Two days later, Kosoff called Brad to his office.
“Brad,” he said, smiling as he got up from his desk and waved him to the conference table, “we’ve got to find a way to use you to your fullest capabilities.”
As he pulled out a chair and folded his gangling frame onto it, Brad said, “I enjoy working with Dr. Littlejohn.”
“Yes, of course, but studying the way the rest of our staff works is sort of anthropological busywork, don’t you think? What can it lead to? Another report sitting in the files of the University of Canberra’s anthropology department.”
“That’s Dr. Littlejohn’s university.”
Kosoff nodded. “Most of the world’s scientific research ends up in a university library, unread and forgotten. I think you’re capable of bigger and better things.”
“You do?”
Planting a beefy hand on his chest, Kosoff said, “You’re an original thinker, my boy. You go outside the lines. I want to use that inquisitive mind of yours.”
“In what way?”
“That’s what I want to discuss with you. You’ve been reviewing the data we’ve amassed on the Gamma humanoids, haven’t you?”
With a nod, Brad replied, “For several months now.”
“Good,” said Kosoff. “You must realize, then, that sooner or later we’re going to have to make contact with them. Real, physical, face-to-face contact.”
“That’s a pretty delicate situation.”
“Indeed it is. That’s why I want you to draw up a plan of action about making contact with the aliens.”
Brad sagged back in his chair. Kosoff thought, That hit him where he lives. Good!
Before Brad could reply, Kosoff went on, “We need a detailed plan on how to approach the humanoids. How, when, and who should make the contact. They’ve spent all their existence alone on their planet, without realizing that their world is a planet, or that the stars they see at night are other suns, many of them hosting planets that bear life.”
“Without realizing that the death wave is heading toward them,” Brad added.
“And will wipe out all life on their world,” Kosoff said.
“And we’re here to help them.”
“Yes. Unless it’s done properly, first contact with them could be terribly injurious to the aliens. Just as damaging as the death wave.”
Brad nodded.
Kosoff went on, “That’s why I need an anthropologist to draw up our plan of action. An anthropologist who isn’t a hidebound academic, who has a broad enough vision to see beyond the obvious. That’s why I need you, my boy.”
For long, silent moments Brad sat there, his thoughts spinning; wondering, hoping …
“You’ll do it?” Kosoff asked. “You’ll accept this challenge?”
“The other department heads might not like it. I’m just a junior member of the anthropology team. And they already don’t think much of the anthropology team.”
With a wave of his hand, Kosoff said airily, “Oh, I’ll take care of any objections they raise. Remember, what I’m asking for is a plan of action. All the department heads will get their chance to review it, comment on it, make suggestions—”
“Tear it to pieces,” Brad muttered. But he was smiling as he said it.
“Perhaps,” Kosoff conceded. “But I’ll review it, too. Very carefully. We’ll work together on this. I’ll protect you from unwarranted sniping.”
“That’d be fine.”
“Then you’ll do it? You’ll accept the responsibility?”
“Yes, sir, I will.”
“Good!” Kosoff exclaimed. “Fine. From now on, this plan of action is your responsibility. I’ll tell Littlejohn to release you from all your other duties.”
Brad pursed his lips, then said, “Let me tell him, please. Coming from you, it’ll seem like a command. Coming from me, it’ll sound more like a request.”
Kosoff nodded vigorously. “Smart lad.”
He walked Brad to the door, shook his hand warmly, and watched the lanky young man start down the passageway, his head obviously in the clouds.
As he slid the door shut and went back to his desk, Kosoff told himself, He’ll be useful. Young, enthusiastic, idealistic. He’ll produce an interesting plan. And if anything goes wrong, it will be his plan that fouled up.