Zarulium Chronicles IV: To the Rescue
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About this ebook
Natalia, Joe, and Alejandro continue their search for Ruth, aided by the reformed Mantis. Complications occur afterwards when slight changes to the time continuum cause problems with memory loss and an altered sequence of events.
Dissatisfied that her Bermuda excursion did not include time for fun in the sun, Natalia convinces Joe to include himself in her next travel plans for the Mobile Time Machine, or 'Motimac' – as Joe has dubbed it. All does not go to plan while the pair of teens visits the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and Shuri Castle on Japan's Okinawa Island.
Meanwhile, a certain police constable has grown suspicious of Dr. Yakushev's 'activities' – but not as much as assassins continue to be baffled by them.
Eventually, a pair of 'off-world' rescues needs to happen as well, and all the while, an asteroid continues its menacing passage towards Earth.
Christopher A Forrest
Christopher A Forrest graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in English and Drama. He has been an actor, director, singer, booze expert and artist. His is enjoying his current job most of all ... indie fiction author!The Zarulium Chronicles is a new science fiction adventure series - time travel with a healthy dose of intrigue, humour and romance!'Destination Nazca' is Christopher’s the first book in the series. It is a free download on Smashwords.'A Day of Discovery' is Book Two in The Zarulium Chronicles series. This novel is now available on Smashwords.Christopher is also the author of 'The Idlers of March'.Christopher has always enjoyed sports, films, music and gaming. In role-play gaming, he is a two-time Pandemonium winner (Lost Worlds and Star Trek) and has been playing Advanced Dungeons and Dragons since 1982. For PC and PS3 games, he enjoys Civilization, Heroes of Might and Magic, and the Elder Scrolls series (Completed Skyrim – level 81.5).Musical preferences include R&B, pop, rock, and classical.He is fan of the Star Trek series, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and films inspired by the works of Philip K Dick.He enjoys the work of Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, J. R. R. Tolkien, H. G. Wells, and Kurt Vonnegut.Chris lives near Barrie, Ontario with his wife and children. He’d like to hear your comments about his books, so send a message to say hello!Email to chris@thezaruliumchronicles.com.Visit The Zarulium Chronicles headquarters - http://www.zchronicles.com.
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Zarulium Chronicles IV - Christopher A Forrest
The Zarulium Chronicles
Book IV
To the Rescue
By Christopher A Forrest
Cover Art and Design by Christopher A. Forrest and
Katerina Forrest
Published by Christopher A Forrest at Smashwords
Copyright 2014 Christopher A Forrest
http://www.zchronicles.com
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with other people, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Chapter 1: In time . . . Bahamas
Play out the play
The four time travelers returned from the casino and headed directly to the girls' room where they had plotted previously.
Once inside the room, Natalia announced, "Great idea, Alejandro. Finding out Ruth's parents were already on the guest list was one notch in our belt, but Joe's idea while we were there was great too."
Alejandro thanked her and then added, Yes, that was a good idea, Joe, to tell Georgina to get extra friendly with the barman. How did you think of that idea?
Blithely, Joe replied, Oh, I saw it in a movie. Bartenders always know things, and the guy had the hots for Georgina, eh. I put two and two together, and figured he might know of the parents' plans.
Cheekily, Natalia quipped, "Yeah, Georgina had no trouble getting the guy to tell us he knew they were leaving on the 29th."
Georgina understood that her physical assets had assisted her considerably in her attempt; however, she thought the irony of the eventual discovery she made to be the important thing. She explained, What I did there was all fake. I did it for Anton and Ruth's sake – heck for ours too! It was a fluke we were able to find out just what we needed.
Almost disbelieving their luck, Alejandro interjected, It was a gift to hear the bartender say that his nephew had told him the Clarkson-Smythe couple were leaving right after the charity event.
Natalia clarified, You mean because he could only have known anything about it because his nephew worked for the local newspaper and had sent him specifically to cover their appearance at the event!
Joe stated his cliché with satisfaction, Lady Luck smiled at our gamble tonight!
Alejandro added, Yes, and we did not have to spend money!
Natalia quipped, Good thing too, since we had no frickin' money!
They all laughed, and then began to review their Interpol agent plan. After they finished, Joe commented, I like the plan, but when Georgina is busy, what do the rest of us do?
After a pause, Georgina reminded, Well, if old Ruth insists on continuing to stop her folks from leaving even after we meet her, then she will need some convincing and you understand the science issues best, Joe.
Yeah, I guess so,
began Joe. Then he suddenly had a different concern, Speaking of sci-fi stuff, Ruth might try to convince them of who she is by telling her folks things that only Ruth could know about them. I saw that in a movie once!
That could be a big problem,
agreed Alejandro.
Georgina reasoned, Yeah, it could, and I admit, I can't imagine myself standing over Ruth with my gun threatening her. Got any ideas, Natalia?
Natalia thought for a moment and then snapped her fingers when it hit her. She questioned, Okay, so we're still in the computer age in 2000, right?
I'm pretty sure,
replied Joe.
Unconvinced, Natalia asked, "Pretty sure, Joe?"
"Well, they have computers, but they might be kinda primitive," explained Joe.
Disbelieving, Georgina interrupted, Oh, knock it off you guys, of course they have computers in 2000. I remember there was a big scare about them all malfunctioning because the dates all went from 99 to 00.
Fascinated, Alejandro asked, Wow, what happened?
Georgina explained, Well, almost nothing. I mean, there were no reports about planes falling from the sky. Anyways, computers were well established in 2000, trust me.
With his disbelief in his voice, Joe revealed, "Well, my Uncle, Bear Claw, told me that at one time you had to connect to the Internet with your phone and that it could take several minutes. He said it was like that when he was younger!"
No way,
scoffed Natalia, dismissively. She was sure Joe was just being an attention-seeking jerk again.
I am not making it up, Natalia!
Feeling very old, even though just a little over 30, Georgina had had enough. She announced, Everybody, focus! Natalia, why did you ask about computers in 2000?
Natalia recalled her intentions and refocused, Sorry. Anyways, I figured that if we can easily research famous people on the Internet in our original timeline, well then, could we here in 2000?
Nodding her head, Georgina replied, I see no reason why we couldn't. Why?
Well, playing the Interpol agent, you could warn Ruth's parents ahead of time that this – old Ruth – has researched their past, and knows so much about them because of that.
Good idea, I'll remember to use that. The Clarkson-Smythes are obviously famous enough to have problems keeping things private.
Enthusiastically, Alejandro interrupted, And if they don't believe that, you can say old Ruth has dangerous psychic powers!
Fully aware of how absurd that idea was, Joe played along and, with ironic intention, added, Sure, or you could say old Ruth is a criminal hypnotist!
Wait, wait, wait,
interrupted Georgina. Guys, listen to you! If old Ruth could do those things, then Interpol couldn't stop her – no one could stop her – but this isn't real science fiction, guys!
In deadpan, Joe replied, "Science fiction is never real or it's called science fact."
You know what I mean, Joe,
complained Georgina.
With a sigh, Alejandro said, Yes, Georgina, you are right. I was being silly. I need to stick to real possibilities.
Then he added, Let me know if you need me to use my mutant power.
Suddenly, Joe spotted a very large insect on the ledge by the open bedroom window.
Shit, what is that?
he asked, pointing at it.
It is a cricket,
replied Alejandro. He stood up and approached it slowly, while the others watched.
"I've got smaller Hot Wheels cars, eh!" exclaimed Joe, still pointing at the insect.
Suddenly, Alejandro winked out, except for his clothing.
Sensing foul play, Natalia called out, Alejandro, you're not going to hurt . . .
Before she could finish, the insect disappeared in a flash, and so Natalia sighed relief that it had jumped away. Then Alejandro reappeared by the window, and everyone noticed he was crunching down on something in his mouth.
Mmmm, I cannot decide if it needs sugar, or salt,
said Alejandro, as he chewed.
Turning her glance away in horror, Natalia complained, Ewwww, gross – that is disgusting, Alejandro – you did that deliberately to gross me out!
Are you joking, Natalia? I am hungry. I have not eaten since . . . when did we last eat, Joe?
Quickly, Joe replied, "At least a couple of hours more than 15 years ago, eh."
Georgina laughed although not in an entirely comfortable sort of way, then she remarked, Is craving bugs what I can look forward to now that Evo has injected me with that mineral stuff?
Oh, it could be worse, Georgina,
began Joe. I mean, let's say you become, like . . . a whale, with whale powers and stuff like that. Well, you'll crave eating plankton by the shitload.
Sincerely, Alejandro continued, Yes, and then you will not want to listen to rock music anymore. Instead you will want to listen to audio tapes of whales talking and singing to each other.
Georgina thought about it and joked, You know, I would probably prefer whale tunes – but eating plankton? That's gross, guys.
While they listened to the crunching sounds of Alejandro finishing his cricket, Joe noticed Natalia still appeared grossed out and so he offered, Try to think of it as a protein snack, eh.
Trying to change the subject, Alejandro reminded them all that they knew Ruth's parents' room number already; their room was one of the condominiums. Then he added, "Maybe Georgina should contact them now before old Ruth does, or our masterful plan could become messed up."
What's the time now?
asked Joe.
About 20 to 10,
replied Georgina.
Still early enough I'd say,
suggested Natalia, as she gingerly turned her face back to look at Alejandro.
Nodding in agreement, Georgina stated, I'll do it – but first, let's write down all the lies we're telling. I'm good with faking things, but there are a lot of things this time!
They sat for five minutes huddled around the coffee table, and fired off their contributions to Natalia, who wrote everything down. Afterwards, Georgina reviewed the two filled notepad pages, and then nodded that she was ready. She picked up the phone and asked the hotel operator to connect her with Ruth's parents. The others listened closely as the operator made the connection.
Hearing a male voice after that, Georgina began, Hello, you must be, uh, Sir Gerald . . . Smythe.
A man with a clipped British accent replied, Yes, that is correct, and who might this be?
Uh, Sir . . . Gerald, I am . . . Lieutenant Sheila Brown of Interpol.
Surprised, he repeated, Interpol?
Yes, sir – the international police force, Sir Gerald. Unfortunately, I am calling on urgent business, sir.
Concerned, he inquired, Really; well then, what of it? What's this all about?
Tell me, Sir Gerald, before I begin, have you . . . spoken to your daughter, Ruth, recently?
Ruth? Well, no, not really. I mean, I haven't spoken to her since . . . well, since after she left us – she called to confirm that she had arrived at her destination safely.
And, where was she headed, Sir Gerald?
Why, to California – returning to university there.
And, you're certain that your wife . . . Lady Penelope Clarkson, has not spoken to her since then either?
Well . . . well now, I don't think so, but let me just check . . .
Sir Gerald put down the phone line for a moment and then returned a few seconds later explaining, No; Penny hasn't heard from Ruth either. Now then, what's this all about? Why're you asking me about my daughter? She's not in any sort of . . . trouble is she?
Georgina replied, No, sir. But that brings me to the point of this call. There is an impostor, Sir Gerald!
Stunned, he repeated, An impostor?
Yes, sir, there is a female impostor, impersonating your daughter Ruth! This female is part of a . . . conspiracy . . . to kidnap you and your wife, Sir Gerald!
Good heavens! Kidnapping conspiracy? Why, the outrage of it all!
Yes, Sir Gerald – indeed, sir – I agree, 'the outrage'!
Well, what are police doing to protect us, then?
Well, sir, uh, everything we can, sir! Why, in fact, we should meet, as soon as it is convenient for you, to discuss a plan.
He questioned, "A plan? Why, but of course, we need protection – no better plan than that!"
Georgina knew she really had no resources, and stalled, "Protection? Uh, well, yes, but then, our sources and tips tell us the abduction is not set to occur until the 30th of this month. We have a few days to plan a strategy."
Ah, well, we fly home to England on the 29th . . .
Planned that already had you?
asked Georgina, winking at the teens.
Yes, after a charity event. But wait – is it here in the Bahamas or back home that they plan to hatch their cowardly plan?
Not wanting the plan to cause more confusion than necessary, Georgina tried to calm Sir Gerald, "Ah – no! No, sir, the kidnap plan is for here in the Bahamas. The fact that you had already planned to leave was unknown to us. That will help us."
Indeed then, I suppose it will.
"Yes, in fact, my operatives are certain that Ruth – I mean, the impostor Ruth – will contact you here in the Bahamas, probably very soon, to try to convince you not to make your return flight home on the 29th, sir. She will say . . . potentially anything to convince you."
Extraordinary!
Yes, Sir Gerald. This impostor might ask to meet with you to try to convince you of her authenticity, or even, to tell you things about your past that only she could know . . .
Good heavens!
"Yes, Sir Gerald – she is that good. But, one thing we know that should tip you off to her . . . impostor status . . ."
Yes, what is it?
The impostor is, actually, considerably older than your daughter.
Older?
Yes, your daughter is 20, is she not?
Indeed.
Well, the impostor is 35.
That would seem to me to be a grave difference. 35 is a ridiculous age for an impostor of someone aged 20.
Diplomatically, Georgina explained, Well, the impostor . . . is very well . . . preserved. In fact, she might even try the sunglasses trick on you!
Sir Gerald questioned, Sunglasses?
Yes, she has a rather hideous pair of sunglasses that she uses . . . to hide her wrinkles. She has in fact, been using that trick around the island since she arrived . . . yesterday.
Surprised to hear that, he questioned, Yesterday? And you are only alerting us now?
Well, Sir Gerald, I can assure you that the impostor has had no success convincing anyone of anything here. My operatives, and I, in conjunction with the full cooperation of local island forces, have been monitoring her every activity, and you have no cause for alarm. Now then, when can we meet to . . . let you know what our strategy is?
Well if the impostor is here now, then I see no reason you shouldn't come here immediately. Er, we are number . . .
No problem, sir. I know your condominium number – I'm on my way. 10 minutes, at the latest.
Sir Gerald replied, Very good, then.
They ended the call, and Georgina and the youths immediately went into a group hug with cheers. After a few moments, Georgina noticed herself in the mirror and commented, Damn, I look like a tourist. I would have bought something a little more police-y looking tomorrow – but Sir Gerald wants to meet now!
Just tell them you're still in disguise after your long day tailing her!
advised Natalia.
Nodding, Georgina commented, You're just full of good ideas, girl!
Sarcastically Joe replied, Well, she's got to be full of something, eh.
Chapter 2: Later in time . . . Bahamas
Destiny unshunnable, like death
Ruth was looking out the window of the DeHavilland C-8 that she had been a passenger in since the early evening. She checked her watch and discovered that, before long, it would be the next day.
She had to fly on this sort of aircraft because, aside from Nassau's, most Bahamian airports were small with short landing strips; thus, airlines travelling to them had to send smaller aircraft like the DeHavilland C-8. Otherwise known as the 'Dash 8,' this plane could take off and land on short runways, but only had a top speed of about 350 mph. What price, island paradise!
Ruth glanced out the window again as the plane began its descent and admitted to herself that she had shut Scott out of her thoughts during this trip. She had told herself instead that her parents were the important link in her mission. Now however, her thoughts about Scott came creeping back as if to haunt her.
She replayed her plan yet again; as if she still required self-convincing that her parent's death had caused Scott to form alternate plans in 2000: he would have flown to California, had they not died in the plane crash. If Ruth succeeded in convincing her parents not to fly on the 29th, then they would not die, and Scott would fly to California to begin his football camp, and subsequently live a long and fruitful life.
What had nagged at Ruth as she had driven herself to Dulles Airport earlier in the evening, was that if Scott went on to lead the life he might have, then assuredly, her life would have turned out quite differently to the way it had so far.
On the other hand, in order to avoid becoming 'Mrs. Scott Gibson' in her future, Ruth would have to consider a new plan that, only a few hours ago, would have been inconceivable: not alerting her parents of their impending fate.
She wanted to scold herself for not having thought the consequences of her actions through completely before she left the future but it was far too late for that. Sitting locked into her buckled seat, Ruth felt as if Fate was toying with her again.
Ruth had convinced herself years before Anton made time travel a reality, that her parents had experienced an unfair fate; moreover, since rereading her diary, she had concluded that their tragedy indirectly caused Scott's misfortunes. When she left in the time machine, Ruth was certain she was saving three people who should never have died.
Ruth felt her emotions emerging as she looked out the tiny window into the darkness. Nothing to see out there; just my own reflection. In her reflection, she noticed a tear slipping from her eye and wiped it away. For the first time since their deaths, she wished she could wipe their memory away. That would make her decision easy. In fact, she never would have had the idea to leave her timeline had she been able to forget them over the years. But I want to remember them always.
She cried more when she realized her wish was selfish. She wanted to believe she was doing this for them, but knew deep inside in the place she hid from the rest of her that she did it for herself. If I stop them from flying, I accept my future as Mrs. Gibson.
Then she remembered that there was the problem of potentially remaining stuck in the past regardless of the choices she made. Ruth reasoned that she could succeed with her plan, yet never experience the changes she created. Some other Ruth would experience that in what Anton had called a parallel universe.
As the visual and audio warnings alerted her that the plane would be landing soon, Ruth felt no abatement in the frustrating conundrum that awaited her action – or inaction. Finally, as the wheels touched down, Ruth asked herself for the first time since she had been on this 'nostalgic tour' if she should actually contact her parents at all.
As the aircraft stopped moving, she wiped a few more tears away from her eyes, and longed for the counsel of Dr. Anton Yakushev, yet realized he would simply chastise her for travelling back in time regardless of her good intentions.
Ruth left the plane, and while she collected her luggage a few minutes later, she began to think about alternate paths. She wondered if she should contact Anton first. He was the key to her returning to the future, yet he still had not appeared from there to assist her.
Ruth had felt so confident that Anton would have come to assist her before now. She had reasoned that Anton so feared travellers altering the future by changing the past, that he would prioritize on saving her. She hailed a taxi and saw it was 11:23PM. Then the driver asked her for destination instructions.
Coral Beach Hotel and Condos please, driver!
She decided it was too late tonight to deal with any potentially confrontational situations. Ruth was tired. She resolved to sleep, and awaken to a new day when perhaps a fresh idea would inspire her.
When she arrived, Ruth asked for a single hotel room, paid cash, and then haggled with the night manager about her lack of a credit card. Eventually, he agreed to accept a $500 retainer for the room, collectable when Ruth departed, provided she had not damaged anything. He also politely suggested that there would be less chance of problems at her checkout stage, if she supplied him with $50 extra now and an additional $50 before she left. Ruth agreed to his terms with a forced smile on her face.
Once in her room, Ruth felt exhausted, and began to fall asleep on her bed still wearing half her traveling clothes. As she faded, she reminded herself to be optimistic.
I am half-undressed,
she muttered softly, as her eyes pushed shut. Then she mumbled, But tomorrow, I'll be half-dressed already.
The next morning, and with the sun beaming through her airy hotel window, Ruth awoke, changed into summery clothes, donned her fashionable sunglasses, and went down for breakfast. She knew she was safe from encountering her parents, because they did not mingle with the guests at breakfast. They rented a convenience condominium, and ate breakfast within it.
After she finished her continental breakfast, Ruth returned to her room determined to make a final decision. She concluded that she had two choices: either to speak to her parents as planned or to try to reach Anton for advice, here in 2000.
She thought about Scott again and that he had mentioned 'many little feet' or something like that, bristled at the thought of this, and then dialled directory assistance for Cape Canaveral. I would at least need Anton's number before I make up my mind. A few minutes later, Ruth sat staring at two numbers: Anton's phone number, and her parent's condominium room number.
She took a deep breath and picked up the landline.
Operator,
began Ruth, I'd like to make a call . . . to the continental United States.
As Anton's line rang in her ear, Ruth reminded herself that he was married, but Natalia had not been born yet.
Hello?
asked a female voice.
Yes, hello, I wonder if I could speak with Dr. Anton Yakushev.
Certainly, can I ask who is calling?
Actually, I am a . . . an old friend from college – at MIT!
Oh, well . . . I'm sure he will be delighted to speak to an old friend. I'll just let him know.
A few moments later, Ruth heard his voice. It was oddly both eerie and heart warming.
Hello, this is Dr. Yakushev.
Anton, thank goodness I reached you!
Who is this, please? My wife said we knew each other.
Well, yes – and no – we're rather . . . acquaintances really. My name is Ruth.
Ruth?
questioned Anton. I am certain that I do not know anyone by that name. Could you be mistaken, perhaps?
No, I am certainly not mistaken, but I understand your position. Let me explain as best I can. You see, I know that you are working on . . . a private experiment, if you will, and I should like some advice and assistance.
I really don't know what you mean,
replied Anton, perfunctorily. Then he became curious, asking, And who are you that I should assist you – and with what?
I can see this avenue might take rather a long while, and so I shall deal more plainly. I only ask that you do not hang up the phone after you hear what I have to say,
explained Ruth. I know you to be of the highest integrity, Dr. Yakushev, and so I will trust that you can do this for me – fair enough?
It sounds very suspicious, but I will do my best. What do you have to say?
Plainly, Ruth stated, You are working on time travel, yes?
A pause ensued that Ruth quickly felt compelled to fill. After all, she was far more desperate than he was – especially in 2000.
She continued, I expect you are wondering how I know that, but trust me – I have no intention of sharing this information. Only, you see, my problem involves some theories along those scientific lines . . .
Madam, I spend my days working for NASA. That is all . . .
Sensing that he might hang up, she interrupted, Anton, you work on time travel during your free time. What's more, you began doing experimentation on the biological and, uh, chemical properties . . . associated with time travel, before you ever entered MIT.
Shocked, he replied, What? How did you . . .
Oh, and you received an annual budget of a half million dollars per summer from MIT, correct?
After a brief pause, Anton asked, Are you with Internal Revenue? Are you attempting to charge me with . . .
Desperately, Ruth interrupted, Anton! I know these things . . . from the future!
After another brief pause, Anton asked, "The future?"
Yes – I did not want to say more than I had to, but, my efforts to ask you for assistance are only creating paranoia – I can see that.
He repeated, "The future?"
Yes, let's just say that . . . I am trapped here in 2000. I would imagine you would not want me to say anything about the future to you – something about butterflies changing things, as I recall you explaining . . .
Shocked again, he exclaimed, Trapped! Did I . . . cause this somehow?
No, I'm afraid I did this on my own.
"Excuse me, uh, Ruth. If this is of your own doing, then how is it you think I can help you?"
Doctor, I am trying to withhold as much as I can. You see, I came to the past hoping to avert a tragedy, by preventing a thing that will happen a few days from now . . .
Lowering his voice, Anton nevertheless emphatically stated, "Good heavens – that could cause the