A Chronetic Memory (The Chronography Records Book 1) by Kim K. O'Hara Read Free Book Online Page B

sure we do. Do you have some concerns?”
    “Ms. Adams, I’m well aware that your institute uses these visits for public relations opportunities. I have no objection to that, but we need to understand each other.”
    Dani just waited. She was pretty good at thinking on her feet, but still, she hoped this wouldn’t mean too many changes to her presentation.
    “Many of our young people pass your campus on the way to school in the morning. The picket signs are evident, the political implications easily discerned. I have no wish to be inhospitable”—her tone said otherwise—“but I have to insist on a balanced presentation.”
    “What do you mean by balanced?”
    “We’ll need you to restrict your general presentation to demonstrating the technology and explaining its limitations.” Still, that tough tone of voice.
    “I can do that.” Dani wasn’t sure what had stirred up the bad feelings here. It baffled her.
    “After the presentation, for those students interested, you’ll have an opportunity to talk about how you use the technology in a question and answer format. I have to warn you, though, some of these students have studied the privacy issues and they won’t pull any punches. They will have prepared some difficult questions.”
    Dani swallowed. She really wasn’t the confrontational sort. She responded the only way she could. “They may have prepared questions, but I haven’t prepared any answers. I can only be honest about what I know and what I don’t know.”
    Ms. Harris’s no-nonsense expression softened. “How old are you?”
    “I’m twenty-three.”
    “Not much older than my seniors.”
    “No. In some ways, those days seem like just yesterday,” she confided.
    “Well, do your best. If they get too antagonistic, I’ll see if we can get them to debate each other to deflect some of it.”
    Dani flashed a grateful smile. “I’d appreciate it. I didn’t expect this. I really like kids, and I respect their concerns.”
    The principal studied her. “You’re different. They usually send one of those polished corporate mouthpieces to the high school. Do they know that you’re so straightforward?”
    Surprised, Dani felt herself being drawn to the older woman. Perhaps she didn’t need to be on her guard after all. “Actually, I don’t think they know me very well at all.”
    The two women eyed each other thoughtfully for the space of several seconds. It wasn’t long, but it was enough. Dani realized she had found a friend—in a most unlikely place.
    Ms. Harris turned to open the door. “Let me show you where to set up.”
    Dani had barely enough time to arrange her props and equipment before the high school students started filing in. She managed to smile at most of them as they entered, but only a very few of the kids smiled back. She could feel the tension in the air. She would just have to be as charming as she could to win them over.
    Once they were settled in their seats, she began. “Welcome to my chronography presentation. Your principal, Ms. Harris, has told me that many of you are studying the science and the social implications of chronography. Good for you! We’ll be spending the first part of our time together examining the technology and the science behind it, and we’ll have a time to talk about the social implications later for those who are interested.”
    She saw some nods, but not everyone seemed receptive. “Who would like to tell me what you already know about the science of chronography?” she asked, emphasizing the word “science” just enough to direct their answers.
    A young woman off to her left raised her hand. She was neatly dressed in a crisp white shirt with short, cropped bell sleeves. Dani nodded in her direction.
    “Chronography,” she said, “gives us the ability to analyze history through direct observation, reducing the subjectivity that we find even in original documents like letters.”
    “That’s true. Does anyone know how it