The Nemesis

While leaving, Dr. Hardin and Dr. Chaney are discussing the Pollux again. the crew of that mission also needs to be returned because that was one of the Arachnid's top people.

Araceli is still wandering in her thoughts, what do she should do, thinking again and again. Dave noticed that and advised Araceli not to worry about it. Dave told Araceli that after the meeting with the board, everything would sort. Araceli showed concern about the people who were up there. She told Dave that she doesn't want casualties. She is worried about them more than Pollux.

At 5.00 PM, several board members and representatives are gathered together in Floresville base of Arachnid. Dr. Hardin addressed everyone in the meeting. The reason they all have ȧssemble here is necessary for further action. He told them in detail about that unfortunate event that happened on Eqxtron. After listening to it, one of the board members apprises that we should consider our crew of the Eqxtron is in deep trouble. More specifically, they all doubted that there would be any survivor up there. Another member is only concerned about the time and investment they put into this project. Likewise, everyone has their reason which is bothering them.

Sitting quietly and listening to all of them carefully, Araceli felt sick with apprehension. Dr. Chaney asked all of them to be quiet, and with a cool head, listen to the proposal of Dr. Hardin. Dr. Hardin told them there is a massive investment, preparation, hard work, and time on this Eqxtron issue. And we need to take the right action to gain from all of it. He added the point saying, there is still time to get the data from Pollux.

One of the board members agreed to the point Dr. Hardin puts in front of them. But he asked Dr. Hardin to put more light on that idea. How will they be going to do that? What Dr. Hardin and Dr. Chaney is thinking?

The reason for this analytical thinking of this board member is all about the capability of Pollux. At this time of Arachnid, Pollux is the only capable ship that has the potential to reach the speed of light. Besides, at the time of manufacturing it, the engineering team made sure that Pollux can temporarily sustain excessive damage. And if the situation comes, they made sure to load Pollux's arsenal with heavy grade weaponry.

Another member politely interrupted and added the point. They all are talking about the unknown dangers of Space. Indeed, the engineering made sure to deal with it with ease. But, from everything is not possible.

Whatever tragic event occurs there, that was now a past. To discuss the action and to make the decision about it, we all gathered here. Why waste time discussing known facts about the Pollux? After finishing his speaking, he asked Dr. Hadrin to continue.

Dr. Hardin thanked him and told him that Dr. Chaney would elaborate more about the proposal they are about to make. Dr. Chaney telling them that 'Pollux is the only capable spaceship' is not a 100% correct fact. He admitted that there is one more ship named Excaibur that exists. Dr. Hadin was sure that Dr. Chaney has a plan but never imagined that he would mention the Excalibur.

Dr. Hardin is surprised and asked him that is he serious about it? In response to that, Dr. Chaney confessed that he is serious. The question Dr. Hardin has in mind, How? Board members are all in confusion now. Furthermore, Dr. Chaney knew that mentioning Excalibur would create doubt. Before anyone raises a question, he continued speaking.

He said nobody here in this room knows about that spaceship.

It was the concept. We manufactured it under my supervision for experimental purposes. While having uncertainty, Dr. Hardin admitted that it was merely an experiment. Excalibur's engines are not adept with the speed of light. On that thought, Dr. Chaney ȧssures that it is possible to make it happen within the week. During this discussion, clueless Araceli asked questions about Excalibur. With her, the board members also want to know about it. What kind of experiment is Excalibur? etc.

Dr. Hardin explained, to make Pollux success Arachnid was conducting experiments on Excalibur. It is the result that we launched Pollux to the Eqxtron a few months ago. And never mind about the name, I was a huge fan of King Arthur, that's why I named it Excalibur.

Listening to that, the board members made correct ȧssumptions about the retrieval mission. Dr. Hardin did quick thinking and tried to convince them. He(Dr. Hardin) made a humble request to all of them. He asked them to put faith in him and Arachnid. The organization has enough resources and capable people to do that, told by Dr. Chaney. Keeping faith in the plan of Dr. Chaney, he promised to board members to accomplish this mission. Araceli's thoughts are changing now. Her worries for a moment have faded. Assuring voice and promise made board members think deeply about this plan.

Board members are discussing with each other, and everyone agreed to the plan of Dr. Hardin. They don't have any other options. They all were the trustworthy people of Dr. Hardin. Also, they trust Dr. Hardin. The Board members are known to the importance of the research. They all want results.

One of the representatives told Dr. Hardin that he approves the plan of retrieval. After that, one by one, all board members and present representatives agreed. Dr. Hardin approached Dr. Chaney and talked, and he told him that this must work. Otherwise, we'll be facing them. It will create a situation of mistrust.

Dr. Chaney said, "Frankly, I'm not sure either how this all going to work. But, we did make the impossible possible now. You did put trust in me now, so be it. They already decided to make it happen."

One man among them asked Dr. Hardin. He was in doubt because some expert people are off to other missions. He also wonders which people they are sending for that. Clearing that doubt, Dr. Hardin & Dr.. Chaney said they all must count on them.