At the heart of much speculative fiction (and fiction in general) is a question. What if? On Tuesdays I like to throw one out there and see what you make of it. Do with it as you please. If a for-instance is not specified, feel free to interpret that instance as you wish. And if you find this becomes a novel-length answer, I'd appreciate a thank you in the acknowledgements ;)
What if you were tasked with creating a weapon of mass destruction by your government? While you are qualified, there are others who are more qualified. Unfortunately, your government has made it necessary for them to leave the country. You know if you don't succeed, dire consequences will await you. What do you do?
Also, make sure to check out Nick Wilford's "what if" (and his new book Black & White) over at Unicorn Bell today.
I don't think I'd want to make a weapon of mass destruction at all. lol
ReplyDeleteI know I wouldn't.
DeleteWeapons of mass destruction are made with the intention of protecting one's country, but finally it is used/sold/traded on the whims and fancies of some stupid politicians (and for their personal gain)
ReplyDeleteI imagine myself stalling, trying to make a good show of it. I'd probably end up in dire straits.
ReplyDeleteThe question is based on actual history. (I forget what I was watching, but something I saw alluded to this scientist.) He managed to avoid the worst fallout from making a good show of it.
DeleteI'd probably turn on the government at the last second and blow them to hell with the epic bomb I made.
ReplyDeleteI can totally see you doing that ;)
DeleteI wouldn't want to make one at all
ReplyDeleteWell, of course not...
DeleteThere's not a person in existence who could make me do something I didn't want to. If they tried to make me make them a WMD... it wouldn't end well for them.
ReplyDeleteWell, I would take a cue from a German scientist from WW2 (can't think of his name right now) who kept working on it (V2 rockets)..and working on it but never quite getting it right. This would be to delay the process until calmer heads prevailed. I would do what it took until I could find a means of escape but i would not complete it...ever
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of Werner Heisenberg when I came up with the question. Saw right through me, didn't you?
DeleteI'm with Birgit and you, Liz!
DeleteI think I'd stall if I could or do what Galen Erso did in Rogue One and design a secret way to destroy the wmd/deathstar.
ReplyDeleteYikes..you really tax my brain with these questions. Since I procrastinate on a daily basis I think that would be my first step.....maybe look like I am working on it but I am thinking that I would not be qualified enough to please our government so I think I would pay somehow later.
ReplyDeleteThat's the idea ;) I'm looking at story ideas on Tuesday. (So many story ideas, so little time...)
DeleteIf no other country had one. I would flatly refuse...Why blow up people kind.
ReplyDeleteThen if anther country had one. I would be more likely to make one. Coffee is on
I'd figure a way to make it but then figure a way for it not to work.
ReplyDeletebetty
I'd have to go with the stalling for time approach too...
ReplyDeleteSay no. Or at least that's what I should do. Besides, if I am their last chance, they are screwed. I am so not a scientist, designer, or engineer…
ReplyDeleteBut what if you can't say no...?
Delete