"It is unfortunate," said Chilton. "How some of us are flung into this situation, expected to streamline adaptation -- though, perhaps that's partially their angle?" He angled his head, his chin lifted centimeters into the air, mimicking well the theatrical measure of thought. "Maybe they're watching to see who adapts to what, and how?"

It was an unnerving speculation.

Chilton shrugged away his own questions, rhetorical as they were in nature. His focus was less interested in governmental oversight and far more invested in watching his current company. What an interesting figure -- polite as he was, and conversational. Chilton had the impression that his company was an educated man, certainly an observant one.

"I'm Doctor Frederick Chilton, by the way," he said by way of introduction. "A fellow imPort, in fact."