The mix on the Diet Coke was off…again.  It always seemed to happen at Buck’s.  Good view of Buckingham Fountain, good dogs, and lousy soda.  Maybe it was something that happens because they are only open half the year.  <sigh> Stop it.  Pay attention.  You are out in the open here.  There are good crowds, the twins are out there, and the fountain is covering sound.  Relax.  Pay attention.

Buckingham Fountain had been running for half a month, and the crowds had returned.  It was a nice spring day…for Chicago.
Stay focused.  Make the exchange…then get back to work.  Relax.  It will all be over soon.  …There he is.  On-time…as always.

Mr. Kimura was walking down the path from the fountain towards Buck’s.  His suit was classic, immaculate, and expensive.  He was being followed by another Japanese man (a respectful distance behind), dressed much the same.  They both walked with confidence, but the follower seemed on edge…not as calm.  Mr. Kimura smiled as he got closer.  How old is he.  He looks maybe 50, but I know the data says much older.

After a slight respectful bow, the Japanese man takes a seat across from Dr. Ferrand.  The second man walked up to the counter to order.  “It is truly good to see you, my friend.  I was glad to answer your call.  I am even happier to see you out.”  His English only shows a slight accent.

“Well, it does take some strength to pull away from my work.  There is always data to collect, store, review…things to build.”

“Yes…I understand.”  He smiles, but it seems sad.   “I do not get out of Japan much these days.  Still, I was happy to hear that you needed an update.  I wanted to see you in person to offer encouragement and because it has been a long time.  Does this mean you are going to try again?  You had developed something special…but there is always danger.”

Now Dr. Ferrand smiles sadly.  “Yes, it means that I’m starting again.”  He looks across the table, “Are you having the ‘dreams’ as well?  She said you would.  I don’t put much faith in them…but these were different.  I knew they were forced.  And after some checking, they seemed to match the data.  Who is The Oracle?”

“Ah…this was the first time The Oracle has reached out to you.  Well…they were not dreams…she showed us what she wanted us to see.  Whenever I receive something from her, I take it to heart.  She does not seem to see the future, but her ‘feelings’ are always correct.  And she seems to know what is needed.  I knew you would call.  I gathered what I could, as quickly as possible, and made arrangements.”  He looks around, “you picked a good place to talk.  The crowd…the background of the fountain…I assume the twins are around.  It would be good to see them while I am here.  We will not have a time for training, but I assume they have been practicing.”

“Yes.  I think they are in ear shot.  And yes, they are training.  They have been concentrating on Jeet Kune Do in a dojo on the south side.  It was James’ idea…he wanted to mix it up.  Who is with you?”

As if summoned, the second man returns with coffee.  “I should have introduced you.  This is Kento Yamashita.  He is my attaché for this trip.”
The man bows, and then sits down.  He still seems tense.  “This is his first time outside of Japan.  I think it is a good experience for him.”

“Did you have any issues with your trip?”

“No.  The flight is long, but it allows me to concentrate on administrative functions without interruptions.  There is always something to read or plan.  You would think that we still concentrated on the Royal Family with the demands that we have from our charges.  Sometimes I wish it was still only the royals.”  He sips his coffee.  “Mlahh…why you and your rebels threw the tea overboard and kept the coffee I will never know.”
Making a face, “I have a meeting in New York to be at tomorrow.  It will be a good trip.”

The small joke solicits a polite laugh from everybody at the table.  “How much data were you able to bring with you?”

“We have 3 1TB drives.  Encrypted in the way you asked.  I’m sorry I did not have more to bring immediately.  I will have Mr. Yamashita bring more in a 2 weeks.  I have a team gathering and correlating more information.”

Dr. Ferrand starts to speak, “There is no need….”

He stops when Mr. Kimura raises his hand, “Tisss…I am always happy for an exchange with you.  Your data is always more in-depth than what I can gather from half way around the world.  And your analysis is always appreciated.”
“Thank you.”  He sighs.  “I do not have any other work to talk about…what if I took you to The Russian Tea Room for lunch.  I think they will have tea.”  He smiles.

“That would be good.  We can exchange equipment later…and there are other more pleasant things to talk about.”
All three men raise, and start to walk to the exit of the cafe.
Mr. Kiumura looked very serious for a moment, and then spoke very low.  “Spencer, when are you going to ‘upgrade’.  It has been years and you still seem to be walking on those old standard legs.”

I wish he was not so observant.  “Yes, I know.  But these help me to remember.  It is good to remember the lessons you learn from failure, as well as success.”

Mr. Kimura only nods.  “Hai.  Well…why don’t you tell me about this sensei my seito are seeing?  Should I be jealous?”
They both laughed as they left the park.