Chương 16: Things became complicated
The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) stood on the outskirts of Oxford, a prestigious center for scientific research in the UK. Alex entered the building, and as he scanned the lab's hallways, he made his way toward a group of scientists gathered near a workstation.
Approaching one of them, a middle-aged man who was reviewing some data on a paper, Alex's voice was calm but authoritative. "I need to see the person in the highest position here. Immediately."
The scientist looked up, a brief flicker of surprise in his eyes. But the slight mind suggestion in Alex's gaze left no room for hesitation. "Dr. Cook is here today. He's the chairman of SERC, the Science and Engineering Research Council," the man said. "He's in the conference room down the hall."
Without another word, Alex nodded and made his way to the conference room, his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. As he reached the door, he gave it a brief push, entering without waiting for an invitation.
Inside, Dr. Alan Cook, the chairman of the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC), was seated at a long table with several other researchers, discussing the latest advancements in space science. Cook, a man in his sixties with sharp eyes and silver hair, looked up as Alex entered. The room fell silent as all attention turned toward him.
"Excuse me, gentlemen. My name is Alex Anderson," Alex introduced.
Due to Alex's calm and extraordinary temperament, one of the older men stood up to greet Alex.
"Mr. Alex, my name is Alan Cook," Dr. Cook said, offering a firm handshake. "What brings you to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory?"
"Can we talk in a private manner, Mr. Cook?"
Cook nodded and gestured towards the others.
As the last of the researchers exited the room, Alex placed a small gold box onto the table. His voice was calm. "I believe I have something that could alter the course of scientific research."
Cook's gaze flickered to the box. When he opened it, his skepticism was apparent. "I hope you realize this is a facility for cutting-edge science, not a jeweler's shop."
Alex gave a slight chuckle, the corners of his lips curling upward. "It's not the diamond I'm presenting to you, but what's inside."
Dr. Cook's eyes went wide when he looked closer at the irregularly shaped diamond, and his fingers hesitated before picking it up. Inside the stone was a silvery liquid that shimmered under the light. Cook's eyes darted back to Alex, a mix of intrigue and disbelief.
"What is this?" Cook asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Alex's gaze was unwavering. "It's metallic hydrogen."
Cook's hand trembled, and the diamond almost slipped from his fingers. He quickly set it down, carefully placing it back into the box, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. His voice faltered slightly as he turned to Alex.
"Are you sure? This… this can't be…"
Alex nodded confidently. "Yes, it's metallic hydrogen. It forms under extreme pressure, and what you see inside that diamond is an unprecedented material with revolutionary potential."
Cook stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I need to consult with my colleagues immediately. Please, wait here."
Alex nodded, his expression calm and composed as Cook rushed from the room. As he sat alone in the conference room, Alex observed the various models and equipment lining the walls.
Minutes later, Cook returned, accompanied by a group of researchers. They were visibly excited, their eyes wide with anticipation. One of them, a young scientist with glasses, spoke up.
"Dr. Cook, may we conduct a series of tests to confirm the identity of this substance? We need to analyze the liquid inside the diamond. If this is truly metallic hydrogen, it could change everything."
Alex nodded calmly. "I have no objections, but I request confidentiality. This is a delicate matter, and I expect appropriate compensation for my discovery."
Cook exchanged a brief look with his team before giving a nod of agreement. The researchers immediately began their work. The preliminary test results came out after a few hours.
"It's confirmed," one of the researchers exclaimed, his voice almost shaking with disbelief. "It's metallic hydrogen. The properties are consistent. Our theory is that this sample is from space. The enormous pressure inside the diamond allowed the hydrogen to maintain its metallic state. Such conditions would be impossible to occur on Earth."
The room was filled with a mixture of awe and skepticism. Some scientists argued that it was impossible and more tests must be conducted, while others marveled at the implications of the discovery. Alex, however, remained silent, watching them casually.
Dr. Cook turned to Alex, his expression serious. "This… this discovery is groundbreaking. But what exactly are you asking for in return?"
Alex leaned forward, his voice firm. "A sum of fifty million, and also approval to apply for citizenship. I need the ability to purchase property here, somewhere I can settle to do my own research. This material will attract attention, and I'd rather not deal with unnecessary complications."
Cook paused for a moment, processing Alex's request. "This is a significant discovery. I'll need to speak with the higher authorities immediately. We'll need to inform the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, William Waldegrave, and get instructions from The Minister Sir John Major. We will also send word to the palace."
With a nod of agreement, Cook stepped out, closing the door behind him. Alex remained seated, his fingers lightly resting on the edge of the desk, fully aware of the chain of events about to unfold when he heard those names.
"Lily?"
[I'm here, Alex,] Lily responded.
"Things might have turned complicated," Alex muttered.
[Maybe, but with the technology now at this era, it might be challenging for them to examine the sample you provided.]
"That's for certain. The options they can use to examine the sample are limited, but it will also possibly trigger a race amongst major countries if the information is leaked."
[That's for sure. With the only sample in existence, just don't regret it then.]
Alex just gave a nod, tapping his finger on the table.
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