The Garden

by Craig W. Turner

  She looked up at Keegan, who wasn’t making any move to leave. “I know there’s an awful lot of emotion surrounding this situation right now,” she said, “and the pragmatic scientist in me is saying go up to my room and rest, and tomorrow will be a day for clearer thoughts. But you and I had something for a short time. It went away, and I was okay with that. There were differences in how we approached things, and the complications of working together only shined a light on those differences.” He must have been ready to talk, because he was staying put, and looked perfectly comfortable. It seemed a positive sign, so she continued. “To me, the feelings we had were just that – feelings. Ships passing in the night. Once we weren’t together anymore, I justified everything in my mind. It wasn’t necessarily love. It wasn’t necessarily passion. It was camaraderie. And we already had that. Whether it was true or not, that’s what I made myself believe.”

  Now, he spoke. “Was it?”

  “Was it what?”

  “Was it true?”

  She shook her head and spoke thoughtfully. “No, it wasn’t. There was more to it than just some kind of enhanced friendship. And I didn’t realize it until the moment that you didn’t make it to the pod, and we were leaving without you. I was overcome with the feeling that I was never going to see you again. And I immediately realized that I couldn’t deal with that.”

  “What about coming to my room the night before?”

  She laughed. “No, that was a ploy,” she said. “I just didn’t want to be alone. Too much going on. Too much at stake.”

  Now, Keegan laughed. “You’re something.”

  “I know,” she said. “I know. But we left a key detail out of our story when we told what happened to us in Eden.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes,” she said, readying herself for the grand reveal, and trying quickly to figure out the right way to say it. She hadn’t planned this far ahead. “I hugged the devil.”

  Keegan shook his head. “You did what?”

  She was nodding. “Yes, I hugged the devil himself. Big bear hug around the neck.”

  He leaned back on the wall with a thump. “What on Earth would make you do that?”

  “Well,” she said, then stopped to sigh. What an incredible story to be telling someone. “Remember the devil’s bag of tricks. In the Bible, he beguiled Eve by posing as the serpent, who she trusted. Let’s just say I was beguiled.”

  “By the serpent?”

  “No, for me, he chose something that would work for me,” she said. “Someone… Who would work for me.” He wasn’t getting it, so she spelled it out. “He posed as you. The devil posed as you.”

  She watched his face for a moment and saw a fascinating turn of emotions and expressions. He snickered, then he furrowed his brow, then looked at her like she was crazy, followed by a gaze of incredulousness across the room. “He did what?”

  “He touched me, must have read my mind somehow – I guess that’s something he can do – and then decided the best way to earn my trust was to impersonate you.”

  He laughed. “Reilly told me you had some story that only you could tell me. That must be it. Yikes.” His face went serious again. “That’s going to take some time to deal with.”

  “For you? Try being me.” She shook her head. “My point, though, is not to blow your mind, but to demonstrate that I clearly am putting on a charade when I pretend that you don’t mean the world to me, and that I really do want to be with you.”

  Keegan laughed again, which was not the response she was expecting. “I’m sorry,” he said. “But there’s no way I could have prepared myself for this conversation. I thought I’d heard everything. I’m sorry, though. I don’t want to belittle what you’re saying.”

  “Thank goodness.” She said it half-joking, half-serious.

  “I realized something, too,” he said. “Yes, I had a whole team of people I care about stuck 10,000 years in the past, but it was clear to me that what was driving me to do the insane things I did – I mean, I kidnapped a U.S. General and threatened to leave him in 2067 – was to make sure you got back to me. I know it’s true. And I’d be foolish to ignore it.”

  “I’m glad you said that,” she said, smiling both inside and outside. “It’s not going to be easy, though. Working together and having a relationship.”

  He snickered again. “Claire, I have no idea what tomorrow’s going to be like. I can’t begin to imagine how different life is going to be. But it makes me happy that you want to do it together.”

  She smiled and looked up at him. “That wink from the Senator,” she said. “Does she know you have a crush on her?”

  “Oh yeah, I told her,” he said. No embarrassment. He was good with it. He held out his arm, and she nuzzled inside. As a couple, they headed toward the door. “You didn’t, you know, kiss him or anything, did you?” he said sheepishly.

  “Who?”

  “You know.”

  She stopped and looked at him again. “Seriously?” she said. “Are you seriously asking me that?”

  “Nope,” he said, then turned his attention forward and led her out the door to a brand-new future.

  CHAPTER 88

  Robert had been in a front of a lot of press rooms, but never had he seen a sea of reporters as massive as this one. They’d set up a separate stage on the White House lawn to accommodate the crowd of media and dignitaries that had gathered for the ceremony. Looking out the window, he saw hundreds of chairs lining the South Lawn, with members of the media rabidly waiting to hear the story so they could put their own unique spin on it.

  It was the last place any of them wanted to be.

  While no one in the crowd knew what they were there to say, they were drawn simply by the significance of the collaboration between the President and SATP – a brand new development. Up until today, Fitcher had been a stalwart opponent of the program, leading up to the investigation of Robert for manufactured allegations. To the outside world, there had somehow been an incredible turnaround in the President’s attitude toward the program in the last 24 hours, and they’d arrived in droves to find out what it was.

  Robert let go of the thick red curtain, allowing it to fall into place. He turned back to the rest of the team, standing and waiting for the President and his press team to arrive, to get the ceremony started. They’d been told that they were all receiving a Presidential Commendation, and that Fitcher would not only announce, speaking generally, their trip to Eden, but he would also go on record in committing that funding for SATP would be included in the rest of his Executive Budgets as President. Which was big news. Even Robert was surprised, and impressed.

  The entire team had made the trip, including Davies, who rarely wandered outside of his cave of technology. Robert was disappointed that Dipin had politely declined the invitation, but understood. None of this was his fight anymore. He suspected his friend would disappear again, leaving India’s interests in SATP in Landon’s capable hands.

  Claire and Amy were off to one side, talking, while Landon and Davies sat facing each other in lavish, high-backed chairs, also chatting quietly. Keegan was reclined on the sofa, his long legs stretching halfway across the room.

  Robert’s attention was diverted, as the door opened and Senator O’Neill entered the room. They’d been in the trenches, working together, the last few days, so it was almost odd to see her dressed formally for the press conference. “Five minutes,” she said loudly enough for everyone to hear.

  Everyone acknowledged the Senator’s announcement in one way or another, then Robert made his way across the room toward her. She smiled – strangely, almost grinned – when he was close. “What’s that grin for?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “I’m just happy we’ve gotten to this point,” she said.

  He wasn’t sure what to make of the answer, so he moved on. “We have to deal with Andrew’s disappearance,” he said. Her face went serious, listening. “I don’t think the media will necessarily make anything of him
not being here today. But they will, soon enough.”

  O’Neill was nodding. “I know,” she said. “We will deal with that right away.”

  “Yes, but it’s more than that,” he said. “Andrew is not only an American serviceman and hero, but one of my closest friends. He deserves a proper burial. A military burial.” He’d realized that he would forever regret his last interaction with Reilly, one that left them at odds, and determined that he would now do anything to honor his friend’s memory.

  “I’ve already-” she started to respond, but was cut off by the door opening again. President Fitcher entered the room with a small entourage.

  “Ahhh, my team,” he said, as if they’d all been best of friends for many years, rather than since breakfast. But Robert knew how the game was played. “I know you’re all worn out, but we’ll get through this and get you back on your way to Greensboro in no time.” He motioned to the door. “If you’ll follow me…”

  Before moving, Robert looked to O’Neill to finish her thought, but she simply touched his arm. “We’ll talk later,” she said, then followed Fitcher out the door. Everyone else did the same.

  A few moments later, they were standing on the dais in a line behind a vacant podium overlooking the throng of reporters. They could hear helicopter security sporadically flying overhead and saw the iron front gates and Washington Monument in the distance. It was hot, as Washington often was in July, approaching 90 with the late morning sun beating down on them. Given the way the media had jumped on him in the past 48 hours, he held a secret smile that they’d been sitting there for some time, and were probably more than a little uncomfortable.

  He’d been asked to say a few words, but had declined. Too much intrigue over the accusations. He felt it would have come across as staged and disingenuous.

  After a few moments, a booming voice came from the loudspeaker, “Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States,” and Fitcher made his way from the front of the White House to the dais, where he waved to the crowd as they applauded.

  The President set his hands on the podium. “Today is an historic day,” he said. “Standing behind me is a team of scientists who have accomplished something beyond any of our wildest imaginations. Yesterday, as part of a top secret SATP mission approved by my administration, this team of heroes used time travel technology to travel to the Garden of Eden.” He paused a moment to let that sink in, and not surprisingly to Robert, it took at least that to happen. There was dead silence in the crowd, and then murmuring. Once he got the reaction he wanted, Fitcher continued. “Yes, you heard me correctly, the Garden of Eden. And their findings, which still must be developed, will change the way that all of us regard both the science and the mythology of a paradise designed by God Himself.”

  The crowd was blown away. To Robert, they didn’t seem to know whether to applaud or razz them. He noticed to his side that Landon was rocking forward and backward nervously, so he tapped him with his elbow and gave him a quick smile, saying, this is the life you’ve gotten yourself into – you might as well enjoy it.

  Fitcher went on to offer some rhetoric about SATP making a difference in history, and the value of the program. He even mentioned that he’d had the chance to hear Javesh Chopra speak forty years before – to which Robert caught Keegan laughing to himself – and that this mission was the pinnacle of the science that Chopra had begun decades before. He reminded everyone, to Robert’s relief, that the team had just returned from their mission and hadn’t had the chance to debrief or unwind, and that details of their mission would be forthcoming in the coming days. He also, reaffirmed his commitment to adequately funding SATP for the rest of his term of office, with much more for the program to accomplish, building on its success. Fitcher also thanked Senator O’Neill for her leadership with SATP, as head of the Senate’s Science Committee.

  Finally, Fitcher addressed the elephant in the room – or, on the lawn, as the case was. “Many of you have been following the story of the accusations made against our own Dr. Robert Mulvaney earlier this week. I am here to tell you that I do not know how such a story got so out-of-control, and that each and every accusation against Dr. Mulvaney has been proven to be false. Earlier this morning, I received a letter from the Attorney General informing me of his resignation over the situation, which I will not be able to comment further on at this point. But rest assured, I will be doing everything in my power to ensure that Robert’s name, service to our country and sterling reputation are not harmed by the recent events.”

  As Fitcher paused again, looking out at the crowd, Robert took a breath. So many things were happening, and he was having a difficult time reacting to any one of them. The Attorney General resigned? Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced down the line at O’Neill. Suddenly, he saw her in a very different light. He knew she had clout, but hadn’t realized quite how much.

  “In fact,” Fitcher said, “I am more than pleased to announce that due to his expertise, his dedication to time travel science, and his exceptional leadership, Dr. Robert Mulvaney will be taking the helm as the new director of SATP.”

  “What?” he said audibly as the President turned to him, applauding. The world started spinning, and only stopped because Keegan’s giant hand once again clapped him on the back in congratulations. He looked at his teammates, who were thrilled with this new announcement, clapping along with Fitcher and now the instantaneously forgiving media. He took a few steps forward, where Fitcher greeted him with a strong handshake, then turned, running into Claire’s embrace. The rest of the team congratulated him, followed by Senator O’Neill.

  She was shaking her head. “I wanted to tell you, but this was better.”

  Robert nervously laughed. “Ok,” he said.

  After the hub-bub died down, the President invited Robert up to the dais. He was reluctant at first, because he didn’t want to say anything, especially under the new circumstances, but realized Fitcher only wanted him up there to help present the commendations. Which immediately brought a wave of peace to him, because it was an honor to do it.

  “I present to you the heroes of SATP,” Fitcher said. “The first human beings to travel back in time 10,000 years, and the first to confirm the existence of the Garden of Eden.” He motioned to Robert to flip sides with him, closer to the table featuring an array of medals. “Dr. Keegan McIntyre.”

  Keegan stepped forward and approached Robert, who – after motioning for him to bend down – slipped a medal around his neck, then gave him a bear hug. “Great job,” he mouthed over the applauding crowd.

  “You too, brother,” Keegan said.

  “Dr. Amy Cheng,” the President said.

  Amy approached Robert. “So happy for you,” she said as he slipped the medal over her head.

  He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “You’re the best, Amy,” he said in her ear.

  “Dr. Claire Devereaux.”

  Robert couldn’t help but grin as Claire approached and threw her arms around his neck. He put the medal on her, then leaned in so she could hear him. He whispered, “We didn’t want to be here, but this is pretty cool.”

  “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” she said, then kissed him on the cheek.

  “Dr. Chester Davies.”

  Davies stepped forward and approached Robert, who slid a medal around his neck. Robert leaned in to him and said, “Twenty years we’ve been at this, and we finally got you some recognition.”

  “Aw, bullshit,” the Englishman said. “I like the other story better, when you committed every bloody crime in history.” He stepped back, smiled, and slapped Robert on the arm, then returned to his place in line.

  “Dr. Landon Tripathi,” Fitcher said, “who, I’m told, participated in this mission on only his fourth day at SATP.” He looked back at the team, most of whom were holding up two fingers. “I’m sorry, his second day at SATP. Talk about trial by fire.”

  The crowd continued their applause as Landon approached Robert. He put hi
s head down for Robert to present the medal. “What do you think?” Robert asked.

  “I’m not sure,” Landon said. “I’m having trouble believing we deserve all of this.”

  “Well, we’ll talk philosophy later,” Robert said in his ear. “Right now, just enjoy it.”

  The young man looked down at the medal, inspecting it. “Well, my father will be pleased.”

  “There you go,” Robert said, smiling.

  “And finally, Dr. Robert Mulvaney,” Fitcher said, stepping over to the table himself to award Robert his medal. Robert noticed that the applause grew significantly louder. It didn’t take too much to swing these vultures one way or another. Then, to Robert’s dismay, the President motioned for him to take the podium.

  He’d prepared nothing. But he wasn’t about to say no to the President of the United States and SATP’s newest and biggest friend. He stepped to center stage.

  “Thank you,” he said, as the applause quieted. “It is my absolute honor being here today, and being asked to represent the amazing team of people standing behind me, and the amazing team of thousands of folks who work every day back in Greensboro to make SATP a success. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of working to fulfill a dream that has been the fantasy of people around the world for hundreds of years.”

  He thought of Reilly, his friend, who had sacrificed himself for them, and who should have been there receiving the same honor. “It is my pleasure, and I am humbly honored, to have the opportunity to lead this organization into its new future, with exciting new pioneers in time travel science like Dr. Cheng and Dr. Tripathi. Those who have gone before me, and who have led SATP to the point we are at today, have created enormous shoes to fill, and I look forward to the challenge of living up to their reputations.

  “To President Fitcher, and to Senator O’Neill, for your leadership, I thank you.” He nodded in their direction and each returned the gesture with a wave. Turning back to the crowd, he knew he wanted to end with something inspirational, but was at a loss for inspirational words. After a moment, he thought back to two days before, when he was supposed to speak to the 7th graders from Willow Ridge Middle School, and decided to pilfer from that presentation.