Things were going well. Phillip began to believe he might be up for the job after all. Then data started to indicate a change. The measurement of the predicted exponential growth of the nano defense cells flat-lined. The monitoring stations showed absolutely no growth in the number of cells. What had happened? The numbers were not at the saturation level that was programmed.
Teams were sent to obtain samples of nanos for testing. Monitor equipment indicated a number of sites where they could be found. Samples of soil showing presents of nanos were shoveled into stainless steel jars and shipped to Fort Detrick and other labs. When analyzed no nanos were found! Were they being dissolved by some chemical? Detailed analysis of the soil showed nothing unusual.
At the same time the number of monitored cells started to show a decrease, a trend that accelerated until the number of detectable nano cells approached zero. What was killing the planet’s defense against alien nano attack? This phenomenon created no small concern.
Detection equipment was tested and found operating to specifications. Everyone on the team was working frantically to solve the disappearing nanos mystery.
One theory was that the nanos had mutated, had changed their own communications methodologies, and so were now undetectable although this didn’t explain where the detected nanos had gone from the collection jars. The nanos had been carefully designed not to mutate. It was recognized that anything this complex and this small multiplying this quickly could under the influence of random radiation or other influences mutate. Consequently, they were, like biological creatures, designed with mechanisms to detect and destroy mutant cells in their own cells and in others they encountered.
But why had the parent cells disappeared?
Steven listened to the reports with typical intense attention, and did not interrupt the silence that followed until he uttered the single word "Chandra".
The others in the meeting each waited for someone else to admit their ignorance and ask what he meant.
A compassionate Steven continued "the NASA orbiting x-ray telescope”.
"Of course”, said Phillip. “The one nano communications frequency band that might stand out against background noise is the x-ray band. It would be difficult to build a ground based detector sensitive enough without super cooling but there is already a detector of required sensitivity in orbit."
"I will see to it that Chandra is put at your disposal." promised Steven. "We won't be able to hear what the nanos are saying but we should be able to track where they are. You can start tomorrow morning."
But as is often the case in life, good plans are not always executed.
Brenda was leaving Charles’ office where Phillip waited to see Charles. She didn’t look at Phillip. Phillip had received a message from the number two honcho at GNI to see him first thing in the morning, so here he was cooling his heels.
He did not like Charles. He thought Charles was out of his depth. And he knew Charles did not like him. Was it jealousy? When Phillip had finished his communications development work for the x-ray band intermolecular communication and energy balancing system he was asked to take over the monitoring team since he was the most knowledgeable of the communications that would be monitored. Charles had been put in the position when the GNI started up and would have nothing with being replaced. Phillip could recognize pride and suppressed disgrace. Charles was army retired. That choice was more to do with the army than with Charles. When you are a senior officer and are passed over for promotion for enough years, it can be assumed your career is over. Charles liked power and like telling people what to do. He liked it so much he sometimes lost sight of what the objective was. Perhaps Steven was too busy to attend to getting rid of Charles.
Charles opened the door himself but said nothing as he stepped aside. Phillip went in confused about the meeting's purpose that hadn't been revealed.
Without polite introductory banter, Charles weighed in. “It has come to my attention that you have more people on your team than were authorized.”
“Yes, one more” admitted Phillip. “One that I did not chose for the team. She just showed up saying she had been assigned. I’ve been meaning to look into it but we’ve been pretty busy. Might I point out that with the current problems we need more people.”
“That shows another of your management failures. Your team is supposed to be monitoring the nanos. If I’m not mistaken you have lost touch with every last damn one of them!"
“You should also know that everybody’s on the problem, globally.” said Phillip defensively. "and we have a plan."
“That's only one oversight of many that I am hearing about. I’m very unhappy with the way you are managing the team.”
“I don’t understand. Like what?”
“I hear you do not include your team members in the decisions that are made. This is too important a mission not to include all the opinions possible. You are too much a loner to be in charge of this important task. I’m asking you to step down.”
“What! My team is complaining about how things are going?”
“Yes, I have received repeated complaints. Effective immediately I am putting Brenda in charge of the team.”
“Brenda? What are her qualifications? She's the least qualified person on the team. We all assumed she was just a spy. And what do you expect of me?”
Charles' eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened then he spoke sharply. ”That is no longer your concern. I will accept your resignation effectively today. You will be debriefed and security will help you clean out your desk. I don’t have to remind you of the confidentiality restrictions on you. You will be monitored until this crisis is over but you will have no contact with GNI.”
“You have not heard my side of this.”
“I’m not interested in hearing from you. I know the facts and any evidence you present would be false. I don’t have time to pander to your ego. You may return to your office now and write your letter of resignation. Security will escort you from the building. You have until the weekend to move off post but don't leave town. Good bye Phillip.”
Phillip left the office in shock. He wasn't even mad yet. He couldn't believe the irrational treatment meted out to him.