“Damn it, Sip, you are being unreasonable,” said a very red-faced Wingut.
“Not in the least. The capture of Professor Klept is the number-one priority in the entire universe. Every transit point. Planets are being monitored, more of them every day. Even his beloved Physics Department has begun to help us. They realize just how large an effect this could have on their department budgets for a very long time.” Professor Longley leaned back in his chair and looked at the man standing in front of his desk.
“You won’t let me have the benchers for the rescue and you won’t give me agents. Kittley, Amir. The department was less than half the size it is now and they sent ten agents for his rescue,” replied Wingut.
“You impertinent…” Longley hesitated. “How dare you quote historical precedence to me when we are faced with the largest crisis in departmental and galactic history since your event? I won’t stand for it.”
“Then I’m headed to Orplan’s office,” said Wingut. “You should come with me.”
“Why? I trust you to be factual,” replied Longley with a smirk.
“I want you there so that when she orders you to provide agents there will be no delay in your transferring them to my command.”
“Look at you. What? You’re going back out into the field? You? You’re at least twenty kilos past the limit for a field agent. Look at you. Look at me. We’re all fat. Your probability of surviving is reduced when you are out of shape.”
“Give me the agents,” Wingut yelled at Longley.
“No,” Longley yelled back at him, then chuckled disrespectfully.
Wingut turned to leave.
“And I won’t come with you to see Dean Midge. Go it alone. And I’m taking the rest of the day off, in seclusion. Good luck. Maybe next time you will think twice before you become a traitor to the aims of the department. Judas.”
As he walked past the bookcase, Wingut noticed a copy of Kinderpop by Dieter Spanglund. He threw it at Longley as hard as he could. But anger made the throw a wild one and it hit the window and smashed it. The cool outside air rushed into the room.
Longley yelled at Wingut as he walked away. “I could have you brought up on assault charges!”
“And I could kill you,” Wingut muttered to himself.