“I understand the theory. I just don’t happen to agree with it,” Icarus said. “You say that it takes as much time, effort and money to make a big change as it does to make a little one. Fine, I accept that. But it seems to me that it also increases the risk to me when you do that. That’s the part I don’t like.”
Mr. Minos appeared to think for a moment before he answered. “With the increased risk comes a chance for greater glory, and isn’t that what you’re here for?” He held Icarus’ gaze until the younger man dropped his eyes away. Mr. Minos never lost at anything.
“Not greater glory, not really.” Icarus said. “I just want to be free to live my own life again. I want out and that’s the deal. If we succeed then I get out. Right?” He didn’t look Mr. Minos in the eyes, but he didn’t look down either. He knew how the game was played with Mr. Minos. He hoped he knew.
“You’re the best candidate we’ve got, Icarus, I don’t mind telling you that,” Mr. Minos said. “But we’ve never installed wings onto a human before so this is a risky business. You can have your record cleared, yes, but if we succeed today I can’t say that I’m just going to set you free right away. This is a process, not an event, you understand.”
Icarus looked out over the Nevada desert. The long drive in the darkened truck had left him unprepared for the stifling heat, the intense light, and the panoramic beauty. “I’m feeling overwhelmed,” he said. “I’ve been inside for so long, and I’m nervous about the test flight.” He stared off into the distance and thought about his wife, his children, his friends. He hadn’t seen any of them for over five years. Would any of them remember him after all this time, he wondered?
Mr. Minos watched him carefully and waited before he spoke again. “You will see them all again if we’re successful,” he said. “I just don’t want to deceive you into thinking that if all goes well today you’ll be back home tomorrow. Soon, perhaps, but not tomorrow.”
That’s when Icarus knew that they were never going to let him go. He would die here today if they failed, or he would be kept as a specimen to be observed, examined and tested. But he would never be allowed to go back to his life. He would never see those he loved again if he complied with Mr. Minos’ demands.
“I think we should just get on with it,” Icarus said, a little too loudly. “My nerves are going to get the best of me, otherwise.” He moved to the edge of the cliff.
Mr. Minos stood beside him. “You’ve done this a thousand times in the simulator. Just let your body take control and you’ll do fine,” he said.
“I’ll do my best, Mr. Minos. Just trust me.”