It is more than that. For all its difficulties and dead ends, science exists to create truth from dreams. Advancing, step by step, towards a better world as that flawed and useless foundation is built upon. Innovation gives people hope that tomorrow may yet be better than yesterday, no matter how ugly the realities of the world may be.

[Viktor had spent enough time on the labratory floor surrounded by notes and spare parts that he was used to the effort. He would be miserable about it, sure, but given the situation it seemed a worthwhile inconvenience. Leaning his head back against the wall with a sigh, he slipped the case into a pocket of his vest.]

Much as I refuse to accept the outcome my calculations continue to show me, the weakness of my own mortality remains an unchanging constant amidst dozens of variables. It is a disheartening thing to know, worse still to watch what little shreds of hope remain begin to fade. Even so, I have...not yet given up. Not until every last option is exhausted and every possible theory tested. Perhaps I'm just lying to myself at this point, but...what else is there?