the lab! That's precisely my point. We are using data from the lab and just modifying it to account for the different distances and the size of the target area. But we did not take atmospheric conditions into consideration. We've not run any tests to cover that, for example. And I'm just not at all convinced that our security measures are adequate.”
“Define!”
“It seems to me, we are operating on the assumption that the area is unpopulated. But people are in the area, rural people, farmers. That's an unpredictability that did not get factored in. I've read and re-read the whole thing and I'm telling you that we are not ready, regardless of what Jonathon seems to think.”
David Smith had pulled out a thick folder and started reviewing document after document as they traveled the interstate. He looked at Jeff Craft and sighed. Jeff, fighting carsickness, had folded his coat neatly and placed it under his head. His eyes were closed and he appeared to be sound asleep.
“See,” David said to Ken, pointing at their travel companion. “He is not concerned with the contaminant filters and quality controls of the targeting program. That ought to tell you something, 'cause that man worries about everything twenty-four hours a day. It's his job. He is satisfied and so I'm satisfied. They don't pay me enough to worry along with him. I've done my share!”
“As far as environmental impact is concerned, now you're treading on my turf. I've done the homework! The demographics and surveys clearly show we have the appropriate time frame. Yes, we'll have changes, but they'll be at the cellular level and could not possibly be visualized! We are programmed for that! Definitely no human effect! We've ruled that out conclusively. Even if those filters fail, we still have enough redundancies built into the system that we are virtually fail-proof. We've been through all possible scenarios in the lab, in real-nature conditions, Ken. We've covered it all. Argue the security with Craft, I'm taking a nap.”
“ There are some travel pillows behind the back seat,” offered the driver. Ken tried to focus on the music and on the lovely scenery around them. Try to relax, he told himself as he inhaled deeply several times. Just try to relax.
“This road is following the same route wagon trains used to take in the old days”, said Ron the driver. “I've often wondered what that must have been like. What we're traveling now in a matter of hours, they did in days, maybe weeks.”
“Are you from around here?” asked Ken.
“Oh, no.” Ron shook his head. “I'm a city boy, from Kansas City. When SERPAC started to develop the corporate retreat, I got involved and I suppose Mr. Brooks was satisfied and so he pretty much lets me run that show down there. 'Course that means I have to live there, but once you get over the initial shock -- you know city versus country -- it's really cool.”
“Have you heard of the AMAG system?”
“I know what AMAG is supposed to do and I know what the success of AMAG will do to my bank account. Plus I've been a little involved with the security issues of this thing. Maybe I can help out?”
“I don't know. Do you have clearance?”
“I have the same clearance you all have. That's why I'm picking you guys up instead of the regular chauffeur. We were concerned you would be talking shop on the way and that's not part of the regular driver's clearance.”
“I'm just concerned about a negative environmental
“Define!”
“It seems to me, we are operating on the assumption that the area is unpopulated. But people are in the area, rural people, farmers. That's an unpredictability that did not get factored in. I've read and re-read the whole thing and I'm telling you that we are not ready, regardless of what Jonathon seems to think.”
David Smith had pulled out a thick folder and started reviewing document after document as they traveled the interstate. He looked at Jeff Craft and sighed. Jeff, fighting carsickness, had folded his coat neatly and placed it under his head. His eyes were closed and he appeared to be sound asleep.
“See,” David said to Ken, pointing at their travel companion. “He is not concerned with the contaminant filters and quality controls of the targeting program. That ought to tell you something, 'cause that man worries about everything twenty-four hours a day. It's his job. He is satisfied and so I'm satisfied. They don't pay me enough to worry along with him. I've done my share!”
“As far as environmental impact is concerned, now you're treading on my turf. I've done the homework! The demographics and surveys clearly show we have the appropriate time frame. Yes, we'll have changes, but they'll be at the cellular level and could not possibly be visualized! We are programmed for that! Definitely no human effect! We've ruled that out conclusively. Even if those filters fail, we still have enough redundancies built into the system that we are virtually fail-proof. We've been through all possible scenarios in the lab, in real-nature conditions, Ken. We've covered it all. Argue the security with Craft, I'm taking a nap.”
“ There are some travel pillows behind the back seat,” offered the driver. Ken tried to focus on the music and on the lovely scenery around them. Try to relax, he told himself as he inhaled deeply several times. Just try to relax.
“This road is following the same route wagon trains used to take in the old days”, said Ron the driver. “I've often wondered what that must have been like. What we're traveling now in a matter of hours, they did in days, maybe weeks.”
“Are you from around here?” asked Ken.
“Oh, no.” Ron shook his head. “I'm a city boy, from Kansas City. When SERPAC started to develop the corporate retreat, I got involved and I suppose Mr. Brooks was satisfied and so he pretty much lets me run that show down there. 'Course that means I have to live there, but once you get over the initial shock -- you know city versus country -- it's really cool.”
“Have you heard of the AMAG system?”
“I know what AMAG is supposed to do and I know what the success of AMAG will do to my bank account. Plus I've been a little involved with the security issues of this thing. Maybe I can help out?”
“I don't know. Do you have clearance?”
“I have the same clearance you all have. That's why I'm picking you guys up instead of the regular chauffeur. We were concerned you would be talking shop on the way and that's not part of the regular driver's clearance.”
“I'm just concerned about a negative environmental
Similar Books
