Chapter 56: The Royal Society Part 2

"If she's there, you won't see her." Crysabel took Pentam's face in her hands. "She promised to try, and it would take a great deal to stop her. I'm looking forward to seeing her too." She kissed him on the lips.
"You have to be the least jealous person I've ever met."
"Cal's like a sister. How can I be jealous of my sister? Now if you start wandering after those society vixens who flock around you." Crysabel made a scratching motion with her hand held in a claw.
Pentam laughed.
"They terrify me more than the sea serpent."
"Did it really grow that big?"
"Yes, but we don't have any real evidence." Pentam sighed.
"But you said you found a tooth."
"And gave it to Cal." Pentam put his arms around his fiancée. "I can't be angry that she kept it, not after everything she's done for us."
"You're sweet." Crysabel adjusted Pentam's suit one last time. "Time to get started. I'll go around and sit with mother and father."
Pentam pushed through the curtain and walked out on stage. He'd watched Sir Shillingsworth do this many times; the man made it look easy. Pentam's knees shook. At the podium he took one last look through the audience, but with so many people he couldn't have spotted her if she was there.
Don't rush, you're in control. Sir Shillingsworth's voice rang in his head.
"Good evening, Lords and Ladies, men and women. Almost a year ago, Lord Carroway approached us to lead an expedition to the Sargasso Sea. I put together a team of top scientists in their field, along with their assistants, and under Sir Shillingsworth's capable direction hired the HMSV Peregrine to carry us to our destination. Before I go any further I'd like to thank Lord Carroway for his foresight in sponsoring this voyage." Pentam pointed to where Lord Carroway sat in his box. He waved and the crowd applauded politely. Pentam named the other sponsors, including his photography mentor Alistair McNaught who looked dazed to be included in the celebrated group.
"There is one member of the expedition not here tonight who I must acknowledge. Calliope Shillingsworth is the artist behind the drawings and sketchbooks you had a chance to look through before we started. You will have another chance at intermission and you are welcome to stay after the conclusion of our talk to explore them thoroughly. Interspersed among them are photographs I took with equipment loaned by Mr. McNaught. You will note that while the photographs show incredible detail, Miss Shillingsworth's work brings what she sees to life." Pentam took another long breath.
"We will begin our report with a brief summary of the chemistry of the Sargasso. I'll call on my partner Dan Komper to speak."
He waited for Dan, who'd refused to sit on stage, to climb up the steps and take the podium.
"Chemistry may seem boring, but everything around us is due to chemistry..."
The first half of the presentation went well, if quietly. The audience didn't get excited over chemical reactions or subtle differences in sea weed. Even the description of the fish they'd found only received spattered applause. While Dan, Dr. Franklyn and Prof. Orthin spoke, staff were uncovering specimen jars, bones, skins and other specimens.
During the intermission, the people looked through the displays, some pointing out details.
"It looks like I made the right choice to leave the expedition." Dr. Gostan planted himself in front of Pentam. "Nothing worth reporting. You should have just admitted you know nothing about chemistry and left the science to the real men."
"I'm so glad you came." Pentam forced a smile. He was saved from needing further response by Lord Carroway.
"It all looks marvelous. I can't wait to hear what you have for the second half. Have you seen Miss Shillingsworth?"
"Sadly, no." Pentam took the Lord's arm. "Have you had a chance to look at the portraits of the scientists and crew? If you'll come this way..." He walked past a furious Dr. Gostan.
Pentam looked out over the crowd. He didn't think they'd lost many people at intermission.
"I know you're waiting for the dramatic." Pentam waved at the stage. "I won't say exciting, because to a scientist, this is all exciting. I'll call on Lahdin to start off this portion of our presentation."
Lahdin came forward and talked about the life he'd discovered on the seaweed, starting with the tiniest creatures and working his way up. Once again staff were uncovering exhibits in the other hall, but Pentam and Lahdin had planned something to add the promised drama.
"...The sailors know how we scientists love to inspect everything closely and took to bringing things they'd found to us. Birds, for instance."
From the wings Dan opened the curtain enough to show a selection of seabirds, stuffed and mounted. Lahdin spoke about the species of birds, occasionally calling on one of the others for support.
"Not all the life we found needed to be looked at through a magnifying glass. Many larger crabs populated the seaweed." Dan pulled the curtain back a little further revealing a horde of crabs. "Prof Orthin will attest that they were not only fascinating to study, but delicious." The crowd laughed, finally getting animated and excited as more interesting things were revealed.