The Experiment

By Steve Alink

Christian has multiple customers as IT consultant. He is near mister honest. One of his favorite places is at the Thornstow Ltd. The atmosphere, the type of work and Adriana make this location fantastic. She is appealing, smart and a liar. She doesn't tell him what really goes on in her mind and the results of that. After working hours she performs biochemical experiments with the vessels that are built at Thornstow. These are normally giving her more insight in her pursuit to create new types of food that are based on pure science. 
While a traumatic thing happens in her live, Christian gives her more attention and support. He tries to help her get over it, but his attention is badly cut off when Adriana performs an ultimate experiment that even she had never thought about. Christian still wants to give her full support. He follows her when she can't handle the pressure anymore. Can Christian give her back a peaceful life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Alink
• Release date: Nov 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215091722

Steve Alink

Steve Alink has written technical books on software. As he liked the writing so much he wrote a novella (1-Way Ticket to Mars) and now Driven by Gold. His fiction writing started at the young age of 52. He writes were ever he likes at every hour of the day. Steve and his wife live in one of the smallest villages in The Netherlands. 

Book preview

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The Experiment

Steve Alink

Copyright © 2022 by Steve Alink

The Experiment is a work of fiction. Names, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

Second edition

Contents

1. Machine Testing

2. Documents

3. Missing

4. Friday evening beer

5. Crazy about the work

6. Large vessel, large problems

7. Customer on premises

8. Who knows Arnold

9. Dinner with foreigners

10. Secret Live of Arnold

11. On your own

12. Adriana's absent mind

13. Where is Arnold

14. Date

15. Crossing the Line

16. What's going on

17. Security

18. Going back

19. Stress

20. Contamination

21. Don't fool me

22. Explanation

23. Give me an idea

24. Back at work

25. On your own

26. Let me help

27. The way forward

28. Got you

29. Towards home

30. Follow the instinct

31. Give me peace

32. Epilog

About the author

Also by Steve Alink ----- Driven by Gold

Also by Steve Alink ----- 1-Way Ticket to Mars

Chapter one

Machine Testing

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The tic-tic of four paws was the only sound in Adriana’s house. Adriana would miss that sound every moment if ever she was to lose Peppa, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, would no longer be with her.

The sound fitted the apartment. It brought cosiness. The dog was one. Adriana thought that the wooden floor, covered with worn down sisal floor tiles, was amongst other things to support this feeling. A bright yellow sofa, semi-covered with a blanket made of shredded pieces of textiles, was on the left of her apartment. Back when Peppa was still a puppy, Peppa had half ruined one side of it by continuedly biting on it. Adriana wasn’t into buying new furniture until it was really broken, and besides that it added to the cosiness, she told guests.

The small square table, with two unstable wooden chairs, was on the right, next to the entrance to the kitchen. Adriana didn't care too much about how tidy it was, some plates and cups drying before they would be used again. Drying them with a cloth and storing them immediately after washing was just a waste of time, according to her.

A bedroom next to the kitchen, that only held one closet and a queen's bed. Clothes sprawling on the floor, screaming for attention to pick up and, once folded, to put in the closet. Curtains hang in the living room besides the two windows that framed Hampton Street and Harbour Square. Street sounds formed the only noise inside. Besides the right window there was a formerly red bookshelf, badly painted when she just moved in and after that faded by the sunlight. Filled with romance novels, thrillers and books like ‘Food Chemistry Research Developments’, ‘Biochemistry: the molecules of life’ and ‘Biochemistry of Foods’. At the end a sound system and a book-sized stack CDs of female singer. The top one showing the image of Celine Dion in her early days.

The opposite wall showed a poster of a play, held in gone times and two photos. One of her closest family members taken at the wedding of her sister. The other, larger and more colourful, was a close-up of Peppa. The wall itself was light green. In some spots, the painting had come loose, and white plaster was pouring out.

The few times her sister came by, she would ask why she would not have it done. For Adriana, that was just too much of a burden, the quote requesting, deciding which colours, the staying at home because she didn't want to have a complete stranger in her house all alone.

Peppa got back from drinking water in the kitchen and jumped on the sofa next to Adriana. Peppa turns and twists her body and finally settles down for her head to rest on the thigh of Adriana. Gently and absentmindedly, she strokes her dog. Droopy eyes look at her as if to say something comforting. The biochemistry book and her dog, so close, still were not enough for Adriana to drive away the emptiness within her. She looked up at the photos and thinks of the persons of which she only sees her sister Kate now and then. Kate was not interested in the academic lifestyle of her sister and hence, any contact was brief and to the point of family matters.

Harald had left Adriana 14 months ago. The only thing that still reflected in her mind were his last words, ‘I leave. It’s your miserable, small, selfish and narrow mind I can’t stand any longer’. Thinking about it brought the tears of the solitude feeling. Peppa would look up to her and grunt a little as to assure her she felt every pain and wanted to take it over.

Adriana strokes her dog in a more ferocious, repetitive way. It helps her to push her internal pain away. She takes a sip from the dark brown stained mug filled with Earl Grey tea and returns to her current situation. She tried to get more in contact with others at her work. Does her best at company meetings by being as social as possible. Her colleagues see her as a hard-working quality assurance tester. Some of them know she is experimenting in after hours. In the lab, she frantically works on a process that will produce meat. Adriana performs these experiments to reduce the water consumption and decrease the CO2 production of livestock. She hopes her ideas will make the world a better place to live.

Adriana snaps out of her thoughts as she hears female voices coming from the street. Apparently, there are a few, as she distinguishes multiple sounds when a laughter breaks out. She wished she was amongst them, just to be there. Walking in the sun, sensing the fresh spring air, with a bright season ahead. She grabs a pillow and pushes it against her belly. A weird feeling of tenderness drips in. The tenderness makes place for a powerful belief that she will one day also walk on the streets with fellow biochemists, that she would meet during events, having the best time of her life.

Straightening her back, she lets go of the pillow and extended her arms above her, while yawning.

Peppa looks up because of the sudden action she feels in Adriana’s body.

Come on, Pep, let’s go out. Let’s explore what’s going on out there.

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Sleep had come easy last night and now, while Adriana drove to work, she thought about the sensitivity of Peppa. How the dog would support her when in grief. The happiness she radiated during the walks. Not complaining about how long the walk would be. For Adriana, Peppa was the best that had happened in her life. During work time, her neighbour regularly checked in on Peppa. The elderly lady had been quite frank and lovely from day one. Peppa seemed to like her, and that was likewise.

Although she had already known the answer, she had asked her manager if it was OK to bring Peppa with her to work. She had read about the positive effect it had on office personnel. A straight No had been the answer. The production of the bioreactors meant semi clean room areas, dust and hairs would disturb the manufacturing. For her own testing work, it would complicate the process, as dogs' particles might compromise the results of the bio-chemical reactions going on inside the vessel of the bioreactor. It was clear that contamination had been the acceptable explanation.

As was always the case, she suddenly had reached the parking lot. She understood she had been on autopilot for the complete duration.

On her way to her office at Thornstrow Ltd. she greeted her colleagues, got herself a coffee and did a bit of small talk with the secretary of her manager.

Adriana walked over to the quality control department. She stepped into the office, occupied by four people. Arnold was the senior of them. Without small talk, she immediately addressed him.

Good morning. You know we are about to start the testing of the newest bioreactor?

Yes, so we’ve heard nothing special about it, I hope? As discussed earlier, the same set of tests to do, although the size will differ from the tests on other machines. How are you, by the way? Coldish this morning, wasn’t it?

Uh, well, I’m ok. And yes, it was cold. When I let my dog out, I still had to carry gloves. Sure hope that spring comes soon this year.

A dog? How nice. I like dogs. What breed? Arnold asked inquisitively.

Mine is a tabby Cavalier King Charles. Know that one? She replied.

Isn’t that a smaller one?

Yes, the breed’s name has spaniel at the end, that one you might know and also its size.

Lovely type of dog. Healthy and all? No, medication?

Adriana looked quizzically at Arnold. Well, she had heard he had asked about dogs from fellow employees, but asking about medication?

As far as I know, Peppa is healthy and I sure know that she doesn’t get any prescriptions. Why?

Just asking. A sick dog is always a burden. I like them better when they are healthy and joyful. It sparks me whenever I see one running cheerfully.

Adriana brought a big smile to her face.

My dog is one bundle of joy. A friend to every newcomer in her life. Hardly barks. Come to think of it, I can’t even remember when it was the last time she did.

Arnold had been listening intently.

Well, I’ve got to go now. Enough on my plate for today. Expect the earliest results later this week, OK. Adriana said.

Thanks for the warning. Said Arnold with a wink and bent down over the documents in front of him.

Adriana went over to her office.

Her mind was thinking of the next experiment that she had prepared for this evening. It would take at least three hours to complete it, so she would be late at home. When she reached her office, she turned on her PC and sat down to go over the tasks at hand for today.

One email she received was about the newest bio-chemical reactor the company manufactured these days. It was the largest build so far and Adriana had prepared an extensive set of tests that she needed to monitor. The email acknowledged her that the reactor was waiting at the end of the production hall and testing could begin.

After she finished her coffee and replied several mails, she stood up and put on her laboratory coat. With a clipboard holding the test sheets, she went over to the new reactor. Proud of being a team member that build the apparatus, she looked at the massive cylinder that would ultimately convert raw material to a finished product. The requirements of the customer would make this reactor able to prepare tissue to be used in 3D printing for reconstructive surgery.

The top sheet showed that she would have to feed the machine with several liquids and a small portion of bacteria. The total process would have three steps included: the upstream processing to prepare the liquid medium and air purification, next the actual bio-reaction that would prepare biomass. Once the biomass was ready, the solid liquid was separated, extraction would take place and distillation would follow. Adriana would test the liquid input speed and detection of any gas leaks.

It was huge, the steel cylinder that would hold the liquids, and it was totally polished. It gleamed in the bright lights burning at the ceiling. The vessel had ten pipes going in at the top. Three on the bottom. All pipes had smaller or larger, dependent on the pipe size, valves that allowed for automatic flow of liquids. The keyboard just below the display could control all valves. The keyboard was connected to the machine on the right side.

At this moment, the reactor was not running. Although Adriana had seen the blueprints, seen it being built, and knew how the employees of the production department connected all the loose ends, she was still overwhelmed when she saw the completed product. It made her even feel proud that she was part of a team that could manufacture and run such a complex machine.

Adriana knew the first five tests by heart, which steps to take, when to make notes, what to expect at what interval. Still, she looked at the first sheet.

Hollow footsteps came near and stopped not all that far behind her. When Adriana turned, she saw the project manager looking at her. Stanley Woodward was one of her favourite colleagues.

I noticed that the first test will start today. I would like to see that happening. Mind if I do? He asked with an emphasis on the 'I'.

No problem at all. You’ll probably know more about the reactor than I do at this moment. I was just going to turn it on. Test zero as we know it.

Both of them went over the first couple of tests. Adriana liked to work so closely with this man. Stanley had the perfect working attitude. Knew a lot about the things going on the production floor. He was not all that bad looking, but she had checked, and he was wearing a wedding ring. After the first three tests, the project manager had to go off to another of his meetings.

Sorry I can’t stay. Just in front of most likely one of the more important tests. I always have my doubts if the pressure handling is going according to plan. Be sure to pay close attention when the pressure is raised above 1,6. Especially when the temperature reaches 68 degrees Celsius.

He walked away, making a small wave to her and saying, See you.

Adriana flipped through the papers on the clipboard and she felt a nervousness grow inside her with the specifications given for the next test.

Chapter two

Documents

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While Adriana worked on her tests, on the opposite of the building at the first floor Christian Felterman sat at one of the desks provided by Thornstrow for external workers, in a large open area which had one side that was only glass. He came regularly as a contractor to help Thornstrow implement software. His current project was to explain the usage of a module for the quality control department.

Looking around, Christian didn't think it was fancy at all. It was at least not placed it for the perfect view you would aspect as he now only could see a small pond, a road and houses in the back. All the more to keep focused on the inside of the building, which was clearly prepared by a designer with a modern taste. Greyish floor of concrete, walls of glass in steel black frames divided the area into eight rooms, each of them reminding Christian of an aquarium. Some of them were for a manager, others prepared for meeting rooms. Despite all the hard textures, because of the used colors in the rooms and some big plants, the feeling one got here was warmth, cosiness, flexibility and clear openness. This was not the case for some employees. As in all the companies that Christian had been, the outside world reflected inside. A smaller set of people with the same apathetic attitude as one could find outside. The older man on the other side, not satisfied with his life, made it difficult for others in his direct area as he kept on complaining. Christian was fully aware he had to get in contact with the man as he, Arnold Franks, was a key user in the quality department. Christian saw he was performing an act again. The closest ones kept on working, their attention aimed at their computer screen. One or two sitting further away were staring at him in some sort of disbelief. Even shaking their heads. Some were on the phone. This has been a common setting during the time Christian was in this area. Looking at the man, he could not help to pity him.

‘Poor guy to want to get in contact, but doesn’t know how to do that with his colleagues.’ He thought.

Christian worked on one of the major projects that was at hand. Implementing the quality control system part of the software he was familiar with. As Thornstrow had been growing, they bought several modules to support one or more departments with a part of the software. Sales, procurement and production had been in place when the company used the software. An earlier project was to use the software for the services department, as they couldn’t keep up doing their work manually.

This project was more or less the same. Christian had learned how to use the module by reading the manual. Going over the screens. The e-learning course had also expanded the knowledge on this part. The course ended with getting a certificate. What lacked in this process was the working knowledge, how things were working on the floor. With human errors, with products that were messy when arrived or during the production process. His current project at Thornstrow was just up Christian's alley. Working as a hired consultant, he loved to work temporarily for a company and push the employees to the next level in their processes and using the software. He looked forward to finishing this project in the best way and he would hear appreciations from the manager of the department and the director that in the end had hired him for the job.

Christian stood up and walked over to the corner with the older man. He needed to get in contact with either him or one of his colleagues, as they would use the system soon.

Ah, the man in the suite. The mister knows it all. Do you really need to bother us?

Christian didn’t stop coming forward. The older man really looked angry while uttering his words.

Good morning to you as well.

He stretched out his hand for the man.

Christian Felterman, you most likely have seen me earlier or even heard from me. I have some questions regarding how you and your colleagues are processing the outcome of information.

As there came no hand from the man, Christian pointed to a plastic triangle nameplate on the front of the desk. Arnold Franks, I take it?

Arnold looked at the three other people that had been looking at him and the man from the beginning.

Why would I tell you anything? You are only here for several days and off you go again. All of this computer non-sense. Leave us. He lifted his index finger towards Christian and moved it to the door.

The board has decided that you will use the software system to insert the quality figures so they can easier find test results and measurements. Next to this, the level of quality of parts during the production cycle will rise and because of that, the financial result will increase.

A what non-sense. We have done our work in this way for five years and there have been no complaints about our quality. Go back to your desk and help others. The older man waved his hand in disdain.

Christian looked away from him. Another smaller man sat across from him. Two older ladies with stacks of papers on their desk and several binders on a trolly near them had stopped their work and checked him out. Christian knew he had to continue, else there would be problems over and over.

I’ve helped others and they are happy with the system as they can now focus more on the difficult things and even include work they just didn’t have time for.

Look, it all is quite simple. Odd that I have to explain this to you. I’ve been here now for slightly over 17 years, and the way we have been working is that we process papers. We get them, we check them, get in contact with fellow employees if something is missing and adjust figures if they are not to what seems to be our standard. Once done, we file the papers in one of those binders. He turned and pointed to the trolly.

The content of the binders is then indexed, and all sheets of paper get their own page number. We prepare a table of contents and then we print it all. This will be in the binder’s front, and that completes the check of the quality. We bring the binders to the shipping department as they send them over to the customer, along with the bio-reactor.

He waited, put down his pencil and papers, and crossed his arms in front of him. Lifted his chin and frowned his eyebrows. Even straightened his back to emphasise the importance of it all. His direct colleagues looked from him to me and crossed their arms as showing some sort of bond between them.

All nice and sufficient for the customer. It sounds like a clockwork. Cristian started off.

It is, and nothing has to change. Now leave us to our work. We don’t need any fancy stuff around here.

Thanks for the explanation. Tell me where the work starts?

For goodness’ sake, haven’t you be listening? We print sheets off and check them. A sigh and shaking head followed.

Why would you print them off?

Because we store them in the binder. More stupid questions?

Other people store the documents on the computer, you print, process and send them to customers. How many binders would there be per bio-reactor?

The man looked at his colleagues, pointed to the trolley with roughly 20 binders.

Is the answer not there? Why would I tell you, as you cannot see it for yourself?

"I