It's late snow and white hair

"Professor Thompson, I'd like to apply for the Orion Project."

Jade Miller's voice echoed with crisp clarity in the silent room.

Professor Thompson, on the other end of the line, sounded utterly surprised.

"Jade, didn't you turn it down last time because of your boyfriend? What changed your mind so suddenly? This is a classified project; once you're in, you'll be isolated for five years with no contact with the outside world. You really need to think this through."

Jade had already made up her mind before calling, so her resolve was firm.