A Story of Revenge

CHAPTER ONE

Isaac Newton University California.  Newton, CA

The Isaac Newton campus covered eight hundred acres, with an additional undeveloped four hundred acre ecological preserve, the University’s Botanical Garden and a recreation center.

Isaac Newton was the flagship campus of the University of California system.  The Academic Ranking of World Universities placed the University fourth in the world overall.  The university was well known for producing a high number of entrepreneurs.

The school's faculty, alumni, and researchers had won 55 Nobel Prizes, 9 Wolf Prizes, seven Fields Medals, 11 Turing Awards, 41 MacArthur Fellowships, 9 Academy Awards, and 7 Pulitzer Prizes.  To date, UC Isaac Newton scientists had discovered 13 chemical elements.

*           *           *

In that pristine, cerebral environment strolled Edward Jax, a post doc student in molecular biology and bio-engineering.  He wore cargo pants - which he had in four colors, all the same style - a white T-shirt and a baggy hoodie emblazoned with the name of the university.  On his feet he wore Timberline lightweight shoes which had not been off trail since the day he bought them.

He was of medium height with sandy brown hair, hazel eyes and thin, up-turned lips as if he was always smiling.  Some left-over freckles from his youth, which was only a few years prior, dotted his face.  But the eyes left a lasting impression: a curiosity shown forth, encompassing man’s dominion of science and God’s realm of Earth and sky.  He left no stone unturned in his quest for not just answers but for the why.

Jax had the build of a half back, which he was in high school till a knee injury side-lined him.  Yet that propitious event pushed him from being a C student, lackadaisical about school to a young man seriously interested in the sciences.  The switch came when he was laid up in bed, then on crutches for six months.  Most of the books in the house were on medicine and physics, and the magazines were Discover, and Science. 

By the time he moved on to crutches, he had already changed majors from business to physics and math and left behind a lot of jocks who were into sports and girls and found new friends who were interested in making a difference in the world. 

That didn’t sit well with a lot of old pals who thought they were being left behind, not just left out.  But Jax was on a mission, and he had the support of others who saw him as an inspiration, not just a guy who went with the flow and lived for the moment.

When he went back to school he made up for lost time by doubling up on his classes and spending a lot more time in the school library.

*           *           *

Jax’s head turned to the sound of birds chirping and brooks flowing.  He knew that, on some level, all things were interconnected: nature, science, and the universe.  That was something he promised himself he’d investigate in the future.

Two squirrels, chasing each other, ran right over Jax’s feet, completely ignoring the danger...or maybe they realized from his movements he posed no threat to them.

The smell of acorns broken open, sap from the trees and fallen leaves heightened the acuteness of his senses. 

It seemed to him that the Loons and Grebes, Petrels and Cormorants were following him on his walk to the Ben Franklin Laboratory that had been his home for the past year and a half.  Jax called it home because he spent more time there than in his small bachelor’s apartment in the student housing complex.

But all that was soon to change.  In just a matter of a few weeks, he would be married to Samantha, have his own lab, and earn enough money to take his father out of the nursing facility and bring him home.  Those were the three most important things in his life: Sam, his dad, and his dedication to science.

As he continued on his way, many of the faculty and students he interacted with gave him a subtle nod of the head or a smile or wave of the hand.  And Jax absorbed it all, not allowing even the least gesture to go unnoticed or unrecognized.

But on the tree-lined path, he also did his mind experiments: calculating the effects of new genes, enzymes and stem cells on the biological systems of mice and other test animals available to him in the lab. 

Lost in thought, he didn’t even notice the elderly gentleman who joined him in lock step.  It was a moment or two before Jax looked over and saw Professor Roland Ames.

The man wore a tweed jacket, white shirt with bow tie, brown slacks and loafers.  Had his wife not set out his clothes, he might have left the house naked, so forgetful was he these days.

He was a tall man who had developed a stoop due to his efforts to lean in and better hear the conversation undertaken with shorter individuals.

Good morning, Doctor Jax, Ames said, as though speaking to an equal.

Professor...how long have—?

It’s not how long I have been walking with you, it’s how long I would have been walking with you if I hadn’t said ‘hello.’

I was—.

Yes, I know; I’ve been there myself.

The two shared a warm-hearted laugh.

They did not notice another person who followed them, close enough to hear, but far enough to be unobtrusive.

How are your lab experiments coming, Jax? the professor asked.

I’ve run the simulation three times and they have all confirmed my hypothesis.

And you are prepared to submit your findings to the Jesperson Committee at their next meeting?

Yes, sir.

Sir?  Did someone else join us, Jax?

I was just being—.

Yes, respectful.  However, with such a prize in your pocket, you will have to get used to speaking to the faculty on a first name basis.

I don’t know if I’ll ever earn that right, sir.

There you go again.  No, Jax, it won’t do to use ‘sir’ to the faculty.  You’ll just remind them how old they are.

I understand, sir...Roland.

Ah, Sir Roland.  Yes, that’s much better.

No, I was—.

Yes, yes, Jax.  I know.  You mustn’t be so formal.  Save that for the awards committee.  They like being referred to in some exalted way.

I’ll keep that in mind.

The professor put a hand on Jax’s shoulder, stopped him and turned to meet him eye to eye.  You’ve made me so proud, Jax.  If I had a son I would have wanted him to turn out like you.

Thank you, Roland.  Ever since my own father had a stroke which made it difficult for him to understand my work, I’ve thought of you as my dad.  It was your direction after all, that inspiration that enabled me to complete my PhD, find a field of study that was meaningful, and make a real contribution to science.

Jax thought he saw a tear in the old man’s eye and considered making a comment, but then realized nothing could be said about such emotion.

How’s he doing, Jax?

It’s hard to tell.  He hides a lot from me; tells me things are fine but when I come upon him unannounced, I see resignation and boredom on his face.  It’s in his eyes.  I know he’s not happy there. He wants to come home, but until I move out of my bachelor’s pad and can afford some home care, he’ll have to stay there.

If I know you, Jax, and your dedication to family and science, I’m sure it will happen soon.

The two came to a fork in the path and stopped.  The man following went around them, then picked up his pace.

Well, I’m off to another boring administrative meeting, the professor began, while you get to play God in the lab.  I envy you, Jax.  It’s been too long since I’ve done such work.  I’d give up my title to join you, but I’ve been told this place wouldn’t run without my direction.

Will I see you at the awards ceremony Roland?

I wouldn’t miss it for a solar eclipse, he replied, then waved goodbye and went on his way seeming to blend into the foliage with his colors and slow pace.

*           *           *

Just a moment later, Jax reached the Ben Franklin Lab, signed in with the old guard, Walter, swiped his security card on the door reader, and entered the white, sterile room.

Hey Carl, Norm, Lester, he called out, What’s shakin’?

Carl and Norm nodded their heads with the least effort possible.  Only Lester returned the gesture.  Lester was the least talented of the three, but to his credit the most friendly.

Norm was the alpha male.  He set the agenda and the others went along with the program.  He was somewhat short and spoke in a rapid, staccato voice that irritated most everyone.  And when he looked at people it was more with a leer than respect or admiration.  He was short on patience, but groveled to superiors and was insolent to those beneath him in station.  Norm was a chameleon, changing sides as often as his clothes, which was frequent for the fashonista.

There were times when Norm went too far, but Jax made light of it to maintain peace in the lab and an atmosphere for breakthroughs, not an environment for contentiousness.

Carl was handsome when he smiled, but did not do so often.  He always seemed to have a hidden agenda while he rarely shared with the others: a level of secrecy that left the air dense in the lab.  He was a competent researcher but consulted only with Norm while disregarding Jax and Lester.

Jax missed the slight, took off his jacket and slipped on his white frock.  What are you guys working on? he asked, taking a seat in his swivel, rolling chair and scooting around the floor like a kid, which he still saw himself as.

You ask the same question every morning, Carl said.  The origin of life.

You mentioned polypeptides can be formed simply by mixing amino and hydroxy acids - which are believed to have existed together on the early Earth, Jax suggested, dismissing Carl negativity.

It’s a simple process that took place in a puddle drying out in the sun and then reforming with the next rain, works because chemical bonds formed by one compound make bonds easier to form with the other.

That’s awesome, Carl! Jax exclaimed with real enthusiasm.

Yeah, except for the fact I can’t patent the process.

But it’s not all about the money...is it?

Maybe not for you.

Well, maybe that discovery will lead to one that can be patented.  In the meantime, you may get a grant that will provide funding toward anything you think has the potential to help mankind or the environment.

How about something that has the potential to help Carl Chambers?

Jax laughed.  Maybe you could patent that sense of humor, Carl.

And maybe you could be a little less enthusiastic, Carl snorted.  It’s depressing to see someone who’s up all the time.  He then laughed.  But it was a hollow, self-serving laugh.

Carl dismissed it as lab humor.

How about you, Norm?

Still working on a new approach to imaging the brain using laser light and ultrasound? Jax said Norm.

Right.  When photons encounter biological tissue, they scatter.

Meaning we can only see...? Jax probed.

Less than an inch into the skull.

And you’ve gotten how deep?

"I penetrated tissue up to about 2.8 inches using the photo-acoustic effect, a concept first discovered by Alexander Graham Bell in the 1880s.  Laser light contains photons, or miniscule particles of light that scatter.  But when I shine a pulsed laser beam into biological tissue, it spreads out and generates a small, but rapid rise in temperature.  This increase produces sound waves that are detected by conventional ultrasound transducers.  Image reconstruction software converts the sound waves into high-resolution images.

Awesome, Norm!  Way to go!

Yeah, that methodology and three bucks gets you a latté at Starbucks.

Don’t be so mercenary, Norm.  You’re doing important work that can save lives.

The life I’m trying to save is my own.

Ha!  Now that’s good, Jax retorted.

How about you, Jax? Lester asked.  How are you coming with your paper?

Jax smiled brightly, happy that someone took as much interest in his work as he did. My potential cure for cancer is based on the wasp, Polybia paulista, which protects itself against predators by producing venom known to contain a powerful cancer-fighting ingredient.

Right, Norm said, but that much has been known for a decade.

But I found exactly how the venom's toxin selectively kills cancer cells without harming normal cells.

That should be worth a few million dollars, Norm suggested.

I’d rather think about how many lives it could save.

You would, Norm mumbled.

Jax chose to dismiss the slight.

I’m ready to present my paper to the Jesperson Committee.

Well, isn’t that special? Carl responded.

Yes, another Einstein in the making, Norm suggested.

A little young, I’d say for a Nobel, Carl jibbed.

Science is a young man’s game these days, Lester said, in case you hadn't noticed.

I can’t help noticing; it’s in my face every day, Carl spat, a face flushed with envy.

Hey, guy, Lester began, he’s one of us.  Let’s show him some support.

Thanks, Lester, Jax said, I know the guys are only being their sarcastic selves.  We all work together.  Whatever success one of us has, it rubs off on the others.  The challenges, the victories inspire all of us.  No one gets left behind.

Easy for you to—, Carl began when there was a knock on the door.

Jax pressed the buzzer, electronically opening the door.

A young woman entered.  Blonde hair, blue-eyed, soft cheek bone, and the lithe figure of a dancer, which she was.  She wore a simple pair of jeans that clung to her long legs and showed off her heart-shaped backside.  Her flannel shirt was unbuttoned almost to her waist with the ends tied in a knot that left her flat stomach exposed.  Naively, she showed a little too much cleavage, which she had an abundance of.  In all she gave the appearance of a woman who stepped out of a hay barn on an organic farm in the middle of Kansas.

Hi, guys! Sam called out, making eye contact with everyone, making sure to leave no one out.

Carl leered at her, then realized that he had stared too long, changed his expression into a strained smile.

Norm waved.

Hey, Sam, what’s shakin’?  Besides you on the dance floor? Lester asked, then laughed at his own pun.

Sam smiled warmly at Lester, then turned to Jax.  Hi, sweetie.  Got time for lunch?

Jax lit up like a beacon and smiled in return, then thought about it for a moment and said, Oh, sorry sweetie, I’ve got to run these figures one more time before I submit my findings electronically to the symposium so they can review them before the cut off date.

I already thought of that, Sam assured.   She held up a plastic bag.  I stopped at the market and got two sandwiches to go.  We can eat at a bench under one of the trees.  It won’t take more than ten minutes.  And you know you’ll get lightheaded without some food in your belly and maybe miss something you wouldn’t otherwise.

Jax laughed.  Of course you’re right, he replied as he got up, slipped off his frock, grabbed his jacket, took Sam’s hand and walked to the door.  Before leaving he said, Be back in ten.  Don’t start the party without me! he added with a laugh. 

The two of them were then quickly out of the room.

As soon as the door closed, Yeah, some party, Carl said, you get the award, the girl and we get to clean up afterwards?

Hey, Carl, Lester said.  He’s always asked how your experiments were coming and offered to help.  I don’t think—.

That’s right, Lester, you don’t think, Carl interjected.  After all, you’re just a lowly lab assistant, not exactly the type to comprehend larger matters.  It’s easy to offer to help a little when you’ve got everything.  Let’s see how kind he is when he’s got nothing.

What do you mean? Lester asked.

Nothing, Carl quickly said in response.  Just a fleeting thought.

Say, Lester, Norm began, now that Sam mentioned it, I really am hungry.  How about you fly and I’ll buy?

What do you want? Lester asked.

A chance to fix things, Norm whispered in response.

Huh? Lester asked, not getting Lester’s drift.

I was deciding what type of food to get, Norm said.

How about ‘Wok and Roll’? Lester suggested.

Great, Norm said.  Get me some egg rolls and a bowl of noodles and chicken.  How about you Carl?

I’ll go for sweet and sour shrimp.

Right, Lester said as he jumped up and went for the door."

Don’t forget the drinks, Norm said at the last minute.

What’ll it be? Lester asked.

How about smoothies from Jamba Juice? Norm replied.  Peach for me, Blueberry for you, right Carl?

Yeah, that’s great, Carl said.

I’ll be back in a flash, Lester said as he walked to the door, but then turned back at the last moment.  Oh, I saw Jax talking to Professor Ames.

Saw or heard? Carl asked.

Well, both really.

And they didn’t see you?

No, I don’t think so.

And what were they discussing?

The Jesperson Prize.

And...? Carl pressed.

They spoke about it like it was a done deal, Lester replied.

Ha! Norm responded.  The thing's not in the bag yet.

But I thought...

No, Lester, you do, and leave the thinking to me, Norm warned.  Now get your ass in gear.

Right, Lester said, then rushed out the door.

Take you time, Norm called out.

Once the door closed, Carl asked, What did you have in mind, Norm?

There are people working in science who have worked longer and harder than Jax and who would be better representatives for that prize, Norm replied. 

So how do you ensure they get the prize rather than Jax? Carl asked.

It’s rather simple...I forward Jax’s file to a friend of mind in Spain.  He submits it to a peer-reviewed magazine.  We keep the magazine from Jax.  He makes his presentation before the Jesperson Committee and Jax libels himself in front of a thousand people.

And I thought we were a genius only in regards to physics, Carl complimented.  But how do you access Jax’s computer?

The man may be a bright physicist, but he’s way too trusting.  He gave me his password a year ago.  Of course I could have figured it out in a millisecond even if he didn’t.

And that’s because...?

Samantha.

He used his fiancée's name as a password? Carl asked.  That’s past naïveté; that’s being oblivious."

Regardless, he’s given us the means of his own destruction.

When do you forward the file to your friend? Carl asked.

Jax is going to run a final simulation in the next twenty-four hours.  Within an hour of the confirmation, our Spanish friend will have submitted the paper to the peer-reviewed magazine.  With luck, the paper will appear in the edition scheduled to come out just before the Jesperson Prize is awarded.

You work fast, Carl said.

Ah, yes: time, Norm reflected.  "I think Einstein explained it best in his Special Theory of Relativity equation: every uniform motion is relative.  People have their own internal clock that is the determining factor. From the observer’s eye, in a moving frame the clock’s ticking rate is slower than the ticking rate of a static clock.

Relative to Jax, his static clock is moving faster.  Therefore, to stay one step ahead, we must move quickly.

I don’t think that’s what Einstein was referring to in his time dilation experiments, but I get the point.

But to answer your question, Jax shared every step of his thinking with me, Norm said.  He was more helpful than he’ll ever know.  I’ll be able to present the unadulterated findings within days of his disgrace and humiliation.

That’s great for you, but what about me? Carl asked.

What is it you want? Norm asked.

You know what I want, Carl replied.

Sam?

Exactly.

I wouldn’t mind dipping my wick in there, Norm said.

You want to dip your wick everywhere, Norm.  Like a Neanderthal trying to pass on his seed to every living thing.

That’s not such a bad profession, Norm sniggered.

And how does that lifestyle fit in with a wife and four year old daughter...or did you forget about them in a moment of lust.

Yeah, well just how do you expect her to fall in love with you when she head over heels for Jax?  Then create a little time and distance between the two love birds.

The first thing is for Sam to fall out of love for Jax, Carl explained.

And how do you accomplish that? Norm asked.

Jax has been working really late hours at the lab, don’t you think? Carl suggested.

Sure.  But everybody knows it’s for his presentation, Norm replied.

I’m not so sure, Carl suggested.

What do you mean? Norm asked.

It seems to me that no man could work as many hours as Jax does without some type of outside assistance, Carl replied.

I don’t think I follow you, Norm said.

Drugs, my friend: artificial stimulants, Carl explained.

But we don’t have any evidence of that, Norm countered.

That’s because Jax has been really careful about it.

So we plant some coke on him? Norm suggested, being drawn into Carl’s plan.

A small amount of coke won’t be enough to get him thrown out of the lab and off campus.

Then what? Norm asked.

I think Jax’s habit has made him into a seller, not just a user, Carl mused.

Better, but still not enough, Norm argued.

I think he set up a meth lab, Carl decided.

Where?

Well, right here! Carl insisted, then laughed at his own perverse humor.

I don’t see—, Norm began.

Of course you don’t, Carl replied.  He labels the ingredients so that people think they’re just lab products for regular experiments.  And every piece of equipment needed to produce meth is the same equipment needed to do experiments for room temperature superconductivity.

How do you know what ingredients to plant in his station? Norm asked.

Take a look at this, Carl said, handing a page to Norm.

Norm looked at the sheet, then at Carl.  This is the process for making methamphetamine.

Yes, but you were a little slow on the uptake, Norm.

Oh, so you’ve been planning this for...?"

Let’s just say awhile, Carl replied.

Norm kept looking at the sheet even after he got done reading, vacillating; trying to think of a reason to go forward or back away.

When none came he said, I don’t know Carl.  It’s...

You don’t know what? Carl challenged.  We plant the meth ingredients.  Jax gets arrested, his reputation destroyed.  You get your own lab.  I get Sam and we live happily ever after.

It’s one thing to take credit for a colleague's findings, and quite another to take away his freedom, Norm considered.

It’s done everyday, Carl assured.  You just do it, then compartmentalize your actions.

If the guilt doesn’t eat away at us, Norm warned.

With enough accolades, money, and admirers, you’ll never even have time for guilty feelings, Carl said, then laughed loudly.

When? Norm asked.

We plant the wrong equation the night before the ceremony, Carl explained.  "Jax won’t have any time to review it again.  He’ll send it off as is.  They’ll peer-review his paper and find the flaws.  A few days later, you’ll present the correct formulation, receive the prize and get your own lab. 

You’ve got it all figured, don’t you, Carl? Norm asked.

Right down to the last ‘t’ to cross and ‘i’ to dot.

But that only gets us half way.

Right, Carl agreed, the next week, he is going to get married.  He’ll leave early for the ceremony.  When he goes, we plant the ingredients and the formulations, along with some pure meth which is readily available on campus at a very fair price.  We call the police anonymously after Jax leaves.  They come in, and find the lab equipment and his notes exactly where we tell them.  We leave a schedule of Jax’s itinerary on his desk.  They’ll pluck him right out of the church."

And you’ll be there, offering Sam a shoulder to cry on, Norm said.

And I’ll be there for Sam: a shoulder to cry on, Carl repeated in a commiserating tone.  But what do we do about Lester?  He likes Jax too much to go along with our program.

You leave Lester to me, Norm said.  Everyone has a secret they want to keep or a goal they want to attain.  I’ll find Lester’s; he’ll cave in like a house of cards in a hurricane.

CHAPTER TWO

The Commons area.  Isaac Newton campus.

Jax and Sam staked out a grassy spot under a Spanish Chestnut tree holding a bunch of curious petrels, and next to a pond with circling Mallards.

Sam set out the contents of the bag as if it were a magician’s hat.  The young woman created a spread worthy of a prince: cotton napkins, tiny salt and pepper shakers, sandwiches on sturdy paper plates, cups for ice tea and a separate bag for each sandwich, chips and salad.

It doesn’t seem real, Jax, Sam blurted out.

It feels the same to me.  A part of me wants to suppress my joy.

Why, Jax?

Afraid that if I announce my joy to the world there might be some intent on disrupting those circumstances.

But who, Jax?  And why?

I don’t know, Sam.  One part of me would like to know so I could fend off an attack; but the other part doesn’t want to believe that there is anyone out there who harbors such animosity toward you or I.

You can’t let a feeling come between us or your success.

It feels like a cloud is hovering over me, Sam.

Then I’ll be there with a poncho large enough to shelter us from any storm.

All my life I’ve struggled: first at school, then being undersized on the football field, and then all the injuries to overcome.  Now, all of a sudden, accolades and awards are thrust on me.  I don’t think anyone deserves so much success.

Sam set aside her plate and grabbed Jax’s wrist.  You do, Jax.  You played by the rules.  And it’s others who decided you are worthy, not yourself.

I guess you’re right, Sam.

I know I’m right, she insisted, then leaned in and kissed him full on the lips."

Yet, still..., Jax considered.

Stop!  I won’t hear any more of it!  Now eat or I’ll never forgive you.

CHAPTER THREE

St. Mary’s Nursing Home, Newton, CA

Jax bounded up the steps to the entrance of the nursing home, opened the front door, and then and was immediately hit by a somber air, a morbidity really.  Antiseptic smell, people moving at a crawl, face full of pain, visitors with tears in their eyes and tissues at the ready.

It took the wind out of Jax’s sails.  A part of him wanted to leave before he was overcome by resignation, but he promised his father he would visit at least twice a week and there was no excuse considering the home was only ten minutes from campus.

Jax approached the front desk and announced himself.  Edward Jax here to visit Moe Jax.

The receptionist slowly perused the guest list, as if expecting to see a cross out over the name.  Yes, she finally said.  He’s in the cafeteria.

Thanks, Sister, Jax said and turned to go.

Oh, Mr. Jax, the woman began, in a tone that implied a serious matter.

Huh? Jax replied.

I didn’t want to say anything, but you are five months in arrears in your dues.

Five? Jax repeated stunned by the news.

Like I said, we know your situation and didn’t want to say anything.  But there are so many residents here whose families have passed away or can no longer afford to care for their loved ones, that we are struggling to pay our own bills.

I am so sorry, Sister.  I should have paid closer attention.  It’s just that...

We understand, Jax.  We are a charity.  We are not in business to make money, only to provide a service, to do God’s work.

Maybe I should look into a less expensive situation for him.

Oh, no, Jax.  I spoke to Sister Margaret.  She said we will work things out financially, make some arrangement.  Your father is happy here.  This is his home now.

You’ve been so kind to me and especially my dad.  He tells me all the time how attentive the sisters are to how; how they joke with him, make him laugh, go out of their way to attend to him.

Your father is a good man, Jax.  He goes around, checking on the other residents, making sure they are taking their meds, finishing their meals.

He never told me about that, Jax mused.

Well you have a special dad and we have a special resident.

I’m not sure when I can come up with the balance of the money, Sister.  Right now I’m barely paying my own bills.

The church won’t allow anything detrimental to happen to your father, Jax.  Just do what you can and God will do the rest.

I can’t promise..., Jax began.

‘The Lord works in mysterious ways, Jax.  All we need do is open our heart and he will fill any void."

Tears welled up in Jax’s eyes.  "God bless you, Sister.

God bless us all, Jax.

Jax nodded, smiled, then turned away and walked into the cafeteria where he found his father at a table off to the side of the room.  There was a plate of food in front of him but it looked untouched.

Jax walked over, bent down, and kissed his father on his bald head.

Hi, pop.  How’s it shakin’? he asked, trying to elicit a laugh.

Moe smiled.  Oh?  Jax!  I didn’t expect you today.

But it’s Wednesday.  I always come on Wednesdays.

Yes, of course...I’m just absent minded these days.

That’s because you don’t participate in enough of the activities here.  You see to it that the others have something to read and are eating and taking their meds, but you don’t pay enough attention to yourself, dad.

You’re right, son.  But it’s a trait all of us Jaxs have.  Put others first, Moe said with a smile that warmed Jax’s heart.

Here, pop, Jax said, lifting a fork with a piece of meatloaf to his father’s lips.

The man took it and grunted. 

The way Moe’s mouth moved, it seemed to Jax his father hadn’t eaten in awhile.  He wondered if the Sisters kept track of the amount of calories he was consuming.

Between bites, Jax brought his father up to date on his successes.  The award’s ceremony is next week, dad.  My Ph.D. adviser said I’m a shoe-in.  Along with the Jesperson award comes a stipend of $100,000 per year for two years.  That’s enough to buy a home for the three of us: you me and Sam.  And we’ll have home care for you.

Moe looked up and smiled broadly.  That’s wonderful, son.  I’m so proud of you.

Sam sends her love, dad.

Moe nodded.   You’ve got one beautiful gal there, Jax.

She said to say how happy she’ll be when we’re all together.

Moe winced.

What is it, dad?

I’d be a third leg.

No way dad; it was Sam who insisted on you living with us.  She loves you just as much as I do.

Moe shook his head again.

It’s settled.  You’re not happy here.  You’re not eating, losing weight and the nurses told me you won’t participate in any activities.

Moe shrugged his shoulders.

Can you imagine, dad?  Me, a full professor at twenty-five, my own lab, a stipend, the lecture circuit?  I never want to take anything away from anyone else...or win because they lose, but I worked hard and played by the rules.

You’ve always been a good boy, Jax.  You have nothing to be sorry for or ashamed of.  You earned your rewards through dedication; you never cut a corner.

One week, dad.  Then we’re taking you out of here.  If we have to lower you from your room to our car in the parking lot, that’s what we’ll do.  So start gathering your things and say goodbye to your mates here.

Jax got up, kissed his dad on the top of his head again, and said, Gotta go.  Still have work to do.

And with that, Jax was out the door, almost levitating with excitement.

CHAPTER FOUR

Ben Franklin Lab Building, Isaac Newton University

Yes! Jax exclaimed, pushing back from his work station with his roller chair.  He pumped a fist in the air.

You got confirmation? Lester asked, excited for Jax.

Carl and Norm glared at Lester, forcing him to stifle his enthusiasm.

Yes, Lester, Jax responded.  That’s three rounds of simulations with mice!  No doubt about it.

Then you’re ready to send it off? Lester asked.

Yes.  I just need to see Professor Ames and show him the final hard copy before I submit a copy to the committee, Jax said, grabbing his jacket and rushing out the door.

As soon as Jax was gone, Carl said to Norm, Are you ready?

Ready for what? Lester asked, interjecting himself between the two.

A restructuring of affairs, Carl said, then laughed.

Then you intend to go through with it?  Lester’s countenance went from anger to fear, his face from flushed to pale.

It’s none of your business, Lester, Norm said. 

I’ll make it my business, then, Lester warned.

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, Carl said.

What’s that supposed to mean? Lester asked.

I seem to remember you plagiarizing your some of your papers for class.

That was years ago and I’ve paid my dues.

I’m sure you think that way, Lester, Norm said, but it will be up to the Nominating Committee to decide on the correct course of action.

You know as well as I, there’s only one course of action: the retraction of my degree, banishment from the university, and a black mark against me that will travel to any institution I apply to.

Well, you certainly are seeing things clearer these days, Lester, Norm joked.

You’d better be prepared for the same harm that will surely come to you as you intend to do to Jax.  He’s done nothing but support you in your work.  You risk more than you know by going forward on the path you’ve chosen.

Shut up, Lester.  You don’t have a clue about justice.  We’re just insuring balance in the universe.  If Jax was to gain the Jesperson Award and marry Sam, then the world would spin wildly on its axis due to the weight of things all going to one person.

That’s just BS, Carl, Lester warned. 

I am a conduit for fairness, Carl insisted.  This planet is depending on me to set things right.

And what happens when it comes time to pay for your treachery?

If that time ever comes, I’ll be so far advanced that no power on earth can touch me, Carl argued.

"Maybe no power on