=Janus Research Station=
=Janus VI=
"Six months. Is that the best we can do?" Rick asked.
"Considering the simulations last week had the effects of the TechEx lasting for almost two years, I consider that a great improvement," Trevor Wright said from his station in the lab. "Besides, the important thing is that the area we're trying to effect is in acceptable parameters."
Rick shook his head.
"If the Rommies were to surrender right away, do you know how many civilians will die in six months without the ability to get aid to them?"
"I am quite aware of that. For now, it might have to do. Starfleet wants to run a test on this thing in the Columbia system in two weeks."
"Then you're going to have to delay it," Rick said.
Wright stood and stretched his arms over his head.
"I've already delayed it two weeks. We're behind schedule as it is. We need to have this device ready to ship to the test site in a week. That means we need to be finished here by Friday."
"That's simply not enough time and you know it!"
"I agree. But for once, my hands are tied," Wright responded.
"Just like they were tied when the cloaking device on the Pegasus wasn't ready? How many crewmen died that day?"
"Rick ..."
"Trevor, I know that you objected to the hurry up job that they did to test that cloak. Well, the stakes are higher now. More lives are on the line. We need to get the effects of the TechEx down to no longer than a couple of weeks."
"And we will. For now, though, we have to go with what we got."
"Why?" Rick asked.
Wright shook his head, "It's ... it's ..."
"What? Political? Is that what you're trying to say?"
"Yes! That's exactly what I'm trying to say!" Wright was yelling at this point. "The device will be ready to test in two weeks and we're have five more devices ready to go in the next month! Do I make myself clear, Commander!"
Rick just starred at Wright.
"Commander!"
"Perfectly!" Rick finally shot back.
Wright sat down, rubbing his tired, old face.
"I'm sorry, commander. But right now, we do not have the luxary of time. We test when we're told to test."
Rick remained silent, holding his anger back.
Wright stood and headed for the exit.
"Anyhow, I'm hoping that Starfleet can confine the use of the devices to as many military-only targets as possible," Wright said. "I know it's wishful thinking, but what else do we have."
Rick didn't respond.
"Can I get you a coffee or something?" Wright asked.
Rick shook his head and Wright then nodded before leaving Rick alone to simmer down.
Commander Rick Rodgers
Chief Engineering Officer
Starbase UNITY
temporary assignment
Deputy Developmental and Operations Coordinator
Project Los Alamos
and
Dr. Trevor Wright (npc by Rick)
Head of Development and Operations
Project Los Alamos
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