NaNoWriMo 2012: Day 3

Today progressed very smoothly and I've finally reached the beginnings of the first arc in the plot.

Words written today: 3,501
Total words written: 8,626


Excerpt (introducing a new character who, incidentally, doesn't have a name yet):

After a week of this, my scenarios had turned up nothing and the doubts were starting to creep back in. I couldn't understand what was going on. "According to my calculations we should be receiving a signal a week if not several times a week. This silence is odd." I was once again talking to my reflection in the mirror. The isolation in my travels had turned me into someone who sought comfort from the only familiar face around—my face in the mirror. I straightened up suddenly. "Perhaps a signal has come in and it just hasn't been recognized for what it really is."

I finished my preparations and hurried off to the MLab. Most people were at supper so the lab was quiet and empty save for two other people. I strode up to (scientist #2). "How's your evening going? Anything new?"

She spun her swivel chair around. "Good evening, Alice. No, nothing new." She sighed.

I sat down on the chair beside her. "What was all the excitement about the last few days then? I thought we surely had some positives come in."

"They turned out to be just static." She swiveled back around and began bringing up the audio samples. "Different forms of static but static all the same. It was quite the letdown."

"I'm sorry to hear that. This lab has been so criticized by the general public that we really do need to produce results or else our funding might be cut."

"Don't I know it. My parents think I'm wasting my time up here listening to static."

I leaned back in my chair. "I understand completely. That's why I like it better up here. Everyone up here is a believer and so we don't get so much flack."

"I'm with you there." She laughed. "You want to listen to the recordings from the past week? Maybe you'll hear something that the rest of missed. I think you're the only one who hasn't listened to them."

"I'd be happy to."

She leaned closer to me. "Sorry you've been getting the short end of the stick around here. We're all feeling the strain of (signal scientist)'s leadership. He's a good scientist..."

"Yes, he is. Which is why I turned this project over to him. He does need to work on his leadership skills though," I whispered back and winked. "I've gotten over it. In fact, not being on the schedule has given me time to work on a project of my own."

(scientist #2) patted me on the shoulder. "I'm glad to hear that. The recordings are all here. Would you mind watching the console for me? Mr. Leader forgot that I needed to eat sometime during my shift and so there's no one to replace me." She rose to her feet.

"I can do that easily." I pushed her towards the door. "I hear that there's some really good food on the menu tonight. Go before you miss it!"

"You don't have to tell me twice." A minute later she was gone.

Until next time!