Chapter 2 Hatch, Match and Dispatch
"Okay Efraim, now this is your speaking itinerary. They're going to meet you at the hotel with a car to take you to the symposium. You'll have two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There's time for lunch in between; it's been arranged for you. Oh and a question and answer session after each lecture. Alright?"
Amanda handed him a paper and took it back, putting it neatly in a stack on her desk. Efraim felt all of 12 years old again, but he put it down to the overriding 'Mom" instinct that Amanda had. Efraim sighed, reaching for the itinerary, grinding his teeth when Francine took them and organized them, slipping them into a file before Efraim ever saw them. He lifted an eyebrow in Lee's direction; who quickly discovered a spot on the ceiling which needed his undivided attention.
The phone rang on Amanda's desk. Lee dove for it, answering it before either Amanda or Francine could reach for it. Efraim could see the relief on Lee's face as he made a few comments and hung up the phone.
"Beaman that was Leatherneck, he's got some of his gizmos up for us; let's go take a look." Efraim was out of the chair in a flash, anxious to get out from under Amanda's mothering. They hit the door at the same time, with Efraim squeezing out just slightly ahead of Lee. They quietly pulled the door closed, each releasing a sigh.
They got in the elevator hitting the floor of Leatherneck's security level. Efraim leaned up against the back of the elevator, Lee straightened his tie, looked over at Efraim and they both laughed.
"What was going on in there? I felt like a kid again, and not a very bright one!"
Lee shook his head, "It's just her way, believe me. She mothers anything when she's worried, and she's just worried about you right now, that's all. She'll start in on me on later. And right now, she's probably mothering Francine, although Amanda usually gives her a wide berth in these matters. That may have changed in light of your engagement."
"Leatherneck really wants to see us?"
"Yeah, he has some new prototypes that he wants to show us how to use. Hey, I wanted to ask you, where'd you get that handcuff key you used out in L.A.? That's a handy tool to have around."
Beaman reached behind and pulled it out of his belt. "Ordered it on the Internet. You know how dismal I am with picking handcuffs; this seems to be the answer."
Lee looked over the 'key', handing it back to Beaman. "The Internet? Really? How much?"
"Thirty bucks, works like a charm. Maybe we can get Leatherneck to fabricate a few of them."
Lee nodded. The elevator opened and they walked into Leatherneck's area. Security was tight, as the Agency created some of the most sophisticated devices used in covert operations. Leatherneck spotted them and waved them into the testing area.
"Lee, Beaman, good to see ya, no matter how early in the day it is. Hey Beaman, told ya going to school would get ya into trouble!"
"You're not kidding, Leatherneck. What do you have for us?"
Leatherneck held up several cases, all containing small discs. Beaman held one under the magnifying light to get a good look at it.
"Listening or tracking?"
"Very good, college boy, it's both." Efraim raised an eyebrow at him. "Honest, man! This little beauty does both. Watch," he flicked a few switches on his computer, punched in a few codes and opened one of the small cases. Carefully attaching the device that wasn't much larger than the tip of a dull pencil to a pair of eyeglasses, he handed them to Efraim, who put the glasses on.
"Okay, now go into my office, and talk to us." Beaman left but headed into the storage area. He climbed up the pallets that led to the cat walk and sat by the emergency exit. "Alright Leatherneck, I'm ready." Jeez, if Billy caught us now, he'd have our hides for playing hide-n-seek in here, he told himself.
Efraim listened to the footsteps as they got louder. They stopped right underneath him, and Leatherneck and Lee looked up.
"Doesn't look like my office, college boy."
Beaman climbed down, jumping off the pallets. "Well, you know where your office is."
"Keep that up and I'll tell Billy you were playing games up here."
"Keep that up and I'll tell Billy where you were on that last stake-out!"
Leatherneck broke into a huge grin, eyes narrowing; doubting Efraim would actually say anything. "Would you?"
Efraim snapped his fingers under his nose, "In a heart beat, buddy!" They both laughed.
Lee shook his head as he listened to the threats flying.
Lee watched as Leatherneck whacked Beaman on the back. "This college boy is gonna be okay, what do you think, Lee?"
"I agree, he's gonna be fine. Seems to me that hanging around Francine has loosened his 'by the book' attitude somewhat."
Beaman just laughed at them.
"Let's get you both outfitted." Leatherneck pulled out an assortment of devices, listening, tracking, whatever the need; Leatherneck had it or could manufacture it.
Lee held out his hand to Beaman. "Give me that key, will ya Beaman?
Efraim pulled out the key and handed it to Lee. Lee tossed it to Leatherneck. "It's a universal handcuff key. Think you can copy it?"
"You're pullin' my leg, right? Leatherneck laughed as he flipped the key back to Beaman. "I'm gonna have to see this for myself, college boy."
Beaman slipped the key back into his belt and assumed the position. Leatherneck was chuckling as he trussed Beaman up tightly.
By the time Leatherneck had leaned up against the counter and folded his hands over his chest, Beaman had the cuffs off and dangling in front of his face. Beaman had his own laugh at the expression on both Lee and Leatherneck's faces.
"Lemme see that thing again, college boy." Taking the key, Leatherneck looked closely at it, nodding at the construction. "Where'd you get this thing?"
"On the Internet, cost me thirty bucks."
Leatherneck laughed. "On the Internet? You're kidding me? Beaman, buddy, I just love having you around! You're serious?"
Efraim nodded, flipped Leatherneck's computer screen and keyboard around, punched in a few codes, gave a sly grin to Leatherneck as he bypassed his codes and security without so much as a pause to slow him down. He pulled up the site where he had bought the key, leaving both Lee and Leatherneck in stitches when they saw the name of the site.
"Spy Ware? You bought this at a site called Spy Ware? College boy, you are too much!"
"Can you duplicate it?" Efraim asked.
"Hell yes, I can duplicate it. Handy little thing actually. Can I have it for awhile, or do you have an immediate need for it?"
Beaman rolled his eyes at them and left. He had to look over the material he was supposed to have contributed in the development of this laser system.
Walking into his office, he found the reports on Quigley's work on his desk. He started reading, making notes, working out equations, and cross referencing sited materials.
After several hours, his head started to ache from the lack of sleep and the intense concentration. He pushed back and propped his feet up on his desk, resting his head on his hands. He closed his eyes, thinking over the night that had given way to the daylight. He let his mind rest on how the evening had started, thinking about Francine. He grinned; At least that part of my life is in sync! While his personal life was on course, the rest of the world seemed to be skittering out of whack. He thought he would just rest his mind for a minute or two before going back to Quigley's material.
Francine walked into Efraim's office at 8:30 that morning to ask if he wanted to go home to pack. Efraim was sound asleep, feet up on his desk, arms across his chest and tilted back in his chair. She shook her head as she whispered, "How does he do that?"
She sat down, smiling softly as she watched him sleep. She knew they needed to get things rolling. Reaching over to gently run her fingers through his hair, she softly called his name. His eyes slowly opened and focused on her and smiled.
"Ready to go home?" Francine asked, smiling back at Efraim.
He stretched, rubbing her arm as he did. He pulled his feet off the desk and dropped the chair back on the floor.
"Sorry. That report and those equations just took it out of me." He watched as Francine neatly stacked the work he had done, looking for his briefcase to put it away for him. He yawned and got up, hugging Francine as she shut his briefcase.
"Efraim, I asked for an Agency limo to take us home and to take us to the airport this evening. I thought it would be easier."
He nodded his agreement, sat down again to make sure his laptop was loaded with everything he needed. "I need to see Leatherneck and pick up the toys he put together for us."
Francine shook her head at him, pointing to a leather case sitting beside the desk. "Leatherneck already brought everything down for you. It's all here. And he asked me to give these to you." She held up a clasp full of his handcuff keys, the original plus some of the duplicates. "He said to tell you he's been testing them out and they all work." Efraim took his, tucked it back in his belt and went to his file cabinet. He pulled his gun case out, opening it to see his SIG P220 resting in its place.
"How you planning on getting that through security?"
"I'll have Lee carry it. I don't want to be without it. Francine?"
She stopped at the tone of his voice, tilting her head in question.
"Hon, I'm sorry about this whole thing. I'm really not an expert on this stuff."
"Efraim, you're tired right now. You're trying to cram all that research into your memory." She put her arms around him, trying to encourage him. "You need to rest and take a look at things after you've gotten some sleep."
He shook his head at her, not agreeing. "No. It's not that I'm tired. It's that this stuff isn't adding up. These equations aren't right. The numbers don't support his theories. Something's not right."
"Try not to worry, okay? Let's go home and get what we need, then look at it later with fresh eyes? Please?"
He could see worry in her eyes and he knew that she was tired too. Efraim kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly, knowing that she was right.
The ride to Francine's apartment was quiet, each one lost in their own thoughts. Efraim went in with her to check her place, and told her he would be back within the hour. The limo driver was Dave Geiger, a friend of Efraim's and an ex-Army Ranger assigned to Dr. Smyth's staff. He insisted he had been assigned to Efraim and was not to leave him unattended.
"Smyth thinking I might run, Dave?" Efraim asked as he climbed back into the limo.
"The thought's probably crossed his mind. I think he's just rattling your cage, you know he has a score to settle with you."
"Yeah, I know. I'm just wondering when it will be even. No, don't tell me; never."
"Well Beaman, I never argue with a man when he's right."
"Since when?"
Dave laughed and pulled into Efraim's complex. The two men walked to the apartment, Dave heading to the kitchen while Efraim went into his bedroom to pack.
Efraim took a shower and got dressed, taking the time to download some of the new programs the Agency had been working on. He checked to make sure he had everything he would need to run his laptop in Eastern Europe.
Efraim lifted the phone and dialed Billy's office. "Billy, it's Beaman. Do I need a . . . ."
"Get in here now, Beaman. The situation has changed and this is bad news."
Efraim hung up the phone and looked at Dave. "Billy says he's got bad news." Geiger nodded his head in agreement as Beaman spit out an oath.
Efraim and Geiger loaded the luggage in the limo and Geiger took Efraim directly to the Agency.
"I'll go get Francine and bring her back to the Agency," Dave told him as Efraim climbed out of the limo.
"Watch your back, she's liable to blind side you," Efraim warned.
"Thanks for the warning, but I don't think it will help," was Geiger's parting remark.
Efraim went directly to Billy's office. There were Naval officers lingering in the bullpen, and Efraim felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. These were aides, and Efraim had a bad feeling he knew who they were attached to.
Giving a swift rap on Billy's door, he barely waited for Billy's terse 'Enter', before opening the door. Efraim stopped short when he saw Dr. Smyth, the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Efraim Beaman Sr. seated in Billy's office.
Efraim quickly sized up the assembly; walking over to the Deputy Secretary of Defense he shook his hand and introduced himself. "Mr. Secretary, a pleasure to meet you sir, I'm Dr. Efraim Beaman. Dr. Smyth," with a nod at the director and a quick glance at Billy. To the Admiral, he gave a short nod to convention and a quick, "Dad."
"Beaman, have a seat." Billy told him. Efraim sat down and waited. The undersecretary decided to put things in gear.
"Dr. Beaman, we understand you are going to Eastern Europe in an attempt to retrieve Dr. Harry Quigley and his research."
"That is correct, sir. Our flight leaves in," with a quick glance at his watch, "five hours."
"It is imperative we retrieve this research and Dr. Quigley. It is of vital importance to the national security of the United States."
"I understand, sir." Efraim saw his father shift uncomfortably in his seat. Something was going on here and he knew that whatever it was, he wasn't going to like it.
Dr. Smyth decided to get more to the point. "Dr. Beaman. It seems the Department of Defense does not trust the Agency to return the good Dr. Quigley and his research directly to them. They have gone to the President and have obtained permission to send a military officer of their choosing to ensure the swift return of all materials."
Beaman could feel his heart try to climb out of his chest as he observed the four men watching him. He finally held out his hand to his father, who placed an envelope in his hands.
He opened the envelope and read the letter he found within. At least he had gotten a promotion to Commander out of the deal with his recall to active duty in the Navy.
Efraim stood up smartly and addressed the Deputy Secretary of Defense. "Sir, with your permission. . . Admiral. I have to make final preparations for my departure." The secretary nodded his approval, and Beaman gave a smart salute, which was returned. He excused himself to Dr. Smyth and Billy and left the office.
He headed directly to Leatherneck's office. Agents from the bullpen saw the look on his face and quickly got of the way. He passed through security and stiff-armed the door to Leatherneck's office.
"College boy! I didn't expect to see you back here. Hey, man, what's goin' on? You look mad enough to spit nails." Efraim threw himself into the one of the spare chairs in Leatherneck's office and as he did he tossed the envelope that contained his activation papers to him. Leatherneck picked up the papers, read them, and blew a nearly silent whistle through his teeth. "This ain't good."
Efraim gave a short bark of laughter. "No, it's not good at all."
"What's all this about?"
"Infighting between the Department of Defense and Dr. Smyth and I'm caught in the middle of it."
"What exactly does it mean?"
"It means if anything goes wrong, I can be shot, hung or spend the rest of my life in a brig someplace."
"Aren't you being a little pessimistic, college boy?"
Efraim rocked back in his chair, balancing on the back two legs. "I'm getting married in three and a half weeks. I get sent on some wild goose chase after one of the craziest men I've ever had the misfortune to meet after he gets himself picked up in Eastern Europe by forces unknown. I'm brushing up on his equations, and they don't add up. And on top of it, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Smyth and my father were all assembled in Billy's office, just waiting to give me the good news of my recall to active duty. This is nothing but bureaucratic games between Defense and Smyth. And you think I'm being pessimistic?"
"Does Francine know?"
Efraim rolled his eyes. "No, not yet."
Leatherneck said what Efraim was thinking.
"Yeah, exactly. Look, thanks for letting me vent some steam. I gotta get to legal and find out exactly how fine of a line I have to walk between Defense and Intelligence."
"Remember man, we all took the same oath to protect and defend."
"Yeah, well someone should tell those pit bulls that piece of information."
After a quick stop in legal, Efraim walked back to his own office and sat down in his chair and kicked back, feet on his desk and hands behind his head. He heard a cough at his doorway and looked up to see his father standing there.
Efraim jumped up, and smartly saluted his father. "Admiral-Sir! Come in. Please, be seated."
"You can stop with the protocol crap, John. I know you're angry."
Efraim sat back down and looked at his dad. He had always admired his father, and had wanted to be just like him, thus his journey through the Naval Academy and his stint in the Navy. Unfortunately for the Navy and Efraim, they weren't a good match for one another.
"Dad, what the hell is goin' on here? Why all of this? Defense can't possibly believe the Agency would withhold information." His father sighed, Efraim was still idealistic, believing that the people who ran things saw things the way he did in terms of dignity and honor.
"The suits at Defense are afraid that Smyth would use the information to pressure some emerging regimes in the old Eastern Block."
Efraim gave a quick look to see if his bug washers were working before he said anything. "Dad, Dr. Smyth is a lot of things, treasonous isn't one of them."
"It isn't as simple as that."
"Then how simple is it, huh? Because I don't understand what's going on here with the exception that if I take one wrong step I'm going to lose my job and my freedom."
He father shook his head, disagreeing with Efraim. "I won't let it go that far."
"Gee Dad, thanks for your vote of confidence."
"That's not what I'm saying John, and you know that. Look. You're a straight shooter, you always have been. You'll keep it all on the up and up. And when it's over, we all share the information."
"Right. . ." Efraim wasn't sure he believed that it was that simple, but he let it slide. "Look, I was going over some of Quigley's numbers. They don't compute, Dad. Something's wrong."
"We know."
Efraim threw his hands up in the air in a gesture of defeat. "You know? You know they're wrong? Why wasn't I told earlier? Why are we going through this exercise in futility? Dad, I'm getting married in three and a half weeks! What are we doing this for?"
"We have to find Quigley and get the real information out of him."
Efraim sat and stared slack jawed at what his father had just told him. "You're telling me that Quigley stuck it to us?"
"Looks that way."
"Son of a, sorry Dad."
"My sentiments exactly."
"Dad, why weren't we told this earlier? We're not prepared for the type of operation we're faced with now."
The Admiral sighed, raking a hand through his silvering hair. "We just got the permission from the President five hours ago. This is important John, very important. Quigley had the backing of some very important people in government. If he's walked with the information on those lasers, heads are going to roll."
"Starting with mine."
"John. . . ."
"Okay, Dad. Look, do you have any idea why he referenced me in his writings? I haven't had contact with the man since that class I took with him."
"No, we haven't been able to come up with anything. It seems random."
Efraim sat back in his chair. Random…what had Quigley said about seemingly random data? He'd have to think about that.
"I know that look. What are you thinking?"
"Something Quigley said about random data. He said a string of random data still has a pattern that impacts the results of the expected outcome. Random data still has to be measured and put into the equation."
"Some sort of statistical theory?"
"Something like that. It can be applied to various data. I have to look for a pattern in the placement of my name and then try to figure out what it has to do with the results of that pattern."
The Admiral stood up, and gave his son a pat on the back. "I'd say you have a starting place, John. Good work for a man who looks like he hasn't gotten much sleep."
Beaman gave his father a weary eye and big sigh.
"Is Francine here yet?"
"She should be coming in any minute. I don't know how she's going to take this."
"She's a trooper, John, a good woman. She'll be fine."
"Dad. . . ." He warned.
"John?"
"What Dad?"
"I'm proud of you, son. Do a good job and come home safe."
"Thanks Dad. Tell mom I send my love."
"Will do; I'm going to see if that beautiful woman you're marrying is in the building before I leave."
"I want to tell her about all of this."
"I understand, son. Good luck."
"Thanks. Bye Dad." Efraim watched as his father walked out of his office in search of Francine.
He took the opportunity to re-input the data into his computer, running a program to look at the algorithms created by the insertion of his name into the data. He started to get some interesting data, but still came up against a brick wall.
Converting his name into a mathematical equation, Efraim added the equation into the computer and set it to run. He kicked back in his chair, putting his feet up on his desk. Being called to active duty could put a kink in the plans for the operation; he had to adhere to a different set of game rules, rules he was sure his opponents wouldn't bother with. Of course, knowing outright that Quigley's research was bogus put an ugly spin on the entire operation as well.
He decided to go see Billy.
Billy's door was open; Efraim could see him reading some paperwork at his desk. He gave a quick knock on the door and Billy waved him in without looking up. Efraim took a seat and waited.
Billy marked his place in the report, closed it and tossed it on the stack of files on his desk. "What's up, Beaman?"
Efraim gave a short laugh, knowing Billy knew exactly what was up. "Can we get a dispatch off to Lee to let him know of the changes? By the way, Defense knows the research doesn't compute."
"Yeah, Dr. Smyth let that spill a few moments ago. Any thoughts?"
"I've got the computer jumping through hoops on some equations I input. You know, I think I'm not going to make it to the conference. What ever is going to happen, it's gonna happen before then or in the introductions."
Billy nodded his agreement, lifting his phone and asking for a secure uplink to the C-130 that Lee was on. "I sent Lee out of Andrews. I hate for the Scarecrow to leave on domestic flights anymore, it sends shudders through the intelligence communities."
Efraim laughed, knowing that Billy was only partially kidding. Too many heads popped up and started paying attention when Lee went into the field.
"Do you have any ideas about all of this Beaman?"
Efraim shook his head; he really hadn't had time to think about all the possibilities. "I want to compare the data of the presentations Quigley made in Europe with what we've got here and see if it matches. Other than that, I have no clue." He watched Billy for a moment and asked another question. "Do you know the real reason I was called to active duty?"
Billy raised his eyebrows. "I think it's a control issue. Too many people have backed Quigley, and they have a lot to lose if his work doesn't pan out. And there's the fact that Smyth doesn't always play straight when it comes to handing over information until he's wrung all that he can get out of it." He shook his head as he thought things through. "This is too important to let him get away with that this time."
"So, for the time being, I have two masters."
Billy shook his head in disagreement. "No. Only one; the President of the United States."
"That's comforting."
"I thought you'd see it that way. Look Beaman, you're a hell of an agent, good on your feet, and damn smart. But, don't you and Lee go freelancing over there."
"I'll see that he behaves himself, Billy," Francine said as she came into the office and took the seat next to Efraim, giving him a quick smile.
"We have more good news after a visit from the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Smyth and Admiral Beaman today." Billy reached for his coffee cup and frowned when he found it empty.
Francine narrowed her eyes as she let that news sink in.
"Beaman, show her."
Efraim pulled his activation papers out of his suit coat and gave them to Francine.
She read them quickly, her eyes growing large when the impact of what they contained registered. "What does this all mean?"
Efraim leaned over and took her hand. "That, my love, is the question of the day. Let me explain what we do know." He quickly outlined the situation, ending with his being in Billy's office to try and work out some sort of new plan. "So we're waiting for a connection to the flight Lee is taking so we can switch horses mid stream."
Billy rummaged in his desk, finally slamming the drawer and leaning back in his chair. "Okay, I'll page you as soon as we get a connection with Lee. Hopefully by then we'll have some idea of what we want to do. Now get out of here, the two of you, and get to work!"
Billy watched as the couple walked to Beaman's office. Those two were as loyal to each other as Amanda and Lee were to one another. That carried with it all the problems of loyalty in this business as well as the benefits. He knew that the each would die to protect the other, and he certainly hoped it wouldn't have to come to that. For that matter, he didn't want to have to explain what had happened to the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations.
Efraim closed the door behind them as he and Francine walked into his office. His computer was still running in circles over the information he'd input. He watched as Francine sat down. Efraim closed the shades on his window and leaned on his door. Francine turned in the chair to look at him.
"It's always something!" They both laughed.
"I was really worried when Geiger showed up without you."
He walked over and squatted down by her chair, taking her hands in his. "I'm sorry, hon; we didn't know what was going on. I gave Billy a call and he told me to get back here pronto."
She nodded as her gaze fell on the information flashing on Efraim's computer screen. "What do you have working there?"
"Something my Dad said about random information. I've input my name as a mathematical equation into Quigley's theories. It's still running, so I think I may be on to something here."
Francine smiled at Efraim. "How do you come up with all these ideas?"
He shrugged at her; he thought it was obvious. "What are you smiling about?"
"You. No one would think to put your name in as an equation."
"Quigley did."
"That's the next question: Why did he do it?"
"I don't know."
Francine frowned. "Tell me again about your class with him." Efraim sat in his chair, kicked it back, resting his feet on his desk. Francine smiled, this was Efraim's usual position in any chair, balanced on two legs with his feet on a desk, a wall, a door, it didn't matter to him.
"What??"
Francine shook her head at Efraim, not understanding his question.
"Why are you smiling? What did I do?"
She laughed. "Can't you keep your feet on the ground? You're the only person I know who can't think unless he's wobbling on chair legs!"
"I don't wobble." Efraim was indignant. He could even sleep kicked back in a chair. "It helps me think, I've always done it. I spent many hours after school in the principal's office for doing this."
"I can imagine. Okay, the class with Quigley. Tell me about it."
"I needed a physics class for my graduate work in mathematics. I took his class; he was supposed to be a good teacher."
Francine was shaking her head. "No, that's not what I'm looking for; give me the day to day stuff, did you like him as a teacher. Did he like you as a student? What about the rest of the class; that's what I'm looking for."
"He was an ass, Francine. I hated his class; it was an exercise in controlling my temper as he stroked his ego. We did not get along. It was a big waste of time."
"Yet you had the highest grades in the class."
"I've never figured that out. But he then turned around and failed me."
"Do you still have the paper?"
"Yeah, it's in a file at home."
Francine held her hand out to Efraim. He let the chair legs drop, stood up and took her hand.
"Where we going, hon?"
"We need that paper. Did he make comments on it?"
"He wrote a dissertation on the damn thing."
Francine pulled the door open, dragging Efraim behind her. "We need that paper, Efraim. How much time until our flight?"
He checked his watch. "About two and a half hours."
"Do you know where the paper is?" She had seen how Efraim filed; only he understood the method.
"Yes Francine. I know where the paper is."
"Exactly where it is?" He stopped walking, pulling her up short. She kept herself from bumping into his chest by putting her free hand up. She tilted her head up at him and smiled.
"Are you trying to get a rise out of me, Francine?" Her dimples peeked up at him as her smile widened. Efraim felt his heart slam in his chest as he stared at her and started to lean over to kiss her. He stopped when he realized where they were standing in the middle of the bullpen.
Francine sighed, as she had tip-toed to meet him. "Is it working? Am I getting a rise out of you?" She chuckled at him, took his hand again as they walked to the elevators.
Geiger met them at the street level. "And where do we think we're going?" He asked them, falling in with them as they walked to the limo.
"My place; I need some old papers I have filed there."
"Let's move then, we're wasting time."
