Chapter Thirty-three
Simone has gone to fetch Thor. It's thought that just one of the Vikings at a time would be easier on all of them.
"So, Dr. Lundgren, you really think that you would be prepared to take on such a huge project?" Mick St. John queries.
"Please, call me Penny, if I can call you, Mick?"
"Of course, Penny, and after all, it appears as though we're about to get to know each other very well. You might say it's now all in the family?"
Beth smiles, "It isn't often one is asked to take on such a task as cataloguing a whole new branch of mankind's family tree, is it?"
"No, that's true. But imagine all the ramifications. Of course, it will be years before we can actually announce it to the world after all the DNA testing and data is compiled. I'll take a sabbatical from my job and start organizing right away. Priority number one is to conduct interviews with each of them. Find out the hows, whats and the whys. And you say that all but one have married? That was what was going on when I came? Oh, my gosh, so much to do! Would it be alright if I brought in my daughter, Brigit, since she actually has better language skills than I do" Penny's eyes were dancing with delight. "And wait until you meet her. She's a strapping girl, 5'9" and so full of life."
"Of course. We'd love to have her with you, whenever she's available to start. Didn't you say she was away visiting friends?"
"Oh, for such an opportunity the likes of which only comes around once in a blue moon, I'm sure she won't need much convincing. And I'm positive she'll even be able to take this experience on to a Ph. D."
Josef walks in. "Good, then it's settled. And I'm thinking that there needs to be a new branch of the Denver Museum, don't you? I think an auxilliary here in Aspen just like the Givens Institute. I'll have the Kostan Foundation look into that."
"Oh, that's so wonderful. So where is this Thor?"
"Uh, he might be delayed. I spotted him hot after the trail of our young miss Collie. She looked like she was on a mission from God. Elliott's trying to bring her around."
Mick and Beth are concerned. "What's Red's problem?"
But Josef has turned away towards the hall. With a look towards Mick, they quickly excuse themselves. Beth flushes then smiles at Penny.
"My daughter, Colleen, is a bit headstrong. Quite a mischief maker but once you meet her, you'll, ah, love her."