He gulped, knowing what she had in mind. A trip through his own invention? He'd never thought of trying it himself. Wouldn't it be too dangerous? After all, if he was killed......
"Dr. Cooper!" Jeanie snapped playfully. He still didn't move, so Larry and another tech came over and gently escorted him to a tube. Another successful transport! The look on Cooper's face was priceless when he materialized in the receiving station! Everyone made sure they were there to meet him. Everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Then Dr. Cooper rushed to the phone and pushed the buttons for the long distance number to The Pentagon rapidly, but carefully. He waited for a few rings, then answered to the reply.
"Hello, this is Dr. Matthew Cooper, Supervisor of The R.M.T.P. Project. I would like to speak to the Commander Of The Army and report we have a green light on our baby! All systems go!"
After a short pause, the Commander answered the phone.
"Sir, yes! R.M.T.P. is a complete success. We've made several successful transports with it just moments ago, the final ones were human subjects, who were pronounced safe and well by our resident physician. How long before they can be tested for long distance usage? Perhaps two or three months yet. You have? That's just fine, sir! Thank you! Thank you for your patience with us! Good-bye!"
Cooper was starry eyed with joy. "Whenever we're sure we've got all the bugs out of the old girl for long distance usage we've got a manufacturing plant that's waiting to sign contract with the government for mass production! Then, the transporter's next stop.......the moon base!"
"Fantastic! We're really rolling!" Larry shouted. "I guess the most of the job is out of our hands for now."
Suddenly feeling too confined, Cooper said, "I could sure use some fresh air! We've been stuck in this place in the dark for too long! Let's go get some sun!"
Even Mike was agreeable to the idea, since he would be quite protected for a while outside, so he followed Cooper, Jeanie, Larry, and Susie, out the back door. The spring air felt wonderful as they walked to a nearby field behind the great building. They could hear some boys playing softball nearby. The friends stood in a circle, talking and joking. Jeanie stood beside Mike, who had his arm around her, and Larry and Susie were placed next to Dr. Cooper on his right side. Dr. Horton and the techs had stayed inside to complete some chores.
"What will we be doing now that our jobs here in the lab are done?" Larry asked.
"Yeah. What will we do? Will the government just dump us? What will happen now that most of the final testing is in their hands?" Mike wanted to know.