Andrew Morse
A block
Fiction
The man was middle aged about 44 years old, he took great pride in his work and walked the halls with an unusual quickness about him. His jacket was long like a dress and fluttered in the wind as the man fast-walked. He was determined to return to his work and finish his research. The lab was shiny and futuristic like something out of a movie. People were everywhere dressed in white lab coats and everyone was always busy. The man desperate to return to his work hurried toward his office. There he opened his locker and obtained his keycard, a necessary tool to enter the research wing. The card showed a young man with large glasses that was seeming fragile. It read “Adam Holmvik”; he thought to himself as he scooped up his card and reinstalled his lock. He concluded his daydreaming, sealed the locker and headed on his way leaving the office door ajar. He reached the private wing of the lab where he was greeted by security, asked to swipe his card, and then escorted through the doors by the same men that had done so for 4 months. He knew what he was working on was important but he didn't know why, all he knew was that there had been a lot of money given to the lab to complete the new project. The team was tasked with creating a new chemical weapon. Holmvik thought it might be for the war but doubted that in the entire country this was the best lab for the job and they had only barely killed some mice never mind millions of people. He walked into a dimly lit lab to find a member of his team excitedly scribbling on a notepad. Holmvik walked over to his desk expecting a forced artificial conversation, however the man began to prattle on of some “break though” never even looking up to greet Holmvik. The man hands Holmvik the notepad and went to get coffee. Holmvik read through the barely legible notes and discovered a new chemical formula that was written. Suddenly focused on the paper he sits down and begins studying the pages. With new life he starts to mix up the chemicals written. It is late now almost 8:30pm, and Holmvik is just leaving, regretfully.
The next morning he enters to building as usual and goes about his routine. Everything is normal until he reaches the doors to the lab. They are usually occupied by two guards but now there is six. He instantly thought something had gone wrong and in a panic hurried in the direction of the door. He was stopped and frisked down by a guard he didn't recognize and then allowed inside. Once inside he met another unfamiliar face, one of strong stature and the traits of a leader. This man had been waiting for Holmvik since he was the head of this research program. Before he could say anything he was escorted by two guards into a vacant office. They told him they would be right back and to stay put. Nervous about the reasons for the unexpected visitors he began to think of all possible explanations. He never thought it would be because they had succeeded. A few minutes passed and the guards returned with the “strong statured man” and then closed the door leaving only Holmvik and the man in the office. The man introduced himself as Henry Stimson the Secretary of War,worried he had violated some government protocol Holmvik began to babble out apologies in fear that his beloved job would be stripped from him. Stimson stopped him and proceeded to inform him that he was there because the project was a success. The chemists working the night shift had finally weaponized the chemical solution and it was ready for use in the field. Amazed Holmvik stared in awe at Stimson, realizing he was getting no reply Stimson continued on explaining that the chemical would be reproduced and placed into bombs. Still not realizing what this ment Holmvik continued staring and Stimson chuckled.
“You're gonna end this war, you're bombs are scheduled to drop on Nagasaki and Hiroshima within 48 hours. Congratulations, we won.”
