Planetary Echoes
ENCRYPTION LEVEL: THREE
Echo One
Olivia: We've double checked our observational equipment and the computer's warm up is almost finished. We have precautionary personnel in place ready to start a shutdown in the event of a failure.
Olivia: It's time.
Jackie: Right.
Jackie: Spin the machine up slowly so we can monitor for any abnormal power fluctuations. We start on "3".
Jackie: "1"... "2"...
Jackie: "3".
[There's a metallic clunk. The baritone whirr of machinery can be heard.]
Jackie: Something's not right.
Olivia: It's the container... the atom is vibrating too fast.
[The whir of the machinery peels up an octave into a mechanical screech.]
Olivia: W-we have to abort!
Jackie: No, not yet. Drop power from the coolant system and use it to bolster the container. It'll stabilize.
Olivia: But without coolant—
Jackie: It will stabilize!
[There's a sharp crackle of electricity.]
Olivia: Drop 40% power from the coolant systems, reroute everything we have to the atomic container!
[The whirring reaches a crescendo, then calms into a steady hum.]
Olivia: That did it. The container is stabilizing.
[Jackie sighs in relief.]
Olivia: But... Look at these numbers.
Jackie: My god. Are these real?
Olivia: Yes, I'm certain of it. Jackie, I think we did it.
Olivia: I think we created an infinite energy source.
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Echo Two
Olivia: What on earth is this?
[An open palm slams papers down on a desk.]
Olivia: These readings show that hundreds of pounds of Neutronium are building up in the machine every shift. When were you going to tell me?
Jackie: I'm handling it.
Olivia: We don't have the luxury of taking shortcuts. Not when safety is on the line.
Jackie: I think I'm capable of overseeing my own safety.
Olivia: I-I'm not just concerned about your safety! We don't understand the longterm implications of what we're developing here... the manipulations we conduct in this facility could have rippling effects throughout the world, maybe even the universe.
Jackie: Don't be such a fearmonger. It's not befitting of a scientist. Besides, I'll remind you this research has the potential to stop the fuel wars in their tracks and end the suffering of thousands. Every day we spend on trials here delays that.
Olivia: It's dangerous.
Jackie: Your concern is noted.
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