Dr. Kbom was in a meeting with the council. The incident of B1 had changed many things for the mission. This meeting was held to discuss the impact on the main mission, which was to go and investigate the super-structure around V0. And also to plan a way forward.
"We've lost many of our bright minds in this tragedy. It was on unforeseen circumstances, So it couldn't be prevented. But the impact of this event remains huge. The crew is greatly demoralized and the researchers aboard the Shore have been impacted highly by the untimely death of their colleague. I hope the council would see reason in pushing back this mission and let the crew deal with their grief and sorrow. With the utmost respect, I don't believe continuing with the main mission in this state is the best plant of action.", Dr. Kbom presented his speech before the projection of the council.
As the lead reseracher and the person in charge for this whole mission, he was naturally accountable for the tragedy that happened during the mission. It was also him who had pleaded before the council previously to get them to agree to the detour. Now he was before them again, this time he didn't have the same position before the council that he had before.
"I can't believe it Kbom. How could you let this happen? Weren't you the one who suggested to go explore the planets? You couldn't even finish the survey of one of the planet successfully. Yet, here you are again.", One of the projections said with irritation clear in his voice.
Dr. Kbom couldn't say anything to refute him. It was indeed his fault that he had enabled this tragedy to happen. If it wasn't for him, no one would've been sent to the planet. And nothing would've happened. But he was the one to insist on going their anyway. From this perspective, everything was indeed his fault. And he hated that fact.
"I've come to terms with my decision to insist on analyzing the planets. I don't regret my stance. We've gained valuable information and data on many things that has the potential to usher humanity into a new era. However, I do regret the price we paid for the it. If there was a choice, I would've chosen the lives of my researchers before anything else. We paid heavy price for this information about the advanced alien civilization that displays an amazing mastery of material and molecular science. I promise to everyone that I won't let their sacrifice go to waste. Every last piece of data will be used to propel humanity forward by at least another century.", Dr. Kbom said with a resolution in his voice. He was determined to see his promises through. He couldn't let all those deaths be in vain.
He suddenly remembered about Helen. That lass was quite a promising one. She and Kita made quite the duo. It was a huge loss for the empire to lose such a promising one. He wondered how Kita was doing right now. Last he checked he was taken to the med-bay after collapsing. He couldn't imagine how much it impacted him to lose Helen. Dr. Kbom intended to go and talk to Kita after this meeting.
"All that is fine and good, What about the main mission. As far as I can remember, you guys weren't sent to investigate the planets. This mission was to investigate and analyze the alleged superstructure around V0. Now you're saying that you want to abandon that mission and come back home prematurely. Do you know the cost of that?", One of the projection spoke sternly. He made it clear that abandoning the mission right now would be a huge loss for the military. One that they weren't prepared to digest.
Sending an expedition of this magnitude costed a lot of credits to fund. Although the Arcorn viziers weren't short of money by any chance, But it was still a huge loss for them if they were to stop the mission halfway.
Dr. Kbom was aware of how much credits it took to fund a mission of this magnitude. He had personally debated over the budget multiple times with the council before setting off on this mission. So he knew the exact figure. But he had a plan for that as well.
"With respect, I am willing to fully reimburse the state for the cost of this failed mission. As the failure of this mission is partly my fault. I am willing the bear the consequences.", Dr. Kbom said in a clear voice.
Dr. Kbom wasn't short on credits. He wasn't just a Highly decorated researcher. He was also one of the biggest industrialists of The Arcorn Empire. As the main developer of the past few generations of High-efficiency FTL drives, he had the exclusive rights to them. Currently, Almost 70% of the FTL drives that allowed the Human civilization to traverse the stars were from the Kbom High-tech Industries.
Dr. Kbom didn't have any descendants, But if he had, Atleast the next 10 generation of Kboms could live in wealth and prosperity with the amount of wealth Dr. Kbom had currently amassed. So when he said that he would reimburse for this mission, None of the projections doubted his ability to pay.
All the Projections took a deep breath upon hearing that. Dr. Kbom's wealth was naturally a point of envy for the members of the council. Although everyone in the council was just as decorated of a researcher as Dr. Kbom. But there weren't as wealthy as him. So many of them were visibly irritate that he wanted to use his wealth to shut them up.
"You can't just use your wealth to solve all the problems. There is more to this mission than the credits."
"With due respect. There's nothing wrong with solving my problems with money. Currently the mental health of my researchers is my top priority. And I am willing to spend my personal wealth to make sure that they are at their best." Dr. Kbom said with a stern voice. He made it clear that he was willing to put his money where his mouth is.
"Beggars can't be choosers. I urge the chief to let the mission continue.", One of the projections spoke as he looked at the Lead projection. He was clearly in charge of this council and his decision would be final.
The Chief council looked at Kbom for a while. Then he released a sigh. It looked like he had made his decision.
"Kbom, There's more to this mission. And you know it. It's crucial that we finish this mission as quickly as possible. The Dragoids and the others have already gotten the wind. You have to complete it. All the crew and researchers will be properly taken care of after they return. But this mission needs to continue. We can't let this tragedy stop us. This is a crucial step for humanity and we can't delay it." He said in a stern and clear voice. He made it clear that there wasn't room for negotiation.
Dr. Kbom couldn't say anything against the Chief council. He outranked him too much for Kbom to say anything. His verdict would be final.
"Therefore, this council orders you to continue to your main mission." The chief spoke resolutely.
The members of the council looked visibly pleased with the decision. It felt great sticking one to Dr. Kbom from time to time. Many of them hated him anyway. And Dr. Kbom was aware of that. So he only bowed and said to the chief council.
"Orders received. Thank you for your time, Chief."