Dr. Leafhead: Story of a Mad Scientist, Part 2

Antarctica

                                             Dr. Leafhead: Story of a Mad Scientist,

                                                                Part 2:  The Forest 

     I awoke to the sound of ice being chiseled.  I knew Dr. Leafhead was working on another insane project.  

     The temperature was a life-threatening cold.  Frozen air cracked the lips.

     We had been in exile in Antarctica for a few weeks.  Felt like months.  Dr. Leafhead had dedicated the entirety of his time to figuring out an elaborate way to reclaim his house.  The thought of rival scientists having free reign over the grounds had turned him edgy and unrecognizable.  He was no longer the nonchalant 'it-will-all-work-out' type of persona I had gotten to know.  He was paranoid and irritable. 

     "What are you doing?"  I asked. 

     "Chiseling ice," he replied.

     "But what for?"

     "I think I've invented a machine that converts ice chips into high-powered laser guns.  We can use them in defense when we return to the grounds."

     "Return to the grounds?" I said.  "You're not thinking of going back now are you?"

     "Tomorrow morning," he said, eye twitching.  "At first light.  We're going to drive those bastards from the house and hope they haven't discovered too many of my inventions."

     "What do you mean?  They've probably discovered everything!"

     "Don't be so sure," said Leafhead.  "The house has more self-automated defense mechanisms than you're aware of.  Wouldn't be surprised if they've all been turned into a bunch of moths or termites... or dust-mites.  Some sort of mite at least.  Or moth."

     "What defense?"

     "I have instructed the house to seal off as much of itself as possible.  Many rooms will not be accessible without first solving complex mathematical and philosophical riddles.  Even bombs or battering rams wouldn't make a dent.  Most of the computer databases will be void of content, seemingly erased from existence.  In actuality all of my research will be intact when I reclaim the house.  Years ago I gave my computers the ability to lie about their contents and appear as if empty."  

    "What about those laser guns?"  I asked, changing the subject.  "Do you really think you can turn water into futuristic weaponry?"

     "Weren't you listening?  I didn't say water.  I said ice chips.  It has to be ice.  Only ice in chipped form can be successfully transformed into laser guns.  Water would just turn into a plate of old broccoli or something.  I haven't bothered to figure it out because it's just bad science."

     "Ok," I said.  "Makes sense."  

     These days it was better to agree with Leafhead than to provoke him. 

     "Of course it does," snapped Leafhead as he resumed work.

     "I'll be outside," I said. 

     Leafhead didn't hear me.  

     I made the long climb up the ladder from our subterranean lair to the surface.  As deadly as it was Antarctica was also impeccably beautiful.  Clean and crisp.  

     The first immediate sight was of the greenhouse.  Leafhead had constructed it right away... should we have to stay longer than planned.  The sprout of a few onions and potatoes could already be seen.  They would no doubt taste awful... full of spite and malice.  

     I couldn't wait to leave this place.