“This man claims to have built a wormhole,” said Mark Mason, pointing to the paper, then glancing back at the video camera.
“I seriously doubt he has,” said Doctor Vogelmann. “Such a thing would be highly unstable and require massive amounts of energy to produce. One does not produce such a thing in one of the biggest laboratories on Earth, let alone in the basement.”
“He claims to have one and is willing to have me look at it.”
“Then, sir. I recommend you bring me along to evaluate it.”
“That’s what I prefer,” said Mark, leaning closer to the camera.
“There is a however coming. I sense it.”
“Very perceptive, Doctor. There is a however.”
“I knew it,” she said.
“It’s a matter of financial security, Doctor.”
“I get it. You won’t want investors or competitors to be aware of your activities yet. You’re afraid that they’ll pull the rug out from under you if they get a hint of what you are doing.”
“That’s the gist of it,” said Mark.
“You really need to give me an explanation someday. With your money, I suspect success is enough to keep the money flowing.”
“Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Success means that the investors become risk adverse.”
“True,” the Doctor said. “Your investment with me will raise some eyebrows regarding risk. Few believe that FTL is possible.”
“You’ve already said that you know it is.”
“I do. In fact, it is a well-grounded the theory.”
“A fact you always bring to my attention,” said Mark, feeling the irritation cross his nerves. “Though you’ve yet to prove any of it.”
“You know, I’ve explained why that will take some time. You are persistent and I now have some tools we need to prove it available now. It is only a matter of time.”
“That’s good.”
“Yes, it is,” she agreed.
“In the meantime. I need to know what to look for to evaluate this man’s supposed wormhole.”
“Well, I expect to see a face staring back from the bottom of a well.”
“You’re joking,” exclaimed Mark.
“Yes. If there is a face staring at you, I’m certain it is a scam.”
“Why in the world would he do that?”
“He heard the rumor,” she said.
“What rumor?”
“The one about you seeing a face in the mine when Yellowstone blew.”
“Doctor,” said Mark, suppressing the urge to get angry. “I appreciate the attempt at humor, but you don’t know what you are talking about.”
