In Search of the Time and Space Mach

by Deborah Abela

  ‘Not just me,’ smiled Max. ‘You’re coming too.’

  ‘Me? Why me?’ Linden shouted.

  ‘Well, I can’t go on my own. I’ll need help. London’s a big city and it will take at least two people to find Ben’s brother.’

  ‘What if we get killed? What if the machine makes zombies of us? What if we end up floating in outer space for the rest of our lives?’ offered Linden, not sure he liked the idea of being transported across the world in a machine that couldn’t properly transport a sandwich across a room.

  ‘If the sandwich was transported in perfect condition, I’m sure we could be as well.’

  Linden wasn’t convinced, so Max tried a different approach.

  ‘And what if we sit here and never try it?’ argued Max. ‘Ben will never meet his brother again, the world may never know about the Time and Space Machine and we will have passed up an adventure that most top spies only dream about. So, what do you say?’

  Linden thought about it. Max sure did have a way with words and he’d never had anything as exciting as this offered to him in his life. Just farm jobs and the odd trip to the city.

  ‘When do you want to go?’ he asked.

  ‘Tonight,’ said Max.

  ‘Tonight?’

  ‘When Ben and Eleanor are in bed. I figure if we’re away overnight, that should be enough time to find Ben’s brother, tell him about Ben and get back here before they even notice we’re gone.’

  ‘You don’t muck around, do you? Are you always like this when you want something?’ asked Linden.

  ‘Always,’ said Max with a smile. ‘Are you in?’

  Linden thought about what he was being asked. There was something about Max’s excitement that got to him and suddenly he did want to be part of the mission.

  ‘Sure.’

  ‘Great!’ said Max. ‘Meet me at the shed at eight o’clock tonight. I’ll tell Ben and Eleanor that I’m really tired and go to bed early. Then, I’ll sneak out and meet you. You tell your dad you are staying here again tonight and everything should be set. Here,’ she said, handing Linden a scrap of paper. ‘I’ve drawn up a list of some essentials to pack.’

  Linden looked over the list. Backpack, torch, pen knife, money, ID, string, handkerchief, notebook and pen, warm clothes, raincoat, watch, energy snacks.

  ‘Now give me your jumper and shoes,’ said Max.

  Linden looked up, not sure he heard right.

  ‘What do you want those for?’

  ‘You’ll see. It’s all part of the plan.’ Max smiled.

  Linden wasn’t sure what Max wanted the clothes for but he handed them over.

  ‘So, I’ll see you tonight?’ asked Max.

  ‘Sure,’ said Linden, thinking about what was ahead of them.

  ‘Let’s shake on it,’ said Max.

  Linden offered his hand.

  ‘No,’ she said. ‘The secret spy shake.’

  Max touched her nose and ran her hand through her hair.

  Linden stared.

  ‘That’s it?’

  ‘That’s it. The secret shake of spies. Much less obvious than a handshake and being discreet is the name of the game.’

  Linden held out his hand slowly, unsure of this new rule, and did the shake.

  ‘Eight o’clock tonight, and wear something warm. It’s cold over there this time of year.’

  Max walked away feeling excited and a bit scared. Part one of the preparations for Mission Matter Transporter was complete. All she needed now was to put the final details in place and for that she needed Eleanor.

  Max went back to the house just as Eleanor was getting ready to go out.

  ‘Eleanor, can I ask you a few questions?’ Max asked.

  Eleanor was happy to see Max was feeling more at home and put down her bag.

  ‘Sure. What would you like to know?’

  ‘You and Ben once lived in England, didn’t you?’ asked Max.

  ‘For four years,’ Eleanor explained. ‘That’s where we met.’

  ‘And why did you leave?’

  Eleanor went quiet.

  ‘It’s a long time ago now. Ben and I were working on a secret project for the Government when we found out that not everything we were told was true, and in some cases, was an outright lie.’

  ‘And you left?’ Max asked.

  ‘Yep. We decided we needed a big change and moved out here.’

  ‘What about Ben’s brother?’

  ‘Ah, you know about Francis?’ Eleanor said softly.

  ‘Ben told me. But he didn’t say too much,’ Max added.

  ‘He never does.’ Eleanor smiled. ‘Come with me, I want to show you something.’

  Max followed Eleanor to a room at the front of the house. She was amazed when Eleanor opened the door and showed her in. There were computers, boxes and books everywhere. She’d never even known this room existed.

  ‘This is my study,’ said Eleanor. ‘I don’t let too many people in here, mainly because it’s such a mess. In fact, you’re the first person other than me to step through these doors in a long while. Now, where is that book?’

  Eleanor searched the shelves as Max stared at the walls. All around them were framed degrees, certificates and awards with Eleanor’s and Ben’s names on them.

  ‘Ah, here it is. You’re also the first person in a long time to see what I’m about to show you.’

  Eleanor took a large, important-looking book from the top shelf. She blew across the top and an avalanche of dust flowed across the room.

  ‘It’s longer than I thought,’ she scowled. ‘This is a scrapbook of our time in England. Ben and Francis were very accomplished scientists and famous throughout the scientific world for their work.’

  Max looked carefully through the book, which was full of certificates and awards and even a letter from the Prime Minister telling them what a great service they were doing for the world. There were newspaper and magazine articles praising their work, and photographs of them accepting awards and shaking each other’s hand with big grins on their faces.

  ‘They look really close,’ Max observed.

  ‘They were,’ Eleanor said. ‘That’s why it’s so hard for Ben to talk about it now.’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘When we discovered we weren’t being told the truth, we were furious and decided to leave. It was a matter of principle. But Francis thought we were over-exaggerating. He and Ben had a big fight about it and they haven’t spoken since.’

  ‘That must have been sad,’ said Max.

  ‘It was. For all of us. We were so close and then it ended. It’s hard saying goodbye to friends.’

  Max thought of the times in her life she’d had to say goodbye and how each time it hurt as much as the last.

  ‘We often think about Francis and wonder how he is,’ said Eleanor, staring at the photographs.

  Max looked at Eleanor and felt close to her.

  ‘Can I keep looking through?’ asked Max, holding the book.

  ‘Sure. I have to go into town for a few things but you’re welcome to stay in here as long as you like.’

  Eleanor turned to go out.

  ‘And I’ll close the door so you can have a bit of privacy.’

  There was a study in Max’s home but she was never allowed to use it in case she made a mess of her mother’s things. Living with Eleanor and Ben was really different from living at home.

  ‘Eleanor!’ Max said.

  Eleanor stopped at the door.

  ‘Yes?’

  Max was grateful to her aunt for all she’d done. The way she treated her, telling her all those private things, everything, but all she could think to say was, ‘Thanks.’

  ‘You’re welcome. Oh, and before I forget, I’m taking Ben out for a special celebratory dinner tonight. I’ve asked Linden’s dad if he can stay overnight to keep you company. You’re very safe around here and Ralph is an expert watchdog. I hope that’s okay.’

  Perfect! Just what Max wanted
so she and Linden could make their getaway even earlier than planned.

  ‘You stay out as long as you want. I’ll probably go to bed early,’ said Max.

  Eleanor closed the door quietly behind her.

  Max sank deeper into her chair and slowly turned the pages of the book. Eleanor wasn’t kidding. The two brothers really were famous. The newspaper cuttings were filled with praise for all their work.

  ‘Science Brothers Head Top Secret Project.’

  ‘Brothers Search For Key to Time.’

  ‘Brothers Set to Change the World.’

  Max came across an interview with the head of the Government department Ben, Francis and Eleanor were working for. Her first big lead. She wrote down the name: the Department of Science and New Technologies and the person in charge, Professor Valerie Liebstrom. But it wasn’t until she came across a letter from London that she knew she’d hit the jackpot.

  It was addressed to Ben and Eleanor and was from Professor F J Williams.

  Bingo! Ben’s brother. It was postmarked a few years ago but he might still be at the same address, or if not, maybe someone there would know where he lived.

  Max wrote down the address, closed the scrapbook and put it carefully back in its place. She then searched for a street directory of London so she could scan it into the control panel. She looked through the shelves of books and, tucked between a travel guide to Africa and a book called The Complete History of Elves, she found one. The London A-Z. It was dog-eared and wrinkled with food stains smudged across it and sticky tape plastered all over it to keep it together. Max tucked it beneath her shirt and thought Eleanor wouldn’t miss it if she took it with her. All she needed now was to use it to transport Linden and herself to London, where, by this time tomorrow, she hoped to have met Ben’s brother, Professor F J Williams, and his Time and Space Machine.

  Dr Harschtorm smiled as he pulled the lever that lowered Alex Crane towards a pit of writhing, slithering snakes.

  ‘They haven’t eaten for weeks and are ready for a grand feast,’ he said. ‘And you, my dear, are the main course.’

  Alex had to think, and fast!

  There were only minutes to go before the snakes would eat her alive. Harschtorm sat back, ready for the show, as he ate his own specially prepared banquet. Fried monkey brains cooked within the monkey heads. His favourite.

  ‘Bon appetit, my little ones,’ Harschtorm laughed.

  If only Alex could reach into her backpack and get out her Hypno Ray Gun, she could blast Harschtorm and his goons, hypnotising them into raising the lever and letting her go, but not before she dropped her Destructo Pellet, a small pill that would destroy Harschtorm’s headquarters in seconds.

  Just reach a little further

  ‘Hi.’

  Max jumped in fright and turned to see Linden chewing on a carrot.

  ‘Don’t creep up on me like that,’ Max cried. ‘You scared me!’

  ‘Dad told me you called and asked me to meet you here at seven,’ said Linden.

  ‘I know. You scared me, that’s all,’ said Max, putting her book away.

  ‘Ben and Eleanor gone?’

  ‘Yeah, they left about ten minutes ago,’ said Max, her heart still beating from Linden’s sudden appearance.

  ‘What were you writing?’ asked Linden.

  ‘Nothing. Just scribbling.’ Max blushed.

  Linden was sceptical.

  ‘Looks pretty involved for just scribble.’

  ‘All right,’ said Max, knowing Linden wasn’t going to let it go. ‘But you have to promise not to tell anyone.’

  ‘Sure,’ Linden smiled. ‘I’m good at keeping secrets.’

  ‘I’m writing about Spyforce, the super intelligent spy agency that’s been set up to capture criminals all around the world, and Alex Crane is their top spy.’

  Linden laughed and Max was instantly sorry she told him.

  ‘That’s great. I love spy stories,’ cried Linden.

  Max was wary.

  ‘Do you really?’ she asked.

  ‘I know each James Bond story by heart, have watched every Get Smart episode ever made, my favourite movie and series is Mission Impossible and my dad and I often sit down to watch his video collection of The Man From UNCLE.’

  ‘You really know your stuff.’ Max was impressed.

  ‘Can I read some of Alex Crane?’ asked Linden.

  Max had never shown her stories to anyone.

  ‘Maybe. Some day. But now we have to prepare for departure.’

  ‘Whatever you say, chief.’ Linden saluted.

  ‘Max will do.’

  Linden smiled as he pulled his jumper over his shoulder. He’d dressed warm, just as Max had told him. He had a big, floppy, hand-knitted jumper and what Max thought was probably his best pair of jeans. Well, at least they weren’t full of patches or splattered with mud.

  ‘I was thinking,’ said Linden, suddenly looking worried. ‘What if Ben and Eleanor come home and find we’re not there?’

  ‘All covered,’ said Max. ‘I stuffed both the beds with clothes, so when they come in to check on us, it’ll look like we’re sound asleep. I even threw your jumper and shoes around so it looked like a typical Linden space.’

  Linden raised one eyebrow. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘Don’t mention it. Now let’s go.’

  Inside the shed, the Matter Transporter control panel quietly whirred beneath its cover. Max took the cover off and held the panel in her hands.

  ‘Are you sure you remember how it works?’ asked Linden.

  ‘There’s nothing to it,’ Max replied confidently, but secretly she hoped she remembered all the steps.

  Max took the London directory from her backpack and laid it on the bench in front of her. She held the control panel so the camera faced it and pressed the scan key.

  There was a small bleep before the LED screen lit up with the words scan complete.

  Max and Linden looked at each other and smiled.

  ‘That seemed to work,’ said Linden, relieved that the first part of the process appeared to have gone well.

  Max then turned the camera towards them both and captured an image of herself and Linden. Turning the control panel towards her, she saw their image on the LED screen. She used the rod to draw an outline around them both.

  ‘Go easy,’ said Linden, feigning a concerned look. ‘Don’t cut off any of my hair.’

  Max frowned, trying to make Linden understand this wasn’t the best time for jokes. She took a deep breath as she held the rod above the activate key.

  ‘Here goes,’ she said as she brought the rod down.

  There was the quick zap sound and then nothing.

  Max and Linden looked around them.

  ‘Did it work?’ Linden asked, referring to the transporter capsule.

  ‘I’m not sure. Let’s put our hands out and feel around,’ suggested Max.

  They slowly raised their hands until they were met with a flash of light and another zapping sound. A slight tingling sensation spread through their bodies like a wave.

  ‘Found it,’ said Linden proudly.

  ‘It worked!’ Max almost screamed. ‘Now to set the coordinates for London.’

  She adjusted them for Cricklebury Lane, London W6. The home of Professor F J Williams.

  Max knew she was about to do the biggest thing she’d ever done in her life. She was excited, but she’d also never been as scared.

  ‘I guess it’s time,’ she said softly.

  ‘We should make a pact,’ Linden decided.

  ‘A what?’ Max asked.

  ‘A pact. Like a deal,’ he explained.

  ‘I know what a pact is, but we don’t have time,’ said Max, eager to get the mission started and avoid any emotional stuff.

  ‘I’m not going until we do it,’ said Linden, folding his arms across his chest.

  The way Linden said it, Max knew she had no choice. Besides, the sooner she let him get on with it, the sooner they could leave. />
  ‘Okay. What’s your pact?’

  ‘Hold out your hands,’ Linden instructed.

  Max held out her arms. A zapping sound rang out around as they broke through the transporter capsule’s electro-magnetic field. Linden took Max’s hands in his and closed his eyes as small sparks flew all around them like fireflies.

  Max shook her head. This was not the kind of departure she had in mind.

  ‘If Max should come to harm or get lost or be in danger in any way, I, Linden M Franklin, will do everything I can to help her and bring her to safety.’

  They both stood in silence.

  Linden leant forward and whispered, ‘You’re supposed to say it about me now.’

  Great! Just what Max wanted, another mushy moment.

  ‘If Linden should come to harm or get lost or be in danger in any way, I, Max Remy …’

  She forgot what came next.

  ‘Will do everything I can …’ Linden whispered.

  ‘Will do everything I can,’ Max repeated, then frowned, trying to remember the next bit.

  ‘To help him and bring him to safety,’ Linden added.

  ‘Oh yeah, to help him and bring him to safety.’

  Linden smiled.

  ‘Good. Now we can go. All aboard. Express Transporter to London leaving in ten seconds,’ he announced.

  Max looked at her wrist.

  ‘We should synchronise watches. We will only have about ten hours to complete the mission once we’re in London if we’re going to get home before Ben and Eleanor wake up. Did you wear your watch?’

  ‘Yep.’

  Linden pulled up the sleeve of his jumper to reveal a large silver watch that looked like it had been around a long time.

  ‘Are you sure that’s going to work?’ Max asked.

  ‘It’s my grandad’s. He left it to me. I don’t use it much, but he said it never lost a second.’

  After they’d checked the time, Max held the control panel in front of her. She wiped her sweaty hands against her pants and adjusted her backpack.

  ‘Here goes,’ she said.

  This was it! If the Matter Transporter worked, in a few minutes they would be in London. But if it didn’t, who knows where they’d end up.

  Max took a deep breath and carefully placed the rod on the transport button.