How to Stop Time

Tom is alone, manning the forge. Tom notices a peculiar woman standing in the forge. She is dressed in all black with a black eye-patch over her left eye. She tells Tom that he must come with her, no questions allowed. She pulls out a small pistol and points it at him. With no time to explain, she says, “You have outed yourself to the scientific community […] if you stay here, you will be killed” (81). She hands Tom a newspaper clipping from The Times detailing Dr. Hutchinson’s murder. She quickly explains that he wrote a paper about Tom and his condition, now termed anageria, and the society killed him before it could be published. She finally tells Tom her name is Agnes and he must sail to America with her. She hands him a packet of travel papers and heads to a nearby coach.

Tom and Agnes sail to America. Agnes Wade, currently going by Gillian Shields, was born in 1407 in York. During the 18th century she was the famous pirate Flora Burn. She asks Tom if he has a girlfriend and clarifies she is not interested in him that way; she is just curious. He mentions Rose but has not been with anyone since. Changing the topic, Tom asks about Dr. Hutchinson. Agnes explains that if Dr. Hutchinson published his discovery of anageria, others will die. He had to die for “the greater good” to save the albas (85); that is what the Albatross Society is about. Agnes discloses that Hendrich Pietersen founded the society in 1867 to unite and protect albas “from outside threats” (86). Hendrich is from Flanders, made money in tulips, moved to New York, and traded in furs, amassing his wealth. Hendrich “is America.” She calls Hendrich, the society, and their condition a blessing. Tom thinks it’s a curse. Agnes argues that they can only die in two ways: in their sleep around 950 years old or by a violent act that causes great loss of blood; they are immune to sickness. Agnes tells Tom his life has a purpose and Hendrich will explain everything.

Tom thinks about the possibility of not meeting Hendrich. Agnes warns that Hendrich, with an aptitude for reading people, will be testing him. Once in the apartment, Hendrich immediately launches into questioning Tom. Hendrich goes on about how much albas have experienced. Hendrich says the ultimate goal is pleasure, “to enjoy good things...fine things” (92). Tom counters, claiming love is greater. Hendrich smiles and moves on to Tom’s visit to Dr. Hutchinson. He shares that advancements in science come with added danger to albas. The Institute for Experimental Research in Berlin, for instance, uses albas as guinea pigs. They are modern witchfinders.

Hendrich and Tom stroll around Central Park, and Hendrich takes Tom to a Tchaikovsky concert. Sitting in Carnegie Hall, Hendrich points out celebrities, such as Andrew Carnegie. He tells Tom how sad his life is. All his wealth and legacy will outlive him. He won’t have immortality. “Life is the ultimate privilege” (98), and Tom should be grateful for such an existence. At that moment Tchaikovsky walks on stage, picks up his baton and begins the music. Tom falls into the music. By the time the performance is over, Tom is sold on the Albatross Society and their ability to find not only Marion but also himself.

The next day over breakfast, Hendrich says, “The first rule is that you don’t fall in love” (100). He continues explaining that eight years is the limit to living anywhere. Hendrich compares himself with Daedalus building a labyrinth to protect the society. And some followers are like Icarus, Daedalus’s son, who ignore his warning and fly too close to the sun.

Standing in front of his class, Tom ponders how “Everything changes and nothing changes” (104). He discusses immigration, how Britain is made up of diverse cultures. He mentions Omai as an example. He was an exotic man whom everyone wanted to meet. Thinking about him makes Tom’s head spin. One student, Anton, asks why people immigrated if their homes were so good. Tom explains how religious persecution drove people away, citing the French Calvinists fleeing France for England. Tom stops mid-thought. The room spins. His heart races. He excuses himself and steps into the hallway. In the bathroom, he repeats his name over and over again, reminding himself of who he is. He goes back to class and continues the lesson.

During the afternoon break, Tom sees Camille in the staff room. She saw him looking unwell in the hall earlier and asks if he is okay. He confesses that he gets headaches. She looks confused, like she doesn’t quite believe him, and tells him where to find ibuprofen.

That night, Tom walks Abraham along Fairfield Road, where Tom first met Rose. Tom tries to figure out exactly where Rose was standing when they met. It takes time with all the modern changes, but he finds it. He stands still as the memories rush in.