbed me as I was entering and pulled me off into a review..."

Amanda took a deep breath "Well I am happy you are here - Robur took total advantage of the situation...and me! He turned this routine lecture into a media spectacle..."

Michael slightly shook his head "You did a good job though…"

Amanda began a rant "Robur used me Michael…" Amanda then paused mid stream realizing she not understanding Michael's previous statement "What do you mean I did a good job?" "You just said you were pulled out for a review..."

"I saw the whole thing" Michael said uncomfortably "The place was packed, so I was invited me to a far less crowded room where we watched the live feed... that was the review..."

"Live feed? Amanda replied in a continued puzzled tone.

Michael acknowledged, "The event was multicast."

"What? Amanda screamed "Who gave them permission? This was supposed to be a pre-grad lecture and panel?"

"You signed the release Amanda. I asked the same question and they showed me the digi-docs."

Amanda was beside herself, "Robur is such a deceitful ass. He had me sign a waiver last night. He told me it was for vid release to be reused internally" Amanda now spoke in exasperation and anger "I knew I shouldn't have trusted him…"

But I could have never imagined that!" as she pointed back to the lecture hall "They basically set me up " apparently I am now the poster girl for the religious right wing back in the US!"

Michael smirked 'You came across as you usually do" as a very passionate scientist" "But this is why I ask you let me review anything you sign"

"I am not a child Michael, I should not need someone to watch out for me - I should be smart enough..."

Michael interrupted "You are smart enough, and you are not a child. You just always in too much of a hurry and too trusting"" That's is why you keep me around isn't it? To keep an eye on things for you?"

Amanda reached out to Michael and he gave her a hug, and she embraced him in return "I love you Michael. Thank you for being here. I do still need you… clearly. And I keep proving time and again why I need you." She released him and wiped tears of frustration from her eyes. "I am so stupid. Robur clearly has political motivation."

Michael laughed, "You think? He is the Chief consult on the Senate ethics committee and now chairs CESAR with clear ambitions for higher public office. He will use your words and given the fact he is now the newly established government recognized expert on AI .He will now have the power to finally shoot down the $800 billion ConGlobal Science Division proposal. That will virtually guarantee his chance to win a seat in the next senatorial race in Massachusetts. Especially considering the public's current concern over the obvious ethics issues implied by ConGlobal's more than ambitious bill.

Amanda shook her head in disbelief "He is chairman?" "When did that happen?"

Michael shook his head "I sent you the news update last night. I need you to read my updates."

Amanda shook her head "I am so sorry - I was at a fashion event I did not get home until 2am" - she looked up at him with an apologetic look.

Michael smiled "You are too busy" "...but he is going to get the ConGlobal bill killed that is a given..."

Amanda took a deep breath 'I promise to read your updates! But killing the bill is probably the only thing useful he will ever actually do" "ConGlobal's goal of implementing new versions of AI to manage a large portion of NATO is unfathomable and the underlying verbiage around research in creating self-aware robots for both civilian and military applications is more than science fiction. In addition, let us not forget Section D.5.1 that implies the formal medical use of human clones for body parts in rehabilitation even for undisclosed military purposes... I can't believe the bill even made it this far"

Michael smirked "And who do you think was the main influential power behind the bill's initial approval in the first place?"

Amanda looked stunned and blurted out "Robur?!" in a questioning tone.

Michael smiled knowingly.

Amanda paused and her eyes narrowed as she contemplated the broader situation. She then laughed "He is apparently far more cleaver than he looks". Amanda paused again realizing there was more here than she initially understood. She now stared at Michael and started to connect the dots..."But now he wants the bill to die..." " Amanda now stared at Michael … "This was he plan all the long" "He created this puppet show for me to provide the final nail in the ConGlobal proposal's coffin!" Amanda continued with an excited tone "And let me guess… he will quickly propose a counter bill, which will just so happen to be NeoScience's proposal that has been already rejected twice due to high costs…" "… but given NeoScience's proposal has no real change in current policy…"' Amanda was now fully appreciating the ultimate goal of Robur's plan and she continued "…but as a contrast, given his plan is half the cost of ConGlobal's proposal but still at twice the current spend and it will finally gain the support it needs for approval." Amanda now laughed "I hate to say it but It's a brilliant!" "Public will be happy and support it, and It will be nothing more than a formal political disclaimer that he has already filed to the fact that he just happens to owns 30% stake in NeoScience." 'He has all bases covered. He will make a fortune" Amanda's tone quickly shifted to one of disdain "He is not just a deceitful ass, He is a deceitful, cleaver, manipulative ass."

Michael grinned, "I warned you about him. He doesn't look like much but he has his fingers in a lot of powerful deals and he plays a long game" "You gave him the last piece of the puzzle on this one indeed. He really owes you."

Amanda seethed with anger.

Robur emerged from the auditorium and they could hear a roar of voices from the crowd that still remained in the auditorium.

Michael and Amanda turned as they heard the crowd and the large door shut behind him at the other end of the hall.

Amanda turned and rushed to engage him and growled "Robur, you bastard. I did this as a favor and this is how you repay me?"

Robur stood motionless as Amanda came rushing at him. He eyed Michael slowly approaching him from behind. Robur met Amanda head on. Amanda stopped dead in her tracks as Robur spoke aloud and in a firm voice "My dear, You have me all wrong. I owe you a great deal of gratitude. I actually thought the event went quite well. The panel continues this very important discussion on the ethics of this matter. You clearly are an expert Dr. Collins. I came out here to invite you back in to allow you continue to share your unique and qualified insights and opinions on this most important matter… The crowd is insisting for your return."

Amanda stared at Robur wide eyed and total disbelief "Come back in? to be your pawn? Amanda laughed uncomfortably "This is the last time I do anything for you Professor!"

Robur smiled in mock amusement and turned to Michael 'Michael, I would advise your client to show a bit more respect to a peer Sr Fellow of Yale if she wishes to keep her seat on the council. One could easily misconstrue actions of hers as, well, insubordinate."

Amanda's anger got the best of her as she lunged forward towards Robur grabbing him by the lapels and backed him up against the wall. Amanda screamed "You nothing but a crook and an asshole Robur and I refuse to be any part of your charade any further" Amanda was small in stature but she was not afraid of a more direct approach when required.

Michael gently restrained her and spoke calmly but directly to Robur "We are done here Robur "and then spoke softly to Amanda reaching out and gently pulling back on her arms "Amanda, please release the Professor... It's time to go."

Amanda quickly restored her composure realizing the situation and released Robur as quick as she grabbed him. Robur was frozen in fright in response to this physical engagement. Robur stared at her as she took a step back. He slowly brushed himself off and straightened his coat He glared at Amanda and Michael and then attempted to take back control of the situation and spoke tersely "Dr. Collins, your behavior here is outrageous and I have no choice but to report this the moment I get back to Boston!"

Michael leaned into Robur as he gently pulled Amanda aside "Robur, Let's remember CERN, and just call this a simple misunderstanding and we move on."

Robur went pale. He stared at Michael with uncertainty and now spoke in a shaky voice "you wouldn't..."

Michael slyly grinned.

Robur narrowed his eyes as if assessing his bluff.

Michael continued, "I will do what I need to Robur " and you know that…"

Robur remained fixed on Michael. Michael did not blink. Robur realized he was not bluffing. Robur then caught Amanda's glare and his confidence left him. He then took out a handkerchief and wiped beads of sweat that now dripped from his brow. "Of course Michael, and your right, your right. I may have spoken too rashly. I am sure the dear doctor here was surprised at the large turnout. Such large audiences can often shake one's nerves and I forgive her… You seem to have this matter under control, Michael.

Amanda burst out in rage "Forgive me?!"

Michael still held her in a gentle restraint.

Michael spoke softly "Amanda accepts your apology Professor, thank you…"

Amanda attempted to interrupt...

Michael spoke directly to Amanda "We move on Amanda..."

This was not Amanda's first time on being quietly reprimand by Michael and she knew he was right. She remained silent but glared at Robur with wanted to ensure this unfortunate situation was closed with Amanda coming out in the best light possible. He remained fixed on Robur and prompted him "…and I assume your feedback on Amanda's significant role here will not be understated?"

Robur bristled with his jacket not knowing what to do with his hands. He was clearly flustered but knew Michael now owned this situation..."Yes Michael you are right "and he reluctantly turned to Amanda "Thank you Dr. Collins for your contribution. I will ensure a note of accommodation makes it to the board". Robur looked cautiously to Michael for acceptance.

Michael nodded and smiled. "That will do."

Robur flustered a bit more and spoke "Good day Dr. Collins, Michael..." and he pushed his round glasses back to position and moved quickly down the hall. Amanda watched Robur's retreat back into the auditorium. Amanda watched Robur with intensity as he retreated. As soon as the auditorium door closed behind him, she spoke to Michael without turning her head back to him questioned, "Do I want to know what happened at CERN? She then turned to Michael "It was like you showed Superman Kryptonite..."

Michael smirked "Again, that is why you keep me around isn't it?"

Amanda spoke in a somewhat defeated tone as she turned to face him "…always here to save me."

Michael put his arm gently around her "That's my job."

Amanda looked up at him "Well I am glad you are here" and leaned into him. 'But you should have waited one more minute. I would have loved to get one punch in."

And Michael laughed in an attempt to now deescalate the situation "…And I would have had to explain why a Senior Fellow at Yale, mysteriously fell unconscious and ended up with a black eye or a broken nose."

Amanda spoke with frustration "He deserves it…why do assholes always win?"

Michael shook his head "He hasn't won yet…"

Amanda "You mean ConGlobal " your right, they will not just stand idle."

Michael smirked "no…""not over quite yet."

Amanda leaned into him with a sense of comfort as they walked down the private hall and out through a isolated side entrance to avoid any crowds or media.

Michael gently pulled on her arm to cause her to turn into him and smiled softly "I do have one more thing to talk to you about."

Amanda cocked her head and narrowed her eyes in uncertainty "More work- I hope?" and she smiled with uncertainty.

Michael nodded "More work - and one job right up your alley… let's talk over here. It is as good and private of a place as any" They walked to a a bench under a tree in the fenced area.

Amanda chuckled "Are you sure you still want to represent me after that." She pointed back to the hallway.

Michael smiled "You are one of my easier clients to manage, trust me."

Michael sat and encouraged Amanda to do the same. Michael assessed any ability for anyone to over hear his or her conversation. No one was around.

Amanda sat and clapped her hands to her thighs with enthusiasm "Alright, what is the job? But know what you are getting yourself into "and she smiled innocently up at him with her blue green eyes.

Michael sat and pulled up an image and Amanda gently leaned into him to view it.

Amanda studied it and moved the image around "What am I looking at? It looks like some sort of fish or reptile scale?" and she gently took the image device from Michael's hands "But what is this? Is this data accurate? She looked up to Michael for some assurance but did not wait for a response and turned her full attention back to the data at hand. "According to this data, this is made up of some kind of metal alloy... Titanium and Tungsten for sure..." Amanda continued to flip through the digital data "The structure looks very similar to some sort of advanced stealth tech."

Michael added, "Which is why they can't track it."

Amanda looked up with a quizzical look "Track it?" Then she immediately went back to reviewing the data "And what is this? There is an element here I do not recognize, and this one looks to be… and she flipped though a dozen screens and then pulled up a quick model of the atom. She studied it for a moment as she pulled up a different view of its interaction with some other substances" She looked up at Michael "This is not possible..."

Michael raised an eyebrow "Keep going … you are already almost caught up to the rest of the scientists working on this."

Amanda shook her head in confusion "The rest of the scientists?" But again she did not wait for an answer and continued her analysis "Michael, if I am to understand this data correctly, this is metal that… that can self-heal? This last element has biological properties…." And she looked up at Michael bewildered… "What is this Michael?"

Michael nodded "Top scientists and yes self-healing metal, and to answer you last question " we don't know what it is… and that is exactly why they want you "How many people on the planet have PhDs in Biology, Bio-mechanics, Physics, and chemistry?"

Amanda corrected, "You mean Marine Biology…and as you know I did that in honor of my family."

Michael grinned "Ok Marine Biology which just makes you even more qualified for the job."

Amanda paused, looked up narrowed her eyes, paused and then smiled assuming this was just another hoax for her to review. "Ok, fun is over, this is too much. Let me guess, someone found this scale in Roswell?"

Michael laughed, "Well not exactly, but you aren't going to like the actual answer any better..."

Amanda shook her head as she closed the image and handed the device back to him "Michael, how many of these requests do I need to endure? How many requests to analyze alien metals, test 'conscience" robots, interpret talking fish do I need to be exposed to before I say enough?"

Michael smirked "That last one was technically considered a porpoise, not a fish."

Amanda was losing her patience and politely interrupted "It had gills..." and pointed at herself "Marine Biologist remember?" "It was a fish Michael, but , honestly, how many more of these requests do we have to entertain?"

Michael paused and then spoke sheepishly "The scale is from a dragon."

Amanda laughed, "Ok that is a new one" as she went to stand. Michael gently reached for her to remain sitting.

Michael's face went serious "A fire breathing one at that."

Amanda's eyes narrowed and she had a coy smirk on her face as she waited as if there was a punch line. Michael face was serious.

She laughed again and spoke in a questioning tone "You're serious Michael, a fire breathing dragon?"

Michael chuckled 'More of a water dragon, but yes There have been rumors and legends about a dragon off the coast of Africa for nearly 150 years" "They want you to join an expedition to try to find it or disprove it…"

Amanda stood with look of astonished amusement "Africa? Michael, first, you can't be serious, it's nearly the middle of the 21st century and they are actually giving credence to the notion of a fire breathing water dragon made of self-healing metal terrorizing the African sea board?"

Michael added, "I forgot to mention it only goes after pirates and rouge military vessels with extreme prejudice and some serious advanced weaponry."

'Amanda clapped her hands and laughed "Perfect! A Fire breathing water dragon made of self-healing metal is attacking pirates off the African coast " do I have that right? She looked at Michael with a mocking grin "Michael All sea monsters have all been chased off the map a long time ago. Second, if they really are interested why don't they just send some underwater drones and get a satellite in the area for 24x7 surveillance? And third, why not go find Bigfoot the Lockness Monster and the abdominal snowman while they are at it!" Great joke Michael! I have to go!" and she stood up to leave and began walking down the stairs that lead down out to a side street.

Michael stood and spoke in a serious tone "Amanda, this is sponsored by the US Military. They are taking it very seriously. They have already put some of their brightest on this one."

Amanda stopped in her tracks as she listened but refused to turn around.

Michael continued "It's a DoD job Amanda" 'They will pay you $250k for 4 weeks of consulting. They have tried the satellite, drones but they were unable to find anything, and they never captured this. Whatever this is can't be tracked" Michael held an image on his screen. Loud explosions came out of his VC.

Amanda now turned and walked back up the stairs. She could see a and hear a series of explosions. "So you really are serious?"

Michael offered the image screen to her. She was transfixed. The screen showed a dark object confronting 4 ships. She watched as the large shadowy object gave off a blue glow before it released an enormous burst of power annihilating the ships in its path.

Amanda uttered "oh my god..."

Michael nodded his head "exactly" "The DoD also initially scuffed at the metal analysis report, but they went ahead and analyzed it themselves." "Took them 3 months to reach the same conclusion you did in 5 minutes but the third metal is indeed a new element and they are also convinced the last element is of biological nature." "They are still running tests on it, but the new element does not exist on earth, and the combined alloy is not known or explainable by our science. This video was recovered from a surviving sailor's VidCom. The image has not been altered."

Amanda studied the image and could see the government encryption marking "This is real then?"

Michael nodded "You still have your top secret security clearance or I wouldn't be allowed to show you this. What do you think?"

Amanda shook her head, paused for a moment, and then spoke "No Michael "I don't want to be a ghost again" "It sounds intriguing but not my thing anymore. Analyzing that Chinese cold fusion thing 11 years ago was supposed to be a 2-month gig but it cost me a decade living in silence. The million dollars for that job was not worth it... While the alloy is fascinating and the story here is unbelievable, I am happy on what I am doing right now. I want to stay on the lecture trail. I am finally able to publish under my own name again and I am really enjoying that. Taking this would put me back in the shadows - probably for another decade and that is the last thing I want now. I don't need the money Michael, you know that. Please allow me to pursue my work, find me reputable, normal speaking gigs. I really like my life now. I love my job in the fine arts, just help keep me out of politics. I will leave the dragon slaying to the good folks at the DoD."

Michael asked "I appreciate that perspective Amanda, but this could be something groundbreaking."

Amanda bowed her head, and closed her eyes in frustration. She took a deep breath and looked up, and spoke sincerely "Michael, it's a hoax. That will be the obvious conclusion. If they want my advice, that is it and it is free. Save their money and their time here. Grant it this is a very elaborate hoax , but a hoax just the same. I am not going to waste another decade of my life chasing myths. I will have all my inheritance in 2 months and I have been down this road before. Please send my regards and thank them for the consideration but the answer is no." Amanda turned and again started walking down the stairs.

Michael pleaded again for her to reconsider "Amanda…?"

Amanda interrupted, but did not turn and continued her decent down the stairs "The answer is no Michael."

Michael held up his VCom as he flipped through the virtual charts and pleaded again, "There is more Amanda. If you come with me to DC you can review all of the material…"

Amanda responded without hesitation and now more defiantly shouted back "No Michael."

Michael pleased one last time "Amanda, please reconsider..." and he walked briskly down the stairs to meet her and reached out for her to stop.

Amanda turned and replied in exhaustion on the subject "The answer is no Michael, No."

Michael quickly countered "What if they made you lead of the expedition? What if they raised their offer " what if I could get you a million dollars with no sequestering or inability to publish on your part" it is only 4 weeks Amanda...?"

Amanda grabbed both of Michael's hands and replied again now in an apologetic tone "No Michael, nothing will make me change my mind", "I am heading back to Manhattan this afternoon." Amanda then smiled widely in attempt to change the subject "Enough about work. I assume you are on the usual red eye back home tonight?"

Michael nodded but looked disappointed. " That is the plan... I have a dinner meeting tonight in Saint Denis and then a Board Meeting at 8am in Manhattan"

Amanda smiled in return to comfort him still holding his hands looking up at him " ... and you say I work too much ..." "Lets have lunch Sunday, " and she released him gently and she turned to leave and continued to walk down towards the street.

Michael pleaded one last time 'Amanda, They need you...'

Amanda paused at the curb as a driver-less cab pulled up. She turned and waved, ignoring his last statement "Jean Georges Michael. Sunday, noon. You are buying! I love you! I will call you tomorrow. Have a safe flight!"

Michael stood in silence and waved back as he watched her drive away. He paused and then pulled up an image "She refused."

"Refused?" the young woman's voice on the other end of the call seemed surprised "I thought you said she would do it?"

Michael shook his head "She was firm. Correct that, more than firm."

The woman asked 'Offer her one million for the job."

Michael shook his head "It's not about the money. You know she now has plenty. She wants her freedom."

The woman spoke in a disappointed tone "Well this is unfortunate. The media attention surrounding today's event is also very unfortunate. You seem to be losing control of your client. Mr. Tuteur."

Michael s eyes narrowed "I can't control her all I can do is influence her."

The woman responded curtly "And it seems you are failing even at that Mr. Tuteur."

"She is more than just my client. She is like my daughter."

The women remained silent for a moment then spoke "... and that too is very unfortunate Mr. Tuteur..." and the image on the VCom went black.

Michael stood looking out into the city pondering this unexpected outcome and spoke aloud "Damn it"