Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Evolution

Testing changed quite a bit from that moment on. Not only was Dad more willing to listen to reason, but the whole gang of us agreed to stand up for ourselves if there was even a moment of doubt about what was being done. We insisted on full disclosure before each and every test and got it, so any remaining anger simmered down. I, for one, was much more comfortable knowing I had at least a measure of control. Not that I minded being pushed. None of us did. It was just the benefits had to outweigh the risks. We hadn't come so far only to have our lives snuffed out because of another "accident" or my father's enthusiasm.

I didn't say anything to the others about the saboteur. As far as I knew, my father was blowing smoke to hide his own screw up. It just wasn't worth it to get the kids worked up if it wasn't true. But I did keep a careful eye out just in case, extra cautious from then on.