Funding Body Advisor & Media Liason: Daniel Carter

[Mr. Handy]

"That's good," says Daniel, "but you neglected to mention your early onset arthritis. That's a medical problem we ought to know about. How does it affect you?"

[Laraqua]

"Ah, yeah, that, it's not doing so bad, I try to keep myself limbre, it's really a very ignorable condition," says Noether, scratching the back of his head.

[Mr. Handy]

"I hope so," says Daniel. "This expedition will push even people in perfect health to their limits. I see from your resume that you have a lot of experience. What about it do you feel makes you particularly suitable for this expedition?"

[Laraqua]

"I've been involved in a series of underwater programs. I've been on an archaeological expedition before, not mountaineering, but still. I've been involved in a lot. Like I keep telling you, I'm your man. I'm the one you want to deal with here." Noether gives a shrug.

[Mr. Handy]

"I see that you've been on expeditions in other countries before," says Daniel, "so your passport is current, correct? What other languages do you speak, and how fluent are you in them?"

[Laraqua]

"Ah, only German, English and a bit of French, actually," he says, rubbing the back of his neck as though irritated by a question he can't impressively answer.

[Mr. Handy]

"Well, for this particular position it isn't essential that you speak Russian, though it would be a plus," says Daniel. "What other useful skills do you bring to the table? Can you maintain and repair your equipment? Do you have any medical skills, EMT training, or the like?"

[Laraqua]

"I don't have any maintenance training, no, but that's what mechanics and electricians are for, right?" Noether asks brightly. "I do have an advanced first aid certificate."

[Mr. Handy]

"It's always good to have someone who can do double duty and act as backup just in case the person primarily responsible for something is indisposed," says Daniel. "That first aid training could be useful. Is there anything you'd care to add to what you've already said? You're not the only qualified candidate applying for this position. Tell me why we should choose you."

[Laraqua]

"You should choose me because I'm enthusiastic, intelligent and capable," says Noether. "I have plenty of experience, can help with first aid, and can bring a little sunshine to what will doubtless be a grueling trip."

[Mr. Handy]

"Do you have any questions you'd like to ask me?" asks Daniel.

[Laraqua]

"Not really, I did my research on this trip before coming here," Noether says with a languid smile.

[Mr. Handy]

"Then we're done here," says Daniel. He stands back up and shakes Noether's hand again. "It was nice to meet you, Herr Noether. Thank you for your interest. We'll let you know."

[Laraqua]

"Thanks," says Noether, giving him a firm shake. "Look forward to hearing from you." He swaggers to open the door, pausing as he yanks it open. "Oh fuck!" He turns back to Daniel, looking confused.

[Mr. Handy]

"Herr Noether, what's wrong?" asks Daniel.

[Laraqua]

Noether just closes the door. He seems very pale. He slowly turns around, his eyes bulging, and looks like he's going to be sick. He darts to the bin near the desk and vomits up a rainbow into the wire wastepaper basket.

[Mr. Handy]

"Are you ill?" asks Daniel. "We have medical people on staff who can help. Would you like me to call them?"

[Laraqua]

"Call the police," says Noether, then ducks his head again to vomit. He has a harrowed look in his eyes.

[Mr. Handy]

Daniel doesn't hesitate. He gets on the intercom and speaks to security. "This is Daniel Carter on 14," he says quickly. "Herr Noether was on his way out following his interview when he saw something in the outer office that sickened him. He didn't say what it was, he just said to call the police." While he awaits a reply from security, he looks back at Noether. "Ophidian Security can get here a lot faster than the police, but they'll call them as well. What happened? What did you see out there?"

[Laraqua]

"We just got off from your personal assistant," says the security officer. "There's stab victims ... dead ... out in the foyer from your room."