----------------------------------------
Life #672.a
"Well?" Judy gave a nervous laugh. "Don't leave me in suspense. What are your thoughts?"
"I think you've cracked it."
"Really?" Judy pushed off the corner of her workstation and squealed as she spun around in her chair.
George waited for her to come to a stop before sharing the issues he noticed.
"And," he took his last sip of coffee, "you really need to protect yourself. File for a patent as soon as you have proof of concept. Maybe notify the press. Right now your idea is vulnerable to theft." George lowered his voice, "Even Lee might try taking credit if you're not protected."
Judy bit her lip and nodded. "Yeah, you're right."
"Anyway, worry about that later. It's late and we need to celebrate." George grinned. "Let me buy you a congratulatory drink."
Judy perked back up. "Sounds great." She pulled her USB from her worktop and placed it into a little compartment in her purse before getting ready to head out.
The pair talked in hushed voices as they passed by empty desks towards the elevators. Most of the lights had been shut off and all but the most dedicated staff had gone home.
"What do you think about helping me?" Judy pressed the ground floor button causing a ring of blue to light up around it. "You know, regularly as a partner?"
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
"Partner?"
Judy flushed. "Yeah, well, you said the code needs a total re-haul and you're one of the best programmers here, especially when it comes to Q&A. So... how about it? Want to be in the history wiki's with me? Maybe have a planet named George?"
"I'd prefer my honorary planet to be named Harker."
"Is that a yes, then?"
George rubbed his chin in mock contemplation. "I guess."
"Ah, this is great." Judy said a little too loudly. She lowered her voice as they stepped out into the ground floor lobby. "You don't know how bad I've been wanting to talk to someone about all of this."
George nodded to the security guard at the front desk. His heart thudding in his chest as they stepped outside into the cool brisk air.
Who knew when he woke up this morning it'd end up being the luckiest day of his life. All he had to do now was make sure Judy didn't change her mind. No pressure.
A news agent pulled the security gate down in front of his shop. Metal bars shuddered as they slammed down onto the pavement. Curry from a nearby Indian restaurant filled the air.
"Want to go to Finnegan's?" George asked. Rubbing warmth into his hands. The bistro pub provided both drinks and dinner.
Judy nodded. The cool air made her breath come out in wisps. "Sounds great."
Cars passed up and down the four lane road in a series of white followed by red lights. He pressed the pedestrian light and waited for the little green man to show himself.
Judy turned to him. "About Human trials, I was thinking--"
"Hey!" a woman called from behind them. "You. Wool coat. Excuse me."
George looked down to his dark wool grey coat than turned to look back toward the voice.
Slumped against the brick wall of a pharmacy, a homeless woman huddled beneath a ratty plaid blanket. Or girl rather. Even under the harsh street light, her face looked young. She pushed a clump of stringy blonde hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear, revealing a milky blue eye.
"Can you help me, Mister?"
...