James Miller Watt

Credicombe Away James Miller Watt

The scientists and the management at the National Advanced Research Facility at Credicombe Down have both embarked on ambitious prestige projects. This situation exacerbates the conflict of financial interests between the two factions. Both groups are seeking to put their establishment at the forefront of science and technology on the world stage. Excellence, however, comes at a price and it is inevitable that the two camps should find themselves in competition for the limited available funding. Each project relies on the success of the other for its long term viability but both desperately need the money earmarked for the other. Other forces are constantly working against both groups. The myopic pursuit of political correctness and avaricious self advancement force an inappropriate direction upon the scientific programme. A disaster occurs as a consequence of ill advised decisions and threatens to undermine the success and continued funding of both groups. An accelerated timetable dictated by external events leaves little time for supporting activities. It is only by thinking outside the box and gambling the future of the whole establishment that a satisfactory outcome can be achieved ensuring adequate funding for both projects and the aversion of a tragedy.