in the February issue of Evolutions, as I recall. And your series in The Journal of Herpetology on the lizards of Colorado. Outstanding!”
Curnow was apparently astounded beyond words.
“It is an honor to meet one of the top herpetologists in the country. My hat is off to you, Dr. Curnow,” Omega continued with sincere geniality. “I would like nothing better than to discuss some of your findings with you at length over lunch if such an opportunity presents itself.”
Curnow reddened around the collar and nodded at the invitation, while Omega smiled inwardly. An air of resentment and suspicion surrounded the man like scales, and the best way to skin such a snake was praise. He marked the instinctive impression of the man for future reference in his mind and turned to the final person at the table.
A short, gray-haired woman rose to her feet. “Dr. Juliet Marsh,” she introduced herself. “Botany dash Microbiology.”
“Ah, microorganisms, the world of infinitesimal giants,” Omega said, giving her a most complimentary smile. “An invisible realm that virtually overshadows the visible world.”
“Why, yes,” she murmured. “Quite true.”
Omega beamed at her. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Marsh. A genuine pleasure.”
The amenities finally done, James Omega was offered a chair by the dean and sat down as the other professors adjusted their chairs and shuffled a few papers. This was followed by a few nervous coughs, then silence.
For what seemed a very long time, no one in the room spoke. Omega's only noticeable movement was the gradual movement of his eyes as he slowly appraised the individuals about him one by one. They, in turn, could not help staring back.
Dean Hyden leaned forward from his chair, propping his elbows on the table. "Well, then, now that we've all been introduced, I, uh, I believe we should proceed. As all of you know, we are conducting this interview in accordance with Dr. Omega's request to be admitted to the Colorado State University faculty in the College of Natural Sciences. You have had sufficient time to study his vitae and the text of his request and I am certain you are impatient to begin the interview. I will now turn the time over to the committee."
“Doctor Omega, I would like to go first if I may,” Dr. Groff began without hesitation. “You realize it is very unusual for any university to seriously consider this kind of unsolicited request. We currently have no vacancies in our biology department. Yet, you have come to us asking for a position on our faculty. If you were anyone else, we would have refused your application out of hand. You are, however, a person of incomparable reputation and prominence in the scientific community. We recognize the honor it would be to our school to have you here and feel compelled to seriously consider your request."
Omega acknowledged the compliment with a nod of his head. “Thank you.” He liked this woman. She was direct, honest and played the game without guile. Someone it would be wise to have on his side.
“We are very proud of our biology department,” she went on. “But, to be honest, Dr. Omega, CSU could never hope to pay you the kind of salary you are currently receiving, nor offer you the amount of financial support for research to which you are accustomed. Because of this unusual circumstance, we must insist on asking...” The dean shot her a be-more-tactful-smile. “…I mean, we need to understand...” she rephrased, “why you would want to leave your prestigious position at the University of Chicago to come to a, shall we say, lesser known school such as ours?”
Though tactfully phrased, the question packed a great deal of punch. While there had been rumors of troubles at the University of Chicago involving Omega, this committee was well aware of how valuable a commodity he was, and Hyden had made it clear by everything he said since they met that he was wanted at CSU—badly.
Omega let his expression show he did not mind the question in the least. He stared into space for a moment as if deep in thought, then responded, “The answer is simple, really. First, let me make it clear that I am very impressed with the biological sciences program at CSU and would be proud to be associated with it. An astute person does not judge a university by its size, but by its successes, which, if my research on your institution has served me correctly, are many. I would consider myself fortunate to be considered one of your ranks.”
Omega took a long breath, then said, “Frankly speaking, Dr. Groff, the reason for my application to CSU is that I need a change of pace."
Committee members exchanged glances. Curnow raised a questioning eyebrow.
Omega's gaze again moved from one member of the committee to another as he spoke, this time meeting their eyes as if personalizing his message for each one. “Some people might envy the position I am in,” he said, turning purposefully toward Curnow. “To those, I would say, publicity extracts its toll and fame is a heavy task master. Largely due to my PBS series, the name James Omega has become something of a household word. I do not say this to brag, but rather to solicit your understanding that my previous life was very stressful. As my reputation grew, the demands on my time and energy increased tremendously. Indeed, at the University of Chicago, I have been under a very arduous schedule of teaching, in constant demand on the lecture circuit, and there is always the pressure to publish.”
“We should suffer such hardship!” Omega’s excellent hearing was able to catch Dr. Curnow’s sharp whisper to Derk Long.
Omega chose to ignore it and went on. “In that previous situation, I felt like I was being forced to constantly parade in the spotlight. My dean was a very good friend, but even he was guilty of applying pressure in his own way. Whenever I complained about the rigmarole eating into my preparation time for classes or into my research, he would say, 'But it is all for the University, James.' His solution was to give me a staff of my own. Trouble is, I found it took up even more time to manage the staff. Call me a fool; I am the sort that would rather do things myself. You may know what I mean.”
“I agree,” the little microbiologist spoke up. “If you want a good cup of real coffee, you have to brew it yourself!”
Omega nodded graciously, “Just so, Dr. Marsh.” But then his tone grew earnest. "To make a long story short, at Chicago, there was progressively less time available for me to do what I wanted to do. It was very frustrating. You see, I have set for myself some very significant research objectives and, in case you have not noticed, …" his eyes twinkled good-humoredly, "I am not getting any younger!"
This produced muffled, but polite chuckles around the table. Frank Curnow looked entirely unamused.
“To be totally honest,” Omega said, “I am searching for a place where I can get out of the limelight, unwind a bit and concentrate on my research. I believe … I hope CSU is the place. I would like to think of it as my new home.”
“The question is,” Curnow said dryly, “does this particular home have a budget capable of taking on such a, shall we say, valuable addition to the family.” His tone sneered more than did his face.
“Frank!” Groff cried, looking like she would have kicked him under the table if she could. She composed herself, interlocked her fingers, and faced Omega. “Excuse this rudeness, Dr. Omega. Dr. Curnow’s feelings do not represent the rest of us. I’m sure, when it comes to the budget, we can surely work something out…”
Omega held up his hand for her to stop. He sat back in a casual, please-do-not-concern-yourself manner and crossed his legs. “There is no need to fret, I assure you, Dr. Groff. Please put your minds at ease on that point. I have no intention of letting money become an issue. A modest salary would be acceptable for I am already financially secure. Offer me what you will, I will likely accept it. There are more compelling reasons for my wanting to come here."
Groff and Bill Hyden exchanged a quick, amazed look. The committee members released an unconscious, but collective, sigh. There followed a noticeable easing of tension in the room, except for Curnow, whose fingers tapped the table.
“I must say, we are relieved, but surprised, Dr. Omega,” Bill Hyden said. “But are you sure our facilities