"Guzman, what are you doing here? Aren't you in the middle of an important experiment?" The academic world is actually quite small; most people in the field know each other, and everyone is well aware of where their peers stand. Byas had thought his own academic standing would make securing this job a breeze, right up until he saw his formidable rival.
"I'd love to be continuing my experiment, but my precious granddaughter insisted I come to this selection. She desperately wants a photo of the Panda." Guzman shrugged. "Byas, aren't you applying for a new project at the university? Shouldn't you be out lobbying for it right now? How do you have time to be here?"
