[center][b]WanderBug and Exit collaboration[/b][/center]

Rooke looked up from the screen of his laptop and watched the muddled shapes approach his door, distorted by the translucent glass.  There were a couple knocks the paneled wood before it opened and one of his colleagues peeked in.  

 “Dr.Rooke, there’s someone here to see you.” There was a irritation laced in his voice--the man obviously had been working on something.  

“Right, thank you,” Rooke said, and adjusted his coat before standing to face the door.

“Dr. Rooke.” Cypher stepped inside without so much as an invitation and immediately took stock of the room. Various books were stored along the walls, papers covering the man’s desk. A room not unlike the one he’d expected to find. More importantly, besides the space immediately behind the desk, there wasn't any room for another person to hide. He figured it was clear and motioned for Koeska to follow. When they were both safely inside, he closed the door.

“How are you doing today?” He held out his hand in a formal greeting.

“Cypher--I’m well, thank you.” Rooke shook the offered hand firmly and smiled tightly.  The fatigue on his face was apparent, but it wasn’t anything strange for scientists to look tired.  He motioned to a couple chairs that stood against the walls near them and said, “Have a seat, you two.  I don’t presume you’re just for pleasantries or a simple report?” 

He seated himself behind the wooden desk and clasped his hands together, trying to hide the nervous twitch of his leg.

“Delivery..” Cypher replied matter of factly.

Koeska produced a sealed envelope and placed it on Rooke’s desk before taking the seat Rooke had offered. “Don’t open that till tomorrow.”

Rooke stared down at the envelope and picked it up swiftly.  He turned it over and traced the emblazoned royal seal with a fingertip, before tucking it away in the drawer of his desk. Taking off his glasses and wiping them with the hem of his coat, he said, “...Thank you for bringing this to me.  Is there anything else you needed?” 

“Well yeah.” Cypher, surprised at the Doctor’s willingness, remained standing. He figured their meeting would be brief. “We’d need you to be ready to leave for a few days by tomorrow. You’ll be gone for… at the most a week?” He sounded unsure only because he was. He didn’t know how long the trip would be, only that they needed himself and their most prominent scientist in the field of Synergy.

“You’ve heard the news I’m sure of the North Harvesting Plant?”

“Yes, although I can’t say I’ve been up to date with information about it.” Rooke pushed up the rim of his glasses before drumming his fingers on the desk. He laughed lightly before continuing, “Excuse my bluntness, but I suppose I don’t have much of a choice if you’re here to see me; I’ll be ready by then.”

“No. You’re absolutely correct. Orders came from the King himself. He wanted me to remind you of your obligatory commitments in the case that you disagreed but it doesn’t look like that will be necessary.” Edward smiled approvingly. He enjoyed business made easy by both parties. Everybody won… for the most part.

“Just to smooth over some of the smaller details so you understand. You will accompany me along with a few guards, an engineer and a partner of your choosing. We’ll be traveling to the North Harvesting Plant in the hopes that our Engineers can repair it. However your job entails the study of the portal and the Spirit Energy we harvest. The letter goes into further details, things that I can’t discuss even in here.” He paused for a moment, quickly going over what he’d just said in his head. “Everything’s already paid for. Food, water safety, a smaller lab than this but it should work all the same. We’ll have someone pick you up from your house five in the morning. You have any questions?”

“No, that should be all.”  Rooke leaned back in his chair and continued, “Everything will be sorted out by then.” He was beginning to feel the start of a migraine, and wanted nothing more than to take a short nap.  The sooner they got this conversation with, the better.  Talking with the more bureaucratic members of The Republic almost always guaranteed a headache.  

“Perfect. Dr. Rooke.” Cypher held out his hand once more. “We’ll be seeing you bright and early tomorrow morning.”

Rooke stood and grasped it firmly, “Pleasure. I’ll see you then.”  He sat down as Cypher and his partner left and watched the door shut behind them. He slid open his desk drawer and pulled out the manila envelope, almost dreading the moment when he would have to open it.

“Well…” He murmured, smoothing out the creases on the paper, “I better get ready…”