A/N:
Sorry about this first bit, we are talking about Carson, after all. Hope I don't lose you all, there won't be any more like this!
If you object to the use of animals in scientific research, please don't read this chapter.
There's no detail, just suggestion, but I don't want to spoil your breakfast. You won't miss much, honestly. If you do read this, remember, THIS IS FICTION, I know nothing about naval research!
As it's Talk Like a Pirate Day tomorrow, imagine the guy behind the door talks a little bit like a pirate…
Lift - elevator (duh!)
Chapter 6
Carson stepped into the lift and pressed the top button, marked Sixth Floor. He whistled to himself as it rose smoothly, digital numbers changing slowly. With a 'ping', the doors opened, and he exited, swinging round to the right. He quickly reached a plain door, and pushed through. The stairwell led up, and after two small flights he was out into a long corridor. Ambling along, he eventually faced an imposing door blocking the way. There was a small bell button down on his right, which he pressed.
He heard the familiar limping, shuffling sound of someone approaching from the other side. There was a loud snap as the small metal hatch in the door was thrown aside. Carson peered through, seeing the eyes on the other side looking up at him.
A deeply Bristol-accented voice muttered at Carson, "How many do you want today, Lieutenant?"
"Just the one, Kenny. Just the one."
The hatch slid shut fast. The shuffling started up again and then got faint. Then nothing, no sound. Carson waited. Then there came the loud metallic clang. It always made him jump, and he had never known what made it. He never asked. The shuffling returned. The hatch slid back, the eyes looked again, and then the door opened with loud clunks. The small man inside handed Carson a large thick yellow plastic bag, tied closed with red tape. Without a word, the door slammed shut.
"Cheers, Kenny." Carson yelled. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
Carson turned and walked back down the corridor, through the door, and down the stairs. Once back in the lift, he placed his hand under the bag to support it. The warmth of the rat was always disturbing.
Back in the lab, Carson deposited the bag on the surface, and gathered some equipment.
"Hey, Beckett, have you got the mitochondria yet?" Carson's supervisor was Commander Rob Davis. He was the Senior Registrar in Radiation Medicine. Carson liked his laid back style, it had made a great change from basic training. The past year had been Carson's dream. Research, published papers, conferences in Paris and Rome. Working with Davis was a bonus. He was a stocky, dark, Welshman, who had guided Carson well.
"Not, yet, sir. Just preparing now."
"Well, don't start now, boyo. It'll have to wait. The Commodore wants to see us." Davis winked at Carson.
Puzzled, but picking up the excitement in his voice, Carson put down his scalpel. "What's up, sir?"
"You'll see. Come on."
0o0o0
"That's right, Lieutenant. Six months at the leading radiation research facility in Texas. Commander Davis here has been invited, and he thinks you would be an excellent addition to the secondment. You'll be sharing our expertise, but also participating in various programmes they have there. Like us, they work in the hyperbaric and aerospace fields. It's Air Force led, but I'm sure you won't let that put you off." The Commodore smiled broadly. "What do you say?"
"I…that sounds amazing, Commodore. I don't know what to say, I mean, it would be an honour, Commodore."
"Great." The giant, grey-haired man in charge of the Institute rose slowly to his feet. "You're a credit to us, Lieutenant. You'll go far." He held out his hand for Carson to shake.
Carson and Davis left the office of the Commodore, and headed back to the lab.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Carson asked.
"I wanted it to be a surprise. You're pleased aren't you?" Davis was the one who was surprised, he thought Beckett would have no qualms, but the younger officer was distinctly nervous.
"Oh, aye. I am." Carson's voice was not as sure as his words. "It's just, well…nothing. I can't wait, really"
Davis recognised the anxiety. "Thought you'd got as far from home as it was possible to be, eh?" The Welshman remembered Beckett's eagerness to obtain leave for his father's birthday. Not just keen, he had been obsessed. At the time, Davis had wondered if the Navy was right for Beckett. Ties like that could backfire. Davis didn't think Beckett would sign up once the short commission of three years was up anyway, so he'd left it. Leave had been granted, and by all accounts a good time had been had by all. Beckett came back happy, Davis was happy. Those doubts about the Scotsman had almost been forgotten.
Carson sighed. "Sir, I…I suppose that's true. My parents weren't just all that thrilled when I joined up. And if I'm honest, I miss them. But the work here…I love it. I really want to be here. But America…now that's a long way from the Clyde." Carson forced a smile.
"Indeed it is boyo. But it's only six months. I've a feeling we'll be so busy we won't know we've left before we're home."
Carson hoped Davis was right.
A/N: Will Carson stay in the Navy? Find out tomorrow...?