| Project
Voltron 2.0 – Part
Two: Transfer Dr. Strasburg looked at all of his coveted drawings on his most recent mechanical project. The drawings depicted three robots in great detail including cross sections of parts of the robots. Dr. Strasburg spent many days almost up to a year composing these blueprints. They were his most top secret project yet, even the Garrison didn't know about them. Ever since they sanctioned Dr. Loran to do a project similar to this one, jealousy fueled this project. He would show the world that his project was better, even if it killed him. But unfortunately the supply of money financing this project was running low for the fourth time. The cost of construction was spiraling out of control. First with the construction of the three cages that would be used to lift components and support the robot during construction, and now the development of the robots’ artificial intelligence systems were becoming to complex and to costly to keep up with. No matter how he tweaked the software and hardware, nothing seemed to work well enough. Nothing seemed to work well enough to match the caliber of the Lion Voltron that he had overheard Dr. Loran constantly babbling about. Dr. Strasburg grumbled as he sat down at the drawing table looking for ‘the ultimate mistake.’ The mistakes that seem to be made out of sheer ignorance or mindlessness during calculation are the ones that ultimately make or break your calculation. In figuring co-ordinate axis, if you don't do something to one side of the equation that you did to the other side, you have a completely different result, an incorrect one. Those are the types of typical mindless mistakes that people always make, but can never find after they try and review where they went wrong. Dr. Strasburg stopped grumbling, and rubbed his temples. He was beginning to get a migraine. All of the stress was piling up on him now that he had to finish the project before Dr. Loran finished his. The thought of having to go to another scientific community to lend him more money for a fifth time was not his idea of fun. And then there was the fact that not all his financial support came from the scientific community on Earth. And in return, Dr. Strasburg would share the information with his providers. Dr. Strasburg looked over the schematics many times and nothing made sense anymore. After hours of review it was now all lines letters and numbers of all shapes and quantities. Dr. Strasburg was about to wrap up his troubleshooting when he heard small bang come from the lab. Dr. Strasburg looked up nervously and out the door of the little room where his project was still being conceived. Slowly Dr. Strasburg got up and walked lightly to the door, trying not to make a sound. Poking his head around the corner of the door frame, the doctor noticed a box of tools had been placed (or dropped by the sound previous) on the floor. “Who's there?” Dr. Strasburg called out weakly. His nervousness was now clearly evident, as if waiting for some bogeyman to get him. The sound of footsteps approaching behind him caused him to whirl around clumsily only to face a young sturdy looking humanoid being with blue skin, long white hair and haunting yellow eyes. Dr. Strasburg jumped back in surprise and fear as the figure just stared at him. The humanoid's yellow eyes were the creepiest thing the doctor had ever seen. The eyes seemed to gaze through and read him like a book. “Good day to you, Dr. Strasburg.” The humanoid greeted with a half smirk. “Who are you?” Dr. Strasburg stammered. “I am a representative of a potential sponsor.” The humanoid said much more seriously. “Which one?” Dr. Strasburg asked meekly but regaining some composure. “The Drule Empire,” The humanoid replied with the same bluntness. “A Drule… Zarkon?” Dr. Strasburg asked the nervousness returning as he stood there wondering how the Drules were able to find out about his project. "You could say so." The Drule said, his smirk returning. “I am from only one of many Drule kingdoms in the Empire.” “Why do you want to help me?” Dr. Strasburg asked a little more intrigued. “We understand that you are trying to build your own sentient robot, much like the one we hear about in legend.” The Drule replied simply. “We would like to help you with the process.” “There is a catch of course… right?” The doctor asked immediately after the Drule stopped speaking almost interrupting him. The Drule did not seem to take this well even though he maintained his composure. “Yes there is a catch, but one that I think you will gladly accept.” The Drule replied with his unwavering demeanor. “You are to give us your first prototype and all the information that you have gathered.” “And what if I refuse?” Dr. Strasburg asked just to see the reaction. “You can't refuse.” The Drule replied plainly. “We know how much financial trouble you are in and we can help you get rid of your creditors and supply you with a constant supply of aid and something that I think you would like the most…” “And that would be?” Dr. Strasburg asked nervously. The Drule pulled out a small glowing fragment of rock. The rock glistened with a bright golden quality that seemed to come from within. To Dr. Strasburg this was gold. “Is that what I think that is?” Dr. Strasburg asked adjusting his glasses in amazement. “One of the most powerful sources of energy you will find anywhere… lazon ore.” The Drule replied noting the reaction of Dr. Strasburg when the doctor tried to grab the rock. “We can provide you with a supply of pure enhanced lazon.” “Enhanced lazon?” Dr. Strasburg almost fell backward. “You can make enhanced lazon? But that stuff is highly volatile... and illegal.” “We have perfected transportation processes and containers to prevent explosion. And if you're worried about getting caught, we are very good at getting rid of those threats.” The Drule said with a half grin. Dr. Strasburg had to stop and think for a moment as he was confronted by the opportunity of a lifetime. If he was able to use lazon to power his robot, there would be a limitless supply of energy available for it. Dr. Strasburg began to imagine the possibilities with such energy. “And all I have to do is just give you the results I come up with?” Dr. Strasburg said looking back up at the grinning Drule. “That's all.” The Drule said plainly. Dr. Strasburg paused, contemplating his answer to the deal placed in front of him. He was half-and-half on the idea. The discoveries he could make while working with lazon intrigued him. “And you've got my back if something goes wrong?” Dr. Strasburg asked waiting for a full confirmation or another catch. “You will have the full support and backing of the Drule Empire.” The Drule said with a faint smirk. “Fine… I accept.” Dr. Strasburg said immediately upon confirmation… it was al that he needed and the opportunity to work with lazon was too much to pass up. “Good… Then we have an agreement.” The Drule said. “Expect your first shipment in a day.” “A day?” Dr. Strasburg said nearly falling backward. “Is that too slow?” The Drule asked with some mock concern. “You guys are fast. Next time I need a package delivered I should look you guys up.” Dr. Strasburg replied still in amazement. “We have an extensive trade system going with lazon ore and enhanced lazon. Demand is very high.” The Drule said. “Where do I pick it up?” Dr. Strasburg asked wondering how extensive the black market for lazon was. “Don't worry, everything has been arranged. Since we can't risk you getting caught with it in transit… we will bring it to you.” The Drule said with that uneasily haunting smirk on his face again. “Wow… can I get a back rub in the process?” Dr. Strasburg quipped trying to be funny. But the scowl that crossed the Drule’s face clearly showed he was not amused. “Just kidding…” Dr. Strasburg apologized meekly. The scowl left the Drule’s face upon the Doctor's apology and sunk into the usual apathetic visage. “There is no room for fooling in your situation.” The Drule warned. “I'm sorry…” the Doctor re-iterated. “No matter… you have your requirements. Follow through and you will be rewarded.” The Drule spoke as if to complete the conversation. The Drule took a few paces to the nearest and darkest shadowy corner of the room. “When will I get my first shipment?” Dr. Strasburg asked. There was no response from the shadow that the Drule walked into. Walking closer, the doctor peered into the shadow only to find absolutely nothing. “How on Earth did he disappear like that?” Dr. Strasburg asked himself quizzically. Scratching his head, the doctor simply went back to work and brushed it all into the back of his mind. To him, it was either all a dream, or some wild hallucination brought on by stress. Dr. Loran and Debbie walked into a café on the campus. They walked in shielded from the bright sun by the Command Center building which resembled much like a gigantic spaceship. The two were soon guided to their table by an attractive looking waitress. This was signified by Dr. Loran’s temporary inability to stop looking at her. The table they were led to sat next to a large window that gave a ground level panoramic view of the streets and buildings. Debbie always wondered about the shape of the command center building. It was a marked wonder of engineering as stated in various history and science books. But to Debbie, it gave her an ominous feeling she couldn't help but ask herself if the building was meant as an escape ship. Dr. Loran sat down and just looked at Debbie for a moment as she seemed to be in a trance looking out the window. “Did you ever see anything like it?” Dr. Loran asked Debbie as he acknowledged what she was looking at. “Not in all my life.” Debbie said waking from her trance. “It seems a little odd that it is the only building carrying that shape.” Dr. Loran asked as Debbie sat down at the table leaving one more open chair for the soon to be arriving Professor Page. “It looks like an escape ship…” Debbie said quietly. “Actually, it is.” Dr. Loran confirmed. “And there will be more built in the future.” “More?” Debbie asked giving the doctor a worried look. “Well, yes. Those buildings have many more functions other than just for an ‘end of the world’ escape.” The doctor continued. “I know. It’s just the feeling that the Garrison knows something that we don’t.” Debbie said with slight uneasiness. Just as Debbie finished her sentence, Professor Page walked into view. Dr. Loran leaned up to the window and knocked on it. The Professor looked and gave a quick “Oh there you are” expression and walked out of view towards the café entrance. Dr. Loran looked at his watch. “He’s right on time… I wish I were that punctual.” He said as he looked back up at Debbie. They stood up when the Professor approached them. “It’s good to see you again, doctor.” Professor Page said as they shook hands. The Professor then turned to Debbie with a smirk. “I hear you are getting into trouble, young lady.” The Professor’s German accent was clearly present when he spoke. Debbie just looked at the floor feeling the depression she felt when she had to deal with Dr. Strasburg. “I wouldn’t worry.” The Professor said. “I have already approved your transfer to Doctor Loran if he is willing to accept you.” “You have?” Debbie nearly shouted almost ready to jump up and down like a giddy schoolgirl but maintaining her excitement for the sake of her education. “Since I have accepted you into an internship with me, I expect you to always be punctual.” Dr Loran continued where Prof. Page left off. “Oh I will!” Debbie quietly squealed. Debbie had never been so happy in all her life. Probably because she knows she won’t have to deal with Dr. Strasburg anymore. “I’d do anything to get me as far away from that demon Strasburg!” “A demon you say?” Prof. Page chuckled. “I have heard him referred to as many things mostly out of cursing from my colleague here…” Prof. Page pointed at Dr. Loran. “…but never a demon.” “It suits him quite well!” Dr. Loran added with a laugh. At that time, a waitress came around to ask for their order. All three of them decided they weren’t really hungry, so they ordered coffee. When the waitress left the trio continued to bash Dr. Strasburg and his credentials. When the coffee came to them they began to plan out Debbie’s continued internship with Dr. Loran. After a while the tone began to drop from jovial to serious quite quickly. For a few moments in the conversation the Professor and Dr. Loran went whisper quiet between the two. Debbie could only pick out the words “robot” and “top secret” in the exchange between the two. Dr. Loran turned to Debbie with a serious look on his face. “Debbie I must tell you this… I am working on very complex projects for the Garrison. These projects I can’t discuss nor really explain here. When we are done here, I will take you to my lab and you can see them for yourself.” Debbie couldn’t believe her ears. She was being accepted to work on a top secret project with Dr. Loran. “But sir, won’t that get you in trouble with Garrison command?” Debbie asked quietly. “Likely, but I have a feeling you can keep a secret.” Dr. Loran replied in a genuinely trusting tone. “I’m very picky about the people that work with me, and because of my somewhat high ego, I figure I will probably end up showing it to you anyway.” “I’m honored.” Debbie quickly replied. “And so you should be. Not very many people get to learn from me.” Dr. Loran replied. “I kind of wish I could do more education though… considering the alternative.” The doctor was now getting back into the jovial Strasburg bashing again, lightening his tone. The trio continued to discuss the internship while sipping their coffee. After a few moments, Professor Page looked at his watch. “Oh, good heavens!” The Professor exclaimed at a moderate volume so not to attract attention. “I’m late for a class!” Dr. Loran and Debbie started laughing. “You better get a move on, before the students give you a detention.” Dr. Loran laughed. The Professor laughed with the joke briefly as he quickly gathered his his things to leave. Debbie and Dr. Loran stood up to shake hands and sent the professor off. Then Dr. Loran briefly looked at the table. “Well
I may as well pay for the…” Dr Loran
stopped in mid sentence as he fumbled around in his pockets. Then he grimaced when he couldn’t find
anything. “Oh
no, you didn’t” Debbie said with some disappointment knowing that she
would be
paying for the coffee. “I’m
sorry, but I…” Dr. Loran started. “No,
no… I’ve got it.” Debbie interrupted
putting 20% on the table. She walked
quickly to the register at the front door, pulled out a card and gave
it to the
lady behind it. “We
left you high and dry, didn’t he?” The
lady said looking at the doctor with a sly smirk. “It
ain’t the first time he’s done
that.” “You’re
kidding me.” Debbie replied more
disappointed. “Nope, he always seems to
‘forget’ things, if you know what I mean.”
“I’m
beginning to.” Debbie replied turning
towards the doctor with a scowl. Dr.
Loran could only stand there embarrassed.
When Debbie was finished paying the bill she put her card
in her purse and walked quickly to the doctor.
“Well, don’t just stand there come on!” She scolded as
she was about to walk out the door. When
they were outside the doctor continued to apologize, genuinely feeling
badly
about the situation.
“So how does a renowned scientist like yourself tend to
forget things?” Debbie asked with a
coldness that was clearly evident to the doctor.
“I…” Dr. Loran
started but was quickly interrupted.
“You don’t know… I know.”
Debbie replied quickly.
“Listen, I really am sorry… But
you know, it isn’t everyday a student gets
to have a coffee break with a mentor.”
Dr. Loran replied meekly trying to tout his importance. It was met by a cold stare that gave the
doctor the shivers. But to Debbie, the
doctor was right. ”I want you to be at
my lab in the morning, okay.” Dr. Loran
said quietly and then with a smirk he added, “You can continue to yell
at me
then.”
“Okay then…
“Nine in the morning…?
I think I can do that.” The
doctor replied.
“Good.” Debbie
ended and began to walk away leaving Dr. Loran in the shadow of the TO BE CONTINUED... |
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