Chapter Three

(NATO European HQ - Casteau, Belgium)

"Yes!"

Dr Armstrong grinned at the screen in front of him. He turned to the man next to him and they did a high five.

"It's worked! Finally! The chimp arrived in one piece."

"That final recalculation did the trick."

"I knew when the inanimate objects kept arriving safely every time, that we were getting close, it was just a matter of persevering."

"We have to run a few more tests of course, but I think we can tell Director Nelson that we've made a breakthrough!"

"Indeed. If everything goes smoothly from now on, we should be ready to move to the next stage in a few months. He should be pleased with that!"

Director Nelson was more than pleased with the news. "Excellent, Dr Armstrong. That's excellent news. It worked perfectly, you say? Nothing went wrong?"

"No, the chimp arrived in exactly the same condition as when he left here."

"Excellent!" repeated the Director. "I don't see the need to wait any longer, we can move straight on to the next step."

"Yes," Dr Armstrong continued, not really understanding. "We have to analyse the data of course, conduct a few more tests, but if everything proceeds as I expect, we should be ready for our first human trial in about four months, maybe even three." He beamed at the Director.

"Three months?" Nelson queried with a raised eyebrow. "I don't see any need for the delay. It sounds to me as if we're ready to move ahead now. I know you scientists like to triple check everything," here he gave an indulgent smile, "but we're on a tight budget you know. Time is money!"

"But-"

"In fact, I've got some volunteers in training at the moment, eager to take their place in history," he continued smoothly. "So, we'll say a week then? For the first test?"

"But Director, it's too soon," protested Armstrong. "I need more time! I can't possibly guarantee their safety!"

"That's all right, Doctor. These people are fully aware of the risks," Nelson lied cheerfully. "And let's be honest, there's always going to be an element of risk the first time, isn't there?" he added, in a reasonable voice.

"Well, yes," Armstrong admitted grudgingly, "but-"

"That's settled, then. A week. And that's an order, Doctor, not a request."

(to be continued...)