“Sorry,” Blake said. “This was the nicest place we could find where we could get a big block of rooms.”
“Well, I’ll manage,” Samantha said. “So, where is my desk?”
“The one by the window,” Blake said. “This one’s Marc’s, I use it when I need one, but mostly I work out of my room.”
“Okay, so I have three files here,” Samantha said after she sat down and glanced through the stack of files on the desk. “Your corporate charter, the outline of the agreement he wants me to negotiate with the Cook Islands government, and some preliminary patent filings. Anything else I need to look at?”
“Marc asked me to find a hospital ship we could buy. We’re setting up a clinic here, and he wants to be able to start handling patients faster than we could build a clinic,” Blake said.
“Buy, would you consider leasing a ship?” Samantha asked.
“We’ll probably only need it for a year or so,” Blake said. “But it’ll likely need to be upgraded. I haven’t found any modern ones available in our time frame, but I didn’t look at leasing one.”
“We’ll probably be able to find a modern one for lease. There are several that get used in natural disasters when they are leased by the Red Cross or other relief organizations. I’ll check and let you know.”
“Here is your comm unit,” Blake said as he handed one to her. “If you’ll register your fingerprints with it, it will activate it. It will act as your computer, it’s a lot more powerful than it looks. The keyboard and display on your desk are linked to it already.”
“What about security?” Samantha asked.
“We have our own private network,” Blake said. “Your searches on the internet will be untraceable. The comm has an amazing voice-recognition system. It starts out almost perfect for normal commands, and it doesn’t take long to learn your accent and speech pattern. Most of us give our comms a name, that makes it easy for it to know we’re issuing a command. Just say ‘call’ and any of our names, and it’ll ring us up. Catie will set it up for you so you can replace your phone if you like. She’ll also show you how to use the earwig and these fancy glasses.”
“Looks like I have my work cut out for me,” Samantha said. “I’ll get started right away.”
“We usually eat at seven,” Blake said. “There’s a nice restaurant just down the street if you would like to join us. It will give you a chance to meet Liz and Catie.”
“Sounds fine,” Samantha said. “I probably will work here until then. I had a nap on the plane, so I should be able to stay awake past dinner.”
“Okay, I’ll stop by to pick you up,” Blake said.
Chapter 2
Remember When
As soon as Dr. Metra released Marc from medical, he sent her and the Sakira to the Cook Islands where he had set up base. ADI had made a fake identification for Dr. Metra that showed she was from Costa Rica. ADI had assured him and Dr. Metra that the documents were perfect and would have no trouble passing the scrutiny of the governments of the Cook Islands or New Zealand.
Marc had the LX9, the captain’s cutter from the Sakira, take him back to Honolulu. The LX9, or Lynx, as his daughter preferred to call it, made the trip underwater to avoid detection by Honolulu radar. It had to start the trip underwater anyway since the Sakira was under four hundred meters of water where it had been hiding for over thirty years. When they got to the small bay next to his hotel, he had ADI surface the Lynx so he could exit. He went into the cargo hold where his wave rider was. He’d used it to get to the Lynx five days ago; now he’d use it to get back to his hotel. It was dark, so nobody would notice the virtually invisible Lynx as it coasted along on the ocean surface.
Marc had ADI open the cargo hold, partially flooding it. He revved the wave rider up and shot out of the hold. The wave rider bounced hard as it caught a wave, but quickly righted itself. Marc rode it to the beach where he parked it. He’d have one of the cabana boys take care of it in the morning, but now he needed to get some rest. He had two busy weeks planned for himself. But first, he had to start the ball rolling with Catie’s great grandparents. As soon as he got back to the hotel, he called his ex-wife.
“Dr. McCormack please,” Marc asked the receptionist at Linda’s office. “Tell her it’s Marc.”
“Yes, Mr. McCormack,” the receptionist said. “One moment please, I’ll see if she’s available.”
“Marc, is everything okay?” Linda asked. “I haven’t heard from Catie or you for a few weeks.”
“Everything is fine,” Marc said. “We’ve been in Portugal and very busy.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed. You’ve been on the news, pretty impressive bringing that ship up.”
“It was exciting,” Marc said. “But we’ve left Portugal. Catie is back on Hawaiian Standard time now.”
“Back in Honolulu?”
“No, the Cook Islands actually, but same time zone.”
“Why are you in the Cook Islands?”
“It a long story, but back to why I called,” Marc said. “We’ve formed a business relationship with a doctor down there. She has a very promising treatment for Alzheimer’s.”
“Oh my god,” Linda gasped. “What do you mean by promising?”
“Nineteen out of twenty patients showed remarkable improvements. In fact, it was so remarkable that they all passed the cognitive test. Before the treatment, they were all in severe decline.”
“That is amazing,” Linda said as she shifted to doctor mode. “What kind of treatment and what are the risks?”
“Minimal to no risks,” Marc said. “I’ve actually had it myself, kind of proof that it’s safe. The treatment is a series of injections over a few weeks. Catie wants your grandparents to have the treatment. She’s the one who found the doctor.”
“That would be wonderful, but is it safe?” Linda asked. “I know you just said you took it, but long-term effects?”
“She has data on long-term effects,” Marc said. “I can’t explain more, there’s a lot of confidential information involved; you either have to trust me or not. I need you to decide if it’s okay for me to offer it to them.”
“My mom’s the one who has to decide,” Linda said.
“We both know she’ll go with whatever you recommend.”
“I need to think about this,” Linda said.
“Think about it. I’ll be in San Diego tomorrow, then I’m flying to Boston. I hope that I’m flying back with your parents. There’s another Alzheimer’s victim there that I am going to offer the treatment to as well.”
“What does it cost?”
“It’s part of the trials, so it’s free, but you’ve seen the news, it doesn’t matter what it costs.”
“I guess you’re rich now, so it’s pocket change for you.”
“It would be pocket change for Catie as well,” Marc said.
“Oh, I didn’t realize that,” Linda said with surprise. “Come by tomorrow, and we’ll talk.”
The next day it only took a brief discussion before Linda decided that the treatment’s risks were worth it. Her grandparents were in their early eighties and in addition to Alzheimer’s, had several health issues that Marc said his doctor could treat. Besides, their quality of life was falling rapidly as the disease progressed. It seemed that almost any risk would be worth it. She called her office and told them she was going to be gone for a few weeks due to a family emergency. Then, she packed a bag and accompanied Marc to Boston.
◆ ◆ ◆
“I’m Marc McCormack,” Marc told the woman who answered the door. “I’m looking for Dr. Zelbar.”
“He’s my husband,” the woman answered. “What do you want?”
Mrs. Zelbar was an attractive woman; Marc estimated her age at early forties. He’d known that Dr. Zelbar had married one of his graduate students, but he hadn’t realized it had been that recent. If he recalled correctly, Dr. Zelbar would be around eighty years old now.
“I was one of his students about twelve years ago
,” Marc said. “I was hoping I could talk to him and you.”
“He’s not really receiving visitors. He’s not feeling well.”
“Mrs. Zelbar, I know he’s been having memory issues, that’s why I’m here. I believe I can help.”
Mrs. Zelbar looked a little shocked at the offer of help, “Then please come in,” she said, “and call me Nikola.”
“Thank you, Nikola. How has he been dealing with it?”
“His memory isn’t that bad yet,” Mrs. Zelbar said. “But without the short-term recall, he can’t work anymore. Not working is driving him insane.”
“And you as well, I suspect.”
“Yes, that’s true. He’s in the study, please follow me.”
“Leo, one of your former students has come to visit you,” Mrs. Zelbar said to the old man sitting at the desk.
Dr. Zelbar was a shadow of his former self. He was so much thinner and being hunched over, he looked, “well, tired,” Marc thought.
“Hello, Dr. Zelbar,” Marc said. “I don’t know if you remember me, I took your class in advanced signal processing at MIT.”
“I remember you. McCormack. You were always correcting me,” Dr. Zelbar said. “I knew I should never have agreed to teach that class. I’m a material scientist, not a damn mathematician. You drove me nuts.”
“I’m sorry about that,” Marc said.
“No, you aren’t. You loved every minute of it.”
“Well, I’ve matured since then.”
“I should hope so. What do you want? I’m not much good anymore. I can’t remember what I had for breakfast.”
“I’ve heard,” Marc said. “That’s why I’m here. I’ve formed a new company, and we need a material scientist.”
“I told you I’m not any good,” Dr. Zelbar said. “Maybe Nikola can help you.”
“I heard you, but I have an offer for you that might change that.”
“Well, don’t just stand there, spit it out.”
“I have access to a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s. I’d like to offer you the opportunity to participate in that trial. I’ll cover all the expenses. All I ask is that after the treatment, you consider joining my company.”
“If you can fix my memory, I’ll marry you,” Dr. Zelbar said.
“I think you’re already married,” Marc laughed.
“I know, it’s just an expression; I’m not that far gone.”
“What is this treatment?” Mrs. Zelbar asked.
“My company is located in the Cook Islands, think of Hawaii, but smaller,” Marc said. “The treatment takes three or four weeks, depending on the patient’s response. It’s just a series of injections that remove the plaque from the brain. I’ve got my daughter’s great grandparents coming back with me for the treatment as well.”
“What about me?” Nikola asked.
“You’re welcome to come,” Marc said.
“There was no question about that, but if it works, would there be a position at your company for me?”
“Possibly. As I recall, you were one of his grad students, so a PhD. in material science?”
“Yes, in molecular science, actually.”
“Then we definitely would have a position for you. However, it is a private enterprise, that means no publishing of papers, and you’d have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.”
“I would do anything for both of us to be able to work again.”
“Then, by all means, we’ll have a position for you, whether it works or not,” Marc said. “I’m sure we’ll be able to figure out how to make him better, even if this treatment doesn’t work.”
“What do we do?” Nikola asked.
“I would suggest packing,” Marc said. “We can take care of all your needs, so I recommend that you just pack personal items you wouldn’t want to be without.”
“We’ll be ready by tomorrow.”
◆ ◆ ◆
“I’m looking for Dr. Tanaka,” Marc said to the young woman who opened the door.
“Yes, I was told to expect you,” she said. “My father is resting in the den right now. Please, come in.”
It was 10:00 a.m., and Marc was in Pasadena, visiting the home of one of the most preeminent nuclear physicists of the modern age. Tanaka was another victim of Alzheimer’s, in his case, early-onset.
“Dr. Tanaka,” Marc greeted the middle-aged man sitting in a chair in his study.
“Do I know you?” Dr. Tanaka asked.
“No, father,” the young woman said. “This is the man I told you about. My friend, Nikola, said he could help.”
“Help what?”
“Your memory.”
“What’s wrong with my memory? Who are you again?”
“I’m sorry, he has gotten so much worse in the last six months.”
“I understand,” Marc said. “Then, I guess it’s you whom I need to talk to.”
“Yes, I’m his guardian now. My name is Emiko, by the way.”
“I’m pleased to meet you,” Marc said. “I’m here to offer both treatment and a job to your father. I have a clinic in the Cook Islands that is doing a clinical study on a new Alzheimer’s treatment. It has shown tremendous efficacy, although we only have limited test subjects as of now. Unfortunately, only two with early-onset; however, they both recovered completely.”
“Oh my god. That is wonderful!” Emiko said. “What do we need to do?”
“My goal is that if he’s cured, he will work for my company,” Marc said. “But, there is no obligation, I only ask that he consider it. I’ll cover all your expenses during the treatment as well as travel back to Pasadena if you decide to come home.”
“If you can cure him, he will do anything for you,” Emiko said. “He was such a great man before this disease and an honorable one. He would consider it a debt of honor to repay you.”
“Okay, I have a plane at the airport. You only need to pack a few bags, whatever you don’t want to be without. We can take care of anything else you need. Call me when you’re ready, and I’ll pick you up,” Marc said. “You can come back and get more things later or arrange shipment.”
“Oh my god, oh my god. I’ll hurry and pack, we’ll be ready tomorrow. Oh my god, I have to call my grandfather,” Emiko cried. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
◆ ◆ ◆
“Everyone, welcome to Hawaii. We’ll be staying at the Aston, it’s close to the airfield where we’ve landed,” Marc announced to his passengers. “Please get a good night’s rest. Our flight to Rarotonga is at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.”
A van was waiting to take everybody to the hotel. It was a slow process getting them all off the plane and into the van. Marc was thankful that Fred had found a new flight steward who was just as polite and helpful as Fatima had been. Jennie Baker had a charming southern accent and was able to guide the Alzheimer’s patients through the process without anyone getting upset. Between her and the nurse, Marc had hired for the trip, they were handling things very professionally.
Once they reached the hotel, there was plenty of help from the staff, so Marc left the group and checked everyone in. He was looking forward to a quiet dinner and several drinks when his reverie was interrupted.
“Dr. McCormack?” a young man asked.
“She’s over there,” Marc said. “The blond lady who’s leading the elderly couple to the elevator.”
“No, it is Dr. Marc McCormack that I am looking for,” the young man said.
“Then, you’ve found him,” Marc said.
“I am Tomi Nakahara. My father is Dr. Masa Nakahara; perhaps you’ve heard of him?”
“I recently came across the name. Nuclear physicist from Japan.”
“That is correct,” Tomi said. “My aunt is a good friend of Emiko Tanaka’s grandmother. We have heard that you may have a treatment for Alzheimer’s.”
“I may,” Marc said cautiously.
“If you do, I would beg of you to include my father. We heard of the most gracious offer
you have made to Dr. Akemi Tanaka. My father is a colleague of his and suffers from the same ailment. He has already tried to commit Seppuku; we are desperate for a treatment.”
“I would be happy to try and help,” Marc said. “It is possible. I can come to Japan next week and discuss it with your father.”
“Please, Dr. McCormack. I’ve brought my father here. He will be most overjoyed to join his colleague, Dr. Tanaka.”
“Our plane is full,” Marc said, “but I can come back soon.”
“I fear for my father’s life,” Tomi said. “I must watch him every minute. I am only able to be here without him because I have someone from the hotel sitting with him, and I have told him of the offer you have made to Tanaka San. If I go back to our room and tell him that he must wait...” Marc looked at the desperation on Tomi’s face.
“I can make room for one more person,” Marc said, “but that is all.”
“That is enough,” Tomi said. “I can trust Emiko to watch after my father. I am not important. I can come later on a commercial flight to help.”
“Alright,” Marc said. “We leave the hotel at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you so much,” Tomi said as he bowed over and over. “I am your most humble servant. Anything you ask of me will be done.”
Marc went to the restaurant and started dinner with a double shot of the finest Glenfiddich they had. “At least now I have an excuse to get my wave runner to Rarotonga,” he thought.
◆ ◆ ◆
“Okay everybody, next stop Rarotonga,” Marc said. He looked down the aisle at the completely full plane.
“But what about you?” Linda asked as she looked around for an empty seat.
“I had to give up my seat for Nakahara San,” Marc said. “Don’t worry, I’ll meet everyone in Rarotonga.”
“How?”
“I’ll fly there,” Marc said.
“It’ll take you days,” Linda said.
“I’ll be there by tonight,” Marc said. “Don’t worry, Blake and Catie will take care of everything until I get there.”
Once the plane was in the air, Marc contacted ADI. “ADI, I need the LX9 here at 18:30.”
“Yes, Captain.”
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