FifteenLeaving Slava behind, T. J. had walked forthrightly into Balard’s outer office to see the ITER director giving instructions to his secretary. She extended her hand and said, “Professor Balard, I’m T. J. D’Abro with CFRC, and I want to apologize for Dr. Archangelsky’s behavior earlier. You can imagine things are a little tense over there.” A true Frenchman, Balard counted it a good day when an attractive woman glanced at him, and to resist the enigmatic smile being cast in his direction was altogether beyond his capabilities. Allowing him no chance to recover, T. J. asked whether they might speak and he unhesitatingly offered a gracious bow, ushering her into his inner sanctum.
With a glance at the classical artifacts adorning the office, T. J. continued to improvise. “Hopefully thi
