“How extraordinarily selfish and self-centered. You have actually witnessed this act where two people are joined in company, yet choose to communicate with others?” Dr Morgan asked.
David nodded his head and continued. “They have become such a big problem that laws have been enacted to prohibit the use of cell phones while driving cars.”
“Cars? Does everyone own their own locomotive in your time? Astounding,” Dr. Morgan said, shaking his head in amazement.
“I'm sorry, doc. I'm getting ahead of myself here. A car is slang for automobile. An automobile is basically a horseless carriage. It has a small engine in it that takes the place of the horses. Instead of reins, it has a steering wheel that is connected to the front wheels, so when you turn the steering wheel right, the car goes right, and when you turn the wheel left, it goes left. There are pedals that you depress with your feet for brakes, as well as one for speed. These automobiles will be invented some time before the turn of this century - around 1886 I believe – by a German fellow named Karl Friedrich Benz,” David explained.
“Horseless carriages! As I live and breathe, I don't think I ever could have imagined that!” Dr. Morgan exclaimed once more, now with even greater enthusiasm. “What do you feed these cars?” now spoken with the greatest curiosity.
David laughed to himself again at the question: not in condescension, but at his own knowledge he had taken for granted. “Well, cars aren't actually alive. They are mechanical devices that run on a petroleum-based fuel called gasoline. Gasoline becomes a highly sought after, as a product that powers practically everything we do: from driving cars, to heating our homes, to flying planes. Unfortunately, the whole world’s supply is controlled by a handful of greedy oil barons, who routinely disrupt the supply for their own selfish gains.”
Dr. Morgan laughed and replied, “Nothing every changes in humanity. As long as there is a profit to be gained, there will surely be legions of corruptible men waiting to prey on the innocent. I suspect this will always be the case.” Now turning inquisitive, he asked, “David, what are these planes you speak of?”
“Airplanes are one of the greatest inventions since the beginning of time. They are machines that fly...” David started but was immediately interrupted by Dr. Morgan's initial reaction.
“My God, man, machines that fly? What are they used for, dare I inquire?” Dr. Morgan asked, now with even greater intensity in his eyes.
“Airplanes – or just planes for short – are designed to carry people and supplies. Some of the biggest planes can carry hundreds of people and thousands of pounds of supplies, a truly amazing feat of engineering, even by modern standards. They will be invented by two brothers named Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903. They were bicycle repairmen who were first in the race to achieve powered flight. There were many who attempted the challenge, but the Wrights were the first to succeed. What is even more amazing is that in a short span of about sixty years, we went from a crude and dangerous wooden plane to a metal spaceship that carried men to the moon,” David elaborated.
“There are men on the moon? I've always wondered about that,” Dr. Morgan replied, looking almost relieved through his bewilderment.
“Well people don't actually live on the moon. They have only visited it. It's barren and completely uninhabitable. What is interesting, though, is that advancements in science have allowed us to explore other planets, like Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn. The United States will send up many unmanned spaceships that collect pictures and send them back to Earth, sort of the same way people send their communications by cell phone. It really is amazing,” David replied, now becoming as enthusiastic as his audience.
Dr. Morgan sat in silence, on his log in front of the campfire, and pondered the advancements of the future while he coiffed his long white beard. After a few minutes he spoke. “The men of your time must be exceedingly intelligent. I am humbled,” he said in awe.
“Not everyone's a genius. Besides, most have assistance from computers nowadays to help with advancements,” David said, then continued with a smile. Anticipating the doctor’s next inquiry, he continued, “And to answer your next question, computers are devices that are like a mechanical brain. They process and store complex information, liberating us from tasks that would normally take many times longer to accomplish, allowing us to devote more time to the more critical aspects of creativity. These computers have their own language that allows them to communicate with other computers to accomplish complex tasks and solve difficult problems. Almost everything in the future has some form of computer connected with it. In fact, I would not be understating if I said the future world is totally dependent upon computers."
"Mechanical brains? This is truly an amazing discovery," Dr. Morgan replied. "Do they also run on this gasoline you speak of?"
David shook his head and replied, "No, thankfully they don't. They run by electricity."
"Ah yes, electricity. I've heard of that. Ben Franklin discovered it, didn't he?" the old doctor replied, proud he could at least offer something to the conversation.
"Actually, that is kind of a tall tale. Its first reported discovery, believe it or not, was by a Greek philosopher named Thales of Miletus, somewhere around 600 B.C., although the majority of advancements do come in this century - the 1800s," David corrected. "In 2005, what is not run by oil or gas is run by electricity. All lighting is run by electricity, as well as appliances for household uses, not to mention countless uses in industry and manufacturing. The advancements from now until 2005 are mind-boggling," David finished, proud of his small lecture.
"I'm feeling somewhat envious, David," Dr. Morgan said. "Life seems so much simpler 150 years from now."
David reflected on the old doctor’s statement, then replied, "It's funny. You'd think that would be the case, but simplicity opens the door to complexity. The more we free up our lives, the more we race to fill the void. The typical household in 2005 sees both husband and wife working long hours to support a nice home and children. The children are typically sent off to a facility to care for them before and after school. After school, children are frequently involved in hours of extracurricular activities, such as sports and theater, as the mother or the father race the children from one activity to the next. All too often, families eat at fast food restaurants, then come home, and the parents help the children do hours of homework. From the minute a family wakes, to the minute they go to sleep, they're continuously on the go. Being in the medical field, I'm treating more and more people for stress- and exhaustion-related illnesses. It's become almost epidemic around the world."
"Why can't they slow down? Is there some unusual force that compels them?" Dr. Morgan questioned.
"Well, I wouldn't call the forces unusual. Typically greed, status and ambition are the motives that drive these people," David replied.
"Goodness; those are such shallow and petty reasons for personal unrest. Seems hard to believe they have grown unchecked and are causing such tragedy in the world," Dr. Morgan stated incredulously.
"It does defy logic. The sad truth is having everything at your fingertips doesn't guarantee a satisfying life. I believe people have gotten used to abundance and now look for other sources for personal fulfillment. It's a case of 'trouble in paradise',” David explained.
David was about to elaborate further when he heard the piercing sound of the bugler's horn, signaling ‘fall in’ for the march.
"We're on the move again, David. We'll have to continue this topic at a later time," Dr. Morgan stated, standing up and walking toward his dew-covered tent. Looking back to David, he continued, “If you need some help, let me know.”
David smiled at the old doctor’s consideration and replied, “I’m pretty sure I remember what you showed me. Thankfully it’s not rocket science.”
“Rocket science? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard that phrase before. What is rocket science?” Dr. Morgan asked as he knelt and rolled up his tent.
“It’s a topic wo
rth saving for our intensely boring ride,” David replied through a smile.
“Impeccable judgment, lad.” Dr. Morgan nodded in agreement.
--- --- --- --- ---
The heat of the day bore mercilessly down on the long column of troops. With temperatures approaching the nineties, canteens were quickly emptied without the prospect of replacement. Soon, many could not stand their insidious thirst any longer. Breaking formation, many wandered beyond the safety of the column in search of water. Sometime later, the sound of the train of men could no longer be heard. Isolated and alone, many collapsed in helpless despair as the ravages of heat and dehydration attacked their bodies. Unable to press on, they neither had the strength nor the will to continue. Their fate was now in the hands of the enemy.
David conserved his water as best he could, wetting the inside of his mouth, then spitting the salivated water back into his canteen, a trick Dr. Morgan had learned from years spent in the Arizona Territories. Weak from thirst and sore from hours in the saddle, David and Dr. Morgan rode their horses in silence as they tried to conserve their strength. Trotting along in quiet misery, they battled the intense boredom by mentally counting the wildflowers that passed by on the roadside, until the monotony of this, too, could no longer be tolerated. They turned their attention to other innocuous topics as they struggled to pass the time.
Far above their heads, as the temperatures pushed higher into the nineties, the effects of the rising heat and moisture transformed the empty air into cumulus clouds that now began to hang heavy across the valley. With each moment that the sun hid behind the puffy clouds of cotton, the intensity of its rays softened as the light filtered through. Soon, the delicate blue of the clear sky was swallowed up by the ever expanding fluffy clouds, until late in the afternoon, all that remained was the legacy of its intense heat.
As far as the eye could see, dark and menacing clouds were now threatening the valley. Dr. Morgan broke his stare of the ground and now scanned the trees around him. He felt the warm gusts of wind brush past him on their way to the tree line, and watched as the gusts now violently shook the leaves and branches, rocking the trunks of the trees down to the ground.
"Better button your top knot, son. We're in for a deluge," Dr. Morgan said to David, now fastening his coat buttons.
"Out of the frying pan, into the fire," David retorted back in frustration.
"Huh - I don't recall ever hearing that statement before. An accurate depiction of our situation I'd have to say, lad," Dr. Morgan said, mildly amused.
"Well, maybe it will be just a passing shower," David replied as he starting fastening his own buttons. "Sometimes clouds can look more threatening than they really are."
"I'm quite certain you are correct in general, but I'm afraid those clouds will make good on their promise," Dr. Morgan replied pessimistically, then continued with a slight smile, "At least we'll be able to refill our canteens. That is certainly worth the price of our discomfort."
David thought about the old doctor's statement for a moment, then asked, "Doc, how do we fill our canteens in the rain? Do you have a funnel or some kind of collection device for that purpose?"
"Your hat, lad. With an officer’s hat, the water collects on the brim and funnels it through to the front narrows. You just collect it as it drains off the brim. Careful though; let the water flush the salt and dust first." Dr. Morgan instructed, giving mock demonstration for effect.
"So how do the foot soldiers collect the rain water? They only have caps," David asked, his dry throat producing a hoarse, raspy voice.
"A slight variation of the process. They try to collect the water inside their caps and let it drain into their canteens as the water penetrates a weakness. It's not as effective as our hats, but it does work," Dr. Morgan replied.
Anticipating the promise of rain, David opened his canteen and drank the last of his warm, stale water. As he cleared his throat, far off in the distance beyond the trees he caught a bright light out of the corner of his eye. Turning instinctively, he saw nothing unusual. Seconds later, he heard the rumble of distant thunder. Rechecking his buttons and pulling securely on his hat, he didn't have to wait for long. Moments later, he heard the dull sound of a raindrop as it bounced off his brim, then there was another and still another. Within minutes, the angry clouds had opened up and poured water down upon the euphoric column of men in cool torrents of rain. As they collected their water and satisfied their dehydration, the soldiers congratulated themselves on their good fortune, despite the danger of the violent lightning that sounded all around them.
David did as the old doctor instructed. He bowed his head slightly and allowed the heavy sheets of rain to flush the filth from the brim of his hat. Tasting the water as it drained through the front, he felt satisfied with its cleanliness and began to refill his canteen. Just as the soldiers had done, David drank his fill of the cool, refreshing water, before topping off his canteen.
As the column of men marched in the driving storm, a new enemy became apparent in the form of lightning. Louder and more violent with each passing minute, tremendous bolts boomed a short distance away, startling the exhausted men into heightened alert. Each man watched with fearful anxiety as the lightning shot out of the angry sky, branching out as its fingers of death challenged every man's safety. Discipline and duty kept the column organized and on path as they struggled to overcome their instinct to run.
The falling rain cooled the afternoon air, dropping temperatures by more than twenty degrees. With their uniforms soaked through to their skin, and the continual battering by the gusty winds, the soldiers quickly began to feel the outer fringes of cold. Soon, shivering men marched in formation as the unrelenting deluge turned the once dry road into a slippery and muddy rut.
David sat atop his horse, barely clinging to the reins as he pulled his cold hands up into his sleeves, while his horse instinctively followed on course. As the rain poured down upon him, he worked a delicate balance between the water rolling off the front of his hat and onto his stomach, or tilting his head rearward slightly and letting the rain drip down his back. Both conditions could only be tolerated for a few moments before the cool water that penetrated his heavy woolen uniform sapped the warmth from either side of his body, sending deep chills throughout.
Cold and shivering, David looked over to the old doctor to see how he was faring. Seated upright with near perfect posture, the old doctor seemed unaffected by the latest atmospheric conditions. Even as lightning flashed all around him, Dr. Morgan barely flinched as the loud cracks of thunder sent shockwaves that could be felt, lightly reverberating off his body. Stoic and statuesque, the old Doctor rode as a symbol of courage and determination, an example for all follow.
“Doc, you might want to wipe your brow. I think it's raining,” David said sarcastically through shivering lips.
Understanding David's comments implicitly, Dr. Morgan replied, “Steady, lad. The chances of lightning striking you are one in five thousand; the strength of the column. Admittedly we are in danger, but far less than in battle.” He paused a moment, then added, “Understanding the details is the key to staying collected.”
“Those odds could change dramatically if a bolt of lightning takes out a bunch of us at one time,” David replied respectfully. "How can everyone continue when death is mere feet away?"
“Once again, lad, you employ impeccable logic. Unfortunately, we are bound by duty to ignore such logic in the face of war. We must stand resolute in our determination to fulfill our duty. If we compromise our principles and turn from our responsibilities, I'm afraid we would lose the war before the first battle has heard a single shot, for man can neither pick his circumstance, nor adjust his morals to suit his conflict. Nay, lad, we must stand in spite of circumstance and follow our moral compass even as we stare into the eyes of death. We must endeavor to persevere when we are persuaded to the contrary," Dr Morgan elaborated. He paused a moment, then finished, "As soldiers, we pledge our word, and our co
untrymen, our nation, count on our bond in order to succeed in our task. If our country calls for us to march through dangerous weather, we are no less bound to do so than if we march into battle."
David rode quietly and thought about the profound words the old doctor just spoke. The honesty, the integrity, the high moral fiber that Dr. Morgan communicated with and lived by took David aback. Just moments before, he felt a sense of detachment from that world. The war around him, while unfortunate, was not his war. He was only a part of it due to an unfortunate circumstance. The moral and political issues surrounding it did not concern him. Staying alive to return home was his only focus. Suddenly now, he felt humbled as he thought about his own failings and his lax perception of duty. He looked around at the soldiers as they marched through the violent storm. These were truly men of honor. From the lowliest bugler, to the highest general, all carried the pride of loyalty and patriotism. Unspoken, but clearly understood, these men possessed the same philosophy as the old doctor beside him. They marched because of duty: duty to the past, duty to their fellow countrymen, and duty to the countrymen not yet born. Even though he was from the future, he was now, at that moment, of the past, and these men were now his countrymen. They were entrusting their lives to him. In some way, David felt he was letting them down. It didn't matter that he was from the future and hoped to return. His presence in that time did not negate his responsibility to the men he marched with. In an instant, David's perception of his presence changed. He realized that duty was the same whether he was from the future or past. They were counting on him to possess the same qualities as the whole, and march as they marched, with determination to duty.
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