CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT – PROFESSOR LIEN
On one of her rare days off, Aggie strolled with the dogs to her little place of serenity, her haven of contemplation. She sat on a log and tossed little pebbles into the stream. Dwarg was active and Aggie was communicating. If you can rearrange and instruct cells to behave and replicate with the ontology of their origin, surely you can do much more than just add a couple of them in a person for a quick fix. You know we have stem cell technology – I would have thought you could do a lot better without physically leaving me and doing your thing. Can’t you find a way of getting these cells to heal the entire person? – It doesn’t matter if it takes time.
This was not in Dwarg’s mission. It was plausible, but Dwarg considered this course of action to be untenable outside of Aggie’s world. To have Aggie go around like one of those faith healers, place her hands on another Human and have that Human mysteriously cured, would attract undue investigation. There were only forty Human days left before he would try to leave the physical, not nearly enough time to heal all damaged Humans. Humans must be born, exist then expire – leaving their legacy, their DNA, to the next generation. Along their path of life, they must succumb to all the emotions, the pains and losses that Dwarg had identified with his relatively short stay with them. This is the Aura shared by Humans and Whisps - the same world but divided between the physical and the not. Dwarg had deduced that the Aura was in evolution, and apart from a small influence by the Humans, other forces were in play.
At least Dwarg had given Aggie some ideas of how cures and treatments could be achieved with cell technology beyond the current concepts of the stem cell platform. She could see that somewhere, sometime, all this knowledge would come together. Like it or not, Dwarg was already a participant in the ever accelerating progress and evolvement of the Humans, and perhaps the Aura.
Edna had been remarkably quiet for the past few weeks. She was happy enough to see Aggie on her path of achieving scholastic and scientific perfection. She would rather have liked to be doing what Megan was doing, but the arrangement worked out fine - Edna was not particularly fond of travel and Megan was quite the opposite. Edna was thankful for having Aggie share her life – it was such a shame that in the last few months to see Aggie attending to far too many funerals – a child, not matter how smart, shouldn’t be subjected to these traumatic experiences so regularly.
She felt so sorry about Megan and Darren losing their father. She was well aware of the tragedy of the kids losing their Mom as well – it made her sob when she thought about it. Again, Aggie was strong and a comfort to all. Still, Edna was enjoying a happy life - a good home, good neighbours and friends and Sundays spent at the lawn sales around town. Ed’s visits became more frequent, dates were made and they were often seen as couples around town. Everything was cosy.
The upcoming loss of Dwarg however, was a different matter. Edna really didn’t know how she felt about it.
To her, Dwarg was the mystique, the unknown quantity, the saviour of Aggie and little William; he was the dependable rogue within. Rogue? – more like a shit-stirring rascal and he must have been the architect behind the episode involving Ed. On the night of her return from Paris, she should have questioned herself as to just why she had had a heightened level of libido - or was it lust? She desperately needed a man and an unsuspecting Ed was hastily encouraged into her bedroom where she had her way with him – she vaguely remembered hollering a few war whoops during her not too gentle session of lovemaking. Just to think about it now is so embarrassing. Poor Ed, he sure was in for a surprise. Edna was even more surprised when she realized that her virginity, taken away by the damned priest of her childhood, had been repaired and reinstated – very funny Dwarg – but how could she complain or kick his ass? After all, it was she who demanded that Dwarg fix her up back there in Paris. Of course, she couldn’t complain to Aggie about it – her hands were tied. Dwargles, you’re sure one damn smart-ass bug – and I’ll damn miss him.
She worried about Aggie’s future – would she change? Would she loose that fine and articulate mind? Would she revert to the childhood of an eleven year old girl? Dwarg had promised that nothing would go wrong with Aggie after his departure. Would he somehow brainwash her and remove all traces and memories of his presence? Edna decided to put her foot down – she would insist on going to Geneva with Aggie and Megan. She needed to be there for Aggie and spent most of the morning practising her arguments for tagging along. She would use all the tricks in the book to convince Aggie – beg, even conjure up some tears, and if that wouldn’t work, she could always use her ace up her sleeve: damn it all Aggie; I’m your legal guardian and I’m coming with you.
“Oh it would be great if you came along aunt – I didn’t think you ever wanted to go back there – yippee!” Sure took the wind from Edna’s sails.
-oOo-
“I really believe that Professor Lien should be involved in the experiment Aggie – he’s our closest expert in the field. He’s investigated synchrotron radiation and has written a paper on electromagnetic and secondary emissions on a range of accelerated particles.” Janette Conaghan knew she would have an uphill battle convincing Aggie to share the research. The President of UO had suggested (in essence commanded) that Aggie, although quite capable of going it alone, should have at least one of the department scientists to stand by her while carrying out such a groundbreaking experiment. He was basically concerned that any kudos due to the UO may be directed elsewhere.
“Professor Lien is a wonderful physicist, but all of his research, calculations and trials were carried out using vacuum media. This is quite a different area, Miss Conaghan – we are going to use plasma. He’s only got a basic knowledge of the information paradox. He will only slow me down and I haven’t got the time to coach him – I know he is fastidious, but with due respect, this is my paper and my project. You told me before that Professor Lorenz has already guaranteed accreditation and shared rights with the UO – if you like, I’ll sign any waiver over to the college.”
“Nothing that drastic Aggie, look at it this way; Professor Lien will be there strictly as an observer – and he’ll be briefed to that effect. You won’t have to tell him anything you don’t want to – he won’t be spying on you. He’s really a nice man, Aggie, but the Chief is insistent that a senior faculty representative comes along.”
“Well, it’s going to be quite the entourage. He’ll have to put up with three loopy females – I feel sorry for him already.” Janette Conaghan tried not to giggle – she had heard about the escapades of the terrible trio in France from Edna.
The idea of old Rienus Lien trying desperately to keep up with the antics of Aggie and Edna and Megan brought up some impish images in her mind. She would have to go softly softly in explaining what the university wanted of him; his need to be diplomatic and tactful; his muted participation; his utter support of Aggie’s program and the importance of the UO to be seen as the major contributor. Any press release or media enquiry needed to be relayed to the President in the first instant – Rienus was to be the ambassador and would be expected to make all policy decisions in the best interests of the college – the procedures however, would totally be Aggie’s call.
After Aggie left her office, Janette sat and thought out her upcoming interview with Professor Lien - he can be such a fuddy-duddy.
She unlocked the third drawer of her desk and pulled out a shiny silver hip flask and shook it near her ear – yes there was still a little Captain Morgan’s spiced rum left.
Rienus Lien was the typical university nerd. He had gone about life from early childhood, through primary, secondary and tertiary education on a non deviating path. He had never been affected by world events, wars, protests or demonstrations – had never been in any form of limelight – and although he had achieved a very high degree of recognition with his research and publications, he somehow remained very much the quiet professor, keeping mostly to himself and delivered his lectures wit
hout fuss or controversy. He lived alone in a small apartment not far from the college campus. Apart from a few nephews and nieces, he did not have close family contacts – his father did not return from the Korean conflict and his mother abandoned him to an aunt. His outings and hobbies were varied; he enjoyed going to stage and theatre productions, and although he did not play any instrument, he had a love of classical piano music. With the soft sounds of a Chopin nocturne in the background, he found he was able to think more clearly and deeply on theories and calculations that constantly occupied his mind. Unfortunately, due to a fall on his bicycle in his early teens, he suffered some irreversible damage which ensured that he could not father any children. That was not to say that he was gender neutral – the sight of a shapely female would still turn his head – it was not because of any sexual interest – he saw beauty in the curves and composition of a woman, as much as the appreciation of looking at fine sculptures or nature’s natural beauty.
He had never left the country and avoided long trips away; however the needs of the UO did see him travelling interstate to places to attend seminars, various committee meetings and symposiums.
His philosophy of life was simply to be in the background but useful - he would leave adventuring, drama, notoriety and fame to others – he was satisfied just being what he was. If any of his work would prove to be of benefit to the environment, he knew he would leave the planet a happy man.
“Well that’s it in a nutshell, Rienus.” Janette thought that the explanation went over very well, although she could not interpret the straight and expressionless look on his face.
“Just as an added note Professor, you have banked up an enormous amount of vacation time – why don’t you make the most of it, extend this little trip, let yourself go, discover Europe – I’m sure there are dozens of places that would interest you. You like music, why don’t you check out the Mozart performances at the Vienna State Opera House, or Milan where.... I have it here somewhere...look, free ticket vouchers to get you into the La Scala. I believe Turandot and Casanova are the productions this coming season.” Rienus Lien just looked straight at her “Well, what do you think Rienus? Have I sold you?”
“So you want me to babysit a smart ass kid, Oh beg your pardon, you want me to be second banana to a smart ass kid whom I have to babysit, to hold my head up high in the company of renowned physicists yet be powerless to participate in anything unless she determines it so?”
“That’s pretty well the summary Rienus – you will be our safety net – don’t for an instance think that it denigrates your position with us. The Chief chose you above all others, you should see that that alone is a compliment and trust – don’t forget, there are forces out there planning two years hence, when our leader retires – and I’ll tell you now, I’m not interested in running.”
Professor Lien was never the aggressive ladder climber – his ambitions were moderate, but these last words from Janette caused a flow of adrenalin and suddenly he was very much interested. “May I think upon it Janette?”
“Of course Rienus, give me your answer after lunch...whoa, don’t forget these vouchers.” He left the vice’s office, feeling somewhat taller. He had made the decision to chaperon that lovely young and talented child on behalf of the University as soon as Janette Conaghan had dangled that tasty carrot. What person in his right mind would not pursue and accept such a delicious morsel. He had on some occasions, actually seen the President’s residence. He thought to himself, is covetness a sin? Don’t think so – I’m not coveting his wife or his property, well not yet – and why the heck should I care anyway – I’m a heathen. He became lost in thoughts of lying on a blow-up mattress on the President’s residence indoor swimming pool with the mathematical music of Bach playing in the background. A couple of bikini clad undergrads were standing on the edge with trays of cocktails and finger food, a student or two stood beside a whiteboard, markers poised, ready to write equations and formulae as he conjured them up between the sips and the chews. Hmm I think I’ll do it.
“Good afternoon Professor Lien, I see you also had a session with our Vice President – at least we have something in common – invito acceptio, and a coming together of unlikes.”
She continued, “are we to be a partnership at arm’s length united by a bond not of our choosing, but for the good of the institution?”
“My dear Miss Aggie Kellor, nothing of the sort. I’ve been asked to accompany you to CERN and to be of any assistance you may require. It’s your show – I’ll just be a shadow, all I ask is your friendship and tolerance. Mrs Conaghan made it quite clear and plain as to my role and I intend to follow it to the letter. I can only offer my hand to you as a fellow collegiate – I’m sure your work (and my subsequent reports) will be rewarding to all concerned. What say you?”
Aggie extended her hand and Rienus nervously shook it firmly. Dwarg began an immediate history and memory tour through the Professor’s DNA. “Did Mrs Conaghan mention that my assistant Megan Redcliffe and my aunt will also accompany us? My aunt is my chaperone, and there’s nothing much I can do to get away from her protection. Anyway, the university is footing the bill.”
“No, Mrs Conaghan didn’t mention it. To be perfectly honest that’s somewhat of a relief – I am a little naive when it comes to interaction with young people. I guess I’ve led too much of a sheltered life. So, how will it work out with the LHC? Will they have room for us all in the lab?”
“As I imagine it, you and I will be actively involved, Professor Lorenz and his colleagues, and perhaps another physicist from CERN. My aunt and assistant won’t be in the facility. Aunt Edna will be our driver - are you ever in for an adventure - and Megan will attend to all admin matters. She’ll take control of our travel, accommodation, food, communications and clerical matters. By the way, do you possess a passport? No? I’ll get Megan to organise one.”
“To be candid with you Aggie, Mrs Conaghan warned me I’d be in for quite an experience and to forget being in my comfort zone for a while. I must admit I did baulk at the idea at first, but what the heck, just for once, I’ll let whatever’s left of my hair down and be cool.”
“The expression now-days is, “be sick” Professor...er, never mind. Somewhere along the line, we’ll have to sit down and have a heart to heart discussion – if you don’t mind. I have already spoken to Miss Conaghan about this; I would rather not go into too much exacting detail involving the experiment.”
“It’s nothing to do with national secrecy or any intent of approbation to gain merit – but there is a reason and I would ask for your trust and tolerance.”
“I’m intrigued Aggie, but of course you can rely on my utter cooperation – may I have the pleasure of your company, and your assistant’s, at dinner this evening? – I will find a table in a quite part of Luigies’ and we can discuss terms and conditions and anything else on your mind...Aggie?..Miss Kellor?”
Dwarg was making his report – he could not find anything negative or dangerous about this human – he informed Aggie that there was nothing to fear.
“Yes, that would be nice, wow, my first business dinner – if I’m right, you can even claim the costs on your departmental expense account – I’m still fighting to get one for myself. See you there at seven Professor? – better bring some documentation for Megan to get you that passport.”
“Where are you staying Aggie? Still boarding at Conaghan’s cottage?”
“No, Megan has bought a condo in town – it’s a good investment and much more convenient – would you like us to pick you up Professor?”
“Thanks no, I’ve just rewired my bicycle lamp and I’m street legal – peddle power will do me fine.” He thought that perhaps he should become a personal assistant - every one of them he had met thus far, seemed to be very well off financially.
He was not to know that Megan was the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar legal practice, which she now partially owned in partnership with Darr
en. Steve had ensured that he left enormous investments and assets to his children. Megan purchased Darren’s share of the family home in Frederick and bought real estate properties where and whenever she “felt” a bargain.
Although the Van Gogh painting in her house had never been appraised nor its provenance documented, its value would easily be assessed as around $40 to $60 million – should the world ever learn of this discovery. “No Aggie, a deal’s a deal – I’ll be your girl Friday for a while yet – I’ve never had more excitement in all my life – besides sis, you are good for my soul – let’s talk about it again – after Geneva.”