Traveller Inceptio
52

“But we’re progressing so well,” insisted Professor Taylor. “Training is on target and the men are fit and motivated.”

“Members of Special Forces are always fit and motivated”, corrected Senator Ruth Benton, US Government representative overseeing the Traveller project. “That’s what they do. What we’re discussing is a change in policy that necessitates a withdrawal of support of the United States government. We’re sorry, but the Saxon Traveller project will have to be scrapped.”

Professor Taylor made a face like a fish out of water as his mouth gasped for air. “But you can’t. You agreed to the project and you agreed to fund and participate,” he protested. He looked to his colleague, Dr Christine Alexander, who had organised much of the academic support for the project, and she shook her head, unsure how, or even if they could surpass this latest hurdle.

“Professor Taylor, you must realise that governments are not in the business of supporting risky research,” responded the Australian Ambassador with a smoothly apologetic smile. “The Australian Prime Minister agrees that the project is too fraught with uncertainties to fund and allow our troops to be involved. The original agreement was in principle, but we’ve decided that the negative consequences of a failed mission will be greater than the value of the knowledge gained and we agree that the project is to shut down. As the two main government interests in the project, we each have the right to withdraw, so with our troops and funding removed, and the withdrawal of our permission to use The Transporter, your project is finished.” He sat back with a look of professional apology.

“But it was agreed; we all agreed,” stuttered Professor Taylor, for once at a loss for words.

“We’re sorry, Professor Taylor,” interjected Senator Benton smoothly, “we’ve already reallocated personnel and funding for another project. For the USA, national interest always comes first.” She looked official and not a little smug.

There was silence. Nothing more could be said.

“Um, one moment please,” muttered a quiet voice from the young man who sat at the end of the table. He had been previously ignored by the government representatives. “May I remind the Senator and the Ambassador that Woomera Research, the company I represent, is a fifty percent owner of The Transporter? We’ve invested just as much financial commitment in the success of this project as the governments of both Australia and the USA combined, which I might say respectfully, hasn’t really been much.” Zak Chandler steepled his fingers in thought. “On discussion with Mr Conti, the other fifty percent owner of the device, it’s agreed that we fully support the current project, as it is.” He frowned and then looked to the British Minister of Defence who had been given the task to oversee the Saxon Traveller project. She sat with the Brigadier General who had organised the training teams. “Minister Paddington, General Victor, if faced with the withdrawal of the US and Australian participants, Woomera Research and Helguard security will commit to fund two thirds of the programme, and we suggest that the British government come on board as a one-third partner. While we need to draw up an official agreement on this, can we count on the support of the British government for the continuation of the Saxon Traveller project?”

Minister Paddington raised her eyebrows and gave a small smile. “Well, I can’t see why not. After all, we’ve already invested some very good personnel in the project. What do you think, General Victor?”

The old soldier nodded and then glanced at Senator Benton, aware that to go against US decisions could be tricky. “It just means the final mission selection will be between our four SAS lads, I suppose, assuming the Canadian will be withdrawn with the Americans. They seem to be doing so well and, I agree, it would be such a shame to drop it now.” He shrugged. “Oh well, we can’t fight international diplomacy, can we?” He smiled in a manner that made it quite plain the General was delighted.

Senator Benton frowned and leaned forward to place a well-manicured hand onto the boardroom tabletop. “May I remind you that the USA and Australian governments have controlling interest in The Transporter. If we choose for the device not to be used, it will not be used.”

Zak looked up in surprise. “Um, Senator, your control of the device is only in principle.”

Senator Benton’s head snapped to glare at Zak. “What do you mean?” she demanded.

Minister Paddington did her best to hide a smirk and the Australian Ambassador looked as if he wanted to sink into his seat. The Brigadier General froze, careful not to show any expression.

Zak leaned forward. “Senator, the governments of Australia and the United States only have a participatory interest in The Transporter. May I remind you that this project, the brainchild of Professor Taylor here, opted to include the political interests of the two nations from which the owners originate. Now that is, of course, my home nation of Australia and the country of the investor in the research that developed The Transporter, being Helguard Security of the USA, both included because Mr Conti thought it fitting and politically appropriate. It’s really just a matter of courtesy. Please don’t suggest that government, indeed any government, is in control here. We can just as easily take the project to Paris as we have some very willing academics who swear they’ll have full funding and participation from the French government.”

Zak leaned back, steepled his fingers and thoughtfully placed them to his lips. “It would be a shame if there was any impediment in the progress of this project, as we felt that Saxon Traveller would be a template for future Traveller projects.” His solemn face lit up with an excited smile. “To me, it’s like putting the first man on the moon, you know? A lot of nations are waking up to the potential The Transporter might offer, because if this project works, there’ll certainly be others. It’ll change the way we look at things, at history and our past.”

Professor Taylor nodded enthusiastically, for once wise enough to remain silent.

Zak shrugged. “Okay. Well, that’s fine. If the US and Australian governments want to confirm their decision to pull the plug on their participation in Saxon Traveller, then I suggest that we run this as a British project. Minister, General, will that meet with your approval? If not, we’ll just have to move it to Paris and start again, which is something we really wouldn’t prefer.”

Minister Paddington’s eyes lit up. “Oh no, Mister Chandler, I assure you that you have the full support of the British Government in this.”

“Agreed,” nodded General Victor.

Senator Benton looked thunderous. She glared at her aide and then at the Australian Ambassador, who simply shrugged and looked at Zak.

Zak continued. “I might add, Senator, that there looks to be a long line of nations considering their own Traveller projects. We’re investigating what would be the best format for a management program for The Transporter, as Saxon Traveller is a success of course. It would be considered a shame if the United States’ government nominated not to be a part of this most significant research, but we respect the interests of national security in this.” He smiled at Minister Paddington. “There’s only one first though.”

The Australian Ambassador shifted uncomfortably in his seat and spoke up. “Can we break for a moment,” he asked. “I think I need to make an urgent phone call.”