by
William Avett
Professor Theodore Jenkins added three drops of the clear liquid to one gallon of water. He marked the water level on the outside of the glass container, and stuck it in the freezer next to three other gallon jugs. As labeled on the bottle, this was formula IEI-327, his latest attempt at producing a perfect ice expansion inhibitor.
He had stumbled across the basic chemical formulae ten years earlier during his internship days. Now, he continued his research part time in his small workshop at home, while maintaining a teaching position at Feldman Junior College, ten miles away. Unfortunately, he suspected that he would fail to receive tenure at the college, and with the abundance of unemployed professors on the market, his future didn't look bright.
So, Mr. Jenkins saved his money, and continued his private research projects. He had hopes this composition would finally do it-stop all expansion of water molecules upon freezing, no matter what the temperature. Of course, his own freezer barely went below zero, but years of research had taught him how to accurately extrapolate his findings.
And three hours later, on this pleasant Saturday afternoon, Theodore checked the results. All four water containers were frozen solid. He read the levels of each with careful precision, noting the values in his logbook. He measured no difference within the margin of error between the volume of the water and the volume of the ice.
Theodore Jenkins smiled, and reviewed his conclusions. He didn't jump up and down, but he wanted to do something to celebrate. So, that evening he went out and had a nice steak dinner with all the trimmings. It would take further testing to confirm his results, but Theodore felt completely confident in the validity of his findings.
He had invented a simple additive that would not allow water to expand upon freezing, no matter what the temperature--a true antifreeze. The especially important aspect, however, lay in the fact that the formulae closely resembled a simple food additive, nontoxic by all tests he could devise, and thus completely harmless.
Three months later the viability of IEI-327 had been confirmed to the complete confidence of Professor Theodore Jenkins. Unfortunately, the very next day he received a letter in the mail informing him that his tenure had indeed been denied, and that he must seek another teaching position that took advantage of his "unique qualifications".
In almost a single day, disgust and elation mixed in the mind of the Professor Jenkins in a most unorthodox manner, and he contemplated what he should do. For the next three weeks he thought of little else, barely finding the time to continue his classes. But, he knew the importance of funding, and had no intention of leaving the college before his time was up.
After extensive contemplation, Theodore unfortunately concluded that his invention, if he did apply for a patent, had a fifty-fifty chance of being confiscated by the government under the precepts of national security. He realized the potential implications of this simple formula, as well as the possible applications.
Additionally, if he were by chance granted a patent, the college might well claim ownership, since the Feldman Junior College had employed him during much of his research period. Yes, they might abscond with it, despite thousands of hours of personal time, and the fact that he had funded the years of research from his own pocket.
These speculations led to the conclusion that he must find a private backer, not only someone he could trust, but someone able and willing to invest the vast resources necessary to develop the possibilities of his invention. Thus, he began an intense investigation into the eccentric, private billionaires of the world, someone who fit his parameters as the ideal benefactor.
Unfortunately, he soon concluded that no one entity, corporation, or government represented the ideal. But, he did narrow it down to three possible billionaires, men who had a flair for independence, and a basic integrity despite their financial success. And, they all had a vested interest in research that would greatly complement his discovery.
All were old men, possessing wealth greater than some nations, and had a common reluctance to lose the benefits of their earthly gains. They had no interest in passing from this world, with no possibility of experiencing the almost limitless horizons that this universe offered.
So he made preliminary inquiries, but became disappointed. One European billionaire labeled him a crackpot and turned him down without even reviewing his findings. The second refused to consider his discovery before first signing a complete disclosure agreement that essentially transferred over all rights and control of his invention. In disgust, Professor Theodore Jenkins refused.
Only one man replied with any kind of valid interest that did not entail him giving up complete access to his discovery. A Mr. Diego Garcia of Argentina, industrialist and financier, agreed to meet with him for one hour, and view his proposal.
Two weeks later his classes ended, and Professor Jenkins was unemployed. He received his visa in the mail, bought the airline tickets, and put together a presentation that he hoped would impress his client.
Mr. Diego Garcia was known as basically an honest man, an old honest man who had worked his way upward using a financial genius rarely found in the world today. But, in doing so, he had grown old. No one knew how old, but he often funded odd unconventional research projects that few other eccentric billionaires would even consider.
Theodore Jenkins still had some reservations, but he was counting on the basic integrity of the man to deal fairly with him. He hoped it was not a misplaced trust.
He arrived in Buenos Aires after a fifteen-hour flight, tired and disheveled. Passing through customs, a man waited outside holding a sign that read "Professor Jenkins". Theodore approached him and they shook hands.
"May I take your bags, sir?" he asked in very good English.
"Thank you, Mister, uh..."
"Bleacher, sir. Please, come right this way. The limousine is waiting."
They drove for about an hour to the outskirts of the city and pulled up in front of a small airport.
"Where are we going?" inquired Theodore.
"Mr. Garcia prefers his privacy. So, we will take you to his hacienda, where you will make your presentation."
"Very well." Professor Jenkins wasn't especially excited about the idea, but he saw little choice in the matter.
They boarded the plane and took off. He noticed that the curtains on the private jet were kept drawn, and asked Mr. Bleacher about it.
"Its just a precaution," he replied, "to cut down on unwanted visitors."
"I see," said the professor.
"Mr. Garcia must be cautious of industrial espionage, as well as those who would do him harm. You do understand, don't you?"
"Oh, of course. Quite a prudent precaution." The other man nodded in agreement.
The small jet flew for almost two hours, and finally landed at an airstrip in the middle of a large plantation that could be anywhere in the country. Theodore realized he was completely isolated here, and began to worry if he was doing the right thing.
Still, Mr. Diego Garcia had a good, if eccentric, reputation. If he could not make an arrangement with this man, he didn't see much chance anywhere else. But, he was taking a risk, and knew it.
A jeep arrived to pick him up, driven by two men with guns at their hips. "Professor, would you please get in the back?" Again, this man also spoke excellent English, and Mr. Jenkins was pleased, as he hadn't taken Spanish since high school.
They drove for twenty minutes, passing dozens of buildings, and even what looked like a small town, apparently involved in the cultivation of groves of bananas, and even more exotic fruits. The jeep turned a corner, and there on a hillside was the largest estate he had ever seen.
It must have covered acres of land, and possessed towers and multiple levels. Jeeps and other vehicles pulled in and out of various gates that looked like they could be closed in an instant. And, the entire residence appeared to be designed as a fortress if need be, with thick cement walls and ports that looked like machine gun nests. Jenkins even saw some covered openings that he thought might contain field artillery or even missiles.
Mr. Diego Garcia wanted his privacy. Upon viewing this structure, Theodore was surprised he was allowed here at all. And, the question crossed his mind if he would ever be allowed to leave.
The jeep passed through a wide main gate, and pulled into an interior garage. The door slid down behind them, and he and his escorts piled out. They walked into a large foyer, and Mr. Bleacher met him with a smile. Theodore didn't understand how the assistant had beaten him to the hacienda.
"Professor Jenkins, welcome to Clear Water, as we call the hacienda. The name is derived from a spring of clean, fresh water that feeds this valley, and has been rumored to possess certain medicinal qualities."
"Very interesting," he replied. "I'm glad to be here."
"If you'll come this way, I'll show you to your room."
"Very well," he replied.
The professor could tell that the estate was huge. They passed people in the hallways and in open rooms, both male and female guards, as well men and women wearing white coats going about their business, and even a fair number of scantily clad women lounging here and there watching television, or in conversation with a guard or each other.
What impressed Theodore Jenkins most was the overall beauty of these women. They were young, curved, vivacious, and very attractive in general. He had no idea of their purpose, but several smiled at him as he passed by, and Theodore could not help himself but smile in return. The professor had led a very celibate life, single and lonely, and had never before attracted the smiles of beautiful women. This was a first for him.
They went up two flights of stairs, and Bleacher showed him to his room, an enchanting abode dripping with elegance and a basic flavor of the land. Stowed in one corner lay his luggage.
"In here you will find the bathroom, closets with clothes your size, and here some refreshments," pointed out the assistant. "If you need anything, just use the phone on the table."
"Thank you."
"Do you find the room acceptable?" asked Mr. Bleacher.
"More than acceptable, it's fantastic."
"Mr. Garcia likes to treat his guests well."
"He does indeed," replied Mr. Jenkins.
"Now, you have been scheduled to give your presentation in three hours. Is that enough time? I know you are tired, but Mr. Garcia is eager to hear what you have to say."
Theodore Jenkins looked around. "That should be plenty of time," he said. "I'll take a nap, and then prepare."
"Very well. Again, if you need anything, please let us know. And, someone will arrive to escort you to the meeting room."
"Ok, and thank you."
"We'll see you later, Professor Jenkins," replied the assistant, who closed the door to his room, leaving him alone.
Theodore used the toilet first, noting the extravagant tile work, and gold furnishings. Then, exhausted, he lay down on the bed, setting his watch alarm to wake him up in two hours.
When the alarm went off, he rose with a start, and realized that he still needed about another eight hours of sleep. However, he pulled off his clothes, and took a hot shower to wake himself up, then shaved and donned his best suit.
He checked the one suitcase that contained his presentation papers. It really wasn't extensive, but enough that he hoped to sell his idea and possible project. From what he had seen and heard so far, he felt that Mr. Diego Garcia might be the one man who would use his discovery to its fullest potential.
Presently a knock came from the door. "Come in," he said.
The professor turned, suitcase in hand, expecting to encounter Mr. Bleacher, or someone equivalent. Instead there stood in the doorway a dark haired woman with exquisite features, wearing a long black gown that clung to a figure of perplexing proportions. She held out her hand to him. "May I carry that for you, Professor?" she asked.
It took Theodore Jenkins a few seconds to register what she had asked. "What? Oh, no, I'm fine."
"I'm Maria Delatoras, one of Mr. Garcia's assistants. He asked me to escort you to the meeting room."
"Oh, of course. I'm glad to meet you." Her hand was still there, so he shook it carefully, noting that it felt rather warm and soft.
"Would you come this way, please?" she asked and turning, walked slowly down the hallway, Theodore following behind. He couldn't help but notice the sweet undulations inherent in each stride of Miss Maria Delatoras.
The woman led him to an elevator at the end of the hallway. He hadn't noticed it before, but was thankful, as he had not looked forward to lugging his case up and down those flights of stairs.
Inside the elevator, she pressed the 'L2' button, the doors shut and they descended at a rapid pace. This surprised Theodore, as the letters went all the way to 'L5' on the panel.
And, during the short trip, he couldn't help but catch quick glimpses of Maria's profile. Each time he looked, he swore she was more attractive than two seconds before. Finally, with strength of will he stared straight ahead, and tried not to embarrass himself.
Presently the elevator door opened, and the woman led him down a long hallway and around a corner. Theodore now noticed guards at every intersection, including two at the entrance to a large room, who ran a wand over him, and performed a cursory check of his suitcase. Finding nothing of interest, they both walked into the room. Maria pointed out his chair at a long wide table, and then took the seat next to his. So far, there was no one else in the room.
Slowly, it began to fill. Several guards walked in and stood in the corners, submachine guns on straps slung at the ready. The professor tried not to let the sight disturb him. As the minutes passed other people wandered in, men and women in lab coats, others wearing uniforms of which he was unfamiliar, and a few men in pristine business suits that made his own look very tacky.
At last a powered wheelchair entered the room with an old man at the controls who went to the head of the long table. Surprisingly, he had sandy blonde hair with streaks of white, and a solid looking appearance despite his obvious confinement to the wheelchair. Theodore Jenkins knew this had to be Mr. Diego Garcia.
With his arrival the room became quiet, and everyone looked at the man in the wheelchair expectantly. The man's clear, intelligent eyes roved about the room, pausing on everyone at the table, including Theodore.
"We have a special guest today who will address the General Council," said Mr. Garcia in precise English. "May I present Professor Theodore Jenkins once of Feldman Junior College, a renowned researcher who has something of great importance to relate to us.
"Welcome, Professor."
Theodore stood up for a moment and nodded to everyone. "Thank you. I'm very pleased to be here."
"I think we can dispense with the preliminaries. Professor, you have the floor."
Theodore passed out a dozen pamphlets around the room. "Sorry, I don't have enough for everyone. Uh, I'll just use the board, if that's ok."
Professor Jenkins had brought his computer, but mainly as a backup to demonstrate his theories. He decided to ignore the unfamiliar room display system, and instead rose up and walked over to the standard blackboard at the front of the room. There he paused, picked up a piece of chalk, and began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, you will notice that the title of my report really says it all." He hesitated a moment, letting everyone refer to the first page of his pamphlet. "I propose here a means to safely store living tissue for an essentially unlimited amount of time with absolutely no cell degradation."
A smattering of murmurs floated about the room, most from obvious scientists, but a few from others as well. "Are you certain about that, Professor?" asked a man in a white coat. "No cell degradation at all?"
"Well, let me be more specific-no cell degradation from the freezing process. As you all know freezing does not stop all intruding organisms. But, at a low enough temperature nothing will intrude upon the subject specimen. And, with the proper revivification process, any and all animals can be 'awoken' years, decades, and even centuries later with essentially no cell deterioration."
More murmurs spread about the room. "I know this sounds incredible, but I have thoroughly tested my formulae, and the conclusions are clear."
"Why do you come to us, Professor?" asked one man.
"Because I seek a benefactor with the vision to see the possibilities and uses of my formulae. Also, I require someone with the resources to expand upon my process, specifically related to the revival procedure. So, I sought out Mr. Garcia."
"Beyond monetary rewards, why do you present this process for my scrutiny?" asked Mr. Garcia. "You could probably go to enumerable companies or countries who would be interested."
"Honestly, sir, I wanted to present my invention to a man with an irrefutable reputation, someone who might find a need for my invention."
"I see. And, I would deal with you better than most?"
"I am hoping so, sir."
He flipped through the pamphlet. "And, this entire invention is a simple additive that will not allow water to expand when frozen?"
"That is correct."
"I believe I understand what you are saying, but why does this allow such a long term storage of bio-matter?"
"Because if water does not expand, cell walls are not damaged. It then becomes only a matter of freezing to a low enough temperature and developing resuscitation techniques for efficient revival."
"And, why does this benefit me in particular?" he asked.
Theodore was getting nervous. He ran a finger between the collar of his shirt and neck. "Well, sir, from what I could determine from the small number of papers your employees publish, your interests lie in the prolongation, and yes even rejuvenation of human tissue."
"Please spell out the application."
"Uh, well. I personally believe that aging is a type of disease, and diseases can be cured in a variety of ways. If your research is along the lines that I believe it is you will sooner or later find answers to your questions from your excellent scientific staff. It is only a matter of time, manpower, and research funds. But, there's a problem."
"Yes, I'm growing old," replied Diego Garcia with a smile.
Theodore nodded his head. "I think your research will ultimately bear fruit, and probably in stages of breakthroughs, but it will take years, likely decades to fully inhibit and ultimately reverse the aging process."
"I see where you're going."
"Yes, sir. My invention could give you time-all the time in the world."
"So you propose that I lend my research funds and manpower to fully develop your freezing process to the extent that a person can be frozen and fully revived."
"That is correct, sir."
"Do you have a sample of this discovery of yours?"
"I do. I brought along one vial for your scientists to test." With that, he went over to his briefcase, took out a small glass container, and handed it to Mr. Garcia.
He looked at the clear liquid with obvious doubt. "How does it work?"
"Just add three drops to one gallon of water, and absolutely no water molecule expansion will occur upon freezing. It is also completely non-toxic, as far as my own limited investigations have determined."
"We would have no problem verifying that claim. Jenkins," he turned to a man seated near him in a white lab coat, "take this down to the lab and start testing. And, don't drop it."
"Yes, sir," he replied, and scurried out of the room.
"Assuming that all your claims can be verified, Professor, what do you want in return?"
To Professor Theodore Jenkins that was the million-dollar question. He didn't know.
"I'm not sure, sir. I guess I want to see it used to benefit people, and not just confiscated and buried. And, I guess I'd like to have some involvement in the development of my invention, and perhaps some moderate monetary rewards." He paused for a moment. "I felt if I contacted someone with perhaps a personal vested interest, and the resources to develop the invention, then the invention would gain its fullest potential. So, I came to you, sir."
"I take it that you believe that I am a man of my word?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then, you would trust me with your invention?"
"Yes."
"And, are you prepared to hand over complete information on how to make your formula?"
"Yes."
"Then I believe we can make a deal."
Theodore Jenkins spent the next hour answering various questions from different people sitting at the table. But, he knew the final decision would rest with Diego Garcia, and none other. Questions grew less frequent until Mr. Garcia decided to conclude the meeting.
"I grow fatigued, Professor," said Mr. Garcia. "My staff will review the information that you have provided, and perform some tests. We'll meet again in a few days. In the meantime, I'm assigning Miss Maria Delatoras to show you about our facility, and get you acquainted with what we do here. This meeting is adjourned."
With that, everyone stood, and Mr. Garcia exited the room in his wheelchair with several people surrounding him, followed by two guards. Theodore looked over at Maria, who smiled back at him. The professor's tension seemed to melt away at her countenance, and he returned her smile.
He walked over to the table and gathered up his computer and various papers, stowing them away in his large brief case.
"Here, let me help you," she said, handing him different folders and gently stacking papers for him.
"Thank you," he replied, somewhat embarrassed.
"Mr. Garcia has assigned me as your personal guide, and I look forward to showing you the hacienda and our beautiful valley."
He looked over at her. She was smiling at him engagingly. "I look forward to that, Miss Delatoras," he said.
"Oh, please, call me Maria."
Then with one arm holding the brief case, and the other locked with his guide, she led him back to his room, and Miss Delatoras spent the next three hours acquainting Theodore Jenkins with the people and grounds of the sprawling settlement.
That night he slept well in his room, after an enjoyable meal with his host. The talk was of a general nature only, the crops, politics and even a few comments concerning local sporting events. He would often gaze at Maria who sat next to him, finding her to be a fascinating conversationalist, and a well educated woman.
In fact, during the next few days, a number of different women and men attended both dinner and lunches. Some were obviously local scientists, and others administration personnel, and even a few guards. But, there were always several well-dressed women who appeared to have no function other than to grace the table with their profound presence. They were all very attractive, and sometimes even drew his attention away from Maria Delatoras.
And Maria showed him the valley, and even the spring fed stream that watered much of the plantation's varied crops. It was evident that Mr. Garcia ran an extensive horticultural facility, as half the fruits were completely unknown to him.
Even the water tasted especially sweet and clean, and Theodore commented on this fact.
"The waters have certain special minerals that come from deep within the ground," she said.
"Really?"
"Yes. For centuries the local people called it the Water of Life, as it does seem to be particularly refreshing to the body. Our scientists are still studying the properties."
"I see. Quite interesting."
Four days slipped by before Theodore realized, and on the fifth day he was informed of a private meeting with Mr. Diego Garcia. Maria escorted him along the hallways to a well-guarded office on the first floor of the hacienda, stopping in front of a wide wooden door.
"You're not coming in?" he inquired.
"This is between Diego and yourself." She smiled. "Don't be afraid. Everything will be fine."
And, upon viewing her smile the professor thought that everything would be just as she said. So, straightening his tie, Theodore opened the door and stepped inside.
Behind a large sprawling desk Mr. Garcia waited for him. "Please have a seat, professor," he said.
"Thank you, sir," Theodore replied, and relaxed into a large stuffed chair. He was surprised to view no nearby guards, and realized this might be a very private discussion indeed.
"So, how has Miss Delatoras been treating you?"
"Just fine, sir. In fact, I can't remember a time that I have enjoyed more than my stay at your wonderful hacienda."
"Glad to hear that," he said. "And, Maria has given you good marks as well. She's a fine judge of character, you know."
"I can well believe that," he replied.
Mr. Garcia laughed, remembering a time long ago. "I think she takes after her mother," he said.
"She does..."
"Did you know she's my great granddaughter?"
"What? Really? I had no idea." He didn't do the calculations in his head, but the numbers didn't seem quite right to him.
"I take family very seriously," commented Mr. Garcia.
"Yes, I agree it's very important."
"So, why have you never married, Professor? You're what, forty-five?"
"Yes. Well, it's hard to say. Women never seemed very interested in me, and I was always involved with school, teaching, or inventing. I just never had the time to pursue romance."
"Well, Professor Jenkins, here is my proposal." He paused for a moment. "I will develop your invention, and hire you on as a senior researcher. I would retain all rights to your invention, but would bequeath to you a five percent royalty on all profits."
"That sounds very reasonable."
"Wait, I'm not finished. Because of the security situation, you would be required to reside here in perpetuity, or until the council decides that your departure would not in any way compromise our situation."
"I don't understand."
"You do know what I do here, do you not?"
"Well, I have tried to minimize such questions as much as possible."
"Maria was correct. You are a wise man." He stopped for a moment. "This is my retreat, Professor Jenkins, in some ways my survival retreat. You are correct in that I research many ways to prolong and rejuvenate human life, and have found this valley to be my ideal location. But we are also a secure facility, and self sufficient in many ways. If the world has, say, some type of crisis, I hope to weather the storm safe and sound."
"I see."
"Yes. So, you would become one of my employees, I would sponsor your permanent residency in my country, and you would be required to settle here for an unknown number of years."
Theodore felt crestfallen.
"Don't be depressed, professor. I think you would enjoy living at my hideaway. And, you would have social opportunities here that you have so far neglected. You see, here we treat men who have devoted their lives to science a little better than your own country does."
"I see."
"In fact, if you decided to marry into the family, you have my support. Here we have many single women who have committed to stay at my hacienda. They are bright, beautiful and intelligent. You might like one of them. And, there is of course Maria."
"Maria?"
"Yes. I get the impression that she likes you. How do you find her?"
"Enchanting," he replied.
"I thought so. So, what will it be? Will you join our organization, and help us bring your invention into fruition?"
For some reason visions of Maria floated though his mind, and not the possible benefits from his invention. "I will join," he said.
"Then, welcome on board, Professor Jenkins," said Mr. Garcia, who reached out and shook his hand with remarkable strength.
Five minutes later he left the room, and outside he found Maria waiting for him. She smiled happily and reached out and grasped his hand.
"What did great-grandfather say?"
He smiled back into her lovely eyes. "I decided to stay," he said.
"That's wonderful," she replied, hugging him.
"Did he mention anything else?"
"Well, I have a salary, and, uh..."
"And, that you can marry into the family?"
"Yes, that was mentioned," he said nervously.
"Theodore, what's the matter? Great-grandfather told you about me, didn't he?"
"He told me that you liked me. And, well, I like you also. The last four days have been the happiest in my life."
"Then what is the problem?"
"Well, it's just a little fast for me. Too much going on, and..."
"And, what else?"
"Oh, Maria. I'm too old for you. You deserve someone younger. I'm almost forty-six, Maria."
"And, how old do you think I am?"
He looked at her for moment, studying her face. He saw few wrinkles and a roguish smile. "Twenty-five?" he hazarded.
"Really? That old? They say I look twenty-three."
"Sorry," he said.
"I'm just joking. Theodore, I've been the personal secretary of great-grandfather for over a decade. And, like you, I've had little time for other pursuits."
"I don't understand."
"Theodore, I'm thirty-seven. You are eight years older than me. Great-grandfather has had some success in his investigations." Theodore was mollified, and they walked down the hall, hand in hand.
Professor Theodore Jenkins dived into his job as Senior Researcher, and was amazed at the facilities he found in the lower levels of the sprawling hacienda. He didn't have access to them all, of course, but those he worked in were the most modern and sophisticated that he had ever encountered.
And, the scientists were even more pleased with him and his invention, than he was with them. Formula IEI-327 did in fact function as he predicted, allowing absolutely no expansion of water molecules upon freezing, with no deleterious effects.
After six months and millions of pesos spent, the scientists had succeeded in both the freezing and resuscitation of test animals. The techniques were still under development, but the science was valid, and it would only be a matter of time till they perfected the process.
During this time, the romance between Maria and Professor Jenkins progressed in step with the research. Professor Jenkins had fallen for Maria and seemed to walk on clouds. And, one evening they met for a romantic candlelight dinner on the main verandah.
Theodore wanted it to be special, and in his pocket he had the special gift for such an occasion. He had never been happier in his life. Though it was the furthest from his mind, they first talked of life and work here at the facility.
"I spoke with great-grandfather yesterday. He's so proud of you!" she said.
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. You work very hard, and your invention has so many medical applications, he thinks it will be one of the greatest discoveries of the twenty-first century."
"Oh, it isn't that. Or, maybe it is," he laughed, and reached across the table and held her hand. He cleared his throat, thoroughly nervous, but happy as well.
"Maria, you know, I think the world of you, and..." he heard a siren go off in the distance, disrupting his well-rehearsed words. Maria heard it also, and a frown crossed her face. "Anyway," he continued.
"Yes?"
Loudspeakers at the top of the hacienda erupted in rapid Spanish. He couldn't quite catch the words, but Maria had.
"The perimeter alarm!" she yelled, jumping to her feet.
"What's happening?"
"We're under attack."
Theodore looked across the valley and saw dozens of lights, and heard the roar of distance engines. On top of the hacienda, he saw panels slide back, revealing ground to air missiles. First one fired, then another. Points of light in the distance exploded in mid-air, but the others continued towards them.
Maria turned and began to run across the veranda towards the entrance to the hacienda. Theodore followed behind, saw an attack helicopter pass overhead, and threw himself in the way, shielding her body with his own. Pain stabbed him in his back, chest, neck, and then Professor Theodore Jenkins felt nothing more.
"Is he awake?" Theodore heard a voice, as if from a long distance.
"Just about," said someone else. "It will be a few more minutes before he's fully conscious."
"Where am I?" Theodore croaked. For some reason his voice didn't function very well.
"Lie still, Dear." Again he heard that feminine voice, and recognized it. It was Maria.
"What happened? Maria, is that you?" He tried to open his eyes. They seemed almost glued, but finally came undone.
"Yes, Theodore, it's me. You're ok, Dear. Don't worry."
Finally his eyes came fully open and he looked around. He was in a hospital room of some kind, though he had never seen one like it before. He noticed a number of people in the room, several men and women in white coats, and to his left, Maria hovered over him, holding his hand and smiling.
"Maria. It's you. Are you ok? The helicopter. You aren't hurt, are you?"
Tears came to her eyes. "No, Theodore, I'm fine. Thanks to you."
"What happened? The attack. Is everyone ok?"
"Every thing is fine, son," said another man, young, with mostly blonde hair, and a fatherly smile upon his face. Both his voice and appearance seemed familiar to Theodore, though he couldn't quite place him.
"Don't you recognize me?" he asked, with a good-natured smile on his face.
"I, I'm not sure."
"It's your boss," he said.
"You, you're Mr. Garcia?"
"That's right," he replied.
"But, how can that be?"
"Theodore, you've been asleep for a long time," interjected Maria. "Much has happened."
"Maria, I'd better tell him," said Mr. Garcia.
"Tell me what?"
"You've actually been dead for a long time, my boy. We just recently developed the capacity to repair your injuries. And, here you are, as good as new. In fact better than you last knew yourself."
Someone put a mirror in front of his face, and he saw the reflection of a young man, the way he looked when he just got out of college. He inspected each arm, and his flesh felt firm and fresh, with no annoying age spots. How could this be?
"You're lucky. So far, only a small percentage of the population gets full rejuvenation. But, you saved the life of my great-granddaughter. The least I could do was to return yours."
"He still doesn't understand," someone else said.
"Theodore," said Maria holding his head in her hands. "It's been over two hundred years since the attack on the hacienda. We fought them off, but you were injured, and injured badly. You were dying and we had no way to save you."
"So you froze me," he stated in almost unbelief that his own research provided the means for his salvation.
"We froze you," Diego Garcia agreed. "For years we could do nothing. But, in time we perfected your process, and then healed your wounds as each medical technique became available."
"And, here I am," he replied, his voice now reflecting a new found excitement and awe at this revelation.
"Yes, indeed, my boy. And, famous too!"
"Famous?"
"Of course," replied Mr. Garcia. "In fact, as soon as you're up and around, the System President wants to present an award to you as Hero of the Realm."
"But why?"
"Your freezing technique has saved millions of lives, not to mention providing the first viable method of long term space travel."
"What do you mean?"
"Sleeper ships, my dear boy. For over a hundred and fifty years man has been exploring and colonizing the galaxy in fusion powered starships. Without your Formulae IEI-327 none of it would have been possible."
"It seems incredible," he sighed, the truth dawning upon him. "I wake up and the world has changed."
"Not everything has changed," said Maria. "Great-grandfather, could I speak with him alone?"
"Of course, my dear," he smiled. "Everyone, clear the room." In moments only Maria sat by his bed holding his hand.
"Theodore, I waited for you," she said.
"What do you mean?"
"I couldn't bear to live on without you," she explained. "Soon after you were killed, I joined you in the long sleep. They woke me about ten years ago when it became obvious that you were going to make a complete recovery, and I received the full rejuvenation.
"You had yourself frozen? But why?"
"Because I love you," she said, holding him. "You traded your life for mine that night long ago. I decided then and there that I would wait for you. And, I found this in your pocket as I held you in my arms." She handed him an old jewelry box. He opened it, and inside saw a golden ring with a small diamond.
Theodore looked up at Maria, tears in her eyes, and a smile on her face.
"Did you have something to ask me?" she said.
"I love you, Maria. Will you marry me?" asked Professor Theodore Jenkins of Maria Delatoras after two hundred years.
"Yes," she replied.
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