Gardens of Destruction

In the dim pre-dawn light, voices thundered urgently outside, “Dr. Petroff, Jana Petroff! Open up, we have grave matters to discuss!” The persistent pounding on the door echoed through the house. Jana, still tangled in the vestiges of sleep, called out that she would be there shortly. She hastily wrapped herself in her robe, the stain on it nagging at her vanity like an unwelcome shadow. “Vanity, such a fickle and persistent companion,” she mused with a self-deprecating smile.

She pondered the intrusion with a mix of irritation and curiosity. “What dire circumstances drive men to disturb the peace at such an ungodly hour?” she muttered to herself. Her feet descended the stairs with a measured pace, her mind racing faster than her steps. “And enough with the banging, you’ll wake my daughter!” she whispered fiercely under her breath.

Upon opening the door, she was greeted by the somber faces of two uniformed soldiers flanking a civilian. A momentary surge of adrenaline coursed through her, sending her heart to her throat, a drumbeat echoing in her ears. But her scientist’s mind quickly regained its composure.

“Jana Petroff, MIT’s luminary in bio-robotics, I presume?”

Her response was laced with a touch of acerbic wit. “An unknown name, a murderer, or perhaps a soldier? Have I unwittingly become a topic of interest on Wikipedia or something?”

The soldiers remained stoic, their expressions unyielding stone. The civilian, however, broke the silence. “Apologies, Dr. Petroff, but we are under strict orders to escort you with utmost haste to a location of great importance,” he explained, presenting identification documents with a formal but urgent air.

Jana’s dark eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the documents, feigning expertise in discerning their authenticity. “What does this mean? What have I done? Am I under arrest?”

“No, Dr. Petroff, we are military, not law enforcement,” the civilian clarified with a hint of defensiveness. “May we enter to discuss the matter at hand?”

After a brief internal debate, Jana conceded, her curiosity piqued. “Very well, but tread lightly, for my daughter sleeps.”

The civilian, with a voice now hushed to a whisper, instructed the soldiers to wait outside. Jana led her guest into the living room, settling into the familiarity of her armchair.

“Would you care for coffee or tea?” she offered, more out of habit than hospitality.

“No, thank you. Time is of the essence, Dr. Petroff.”

The room lapsed into a brief silence, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. The man gathered his thoughts before speaking. “I am the secretary to General Patterson, head of a clandestine division within the Pentagon dedicated to cosmic endeavors.”

Jana arched an eyebrow. “The name doesn’t ring a bell, but do go on.”

“Do you know Professor Joseph Bernstein?” he inquired, his tone taking a more serious turn.

A faint smile touched Jana’s lips. “Indeed, he was a colleague of my late mentor, Professor Johanson. But what relevance does this have to me?”

“Dr. Petroff, your esteemed mentor recommended you as a vital asset in a critical situation we’re facing.”

“And what might this situation be?” Jana asked, her interest now fully piqued.

“Perhaps you’ve heard of the asteroid incident on U.S. soil?”

“Of course, it’s been the talk of every news channel. But how does this involve me?”

“Professor Bernstein is leading a team investigating the asteroid, and we’re at a stage where your expertise in bio-robotics is crucial.”

Jana’s mind drifted to the late Professor Johanson, a visionary in the field and a cherished mentor. He had recognized her potential and nurtured her passion for this interdisciplinary science, a blend of biology, engineering, and artistry. Under his guidance, she had explored the frontiers of biotrobotics, where robots mimicked life and life imitated machines. They had faced criticism and ethical dilemmas, accused of overstepping nature’s bounds, but their purpose was noble – to advance science and save lives. The image of a bio-robotized heart, a symbol of their endeavor to defy death itself, lingered in her thoughts as she listened to the secretary unfold the reason for his visit.

“Yes, you are correct. That is my field at MIT,” Jana Petroff responded, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and apprehension.

“Then we have found the person we seek. I am here to persuade you to depart with us immediately!” he declared, his words carrying an urgency that bordered on command.

“How can you expect me to leave at once?” Jana protested, her tone tinged with incredulity. “This is preposterous. I have my professional duties, lectures to deliver, and, most importantly, my daughter. I have no one to leave her with. I am a single mother, and my parents are continents away, in Europe. I cannot acquiesce to your request.”

“Dr. Petroff, rest assured, your obligations at MIT have been managed. You will be granted an indefinite leave of absence, fully compensated. The state will cover all expenses. Your concerns are already addressed.”

Jana’s mind raced. The gravity of their need for her was palpable in their preparedness. She gazed into his eyes, searching for answers in his visibly troubled expression.

“I cannot abandon my child. My apologies,” she stated firmly.

“Dr. Petroff, we insist. We will arrange for a caretaker for your child, all expenses on us.”

Jana’s resolve wavered momentarily, but she held firm. “No, I cannot entrust my child to a stranger. I have never relied on nannies and I do not intend to start now.”

“Madam, you seem to underestimate the situation. Scientists worldwide are vying for an opportunity to join the research at the base, and yet you decline. The discoveries awaiting there are beyond your wildest imagination.”

Her curiosity was piqued. “What are you suggesting?”

“Consider this a hint. The details, I’m afraid, are classified. You will learn everything once you agree to join us.”

Her heart battled between her scientific curiosity and maternal instincts. She knew something pivotal to her field awaited her, yet the insistence of these visitors was unsettling.

“I cannot. My child needs me,” she reiterated, though her conviction wavered.

“Perhaps you could call your parents to care for her?”

“Their journey from Europe is not brief. If you can accept this delay, then perhaps we can proceed.”

“Our situation requires your immediate involvement, Dr. Petroff. Delay is not an option.”

Jana stood, pacing the room as she weighed her dilemma. A rare opportunity beckoned her, a chance to delve into uncharted scientific territory. Yet, her role as a mother held her back. She yearned to pursue her passion without sacrificing her daughter’s well-being. With a heavy heart, she considered options for her daughter’s care until her parents’ arrival. The more she thought, the more the pull towards the research base grew. Finally, she seemed to reach a decision.

“I need to make a call to my parents. Will you wait?”

“Certainly, Dr. Petroff. Take the time you need.”

She retreated into another room, her voice a faint echo in a foreign tongue. Moments later, she returned with a resolve that seemed newly forged.

“I agree to accompany you, but on one condition.”

“I’m listening,” he said, his eyebrows arching in anticipation.

“I bring my daughter with me to the base until my parents can take over her care.”

“The base is not a place for a child. The conditions are not ideal.”

“For a few days only. Until her grandparents can arrive.” - she said almost begging them to agree.

He excused himself to make a call. Upon returning, he confirmed, “Arrangements are made. You can bring your daughter for a few days, and a caretaker will be provided during your lab hours.”

“Then I need time to prepare,” Jana replied, her face etched with worry.

“Understood. We will wait outside, but please, time is of the essence.”

“I will do my best,” Jana replied, her smile a fragile thing, overshadowed by the magnitude of the decision she had just made.