7:25am
State Cryonics Institute, Washington D.C.
Floor 4
The sound of the lift arriving at the fourth floor echoed down the quiet hall. A few staff members clustering closest to the doors made way as a middle-aged man of Indian descent stepped out and began walking down the long hallway, his footsteps sounding against the cold tiles. Mr Hiram Hackenbacker was dressed smartly in a sky blue button-down shirt paired with a grey pinstriped blazer and dark brown chinos. Adjusting his blue square framed glasses on the bridge of his nose, he nodded cheerfully at the members of staff as he passed them.
He was aiming for a formal, but low-profile appearance. After all, he is a visitor to the facility and is supposedly there to observe the operation of the cryogenic machines and to test the newly enforced safety measures. Even though he is an engineer, this is only part of the reason for his visit. The staff are unaware that he was previously approached by the Global Defence Force, or the GDF for short.
As well as being responsible for protecting individuals and maintaining peace and welfare, the GDF is a covert operation responsible for enforcing laws and imprisoning criminals, whom attempt to threaten society. They employ military officers, highly ranked police officers and agents as part of their crew. The average person is unable to carry out missions for them and has to complete rigorous training to be qualified. Hiram is no such member, however he is closely associated with the GDF through his role as chief engineer of International Rescue.
Regardless, he was still surprised that he was contacted by the GDF's chief officer, Colonel Casey, who requested that he investigate the cryogenic institute as many have claimed that patients are being confined there, rather than being released and integrated into society. If this was true, what would be the benefits of keeping these people in the facility, rather than releasing them? And how was this kept in the dark for so long? The facility opened 8 years ago and resurrected their first body in 2053, but since then, there were no reports of the individual's whereabouts. What if this person was still there in the building? Not only would it be similar to holding people hostage, or imprisonment, the facility would be charged with a violation of ethics.
With this in mind, Hiram readily agreed to assist with the investigation. He is the type of compassionate person who would jump at any chance of helping others, even if it is part of his job. Perhaps this was why he was chosen by Jeff Tracy when he founded International Rescue.
Hiram continued walking down the hall, scanning the numbers on each of the white doors.
'425... 427... 429...' When he reached room number 431, he scanned his fingerprint on the biometric keypad and the door opened with a click. Professor Graham and five of his associates were in the room and appeared to be unpacking some boxes when Hiram entered.
"Ahh... Good morning, Mr Hackenbacker. Perfect timing indeed! We were just discussing the recent developments for our temperature regulators. I'm so pleased that we've received a new shipment of parts today. We would greatly appreciate it if you would like to assist with their assembly, but we understand if you're currently busy," Professor Graham stated cheerfully, "I thought I would keep you informed as something tells me this would be of great interest to you."
"You're r-right, Professor and I appreciate the consideration. I would like to be here to h-help and at the moment, I'm free all day." Hiram picked up one of the parts from the pile laid out on the table and began examining it. "I believe I've seen one like this before..."
The group began to work, fitting pieces together on the lateral sides of the temperature regulator. While twisting and viewing one part from each angle, Hiram realised it could connect to four other pieces at the rear. He was used to assembling different components for machines and would usually spend hours in his lab constructing various engines for spacecrafts, complex robotic control systems and drivetrains. With Hiram working as part of the team, this long and drawn out task was completed in less than an hour and he was able to begin connecting the regulator to the main cryopreservation chamber.
"If I'm not m-mistaken, this coolant unit is similar to the one installed on the Calypso back when it was completed in 2040," Hiram explained while connecting the cords and pressure pump to the unit.
Professor Graham was familiar with the history of the well-known Calypso spacecraft and the media hype covering its' 10-year journey to the edge of the universe.
"The spacecraft piloted by Asher and Finn? Wasn't it launched on its' second mission four years ago? I wonder how you could recognise such a similarity. Were you apart of the team who constructed the craft?"
Hiram laughed nervously, "You f-flatter me, Sir. I wish I was, but unfortunately, n-no, I wasn't the one to design it, but I have studied the structure, engines and hypersleep chambers in my spare time. The coolant unit that I m-mentioned is almost an exact replica of those used in the three hypersleep chambers onboard. It's main function is to prevent the machines from overheating and it does so while running on less power. As well as being energy sufficient, it's design is so structurally s-sound, they are s-sought after."
Hiram was ever so knowledgeable, the group of engineers and cryogenic physicians found themselves instantly impressed and honoured to be in the same room with this intelligent man. Of course, Hiram decided not to mention Braman, the robot that he built and programmed specifically to control the Calypso, when the astronauts were unable to do this task themselves. It's no secret that Hiram is a genius, but no matter what, he never wishes to be perceived as arrogant.