Gemotions

The laboratory was his sanctuary. Thomas ran a finger across the smooth surface of his fusion reactor, its gentle hum filling the room. He had cracked the code to clean, limitless energy. A thrill ran through him at the thought of the impact. The world would never be the same.

He opened his computer to the patent application. "Compact Fusion Reactor" – Already patented. By a secret government agency.

He leaned back in his chair, the joy evaporating from him like mist. He stared at the reactor, its potential now a cruel joke. He had come so far, only to find he was never actually in the race. He felt a deep sense of defeat.