The Portal Effect

Chapter 24

The next week and a half was stressful as people got used to the newcomers. But I also noticed that the NASA scientists were much glad for the extra hands. I could see that more results were starting to come through. Maybe Keegan and his father were on bad terms, but it seemed his father was a possible trustworthy person. I decided to make sure and stay neutral, let the man warm up to me, and vice versa.

I was not about to be one-sided, and it was possible that time had just made their relationship even more strained than it really ought to have been. After three weeks had passed, I could see the improvements on the Rift Gate. They had found a way to stabilize it and stop the increasing gravitational field. The generators we had seen in the original lab were energy absorbing capsules made to effectively and safely get rid of dangerous energy outputs.

On the first day of the fourth week with the Rev-Con scientists, many of the people involved in the Rift Gate research were summoned to the conference room, which we found to be a rather large theatre. It made sense because of how many people were actually in NASA. General Anderson and Dr. Solace were standing on the stage, talking. I saw CIA agents standing around the room, and even outside the doors.

"Wonder what's going on." Jessie whispered.

"Whatever it is, it is about the Rift Gate." Leo replied.

Just then, everyone was silenced as General Anderson stepped forward. We looked at him expectantly. Before he started, he looked at me. In his eyes I saw that something had changed, and that he wasn't happy with it.

"Ok, everybody. Some things are changing on how we will be addressing the Rift Gate. Doctor Jake Solace will be taking control of the Rift Gate research. Over the next few days, he will select a few of you to help as you have most of the research memorized."

As the general spoke, everyone began to protest. They did not want to answer to someone they didn't know or trust just yet, despite the three weeks with them.

"I understand your hesitations, but we need all the help we can get. Dr. Solace will give us an edge, has given us an edge as well, so we can figure out what is going on. Those of you who won't be working directly with Dr. Solace will still be conducting research." General Anderson spoke even louder to be heard. As he spoke, Jake looked around, clearly enjoying the fact that he would be running the research. Keegan balled his fists, more upset than many would know. McFay was shaking her head and Cody looked pissed. My group was looking at the general, shocked.

Before I could stop myself, I stood up. "Sir, permission to speak." I called. Everyone immediately went silent, eager to hear what I had to say.

"Permission granted. You have the floor." General Anderson said.

"May I ask what Rev-Con plans to do as research?" I addressed Jake Solace. He looked at me with narrowed eyes.

"We need to know more about how it works, as the Rift Gate has been sealed off completely due to radiation levels and gravitational shifts." he said, avoiding the question.

"We know that already. You installed generators for that exact reason did you not?" Leo said, also standing up. I shook my head at the rest of my group. We didn't need to make a spectacle.

"Please, as we ourselves have been victim to what the thing spat out, let us know what you plan to do." I said.

"Once we have looked at the research already gathered, I will report to your team first what we intend to do, if that will put you at peace." Dr. Solace said.

"That would. My team would also like to have priority on any missions you would have in regards to the machine." I said. Nick looked at me in surprise, but the twins were grinning, and Leo was trying to stay quiet. He knew exactly what I was doing. And across the room I could see Cody and McFay were nodding in agreement. I could hear many people muttering in support as well.