Bert led the pair to an office of sorts - a boardroom, it seemed. Several other members of DEI were there, and all rose a little in their seat as they entered, talk amongst them beginning to die down. The Director thumbed a small remote, and the screen came to life, displaying an older man, with a greying mustache and a bottle-green uniform, as he addressed the world...
***
At the conclusion of Brigadier-General Rogers's speech, Bertram raised a hand, calling for silence. He allowed a tantalizing moment to lapse as he waited for exactly the right moment to speak... Before he launched into a speech, one he had obviously been practicing, along with the appropriate hand gestures.
"My fellows... I'm pleased to announce that our Institute has been asked to assist in the endeavor described by Brigadier General Rogers. The extermination of the Lamalice, of protecting this great planet of hours... Shall be our triumph to share.
Our magnum opus, the construction of the
Great Axion, has just been completed, thanks in no small part due to the large amounts of Dimensional Energy Crystal recovered by the MARV Team. Because of their efforts, we no longer need to search in vain for a power source - we have all the energy we could ever need!"
Applause went up from the assembled researchers and scientists, though some looked merely confused, having never even heard of the project in question. Bert gave a winning smile as he continued:
"This vessel will be accompanying the Directory fleet to the moon, providing support... And of course, undergoing live testing in the process. Some of you will find over the course of the next few days that you have been reassigned to its corridors. Not to worry - the fine men and women of the Directory military will see to it that our safety is ensured... And of course, you may raise any further questions or complaints with human resources for an alternate assignment. I hear that there are some openings in the subterranean labs that may better suit your temperament!"
It was uncertain from the man's features as to whether or not he was joking, but he continued a little further, gesturing to a hologram of the completed battleship in question. It was... Ugly, to say the least, as though it had been made of cement, but the numerous turrets and the intimidating main cannon nestled in the center instilled confidence in its firepower, if nothing else.
"That's all. Now, lets' get back to work. Remember: There are no obstacles... Only
opportunities."