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The Newbies
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Files are carefully laid out on the working table. Several tabs are opened on the computer screen. A compact coffee-maker beside the stacks of paperwork is set into motion. A decent start for a typical working day.
Doctor Bernard Bishop glances over the papers on his desk, and the sense of dread about the amount of unfinished work sets in. During his last two decades in the Foundation, he should've learned not to postpone his assignments until the last day. The doctor takes a sip of his newly made coffee. The drink leaves a crisp, slightly bitter aftertaste in his mouth, forcing him to pull a face. Bernard's actions are steady and practiced as he starts going through the piles of paperwork, the process is almost meditative for him. Then, a sudden knock on the door snaps him out of it.
A familiar female voice politely asks whether he has time right now, and he responds positively. A young woman enters the office with a bunch of document files and sincere satisfaction in her eyes. Martha Braun, a junior researcher whom Dr. Bishop supervises in terms of research work, is eager to report her new findings. Her vigor presence instantly ruins the room's calm atmosphere, but Bernad doesn't mind.
Martha opens the files in front of him carefully, like she's about to read a sacred manuscript. Her voice reeks with excitement as she explains facts about the safe-class SCP she ran testing with today. The data is mundane and obvious, but she seems to be fascinated by it, her eyes sparkling with joy as if she was making a scientific breakthrough. Doctor Bishop briefly looks over the files, trying his best to show interest in one of the typical anomalies he's seen a thousand times before.
He nods before returning to his own pile of documents, most of which are either too classified or too dangerous for the junior researcher to see. His response doesn't tone down Martha's enthusiasm, as she continues to convey the findings she deems important, sometimes asking questions and clarifying information.
It feels like the whole anomalous world is open for her to explore, an entire unknown section of the world unraveling right before her eyes. He remembers the feeling, and a part of him is a bit jealous. Several minutes later, the talking stops, and the junior researcher's face makes a curious, slightly anxious expression. Similarly to a student waiting for her grade, she now expects a response from her supervisor.
"You did a very good job," the doctor's calm tone causes a big smile to appear on the girl's face. After discussing further testing, Martha thanks Bishop for his time, picks up her documents, and cheerfully walks away, nearly dropping one of her files. She'll probably come back tomorrow with even more excitement and "new facts". He isn't bothered by it one bit.
After all, he too was a newbie.
AAAAA
She met a new team of likewise enthusiastic people, who also aim at achieving great heights. Their research goes far more smoothly when they work together, and they start bringing in considerable results. Their personal bonds, influenced by common goals and interests, grow each day. She describes how each member of the team does their fair share of work, but stutters a bit when she gets to the researcher named "Roy". The doctor doesn't try to push her on this matter, he knows the reason already. The doctor occasionally saw two of them having meals together in the cafeteria, chatting in the break room, and leaving the Site together after their shift was done.
They discuss several more things, for enough time to get the important information through, but not long enough for it to get tiring. As always, Martha politely thanks Bernard for his time and leaves his study with calm steps. He can't help but notice how many things she's learned over time and how more professional she's becoming. Still, there are many aspects she doesn't fully understand yet, and she'll likely ask Dr. Bishop to explain. He doesn't see this as a problem, in fact, he'll be glad to help.
After all, he too was a newbie.
AAAAAAAAAA
Martha empties the cup of water in front of her at a draught. The color of the water is slightly different due to a pill dissolving inside, but she doesn't notice. Wiping her tears, she thanks Dr. Bishop for his time in a , and
Dr. Bishop isn't worried, he knows what will happen next. Soon, Martha will get home, feel odd malaise overriding her hysteria, and quickly fall asleep. Tomorrow she will feel fine again, no trace of Roy or the project left in her head. Then, Bernard will have to misinform her about the latest events and choose a new assignment. He'll need to work carefully, Martha might also feel nauseous, and probably won't be in the best shape. Dr. Bishop understands that it's not her fault. He knows how all of this feels very well.
After all, he too was a newbie.
