Yuma Robotics HQ, Central Dome, New Astarte, Planet Yuma, Coronado
after midnight, 3-4 Aug. 824 A.S.
After the two reached the office, Erik chuckled at the mess the kids made, but he didn't mind it. These day, the innocence of children was probably one of the only few things keeping his mind away from the horrors of war. He softly walked around the room, trying to avoid making noise, and helped Doreen put all the toys in boxes. As they finished, he mimicked Doreen's movements, slowly kneeling before Peter and picking him in his arms, then resting the little boy's head on his right shoulder. Peter's eyes opened partially, for a split-second, after which he yawned and hugged his father tight, just as suddenly going to sleep again.
"Tomorrow is a paperwork day for me so I'm only in my office for part of the day if we want to continue this after lunch or something?"
Erik pressed the elevator's button for the lobby and replied "That sounds like a good idea. Send me a message when you're available and I'll have someone bring you to the lab."
As the the two were exiting the building, both with their kids in their arms, Erik turned to Doreen and whispered "It has been a productive and... lovely evening, Doreen. Good night!"
He was tired, but truly happy. His mind was now racing with the thought of getting to work with Doreen. These past few hours had been full of fun, good company and last but not least... a chance to finally bring a novelty of science to life. In truth, he wasn't entirely sure if he was more excited about the scientific implications of this partnership or about something else entirely, but he dismissed his confusion to being exhausted.
As Doreen left, Erik took his personal shuttle back to New Thessalonica, aching to set his son to bed and then rest himself.
![[Image: JNC-sig2.png]](https://discoverygc.com/wiki/images/7/7c/JNC-sig2.png)