Jaime was glad that Rudy had insisted she eat lunch. This afternoon he had her running around and around a huge five-mile track located in a remote area of the lab's grounds. The grounds around the complex were vast. It was the perfect location to do bionic testing – secluded and no chance of any prying eyes watching.
Rudy had decided to do the endurance test first. From inside a large cargo truck, Rudy monitored the readouts from an array of equipment.
Jaime was running at 60 miles per hour for 30 miles. This was no leisurely run. This was 30 minutes of full out running. Keeping up that speed for that distance required enormous concentration. She didn't have a speedometer with her but she knew what 60 miles per hour felt like. The challenge was to keep her speed steady. Any variance of more or less than a few miles per hour in her speed and Rudy would make her start over.
This was her fourth try.
Her days as a tennis pro had taught her a lot about concentration and she usually had little problem completing this test; but today her heart wasn't in it. She was worried about Steve and wanted to be with him, not out here on a hot dusty track.
"Okay, concentrate, concentrate," she told herself as she tried to force her brain to think about nothing but the pace. She was determined to get through this test. One more lap around the track and it would be over.
Jaime finished the course and ran back to the truck. "How was that?"
"You lost too much speed the last three miles."
Jaime hit the side of the truck in frustration.
Rudy looked at her sternly. "Jaime, you need to keep your mind on your work. Now go do it again."
"Oh, come on, Rudy!"
"Again!" Rudy ordered.
"Slave driver!" she yelled back as she took off toward the track.
Rudy chuckled.
The endurance test was invaluable. It not only helped Jaime build her physical endurance but it also helped Rudy test the limits of the bionic machinery. Jaime's legs had to be able to hold up to high-stress situations and not break down or overheat during a long, high-speed run. This afternoon her legs were really getting a workout.
It took Jaime two more tries before she got it right. By the end of the afternoon she was spent. When she got back to her room, she took a shower and then fell into bed exhausted. She was soon fast asleep.
Rudy came by her room later that evening and roused her. "Jaime? Jaime?"
"Hmm?" she replied sleepily.
"I'm going to wake Steve up now. Do you want to say hello to him?"
Jaime was instantly awake.