Snippet From Lab 28

 Pax was a much more needed and important scientist than any other scientist in laboratories 1-79. 

At least, that is what he was telling himself on the day of the layoffs. 

And just because he hadn't made any new discoveries lately, or invented anything life changing to the community, didn’t mean that he wasn’t useful to the company.

At least he hoped.

“Got anything yet? Or did you fall asleep watching for emails?” Mel leaned over where Pax sat staring unflinching at his empty inbox.

“Nothing yet,” he sighed, reloading the page for what seemed the hundredth time that day.

“You know it’s hard to send over three hundred people emails saying they just lost their job, they’re probably in no hurry,” Jeff said, taking a bite of his turkey sandwich.

“Yes, but usually they send them by now,” Pax said, getting up. “You know, I’ve been here for three years without a single promotion. Don’t you think it might be time for me to go?”

“Come on Pax, you know the company wouldn’t let you go. I mean, without you no one will be able to remember how the manager likes his coffee!” Jeff grinned.

“A large sugar free nutmeg pistachio flavored almond milk cappuccino,” Pax frowned.

“Gross. And how do you even make an almond milk cappuccino!?” Mel asked.

“Mel, we are three of many very sophisticated scientists, we have made coffee without coffee beans!” Pax exclaimed.

“But still, You start to worry about someone who drinks pistachios,” Mel laughed.

“Would you dare question the manager’s tasting judgment?” Jeff asked gravely.

“Nah, he can have whatever he wants. But just between us, you couldn’t pay me to drink that,”

“Look! It-it’s here!” Pax yelled suddenly as a very important looking Email appeared in his Inbox.

“Well, what does it say?” Jeff asked, crowding around Pax’s shoulder.

“Mel, Jeff, before I read this, I just want to say I have been honored to work with you in lab 28,” Pax paused. “And no matter what this message holds-”

“Aw Pax we love you too, just open it already!” Mel cried.

“To lab 28 Workers Mel, Pax, and Jeff; it is time again for some of our scientists to leave our labs and new scientists to join. This email is to inform you if you are one of the chosen scientists.

Mel: you are to continue your work in lab 28.”

“So far so good,” Mel said.

“Pax: you are to continue your work in lab 28.”

Pax let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding. “One more to go,”

“Jeff: We Have found you work in lab 28 is no longer needed…” Pax stopped reading aloud what he knew everyone could see.

Jeff had been laid off.

The room was quiet.

“The company needs new scientist with new ideas. Out with the old, in with the new is all,” Jeff said, trying to make it sound like it was just the circle of life. “I…had a good run,”

Mel squeezed Jeff’s shoulder. “I just wish you could have run farther,”