Even the General seemed to be holding back laughter.“The AI informed me about the message from the scout. Sorry about not being here when the torp c...me in,” Jeff began.“Nonsense. If it had been an emergency, I would have used the chamber to send someone to get you.”Joyce, without being asked, was already pouring coffee for the three of them. The General took the small towel that was draped around his neck and wiped the last drops of sweat from his forehead before the three seated themselves on. ..this person in. There are protocols,rules..." I know what protocols are, Claire... And I know you know people. Andif you wanted him to be in, he'd be in."I took a deep breath. Yet another thing I did wrong, according to Sean.We'd argue, I'd do it and he'd say, 'I am the great Dr. Claire Farber.How dare you question me?' And then he'd take a deep breath. "There areFDA rules. If someone's in who shouldn't be, they can shutdown thewhole trial. So everyone else who could benefit loses. Feigning casual, I slowly pulled myself out of my car and walked up to where she was waiting. ‘Have you figured it out yet?’ she asked. ‘Still chewing on it, actually,’ I responded before adding, ‘but I’m enjoying the ride so far, to be honest!’ It was easy to read in her that she actually knew me in some way, which comforted the tiny nagging voice of paranoia that wanted to sneak a word in edgewise. Something about, do you even know WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO HERE?!?! Or something like that. . Emily stopped herself. In the way? What? she thought, feeling a bit bewildered. That seems kind of ... oh, never mind. It doesn't matter. And besides, they'll get in the way.Smiling, Emily headed downstairs to breakfast. Jack wasn't at the table, which wasn't really surprising, but Emily found herself a little disappointed by that. Her mother wasn't there, either, which Emily did find surprising. Her mother was practically a fixture at the kitchen table in the morning, always trying to whip up.