by Robert Blevins

Created on: September 17, 2009

Crack in the Wall

TO: Dr. Michael Steadman, CW team leader

FROM: Dr. Andrew Collins, Project Director

We have made steady progress; however, success still eludes the program. This latest accident was simply another lesson in the scientific process. The important thing is to move on and learn from our mistakes. Team leaders are responsible for managing morale in this situation, and I fully expect them to do so.

TO: Dr. Andrew Collins, Project Director

FROM: Dr. Michael Steadman, CW team leader

The CW team is preparing a full analysis of the accident. Dr. Jackson quit the team today, citing personal reasons. I have assigned him to the Software group in Building C.

TO: Dr. Michael Steadman, CW team leader

FROM: Dr. Andrew Collins, Project Director

When can I expect the full report? My information is that Anderson called home regularly. His family is asking questions through the usual channels.

TO: Dr. Andrew Collins, Project Director

FROM: Dr. Michael Steadman, CW team leader

The preliminary report will be ready tomorrow. Releasing the body to the family is not an option. See the attached video file for details.

TO: Dr. Michael Steadman, CW team leader

FROM: Dr. Andrew Collins, Project Director

I have reviewed the video file. I agree with your decision concerning the body. It will NOT be released to the family. The usual cover story will be used to explain his death. Place the remains in cold storage for analysis by the biomed team. My office is still receiving calls from his family. I need the report ASAP.

TO: Dr. Andrew Collins, Project Director

FROM: Dr. Michael Steadman, CW team leader

Complete report is attached. We have suspended all further attempts to breach the Crack until you review it and make your recommendations.

END MESSAGE

A thousand feet below the surface of the Mojave Desert, sixteen scientists and technicians worked calmly among a long row of control banks. It was a surreal scene. The computer screens flashed numbers and data in rows of blue and white. The banks were laid out in a half-circle, all facing a ramp about fifty feet away that resembled a portable boarding ramp for a passenger jet, the type wheeled into place to make it possible for passengers to disembark.

At the top of the stairs, the sharp points of two electronic cannons faced each other, as if they were preparing for a close range duel to the death.

The technicians below worked the control banks with organized precision. The room was slightly larger than a school gymnasium, with

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