Code Name: Camelot (Noah Wolf #1)(24)

Parker laughed. “We sent some people to actually interview some of the folks who knew you when you were younger,” he said, “on the pretense that the interview was related to a possible pardon, or commutation of your sentence. There was one woman who said that she compared you to Mr. Spock, from Star Trek. According to her, you are probably as close to a true Vulcan as the world has ever seen. Do you think she’s right?”

Noah grinned. “You’re talking about Molly,” he said. “I remember when she started calling me that; it was a long time ago, when we were kids. On the other hand, she got me started watching that show in reruns, and the more I saw Mr. Spock, the more I felt a kinship with him. Over the years, every time there was a new Star Trek show, I looked at the Vulcans to see if I could feel that same kinship, and I usually did. I found it with Mr. Data, too. He was another one who was always trying to figure out how to be human, just like me.”

Parker was nodding his head. “And of course, he thought in terms of logic. He had to, since he was essentially a robot, and I’m certain that’s exactly how you’ve felt for most of your life.”

“Like a robot?” Noah asked. “Of course I do. I’ve literally spent an incredible amount of time sort of meditating, thinking: if this happens, then I must do that. I took a course in computer programming, and a lot of what I’ve done over the years to try to make myself appear normal could be compared to writing software. I just kept repeating it over and over to myself, until it became automatic.”

The conversation went on for a couple of hours, until Parker finally glanced at the clock. “Well, youngster, I would have to say that this has been one of the most rewarding sessions I’ve had yet. You’re an incredible fellow, and I do wish we could find a way to distill you down into a liquid and pump you into the veins of all the rest of them. However, since we can’t do that, I’m going to pass along my recommendation that we do everything we possibly can to get you through the course and into the field as soon as possible.” The old man picked up a pen and scribbled something on to a slip of paper, which he then folded and handed to Noah. “Someone will ask you for this, sometime today. Guard it with your life, because at my age, I could drop dead, and if you don’t have that when you’re asked for it, then there would be no way to prove that I endorsed you. Without my endorsement, you go before the firing squad, so you really don’t want to let that get out of your sight.” Parker sat there and looked at him for another moment, then flicked his fingers as if telling Noah to go. “It’s lunchtime,” he said, “and I suspect your escort is waiting impatiently outside for you. Don’t keep the poor fellow waiting, he’s probably starving. Go get some lunch. We’re done.”

Noah grinned, then got up out of the chair. “Thank you, Sir,” he said, and then turned and walked out the door. Marco was waiting in the car, with the door open and one leg propped up on it as he read his book. He pulled his leg in and dog-eared the book as Noah climbed into the passenger seat.

“He give you a pass?” Marco asked.

Noah patted his pocket. “Said he did. Am I supposed to give it to you?”

Marco’s eyes went wide. “No way, man, not me. Somebody big will ask you for it, maybe even at lunch. That’s when they got mine.”

Noah grinned. “You could’ve warned me about his little games he likes to play. Lucky for me, I know when to shut up.”

Marco backed the car out of the parking space, and pointed it back toward the restaurant. “Not allowed. I couldn’t give you any heads up. If I did, and the dragon lady ever found out, they’d be using me for target practice next week. I like you and all, you seem okay, but I like my ass a whole lot better.”

Noah chuckled, and they rode the rest of the way in silence. It was while they were sitting in the restaurant and having lunch that a short man walked over to their table.

“Marco,” the man said, “why don’t you introduce me to your friend?”

Marco had looked up as the man approached them, and grinned. “Sure, Mr. Jefferson. This is Noah, he’s new here. Noah, I want you to meet Mr. Jefferson. He works at admin, with the boss lady.”

Noah stood and extended a hand. “Mr. Jefferson, good to meet you,” he said.

“You, too, Noah,” said Jefferson. “I believe Doctor Parker may have given you a note for me?”

Noah glanced at Marco, who nodded once, then took the slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to Jefferson. The man unfolded the paper and glanced at what Parker had written, then looked up at Noah with a big smile.

“Have you looked at what he wrote?” Jefferson asked, but Noah shook his head.

“No, Sir,” he said. “I was curious, but it was handed to me folded shut and I was not told that I was allowed to look at it.”

Jefferson laughed. “That explains a lot. Here, take a look,” he said, holding the paper up so that Noah could read it.

This man Noah will be our Superstar.

Noah glanced up at Jefferson. “Thank you, Sir,” he said.

Jefferson clapped him on the shoulder and walked away without another word, so Noah sat down and resumed eating his roast beef sandwich and fries. He saw Marco looking at him, and shrugged.

“I couldn’t help glancing up and seeing what Parker wrote,” Marco said. “He gave you a lot to live up to. Superstar? That’s heavy.”