Chapter 29

                Lock had no idea how long it would take for the Center’s bureaucracy to crank out the response the Probe was waiting for and without a particular mission to prepare for he decided to catch up on his sleep.  He was dreaming about the first time he and some of his friends went swimming in the high school pool during the summer he turned fifteen.  Allen Ward, one of Lock’s best friends at the time, had taken his fathers spare janitor keys and let everyone into the schools back door.  Allen’s father had been maintenance director ever since he had known Allen.  Lock, floating in the pool,  was splashing around with a large beach ball they all were throwing back and forth and the other kids were yelling his name trying to get him to toss the ball to them again…..Lock, over here…..Lock, give me the ball…..Lock……

Lock…..Lock…..Lock…..

                Lock stirred in his bed and realized that the Probe was speaking to him. “Yes, sorry, I thought I’d catch up on my sleep.  I didn’t realize how tired I actually was, how long was I out of it?”

You have been asleep for over ten hours.  It is good that you are now rested.

                “What’s happened?  Have you heard anything from the Center?” Lock’s voice still contained evidence he’d just awoke from a sound sleep.

We have been told to stay where we are.  Our fate is being decided by the Directorate and must pass muster with the owner of the Center and the Probe project, Jordan Keller.  If you remember I gave you a brief synopsis of Jordan’s involvement in this whole matter.

                “Yes, I remember, this Jordan character seems to have his head screwed on right for a change and level heads are a must at this point in the game.” Lock was ready for some traveling orders and wished the Probe would get to the good stuff, if any.

We have only received the hold order so far but I think something is about to happen and even though I’m not human, with no inclination to gamble, I’d bet that we will receive a directive soon.  You should refresh yourself and come to the kitchen. We can go over our options while you take in sustenance.

                “We have options?” Lock said faintly as he headed into the fresher for the hottest shower he could stand……

                Loomis, comfortable in the secret office designed into his residence’s lower level, watched the hidden camera feeds installed by one of his drones to keep him abreast of the repairs to the Center complex.  Andrew Kenfer had contacted him right after the attack, apologizing and asking him for a delay in meeting with Kenfer and the other Elders.  Loomis had graciously advised Kenfer to take whatever time he needed knowing full well he was glad for all the time he could get before facing that group again.

                As he watched the screen he keyed in the code to Lab 21, It had been three days since he informed the technician over there, Eldon wasn’t it?, that he (pretending to represent Director Kenfer), was reactivating the prototype Probe project.   Loomis was anxious to know if the two techs sent to help Eldon had arrived as promised and what progress had been made to date.  Loomis couldn’t contact his benefactor, his mysterious lady boss, until the prototype probe was up and running.

                “Lab 21,” Eldon answered with a professional tone. “How may I help you?”  Eldon was very busy and had clipped the com to his coat rather than walk back out of the lab to his desk.  It was against the rules to bring a com devise into the research area without supervisor permission but he was the supervisor now and this was convenient for the time being.

                “This is Senior Elder Lyle Loomis of the Elders Committee over at the Center.  Andrew Kenfer has asked that I contact you and act as liaison between you and the Centers Probe Command Staff.  As I understand it, you have been assigned to reactivate the original prototype Probe and advise us when your task has been completed.” Loomis kept an all business demeanor to his voice.

                “Yes sir, Mr. Kenfer’s personal secretary contacted me a few days ago and I have been working non-stop toward that end.” Eldon was aware of who Loomis was and did not question his authority.

                “Good!  Did you receive the reinforcements to help with the reactivation?  You should have at least two able bodies to start with and should you need more please speak up now.” Loomis didn’t want to sound like he knew for sure what resources Eldon had.  He wanted Eldon to confirm the project status on his own.

                “Two technicians arrived the day after my conversation with Mr. Kenfer’s secretary.  I also received the unlock codes to the probes secure sub-lab with all equipment and records the same day.  I took the liberty of opening all areas and familiarizing myself with the program before my help arrived.  I can report that although we will need to have a few more days, due to the disassembly that occurred when the project was shelved, we appear to have all that we need at the moment to continue with the reactivation process.” Eldon swelled with pride as he recounted his progress.

                “It sounds like we have the right man for the job so I’m going to give you some need to know information to save time.  Prep the Probe for two individuals.  We’re aware that only one usually travels on any particular mission but we will need a second body for back up on this trip.  We have a critical situation to correct and cannot fail.” Loomis hoped that seeming to trust Eldon would make him work even faster with no questions.

                “There are a few items of equipment that have been rendered useless due to advancements in the design of later Probes.  I can remove them and that should free up the space you’ll need for the second traveler.  You do know Sir that this model has no virtual interior movement capabilities.  The travelers will literally have to remain in the command chairs while in transit.” Although Eldon wanted to take a trip in a Probe someday, he did not envy the two taking this trip, especially in this older version.

                “Comfort is the least of my concerns this time around,” said Loomis, “results are all that count and the amenities will just have to yield to function.  I’ll be over to the lab in person soon.  Do the best you can and use the code I’m sending to your com as we speak, to get anything else you need and I do mean anything.  Is that clear?”

                Eldon started to say yes but saw that Mr. Loomis had already terminated the call……..