"Hello, Doctor Schiller. It's good to see you again."
Howard, looking somewhat travel-worn, stepped forward and shook Schiller's hand. Smiling, he said, "I was on the Sulphur Dwarves' home planet upgrading the security robots I made for Tony, but the moment I heard you were here, I hurried back..."
Schiller smiled. "I hope I didn't hold up anything important?"
Howard shook his head as he followed Schiller's gesture to the sofa beside the office. After Howard sat down, Schiller walked over to the cabinet and asked, "Tea, coffee, or alcohol?"
"Anything but alcohol." Howard undid his suit jacket buttons and leaned comfortably against the sofa's backrest. "I swore to Maria that I'd never drink again."
Yet Schiller brought over two slender champagne flutes, set them before Howard, and said, "I don't recommend abrupt withdrawal for patients with addiction. It can increase the likelihood of psychological dependence relapsing. Unless it threatens your life, gradual abstinence may be worth trying."
Howard looked hesitant. He had just reached out and touched the glass when he jerked his hand back as if shocked. Shaking his head, he said, "No, I need to stay clearheaded. I can't deal with work if I get falling-down drunk."
Schiller did not put the glasses away, but neither did he pour himself a drink. Instead, he brought over a pitcher of water and poured cold water into the champagne flutes.
Before Schiller could speak, Howard explained as though trying to justify himself, "Of course, the work isn't difficult. It doesn't require much concentration from me. It's just repetitive labor..."
"I've heard Tony say that you were the founder of Stark Industries. I'd be delighted to speak with such a great scientist." Schiller took a sip of water from his champagne flute, then said,
"I know that many people feel