The glow of Callen's array of computer monitors glow illuminated the many times repurposed workshop. As he organized the room, he added a variety of televisions, monitors and a network of computers to his bench. The screens displayed various designs, crystal lattice models, material properties, and Felix's tutorial programs. He read through blue prints that began with the smallest arrangements of atoms in an individual part and built into individual parts that eventually were combined into a tangible object in the macro-world.
Hypnotized in the possibilities that flashed before him, he absorbed it like a sponge. As the hours passed, the steady thud of his blend of heavy metal kept him energized and he even found an application that allowed Mavis to fetch his meals. Looking at these images made his head spin, especially when some of the most advanced materials dug into applications of quantum mechanics. When he got to the subject of how quantum principles affect classical physics and chemistry, he began to realize how tired his brain was.
With a few clicks of his mouse, he paused the simulations, tutorials, and minimized the variety of schematics on his screens. He took the last gulp of a large glass of water and swallowed the last piece of a turkey sandwich before leaning back in his chair.
He pulled his headphones out and yawned. "Damn..." He muttered. "I had no idea..." He paused his music and pulled off his glasses. He rubbed his eyes and rested his head on the back of the chair. "There's just so much to know...I just hope there's enough time." He closed his eyes.
He started to entertain the idea that they may never see a metal demon again and the work that he had barely begun would be for nothing. But, before that hopeless thought overwhelmed him, he realized that another problem could also occur. They could resurface before he was finished, and that was something he couldn't have.
Because of Cole, he wasn't allowed to just use what the other engineers already had. That frustrated him. He had to study what they did and start from square one re-engineering everything to his specifications. Sure, normally, this would be a fantastic opportunity. However, his mother was at least in a coma, and possibly dying at an unknown rate.
It felt unrealistic that he could be expected to do this in a reasonable amount of time. He had concluded that for some reason that woman wanted his mother dead. He couldn't help but fantasize about killing her if his mother died before he finished. Although, he knew his grandfather would beat him to it if it came to that.
A rumble came from down the hall that sounded like wheels. He didn't bother to open his eyes. He just continued to rest. Felix said that he would be able to begin working once he finished the introductory material and he was nearing done. Hopefully, he would be able to begin doing something besides reviewing Felix's online material science graduate classes and studying how the theories apply to the specific devices he was supposed to build. He always learned better by doing.
The sound of the wheels stopped outside the door. "You napping there, cowboy?" Sadie entered the room pushing a large toolbox coated with chipped black paint into the room. She struggled a little as she maneuvered it past a few stacks of boxes and into the room. ”I didn't think you were the type to sleep on the job..."
"Just resting my eyes." He said, looking up. "Been at it for a while..."
She nodded and looked around the room. "Damn...you barely put a dent in cleaning this place..."
"But it's better."
"You have noticed the rest of this place, right? It's a mess save...the garage and the armory...Felix isn't exactly the most organized of brilliant minds." She put one of her hands on her hips and looked at Callen's bench. "And apparently, neither are you...just do me a favor, try to keep this tool box I got together for you neat?"
"You got me a tool box?" Callen beamed.
"Yeah, you're gonna need it...so..." Sadie grinned. "I modeled it after the list in Felix's and got him to give up his spares of his custom stuff that I could. So, you got a lot of stuff in there that, frankly, I have no idea what they do..."
He leaned forward and in addition to the gratitude for a distraction, he felt the curiosity takeover. "What do you mean; don't know what the do? Do you at least know what they're called?"
Sadie shrugged. "Nope, there may be an electromagnetic hammer or sonic screwdriver in there somewhere. I don't know...might just get you out of any problem you face..."
Callen smiled. "Dr. Who fan?"
Sadie nodded. "Don't tell anyone...I gotta keep my image..." She giggled. "We're all geeks here at heart...you a fan?"
"Ania's into it." He stood up and began looking through the collection of drawers. Impressed, he smiled. "This is awesome, Sadie. Thanks."
She giggled bashfully. "No problem, cowboy. Felix's got a lot going on and I knew he would forget."
"I never needed anything more than a multi-tool before." He was truly excited. "My first tool box...and it's wicked badass." He looked at her and along with a wide grin, she was blushing. However, it was those glittering green eyes that he lost himself in. "I just won't tell anyone I got it from a girl." He flashed a half grin.
She laughed. "Yeah, normally I'd have a comeback about being better with cars, guns, and bikes...you know the man's-man stuff." She shook her head. "But, actually...I was going to ask for your help with the electronics in your grandpa's truck...Felix suggested I ask you...besides, you look like you need a break..."
He looked back at the screen and back to Sadie. "Yeah...actually, I do...so...I'll do what I can...lead the way."