by J. J. Harkin
“For our purposes it’s basically a barrier through which only hydrogen molecules can pass – a sieve engineered nearly to the specificity of nanotechnology,” continued Drake, explaining unabashedly. “The MCM represents a first step toward capturing sizable quantities of hydrogen without the prior investment of electricity. Though usually they are used for straining chemicals from thicker liquids, they may yet prove useful in aircraft, as some can even glean molecules from thin air. The problem is that hydrogen never stays here, in the lower atmosphere, for long when it is produced by lightning strikes or other natural means. You’ve gotta be prodigiously nimble if you’re going to catch it. I think the better idea will be to look at the possibility that an MCM could strain hydrogen from collected water vapor, as that will probably prove more efficient. Either way I can assure you that we don’t have long to wait before the MCM has been perfected to peak efficiency. I am confident we will find a way around any obstacles we encounter.”
“Okay,” said Den, “then let’s invest in that too somehow.” He paused pensively. “Just imagine if we could get a plane running on hydrogen it scrubbed directly from the air it’s flying through! Talk about money for nothing…”
Thus that day it was decided they would hone their efforts in the direction of producing both hydrogen collectors and generators, with the aim of eventually distributing them globally. Investment and investigation into the MCM market would occur simultaneously, and hopefully find success. From then on Den, Dr. Apostas, Imahan, Collins, and the rest of the hydrogen team worked tirelessly toward these goals. Meanwhile, David, Rachel, and Hayao busied themselves preparing a vast army of drones for Victoria to command, knowing they would be needing countless working hands once Den’s factory was fully operational.
That evening Victoria and Drake Apostas walked slowly together through the vast garden before the villa, exchanging clever reminiscences. Watching this, more than anything, was what finally convinced Den she must truly be his beloved grandmother, somehow returned once again to the lands of the living. As it was a miracle beyond hoping for, and a boon so unexpected, Den had found himself glancing at the shining android all day, wondering if it could all truly be possible. It might not have looked much like her, but every word she spoke made Den more and more convinced that this was none other than Victoria. It was true: some people just could not be imitated.
Soon breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served to perfection on a daily basis by Harriet and Henrietta, whom now specified themselves as cooks, since the drones could furthermore attend to the house cleaning. The whole estate was practically singing. Victoria spent the days spreading herself evenly between helping out the ladies at the villa and assisting everyone else in the robotics and energy labs; but she never forgot to bring her new friend Dogie along for the ride, as he would have had it no other way.
Months passed, the island flourished, and all went forward just as Den had said. Before long all of the island’s extra energy was being stored as hydrogen, so as to be available for future use. When he, Dr. Apostas, Collins, and Imahan had collectively finished their designs for the energy collectors and generators, organization of production in the factory began. So it was that within five months all was ready to begin. Being fearful of the influences of foreign powers and energy producers, Den kept everything a secret as best he could, for Victoria insisted they wait upon the timing of Joseph, wherever he was. More and more Den spent his days alone, haunted by an inexplicable tendency toward solitude, and Victoria watched him closely, as concerned as any exalted robot might ever be.
Text copyright © 2011 by J. J. Harkin
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Cover art and illustrations copyright © 2011 by Steve Harkin
steveharkin.com
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Also by J. J. Harkin:
Angels of Apocalypse, Part II: Abominations
Angels of Apocalypse, Part III: Apotheosis
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