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perfect mark for what you want."
Tracy smirked back at her husband, and rubbed her hands together in anticipation. If he was desperate,
then he couldn't afford to knock them back. He would probably offer token resistance as a matter of
pride, but to Tracy's mind, they already had him in the palms of their hands. It was always better to
negotiate from a position of strength.
* * *
Jena, later that same day
"Let me see if I understand, Frau. You wish me, Herr Doctor Phillip Theophrastus Gribbleflotz, Great
Grandson of the Great Paracelsus, to make this 'baking powder.'" At Tracy's nod, he continued. "I. I am
not a cook. I, do not follow a recipe. I, am an Alchemist. A Great Alchemist. A Great Alchemist does
not make funny white powder so people can bake biscuits." It came out stilted, growing in volume as he
spoke, until he was almost roaring.
It was a strategic cough from Ted that drew Phillip's fire from Tracy. The six-foot, two hundred plus
pound frame of Ted towered above Phillip's thin, short frame. With his pronounced Adam's apple
bobbing, Phillip swallowed his words and turned his attention back to Tracy.
"But you could make the powder if you wanted to couldn't you, Herr Doctor?"
Phillip flashed his eyes over the recipe again, then looked back at Tracy. "Of course. Any marginally
competent student of alchemy could easily make this 'baking soda.' The 'baking powder' . . . a little time
in the laboratory, and that too can be made."
"Well, can you at least help us find someone to make it?"
"I am not a procurer. If you wish someone to make this baking powder you must find them yourself.
Now, please. I wish to get back to real work. Do not bother me with 'cooking.'"
"Herr Doctor Gribbleflotz, we can pay, and pay well for this baking soda. Won't you please
reconsider?"
Phillip looked at Tracy over the lenses of his spectacles, the watery eyes staring. "No. No amount of
money can compensate for the distraction from real science." He turned away and started to take his
leave.
"What about a couple of sets of clothes? Tailored to fit. With pockets, zippers, and buttons. In the fabric
of your choice." Tracy was almost desperate.
Phillip stopped midstride and turned to look at Tracy. Then Ted. His eyes traveled up and down Ted,
examining the denim trousers, linen shirt and leather jacket. "I want shoes like yours, Frau. With the
elevated heel."
"Yes, even shoes with elevated heels."
Smiling at Tracy's complete capitulation Phillip returned to the seat across the table from her. "Give me
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another look at that recipe. I believe we can talk business."
* * *
Herr Doctor Phillip Theophrastus Gribbleflotz watched the American man and woman walk away. He
ran his fingers through his goatee beard as he looked into the distance, seeing himself in his new clothes.
A fine figure of a man, commanding, dignified. The target of envy from less fortunate beings. Drawing his
attention back into his rooms, he looked about his shabby quarters and laboratory. Maybe, if the
Americans were as good as their words, he could move into accommodations more befitting Herr
Doctor Phillip Theophrastus Gribbleflotz, the World's Greatest Alchemist. With the funds they promised
he could employ laborants to do the dull repetitive tasks. Yes. If the Americans came through he could
purchase some of that new glassware Herr Geissler was making after his visit to Grantville. With the
areas of investigation the new glassware opened, soon those narrow-minded imbeciles of the university
would kneel before Herr Doctor Phillip Theophrastus Gribbleflotz, the World's Greatest Alchemist,
begging him to accept one of their diplomas. Begging him to join the staff of their university. One day . . .
* * *
Sunday lunch, Tracy and Ted's place
"Well?" Tasha asked significantly, staring inquiringly at her cousin by marriage. "Did you find us an
alchemist to make baking soda?"
Holding her mug in both hands Tracy took a sip of tea before looking over the lip of the mug at the
expectant faces surrounding her. "No." She paused, teasing them. The quiet groans of disappointment
were interrupted by Danielle breaking into a fit of the giggles. "We found someone better." With that
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