"For these configuration to work, we need three rooms stacked either vertically or horizontally. The team prepared the plan for both stacks incorporating existing equipment. You could send your own people to inspect the Science Complex and you are welcome to introduce revisions to the plans as you see fit." George then presented each of the slides while explaining how each laboratory is expected to complement the others. She also answered questions raised by JADE executives along the way.
"That won't be necessary Ms. Silva. JADE's only condition is for you to end your contract with the university and we will see to it that the project is completed in two years. That is a year ahead of your target. Additional provision for small scale particle physics studies will also be provided." Said the handsome man standing by the coffee machine who appeared uninterested throughout the presentation.
"Sir, as I mentioned at the start, I am only standing in for Bernard, the University's physics guy. I already retired from the university a year ago. So thank you for giving us the grant. Technicalities will be dealt with by our operations group. If there are no more clarifications on the physics aspect, may I be excused? I have a plane to catch." Then she gave everyone present a pleasant smile.
"Not so fast, sweetheart. Teddy, let her sign the initial two hundred grand check for A university." Interrupted the handsome man.
Teddy passed George the check and she stared at it confused. It was a JADE account so she wondered why it was her signature that was required. Mr. Handsome prompted her again and addressed the group from A University.
"I'm Anton Christoper Chiong by the way. Ms. Silva cannot represent A University anymore as that would violate our grants policies. She is a significant part of JADE and should therefore be on the other side of the vetting hall. Not only that, all grants and sponsorship by JADE is taken from the revenues of her shares."
He then walked to George and said, "You may call me Cody, I'm the heir of Tang. You are Aki's granddaughter, right?"
George, still confused, signed the check without saying a word. Then his question finally registered but she continued to stare blankly at him.
"You don't have to answer that. I already told Shihiro that I will be going to Ise with you" Cody said without hiding his amusement.
"You? Ise? Wherever did you get that information?" George finally blurted but her thoughts were everywhere. Then she thought of the Tangs. He did say he is a Tang.
"Calm down, love. You have enough time for lunch and a short nap. Hiro asked Dale to come here at 4:00PM... Come, I'll show you your JADE documents." Offered Cody.
"Dale?" She asked still confused.
"Dale from the Air Force... Rafa is already airborne, he'll give us a ride to Ise. He will tell Dale where to drop us off."
"Dale, Ate Guia's younger brother? You mean, Ka's cousin? He is a pilot?"
"Yes, yes and yes. I'm surprised he didn't tell you."
"I haven't seen him since college."
Hello readers, this is my first attempt at writing but the overall idea of this story have been in my mind for a long time.
I hope I could get your feedback and support.
Thank you! Enjoy!