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With the building completed and ready to go and the supplies delivered, it was time to get the team into action and develop the prototype leg. Susan tested and researched several techniques for making artificial muscle and tendons. Once she found the right combination of materials, she put in an order for the appropriate amount of materials to construct the prototype.
Sam worked diligently with Greg and Paulette to design and build the mechanical components that would go into the prototype leg. Once the internal parts were assembled, they could interweave the muscles, tendons, and nerves to the titanium rods, making the leg function like that of a human leg. Then, after the artificial nerves and muscles were connected to the human counterpart, the brain would sense the nerves; and the leg would begin to function normally. The whole thing was an intricate process that required hours of intense concentration to get everything placed in the right order and to test each individual component to make sure it would work with the other components. Sam figured it would take a few months to get everything right, and he had to wait on Earl to develop the segments that would help to operate the bionic leg.
“How should we go about finding a good candidate for the prototype?” Greg asked as he ran his fingers through his already tussled black hair.
“I’ve contacted the VA coordinator from the planning meeting. They have assured me a team will be put together that will vet all the applicants.”
“That’s great. So, when they find the best applicants, they’ll send the list over here for our team to go over, right?”
“Yes. They’ll send the list, as well as all their medical information pertaining to their needs. This will allow our team to determine the exact condition of the remaining portion of their limb, how long it’s been since the loss, and how much muscle atrophy has taken place. This will give the candidate that we chose the best success.
“Awesome. I can’t wait to see the prototype in action.”
After several weeks of pouring over a short list of applicants’ medical files, a candidate was selected to receive the prototype.
Earl entered Paulette’s office with the good news. “We’ve made our final selection.”
Paulette looked up, sweeping the strands of brown hair that fell in her face out of the way. “So, who did you pick?”
“We picked a young lady named Karen Shaffey. She’s a former Army Ranger who lost her leg to an IED while in Afghanistan. It’s only been a year since the accident, which gives her the best chance of having her leg integrate to the simulated muscle and nerves.”
“That’s great news, Earl.”
“We’re also excited because we believe the top end of the titanium rod could be matched to the exact measurements of the remaining femur bone. Also, the muscles and nerves of the bionic leg would have a better chance of matching her current human muscle and nerve endings.”
“This is great news. I would assume that you and Sam will be getting started as soon as possible?”
“Yes, ma’am, we’ll be getting started right away.”
Earl got right to work on fabricating the skin shell that would go over the limb and match Karen’s skin color.
There are so many moving parts. It’s going to take a lot of time to set everything up and get the skin just right. Hopefully, I’ll have it finished within the week.
Looking at his watch, he realized he would be late for the briefing if he didn’t get going. Grabbing his notes and other materials, he left his office and rushed to the conference room.
Winded, Earl dashed into the conference room, notes in hand, ready to brief the team on his progress.
“I have good news. The muscle, nerve, and tendons are ready to integrate with the leg. It will take me another week before I have the skin ready to go.”
“That’s great news,” Sam said.
“Thanks, Sam. By the way, I need you to have the leg completed and sent over to fit the skin to the frame of the leg by next week if that’s possible.”
“Sure, I understand that, but you can’t rush these things. I’ll do my best to have it ready for you as requested.” Sam huffed in frustration.
“Well, I guess that should work,” Earl grumbled.
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Sam returned to the R&D manufacturing floor and continued working on the components of the bionic leg. “I hope I can get this done in time for Earl. He can be so demanding at times,” Sam muttered as he twisted another bolt into place. Finally, with the last titanium component in place, he would be able to begin integrating the synthesized parts.
Sam headed to Earl’s office, walking in and waiting for him to finish his telephone conversation.
Earl hung up, looked up at Sam and asked, “How can I help you?”
“I came to get the nerve, tendon, and muscle from you so I can integrate it to the leg.”
“Ah, got it.” Earl moved from behind his desk and began walking out of his office, waving for Sam to follow. As they walked, Earl said, “Yes, I have everything ready for you. Do you think you’ll still have it ready by next week?”
Sighing, Sam said, “Yes, I should be able to have everything done and ready for testing by the beginning of next week.”
“Good," Earl said as he stopped and opened a cabinet, reaching in and pulling out several containers. He placed the containers on the counter. “This should be everything you need.
“Thanks. Once I finish the integration process, I’ll send the leg over to you so you can fit the skin.”
“That sounds great. After I place the skin on the leg we can test it.”
“I can’t wait to see it working,” Sam said as he picked up the containers and headed back to his work area.
A week, later with the help of the other team members, Sam hooked the leg up to the specialized walking machine and turned it on to see how well the leg would work once attached to a human.
The computer, acting as the brain, would send signals through the artificial nerves, causing the leg to move. It took a few minutes of tweaking the machine before they were ready to begin the test.
The computer whirred to life. Sam took a deep breath and hit the enter key as everyone held their breath hoping it would work.
“The signal paths look good. It shouldn’t be long before we see something happen,” Sam informed the team.
A few seconds later, the bionic leg began to walk across the small testing area. Everyone was amazed at how smooth the gait was. Everything seemed to be working as expected.
“This is great news. I am so excited at how well it worked. Great job, team. If you would like, I can let Greg and Paulette know of our success.”
“Sounds great. I can come along as well in case they have any questions,” Earl replied.
“Okay, I’ll meet you in a few minutes.”
“Greg, Paulette, I’ve got good news. We finished a complete test of the bionic leg, and it works. We’ll do a twenty-four-hour endurance test; and, if everything holds up, we can have Karen prepped for surgery,” Sam stated enthusiastically, as Earl leaned in to express his okay, also.
“Wow! This is great,” they replied.
“We’ll inform Karen when we’re ready to have the leg integrated to her stump. You guys did a great job on this, and it will make this company soar,” said Greg.
Greg looked at Paulette with a huge smile on his face. “We did it.”
“Yes, we did, with the help of everyone else,” she replied.
“We need to call Karen and the VA so they can begin preparations for the operation. You think you can handle being in the operating room with all that blood? If I remember correctly, you’re a little squeamish.” Paulette grinned teasingly.
“Yeah, I think I’ll be okay. If not, I can just look away.”
“Keep in mind that we both have to be watching to make sure they’re stitching everything together correctly,” she said seriously.
“Phew! Paulette, we’re about to make history.”
“Yep, we are, but that’s only the beginning. Soon I can start my pet project that will change the world as we know it.”
“You might change the world, but keep in mind how dangerous it can be too.”
“Jeez, Greg, you don’t have to remind me. I know how dangerous it is, which is why the military won’t have its hands in this at all. I can’t risk their taking my project away from me and using it for their purposes.” Anger tinted her voice.
“Don’t get so upset with me. I just wanted to make sure you understood the consequences of your actions. Don’t forget what happened at the Abernathy Space and Science Agency.”
“I haven’t forgotten, so quit treating me like a child.”
"Sorry, it’s just a gentle reminder. That’s all.” But his mind was saying, she sure is touchy about this time-travel stuff.
