Trafika Europe 14 - Italian Piazza

The Man at One Kelvin Degrees connecting to the 3DWeb: he couldn’t stand them, according to some; he didn’t know how to use them, according to others. De Ruiter: “Goldbach, I have a problem. A serious one. I won’t be able to do that presentation the day after tomorrow for the teleportation show in Milan . ” Goldbach (after a moment ’s pause): “I don’t understand, professor. What sort of problem?” De Ruiter: “It ’s a personal matter. I’m in poor shape, I need you to stand in for me . ” (Another, longer pause.) Goldbach: “I would be honored, of course. The media have been talking about this for months. What ’s the matter, professor? Are you unwell?” De Ruiter: “I’d rather not talk about it. All I can say is that I’m well aware of the importance of the event, and also of its very positive impact on the media. If at all possible I’d do the presentation as planned. I’m only asking you to replace me because it ’s absolutely impossible for me to be there. Goldbach, believe me: there’s no other way . ” I started to think things over. Questions – mainly without answers – were piling up in my mind. What had really happened to the professor? Where had he been from June 13 to the moment his frozen body had shown up inside that device at the Stelline?

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