Dr. Peter Thorne

He closed the laptop and tucked it against his side.

The machine had gone quiet, but its presence was loud.

He might as well try at least one more experiment.

Not quite, he told Benjamin as he approached the input door once more.

What are you doing this time?

Benjamin's voice was high with alarm, but Thorne paid him no attention.

I have a theory, and I need to test it.

We shouldn't overwork the machine.

Don't worry, it'll be fine.

Thorne said nonchalantly as he took off his glasses and placed them inside.

I don't think you should be doing this.

Thorne frowned.

He liked Benjamin, but the guy was starting to become a pain.

Listen, I'll do this one last thing, and then I won't be here again until my next scheduled experiment, okay?

Benjamin bit his lip.

After a moment, he nodded.

And you're not going to report me, right?

A slight shake of the head was answer enough for Thorne.

He stared at the settings for a moment before switching the arrow to Very Fine.

With a twist of the key, the machine roared to life and he stood back to wait.