7
Later that morning in Sheldon's office
Alex Jensen knocked on Dr. Sheldon Cooper's open office door.
"Hello, Alex. I'm happy you are able to meet with me on such short notice. Please come in and have a seat."
"Hello, Dr. Cooper. It's very nice to see you back."
"Thank you."
"I was sorry to hear that you are having some trouble with your work. To be honest, I may be having similar issues."
"If you mean finally realizing that it is unlikely that you can achieve your life's goal within the space of your lifetime, then yes, we share a problem. That is one of the reasons I asked you to meet with me."
"Okay?"
"The university requires I continue my present course of work with String Theory even though it would likely never reach the fruition I desire. As I have accepted funding to support that work I am committed to continuing. However…"
"However?"
"That does not mean I am required to limit myself to that area of endeavor. I am a genius and quite capable of multitasking. I was hoping that with your help the two of us would be able find an area that would satisfy us intellectually and also allow us both to move forward in our field."
"You want me to come back and work for you?"
"Work with me. We would share in this enterprise. And you could also be able to help me deal with my String Theory commitments. I have arranged for adequate funding to support a full-time position for you."
"And my studies?"
"Alex, I am one of your academic advisors. You satisfied most of the requirements for your doctorate long ago. Your dissertation is all that remains and I have perused your online notes. Take a week. Finish it. Come back and work with me."
"I need to think about it."
"I understand. There are some new wrinkles that you should be aware of."
"If one of those wrinkles is that Dr. Fowler then no deal."
"I do not intend Dr. Fowler to be involved in my professional pursuits in any way. No, there is something else. My sister, Melissa, and her infant son are now living with me. As an enticement for Melissa to move to Pasadena and share my apartment I committed to assisting her with child care. This is not a hollow promise as I very much enjoy the child's presence in my life. I suspect that his care will entail him accompanying me to work a couple of days a week. I will need to arrange space in my office for a crib and changing station. And also a mini-fridge and microwave for his food. Do you have any objection to dealing with my nephew on occasion? I will not expect you to participate in his care except for minor or occasional assistance."
"Dr. Cooper, I've changed my mind."
"You'd prefer not working with me?"
"No. I no longer need to think it over. I'd be happy to work with you."
"Very good. Now go finish that dissertation so that we may begin our work in earnest after next week."
"Would you like me to make arrangements for the additional items to be brought to your office?"
"Actually, Alex, those tasks… answering the phone, making appointments, doing my errands, etc.… will no longer be part of your portfolio. You will be my associate and your responsibilities will be academic and intellectual. We will be hiring an assistant to take care of those other things. I have someone in mind. Additionally it is likely that we will be moving to other quarters. I will see you in a week's time. I expect that most of this will be settled by then."
"Thank you, Dr. Cooper. See you soon."
"And when you return please address me as Sheldon."