In the year 2000 A New Orleans microbiologist, William Theseus, hopes to clone a cow, with the help of his graduate assistant, Robby Davis. Dr. Theseus is a fourth generation son of a landed Louisiana family that had founded a university in New Orleans in the early 20th century. When assistant Robby encounters an unforeseen confrontation with a local banker, the potential medical value of their research suddenly becomes an urgent priority. Robby's troubles begin when it is discovered that his intention to help a distressed undergrad conflicts with the banker's interest. But the tension between Robby and Mick surrounds much more than this young lady, Rosa. Both men are initiating efforts to find an earthen stash of rare gold that is reportedly buried on university property, which was formerly the Theseus cotton plantation on the Mississippi River. The conflict of interests between these two young men produces an event that changes both their lives forever.