Although he was quickly placing the meeting low on his priority list. After all, she didn’t say if it was urgent. He would do his best to get there. But Robbie had other things on his mind.
<><><><>
Jason only went back to Beginnings to take a nap, change his clothes, and pick up that cool tee shirt he had packed with him before he was originally cryogenically frozen.
That and leave the invention on Robbie’s counter.
The invention itself was simple.
An old fashion water gun—with pump action-and an adjusted nozzle to make a spray rather than a stream. The bulbous tube was filled with invisible ink. Fifty-seven tubes of invisible ink to be exact.
It was amazing how he and Dean pulled it off. They knew exactly what they had to get, but getting it was the trick.
The HG Wells came in handy and they were cautious.
The first trip took them back in time to Dean in Nebraska, pre plague. He knew where his past self was supposed to be and future Dean went into the lab.
“You OK?” Molly his assistant asked.
“Oh, yeah, great. Thanks.” Dean replied sniffing. Perfume. How long had it been?
“You look beat to hell.”
Dean snickered.
“I thought you had that class,” Molly said.
“I do. I forgot something.”
Good thing Molly didn’t look at him. A close look would have told her a lot. He went to his desk where he kept his credit cards, retrieved the Money Access Card, went to the money machine, took out over two hundred dollars, broke the card, and trashed it. He didn’t want to take a chance on going back to the lab.
He chuckled because he knew his past self probably wouldn’t even notice the deficit for a long time. He’d notice the missing debit card. Probably report it right away. Get a replacement. But the deficit? Nah.
His paychecks were deposited automatically, and in the past, Dean rarely used a money machine for cash. He wouldn’t notice.
After getting the money, Dean returned to the dining room in the present time.
It was then he and Jason went back to the same year, but to a mall, right in Montana, and hit a gift shop.
But they only had ten tubes of invisible ink.
It took four more trips to different malls in different times to get all that they needed.
Including a water gun.
Dean didn’t expect Jason back so soon, but Jason was enthusiastic. Yes, they were using the machine. But they were learning a lot. The radius. The time frames they couldn’t repeat. The lost time. 30 seconds per trip.
“Did you drop off the gun?” Dean asked.
“Absolutely, sitting and waiting for Robbie.”
“I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
“I’ve cleared my schedule. This is like a drug.”
Dean snickered. “I cleared my schedule, too. You look like you have something in mind.”
“Well, since we don’t lose much time, and I don’t think much is going to happen today. I have an idea.”
“What’s that?”
Jason removed his over shirt, exposing his tee shirt.
Dean laughed. “Oh my God. Where did you get that?”
“My father. And this is where I want to go. I got the coordinates, almost to a tee. What do you say?”
Dean shrugged. “Sure why not. It sounds like a great time.”
“I agree.”
“And you’re dressed for it,” Dean said.
Jason smiled.
“Jason you seem so happy.”
“I am, life is better. I don’t feel gloom over the loss of my best friend. I found out I am the inspiration for another great time invention, I’m solving a great mystery, and …we are going back to July 17th, 1980, Detroit Michigan, Joe Louis Arena.” Jason smiled and pointed to this shirt. “Ah, to see Ronald Reagan in the Republican National Convention.”
Dean nodded proudly. “It’ll be like a dream come true. Ronald Reagan.”
“He was my idol,” Jason said.
“Mine too.”
“Shall we?”
“Fix the machine.” Dean held up a finger and backed up. “I want to put on a blue shirt.”
<><><><>
Where was Elliott Ryder? Hal wondered. Surely, he knew about the super-secret meeting Ellen had called in the communications room. Admittedly, Hal was going to blow off the meeting until Ellen called him three sequential times to make sure he was going to come, along with bringing Elliott.
Ellen was acting as if it were a life or death emergency. Surely, if it were, she wouldn’t give a time to meet. Hal just hoped it wasn’t another one of her, ‘I called you here today to tell you one day we’re all gonna die together in an explosion’ meetings.
But just so he didn’t get any more annoying calls, he was going to go. Besides, he had to take Frank back to town so the truck was left behind for George and John Matoose.
Usually Hal didn’t keep tabs on Elliott. Sgt. Ryder took care of business and rarely did Hal need to find him.
But looking for Elliott was searching for a needle in a haystack. Everyone had seen him, no one knew when it was, but they heard he went there …
Hal knew Elliott didn’t leave Bowman, he always checked in before doing so.
He had to be sleeping or doing something secretive. After checking his home and his hideaway musical spot, Hal gave up. Elliott was just going to have to miss the super-secret meeting.
Frank was waiting at the schoolhouse where George was conducting his first session of the new Air Force.
A battalion of men who wanted to learn not only to fly, but to be part of the new team.
Hal had heard there were only thirty-two men.
Despite how disappointed Frank conveyed that George was, Hal wasn’t. It was a good start.
The only teachers they had were George, Robbie, John, Johnny, and Jesse.
And George was pretty much going to be in charge of getting the planes ready and overseeing the instruction.
Hal didn’t know how he felt about Johnny being in his town, but Johnny was an awesome pilot and as war time approached, Johnny’s talents were needed.
Admittedly, Hal was pretty excited about the simulators that would be brought in within the next week.
He, too, wanted to try those.
He arrived at the school house, removing his bandana before he entered.
Classroom 115. Not far down the hall, and he could actually hear George speaking. He talked about timetables and how it was dangerous. How each man selected had to be a fast learner, and not every man who applied would be selected to go.
Their dedication would have to be with the Air Force, because the Air Force was going to be a fighting force.
Hal knocked once on the closed classroom door, and then entered. “Sorry to interrupt,” Hal said. “I came for …” he paused. Eyes shifting, he mumbled the finish of his sentence. “Frank.”
He was surprised how crowded the classroom looked. But even more surprised to see Elliott Ryder seated in the first row.
<><><><>
“All right, all right already,” Robbie disconnected his call. “Jesus Christ.” He shook his head. Ellen was driving him nuts. What was so important?
He was impressed with himself and the time he had made. Fifteen minutes till ten. Robbie not only finished his perimeter rounds, he filled out his reports as he did so.
He had other plans in the afternoon, which didn’t include being stuck in an Ellen meeting.
Just as he mind bitched, he thought about Jimmy.
Jimmy was in the hospital. Maybe it had something to do with him.
Then Robbie felt bad … just for a few seconds. The he realized if it was about Jimmy, Ellen would have said so.
He had a lot on his mind and plate. Including jealousy over Dean and Jason going to the 1980 Republican National Convention.
They were using the machine and they weren’t supposed to … at least not without him.
&n
bsp; Jason explained that they had to in order to complete the mist gun.
The mist gun.
Robbie had to get that.
Before it wasn’t as important, but after getting a call from Andrea in which she told him her and ‘Joe’ were having lunch in the park, Robbie had to get that gun.
He wouldn’t use it while Andrea was around. But a sniper’s position on the Containment roof with infrared would afford him the chance to watch for an opportunity when his father was alone.
OK, he thought. Fifteen minutes.
He could make it out to the lab—five miles—head to the meeting and be on the roof by noon.
All set.
Until the jeep just stopped.
He looked at the power indicator on the electric jeep.
It wasn’t charged.
“Fuck!” Robbie blurted out loudly. He had forgotten. He stepped from the jeep and yelled out again.
Time.
Ten minutes to.
Robbie inhaled and thought. He was precisely half way.
Two and a half miles to Beginnings. Two and a half miles to the lab.
Either way he was going to be running behind.
After a moment of debate, Robbie decided he would go to the lab. Run the remaining distance, and call for a ride back.
That would work.
He’d have to be late for Ellen’s little meeting.
She’d deal with it.
It was Ellen. It couldn’t be that important.
<><><><>
“To phrase it immaturely,” Hal griped, his voice echoing in the cryo tunnels as they walked to the communication room. “You suck, Elliott.”
“But, Captain, in my defense.”
“There is not defense here, Sgt. Ryder. You applied for a new position and did not afford me the courtesy of informing me.”
“In my defense, Captain,” Elliott said. “You would have denied it.”
“Of course I would. I still am,” Hal stated. “You will not join the Air Force. You have an obligation to me and the UWA. You will fulfill that obligation. I would demote but that would give you reason to join. You are my right hand man; to train someone at this point would be pointless.”
‘What about Manis.”
“Manis is not you,” Hal said sharp.
“I want to fly, Captain.”
“Then Good God, learn to fly. But that doesn’t mean you have to join the Air Force.”
“It does if I want the instruction.”
“Fly with Frank. He’ll teach you.”
“Begging your pardon, Captain, but have you ever flown with Frank?”
Frank, who had been walking silently behind them, enjoying the exchange, spoke up. “What’s wrong with the way I fly? I’ll teach you, Ryder.”
“There you have it,” Hal said. “He’ll teach you.”
“Fine. I won’t join the Air Force.”
“I know you won’t.”
“Hal,” Frank spoke. ‘You’re being a dick.”
“And I would appreciate it, big brother if you did not undermine my authority in front of my man.”
“I thought this was more personal than business,” Frank lifted his hands. “I’m sorry. That was wrong. Even though I am the president …”
‘Oh, shut up.” Hal braked and opened the communications room door.
Ellen stood by the console, Danny Hoi seated. “Glad you guys could make it. You’re right on time.”
Frank shut the door. “We didn’t want another phone call.”
“That’s for sure,” Hal added. “Where’s Robbie.”
“I don’t know. That’s a sore spot. He called to say he’d be late. But I’m not gonna wait. This can’t wait. Especially now.”
Frank asked. “What do you mean?”
“We’ve had a development. One we didn’t expect,” Ellen said. “But first there is someone I want you all to meet.”
At that instant, from behind the coffee area, Roy emerged.
Frank laughed. “We know Dean, El.”
“Yes, Ellen,” Hal stated. “This is not a new person.”
“Yeah it is,” She said. “I want you all to meet Roy. Roy … knows. He knows all of you know he is the clone.” She paused. “I told him.”
<><><><>
He wasn’t out of breath. Not quite. Just about at the lab, when the trailer was in his sights, Robbie called Dan for a lift. Dan told him it would be about twenty minutes and he’d be right there.
Ten minutes wasn’t bad.
It was so isolated at the area when there were no jeeps. No noises, the birds seemed to sing and chirp just a bit louder.
He opened the door to the lab, and went inside.
He chuckled at the blue and red toy gun on the counter and how secretive Jason was. A note attached told Robbie to use the liquid inside wisely. There wasn’t much.
Not a problem. The gun, which was about eight inches long had hook—obviously recently glued to it—and it latched on his belt. After, of course, giving it a few pumps for action.
He wondered how ridiculous he would look if someone saw it. What would he say? How would he explain it? Maybe he would claim it had salt water in it for birds near the fences.
Yes, that was it.
Deciding he’d go outside and have a cigarette, Robbie turned for the door.
Sound traveled in the eerily quiet section of Beginnings. Perhaps that was why Robbie heard it so well.
There was no mistake.
A flushing toilet.
It came from the trailer next door, the one connected and that made sense considering the bathroom was close to the connection.
Robbie, quietly walked to the where a sheet of plywood hung where a door used to be. He leaned closer.
He heard a footstep.
Someone was over there?
Obviously, they didn’t know Robbie was in the lab. How could they. He was quiet and he didn’t drive.
Just when he thought about who would be in the trailer, Robbie froze. And with his thoughts, he quietly and quickly raced from the lab.
<><><><>
Danny Hoi leaned back in his chair without saying a word. Slightly rocking, a look of enjoyment mixed with smug look across his face.
He listened and took it all in as the two Slagel brothers, along with Elliott Ryder questioned her. Seemingly all at the same time.
Ellen was smug, as well.
Danny knew they’d all shut up and pay attention once she spoke.
They did.
Ellen explained how and why she told Roy. And that it didn’t need to leave the circle of those who knew about his true identity, the community could still believe it if they needed. But they could get more out of Roy if they were upfront with him.
Dean still needed to remain hidden.
There was a reason.
The floor was Roy’s.
“I was stuck, because I made too many time trips to the same time frame,” Roy explained. “Things kept messing up and on the final trip; I believe I got it to where I needed to be.”
Frank asked, point blank. “What role did you play in our father’s death?”
“I did not kill your father,” Roy said. “I played a role, yes, but … I did not kill him. There is a reason. If I tell you my role and the reason that could influence too much. I cannot,” He spoke passionately. “For the sake of your future and the future of this country, divulge what it is. Please believe me when I say it was done for the good of all. I believe, but I don’t know, that the future is better. It can only remain better if the new course of events occur. If certain errors are not made.”
Frank asked. “Do you know what the errors were?”
Roy shook his head. “Not why they were made, just where they occurred. There is one specific time point I am waiting for. I cannot say anymore. I can only say, right now, on this course, the right decision will be made.”
“When you reach that point,” Hal said. “Will you tell us more?”
Roy nod
ded. “Once I reach the point, where I believe the major error occurred and that error was fixed, then I will say more.” He held up his hand. “Don’t ask when or what. Please. Just... trust me on this one. I will be as helpful as I can without being influential.”
Ellen spoke. “It’s vital. That’s what I’m getting. I don’t need to know details to understand it is our future. And it has to do with this war that’s about to happen. Jason had you guys start working on this system because he felt this system could add a great defense. Knowing what’s coming before it gets here. Obviously that was a tool that we didn’t have in the other future. But we’re wasting time. Jimmy is trying his hardest but he is moving at a normal pace. We needed abnormal,” She shrugged. “Sorry Roy.”
Danny took over. “Roy figured out the entire system and got it up and running this morning.”
Frank’s excited, ‘Holy shit’ matched that of Hal’s and they rushed forward.
“The system figured out?” Frank asked. “Is that the reason for the meeting?”
“Was,” Danny answered. “He got it running this morning. About forty minutes ago, he broke the scanning code for the air sea and surface scanning. We put in a radius of 1,000 miles…”
Elliott’s phone rang. It was a weird ring that caught everyone’s attention.
He immediately grabbed his phone. “I must take it. It’s Roberts our scout.”
“The scout following those men?” Danny asked.
Elliott nodded.
“Perfect. Take the call,” Danny said.
The curious looks tossed Danny’s way were ignored, because Danny watched Elliott Ryder.
“Yes, Corporal Roberts.” Elliott’s eyes dimmed. He spun a pivot to the room. “Hold.” He covered the phone. “We may have a problem.”
Danny said. “Yeah we do. Roy?”
Roy took a seat.
“What’s going on?” Hal asked.
Elliott answered. “The scouts followed the ten men. They arrived at their destination.”
“And?”
“It’s not good.”
Hal grunted in frustration. “Explain. What are they saying?”
“He’s rambling.”
The Third Ten Page 114