"As you can see gentlemen, the animal trials have thus far yielded the results we've hoped to see."
Dr. Veronica Reid stood in front of the group of military men gathered in the conference room while her assistant, James, flipped through slides showing pictures of mice at various stages of growth as well as charts documenting these growth rates.
"The mice who were injected with the serum grew at a much faster rate than those without. Furthermore, they were capable of running more laps on their wheels in a shorter time and for extended lengths of time. You can also see the defined muscle mass they've developed." James paused on one slide which showed one of the mice next to their control; a plain field mouse that paled in size to its augmented counterpart. The gathered group murmured and nodded as they wrote down notes, before one general cleared his throat.
"Dr. Reid, with all due respect, these results are certainly impressive. However, we're not going to win any battles with a bunch of mice." One of the lieutenants started snickering, but stopped when he saw the chilly glare from the scientist.
"I understand sir. We believe we're ready to move forward with human trials. With your per-"
"Absolutely not," another general chimed in, making Veronica curse herself mentally. General Ross had been one of her most fervent detractors, and she'd hoped that she'd sit out this meeting. "These experiments are borderline inhumane. You're essentially just pedaling a new steroid, and I've heard whispers that you're using wolf DNA to do it!"
James went pale at the mention of wolf DNA, while the rest of the room burst into a muddle of loud voices, everyone questioning and discussing the revelation. Veronica shot a look at James. Only two people had known what the secret component of the serum was, and there was no way in hell that she would have said anything.
"ENOUGH!" General Bob Mitchell roared, bringing the room to a dead silence. "Dr. Reid, is this true?" Veronica looked from her assistant to the general, then to General Ross. She wanted to smack the smug look off of her face.
"Well... yes," she said finally. "We have been using lupine DNA as a base for the serum." Before any murmurs could start up again, the scientist continued. "The point of the serum was not to just make our soldiers stronger and faster, but to also heighten their senses. Make them more capable trackers and interrogators. Furthermore, look at this." She snatched the mouse from James and clicked over a slide. It showed a pair of enhanced mice leading a group of field mice through a maze quite seamlessly. "We believe that the serum also induces some leadership role in the subjects. We don't know for sure the mechanics of it, but with more time we cou-"
"Enough," General Mitchell finally said while rubbing the bridge of his nose. "While these advancements are certainly impressive, there are still too many risks and factors involved. I'm seeing here for example that your test has shown only a 60% efficacy rate?"
"Well, yes but-"
"Furthermore," the general pressed on. "We still have to question the moral implications of using wolf DNA on soldiers. I'm sorry, but until we know more we can't approve you to begin human trials."
Knowing there was no point in arguing, Veronica nodded and thanked everyone for coming. All of the military members filed out of the room, leaving only the doctor and her assistant. She turned her whole body toward James, who cowered against the wall. He normally looked meek and non-threatening due to his small stature and large glasses. Compared to the fit, 5'11 scientist, James at 5'6 with his scrawny frame looked especially meager.
"D-doctor, I c-can expl-"
"So let me get this straight," Veronica said quietly as she brushed her auburn hair out of her face. "Not only did you let slip the one thing I told you to keep quiet, but you told it to THE ONE PERSON WHO IS AVIDLY CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THE SUPER SOLDIER PROGRAM?" The sudden shift to a scream made James literally jump and crash to the ground, dropping his papers. He tried to gather them up as he stuttered out an explanation.
"Sh-she c-c-c-caught me outside in the p-p-parking lot and s-started grilling me! I panicked! I'm so sorry!" He finally got all his stuff together and stood, bowing his head. His messy blonde hair fell down all around him, making it easy for Veronica to avoid looking at his pimply face.
Veronica had hired her young assistant fresh out of college 6 months ago, much to many people's surprise. It wasn't a hard pick if she was honest. Not only had he graduated top of his class from CalTech, but he was also a complete pushover. He'd do anything to please the older scientist. But still, she didn't think he'd betray her like this.
With an agitated sigh, she turned on her heel and walked to the door.
"Just... just go home. I can't even look at you right now." With that, she left the small man in the conference room, letting him sit there on the verge of tears in shame.
~~~