‘Dr. Taylor, you’re the expert on one of the primary thrusts of the project. Your expertise is needed to avoid unnecessary delays.’ Tenney had been amiable throughout the meeting but now assumed a sterner tone.
‘That’s not my problem.’ I stood to leave.
Mackle’s face took on a gray pallor with his growing anger. Tenney was calmer but his bird-like mannerisms became more pronounced and his complexion turned redder under the apparent stress of the moment. The General moved to block the door.
‘Please sit down, Dr. Taylor. We need to discuss this further and see if we can reach some accommodation,’ General Mackle said, maintaining a calm demeanor, suppressing his anger.
‘I’m sorry, General. There’s nothing to discuss. I won’t work with Capt. Duren. He was never forthcoming with information that would help me to meet his demands. He was extremely secretive. All the equipment in my lab was seized without notice. All my research data and all the copies of my thesis confiscated. My home was searched like I was a criminal. All my notebooks, none of which had anything to do with my research, were confiscated and have not been returned. Because I’m not a veteran, which was beyond my control, he frequently demonstrated he didn’t trust or respect me. If I’m not trusted enough to be informed about the project goals, I can’t understand why you want me on the project. Capt. Duren clearly showed I’m not trusted. Worst of all, my thesis defense was initially canceled. It looked like I’d have to start all over again if I wanted to earn my doctorate.’ I hid my anger and remained calm. It wasn’t easy.
‘Capt. Duren had orders and priorities that you weren’t privy to, Dr. Taylor. Matters of national security.’
‘And yet, I’m to be a lead researcher on a classified project without a full understanding of the goals? I’m not trustworthy enough to know the full details of what I’m involved in? Sorry, I’m out,’ I told him firmly.
‘There are matters of national security to consider,’ General Mackle tried again.
‘I’m a scientist, General. Maybe Dr. Tenney won’t tell you this but he believes it as much as I do. Secrecy is the enemy of scientific advancement. We all build on the work of our predecessors. Open communication is key. A scientist knows to expect that an advancement in one area can have a profound effect on othe areas of research. I’m not interested in working under the conditions I know will be imposed.’ I stepped around him and left. I could feel the anger in the general’s glare as he watched me leave.
I drove home, gradually calming down during the drive. Gwen was home, Mike hadn’t returned from work, the twins and Paulette had already left to spend the night at Jane’s beach house where we would all spend Saturday. Gwen, Mike, and I would join them Saturday morning. My father and Jane wanted some time with the twins, so they had picked them up that afternoon. Jane invited Paulette, offering her some time on the beach. She went with them. Gwen, Mike and I would be alone for a night for the first time since before the twins were born.