Until he'd begun this project transporter devices had only been something from nostalgic sci fi video broadcasts. Now R.M.T.P. was again proving how science fiction dramatically affected science fact.
As Dr. Cooper made his way down the hall toward the lab he felt so alone, though he knew the rooms nearby were filled with people. He loved to concentrate on the day's schedule as he walked this hallway. but today his mind wandered to the past. How he wished he'd dared to start a family. But his work always got in the way. He couldn't serve both well. His most special dream was to have a son. Could it ever be at his age? He sighed at this thought and was returned to the present by the familiar voice of the security officer, John McCree, as he neared the lab's huge, double doors.
"Good mornin' sir!"
Cooper inwardly grimaced. He could scarcely breathe on his own since the young, handsome Scotsman had been assigned here. His accent grated on Cooper's nerves!
Snapping out of his deep inner thoughts, Dr. Cooper turned to see Officer McCree hurrying to his side out of the adjacent corridor. His brown uniform appeared so neat it looked to be starched! McCree was young, handsome, and knew his job well.....too well, as far as Cooper was concerned. He gave McCree a grumbled reply and a wave of his hand, the closest thing he felt to a salute.
"Are you feeling alright, sir?" John asked. "You look sort of pale. Not sleeping well, I take it?"
"I sleep as well as can be expected, son. I've got a lot on my mind right now, and with the world the way it is......."
"Oh, no need to explain further, sir. I know what you mean. And I can imagine your Project is going fine, too. You must be worried sick, that it won't work, sir, but have faith, friend. I know it will!"
"How much DO you know about what I'm doing, John?" Cooper asked cautiously. It was too early in the morning for heavy conversations!
"Just that your project may save the world some day, and that it's called R.M.T.P., sir. True, I've been in your lab a few times, sir, but I don't know a....a....beaker from a hole in the ground! I wouldn't know the facts if someone paid me to tell them about it."
"What a relief!" Cooper thought. If he'd blabbed everything to him in a fit of anger....they paused a moment near the entrance.
"Oh, sir, have you seen that new kid that's working here yet? I think his name is Bill....er, no, it's Mike, Mike Montaine, that's it."
Dr. Cooper thought a moment. "I don't know. What does he do?"
"He was hired from the job pool, sir. I think he's the new janitor. Great guy! Friendly, helpful,and not only because it's his job to be, either. He likes working and helping