Timecrafters

TIMECRAFTERS

David Garlock

Copyright 2012 David Garlock

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SMASHWORDS EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECOND CHANCES

GRANDFATHERS AND PARADOXES

REDEMPTION

TROUBLE

FUTURE SHOCK

THE VILLAGE

SUNRISE HOUSE

SANCTUARY

PARADISE

TREK

REUNION

ANOINTED ONES

CRISIS

NEW BASE

GETTING SETTLED

GATHERING FACTS

PLANS

THE HOME STRETCH

SECOND CHANCES

The sun rested lightly on the jagged ridge west of town, casting long shadows across the landscape. Melvin Turner hauled his bulky body out of the little car, around the front and on to the sidewalk. Wiping beads of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, he peered across a shaggy lawn at an ancient two-storey wood frame house that would have been considered quite charming before the paint started peeling from its walls.

He pulled a folded sheet of paper from his shirt pocket and compared the address on the invitation with the rusty metal digits nailed to the wall beside the front door. Satisfied that he was in the right place, he ambled around the front of the car and headed toward the porch.

He hadn't decided whether to respond to the invitation until just a short time earlier. Giving it only a cursory glance when it arrived in the mail a week before, he dropped it into a pile of outdated advertising circulars and ragged envelopes to be rediscovered that afternoon during a frantic search for his checkbook, which was badly needed to take care of a severely overdue electric bill. After several changes of mind and heart, he finally decided to satisfy his curiosity about the invitation.

He hadn’t seen the professor in more than twenty years, and in Melvin’s life, those years had not been kind. At the University, he was widely considered to be among the best and the brightest of the new generation of young scientists rising through the ranks amidst the almost daily occurrence of discovery and breakthrough that sustained the scientific community throughout the 1980s. For four rich and glorious years, he eagerly consumed all the science and math his mind could process. By the end of his freshman year, he had climbed well above the stations of his less talented peers to win a place among those most favored at the feet of the legendary Dr. Hubert Allison.

However, those glory days would prove to be short lived. Shortly after graduation, exhausted from the constant effort to maintain his status in a fiercely competitive environment, he wandered off the path to greatness and embarked upon a five year extended tour of the local bars and clubs. When at last he tired of the endless parade of rejected advances and hangover mornings, he dried himself out and settled for a quite unremarkable appointment teaching science at the local high school.

He hesitated at the foot of the porch steps. Why did the Professor choose to invite him for a visit after so many years? He wondered. He found no clues in the brief, tersely worded note. He was sure Dr. Allison was aware of his lack of achievement. In a small town such as Rosefield, such things were common knowledge.

After several long, awkward moments, Melvin drew in a deep breath, forced himself onto the porch and pressed the button. Seconds later, the door swung open to reveal a tall, lanky man with receding blond hair and the slightest hint of wrinkles around the eyes.

Turner, old man! he cried. It’s been a long time. Where’ve you been keeping yourself?

Slowly and gradually, Melvin came to recognize the man as an older version of Albert Tommy Thompson, his former rival for fame and glory at the College of Sciences. Grinning, Tommy stepped back from the doorway to allow Melvin to pass.

Hello, Tommy, he said dryly. It has been a long time. I didn’t know you were still in town. What have you been doing all this time?

Not much, he replied. A coupla marriages and a daughter who won’t talk to me. Right now, I have the inside scoop on some sure thing investments. All is need is a little seed money and I’ll be set for life. Come on in and have a seat. The old man is off on some kind of errand. He said to make ourselves comfortable.

He followed Tommy across the floor and dropped onto one of two shabby couches set on either side of an equally shabby coffee table.

Tommy leaned forward, his hands on his knees. So, what are you doing these days? he asked.

Not a whole lot, Melvin replied. I teach science over at Rosefield High -- been there fifteen years now.

Oh, man! You have my condolences. That sounds about as exciting as watching cars rust.

Melvin shifted uneasily, trying to decide what to say next. I’ve been trying to figure out why the Professor invited me over. I haven’t seen him since graduation. Any ideas?

Not a clue. I was surprised to hear from the old man myself. Maybe he wants to give us a ration of crap for not following in his footsteps.

Melvin nodded. I had that thought as well. If so, I guess we have it coming. It doesn't sound like either of us has turned out to be the genius he kept telling us we were.

Before Tommy could reply, the front door swung open and a wrinkled old man in a ragged dinner jacket and an old baggy pair of trousers stepped into the room, holding a brown accordion document folder to his chest with leathery, twisted fingers. There was pain in his face as he shuffled across the floor.

I’m glad you could both make it, he said softly as he hobbled stiffly to an overstuffed easy chair and, with great difficulty, lowered himself into it. He tossed the folder onto the coffee table and leaned back.

I must admit I had my doubts, since I have neither seen nor heard from either of you since your graduation. However, I have made inquiries from time to time regarding your progress in life. I cannot deny that I am saddened by the fact that neither of you have made much use of your talents.

Melvin looked over at the old man sheepishly, but remained silent. He felt a need to defend himself, but realized that any attempt to do so would fall short.

Tommy opened his mouth as if to speak, but the Professor spoke first.

"I could say more, but there would be no point. What’s done is done. The past is gone, but you are both relatively young and have many years ahead of you in which to redeem yourselves.

I suppose you are wondering why, after the passage of so many years, I have invited you to visit with me this evening.

He pulled himself forward in the chair and looked from one of the men to the other. "You may have failed to make your mark as yet, but I remember the spark of greatness I once saw within you. I have asked you both here this evening to offer a gift that may provide an opportunity to re-kindle a spark, if such a thing is possible.

If you choose to accept this gift, and you manage to utilize it in an appropriate manner, it has the potential to bring great things to you, and to all of humanity. Naturally, as a gift, it may be accepted or it may be refused. However, keep in mind that if you refuse, it will not be offered to another. It will be destroyed.

Tommy leaned forward in his chair, Just what do you have in mind, Professor?

"Unlike the two of you, I have accomplished much in my lifetime. Although, for one reason or another, I never married and have no children to carry on after me, I am satisfied with the path I chose in life. I have had the opportunity to learn, to teach and to create. Throughout my life, I have pursued the mysteries of the unknown with intense passion and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. In the course of that pursuit, I have discovered many things.

I have achieved what is, in my opinion, the greatest technological discovery in the history of the human race. Further, I have applied the principles of that discovery to create a device which has the potential to lead our human community to its greatest golden age or to sow the seeds of its demise. It is that device I propose to give to you.

Tommy smiled mischievously. I know you’re a smart guy, Professor, but isn’t that pushing it a little. The greatest discovery? Can we take a look at this device?

Allison smiled broadly, showing the few teeth remaining in his mouth. All in good time, my boy. You will have an opportunity to examine the device after I have detailed the specifics of my proposal.

He leaned forward and lifted the folder from the table. This packet contains a number of documents, each bearing your names and my signature, which serve to convey this house and its contents to you, as tenants in common with right of survivorship.

Melvin hesitated. It was several seconds before he was able to speak, That is very generous of you, Professor, but I’m confused. In spite of everything you taught us, we’ve failed to meet your expectations. Why would you give everything to us? I’m sure there are those who are more worthy.

Of all the young students I taught over the years, you and Mr. Thompson were the most talented, the most promising. I don’t know why you chose the course you did. Consider my gift an opportunity.

But this is your home, Melvin said. Are you moving away or do you expect us to live here with you?

Allison was quiet for several moments. I have no further use for this house or any of its contents. There is a reason I chose this particular evening to meet with you. You see, I have reached the last day of my life.

Tommy leaped to his feet. Come on now, Professor. You may have gotten on in years, but you certainly don’t look like you’re at death’s door. How can you know that?

I know, he replied softly. I wish to say nothing more about it. Please respect my wishes.

Melvin considered what he had heard. This is all very sudden, Professor. I really don’t know what to make of it. Just keep in mind that if we accept, and things don’t turn out as you expect, I won’t take advantage of the situation. I could never turn you out of your home.

The Professor pulled himself out of the chair and started toward the door. I appreciate your concern. However, I have no doubt things will occur as I predict. If you will follow me, I will show you the device I mentioned.

He led them along a narrow hall and through a wide, arched doorway into a large room, at least twenty feet on a side. In sharp contrast with the rest of the house, which tended toward old and shabby, this room had clean white walls and a checkered tile floor. Tables and desks of various shapes and sizes lined the walls, each holding some kind of computer or electronic gear. A thick metal platform was situated in the center of the room. It was perhaps ten feet on a side, framed by four shiny metal cylinders, each more than eight feet in length. Thick black cables connected each of the cylinders to a gray box at one side of the platform. A shiny metal conduit ran from the box into the wall.

Melvin and Tommy walked slowly around the platform, trying to gain some clue as to its function. After they had completed two circuits, Tommy spoke up. So what is it, Professor? I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Allison pulled up a wooden chair and eased into it. No, Mr. Thompson, I am quite sure you haven’t seen anything like this. It is unique, at least at this point in time. This is my legacy, and it could very well be your salvation, should you use it wisely.

Melvin drifted around the platform again. But what is it?

This device generates an energy field that isolates a volume of space from ordinary space-time around it, Allison replied. It enables matter to be removed from a point in ordinary space-time and transferred to another such point."

Tommy burst into laughter. Aw, c’mon, Professor! Are you trying to tell me you’ve invented a time machine? That’s impossible!

Although it is more a device than a machine, it does have the ability to transfer mass from one time and place to another, Allison replied. And it is certainly possible. I’m sure that during your course of study at the College you were taught to regard time as a fourth dimension, equal in every respect to the other three. If you accept that premise, then it logically follows that one should be able to move about the temporal dimension as easily as one can move about with respect to the spatial dimensions.

Melvin stifled a smirk before it showed. In theory, I suppose that is true, Professor. However, theory and practice are often two different things. For the sake of argument, let’s assume it is possible to travel through time. How is it done in a practical sense?

Allison rose from the chair and shuffled slowly over to the platform. "Although it required many years of trial and error, the process is really quite simple, once the correct parameters are known. The device generates a specific combination of electromagnetic pulses and waves, which give rise to a previously unknown type of force. This force creates a rift in the space-time within the field. In other words, it creates a sort of bubble lying just outside the fabric of ordinary time and space.

By modifying the intensity and direction of the field in specific ways, the bubble could be made to travel along that transcendent realm. When the desired point is reached, the field is collapsed and whatever was held within its grip falls back into ordinary space-time.

Tommy was still fighting back chuckles, but Melvin was somewhat less skeptical.

That makes sense, I must admit, Melvin said, How do you know it works?

Allison smiled for the second time. I know it works because I have made use of it.

Tommy stopped laughing. Are you trying to tell me you actually traveled through time? I still don’t believe it, but for the sake of argument, tell us about it. Where did you go?

"Since it was only a short time ago that I was able to perfect the device, my experience is rather limited. Always careful to observe rather than interfere, I witnessed the events at Pearl Harbor and the joyful celebration in the streets in the wake of VJ Day at the other end of the war. I discussed the future of humanity with a very young Isaac Asimov at Columbia University in 1947 and steamed down the Mississippi River with Sam Clemens before the Civil War. On my last journey, I was able to confirm the presence of a gunman on the grassy knoll on that fateful November afternoon in Dallas. Believe me, gentlemen, it works.

I don’t know how this device may be best put to use. I haven’t been able to decide when and where its existence should be made known to the world, if it is to be made known. One can never rely upon chance when dealing with such a delicate matter. Perhaps humans are not sufficiently mature to use such a thing wisely. In any case, it will not be for me to decide. I will leave that decision to you, if you choose to take upon yourselves the responsibility. At the very least, it should be an invaluable tool for historical research.

Tommy forced back another chuckle. Alright, Professor. For the moment, let’s say this thing is possible. How ‘bout a demonstration?

Allison shuffled over to one of the tables and picked up a small clock, a hobby knife and a roll of tape from a shelf underneath. He then handed all three to Tommy.

Mr. Thompson, please turn your back and inscribe a number or some kind of symbol on the back of the clock. Then cover it with a piece of tape. When you have done so, please allow Mr. Turner to do the same.

When both Tommy and Melvin had marked the clock, Allison adjusted the displayed time and placed the clock at the center of the platform. Please note that the hands show twelve o’clock, minus a few seconds.

He made his way to one of the desktop computers and started punching keys.

I have adjusted the controls to send the clock back exactly one hour, which is about the length of time you have been here this evening. I will now energize the field. Be sure you are not leaning over the platform when I do. The result would be disastrous.

Allison pressed a key and a shiny, shimmering light filled the space above the platform. A moment later, the light faded. Tommy and Melvin looked down at the platform. It was empty. The clock had vanished.

Mr. Thompson, Allison began. Would you be so kind as to look in the cabinet against the far wall?

Tommy walked over to the cabinet and slid open the only door. Hesitating only a moment, he reached down, retrieved the clock and pulled off one of the two patches of tape on the back. Beneath the cover was a crudely scratched representation of the symbol for infinity. Without a word, he handed the clock to Melvin, who removed his tape to reveal the number 42, chosen as a nod to one of his favorite authors.

I will assume you both recognize your marks. Please note that the clock now shows one o’clock. It arrived in the cabinet one hour ago and has been there until Mr. Thompson removed it just a moment ago.

Tommy was nervously pacing around all four cylinders, his eyes fixed on the platform.

That’s a pretty neat trick, Professor, he said. I wish I knew how you did it. However, I have a problem. If the clock really did go back in time and has been in the cabinet for an hour, how can the same object exist in the cabinet and on the shelf at the same time? The same clock couldn’t have been in two places at the same time during that hour.

The Professor returned to the chair. "That is a very good question. It would appear to be a clear violation of the known physical laws of the Universe for the same clock to exist in two spatial locations at once.

"However, you can’t be sure the clock was in the cabinet during that time. Likewise, you can’t say the clock was not there.

"Perhaps you are familiar with Schrodinger’s cat. In the famous thought experiment, one is asked to imagine a cat held captive in a box with a small bit of radioactive substance. The fate of the cat depends upon whether decay of an atom of the substance triggers the release of a deadly acid. At the end of an hour, is the cat alive or dead? The popular interpretation claims that the cat is neither alive nor dead until an observer opens the box.

"Like the ill-fated feline, it was unknown to the Universe whether or not the clock was in the cabinet until you opened the door. Until you opened the door, a vast number of possibilities existed regarding the location of the clock. When you looked inside, the wave function collapsed and the other possibilities disappeared. If any of us had opened the cabinet when we arrived in this room, we wouldn't have known to expect the clock to be there, as I decided upon the location only a couple of minutes ago. If we had looked in the cabinet, perhaps I would have been destined to choose another place. If I had insisted upon sending the clock to the cabinet, I believe it would have arrived at a point in time very similar to, but not exactly the same as the one we had experienced. In other words, the timeline would branch at that point and the clock would be found along a sequence of events in which we had not looked in the cabinet. In our experience, the clock would be lost to us and you would consider the experiment to be a failure.

"Although it is certain the device works, there are many unanswered questions. Here is an example. I don’t know if my presence in Dallas was noticed by anyone. If someone had taken notice, was that fact recorded somewhere? If I had taken a weapon with me, would I have been able to stop the conspirators from completing their mission? If I succeeded, how would I fit into a world in which John Kennedy did not meet his end that Friday afternoon? Would I suddenly gain the knowledge that he had survived? Would I have no memory that the assassination had taken place, or would I hold both conflicting memories? Or would I succeed in only changing an alternate version of our world? In that case, I would return to find that no one had knowledge of my effort.

It reminds me of the old Grandfather Paradox. I’m sure you’ve heard it said time travel must be impossible because if one should travel back in time and murder his own grandfather; the traveler himself would not exist to commit the act. Given the fact that time travel is possible, I wonder what the result of such a mission might be. Although I'm not particularly enthused about the idea of killing grandfathers, I am somewhat disappointed I will never find out how the Universe might deal with such a dilemma.

The mention of grandfathers stroked a sensitive nerve in Melvin’s mind. He had known only one of his grandfathers as a child. His paternal grandfather, remembered by those who knew him as a kind and gentle man who provided well for his family, was killed, along with his wife, in an horrific automobile accident the year Melvin’s father graduated from high school.

His mother’s father, John Lockett, was by all accounts a vicious and manipulative individual who used violence and threats of violence to control those around him.

Although rough around the edges, he was kind and gentle during his whirlwind courtship of Rose McKenna. However, his true nature surfaced soon after the wedding. In his childhood, Melvin remembered well those nights when his grandmother would appear on their doorstep, battered and bruised, vowing never to return to the pain and suffering inflicted upon her by her husband.

However, she did return, time and time again, until the man finally emptied their bank accounts and disappeared, leaving Rose to take on a succession of menial jobs to survive. Several years later, broken, disillusioned and aged well before her time, she consented to move into her daughter’s spare bedroom to spend her final days staring at the same four walls, perhaps contemplating the possibilities of what might have been if she had chosen a different course in life.

The day after his high school graduation, Melvin found his grandmother slumped over in the rocking chair beside her bed. Her death only served to intensify the deep hatred of his grandfather he carried with him through his life.

After his grandmother’s death and the untimely passing of his father from a massive heart attack a few months later, the frequent bouts of depression Melvin’s mother had suffered throughout most of her life deepened. Before Melvin completed his freshman year at the University, his mother had taken her own life.

Lost in his thoughts and only vaguely aware of the Professor’s voice droning on in the background, Melvin pictured himself standing over the body of John Lockett, the tyrant dead and his family avenged.

The Professor pulled himself to his feet. Gentlemen, I’m afraid time is short. I must have your decision. Will you accept my gift?

Tommy took a deep breath. To be honest, Professor, I’m not convinced this thing is real. However, being a half owner of this house and all this stuff is better than what I have now. Sure, I’ll take it, and thank you.

Melvin nodded. I’m not completely sure either, but I’m willing to give it the benefit of a doubt. You can count me in.

Allison smiled. Splendid! The documents in the folder will need to be recorded as soon as possible. You will find everything else you need to know in my office computer. He motioned toward a desk at the far end of the room and placed the brown folder in Melvin’s hands. He bade them a brief goodnight and shuffled out of the room.

After a lengthy and awkward silence, Melvin spoke. Do you think he’s really going to die tonight?

I don’t know, Tommy replied. "He must be about ninety. He was at least sixty when we were in his class. I don’t see how he can pin it down to the exact day, though. Maybe he’s planning to do something to himself.

In any case, this is some kind of luck, huh? I bet we could get at least half a mil for the house and all this crap. That’s a lot of money, old man. We’d be set.

Melvin winced. What makes you think I’d want to sell my share? We might have something good here. Even if the time machine doesn’t really work, we could continue whatever research he’s been working on. Maybe the Professor’s right and we can make something of ourselves. This could be just the chance we need.

Tommy laughed. I can assure you it doesn’t work. It was some kind of trick. And as far as doing research goes, unless we got some real big grants, we’d be broker than we are now.

Melvin rose. Well, it’s pretty morbid to be talking about that now, isn’t it? We don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m going to get some sleep. There must be at least a couple of empty bedrooms in a house this size.

Melvin peeked into rooms until he found one with a bed. His mind racing, it was some time before he drifted off to sleep.

*****

It was still dark when Tommy shook him awake. Groggy and disoriented, he pulled himself to a sitting position. What’s up? What time is it?

Tommy sat on the edge of the bed. "Nearly five. Listen, I just looked