Chapter 8: Finally, a decent bloody lab

There is no gravity on the planet of love; everything floats in the air Mehmet Murat ildan

A month has passed quietly; Since the fall. Over the short almost vacation like time I had from recent drama I made an effort to reconnect with family. I realised that this world, this new job and source of income and passion, it will result in potentially deadly consequences. Its less so a game as it might appear and more so a serious threat, like coal miners getting black lung this one’s risk are governmental influence, false imprisonment, terrorist organisations, dangerous materials. The list goes on but I might have, on a whim chosen a very dangerous path for myself; with a pregnant pause I sigh, no point stressing about it I finally found a passion I’m going to do my best to enjoy it.

Aside from family I spoke with many friends, had dinner, just enjoyed life without concern for work. It was enjoyable and relaxing and with a fresh mind and new ideas my stress has reduced. Today is sunny, not warm, but sunny non the less. I start my day by contacting a new research company that has been publicized in its research of the new material. Offering my information, experience and general work ethic. A meeting is arranged for later today nothing too special just a board room meeting.

But I will come prepared. With all my research safely hidden away I take extracts from it, hollow information but enough to show I have the information. A bargaining chip without the risk. I also take a very small sample of the gravity crystal for the meeting and another stored in a lead case hidden on my thigh, just in case I need to make a getaway.

I walk to the meeting its for 2pm, the sun is out people are walking by. Things have regained a sense of normalcy, not perfect lots vibes still floating around with everything going round but its not as hectic, rushed or hasty. The meeting is being held at a town just near my home, an advanced village almost, they have started to open up town, the one struck by the hailstorm of rocks. Much is still cordoned off due to building hazards, lots of structural damage. Upon reaching the 3-story building I speak with the front desk, being directed to the office I take the stairs. Recently I’ve felt pretty healthy, almost a spring in my step. I knock, “Enter” I hear.

A beautiful looking woman is at a desk with golden blond hair, a fitted suit, collar undone slightly. She looks very smartly dressed with the black suit.

“My names Shanell, its lovely to meet you mister “Novis”, a uncommon name” she says with curious glance.

Realising what she implied “Its not a fake name, don’t worry” I sigh lightly then sit on the chair clearly laid out for me.

“So, ive been told you have research material and information on the new material, as you know we are a company actively studying it” She says cleanly.

With a slight pause she says “What do you think you can offer us and what would you want in return, we will need evidence to back up anything you say you have”

I pause for a second, composing myself I say what I’ve been planning for all day. “Miss Shanell, I offer full research into the melting point, general structure, measured effect radius, implicating factors, effective weight by effect radius method and many other carefully deducted information. I have more above that but it should show what I have to offer. What I want in exchange is; complicated. First I want a job as a researcher here”

“A job” she interrupts in surprise

“Yes, I realised the dangers of this material, not just in its property’s but risks of outside parties. I need protection to continue my study’s. A big company seems just the ideal candidate. I am very passionate about what this new material can do and I want an environment where I can study it freely with more advanced tools and better backing.”

“Well I’m surprised to say the least, I expected you to try and sell your information” Showing her emotions on her sleeve, she seems genuinely surprised but in a good way.

With a long pause she says “Can I see evidence of your research so I’m aware of how competent you are”

I pass over a usb stick silent, she plugs it into her computer and looks through the files. “With a smile and an almost inaudible gasp she turns to me.

She says quickly but softly “I can tell you have put a lot of effort into getting these results, we have gathered a lot of this information already but some we could definitely use, I’m also intrigued by this second material you have claimed to detect”

Falling for my bait perfectly, a very good situation.

I walk out of that office with a lenient job allowing me to study at my discretion, 20 hours a week, unlimited access to a high-grade lab, backing and £50,000 a year salary as a senior researcher. Unfortunately, I have several protocols for safety I have to follow but not everything is free. I have to give away all my current research but they said that any further research I do which benefits the company will receive a bonus equivalent to the value of the research and a percentile share in any company branches extended if they directly relate to any research I produce.

With this money, researching lab, backing. 3 bird with one stone a very good situation. I can study and experiment to my discretion. With a contract signing tomorrow I hire a lawyer to check the copy I got given before the signing. All seems to be in order and honestly, I get 2 months’ vacation time and many other benefits rarely seen in normal jobs.

The next day after signing the contract I collect my research materials, crystals, and the iron man suit and have it delivered to the lab, or should I say “my lab”. Laughing lightly, I calm down. It will obviously be used by other people but il have priority in a lot of things and storage for my materials. In a safe vault like area lined with tungsten and divided with tungsten sheets for differing storage. They even have advanced glass cabinets bolted to the wall with special Velcro to stick research samples, life is good.

After bring my iron man suit in it gets many bright gazes, with the help of an engineer, we optimize it immensely producing a marvel of technology within a week. Clocking in 70 hours on my first week. I’m definitely going for a fly soon. I also have on my agenda, build a basic flight suit that is marketable to the general public. This research and company combo needs to make money otherwise I won’t get a better lab