Same Day

Richard Evans was a brilliant scientist. He was the top student at A.R.K. University, one of the most prestigious universities of his time. Richard was very devoted and passionate about his research. He wanted to find a way to step out in the sun and not get turned into dust. He worked hard for whole days and nights. But, after 5 long years, he or any other scientist hadn't been able to find a proper long term solution against the Ash Rays. It seemed as luck wasn't on their side.

It was 2 in the afternoon when Richard sat at the dining table, waiting for his lunch. Everyone else had had lunch already. Only Ken was awake and he was busy preparing his father's meal. Ken asked his father, "Is there a problem Dad? You seem a lot worried these days." Richard was in deep thought. His son's question jerked him back to reality. He replied, "It's nothing, Ken. I'm just a bit worried about the project I'm working on."

"Is it about the special one you've been working on since the past 5 years? The Top-Secret one?"

Richard hesitated. "Yes, that's the one."

"I suggest you take some time off from work and relax for a couple of days. A nice long break is what you need." suggested Ken.

"You're right, son. I really need a break"

Ken didn't say anything until his father finished his meal. He seemed lost in thought. When Richard was done eating, Ken asked, "Dad, I wanna talk about something. I know that it isn't my place, but this thing has been on my mind since sometime."

"Sure, Ken. What d'you want to talk about?"

"You know how the Ash Rays only affect someone when their skin is exposed to it, right?"

"Yeah

"Well, why don't you try to make something like a bodysuit so that the Ash Rays don't come in contact with the skin. I know it's been tried before, but they failed because the suit was too bulky and it didn't have much air circulation, causing the wearer to suffocate and die. The suit just needs to be made of a simple yet strong fibre along with an air filter. A few other minor modifications and the problem is almost solved. What d'you think?"

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"It's a great idea, Ken but, as you know, no material works in concealing the skin completely from the Ash Rays. The Ash Rays are more powerful than the normal Sunrays. The wearer would still get turned to dust, although that would be less painful."

"Yeah, I thought about that too. However, we know that plastic is one of the materials that prevents the Ash Rays from touching the skin. So, you can make some sort of hybrid fiber using plastic and cloth and something else to make it strong, efficient and durable."

Richard thought over this. He thought that this idea was definitely worth a shot. "Good job, Genius Ken" said Richard and dashed into his home lab.

Richard worked the whole day. He didn't even have dinner. He kept his lab locked all the time. Every now and then, Ken would hear his father curse with fury or exclaim something about "getting it". Ken could tell his father was almost there.

Then, at midnight, his father emerged from his Lab. He was wearing a suit, which held a close resemblance to the high tech bodysuits shown in old Sci-fi movies. "I got it!" yelled Richard Evans. Everyone came running into the family room. Richard showed off his work and explained it's working. Ken felt proud of his Dad and hugged him. "Love you, Dad." he said. "Love you too, son".

Richard was very excited about his discovery. The next day, he tested the suit outside, in the morning. It worked. Humanity now had a solution against the Ash Rays. Richard quickly rung up the Director of the research programme, a certain man called Lewis Nielsen. Lewis was shocked. His voice shook with happiness.

"I knew you'd be the one to find it, Richard! That really is amazing! Now, all we need is to mass produce the suit and export it all over the world.I can already see the money starting to roll in. Come to HQ as soon as possible. I will send someone to pick you up tomorrow" said Nielsen.

Richard Evans was glad to have a boss like Lewis Nielsen was the type of pe All he wanted was wealth and fame. He would go to any lengths for personal gain. But he supposed this wasn't the time to doubt his boss, not now when he had found the solution to humanity's greatest problem.

"Never mind that, Lewis. I'll be alright coming on my own. Also, I need to test if this works suit long-term."

"Alright then, see you tomorrow!"

Richard Evans heaved a sigh of relief. His work was now over. From now own, he could be with his family all day long. This was the life he had always imagined. However, the fact is, nothing good ever lasts long.

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