Read The Fold: A Novel for Free Online

there another file?”
    “No,” he said. “Part of our agreement is that we don’t share our research,findings, or technology with anyone until the project is ready to go public.”
    Her eyes widened a bit. “But this is a review board.”
    There was a moment as the scientists and board members looked at one another. Reggie leaned close to Mike. “This is why you’re here,” he murmured.
    “Doctor,” said the man with the glasses. “We’re going to need to see your research if we’re going to have any discussion about extending your budget for another year.”
    “As I just explained,” Arthur said, “no one sees our work until the Albuquerque Door goes public. Not one equation, not one line of code, not one blueprint. This was the deal we worked out with Mr. Magnus when we switched our research over from SETH.”
    Several heads turned to look at Reggie. He didn’t flinch.
    The Air Force colonel slapped his file closed. “Why are we just hearing about this now?”
    “Because you don’t read your e-mail,” said Olaf. “This has been the standing agreement for almost two years now.”
    “It seems like we’re done, then,” said the senator, shooting a tired look at Reggie. “If you can’t show us any actual results, we can hardly be expected to continue your funding.”
    “On the contrary,” said Arthur. “We can show you the only result that really matters. As I said, the Albuquerque Door works.”
    “Do you have video?” asked the Asian man.
    Arthur shook his head. “On site, but nothing we’ll allow out of our labs.”
    Another sigh of frustration from the board.
    Mike picked up the pen, but Reggie set a hand on his wrist and eased it back down.
    “I’m sorry,” said Arthur, “but it was decided very early on that all information regarding the workings of this project would be on a strict need-to-know basis.”
    “Well, for the funds we’re being asked to contribute,” said the man with glasses, “I think we need to know.”
    “Why?” asked Jamie. “None of you are physicists. You’re not engineers. You’re not programmers. You wouldn’t understand anything we gave you anyway.”
    “But we have people who would,” said the athletic woman.
    “And that,” said Arthur, “is why we’re not sharing information with anyone.”
    They all focused on him. Jamie and Olaf straightened up, flanking their boss. He glanced at Reggie for support and got a small nod.
    Arthur took a brief moment to collect his thoughts. “The Albuquerque Door,” he said, “is the greatest thing mankind has achieved since we reached the Moon. Possibly since the creation of the steam engine. It’s not exaggeration to say it is going to change everything. Transportation, communication, commerce, the energy industry, space exploration, all of it. Every human being on the planet will have their lives changed by this technology once it’s released.
    “Until then, we can’t risk having it leak out in bits and pieces. You show it to your aides and consultants, they each share it with their own staff, their staff members share it with their assistants and departments. Some of them might even talk about it with friends and family members. That’s a hundred people, just off this one meeting, and the more people who have access to that information, the better chances it will get out there. To be blunt,” he said, gesturing at Olaf and Jamie, “this is our life’s work, and we’re not going to risk it being torn apart and fought over by vultures before we’re allowed to say anything publicly.”
    “So this is about recognition,” said the colonel.
    “Of course it is,” said Olaf. “Have you been paying attention? We’re going to win every Nobel Prize for the next ten years. Even the ones for Economics, Physiology, and Literature. We’re going to get them just on general principle.”
    “I can understand your concern,” the Asian man said, “but this isn’t like handing over your college thesis to