"Just before we learned the truth of our situation, then," he realized. "That wasn't that long ago, and you're already a senior science staffer. That must be quite an adjustment."

Billy lifted a black orb in his hand and turned it on. "This sensor is the main component of the system---the lights are indicators. When an object crosses a pre-programmed threshold and nears the sensor, the sensor records that a breach took place and which direction it came from. The lights are off most of the time. They're turned on when someone comes back to check on the lab. Blue lights indicate that no breach took place, yellow lights indicate a minor brush with the perimeter or a rustling, and red lights indicate that a large object moved within the area." As he spoke, he moved his hand close to the sensor, and the lights changed to red as he did so.

"Of course, this prototype is only one small part of the overall plan. There will be multiple sensors and defense systems, and if they are approved and successful we'll develop equivalents for your labs as well."