Leviathan(6)

“I disagree, Doctor.” Adler shook his head impatiently. “What the beast accomplished was impressive, yes, but it proved nothing. We do not yet know if it is strong enough to sustain heavy weapons fire. It has not yet been hit by heavy weapons fire. Nor, despite this creature's great success at defeating holograph targets, can we prove that it is smart enough to defeat humans in combat. And these are two capabilities which must be, ah, undisputable before this experiment is labeled a success.”

Frank was adamant. “Believe me, Mr. Adler, that creature is strong enough to survive anything. Even artillery fire. And it's as smart as anything can get. It's even smarter than us.” The scientist's face tightened. “Sir, the only thing powerful enough to defeat this creature is a nuclear weapon. That's something we need to get on the table. And that's why we need to call this experiment off and label this a success before anybody else gets hurt.”

“I concur,” Dr. Hoffman broke in, glaring from beneath bushy white eyebrows. “I believe the hour is upon us to terminate the project, Mr. Adler. It is clear that this creature has served its purpose, and that is the reasonable goal of any scientific endeavor. To allow this beast to live any longer would be acting irresponsibly. Lives are already at risk. But to continue will only invite a tragedy of colossal proportions.”

Adler's face was concentrated. “Gentlemen, I respect your joint opinions. But I must insist that we complete these final two tests. And we must complete them as quickly as possible. We need both videotape and computer analysis by GEO to document that this creature can survive an actual military attack from heavy weaponry and that it is tactically smart enough to defeat military combat units.” He paused, staring. “Let me remind you, gentlemen, that Stygian Enterprises has a substantial investment in this project. A billion-dollar investment. And a decision to terminate the life of the creature before the final two tests are completed and this system can be sold would be a very serious matter for the company.”

Hoffman broke in. “But you own Stygian Enterprises, Mr. Adler. It is a decision that you are capable of making.”

“I am only one among many, Doctor,” Adler responded coldly, staring. “I do not control the company. I would need the approval of the Executive Council before I could terminate this experiment.”

Hoffman released a puff of pipe smoke. “So for the sake of procedure, you are willing to put the lives of over a hundred men and women at risk? Listen to me! We have created on this island and under your supervision”—he pointed with the pipe—”the most terrifying beast to ever walk the face of the earth! I personally do not believe that anything equal to it has ever existed. Just think, man! What if this creature should escape the Containment Chamber? I tell you quite literally that no one inside this facility would survive. It would kill us all. Easily. And if it somehow made it to the surface of the island, the men and women of the support crew would be caught completely off guard. And they would certainly be attacked because the creature's food consumption level is dramatically accelerated, commensurate with its metabolism. It requires at least a thousand pounds of meat every two hours in order to survive and—’

“I'm familiar with the statistics, Dr. Hoffman,” Adler interrupted. “And I don't want any of you to misunderstand me. I also place a high value on human life.” His tone hardened. “But we have a job to do, gentlemen. And without the final two tests to measure this creature's ability to survive heavy weapons fire and its ability to defeat humans in a military conflict, this experiment remains a failure.” His teeth gleamed. “And if failure is the curtain that closes this facility, gentlemen, I can assure you there will be no more funding whatsoever for Electromagnetic Chromosomal Research. Because this billion-dollar exercise, fully funded by Stygian Enterprises, will be viewed as a complete waste of expenditures.” He nodded. “I can assure you of that.”

A discordant silence blanketed the bunker. Frank noticed that the overhead lights had ceased blinking. Fresh air was flowing through the ducts. The room was cooler. Systems were on-line.

“Two more tests,” Adler nodded. “Two more tests and then we’ll have the data we require. Colonel Chesterton, you may have this support foreman repair the electrical line. And I will make arrangements through the company for filling the Containment Cavern corridors with cement. It shall be done as quickly as possible.”

Chesterton stared. “I think I should take care of the cement, Mr. Adler. It’s part of my—”