@ Serris: The government's never been one for awards when their reputation is in danger. It might take another dimension to earn some respect.
@ f-22: Well, the next chapter's close. It is a hearing of sorts.
March 1st, 2009
The next day, James stood in a large briefing room, a collection of government officials staring down the table at him.
The man at the head of the table, an old, white haired man, stared at James through his bifocals. “Dr. Zanasiu, are you ready to brief us on your team?”
James nodded.
“Then begin.”
James clicked a remote, and the screen behind him switched to the first slide.
“This is Zachary, my assistant. He’ll assist me in any duties that need to be performed while on the mission.”
“And why can’t any of the other team members assist you?” asked Agent Whittaker.
James felt nettled. “They can. But I’d prefer an assistant.”
“ ëPrefer?’ Not require?” asked the white haired man.
“If that’s how you see it, okay. Highly prefer.”
“We’ll see. Move on.”
James switched slides. “This is Dr. Rudyard Shelton. As primary expert on the workings of the Einstein-Rosen Bridge, Shelton will be chief bridge operator, and expert on foreign technologies.”
“Is there any relationship to the late Commander John Shelton?”
“It’s his son.”
“Then yes. Shelton is cleared to go. Next.”
“This is PX-0715-91, also known as Neku. Next to him is the Siberian Husky, Snow. They were successful experiments produced at Pelvanida, and will serve as diplomats in case of contact with hostile parties on the other side of the bridge.”
“What are the chances of contact on the other side?”
“Unknown. No information can be gathered until we go through the bridge.”
“And you are factoring in the extremely low probability of life existing on any planet, let alone wherever you may go?”
“In our universe. Again, we know nothing about life on the other side.”
“You may take one of them, not both. Next.”
James sighed. “With all due respect, I doubt either will agree to only oneó”
“Please, doctor. The matter is closed. Move on.”
“Fine. This is Hans and Werner Donitz. Both are extremely skilled in terms of science and combat, both of which will be important on this mission. They will serve to complete any function, military or scientific, which will be needed during the mission.”
“But they will not serve any function in particular?”
James hesitated. “No.”
“Which one is more qualified scientifically?”
“I guess Werner.”
“Then he may go. Next.”
James knew he couldn’t press the issue. “This is Vic Summers. A trained soldier, and battlefield medic, he will serve as our doctor, and perform any medical operations needed.”
“Approved. Next.”
“Dr. Josephine Smith. As well as being a commendable scientist in her own right, she has also been trained in supplemental bridge operations by Shelton. She is to serve as his and Vic’s assistant.”
“Are their jobs important enough to warrant an assistant?”
“If Shelton makes a mistake, we could be trapped on the other side for all eternity. And Vic, as the head doctor, may be the difference between a wounded teammate’s life or death.”
“Then very well. Dr. Smith is approved as an assistant.”
James frowned. “I’m team leader, and you wouldn’t even give me an assistant.”
“Who was the German? He can be your assistant. Please move on.”
“Siberys is a well-respected Pelvanida experiment. He will be in charge of keeping morale up for the other experiments, as well as keeping a tally on supplies.”
“But you will only have one experiment going, will you not?”
“That you’ve heard. I haven’t finished reading the list.”
“We’ll see how many more experiments are approved. Next applicant.”
“Roy Hawkeye, bioboosted cybersoldier, and Kagetora, trained in swordsmanship as well as firearms. They’ll serve as security.”
“Approved. Is that all?”
“No, sir. My last nomination is Robert Ludlow, also known asó”
“Robert Ludlow?” The white haired man picked up a piece of paper. “You mean the failed experiment?”
“He’s commonly known as Lockdown. Yes, he was a failed experiment, but he’s made great progress in controlling his matter-antimatter transmutations. He registered to come along to make up for the trouble he’s caused the scientists of Pelvanida Base.”
“Denied. Absolutely. He would serve no purposeó”
“All right, you know what?” James interrupted angrily. “Why do you care so much about denying my appointments? If I remember correctly, we’re all being sent on this mission to get rid of us! Zachary, Hans, Lockdown, we’ve all been blacklisted, and have no chance of accomplishing anything else with our lives! I’m sure you’ve read the statistics, odds are we’ll all die the second we go through the bridge, so why are you blocking people you want gone?” James stopped, taking a deep breath. “I want every one of my appointments approved right now, or I and everyone else in my team will refuse to partake in the mission, and you’ll have to risk the lives of useful soldiers and scientists!”
The room was silent for a very long time. James wondered if he’d gone too far. The white haired man finally looked back at him.
“Very well. All appointments approved. And I want you out of this dimension by the end of the day.”
