The Librarian: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Mrs. Chen Book Three

Chapter 1

Jonathan took Samantha to his apartment and sent his sister home. Sam looked around with a great deal of curiosity as they entered. It wasn’t nearly as space-age as she expected it to be. He was a fan of simpler décor than she was, and it was too sterile for her taste, but overall, it appeared much like any modern house of her own day and age.

That’s not to say the place didn’t have some high-tech features. Her favorite was the holographic windows. Jonathan had most of them set to look just as though he was looking out the window over their acreage outside Birmingham.

The exception was the one in his bedroom, where she was startled to see a life-sized moving picture of herself. She smiled. She remembered this day, when Jonathan taught her one of the many dances she'd need at Lord and Lady Chesterfield’s ball the following night. The video Samantha turned and dipped, and tripped over herself several times. That’s one of my favorites.

I didn’t know you were filming me. She gave him a sidelong glance as she reached out and touched the screen. The resolution was amazing. She could see the reflection of Jonathan in her eyes as she spun.

You always said no when I asked, so I quit asking.

She laughed. I’m not sure I entirely approve of that logic.

I’m glad I didn’t listen to you. Without being able to see you, I think I would've gone crazy. There were dark circles under Jonathan’s eyes, and several days’ stubble on his chin and neck. His curls were an unruly mess which had clearly gone too long without a trim. He wore jeans in need of washing and an old button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. There were stains on the cuffs and one on the collar, indicating he’d worn it for a few days as well. Sam tried to keep her voice light. Their time apart had clearly been hard on him.

Just promise me you never filmed…certain times, she teased.

Don’t worry, I'd never take the chance of keeping an image of you in any state of undress. My software is difficult to hack, but not impossible, and besides, I remember every inch of you with perfect clarity.

Just don’t remember me right now. I’m a bedraggled mess. She touched her face and hair self-consciously.

You want a shower?

Do you have ice cream? She flashed him a broad smile. It pained her that he didn’t respond in kind.

I think that can be arranged.

Then yes, but I may take a while.

Take as long as you want. Come here, first. We’ll need to order you clothes.

Sam followed him and he directed her to stand in front of a mirror inside his sizable closet. She didn’t see anything, but she heard a whirring noise, and she felt warm for a second. What was that?

Benescan. It does a lot of things. I’m going to use the info to order you a wardrobe. But it'll also diagnose illnesses and send your biometric data out for various purposes.

That sounds…intrusive. She folded her arms around herself protectively.

Why?

Why would I want someone having my biological information? That’s an invasion of privacy.

He raised an eyebrow. There’s no such thing as privacy here. I mean, I have a little because of my position, but for the most part, you’re monitored all the time.

How can you stand that?

It was going on for hundreds of years before I was born. I guess I’m used to it.

Hmm, she grunted.

You don’t approve.

Nope.

Suppose I could have guessed that.

Once you’re cured, do we have to stay here? she asked bluntly, before she could think to filter herself. It was a selfish question. His family was here. Of course he'd want to stay. She'd have to adapt.

He got a strange look on his face that she couldn’t interpret, but he didn’t answer. Why don’t you go ahead and get cleaned up. We can talk about our future plans later.

The skin down her spine prickled. What’s wrong? What was that look for?

Like I said, later.

Please tell me what’s on your mind. I hate when you do this.

He hesitated, like he was searching for words. He finally blurted, I don’t understand why I’m more upset about Cassie than you are.

He was lying. She could tell by the little pause, the tiniest twitch of his eyes and the left side of his top lip. His question about Cassie was entirely reasonable, but he was lying to her about something else.

Something bigger.

She started to ask him, but a sense of dread came over her. She had a feeling she didn’t want to know. She decided to address his comment.

I’m very upset about Cassie, but first of all, with no clues as to her or Mrs. Chen’s whereabouts, I’m not sure what steps to take. I assure you, I’m working on that. Second of all, I keep reminding myself that you know Cassie in the future. You’ve seen her, alive, healthy, traveling the world. It’s clear to me she’s not in any mortal danger, at least not until she finishes doing those things. Hopefully by then we can find her.

He seemed to consider her explanation. It was reasonable, and she hoped he'd accept it. Maybe.

Mrs. Chen left you the note, I assume so you’d know it was her. If her intentions were truly nefarious, wouldn’t she send you an ear, or finger, or something?

He got a disgusted look on his face. Gruesome much?

I take it you don’t entertain yourselves with macabre thrillers nowadays.

Not really my taste.

I assure you, I am concerned about my daughter’s whereabouts, but she's twenty-two years old, and I’ve trained her to defend herself. With the information presently available, we have no reason to believe she’s in immediate danger. I have to believe that, Captain.

He gave her a wry look. I’m no captain, here.

Yes, you’re my captain and will be forever. She thought he might react to her declaration, but his face remained impassive.

Come on, let me show you the bathroom. He led her through his bedroom and into the most beautiful bathroom Sam had ever seen in her life. She began stripping off her clothes as she looked around in awe. She paused for a second as she considered Jonathan’s earlier statement.

No, there’s no surveillance in here. You have complete privacy in this apartment.

She breathed a sigh of relief and pulled her shirt over her head as she surveyed the room. Where are the controls?

Jasper, rain shower, center only, one hundred two degrees, medium fall, playlist three, he commanded.

To Sam’s delight, music began to resonate from every corner of the room. The ceiling was perforated, and throughout the center section the shower began to pour. She walked in and twirled around, giggling with her hands up to catch it as it fell. She hadn’t taken any kind of shower in almost sixteen years and this one was the most wonderful thing she'd ever seen.

Jonathan spoke again. Jasper, waterfall, center only, one hundred two degrees, medium fall, rainforest.

The rain shower stopped, and water began to gush out of the wall in a long, thin line. The music stopped, and she heard birds and other animals making noise all around her. Rainforest screen, he said. The shower doors became a rainforest. She saw a toucan so lifelike she had to reach out and touch it. The floor under her feet became smooth stones. It was magical. She tilted her head back and let it splash down on her chest.

Jasper, peanut butter fudge ice cream, she ordered with a grin.

Jonathan finally laughed. I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way.

Worth a try. She jumped as she felt something touch her sides. She was so engrossed, she hadn’t even heard Jonathan come up behind her. She melted into his body, the stress of her terrible day washing down the drain at the feel of him. I can see why you were longing for a shower so badly, she whispered. This is heaven.

His fingers trailed up and around her sides until he was cupping her breasts. He leaned down and she felt his warm breath in her ear as he responded softly, Now it is. She leaned forward and steadied herself with her hands against the wall. He had full access to her. He slowly washed her body and hair. He put his arms around her waist and held her close for several minutes. I missed you.

It must've been hard for you. I’m so sorry.

I thought I lost you again. I lost my best friend. I lost… His voice trailed off and he rested his forehead on her shoulder. She smiled until she realized he was crying.

Jonathan had only cried three times she was aware of, at John’s, Lord Chesterfield’s, and Julian’s deaths. He’d gone to his room and locked the door after the two funerals he’d attended. He’d never done it in front of her.

She wanted to turn and comfort him, but she didn’t think he’d like that. She stroked his arms as he gripped her tightly. It’s okay. I’m here now. I’ll always come for you. Never forget that.

After a few minutes he rinsed his face and pulled himself together. I’m glad you showed up safely. I apologize for the terrible reception.

She shook her head. Yes, it was horrible. You really should make it up to me.

Make it up to you…hmm…and just how could I repay you for such…terrible…treatment? With each of the last three words, he bit gently at her neck and ears.

She put her hands against the wall again and pressed her hips against him. You’re the creative genius. I’m sure you’ll think of something.

Chapter 2

A few hours later, several bundles arrived at the front door. Benescan generally did a good job taking into account everything from measurements to skin tone and hair and eye color, and today was no exception. Jonathan watched appreciatively as Sam modeled her new things for him.

These fit like they were made for me. My shoulders are so broad…nothing ever fits me off the rack.

For all practical purposes, they're tailored for you. They laser cut the material and join it. It’s more like welding than sewing, so it’s super fast.

Super expensive, I would bet. How much did this set you back? she asked.

You'd need a six-week lesson on economics to understand how to do things here. But for the record, I’ve been very successful. You know about the tessalator. I make more interest on my investments in an hour than I could spend in a week. You don’t need to worry about things like that. Besides, you’re my wife. It’s all yours anyway.

I’m not much of a spender, once I have the essentials. Thank you so much for these. I love them.

He was pleased she was happy. You do look so beautiful. The hologlass is nice, but it doesn’t do your smile justice.

She ran and jumped on the bed and climbed on top of him. So, you’ve been here for two years. I’m assuming you’ve seen the doctor and haven't wasted all your time looking for me. Did they zap you and fix you? Did you use that Benescan machine? Can you show me how it works?

Hey, hey, he laughed. One question at a time. Benescan…yes. Doctor…yes. Treatment…yes. Zapped…no. He counted his fingers. I think that covered them all.

She gave a deep sigh of relief. Good, you had me worried there for a moment.

Jonathan ran his hands over her thighs. It was her first day at his place, and he planned on taking her to see his family. She was so happy, there was no reason to take the smile from her face.

He hadn’t lied. He was getting treatment, and it had slowed the progression of his disease significantly. The doctor estimated he'd have no more than two or three ‘spells,’ as Sam called them, per year for the next twenty, and by then, surely a cure would be found. He hadn’t even told Sidney. There was no need to worry any of them.

Have I told you how happy I am that you’re here? He pulled her down to him, luxuriating in her soft hair draping about his neck and shoulders as she bit and sucked at his lips.

Talk is cheap. Why don’t you show me again?

Woman, I am fifty years old.

In a century with a two hundred year life expectancy. You can’t tell me people quit makin’ love for a hundred fifty years. She ran her hands down his still-taut stomach, wiggling her hips on him, smiling as she felt him react.

She was unbelievably beautiful. The silver streak at her temples reflected off her eyes, making them stand out even more than they had seventeen years ago. He didn’t know how that was possible. She laughed constantly, and he loved the resulting crinkles around her eyes. The rest of her face was ageless, her lips still full, her smile bright and merry.

He felt her warmth through the thin pajama bottoms he’d pulled on after their shower. He growled deep in his chest, which delighted her, and pulled her shirt open with one mighty pop. The buttons went everywhere. You’re gonna be the death of me, he said as he flipped her over.

Hey, I liked that blouse. If you didn’t wanna do it, you could've just said so, she said, giggling as he nuzzled her neck and kissed her collarbones.

Jasper, reorder the green blouse…happy? Now, stop talking.

Make me, she replied, and he did.

***

A few hours later, they pulled up at Jonathan’s parents’ house. Is this where you grew up?

Yes, since I was twelve. I tried to buy them a new place when I sold the tessalator, but they said they were happy here, so I paid it off and made a few updates, but for the most part, it’s exactly like I remember.

He walked her to the door and they rang the bell. Come on in, said Mr. Chesterfield.

Sam tried not to stare. Though she supposed she should have anticipated it, she hadn’t really considered what to expect. Mr. Chesterfield was approximately fifty, and looked young for his age. She did the math in her head. To his parents, Jonathan was only twenty-eight. He'd been time-traveling in some manner for twenty-two years.

So you’re Samantha! A woman not much older than Sam came around the corner and gave her a big hug.

Yes, you must be Mrs. Chesterfield.

Don’t be ridiculous, we’re Stephan and Julianne, or I always dreamt of my son’s wife calling us dad and mom. Julianne’s eyes sparkled as she tried not to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

Sam liked her immediately. This is incredibly odd, isn’t it? I hope you can forgive me for keeping your son away for so long.

Well, it’s not long for us. We never even know when he’s gone. He just shows up with a few more wrinkles and scars. Now, will you please tell him to get that nose fixed?

Never. I want him to remember what happens when he makes me mad.

Stephan and Julianne burst out laughing at her declaration. I like her, Stephan said and put his arm around her shoulders, giving her a squeeze. How ‘bout you leave her here with us next time you disappear, son. Seems like a fair trade to me.

Jonathan looked abashed. See, Sam, now you understand why I run away. I just can’t stand this level of love and affection.

Stephan stood up and mussed Jonathan’s hair. My dear, would you care for something to drink? he asked Samantha.

I’ll take a glass of water. Can I help?

No way, you’re our guest today…tomorrow we’ll be used to you and you’ll be family. Then you can get your own damned water. He chuckled as he headed to the kitchen.

Mom, you want something? I’ll go help him.

Sure, honey. Bring me a glass of wine.

Once she was alone with Jonathan’s mother, Sam felt nervous. She thought the warm welcome could very well be a façade for their son’s sake, and decided to preempt the anger she expected once Jonathan was out of the room. Thank you for being so gracious to me, she hurriedly said. If I was Jonathan’s mother, I'd be furious someone took so much of his life and I didn’t get to be there. The first ten weren’t my fault, but after that…he came back for me. I told him not to, but ultimately, I’m to blame. I’ll understand if you hate me.

Julianne looked at her thoughtfully. I am furious. Sam nodded in understanding, though her heart sank. She tried to keep a steady look on her face. She'd prepared herself for this. Julianne continued. I’m furious I’ve missed so much happiness in my son’s life. I’m furious he couldn’t find it here. I’m furious he couldn’t find a woman here…god knows we tried.

Sam was determined not to cry. Julianne deserved to vent. I’m sorry. I never meant to cause you pain.

I’m furious I’ve missed out on so many years of knowing my daughter-in-law because my boneheaded son couldn’t make his stupid machine work right. She gave Sam an ironic smile. I’m furious at myself for wanting to stop him so badly I nearly cost him the best thing that’s ever happened to him. I’m furious for being so selfish that I'd rather have him safe than happy.

I would've done the same thing.

I won’t lie. I had a real hard time when he returned, especially the third time, a couple of years ago. For goodness sake, he’s older than me. But Sam, he’s a different man…one he couldn’t have become here. And I don’t know what it is about you, though I hope we have a chance to find out, but the man you came with today…I hardly recognize him. I’ve never seen him like this.

Sam laughed. We’ve only been here five minutes. A bit more teasing and we’ll wipe the goofy expression away.

Don’t you dare, young lady. I wouldn’t trade the goofy face to have the past twenty years back.

You ladies gossiping about us? At least have the decency to wait for Sidney or she’ll feel left out. Jonathan handed her a glass of water with a kiss on the lips.

So how long have you guys been married?

Eleven... Thirteen... They said at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed. I suppose it depends on who you ask, Sam giggled. Long time, one way or another.

Hey! I object to that. Jonathan poked her in the side.

Overruled. They spent a much more enjoyable evening than Sam had anticipated getting to know his family. Sam especially liked Sidney, and little Ruby was an absolute doll, even if she was in the full throes of the terrible twos.

I like your family, she told him that night as she lay with her head on his chest. Do you ever resent me for keeping you away?

Don’t be silly. He kissed the top of her head.

I know you ‘like’ me and all, but I’ve cost you a lot.

You’ve cost me nothing, my love, and even if I looked at it that way, you’ve given me so much more. Stop worrying about it and go to sleep.

Sam closed her eyes and thought about Cassie. She intended to find her one way or another, and working against herself should be interesting. She wondered what she might possibly need her daughter for in the future, and exactly how far in the future that might be. She suspected it must be quite a distance, if she was unrecognizable to her own husband.

Hopefully they wouldn’t have to stay in his time for too long. Heavenly shower notwithstanding, it wasn’t really her cup of tea, but she did think she'd take the time to educate herself on Jonathan’s technology. It might take some doing, but if she could somehow find the key to taking the pod into the future, she could bring Cassie back and Mrs. Chen couldn’t stop her. She drifted off, the fragments of that puzzle drifting lazily through her mind as she tried to piece them together.

Chapter 3

Cassie followed Mrs. Chen through the lab, where dozens of white-clad scientists worked on various projects. She remembered once when she was very small, her mother had taken her to a similar medical lab where she'd watched in wonder as blood vessels and an ear were built using stem cells on a molded framework. That technology had been entirely realized here, where entire bodies were built. They were hooked up to monitors that showed their vital signs.

Are they alive? They looked asleep.

I suppose that depends on how you define life. Insofar as they have a heartbeat, yes, but so far, we have been unable to download anyone’s conscious successfully.

Is that the ultimate goal? So people can live forever?

Mrs. Chen paused. I’m sure some people in the field have that goal. It is not mine.

So what are you attempting to do?

Her new mentor sighed. There are diseases of the brain that incapacitate a person before their time. Do you remember Alzheimer’s? It’s that disease your great aunt had. I took you to see her once in the nursing home.

Vaguely. Cassie mostly remembered the smell of bleach and old people, and how they all crowded around wanting to play with her hair.

That particular disease was cured long ago, along with most other diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and the like. Medicine hasn't come as far as you'd think when it comes to the body attacking itself.

What do you mean, ‘attacking itself?’

Autoimmune disorders are still a problem. With no outside intruders, the body’s natural systems can go into overdrive and start damaging its own healthy cells. There are medicines to stall that, so it doesn’t affect people’s lives too much, but it would be better if we cured it completely. Every time we remove the genes that act that way, there are…side effects.

What kind of side effects?

Depends, but usually it's something along the lines of removing resistance to disease. Sometimes Terravac itself will kill the person in question as their body gets overwhelmed with the components of the inoculation.

So, why worry about it, if you can control it with medicine?

Mrs. Chen shrugged. Cure's always better than treatment.

So is that what you’re trying to do?

No, it’s more of a tangential project for me. I like to help people, and I can have that worked on without taking too much manpower from my core project.

And what is that?

To rebuild the brain.

Cassie looked at her quizzically. Can’t you already do that? She looked around at the figures in stasis. They looked completely intact. She half expected them to open their eyes and watch her as she passed.

We can build something that looks like a brain, we can even hook it up fairly well and stimulate it to move muscles and run some of the organs.

Can it run an entire body?

We’re not there yet.

But if you could, then people could just move to a new body when theirs wears out…live forever, like I said.

"In theory. I’d settle for not