“Biophotometer Plus UV Spectrophotometer System, Omega Epifluorescent Microscope, Percussion Metabolic Heated Shaking Shallow Form Water Bath Incubator.” Tom leaned back from the inventory list of equipment annotated as stored in the room behind the door. “Damn, and I thought I knew English. I can read the words but have no idea what I’m reading.”
“Don’t worry about that, check inside.” Niki's voice was quick and sharp.
He checked the doorknob. “Locked.”
“Well.” She stood behind him.
Her tone was getting to him. People barking at him and ordering him around didn’t sit well with him. Boot camp was long ago, and he didn’t have to put up with that crap anymore. His blood had been on slow simmer, but its boiling point was coming. He tried to hold it in check. “Well, what?”
“Break it open. It’s a simple wooden door.” There was an added edge to her voice.
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Tom gritted his teeth and looked down the hallway to Al’s position between the dual stairwells. Not the time to tell her to ease up. He put his shoulder into it, sending the door into the room. The hinges and lock were no match for his mass and strength. Inside, he found a light switch. The space was near empty, the equipment listed on the outside hadn’t been updated.
“Next room.” Niki moved out of the way to allow him access to the door.
Tom tested the lock. Annoyed, he used more force than necessary to knock the next door open. The only thing inside was the door and the escaping echo. The inventory list and what was in the room were two different things. The following four rooms were a combination of half to empty storerooms.
They joined Al at the stairs.
“This is,“ Tom said. “Maybe a good or bad sign. Either they aren’t able to procure the equipment they need, or they’ve used it all.”
“Maybe they’re done doing whatever they’re doing?” Al said.
“Maybe?”
“Let’s get up to level six.” Niki left them standing and started up the stairs.
“Hard-ass,” he whispered to Al.
“She’s hurting and angry.”
Tom didn’t reply. He should have been more understanding of her situation, but it was hard. He had an ego, he knew he had an ego, and it was getting tested.