Vanishing Point - Marc Cerasini [46]
When she returned to Hangar Six with the Senator in tow, the woman rudely corralled the staff, then lined them all up in the hot afternoon sun for a military-style review. Her managerial skills had never been so clumsy, and pretty much everyone was mortified by the woman's behavior — except for the oblivious Dr. Reed, of course.
What could have been a very uncomfortable few minutes was lightened considerably by Senator David Palmer's charisma and easy charm. Unlike most VIP visitors to Area 51, the Senator from Maryland seemed to take a genuine interest in the people involved in the project, not only the project itself. He spent a few minutes with each member of the Malignant Wave team, quizzing them on their tasks, their credentials — though the conversation was not always on topic. When Palmer tried to grill Bascomb about his previous experience as a microwave specialist for NASA, the scientist found a way to switch topics. While most professionals loved to talk about their work, to Palmer's surprise, Dr. Bascomb preferred to talk about his pro-basketball days.
So did Dr. Alvin Toth, who grinned up at the Senator while pumping Palmer's hand. "You and Larry Bell were a hell of a team," the paunchy pathologist said.
"We still are, Dr. Toth," Palmer replied. "I'm having dinner with Larry tonight."
Beverly Chang smiled nervously when the Senator complimented her on the efficiency of her security system. The thirty-something cyber specialist shook his hand, but seemed too shy to meet his stare.
Senator Palmer and Steve Sable spoke only briefly. Dr. Sable received a shock when the Senator cited his work on the F-22 Raptor's highly-advanced computer control system.
"I read your report last year, Dr. Sable. Seems to me the Air Force owes you a debt of gratitude for ironing out a litany of technical glitches."
"I'll be sure to remind them, Senator," the software engineer replied with a smirk.
"This is Dani Welles, the youngest member of our team," Dr. Reed said, moving quickly past the acerbic Dr. Sable.
The Senator smiled at the young woman, and offered his hand. "Delighted to meet you, Ms. Welles."
When their hands met the woman nearly gushed. "Please call me Dani, Senator."
"A pleasure... Dani."
"This is Antonio Alvarez," Dr. Reed said. "He's our energy specialist."
Senator Palmer hardly glanced at Tony. His attention was drawn to a sudden burst of activity a few hundred yards away, at the test site. A tow tractor appeared on the scene, dragging two wheeled carts carrying aluminum cages. In one cage, a pair of Rhesus monkeys were strapped to metal gurneys. The primates — a male and a female — had gray-brown fur and hairless pink faces. Rendered immobile, the monkeys snarled fearfully, lips curled back to reveal sharp teeth. Their dark eyes blinked against the sun's glare.
Palmer moved closer, and noticed the animals' heads were shaved. Electrodes had been implanted deep into the apes' skull, wires running to monitors attached to the bars.
In the other cage, two small pigs squealed with fright. Unfettered, they sniffed the bars of their prison with their flaring snouts.
Steve Sable turned his back on the scene, glanced at Tony. "If you're a card-carrying member of PETA, you better leave now, amigo," he muttered.
"Ah, the test animals have arrived," Dr. Toth said. "I'd better go make sure the monitors are working."
Dr. Bascomb nodded. "If you'll excuse me, Senator. I also have work to do."
Both he and Dr. Toth hurried back to their instrument panels inside the tent. Within seconds, the entire team had dispersed to complete final preparations.
"Just be patient a little longer, Senator," Dr. Reed said with a hint of pride. "Show time is just minutes away."
The Senator glanced at Megan Reed, who watched as the cages were carefully unloaded by a group of airmen. Under Beverly Chang's supervision, the cages were placed inside an invisible box bordered by four yellow poles pounded into the ground, about seventy-five yards away from the microwave tower.
"I wasn't aware lab animals would