The Eyes of the Commission

The convoy of unmarked vehicles came to a silent halt inside the secured perimeter of the testing site. No words were exchanged as the doors opened in perfect synchronization. The figures that stepped out were clad in civilian attire, but the weight of their presence was palpable. Elias knew these were not ordinary government officials. These were decision-makers whose influence transcended conventional hierarchy. Their expressions betrayed nothing—no curiosity, no skepticism, only an impassive, calculated gaze as they observed their surroundings.

Professor Caldwell stepped forward, greeting them with a measured nod. "The testing site has been secured. All preparations are complete."

The lead figure, a man of unassuming build with graying temples, regarded him briefly before shifting his focus to Elias. "This is the engineer?" His tone was neutral, devoid of the reverence or doubt Elias had come to expect from others.

Caldwell gestured toward Elias. "Elias Carter. Lead developer of Project Titan. He will oversee the demonstration."

Elias stood firm as the man's gaze lingered on him. It was not the scrutiny of an academic, nor the curiosity of an innovator—it was the cold calculation of someone accustomed to making decisions that altered the course of history.

Without further preamble, the officials moved toward the observation platform, their pace unhurried but deliberate. The security personnel and research staff stationed throughout the facility remained rigid, their expressions betraying nothing. They, too, understood the gravity of this moment.

Elias and Linford had left nothing to chance. Every component had been recalibrated, every diagnostic system optimized. The electromagnetic rifle stood secured within the firing chamber, its sleek design a stark contrast to the traditional weaponry these officials were accustomed to. Yet, it was not aesthetics that would determine its fate—it was performance.

Linford approached Elias, lowering his voice. "The systems are running at peak efficiency. We should encounter no deviations."

Elias gave a curt nod, eyes scanning the data feed projected onto the interface. "Maintain real-time monitoring. If there's even a micro-fluctuation in the coil synchronization, I want to know immediately."

Caldwell's voice cut through the room. "We begin in five minutes."

Elias inhaled deeply, steadying his thoughts. This was not just another trial. This was the moment that would determine whether their work remained confined to secrecy or became a paradigm shift in military strategy.

The facility lights dimmed slightly as the observation chamber's reinforced barriers engaged. Kinetic shielding activated, ensuring that any unforeseen projectile anomalies would not compromise the integrity of the test environment. The commission members observed in silence, their expressions unreadable.

Elias stepped forward, addressing them with concise precision. "What you are about to witness is a demonstration of the Titan Electromagnetic Rifle's capabilities. The system employs a high-efficiency coil array, eliminating the need for chemical propellants. This results in increased projectile velocity, reduced recoil, and near-zero thermal waste."

No reaction. Not that Elias expected one. These individuals had heard countless proposals, witnessed unfulfilled promises. They would not be impressed by words—only by results.

He signaled to the system operator. "Initiate test sequence."

A low hum resonated as the rifle's coils engaged, synchronized energy coursing through the system. The targeting interface locked onto the reinforced plates at the far end of the range, each composed of layered composites designed to withstand conventional ballistics.

"Firing in three… two… one."

The discharge was near-instantaneous. A blinding streak of kinetic energy surged from the rifle's chamber, striking the target with unrelenting force. The impact resonated through the facility, sending shockwaves that reverberated within the kinetic dampeners. The reinforced plate—engineered to withstand high-caliber rounds—showed significant structural compromise.

Murmurs passed between the commission members, brief but unmistakable.

Linford's voice echoed in Elias's earpiece. "Energy efficiency is stable. Coil temperature remains within optimal parameters. No deviations."

Elias maintained his composure. "Proceeding with sustained-fire assessment."

The rifle engaged in rapid succession, unleashing a sequence of electromagnetic discharges. Each round met its mark with surgical precision, penetrating multiple layers of reinforced material before dissipating. By the time the sequence concluded, the impact zone was unrecognizable. The target had been reduced to fragmented remains.

Silence.

Then, the lead official stepped forward, inspecting the results with a meticulous eye. The data interface streamed real-time performance metrics, each reading exceeding conventional standards. He turned to Elias. "What are the constraints?"

Elias responded without hesitation. "Energy consumption is optimized, but sustained fire at maximum output requires cooling intervals beyond five minutes. Material limitations restrict prolonged structural integrity under continuous use. Advancements in coil durability could mitigate this."

The official nodded, as if filing the information away. "What is the projected adaptability for field integration?"

"Modular scalability allows for rapid adjustments based on mission-specific parameters. The system can be adapted for long-range precision, close-quarters engagement, or vehicular mounting. Current prototype weight remains within deployable standards."

The man exchanged brief glances with the others. Their deliberation was silent, but the undercurrents of intrigue were evident.

Professor Caldwell finally spoke. "The assessment will now proceed to the next phase."

Elias knew what that meant. Theoretical performance was one metric. Practical application in controlled combat simulations was another entirely. If the officials were convinced, they would move forward with testing in specialized operations. If not, Project Titan would cease to exist beyond these walls.

As the officials turned away, the lead figure paused. He glanced at Elias, his gaze unreadable. "You understand what this means. If we proceed, you will not be recognized publicly. This technology will not exist beyond sanctioned operations. You may receive resources and compensation for your efforts through increased pay and a higher rank, but never credit. The project will belong to the institution, not you. Do you accept that for your own protection if not for anything else?"

Elias met his stare with unwavering resolve. "I am aware. My goal is not recognition—it is advancement."

A slow, approving nod. "Good. Then let's proceed."

As they moved toward the next phase, Elias exhaled. He had secured the first step. But he knew—this was only the beginning.

The true test had yet to come.

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