I fumble for my safety goggles in excitement, and cram them over my grey eyes. Other scientists stand all around me, each with the same exuberant looks written across their faces. I stare the through the large panel of glass in front of me, eyes locked on the platform not far off. Its circular structure spirals upwards so it is easily viewed. Pincer – like arms arch upwards, ready to be activated. And in the very centre, sat a blood red apple.
My excitement turns to worry as my gaze shifts to the man beside me. If he were to accept me into the team, this experiment had to go perfectly. His eyes sparkle with curiosity as a booming voice sounds.
“Claws activating on the count of three. One . . .”
My feelings are mingled between pride and worry as I fidget with my white gloves, biting my lip.
“Two . . .”
Everything was silent now. Every person in the room was holding their breath, eyes trained on the untouched apple.
“Three. Claws activating now.”
My stomach flips as the arms on the platform spring into life, about three claws extending from each tip. They bend down, claws spinning madly, and slowly close around the apple. An orb of light suddenly surrounds the mass of metal, and I narrow my eyes to slits as I watch the progression. There is a sudden flash, and all the light disappears.
Everyone is leaning forward as the claws untangle themselves. The apple is gone.
Euphoric cheers erupt from the scientists, and feeling giddy inside, I smile happily. Everyone is congratulating each other, taking notes and patting me heartily on the back. “Well done, everyone!” I hear myself exclaim, resulting in more cheers. I turn to my boss, unable to banish the smile from my face.
“Well done,” he rumbles, mainly expressionless, but looking pleased all the same. He pats me on the back, resulting in my lips curling upwards into a smile, now ear – to – ear.
Now, we could really begin.
