This story takes place during the events of "Life without Penny" and is a sequel to "A year in the life of Leonard Hofstadter". Everything belongs to Lorre and Prady. Part 2, a new head of department is introduced.

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Early in the New Year at Caltech

"Ladies and gentlemen of Caltech Physics, for my last act as head of department could you all please welcome your new head, Professor Leslie Winkle."

Applause

"Hello everyone, thanks to Professor Gablehauser for that introduction, good luck as Dean. Miss Sara Iwahashi is going to stay on as secretary for Professor Gablehauser so I would like to introduce my new secretary, Mrs Rebecca Jones. Don't worry everyone, I am not planning any big changes round here. First thing I want to do is have a word with everyone with a Ph.D so I know what you are doing, it should only take 15 minutes or so, arrange things through Rebecca. Has anyone any questions?"

1 hour later Professor Winkle had finally answered her last question and returned to her office.

"Rebecca, could you get me a cup of tea please. Oh, Professor Cooper, can I help you?"

"A question for you madam Professor head of department. You do realise that you have just retired from scientific research for the foreseeable future. Good luck with your endless administrative duties."

"Yes I do realise that Dumbass, I am also going to be earning an extra $10000 a year."

"This isn't going to bring Leonard back."

"I don't care about Leonard, as of seven months ago he is not my problem any more. Listen Professor Cooper, I am head of department, deal with it. I said I am not going to be making any big changes, you can still work from home. Thank you for the tea, Rebecca. Oh Rebecca, can you please arrange my schedule so I have at least 45 minutes every month to talk with Professor Cooper here about his research. I shall see you when you have your next appointment Professor Cooper, now clear off Dumbass, I have work to do with people who have the courtesy to make appointments."

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Two weeks later

"Good morning Sara, I am here for my monthly appointment with the head of department."

"I shall tell her that you are here Professor Cooper."

Sara pressed the intercom "Professor Cooper is here."

"Thanks Sara, we will be finished in a minute."

Five minutes later Leslie came out with Dr. Barry Kripke, Leslie had a big smile on her face."

"Thank you Dr. Kripke, keep up the good work."

"Thank you Professor. It's Coopah, what bwings you heah?"

"Here to talk about theoretical physics Kripke, so why don't you just run along and let the real scientists talk."

Sheldon joined Leslie in the inner office.

"Dr. Kripke was the last of my talks with Ph.D staff members. I didn't really know him that well before but he's a nice guy, doing some good science. I take it that you are less of a fan of Dr. Kripke Dumbass..."