Core Beliefs - Chapter 61 - Meet the Mandavilles

Core Beliefs – Chapter 61 - Meet the Mandavilles

Chris and Suchet were reorganizing the files at the silo when Chris stumbled on the paper by Dr. Ellis Mandaville that Doug discovered at Wheatley University while researching his thesis.

Chris remembered how he and Suchet had intended to contact Dr. Mandaville, but Charley’s accident had sidetracked them, and the molecular linking breakthrough had pushed it further from their minds.

After conferring with Matt, Chris placed a call to Dr. Mandaville.

“Rats, voicemail,” Chris mumbled. “I have to leave a message.”

Two days later, Dr. Mandaville called back.

“Dr. Mandaville?” Chris answered after checking the caller ID. “I’m so glad you returned my call.”

Chris explained that he and his colleagues had happened upon one of the doctor’s papers and would like to meet and discuss the concepts, if the doctor could spare the time.

“I’m not sure,” Dr. Mandaville responded. “Considering the theory has been so thoroughly rejected, it seems a bit of a waste of time.”

“Actually, Dr. Mandaville, we strongly feel you were on the right track,” Chris said. “Please, at least let us come and meet with you before rejecting the possibility that there is fundamental truth to your theory?”

“Well, okay. If you feel this strongly about meeting, I guess I can spare the time.”

***

Chris and Suchet flew from Wichita ten days later and arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on the morning of August 1. Renting a car, they drove to the Mandaville home.

The New England cottage was clean and well-maintained. Dr. Mandaville and his wife, Midge, sat in rocking chairs on the front porch. Chris smiled as he recognized the doctor’s face from an old photo on the internet.

The man rose from the chair as Chris and Suchet stepped from the car. Taller than Chris had imagined, the doctor stood well over six feet, with a tanned face and plenty of wavy gray-white hair combed back over his ears. He appeared to be trim and fit. His wife, in contrast, stood barely five feet and was a little more rounded, but Chris spied a happy, beaming smile on her rosy face.

Chris and Suchet strode up the sidewalk and the steps to the porch and shook hands with the Mandavilles.

“Let us adjourn to my study.” The doctor said.

Once settled in the cluttered study, with books, files, and documents stacked and piled on almost every surface, Dr. Mandaville hit both men with a stern glare.

“Gentlemen, I don’t get many calls regarding my academic research. To be honest, I’m surprised you’ve taken the time to come see me.”

“Dr. Mandaville,” Suchet said. “I have recently moved to the US from India, where I served as head of research for astrophysics at a university. When my colleague, Dr. Martin, and I read your paper on gravitational theories, we found very strong correlations with our own beliefs. We hoped you would feel comfortable discussing your insights on your research.”

“No one’s asked about that paper in almost twenty years,” Dr. Mandaville said. “In fact, the last time I discussed this material, my academic peers blasted it!”

A glare from his wife made Ellis Mandaville pause and take a deep breath. “Gentlemen, I am flattered you are interested,” his voice more subdued, “but I’m afraid that the scientific community has rejected the ideas and concepts. I’m not sure what would be served by dredging up out-of-date ideas.”

“Dr. Mandaville,” Chris said. “I’ve read the debates over your theories. What’s different is that we believe that your theories were largely correct. We also believe that with some additional information, we might be able to prove it.”

The doctor straightened in his chair. His interests and focus completely changed.

“Gentlemen,” he said, “what about my paper have you believing that I could have been correct?”

Suchet smiled and quoted several sections correlating the direct relationship between gravity and antimatter.

“Dr. Martin and I believe that new technology will allow testing of your theory in ways that were not possible in the eighties,” Suchet said.

The three conversed while the doctor’s wife, Midge, sat in an easy chair, listening. After forty minutes, Dr. Mandaville paused, halting the discussion.

“If you’ll come back tomorrow,” he said. “Possibly, I can find some of my old papers and notes.”

“What time would you wish us to come?” Suchet asked.

“Let’s make it two,” Dr. Mandaville’s eyes glanced at his wife. She responded with a slight nod.

Excited, Chris and Suchet promised to return the following afternoon.

***

They checked into a hotel for the night. Chris called Matt and briefed him on what had transpired.

“What can I do to help?” Matt asked.

“Right now,” Chris said, “we simply hope to get more information.”

“Chris,” Matt said, “you need to earn the man’s trust.”

***

The next day, Suchet and Chris arrived promptly at two. Mrs. Mandaville greeted them and escorted the men to the study.

Dr. Mandaville had stacks of papers scattered about his desk. His eyes focused on hand-scribbled math formulas and notes, filling a yellowed sheet of paper in his grasp.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” he lifted his eyes over the top of the sheet. “It has been a most enlightening evening and morning.”

Crow’s feet crinkled his face as his eyes narrowed a bit. A sly smile pursed his lips.

“I googled you, Dr. Kumar.” The doctor’s head tilted forward in Suchet’s direction. “Your credentials impressed me, particularly your research in astrophysics.”

He paused before continuing.

“It seems, however, that for the last four years you have fallen off the map. I must admit I am more than a little curious regarding what you have been doing in that time frame.”

“Dr. Martin and I have been working with Mr. Matthew Lehman,” Suchet said. “He is a businessman in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to the research for his varied companies, he also sponsors unique research with one goal: to enrich and better the lives of humanity.”

“Most interesting,” Mandaville said. “How would you define enriching humanity?” The doctor did not blink as he continued his gaze toward Suchet.

“We operate with a set of beliefs,” Chris said. “We will not allow any technology we develop to be used in a way that would bring harm to any person.”

Dr. Mandaville glanced between the two men.

“So, you’re not working for the government?”

“No,” Suchet said.

The doctor eyed Chris, “Your information was less forthcoming. You graduated from MIT with top honors, but instead of going into academics, you disappeared into what I assume would be one of Mr. Lehman’s companies?”

Chris smiled, “Dr. Mandaville, I’m not a teacher, and I don’t operate best in the arena of theory. My abilities are better suited to translating theory into practice. I make stuff.”

Dr. Mandaville smiled, “What is a neuroimager?”

“One of Mr. Lehman’s companies developed the hardware. Our R&D team developed the interpretive software. These units are used in over three hundred medical centers worldwide and have saved thousands of lives.”

“Who’s this, Dr. Chang?

“Dr. Ling Woo Chang,” Suchet said, “was the head of Neuroscience at Wheatley and Head of Neurology at Baylor Medical. The neuroimager was developed in accordance with guidelines she generated. She is also instrumental in advancing the system’s development.

“And?” Dr. Mandaville asked.

“Yes, she and Mathew are married,” Suchet grinned, “and Ling has one of the finest clinics in the world, devoted to healing injuries of the brain. The work performed under her guidance has benefited many.”

“Dr. Mandaville,” Chris said, “we’re not here with any hidden agenda. We are in pursuit of a wondrous possibility: that your theories on gravity are correct and that we could have the means to prove them.”

Dr. Mandaville reclined back in his office chair. “I would dearly love to show those narrow-minded farts I was right.”

There was a pause as Suchet glanced at Chris and knew what was required.

“Dr. Mandaville,” Suchet said, “I’m afraid that is not possible. If we are successful in proving you correct, then it will need to be kept confidential.”

Dr. Mandaville glared back. “Hide it under a bush?”

“No,” Chris replied, “protect it from those who would use it to harm others.”

“Doctor,” Suchet said, “I think we have given you much to think over. The choice is yours. We would like you to work with us, but you must decide if what we offer carries too great a price.” Suchet softened his voice, “I will tell you that for many years, I researched and published for the recognition and prestige it brought. You will note that in the last four years I have not published a single paper, yet I assure you the revelations we’ve made to basic science exceed those of the last century.”

Doctor Mandaville peered at Suchet. “I’m not sure why, but I believe what you’ve said.” The doctor closed his eyes and lifted his face toward the ceiling. “Would you mind returning tomorrow and joining us for lunch?”

“It would be our pleasure,” Chris replied.

***

At noon on Friday, Chris and Suchet arrived and parked along the curb. A heavy-duty pickup occupied the drive.

Dr. Ellis Mandaville welcomed them in and led them to the dining room.

“I want you to meet my son, Leonard,” Ellis said.

Leonard stood every bit as tall as Chris but at least thirty pounds heavier, and it looked like it was all muscle. He had black hair and blue eyes. They shook hands.

“Find your seats,” Midge stepped in from the kitchen.

Soon, a tasty roast with potatoes and carrots adorned the table.

“Lenny, what do you do?” Suchet asked.

“I’m a project manager for one of the larger construction companies in the area, although times are getting tough and my company will probably let me go.”

“What are your options?” Chris asked.

“I could take a lower-paying job,” Lenny said, “but that would make it tough to support my family. The cost of living around here isn’t cheap.”

“Lenny, what do you like most about your work?” Suchet asked.

“Seeing something go from drawings to reality and knowing I helped make it happen,” Lenny answered.

“Would you like to build a better world?” Suchet asked.

Lenny leaned back a little, his eyes rounded a tad.

“Lenny, I think the man has asked you if you would like to do something to make the world a better place,” Ellis said.

It was quiet for a second.

“Everything I’ve done has been to build things that make life better, so in a way, I’ve been doing that,” Lenney gazed at Suchet and Chris.

“I think the operative word is world,” Chris smiled. “What if you had a chance to make a beneficial impact on not just a block, town, or city, but the entire world?”

“That could be very satisfying,” Lenny nodded. “But not likely to happen.”

Dr. Mandaville and his wife casually listened as the conversation continued.

“Would you be willing to relocate?” Chris asked.

“That’s probably the toughest question you could ever ask,” Lenny said. “I love my parents, and the last thing I want to do is move away from them. It would take a powerful motivation to get me to leave them.”

“Dr. Kumar and I uprooted our families and moved to pursue a dream,” Chris said. “I can honestly say that not one day has been regretted. We believe in what we are doing.”

“I think lunch is about finished,” Dr. Mandaville interrupted. “Lenny, my advice is to think about what these men have said. I sense there is more reality to their words than philosophy.”

“Okay, Pop,” Lenny shook their hands, “I have to get back to a job site, but I will think about what you’ve said.”

They walked Lenny out the door.

“This way, gentlemen,” Dr. Ellis Mandaville said.

Chris and Suchet again followed the doctor to his study. The lanky professor pulled a file box from under his desk and slid it on the floor toward them.

Chris realized it probably had over thirty pounds of documents in it.

“Gentlemen,” Dr. Mandaville began, “You are indeed a strange pair. I have never seen two scientists so determined not to take credit for their work. I have thought about what you said, and I have a couple of questions.”

“We will answer as honestly as we can,” Suchet said.

“If I give you this information, will you assure me that you will not take credit if you’re successful?”

“In time,” Chris said. “The credit would be assigned to you.”

Dr. Mandaville smiled. “You said something about wanting my help. Was that a real request or just smooching up to an old man?”

“Dr. Mandaville,” Chris answered, “from what we’ve discerned from your paper, it’s apparent that you have far more insights than we could begin to fathom. Your help is essential, and our request for your participation is genuine. It may mean that you and your wife would need to come to our facility, but I believe you will find that an enjoyable experience.”

“How much do you get paid?” the doctor asked.

Suchet laughed, “Neither of us receives a formal salary, but we are compensated in every way far beyond our wildest expectations. Mr. Lehman is a generous and honest man who cares for those who work with him. I would hope that you could meet him and see for yourself.”

Dr. Mandaville placed his hands on his desk and pushed to his feet.

“Gentlemen, take this box. It contains my exploration of the theories we have discussed. All I ask is that when you are done, I would like it back.”

Suchet and Chris shook the doctor’s hand.

“We will guard it carefully,” Suchet said, “and promise you shall be included in all we discover.” He paused, “Would you wish Mr. Lehman to call you?”

“I think I would like that,” Ellis said.

Chris and Suchet left the house with the documents. They couldn’t get a flight out until the next morning, so they spent the rest of the day in their motel room, enthralled, studying Dr. Mandaville’s formulas.

***

While Chris and Suchet met with the Mandavilles, two families arrived on the island. Bellamy Robertson served as Inter-Mol’s HR director. With him were his wife, Linda, and son, Mike. The other family was Naomi Young and her son, Pat.

“Welcome to paradise!” Charlie and Charley greeted them as they stepped ashore from the small launch.

Both families were new to Dlrow Wen, having only attended the last meeting. Bellamy Robertson had worked for fifteen years at Inter-Mol. He started at age 18, having dropped out of high school. Mr. Lehman had helped him get his GED and offered to pay his tuition if he enrolled in night courses at the local community college. Something Mr. Lehman had done for many. As Bellamy completed each level of study, he was promoted and now serves as an HR administrator at Inter-Mol.

Mr. Lehman had invited him and his family to the meeting in Wichita. Bellamy remembered the two requirements: come with your family and come with an open mind.

He’d done both. The morning presentations seemed like science fiction and left him and his family hungry to learn more.

“We’re building a special place in a special place,” Mr. Lehman had approached Bellamy after the meal. “There’s an island in the middle of the South Pacific, and I need a few good people to help with putting things in order. Would you and your family be interested in an all-expenses-paid month in paradise?”

His wife jumped at the opportunity. Michael, his son, spent the next three weeks packing and repacking, sleeping with his suitcase on his bed.

“Are we still going?” Linda would excitedly ask every day when Bellamy came home from work.

Bellamy would nod, smile, and wrap her in his arms. “Yes, this is real. Not a dream.”

Naomi Young worked on the production line at Lasticorp. Life had been rough. Five months earlier, an IED had killed her husband in Iraq. It emotionally crushed her and left her son, Patrick, in angry despair. Mr. Lehman had coaxed her into seeing a psychiatrist. He took time to talk with her whenever he visited the plant. The invitation to the meeting in Wichita came as a surprise.

“Trust me,” Mr. Lehman had said. “I promise this will be good for you and Patrick. In fact, I’d like you and Pat to come out a day early and spend time with a friend of mine, Charlotte.”

Naomi and Patrick made the long drive. Charlotte put them in two beautiful rooms. Patrick met Charlotte’s son, Jacob. The boys hit it off, and Jacob showed Patrick his little workshop.

The two boys spent the afternoon drilling out cogs for a small robot Jacob was building for school.

That left Naomi free to spend the afternoon with Charlotte.

Talking with another woman was completely different from the experience with the psychologist. The psychologist had helped her, but Charlotte gave Naomi the freedom to express her deepest fears and hurts. In the quiet study, Naomi unloaded her secret nightmares.

She cried. Charlotte held her, and for the first time in months, Naomi didn’t feel on the verge of falling to pieces. She slept eight hours that night and woke refreshed with a sense of expectancy.

Naomi couldn’t wait to hear what Mr. Lehman had to say, and his words did not disappoint, keeping her perched on the edge of her seat.

Mr. Lehman requested volunteers to help on the beautiful island. Naomi felt called to go.

***

Charlie’s parents had also come to visit before returning to Africa. After a flight and a boat ride, the daughter and son-in-law happily greeted them.

Curiosity tugged at Annabel Morgan. It seemed illogical for Charley and Charlie to stay on such a remote and lonely island.

Charlie guided Annabel and Harry as they climbed the volcanic slope. Lush foliage and varied wildlife constantly caught Annabel’s eye. It contrasted starkly with the desolate refugee camp where she and her husband served.

Annabel had not seen even one sign of a building or structure. As they climbed, she wondered whether the kids lived in a cave. They reached a small plateau and, looking ahead, she spotted the mouth of a cavern in the face of a bluff.

“We’re here,” Charlie sang.

Annabel stared at her child, wondering if Charlie had lost her mind. The strangeness surrounding the treatment Charlie underwent in St. Louis, the craziness of Wichita, and now the primitive world of this tropical jungle?

“This way,” Charlie said.

Annabel and Harry doggedly followed Charlie into the cavern.

“Open, please,” Charlie said.

On the side of the cave, a hidden door swung in. “Here we are!” Charlie announced.

Annabel stared at the opening. A shining silver tube led into the hill.

Charlie grabbed an arm of each and almost dragged them under the mountain. The next two hours were spent weaving through the underground complex. Charlie explained what the facility was for and what they hoped to accomplish.

Annabel realized she not only saw unimaginable, wonderful technology but a plan that would benefit the world.

Harry looked at his daughter, his words unsure. “I knew this was very important to you, and I was sure that it could benefit people. You’ve always had a good heart that way, but I had no idea that you were a part of something this grand!”

Annabel still wrestled with the concept of inexhaustible power generators and machines that could change air into water, metals, or almost whatever her Charlie needed.

“I’ve found my mission in life,” Charlie said, “and I have found the love of my life. If anyone is happier, then they must be from heaven itself.”

The Morgans stayed for two weeks and helped set up the new infirmary. They instructed everyone in first aid basics and how to search the internet for medical help.

As they prepared to leave, Annabel not only noted that Charley had fully recovered but also sensed an air of wisdom about him.

She also took a good look at her daughter and realized Charlie had changed. She was no longer a girl but a beautiful young woman with boundless energy, knowledge, and abilities that Annabel could barely fathom.

***

On August 6, Matt called Dr. Mandaville. The conversation was lively and enjoyable for both. Matt and Ling flew out on Friday, August 10, to Cambridge Port. Midge Mandaville greeted them warmly.

Relaxing in the cozy living room, the four had a long, honest discussions about life, philosophy, and the world’s needs. It was one of the most comfortable and engaging conversations Matt had ever participated in. He realized that Dr. Mandaville and his wife had far more to contribute than just his scientific knowledge.

“Won’t you come back tomorrow for lunch?” Annabel asked. “We will have Lenny and his family and make a special day of it!”

“It would be our joy to join you,” Ling said.

Matt called Chris that night and asked for Chris’s impressions of the doctor’s family, and came away believing, once again, that providence had brought him to the right place at the right time.

“We are meant to be here,” Ling affirmed.

***

The next day dawned beautifully. Matt and Ling arrived a little before noon. Greeting them was a young man in his late teens.

“Good morning,” Matt assumed this was Dr. Mandaville’s grandson.

“I’m Winston. Grandma asked me to watch for you and to bring you to the backyard. We’re having a cookout!”

“I think this is a perfect day for a cookout!” Ling smiled.

Winston led them out to a small but wonderfully kept yard with a patio. It had an arbor over part of the flagstone surface with comfortable chairs and lounges, partially shaded from the sun. The beautiful flowers and the warm family feel enchanted Ling.

Ellis hustled over, “Welcome, Welcome let me introduce everyone!”

There was Leonard, better known as Lenny, and his wife, Alicia, who stood as tall as Ling but was a little heavier. Alicia had a smiling, round face and bright brown eyes, and as Ling shook her hand, she knew she liked this woman.

“Last but not least, you’ve already met Winston! He’s just graduated from high school.”

“With honors,” Midge added.

They had burgers and brats and topped them all off with superb homemade vanilla ice cream with cherries.

After feasting, Matt, Ling, Ellis, and Midge took two chairs, conversing about the doctor’s life. Lenny and Alicia joined them after post meal cleanup.

Lenny sat directly across from Matt. Matt peered at Lenny and reached with his thoughts. Matt had become strong enough to mentally project words and images without touching.

‘Lenny,’ Matt placed the thought in Lenny’s head.

Lenny’s eyes darted to Matt. His expression reflected his disbelief.

‘Don’t be afraid,’ Matt said. ‘I just want to ask: are you ready to help change the world?’ 

Matt had placed the words gently into Lenny’s thoughts.

“How did you do that!” Lenny jerked straight in his chair. “What are you doing? Is this some trick?” Lenny’s eyes darted from Matt to his dad to Matt again as he raised a finger and shook it at Matt.

‘Lenny, it’s a simple question. All you have to do is know in your heart if you want to be a part of this.’ Matt sent.

Understanding materialized as Lenny grasped that it was not important how the question was asked. The important part was knowing the answer. He leaned forward, staring harder. “I’d like to help make the world better, but how can I?”

“Sometimes,” Matt said aloud, “it takes steps of faith into the unknown before we see the path.”

Ellis and Midge perked at the words. Alicia scooted forward to the edge of her chair.

“Lenny,” Ling said, “I think your father said that in a lecture at MIT while counseling students, to not be constrained by the facts.”

“I did say that,” Ellis blurted. “I also said that no matter how many facts we know. We will never know them all!”

Lenny held his hands up in surrender. “I needed to take a break.” He started to push from his chair.

“Son,” Midge said, “I trust these people, and I don’t believe it’s an accident that they are here.”

Alicia placed her hands on his broad shoulder. “Lenny, I feel the same, but whatever you decide, I will support you with everything I have.”

Ling’s eyes widened. She perceived that Alicia had heard Matt speaking to Lenny’s mind. Winston stood behind his dad, looking confused.

“What would I do?” Lenny looked at Matt.

“You will build cities for the helpless around the world,” Matt said. “You will be able to do in days what in the past has taken you years to accomplish. You will get to see your father’s work become reality, and you and your family will meet and live among the finest people in the world. But you must understand there are conditions. We live by a set of core beliefs. Anyone who joins us must embrace them.”

Ling recited the core beliefs. The Mandaville family listened intently, absorbing every word and its meaning.

The air hung quiet for almost a minute.

“I’m in,” Ellis proclaimed.

“Me too,” Midge said.

“I believe all you have said is true.” Lenny stared at his mom and dad. “Even if I can’t grasp how it’s possible. I’ve spent my life working in an industry that is full of BS, but there are no lies in you. I’m in.”

Ling glanced at Alicia. She nodded. The two women instantly established a bond.

***

While Suchet spent his time transforming the molecular bond into a directional shield, Chris continued to read and reread Dr. Mandaville’s papers.

He grasped many of the concepts. Part of Dr. Mandaville’s work predicted some aspects of the initial beam experiment back in the Cor-digital lab. The doctor had been largely right, almost twenty years before.

His estimation of Dr. Mandaville lifted as he digested more of the material.

***

“I’ve invited the doctor and his family to come to Wichita,” Matt’s voice announced clearly through the speakerphone.

“Matt, that’s wonderful news. When?” Chris asked.

“Next week. You can accommodate the Mandavilles, I assume?” There was a chuckle in Matt’s voice.

“They will be treated royally,” Suchet said.

“Just send us the schedule,” Charlotte chimed in, “and everything will be made ready.”

***

Thursday, August 16, Charlotte, Chris, Suchet, and Pavitra waited at the airport to meet the Mandavilles. The invitation had been for the whole family, and indeed, all five Mandavilles exited the terminal.

With the luggage, it took two vehicles to transport the family to Armonia House.

Jacob and Janet walked down the porch steps to help with the luggage. Janet had turned thirteen and looked like a younger version of her mother. Now fifteen, Jacob had sprouted to almost six feet tall. They helped carry the luggage to the rooms and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.

***

The Kansas heat had the thermometer outside reading almost 100 degrees. For Eldridge, the corn neared harvest. Elvin had started his first semester at the University of Kansas.

Matt had coaxed Eldridge into hiring some help for the farm. Eldridge had filtered through about five hands who wanted a paycheck but didn’t want to work before finding a brother and sister who were go-getters. Their mom waitressed in a little cafe in Wichita, and their dad abandoned them when they were small.

Once Eldridge knew they’d work hard, he paid them better than any farmhands in the area and promised a bonus if they got the corn in on time. Elvin came home most weekends to help and became good friends with the two.

Brewster, at twenty, was the older, and his sister, Paulette, had just graduated from high school. The two had been dirt poor all their lives, and now they saw that hard work could actually get them somewhere.

Eldridge watched as the two flung themselves into every chore he gave them. It didn’t hurt at all that Marcy had them and their mom, Mabel, out for vittles a couple of times a week.

***

Thursday night, the Mandavilles settled into the luxury of the best Armonia House had to offer.

Friday morning dawned hot and muggy. Charlotte, Chris, and Janet fixed breakfast. Jacob dragged Winston outside, showing him the grounds and the workshop, where he had a selection of power tools for fabricating in both wood and metal. In fact, Chris had given Jacob several machining projects associated with the silo.

“Matt wants us to take you to the facility,” Chris said after breakfast, “but I need your commitment that what you see will remain confidential.”

It didn’t seem like a big request. The Mandavilles readily agreed.

They loaded into two vehicles. Janet and Jacob came as well.

Driving to the Coblentz farm, they piled out to say hi.

After handshakes and greetings, Chris told Marcie, “Ellie and Doug are flying in tonight. Would it be okay if they stayed here?”

“You bet it’s okay!” Marcy almost jumped out of her shoes. “Got their room ready and waiting. Elvin will be home tonight, too.”

“Great,” Chris said. “Charlotte’s having a get-together tomorrow night, and we’d like your whole family there.”

“Chris,” Marcy frowned, “I invited the Sharps out for dinner tomorrow night.”

“Do you think they’d like to come to Armonia House?” Chris smiled. “You know that the latch string hangs to the outside.”

Marcy’s expression turned into a huge grin. “I’m sure they’ll be glad to come.”

“I need to get out to the fields,” Eldridge said. “The Sharp kids are already working the back eighty, and if I don’t get it in gear, they’ll have to stop and wait because of me.” He headed to the barn, and the group climbed back into the vehicles and drove to the steel building covering the silo, pulling in through the overhead door. Ellis’ expression showed he expected something more impressive.

“Things are not always as they appear, my dear doctor,” Suchet said.

Lenny noticed crates stacked about the building.

Chris disappeared behind a stack, and in a matter of seconds, the elevator ascended through the floor.

“I see things are appearing now!” Ellis delightedly chimed.

The group split into two loads to descend.

Lenny’s head swiveled side to side as they approached the blast doors. “What is this place?” he asked.

“It is an underground missile silo,” Midge said. “Titan II type, I believe.”

“She worked for the oversight team for monitoring the disarmament treaty,” Ellis chuckled.

“I thought these were all imploded?” Midge said.

“This one was never commissioned,” Jacob replied, “therefore, it wasn’t on the list.”

“Very well,” Midge smiled, “I just didn’t want to think I had done my duty poorly.”

They reached the old control room. Numerous computers and monitors glowed, and other equipment occupied spaces around the room.

“This serves as the emergency backup,” Suchet said. “Now, if you will come this way?”

They proceeded down the long tunnel to the silo. Dr. Mandaville gazed through an open portal at the cylindrical interior. They peered into the deep pit that would have housed a missile. Ellis leaned over the rail and gazed into the unlit bottom of the silo.

“I am very impressed, Dr. Kumar. And what is it that you do here?” he asked.

“We make antimatter,” Suchet casually replied.

Dr. Mandaville froze for a second, twisted his head, and stared at Suchet, “You’re telling the truth.”

Suchet nodded.

“All aboard,” Chris said from the silo elevator. “There’s another threshold to be crossed.”

They climbed into the cage, and though full, Chris knew the lift was well below capacity, as did Lenny, who had used this kind of equipment on many projects.

Suchet led them around the perimeter on level five to a dead end. The Mandavilles couldn’t figure out why they were there.

“Janet,” Suchet asked. “Will you do the honors?

She stepped forward and spoke to the outer wall, “Open Sesame!”

The concrete began to recede. An opening appeared. Gasps echoed as the passageway revealed itself in its splendor.

“This way,” Jacob led into the iridescent tunnel to the first room.

Over the next two hours, they toured dozens of passageways and rooms. Each revealed state-of-the-art technology, which had Dr. Mandaville near tears.

Chris headed up a passageway, and Suchet asked Jacob to guide the group to the Great Room.

“Would you mind grabbing one of these?” Suchet pointed to a stack of shiny bars against a wall.

Winston heaved one off the stack, caught off guard by the weight of the thin block. “What are these?”

“Gold,” Janet replied in as matter-of-fact a tone as Suchet’s antimatter comment.

Winston dropped his, barely missing his foot. Quickly, he picked it up and examined it while others lifted one of the 10-pound bars.

They reached the great room.

“Chris, are we ready?” Suchet asked.

“Ready here,” Chris replied over a speaker.

A change occurred in the air. Static electricity pulsed for a second. In the center of the room, a slight distortion of the lights was discernible.

“Please wait here,” Suchet said. He walked forward, extending his hand in front of his body before stopping and backing up a few steps.

“Please come to me, and no further than this.”

Once everyone had joined him, Suchet said, “Throw your bars towards the center of the room.”

“I don’t think I can lift this, much less throw it,” Midge said.

Winston didn’t need a second request. He took a couple of steps and heaved with all his might. The bar sailed about ten feet, slowed, and then stopped, hanging in midair.

Ellis started to walk forward.

Suchet took hold of his arm, “No, doctor, it would not do for you to get stuck.”

Jacob launched his brick. It hit about five feet up, and it stuck.

Lenny backed up, took a running start, and heaved away. Almost twenty feet up, grasped by an invisible force, the bar remained suspended.

“Chris, please halt phase one,” Suchet said.

The gold bars clanged to the floor.

“Please follow me,” Suchet chuckled.

He walked directly to the center of the room. The Mandavilles stutter-stepped in disbelief as they passed the gold bricks scattered on the floor.

Centered in the room, a silver globe about one foot in diameter sat mounted on a twenty-foot pole. Cables attached to the top of the pole ran down and anchored it to the floor.

“Phase two, please,” Suchet said.

Again, a surge of static sparked the air, then all seemed normal.

“Who wants to find the barrier?” Suchet asked.

Jacob took off running and slid down on his back, his feet extended in front of him like a ball player sliding into second base.

He stopped as if he had hit something solid, but nothing was there.

Jacob stood up and leaned against an invisible support. “Found it.”

The Mandavilles stood silent, mouths dropped.

“This way, please,” Suchet led them toward Jacob. “Please extend your hands forward as you walk.”

One by one, they contacted the shield. Winston worked his way sideways but could find no break.

Dr. Mandaville stared at Suchet, eyes begging for an explanation.

“A simple matter of molecular manipulation,” Suchet smiled. “At a distance of approximately 40 feet from the generator, molecules are linked approximately sixteen million times their normal bonding. Normally, this would create tremendous heat, but in this instance, a phase change occurs, and the molecules become interlinked. The bond between individual elements and groups of molecules is stronger than nano-carbon or any single element we know of.

Dr. Mandaville grasped the concept and smiled. The rest of the Mandavilles stood with open mouths.

“It is equivalent to forged steel at the interior but progressively less dense as it extends out,” Suchet said. “We still have many unanswered questions. At the moment, we are working to make it focused and directional.”

“So, this affects not only the air but below us as well?” Dr. Mandaville asked.

“Yes, the effect extends like an encircling globe. The area within the barrier is not affected, and beyond the shield perimeter, there is no effect.”

“Are you sure you’re from this planet?” Lenny asked.

“Oh, he and my dad are very much earthlings,” Janet said.

“Chris, we are finished,” Suchet said.

The static dispersed, and the group proceeded to the new control room.

“It’s getting late,” Chris said. “I’d like you to meet the rest of our team back at Armonia House.” As he motioned them toward the door.

“Close, Sesame,” Janet whispered. The mammoth door slowly swung closed.

The Mandavilles watched in wonder as no detectable seam remained.

Matt and Ling greeted the crew upon their return to Armonia House.

“Charlotte and Pavitra have gone to the airport to pick up Doug, Ellie, and the twins,” Ling said. “They should be back in a little while.”

Matt led them to the family room. Ellis asked who these others were. Matt asked him to be patient.

***

It surprised Ellis when two teenagers, obviously of Indian descent, rushed into the room and ran into Suchet’s arms.

Winston’s eyes rounded, and a silly grin split his face. Pavitra walked in with Charlotte, followed by Doug and Ellie.

Suchet made the introductions. Everyone greeted the Mandavilles warmly.

“Dr. Mandaville, would you like to join Suchet, Doug, Ellie, and me in the study?” Chris asked. The five slipped from the noisy room.

Kamna and Iyla raved to their mom about their first week at Wheatley. They swore they would be flunking if not for Doug and Ellie.

“Ellie is working with the head of the Baylor Neurology department,” Iyla excitedly said. “Doug puts in twelve to fourteen hours a day between School, Silo, and the island.”

Kamna rolled her eyes. “They are amazing!”

Lenny listened to the chatter, a deadpan expression cloaking his face.

“Things are always a little overwhelming at first,” Matt said as he sat next to him. “It’ll slow down tomorrow. You’ll get the hang of things.”

Ling, Charlotte, Pavitra, Midge, and Alicia slipped out to the kitchen.

In the study, Ellis listened as these four young scientists spouted formulas, machinery concepts, hypotheses about wave detectability, and enhancements to other stunning technologies.

“Have you heard what Charley’s doing on the Island?” Doug asked with a laugh.

“Sorry,” Chris said. “We’ve been a bit occupied with the shield and gravity projects. So, what have the Charleys been up to?”

Doug and Ellie gave them a complete update, including that they were building an underground harbor.

“Charley’s fabricating a boat that he can power with a module. He intends for it to be exceptionally fast.”

“So, while we’re here slaving away?” Chris said, “They are on a tropical island building speedboats? Now, you tell me what’s fair about that?”

“You and your family should go.” Suchet gazed at Chris. “It was one of the best months of my life.”

“We plan to,” Chris smiled, “but I want Charley to get the labs and test rooms ready so we can transfer some of our technology from here.”

Dr. Mandaville’s curiosity finally got the best of him. “Who are these two Charleys?”

“Charley is my older brother,” Doug said, “and the other Charlie was his wife. They’re on an island in the South Pacific, preparing it for colonization.”

It was then that the discussion turned to Dr. Mandaville’s papers.

“Doug discovered the document while doing research and immediately recognized the significance of the theories,” Chris said. “The rest has brought us to this point.”

***

Matt and Lenny sat in the family room talking about their lives. Lenny was shocked to hear some of Matt’s story.

At about 10:00, Ellie spoke up, “I don’t mean to spoil the party, but I would really like to see my family before they all go to bed, so is it okay if we pick this up in the morning?”

“I think you have your priorities right,” Chris smiled. “You and Doug head out. By the way, there’s a party here tomorrow night, so that we won’t be putting in the normal twenty-hour day.”

Doug smiled, “What, no unraveling the unknown?

“There will be plenty to unravel,” Suchet leaned forward and pointed his finger at Doug as they chuckled.

The meeting adjourned, and soon, Suchet and his family headed home.

Matt, Ellis, and Lenny found a quiet spot in the family room. The kids had gone to the basement, and the women still huddled in the kitchen.

“You have just spent a couple of hours with a group we affectionately call the ‘Fantastic Four.’” Matt looked at Ellis. “They are responsible for every technology you have observed today. They’ve also contributed to many of my company’s medical systems. Most importantly, they are wonderful people and dear friends that I trust with my life.”

Ellis was already impressed, but this added new light. These weren’t employees. He remembered Suchet saying that none of them received a salary. They did what they did because it was fulfilling, but more so because they believed in the work’s purpose. Ellis tripped back to his youth when he believed his life had a purpose.

“Mr. Lehman,” Ellis said, “I’ve been around brilliant people all my life. I say with absolute certainty that those four comprise the most remarkable group I have ever met. How did you ever find them?”

“Ellis, I don’t know how you feel about destiny and fate,” Matt quietly replied, “but I swear to you that it was not a conscious act to bring these four together. They found each other. I simply facilitated their efforts. I also believe that you are here at this specific time to contribute, and there is a reason behind it all.”

Ellis smiled and looked at Lenny. “I feel good about this place and these people.”

“Me too, Pops.”

***

Saturday morning, Lenny and Alicia woke early, their bodies still on Eastern Time. They found people already up in the kitchen. Chris, Charlotte, Jacob, and Janet were eating.

“Is Matt up yet?” Lenny asked.

“Keep your eye on the field beyond the garden,” Charlotte said.

Alicia stood at the counter getting cereal when she spotted a man and a woman sprinting toward the house.

“Lenny, I think they are coming, dear?”

Lenny stood and stared, amazed, as the two people covered the last fifty yards in a dash for the porch. Ling touched the door just ahead of Matt. The two entered, barely breathing heavily.

“Way to go, Ling!” Charlotte cheered.

“She has six years on me,” Matt whined. “Come on, give an old man a break!”

Everyone laughed. Ling kissed Matt, “Come, love,” Ling said, “grab some food. That will help you feel better.”

Matt and Ling grabbed cereal and fruit juice and joined the table.

Matt turned to Lenny, “What could you build with the technology you have seen?”

“Underground, there is no limit.”

“We can do the same above ground,” Matt said. “But we’re not ready for the political powers and the military powers to know that this technology exists. We hope someday soon, we can start using it to change the world.

“I know the walls in the underground were titanium,” Lenny said. “But can you make walls of other materials?”

“We can transform air, water, rock, trash, most anything you can think of into compounds similar to concrete, stone, steel, or any host of materials.”

“What about wood?”

“No,” Matt said. “We can’t convert to molecules that come from biological sources, but we can generate polymers with similar characteristics.”

“That’s an interesting twist?” Lenny said.

***

Around 9:30, Matt, Chris, Ellis, Lenny, Jacob, and Winston headed for the silo.

Doug and Ellie were there waiting, and Suchet was on his way with Iyla and Kamna. They again stopped at the farm. Matt wanted to say hi to Elvin and see how school was going.

While there, Matt met the Sharp kids and appreciated the warm spirit he sensed in each of them. They were two strapping people with big smiles and strong handshakes.

“Looking forward to seeing you later tonight,” he said.

Walking with Eldridge, Matt whispered, “You made a good choice with these two.”

“I’m pleased,” Eldridge said. “Marci thinks the world of them.”

The group loaded into Matt’s Navigator and arrived at the silo some minutes later.

Suchet stood inside the building with the girls, and Doug had the elevator waiting for them. When they got to the fifth floor, the door stood open.

“Doug,” Matt said. “Why don’t you, Suchet, Chris, and Dr. Mandaville head on down and to get to work? I’ve got something I want to discuss with Lenny, Iyla, Kamna, Jacob, and Winston.

Suchet hesitated, staring at the door before turning and following Ellis and the others as they walked away.

“We had a near-fatal accident a couple of months ago.” Matt looked at Lenny. “It seems we were arrogant and had not foreseen the possibility of failure.”

He turned to the girls. “Close the door and explain what happened to Charley?”

The girls described in detail what had happened. Matt noticed Winston and Jacob grimacing as the twins described Charley hammering his hand and continuing to work. When Kamna talked about the door springing open and crushing Charley’s head and legs, even Lenny closed his eyes.

“What did we learn?” Matt asked.

“We learned that we never know everything,” Kamna said, “and the more heads that work on a problem, the better.”

“Always have a backup plan,” Iyla said.

“Lenny,” Matt asked, “can you see changes in this door’s configuration that could have made exiting in an emergency a safe and easy situation?”

Lenny examined the door. “There are a number of things that could make opening the door a safe operation. Even without power,” he said.

“Could you write those down for us when we get back to the house?”

“Absolutely, my pleasure.”

Matt had the girls show them where changes had been made to make things safer. Lenny was fascinated with the technology, and Winston was infatuated with the twins.

***

While Matt and his group did their thing, the “Fantastic Four” with Dr. Mandaville gathered in the control room.

Doug had compiled two new programs for the field generator, and Ellie offered a theoretical overview for a way to not only make the generator directional but also to adjust the range.

Chris started sketching schematics that included the new features.

“We need to contact Clarence in St Louis,” Suchet said, “and see how much miniaturization we can incorporate. With some serious effort, we might make this portable.

Dr. Mandaville began seeing parallels between the methods the four used to generate the molecular field and his own work. Though not identical, he could grasp the methodology, and though his theories were only on paper, the “Fantastic Four” were indeed turning them into reality.

He marveled at their team approach to a problem and at how one of the group seemed to find the insight that illuminated the path.

To Ellis, the idea that Ellie and Doug had made significant contributions before ever seeing a college classroom was astounding. However, what impressed him the most was how they treated each other as equals and, more so, as friends.

The four wrapped discussions on the shield technology turned to the doctor and his Gravity manipulation theory.

Dr. Mandaville recounted the basis for the theory and the parameters as he envisioned them. He went through several formulas for creating gravimetric waves, and they always led back to the need for antimatter.

Chris explained to Ellis that antimatter had formed in the first experiment, and a gravitational field had been detected.

Suchet reminded them that the event only allowed for a split second of gravity, and the field was not significant. He added that though they could make everything larger, they needed to remember that with each occurrence, matter was destroyed.

They debated other configurations that might give them better control, but kept coming back to the original problem. They would have to destroy matter to create gravity.

Ellie had listened quietly. The discussion came to a pause. “I think you need to get out of the box,” she said. “If Matt were here, he’d be kicking you in the ass.”

Dr. Mandaville, Chris, and Suchet stared at her.

“Okay, Mrs. Smarty Pants,” Doug said, “tell us where we’ve missed the boat?”

“Boys, I don’t think you have to worry about creating gravity. I think the object is how to manipulate gravity. It exists everywhere in the universe and is readily available. Just as Suchet could make matter bond sixteen million times normal, maybe the objective should be to make gravity respond to our wishes.”

Dr. Mandaville rocked back. Ellie’s was a simple, direct, and more logical approach, yet many of the same principles could be applied.

“Boxes?” Chris laughed, “I don’t see no stinkin’ boxes!”

They revamped their approach. Fresh schemes emerged.

Dr. Mandaville behaved like a man possessed, pad and paper in hand, scribbling new equations. Suchet, likewise, began composing with a new vision. As each finished a formulation, they handed it to Chris and Doug, who sorted and compared them.

Doug started organizing them into a computer database.

Ellie took a handful of Dr. Mandaville’s original papers and highlighted sections. She asked Ellis questions. He would explain, then stop and start again with significant revisions.

Two hours later, Doug cast the combined efforts to a monitor. There were forty-seven points where the two Scientists agreed and some fifty where they did not. The group pounded through the fifty points, steadily resolving them. At certain places, Ellie would insert one of the items she had highlighted in Dr. Mandaville’s papers. These often broke a logjam and moved them on to the next point.

Matt and the rest of the group strolled into the room and found seats. The scientist excitedly hammered away at the unresolved points. Matt peered over Ellie’s shoulder at the list.

The five reached the last issues. After intense debate, they agreed the best they could do was to try it both ways.

“I have not been this alive in twenty years,” Ellis exclaimed. “We have accomplished in hours, thanks to this young lady, what has not been done in half a century.”

Ellis and the others were beaming with confidence. Matt hated to burst their balloon, but he had spotted something.

He let them revel in their success for a moment.

“Could I ask a question?” Matt asked. “How do you differentiate between the gravity well of a planet or a sun vs the base level gravity of deep space?”

It was a cold bucket of water. The scientists were figuratively soaked.

“If we solve these other issues,” Dr. Mandaville said, “we can solve this one as well. We must think of all the parameters and make sure they are incorporated into our theory.”

“When you’re ready to start experimenting,” Matt said. “It will be done on the island, not here.”

“I agree and understand,” Chris said. “We need a huge area, such as miles of ocean, to assure safety while we do this kind of experiment.”

“Let’s head back to the house, or we’ll miss all the fun.” Matt smiled.

***

It was a full house, and Charlotte had a caterer bring in the food. They held the event in the garden, the house open for anyone who got too warm. Matt personally welcomed Brewster, Paulette, and Mabel Sharp.

It was late when the party wound down, and they agreed to meet in the morning so everyone could catch their flights.

Matt arranged for Dr. Mandaville to have a laptop with encryption capabilities. Lenny, as promised, sketched changes to the door to make it safer. Ling and Alicia had gone into the garden for a long talk.

All too soon, Chris and Charlotte took the Mandavilles to the airport, and Eldridge and Marcy brought Doug and Ellie by to say goodbye before heading out to pick up the twins.

Two hours later, the house felt empty.