by Adair Hart
As they ran down the tunnel, they overpowered small packs of soldiers and shot down the drones that flew in.
Dr. Snowden noted that there was a growing army behind them. He could not only see them, but he could feel them, and hear them, to the degree that he knew how many there were. The small packs of soldiers were no match for them. He could see Levaran’s weakened state when she punched one and it did not fly back as far as he had calculated it would. It still got jabbed, though.
Emily was a tornado. She had one end of her PSD extended as a blade, the other a rod.
He imagined the Time Wardens they ran into were shocked to be sliced up so fast.
She was smiling while she did it, as if it was redemption for having almost died and for the previous encounter with a predator.
Although he opted to go for range usually, he found that he too could determine the path a Time Warden would take in combat. He wondered if this was how Evaran and Levaran saw things. Dodging tentacles while shooting at drones was like second nature with whatever was inside him.
In one fight, he shot a sticky globule at several drones, sliced off two tentacles from one solider, then jabbed another, and batted one away like a baseball. And it was done without breaking a sweat. No wonder Evaran and Levaran were confident.
When they got to the entrance, both Torvattas were stacked on top of each other and blocking the way. Evaran’s was on the bottom, and it swiveled around, exposing the entrance.
They rushed on board and assembled in the command area.
Emily surveyed the landing pad as Time Warden ships began to arrive. They fired on the Torvattas to no avail. The energy Levaran had dumped into her was still surging throughout her body. She realized she should be sleeping, but half of her wanted to go back in and fight the Time Wardens. If this was how Evaran and Levaran felt all the time, it was no wonder they did not fear much.
V and Edev had greeted them upon their entry. V had rushed over to hug her and Dr. Snowden. She wondered if V had been monitoring everything. Both V and Edev were now at the front console.
“So … we just sit here and wait?” asked Dr. Snowden.
Evaran nodded while in his command chair. “That is correct. The explosion will incinerate everything around us and toss both Torvattas out of the timeline. However, we can go back in, whereas the Time Wardens will be where they should be.”
“What if when we come back in, the Time Wardens sneak in?” asked Emily.
“They would not have their suits and would end up evaporating back out,” said Evaran.
The landing pad shuddered as a wave of energy swept the Torvatta down the tunnel.
“It begins,” said Evaran.
Emily gulped as she saw that they were surfing the explosion out. The Torvatta showed a screen behind them, but it was just an orange glow. To the sides, she could see everything become part of the explosion.
It did not take long before they were tossed out into space. A moment later, after the smaller structures had been destroyed, the Torvattas were pulled back in.
Emily saw that they were headed to an irregularly shaped patch of space. The Torvatta had outlined it with a green border. She pointed at it. “That’s the timeline exit?”
“It is,” said Evaran.
She took a measured breath. “I don’t mean to change the subject, but you said earlier that there was a price our bodies paid for Levaran helping us …”
Evaran gestured at Levaran.
“You’ve lost approximately thirty percent of your nanobots. My re-formation energy used them to help re-form your body,” said Levaran.
Dr. Snowden furrowed his eyebrows. “Are the nanobots still the same, or different now?”
“They have transformed,” said Levaran. “I’m unsure what impact that will have on you, but Evaran will study it and let you know.”
Dr. Snowden chuckled. “Well, sure beats dying.”
Emily nodded. “Was that the fire we felt? The nanobots being transformed?”
“I don’t know what the sensation would be, since a plane form would not give away their re-formation energy before the plane form is settled.”
Dr. Snowden swallowed hard. “But … you did … for us.”
“You saved me when I was going to die. I have not forgotten that I am only here due to you three coming to my aid,” said Levaran, looking down. “I have a second chance, and I’m beyond grateful for that. Losing some strength in order to help those who helped me is an acceptable trade.”
Emily smiled at Levaran. “That commander was a hell of a fight.”
“It was, and although I suspect I could’ve taken it in time, it would’ve been hard, if not impossible, while trying to figure out how to stop the facility.”
Dr. Snowden nodded. “Well, I think I have a taste of just a glimmer of your power. It’s intoxicating, scary, and feels good at the same time.”
“I didn’t know if your forms would accept it,” said Levaran. “Your nanobots are what I infused to do the work. They acted as a buffer so that your internals were not liquefied.”
“Oh,” said Emily with widened eyes. “I’m glad that didn’t happen.”
“You will be fine, and,” said Levaran, gesturing at Evaran, “if there are any complications, I’m sure he will be able to help you.”
“We can train and assess any changes,” said V, glancing at Emily.
Dr. Snowden raised a finger. “I think … I’m going to join you.”
“Analysis. Your presence would be appreciated.”
Dr. Snowden chuckled. “I’m sure it would be. After all of this, I need some training.”
V’s lights glowed a bit brighter.
Emily narrowed her eyes at Levaran. “So … where are you headed now? I mean … after we exit the timeline?”
“I will go meet with Dan and the others. From their perspective, it would’ve been about three months. You three should come a day later, and we can have that cookout event Dan mentioned,” said Levaran.
“Sounds like a plan to me,” said Dr. Snowden, suppressing a yawn.
Emily noticed that it was pitch-black outside the Torvatta. “Looks like we’re outside the timeline now.”
“Analysis. Your assessment is correct,” said V.
Levaran stood. “I will return to my Torvatta. Get some rest, and I will see you all here shortly.”
Dr. Snowden and Emily hugged Levaran.
V and Edev joined them, causing them all to laugh.
After they separated, Levaran and Evaran touched hands, palms forward. They nodded at each other, and then Levaran and Edev headed to the elevator.
After Levaran and Edev had departed, Evaran gestured at Dr. Snowden and Emily. “You two should get some rest. It has been a while since you slept, and after these events, it would be good to recharge.”
Dr. Snowden shook his arms out. “I still have this energy in me. My body feels tired, but my mind is on fire.”
“It will pass,” said Evaran. “When it does, you will feel the full effects of exhaustion. I suggest whatever you decide to do, you do it in your quarters.”
Emily sighed. “I feel like I want to train, but … maybe I’ll just take it slow.” She cocked her head toward Evaran. “So you don’t know what impact this new type of nanobot will have?”
Evaran shook his head. “I do not. There has never been a merging of this type before that I am aware of, and I have been around for a long time.”
“New territory,” said Dr. Snowden. “This must be exciting for you too.”
Evaran dipped his head. “I am just glad you are safe. I think our next trip after all of this will be to Earth. We can take a break there, and you can take some time to assess if you wish to continue traveling with me.”
Dr. Snowden snorted. “No question here on that.”
“Here either,” said Emily.
“You almost died. That is not something to take lightly. I suspect the infusion of re-formation energy is clouding that aspect from you
at the moment,” said Evaran. “There was nothing I could do to prevent your death from occurring. If Levaran were not around …”
“But she was,” said Dr. Snowden.
Emily could see that it bothered Evaran that he was powerless to save them. Despite all his knowledge, strength, and power, he had to ask for help to save them. She could see how that would be disconcerting. With a wagging finger, she said, “You can’t get rid of us that easy.”
Evaran smiled. “That was not my intent. However, I understand that a near-death experience can change someone’s views. I think some time on Earth back in our universe will be helpful.”
Dr. Snowden shrugged. “Works for me, but it still won’t change my opinion.”
“Same,” said Emily.
Evaran nodded.
“To our quarters then,” said Dr. Snowden.
Emily watched as Dr. Snowden nodded at everyone and headed to the living quarters. “I guess I’ll go too. I’m not ready to sleep yet, but I’m sure I will be once this thing wears off.” She eyed V. “If you’re interested, maybe those massage techniques you claim to know will help.”
“Analysis. The claim is valid. I am knowledgeable in many techniques.”
She stood and slapped V on the back, causing him to stumble forward a bit. “I have some time to kill. Prove it.”
“Acknowledged.”
She squeezed Evaran’s shoulder as she passed him. Evaran would probably chew on the events throughout the night. She would too at some point, but for now, a bath, a massage, and sleep were in order.
Dr. Snowden cracked his neck as he followed Evaran out of the Torvatta. They had landed at Dan and Sarah’s house approximately three months and one day after Dan and the others’ abduction. It was eleven in the morning, and the sun was out, with a calm breeze blowing. His body was sore. He knew it had been damaged, and it felt like it still had some adjusting to do.
Going to sleep the previous night had been hard, so he had spent the time going over the data Evaran had collected about the Time Wardens. It surprised him how spread out they were, not only across space, but time. With over 700 anchor stations, that would have been about 350 rifts. Given how rare they were, it indicated that they had been at it for a while.
The organic hybrids that the Time Wardens had tried to create were disturbing. Some were humanoid, but most were a mash-up of an insect and a reptile, with a few birdlike parts tossed in. All had some type of mechanical aspect to them.
The data was very detailed, and he tried to stay awake. When the energy had worn off, he slumped to the ground off his chair and slept there for a while. His hurting back woke him, and after crawling into bed, he slept the rest of the night.
It was when he woke up in a cold sweat that he realized how close to death he had come the previous day. The clawing darkness as it had crept through him left an impression he would not soon forget. Possessing the re-formation energy of Levaran had subdued all thoughts of the event, but now that it was gone, the full impact of it weighed on his mind. The fact that Evaran could not save them, and that that could have been it, did not escape him. He wondered if Emily was having the same thoughts.
He was excited about going to the cookout and seeing everyone. That would be just the thing to take his mind off the near-death encounter. When he exited the Torvatta, the smell of grilled burgers and hot dogs led his nose to where Dan was cooking with a beer in his hand. Sarah had rushed over and hugged Emily. Dr. Bryson was headed toward him, and Evaran walked over to Levaran. Edev and V had flown out and entered scout mode.
Sarah hugged Dr. Snowden, then gestured toward the grill. “Come on, food’s ready.”
Dr. Bryson hugged Emily and shook Dr. Snowden’s hand. “Figured you’d come after all the hard work was done.”
Dr. Snowden chuckled. A lump formed in his throat as he slowly swept his gaze across the scene before him. It could have been any day in his universe. Unfortunately, he knew that life was not always fair, but he guessed if you mashed enough parallel universes together, it could be. To go from possibly dying, to embracing the exuberance of life in front of him made him catch his breath.
“You okay?” asked Dr. Bryson.
Dr. Snowden nodded. “I am now.” He watched Emily head over to the grill with Sarah.
Dr. Bryson’s eyes narrowed. “Some bad stuff happened, didn’t it? I know that look.”
“We almost died,” said Dr. Snowden.
Dr. Bryson studied Dr. Snowden for a moment. “That’s part of the package of traveling with Evaran, isn’t it?”
“If Levaran hadn’t come with us, I would be dead right now.”
Dr. Bryson’s eyes widened. “Oh … that bad, huh?”
“Yeah … I’m just … happy to be alive,” said Dr. Snowden, pulling in his lips.
“Okay … it was really bad, I can see.”
“Broken bones, barely conscious, internal bleeding. Emily was completely out, and a Time Warden the size of a building spinning around with huge tentacles. Yeah … bad.”
Dr. Bryson laid a hand on Dr. Snowden’s shoulder. “But you’re here. Now. In the present. Whatever happened, it’s in the past.”
“Mr. Philosopher over here. We took care of the hard stuff with the Time Wardens so you won’t have to,” said Dr. Snowden, slapping Dr. Bryson’s chest with the back of his hand.
Dr. Bryson shook his head as they both laughed and headed over to the grill.
Dr. Snowden noted that Evaran and Levaran stood off to the side a bit with their hands clasped behind their backs. They were talking back and forth and glancing at the group. Sarah and Emily had a plate of food and sat in lounge chairs, and Dan was waving him and Dr. Bryson over.
His throat tightened. This was one thing he had not thought about missing until it was smack dab in his face. He shook Dan’s hand and grabbed a plate.
Dr. Bryson followed suit.
Dr. Snowden took a bite out of his burger. His eyes closed as he savored the taste of it. While replicated burgers always tasted the same, his taste buds preferred the real thing. Maybe it was the variance in flavor, or how it was prepared. The smell of the food being cooked was also something he did not experience with replicated burgers. Perhaps he would look into making his own burgers when back on the Torvatta. Maybe even a holo room simulation for cookouts.
When everyone was seated and digging in, Levaran raised a finger. “So everyone knows, Dan, Sarah, and Dr. Bryson have agreed to travel with me. We leave after this event.”
“So looking forward to it,” said Dr. Bryson.
The group laughed.
“We are too,” said Dan as Sarah leaned over and squeezed his forearm. “I know it won’t always be easy, but that’s a challenge. Besides, with these nanobots in us, we’ll have a long life, and this’ll be one hell of an adventure.”
Dr. Snowden wondered if this was how he and Emily appeared to Evaran when they first asked. He gestured at Dan. “The nanobots will surprise you at times, but they’re worth it.”
Dan nodded at Dr. Snowden.
“I can’t wait to use the holo room,” said Sarah.
Emily shook a finger at Levaran. “Speaking of which … can we transfer my simulations to your Torvatta?”
“Already done,” said Levaran. “I also have the same survival suits, with some minor tweaks, and their PSDs. We’ll have a crash course on them after we leave.”
“Before all that,” said Dan as he pressed a button on a remote, “we should relax and enjoy the day.”
Music played from the speakers outside the house.
Dr. Snowden shook his head. He knew Dan was a big fan of music, and it was something that he took with him everywhere. One thing that did not escape his attention was that they were not at the Florida house as he thought they would be. They were instead at the house with the four-acre backyard that he had grown up in. He had not noticed it before, but then again, he just saw them walk into a big backyard earlier. Dan had not sold their parents’ house, but instea
d chose to live there.
Over the next five hours, they enjoyed laughter, food, drink, and good conversations. Emily had spent most of her time with Dan and Sarah. V and Edev had flown around and engaged in various conversations while in stealth mode. Evaran and Levaran had been cornered at times by Dan and the others, but for the most part, they kept to themselves.
Dr. Snowden wondered what they had discussed. As Dan, Sarah, and Emily cleaned up the place, Dr. Bryson came over.
“So … this is it,” said Dr. Bryson. “I saw the planar cartography lab you talked about. It’s just … amazing. I can’t wait to spend my time in there.”
Dr. Snowden nodded. “And you will too. It’s been the cause of me losing track of time before.”
“Any tips or anything I should know about?” asked Dr. Bryson.
Dr. Snowden rubbed his chin for a moment. Thoughts of things he wished he had known prior to some adventures crossed his mind, but he decided that it would be better for Dr. Bryson and the others to learn it as they go. “Don’t skip training in the holo room.”
“That’s it?” asked Dr. Bryson.
“Things are different here, and you may go places or do things we haven’t.”
Dr. Bryson nodded. “Right, of course.”
“Oh … and if you go to a planet called Roeth, don’t get attached to time refugees. Other than that, you’ll be fine,” said Dr. Snowden. He wondered how much their adventures would differ. Maybe if they met again at some point in the future, they could exchange stories.
“No attachments to time refugees, whatever that is. Got it,” said Dr. Bryson.
After thirty minutes, everyone assembled outside Levaran’s stealthed Torvatta.
Levaran gestured at the Torvatta entrance. “It’s time to go.” She focused on Evaran. “You should head back to your universe after we leave in case the timeline changes. However, your presence here was greatly appreciated.”
Evaran nodded.
“Will we see you again?” asked Emily.
“Anything is possible,” said Levaran. “Although multiple plane forms are rare, they generally should travel independently so as to have unique experiences and not cross each other’s timeline changes, and that protocol will be observed. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have companions.”
