Tempus Non Fugit (Time Does Not Fly)

  * * * * * * *

  Lanier and Truscott sat in front of the wall tele-screen, each with a glass of champagne, Truscott with a huge cigar in hand. On the screen, two people, a man and a woman, sat across from each other, debating the effects on society of the drug, TNF. Two gentlemen sat between them. The woman was speaking.

  “On CrossCurrents tonight, we’re talking about the new ‘Wonder Drug,’ Tempus non Fugit or TNF. With us are consumer advocate, Roger Buchanan, and Ralph Morris, the current president of Pharamcorp, the manufacturer of the drug. John?”

  Her co-host, a gray-haired gentleman in his late forties, turned to one of the guests. “Mr. Morris, let me start with you. Don’t you think you’re playing God here?”

  Morris smiled. “John, we went through this years ago when we were debating cloning and, guess what, cloning is a part of everyday life and the world hasn’t come to an end. Every time science keeps coming up with a way to improve life, someone asks whether we’re ‘playing God.’ This is one of the greatest discoveries in history, believe me. And we should take advantage of it.”

  “John and Helen, can I get in here?”

  Helen, an attractive blonde in her mid-thirties, turned to the other guest. “Please Mister Buchanan.”

  Buchanan held up one hand. "Look, if I were president, I would do everything I could to stop this playing with Mother Nature. I'm talking about genetic modification, cloning and the like, some of which we've already seen come to fruition with rather nasty results. Now, once again we’re playing with fire. No one is talking about the serious implications of this stuff."

  “Such as?”

  “Such as who gets the drug? Anyone who can afford it? What happens then? Some of us age and die, others don’t. And what about people in prison? Do we give it to the terminally ill? What happens then, do they live for years in misery?”

  Ralph Morris spoke up. “Mr. Buchanan, are you now for mercy killing?”

  “Of course not. I’m just trying to point out some issues that I don’t hear anybody else talking about.”

  John took up the cause. “What about that, Mr. Morris? Did you consider those things when you decided to market the drug?”

  “Well, of course, but it’s not my business to regulate society. My business is to produce and market a product, and a good one. One that improves lives. Who doesn’t want to live longer and be younger?”

  Buchanan spoke up. “Making money is fine, but we must consider the effects on society when science comes up with something like this.” The hand went up again. “For heaven’s sakes, we now have people who look just like their parents because of cloning. Now we’ll have people who are thirty years old who look like they are ten. Are cops going to have to stop everyone who drives a car who looks young? And what about drinking laws?”

  John chimed in. “That’s a good point. How are we going to stop some kid from buying booze who claims he’s twenty-five and has taken TNF?”

  They all started talking at once. “That’s what IDs are for.”

  “What if someone wants to keep their kids young for decades?”

  “Did anybody ask the kids? And what about people in their nineties? Do they want to stay old forever?”

  “Well, nobody is making them take the drug.”

  And so it went. Lanier glanced at Truscott. “Oh boy. Bernard, we may have opened ‘Pandora’s Box.’”

  Truscott puffed on his Monte Cristo. “Garrett, these things can be worked out. We’ve done something which I believe will ultimately improve the quality of everybody’s life. And besides, it doesn’t hurt that we’re both rich and look twenty years younger than we are. What’s wrong with that?”

  “And Victor?”

  “My grandson? What about him?”

  “Bernard, he’s three years old and he looks like six months, at the most. And your daughter hasn’t talked to you in months.”

  Truscott stood up. “I told you she was stubborn. Sheila’ll come around eventually. Hell, it wouldn’t surprise me if she and her husband have taken the drug themselves and are too proud to admit it. But, damn it, Garrett! Where were all these concerns when you first showed me this thing?”

  Lanier was surprised. “Bernard, it seems to me that you were the one prattling on about the dangers of TNF. I was the one talking about slowing aging and improving lives.”

  Truscott did not miss a beat. “And you did, Garrett. We did! You know, there were side effects from antibiotics years ago, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been a good thing overall, does it?”

  Silence for a moment, And then “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  Truscott tapped his friend’s knee. “Of course I’m right. Stop worrying, Garrett. Just enjoy.”

  Lanier merely grunted in response.

  ATTORNEYS DEBATE DRUG DENIAL

  New York (AP) – Attorneys discussed the possible denial of the longevity drug TNF to felons during a debate at Fordham University. Proponents argued that denial of the drug to criminals as a penalty would constitute a strong deterrent to crime. Opponents challenged the constitutionality of such a deterrent, maintaining that any such use would undoubtedly be legally challenged with the case probably ending up in the United States Supreme Court.

  New York Times, June 23, 2021

  In the den of Truscott’s new mansion, he turned to Lanier and said “It’s almost time.”

  Lanier stared at the floor for a second. “Bernard,

  I’ve got some news.”

  “News? About what?”

  “You remember the kittens?”

  “Our first ‘guinea pigs?’ What of them?”

  “One of them is aging. The others are dead.”

  “And this alarms you? Let me remind you, they far exceeded the normal feline lifespan, Garrett, and cats don’t live as long as humans.”

  “But when the aging occurred, they deteriorated so rapidly, Bernard. It’s as if their bodies made up for the trick they played on time, all at once.”

  Truscott shook his head. “Garrett, cats have a much faster metabolism than we do, you know that. And neither of us ever believed the serum would allow perpetual life, now did we? I wouldn’t concern myself with it any longer. Besides it’s time. Are you ready?”

  His partner sighed and nodded. Truscott activated the big screen.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States.”

  President Harlow Henderson looked directly at the camera as the red light blinked on. “My fellow Americans, I chose to speak to you tonight on what has become as issue of national importance, the drug known as ‘Tempus non Fugit,’ or ‘TNF.’ What seemed at first to be a great boon to mankind has become, to put it mildly, controversial. Since TNF received FDA approval, a number of issues have surfaced which have given thoughtful people throughout the world great pause. The cry has gone out for legislation to control TNF because of a number of implications that were not foreseen when the drug hit the market.” He paused, staring for a moment, at the small screen on his desk hidden from his viewers. “If TNF is allowed to be used unchecked, we face the possibility of overwhelming population growth due to much longer lifespans, combined with longer child-bearing years for women. In addition, there are questions as to whether or not sick people should take the drug. There are also questions about the use of the drug by the criminal element.”

  He paused again. “My fellow citizens, while I wish to deny the obvious benefits of TNF to no one, we must realize that there are negative implications of great consequence. Imagine a person not sick enough to be terminal, say someone in a catatonic state, but because of prior use of TNF, he or she may stay in this state for decades. Further, what is a twenty-year sentence for someone who may live to be two-hundred? No, something has to be done.” He reached for a glass of water.

  “Here it comes, Garrett.” Truscott stared at Lanier for a moment expecting a response but the latter said not
hing. Truscott turned back to the screen.

  “I have decided,” Henderson continued, his ebony features now just beginning to glisten with moisture under the bright lights, “to call together a group of the nation’s foremost experts on aging as well as social issues and study the problem . . . ”

  Truscott jumped up. “A study group. Ha! I told you Garrett, his ‘solution’ is typical politicking. It has no teeth to it!”

  Lanier tried to shush him as Henderson continued to speak. “Quiet, Bernard, I think he just named you and me to the group!”

  “What?” Truscott’s eyes opened wide. The president continued.

  “I am confident that these people will be able to come up with recommendations we can work with and attack these sticky problems. Especially since Doctors Lanier and Truscott will be on the team. I have not asked them yet but I’m sure they will rise to the occasion.” His famous engaging smile brightened his face as he said this.

  Truscott was furious. “Nonsense! I won’t do it!

  How dare he announce this without even consulting us!” Lanier stood up. “Bernard, I don’t know about you, but I am going to cooperate and,” he wagged his finger, “you should too.”

  “But why, Garrett, why should either of us sit on this group? It will be a bunch of academically puffed-up pompous asses, none of whom will put forth anything remotely resembling an effective solution to these purported problems, and all of whom like nothing better than to hear themselves talk. We can’t be part of this!”

  “I don’t agree. We came up with the thing and we’ve profited by it. The least we can do is help to solve some of the problems it’s caused.”

  Truscott did not seem convinced.

  WASHINGTON – The TNF longevity drug study group met for the first time today in the nation’s capitol. The group was charged by President Henderson with the job of considering the significant implications of longer lifespans and coming up with workable recommendations. Garrett Lanier and Bernard Truscott, the co-inventors of the drug, are members.

  WARWICK, RI – Prisoners at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute rioted for the second straight day over the denial of the longevity drug, TNF. Older inmates, apparently concerned with the prospect of younger-looking prisoners “coasting” through multi-year sentences while they age, attacked several of the “young immortals” (nickname for inmates who had taken the drug), killing three. Guards had to use electronic control guns to restore order.

  USA TODAY Worldnet Edition, March 16, 2025

  Truscott looked around, making sure no one else was in the bathroom before he spoke to his partner. “What do you think?”

  Lanier shook off his hands and headed for the electric

  dryer. He shook his hands under the hot air. “These damn things have been around for decades and they still don’t work. What do I think about what?”

  “About this group. About the last few days. What do you think I’m talking about?”

  “Bernard, what am I supposed to think? We talk, eat, drink, talk some more – and nothing happens.”

  “Hmmph. And nothing’s gonna happen, believe me. This whole thing is a waste of time.”

  “In the meantime, society continues to go to hell. Did you hear about the ‘Refusers?’”

  “Those people who refuse to take TNF? What idiots.”

  “Are they? Their numbers are increasing pretty rapidly.”

  Truscott’s eyes went toward the ceiling. “So what? Garrett, do you really think people want to die young now that we’ve put the ‘fountain of youth’ in their hands?” “I - - I, no, but . . . ”

  “But what? Garrett, sometimes I think you’re sorry you came up with TNF. You know, you remind me of the Atomic Scientists, remember them?”

  “A little before my time, but I remember them. How exactly do I remind you of them?”

  “After they invented the atomic bomb, they dedicated themselves to preventing its use. Some people think most of them were sorry they ever came up with the thing.”

  “Bernard, what a comparison. Of course they didn’t want it to be used, who would?”

  “Yes, yes, but my point is once the genie’s out of the bottle, you can’t put it back. The bomb’s still around, isn’t it? And those scientists are all dead. Of course, if they had had TNF they would be around to see we haven’t blown the hell out of ourselves.”

  “Hmmm.” Lanier rubbed his chin, his brow furrowed. “The atomic bomb. You know, if the population keeps on growing as it has, a few of those might come in handy.”

  Truscott’s mouth dropped open. “Garrett, are you nuts?”

  At that moment the chairman of the group, Professor

  Robert Tananga of Zimbabwe, walked in. “There you are.

  Are you two coming back, or shall we continue in here?”

  Lanier was chuckling as he said “Coming,” glancing at his cohort. For his part, Truscott merely shook his head as he followed the two out.

  TEEN COMMITS SUICIDE – “TNF” BLAMED

  COLUMBUS, OHIO – Victor D’Alosio, chronologically 17, was found dead here, apparently as a result of a self-inflicted overdose of sleeping pills. A suicide note was found in which he wrote he was tired of “being seventeen and looking like a little kid.” Apparently he had been injected with the longevity drug TNF shortly after his birth. Ironically, D’Alosio was the grandson of Dr. Bernard Truscott, one of the co-developers of TNF. Rumors circulated for years that Truscott had injected the child as an experiment without the knowledge of his daughter, Mrs. Sheila D’Alosio, the child’s mother. Dr. Truscott was unavailable for comment. ”

  Terranet Headline News, April 12, 2033

  TNF STUDY GROUP QUITS WITH NO REAL RECOMMENDATIONS

  WASHINGTON, DC – After almost a decade of considering how to handle the social and legal implications of TNF, the study group which had been chartered by President Harlow Henderson in 2016, decided to disband without any real recommendations on the future of TNF and society. The group reportedly split into two factions, one wanting to restrict use of the drug, the other favoring no restrictions. Ironically, each group was headed by one of the two inventors of the drug, Garrett Lanier and Bernard Truscott, reflecting a difference of opinion that had developed between them as societal implications of the drug’s use became apparent.

  Terranet, May 15, 2034

  Lanier studied the article on his E-Mag intently. He tapped a button and the next page appeared, displaying a holographic diagram of the recently completed starship. A buzzing sound interrupted his reverie. Shutting the E-Mag, he pointed a remote control at one wall and the smiling face of Bernard Truscott appeared. “Hello, Bernard.”

  “Hello yourself, Garrett. I haven’t talked to you in some time. What’s new?”

  “Nothing much. I was just checking out the new starship design in the latest edition of Science 21. Quite a design. Apparently it uses some sort of ion propulsion.”

  “Yup. It approached light speed on its test run.” He leaned forward. “You know, with people living longer, trips that take years are not so big a deal any more.”

  “So I gathered.”

  “Next month, we’re leaving for Epsilon Eridani.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me, Garrett. It’s a star. There are at least two Earth-like planets in orbit around it. And I’m going. You can come along too if you want. It’s not too late.”

  Lanier stared at the image of his former colleague. “Me? Uh, no. I’m quite content to remain Earthbound.”

  Truscott puffed on his ever-present cigar. “And stay with all those people? Why?”

  “Bernard, we’re the ones responsible for ‘all those people’ as you put it. No, I’m quite comfortable, thank you. But why you, Bernard, why in hell spend all that time on a spaceship? Ten years is still ten years, after all.”

  “You’re forgetting about time dilation. It won’t seem that long to us.
Besides, why not? I’ve lived long enough to do just about everything else. Why not this? Not to mention that we’re not exactly heroes any more down here.”

  “Is your family talking to you yet?”

  Truscott snarled. “I’m afraid not. They blame me for Victor’s death. I think his suicide reflected an innate character weakness in him that the drug could do nothing to correct. Whatever caused it, it wasn’t out of my gene pool, I’ll tell you that.” He smiled wistfully. “But there’s just no discussing it with Sheila. That bridge has been burned beyond repair.” He looked away and his voice trailed off. Then with visible effort, he shrugged and looked up again, injecting a false cheeriness into his tone. “Anyway, I’m going to the stars, Garrett, to the stars! Think of it!”

  Lanier sighed. There was no point in discussing it any further. “Yes, Bernard, I’m happy for you. I guess mankind needs to reach out as well, we’re certainly just about out of everything on Earth.”

  “I suppose you still think it’s our fault. Well, what’s the use in opening old wounds? You can carry the weight of the world on your shoulders if you want, Garrett, but I refuse to. By the way, your image is awfully fuzzy. I can hardly make you out. Is there something wrong with your H.I.?” he asked, referring to Lanier’s holographic imager.

  “Uh, yes, it’s having a few problems. Listen, when do you leave?”

  “Next month. Want to get together for a drink for old time’s sake before I go?”

  “Uh, no, Bernard, I’d rather not. No offense.”

  Truscott shrugged. “None taken, Garrett, suit yourself. Okay, I’ll call again before we take off, okay?”

  Lanier said “Fine” and cancelled the transmission before Truscott could answer. He had deliberately mistuned his H.I. so Truscott could not see him clearly. No sense in alarming him after all. He arose slowly and went to a mirror, taking in his gray hair and stooped shoulders. He needed his glasses to study his image closely. Is this what a man in his late fifties looks like? Chronologically, he was over eighty-five, but that should not have mattered at this point. What was wrong? Perhaps there was something in his particular genetic makeup which was making itself felt. He thought for a moment and made his way to the lab.

  EARTH’S FIRST STARSHIP LEAVES ORBIT

  SPACE STATION ASIMOV – The Hope of Terra, Earth’s first interstellar spaceship, left orbit today bound for Epsilon Eridani. Her crew of five thousand includes Dr. Bernard Truscott, one of the developers of TNF, the drug which makes the over ten-year trip possible. Ironically, TNF has also caused the Earth’s population to explode, making space colonization imperative. The ship was completed one year ago and began test runs at the space station, which was named for Isaac Asimov, one of Earth’s greatest science fiction writers and a long-time advocate of space travel.

  Terranet, August 26, 2044