Robbie Dorman - Regrowth

The last thing Jon expected was a phone call from the richest man on Earth.

He answered groggily, not recognizing the number, his brain still half asleep.

Hello? he asked.

Did I wake you, Jon? asked the voice, one that Jon had heard before, but only on the news. He recognized it and didnt.

Who is this? asked Jon.

This is Eaton Shaw, said the voice. My assistant has tried to contact you for a week, Jon. Thought Id reach out personally.

The name Eaton Shaw pushed out most of his dreariness. He blinked his eyes and wiped them with his free hand. Eaton Shaw? That was impossible. He suddenly had the same feeling in his gut he would get in elementary school, when he would disappoint a teacher, or forget to do his homework.

Technology magnate Eaton Shaw, the man who made money when anything was bought or sold on the internet, was talking to him.

Its been a rough week, said Jon, the only excuse he could muster. And it had been. To be fair, itd been a rough few months, but this week had been harder than most. They had locked down his lab, leaving him with nowhere to work. Hed been sleeping there as well.

I imagine it has, said Shaw. My eyes and ears tell me its hard out there. Shaw paused, took a breath. I dont have much time, Jon, so let me get straight to it. I need your help.

Help with what? asked Jon.

I have a lab, Jon. I want you there. I want your research there.

My research? asked Jon. Why me?

Because it could change the world, Jon. Youre a part of a larger whole. The world is ending, Doctor, and I dont intend to quietly slip into the night. If we are going to go out, I mean to go out fighting. And not with soldiers and bombs, but with science and intelligence. I have been a fool for waiting this long, but it is time to pull the ripcord.

Jon looked out his window into the early morning light. The roads were empty and had been for days. The president had declared martial law. But only two days ago, rioters had flooded the streets, and Jon had barricaded his door, unsure of what else to do. His food was running low, and hed have to go to the grocery store at some point. Word was they still had milk, but he was afraid. Hed been surviving on rice and beans for days.

So what do you say? asked Shaw.

Where is this lab? asked Jon.

Its a secret, said Shaw. Very few know the location. To protect you, and it, from outside influence. But its fully stocked, and nothing is outside my grasp. Youll have whatever you need, whatever resources you require.

Jon thought to his lab, which he so coveted, running on decade old computers and borrowed equipment. Which was now barred from him, and would be for the foreseeable future.

When do you need an answer by?

I have to be off this call in three minutes, said Shaw. So by then.

Jon looked outside again, reflexively.

What about my family? he asked.

I was under the impression you lived alone, said Shaw.

I do, said Jon. But I still want to give them the chance.

We have living quarters and support systems in place for any family of team members, said Shaw. If they wish to come, they may.

Then Im in, said Jon.

Good, said Shaw, his voice showing happiness for the first time. Ill have you picked up.

When? asked Jon.

Within an hour, said Shaw. Theyre already on their way. Youll have to forgive me, Jon, but I need to go. Ill see you when you arrive.

And then the call ended. Jon took a deep breath and got out of bed. He shaved, showered, and quickly threw together all his clothes into a suitcase. It wasnt hard, there wasnt much.

His research. It was in piles of papers in boxes, sitting in the corner of his living room and on an assortment of thumb drives, all in a shoebox. He piled them up. He would need it all.

All the while his guts ached, full of nerves and anxiety. The car would be here soon, and he couldnt put it off anymore. He found his cell phone and called Maya. He hadnt talked to her in months. Not after he had gotten into the screaming match with Tommy.

Hello? she answered.

Hey, Maya, said Jon. Its me.

Jon, she said. Her voice was measured. It always had been. At least until it wasnt.

How are you both? he asked.

Were doing okay, said Maya. All things considered. Tommy is still asleep. Im leaving for my next shift in a couple hours. Are you okay?

Im fine, said Jon. Thats why Im calling. They shut down my lab.

Well, youre not exactly essential business, said Maya. Not with everything going on.

No, probably not, said Jon. I have a question for you.

Jon heard her take a deep breath.

Jon, whatever youre thinking, now is not a good time. I dont think Tommy has

Its not that, Maya. I just got off the phone with Eaton Shaw.

Wait, what? The Eaton Shaw? asked Maya.

Yes, said Jon. The one and only. Hes running a lab. Inviting the best and brightest, is what he said. And for some reason, that includes me.

Well, congrats, said Maya. Thats kind of crazy.

Iyes, theres literally a car on the way now to pick me up, said Jon. But thats not it. He said I can bring my family along. I dont know where it is, but its safe, its protected, and well be taken care of while were there.

Jon

Do you want to come with me? You and Tommy? I know that Ive been distant lately, and that Tommy still probably resents me

Jon

And this isnt an attempt for us to get back together. I just want you both to be safe. Shaw talked about his resources, and it has to be safer than where we are now. Its getting worse every day, and I dont know how long well have any semblance of order, I cant even get groceries, I cant imagine what its like at the hospital

Jon. Take a breath, said Maya. Jon paused, realizing he hadnt stopped talking since she had answered.

Where is this lab? asked Maya.

I dont know, said Jon. Shaw wouldnt tell me. Hes keeping it isolated away from everything.

There was a long pause, and Jon heard Tommys voice on the other end. Maya talked to him off the phone, and Jon only heard their muffled back and forth.

But its safe there? asked Maya.

Its run by Eaton Shaw, said Jon. The richest man on Earth. He said that we will save the world. So I imagine its impregnable.

Another long pause.

I cant go, said Maya. An ache entered Jons heart and silence hung between them. Im glad that youre a part of it, but my work is out here. I cant abandon my patients. They need me now more than ever. Even if its in my best interests to go with you.

Maya

But take Tommy, she said.

Without you? he asked, and he could hear her breath catch in her throat.

Yes, she said, finally. I dont know whats going to happen out here. But his safety is more important than anything.

Jon said nothing, his mind rolling over everything that the word anything contained. It contained the entirety of his ex-wife.

Will he agree to it? asked Jon. Tommy was 14, and both him and Maya had largely agreed that he was old enough to make a lot of decisions on his own.

No, said Maya. But this one isnt in his hands. Its in ours. Hell be ready to go by the time you get here. Will they have room for his wheelchair?

I dont know, said Jon. We can improvise if we have to. Shaw can afford a new wheelchair.

I guess thats true, said Maya.

His phone buzzed with a text message. He looked at it.

Car outside for you, hired by Mr. Shaw.

Theyre here, said Jon. Ive got to go. Well be there soon.

See you soon, said Maya, and the call ended.

Jon grabbed a suitcase and a box of notebooks and went downstairs, past all his neighbors. A big black SUV was parked at the curb, and as he approached, a man in a suit and dark sunglasses got out of the vehicle.