"Actually, it'll be the opposite reaction," Azmuth told her. "You have to know that there is a long line of applicants constantly sending their credentials to the tower hoping for a chance to work here. If anything, the ones currently here will work harder to try and surpass you so they work more closely with me."

Arrogance? Perhaps a bit but it was based on solid fact: Working with the best and the brightest was a way to move up the scientific and, by extension, Galvan social ladders. Not to mention by becoming more familiar with Azmuth directly, there was the chance to catch Azmuth's attention and potentially be his choice of mate.