- completely forgotten about that asinine restraining order after we’d begun working together.* Considering how my father died, I’ve made it a point not to find my way down that same path. *I turned to Dr. Rush, scowling.* I thought you had that thing canceled?

No, General, I do not have a problem with alcohol. I do, however, indulge in a glass or two of wine after a particularly long day of work. Or, did. *I thought I was doing a wonderful job of not grinding my teeth together or glaring at Dr. Rush while I spoke. Three sheets to the wind? I had -

- father's history. *I regard you directly trying to read your depths.* Do you have a problem with alcohol Doctor French?

- once more.* Seems Rush describes you as /three sheets to the wind/ and causing a loud ruckus that disturbed the other residents of the building. Now while I can certainly understand needing a strong drink in order to work with someone like Rush... this does seem to be a red flag given your -

- ... incident. Apparently you ended up at the door to Rush's residence, shall we say not quite sober and caused a scene. Rush had to call campus security and has since taken out a restraining order against you preventing you from entering the building where he resides. *I look down at the file -

*I sigh and sit even more forward focusing on Doctor French.* It's your records from Berkeley that are the problem Doctor French. I have no qualms at all about your qualifications. They are exemplary as a matter of fact. But it seems that upon arrival at the University there was some kind of -

- become compromised in any way from a security perspective Doctor French. * I looked up and searched your eyes carefully.* Except for one little item that has come to light that has me a tad worried. *I paused here for emphasis, folding my hands over the top of the file folder.*

- despite the fact that your sister tried to help given her husband had the resources. It seemed that your father and her husband did not quite see eye to eye and that might explain why you and your sister are so estranged currently. There does not seem to be any suggestion here that you could -

- years ago after a long struggle with alcoholism. He tried rehab twice and it didn't take. He lost his business as a result of debt related to the alcohol and some gambling as I understand it. You have paid off all outstanding family debts. *I cleared my throat and looked up.* Very commendable, -

Not so fast Rush. Who's conducting this interview? *Another glare was sent toward Rush as I leaned forward placing the folder down into the desk.* Your mother Collette French died of cancer ten years ago and your father, Maurice French, a small business owner in Storybrooke, Maine died four -

- with no relationships. Parents both deceased survived by one twin sister, Belle Gold, living in Maine. No children and no other surviving relatives. Are those basics correct Doctor French?

- Jackson. Currently age thirty-eight and employed full time /so far without tenure/ at the University of Berkeley in California, with special assignment to Rush here. He requested you I see on Daniel's recommendation. No military experience, no criminal convictions, not married, currently single -

- file folder and started the meeting.* Okay, Doctor of Linguistics with studies in several ancient languages in addition to being fluent in over ten earth languages. Working expertise in many others. Graduated Summa cum laude at the age of twenty-four. Worked on several projects with Doctor Daniel-

Yeah Rush, don't provoke the general! I don't need more silver hair! Sam prefers the salt and pepper look. *I did offer a small smile to Dr. French to lighten the atmosphere. I just couldn't help it. All Rush had to do was breathe and it irritated me. I sat back in the desk chair and opened up the-

- file folder in the center of the otherwise empty desk that only contained a phone panel.* I've only just arrived so have to get up to speed about the situation here at the base. My time is limited. Just what is all of this about Rush? It's your request so let's hear your explanation.

- told you about me. As for it being a pleasure to meet... well the jury is still out on that one! *I glared directly at Rush as I said this with a tone of sarcasm.* Please take a seat. *I indicated the two chairs placed in front of the desk as I retook my own chair, folding my hands on top of a -

- smug superior look written all over his face but the woman looked like a fish out of water as she spoke. Polite enough though. I couldn't help wondering how she could handle working with the reprobate standing beside her!* All good stuff I'm sure. *I said this dryly just imagining what Rush had -

*Efficiently I came to my feet as both of you came in and I gave Fellows a quick look as she beat a hasty retreat, closing the door. Not that she was a coward, far from it, but Rush's reputation had preceded him I'm sure. I kept my face enigmatic as I looked over the two of you. Rush had his usual -

*There was a loud click and I just stared. Did I just get hung up on? Of course I did!* Lieutenant Fellows, get in here. *I gave her the details of the conversation I just had, including the name of the linguist.* More coffee please and a large bottle of Tylenol!