Lab Journal Entry #11
May. 17th, 2014 09:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matrilBetter late than never. ;)
"Obligation"
Int., Tori’s lab. TORI is seated at the desk, subdued. She hasn’t slept a full night in weeks.
TORI
Of course I didn’t start out intending to break any rules.
(Cut) I’d never realized, before, how much these regulations present serious impediments to making any real progress. I mean, I’d considered them annoyances, inconveniences...but I didn’t want to step on any toes and risk ruining my career.
(Cut) But this isn’t about my career. That’s such a small concern, isn’t it, compared to the far-reaching impacts of scientific discovery?
(Cut) I haven’t done anything wrong. They’re just bureaucratic formalities. It’s not like I’ve transgressed some moral code.
(Cut) It’s actually quite the opposite. I’m making breakthroughs that could benefit the whole of humanity.
(Cut) So far, to keep my side project going, I’ve only had to provide my own materials and work after hours. And (a little guiltily) keep a few things from my supervisor.
(Cut) She’s been perfectly satisfied with my main project’s progress. I haven’t had any complaints.
(Cut) She has been telling me to get more sleep...(Shrugs) That’s just personal advice, and I have no obligation to follow it.
(Cut) But I need something to complete my research. It’s not available from any private suppliers, and I’d never get approval to use it – not without mountains of applications and grants. Which is completely unreasonable. The period of viability won’t last indefinitely.
(Cut. Very quiet.) I know a way to get it. It’s not at all complicated. I wouldn’t get caught, and no one would be the worse for not knowing.
(Cut.) It would be wrong to turn away at the final obstacle, wouldn’t it? After I’ve overcome every roadblock up to this point? After coming his far, only to stop and give up because of a minor regulation? It would be cowardice.
(She nods, deciding. One last look at the camera, as if hoping someone will stop her.)
"Obligation"
Int., Tori’s lab. TORI is seated at the desk, subdued. She hasn’t slept a full night in weeks.
TORI
Of course I didn’t start out intending to break any rules.
(Cut) I’d never realized, before, how much these regulations present serious impediments to making any real progress. I mean, I’d considered them annoyances, inconveniences...but I didn’t want to step on any toes and risk ruining my career.
(Cut) But this isn’t about my career. That’s such a small concern, isn’t it, compared to the far-reaching impacts of scientific discovery?
(Cut) I haven’t done anything wrong. They’re just bureaucratic formalities. It’s not like I’ve transgressed some moral code.
(Cut) It’s actually quite the opposite. I’m making breakthroughs that could benefit the whole of humanity.
(Cut) So far, to keep my side project going, I’ve only had to provide my own materials and work after hours. And (a little guiltily) keep a few things from my supervisor.
(Cut) She’s been perfectly satisfied with my main project’s progress. I haven’t had any complaints.
(Cut) She has been telling me to get more sleep...(Shrugs) That’s just personal advice, and I have no obligation to follow it.
(Cut) But I need something to complete my research. It’s not available from any private suppliers, and I’d never get approval to use it – not without mountains of applications and grants. Which is completely unreasonable. The period of viability won’t last indefinitely.
(Cut. Very quiet.) I know a way to get it. It’s not at all complicated. I wouldn’t get caught, and no one would be the worse for not knowing.
(Cut.) It would be wrong to turn away at the final obstacle, wouldn’t it? After I’ve overcome every roadblock up to this point? After coming his far, only to stop and give up because of a minor regulation? It would be cowardice.
(She nods, deciding. One last look at the camera, as if hoping someone will stop her.)
