"Nope, though a lot of people seem to think I am," Livian said, returning the handshake with enthusiasm. "Astronomy's not actually my field, but I've had to write enough software for astronomers and physicists to know way more than I might have wanted to." It beat the other part-time jobs she could have held.

"Clu... you're a system administrator, then? I met an alternate of you. Though if I hadn't read the logfiles later, well.." she trailed off and shrugged. He'd been downright personable to her. Which was even creepier given what she'd learned later.

"Since you're into teaching programs about space, I'm guessing you aren't like him anyway."