Phaola joined us on the terrace for breakfast, which was fantastic—more different kinds of filled crepes than I'd ever seen in one place before. Yogurt over fresh-picked berries in parfait glasses. Champagne mimosas instead of juice. A crowd watching us the whole time, laughing and clapping like we were on stage. Cell phone cameras snapping constantly.
When we were done, Laurel and Solomon rushed off to get ready for the ceremony (which I had a feeling would include very little actual getting ready). Since I had a little time to burn, I headed for the Great Hall with Phaola in tow. Headed straight for one particular lab I'd visited the day before, where one device under development was of particular interest to me.
"I didn't know you were into Research and Development," said Phaola
