“I think I can handle it...”
“I'm glad,” he said, stepping up behind her and covering her hands with his own, before setting his head on her shoulder. “Pull in tight, like this... Put your foot a little further out... Now, lean slowly forward...”
“Like this?” she asked.
“Oh! My! Goodness!” Morgan exclaimed.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I've just fulfilled one of my childhood fantasies,” he explained.
“What fantasy?” she asked, a touch of confusion in her voice.
“Well,” he lied, “I always used to fantasize about teaching someone to shoot.”
“But we've been here for over an hour.”
“I know,” he lied some more. “But I had forgotten about it.”
“Oh...” she said. “Well, I'm glad you're living your dreams.”
“Me too,” he replied “Either way, pull it up like this... and slowly... pull... the... trigger...”
She hit the target in the very center.
“Bull's eye!” she said excitedly.
“Oh... Yeah...” Morgan replied slowly. “Bull's eye.”
“You know you're really a good teacher,” she said.
“Well,” he replied. “I learned from the very best.”
“Who taught you?”
“You did,” he smiled.
“Really?” she asked, a touch of disbelief in her voice.
“Oh yeah,” he nodded. “The truth is Azure... and I hadn't planned to tell you this... not for a while anyway... but you and me had quite a little thing going on.”
“Really?” she asked, gazing at him from under a single raised eyebrow.
“Absolutely,” he replied. “In fact, just before we undid that other future you and I had quite an evening out on a beach on Escargot.”
“Escargot?”
“Cleo's home planet.”
“Are you serious?” she asked, “I mean about us, not about Escargot.”
“Deadly serious,” he sighed. “I hated to give you up girl... but I had to... the universe was counting on me... So, I've had to start all over. But it's all good. You're the girl you were and I'm the man I am. It'll all work out.”
“So we...” she said, taking a few steps back. “We were involved?”
“Do you know how you got me to shoot as well as I do?” he asked.
“No...”
“You said we needed to approach it from a psychological angle,” he lie-explained. “Every time I hit the bull's eye we would kiss.”
“And did you hit it often?”
“All the time,” he said. “But, to be fair, you were always moving the target closer.”
“I was?”
“Oh yeah!”
“Wow... I must have really believed in self-sacrifice...”
“Well, either way,” he smiled. “I was thinking the same thing might work for you. You know, like when you hit a bull's eye, like you just did, we should kiss.”
“No,” she replied, taking another step back. “I think a better motivator would be for you to kiss me if I miss...”
“And what should I do if you hit a bull's eye?” he asked, his grin getting even wider.
“I don't know,” she said throwing her hands up. “Punch me in the back of the head or something!”
“Wow...” he said, shaking his head. “That's just weird...”
The next few days were filled, at least from Morgan's point of view, with hours and hours of non-kissing shooting practice with a beautiful young woman. By the end of this period she was at least as good a shot as the young man was. Which was really great timing as the clone was just ready to come out of the oven. As a result Robert called them all together in the conference room.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen,” the traveler began. “Oh, and you too, Morgan.”
“Witty,” he smirked. “Really witty. Some of your best material...”
“Moving on,” Robert continued, “This part of the job is going to take some exact movements, but it should be easy enough in reality. Cleo, I need you and Vox to make their security systems fail strategically to give us a clear path in and out.”
“Easily done,” she smiled.
“Perfect,” he replied. “It might also be a good idea to fire off a false alarm or two. The place is crawling with soldiers and the more you can get out of the base the better.”
“Not a problem,” Vox replied.
“Under the circumstances,” Robert continued, “it would be best to be ready to pick us up if things go south, Doc. We do not want to get caught by these guys. In an emergency I think you could bust in with the car to grab us. I don't think it would get too hot, as it's got its own shield and stealth field generators. But I only want to do that as a last resort.”
“One suggestion,” Vox said. “I want to put transponders on you so we can track you. These guys don't have the technology to see the signals, so it shouldn't add any risk.”
“Good idea!” Robert replied. “Anything more?”
No one had anything more.
“Let's do it!” the traveler said excitedly.
Just minutes later the ship set down less than a mile from the not-quite-a-military-base that was their target. Robert and Morgan marched quickly through the woods with the clone in tow, all three of them invisibled up by stealth belts. They quickly made their way to the main gate and patiently waited. Suddenly the gate began to open on its own.
“That's it,” the traveler said. “Let's go.”
“I still think this is stupid, Rob,” Morgan asserted.
“I've already explained. We have to hold hands. We can't afford to get separated.”
“Well the clone's hand is clammy.”
“Maybe he's nervous.”
“Really?” Morgan whispered.
“No...” the traveler replied. “And what's with all the cinnamon chewing gum all the sudden?”
“It's part of my get Azure plan?”
“What part?”
“Be Prepared.”
“How so?” Robert asked.
“I figure I need to be ready all the time just in case she decides to kiss me on the mouth.”
“I have to admit, Morgan, that I really respect your optimism...”
The trio passed through the gate and entered a courtyard filled with military equipment and personnel. Alarms began sounding moments after they entered. The front gate closed again as soldiers began to run one way and another.
“Mmmm,” Robert said as they streaked across the distance that stood between them and the elevators, carefully avoiding the guards. “They seem to have triggered some kind of lock down. Still, I'm sure Cleo will have it sorted before we're ready to head out.”
The elevators opened just moments before they reached them.
“Man I love that girl,” the traveler said with a genuine tone of admiration as the elevator automatically selected the correct floor.
The elevator opened on a long hallway with doors along each side. The guards for the floor were beating on the entrance to the guardroom, which has mysteriously locked just moments before, in an attempt to get out. The two companions and their pet clone flew to the correct chamber and found it unlocked by the time they arrived.
“Hello Calvin,” Robert said with a smile as he stepped into the cell and suddenly appeared.
“Who are you?” the man asked.
“Does it matter?” the traveler replied. “We're here to rescue you.”
Having said this he handed the man a belt with both a shield and stealth generator on it.
“Put that on quick,” he said before turning to the clone. “Clone, activate program Calvin Rex authorization last time traveler.”
“I'm not a clone, Robert,” the clone replied, “as you know very well. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I'd like to get some rest. Oh, and good luck!”
“Why did it say it wasn't a clone?” Morgan asked as they rushed back up the hall.
/> “All part of the program, Morgan,” the traveler explained. “They'll never know what they've got.”
“This is crazy!” Calvin said under his breath.
“It is,” Robert agreed, “but the universe is a crazy place!”
When they got back in the courtyard the lock down was still in place and the gate still very closed.
“Mmmm” Robert said. “We can't sit still long. If Doc thinks we're stuck he'll come to get us. And I don't want that.”
“What do we do?” Morgan asked.
“Okay,” the traveler replied. “We have to split up, Morgan.”
“We what?!?!”
“No choice!” Robert barked quietly. “Now, listen! In roughly two minutes one of those tanks is going to bust through the wall. After it does, let it get about a hundred feet out and then make run for the ship. Don't stop for any reason and do not lose Calvin. Clear?”
“Clear!”
“I'll meet you back at the ship, bro!”
Roughly a minute and a half later one of the tanks cranked up and started driving straight for the wall. Gun fired rained down on it, but the massive machine paid it no respect. In just moments it had run into and then through the wall. Morgan took off running, holding Calvin by the hand. Seconds after he stepped beyond the gap several missiles hit the vehicle all at once. It exploded, knocking both Morgan and Calvin to the ground.
“What happened?” Calvin asked.
“Nothing,” Morgan replied, his heart pounding in his chest. “We have to get back to the ship!”
“But you're friend!”
“No time,” the young man said dragging Calvin into a mad run.
“What about your friend?”
“He's not dead!”
“I didn't say he was.”
“Look!” Morgan shouted as they ran along hand in hand. “None of this happened! Do you understand me?!?! None of that just happened. In a matter of hours you'll be home in bed and then you'll be un-kidnapped and this will all be undone.”
“What do you mean?” Calvin asked, panting for breath as they reached the loading platform.
“I mean,” Morgan replied, his own breath deep and heavy, “that when we undo all this Rob won't have died because we'll have never even come here.”
“You're right,” Robert replied, turning off his stealth generator.
“Ahhh!” Morgan screamed, clutching his invisible chest.
“You're not dead?”
“Not yet! Get on the platform!”
Immediately Morgan and Calvin obeyed. Seconds later they were on the ship and the ship was in the sky.
“Wow, Morgan!” the traveler said slapping the young man on the back. “Wow!”
“What?”
“You would have just saved my life!” he exclaimed. “I mean, if I had just gotten killed back there you would have actually managed to save me!”
“Awesome!” Morgan replied, a huge smile on his face. “Oh, and how didn't you get killed?”
“Man, I never get killed,” the traveler explained.
Chapter 10: What is Love
“So,” Morgan said as he stepped on the bridge, “we heading out?”
“Looks that way,” Robert nodded. “Doc's wiped Calvin's memories of what happened, regenerated him back to where he was when he was picked up, and has him sedated. Now all we need to do is drop him off and head to Never Never Land.”
“Awesome,” the young man nodded. “How long we got?”
“About forty-five minutes or so.”
“Good, 'cause we need to talk.”
“About what?” the traveler asked.
“A couple of things.”
“Alrighty. Go.”
“Let's start with that other question I had…”
“What other question, Morgan?” the traveler asked. “How am I supposed to know what you’re talking about, man? You’re like the star of a movie entitled The Never Ending Questions.”
“The Never Ending Questions… ahhhahahhahahaha,” Morgan sang.
“Not bad…” Robert nodded. “You’re a little flat, but all things considered, not bad. What’s the question, Morgan?”
“Why not just get married?”
“We haven’t known each other long enough.”
“You two have known…”
“It was a joke, Morgan,” the traveler interrupted. “See, you were supposed to think I was talking about you and me and then you were supposed to say: I don’t mean us! I mean you and Cleo!”
“What?”
“Repeat the question, Morgan…”
“Why not just get married?”
“Well several reasons,” Robert replied.
“Such as?”
“Well, first off, Morgan,” the traveler explained, “when a man and woman say I do the woman’s mind immediately rewires itself. Well… it may actually be that moment when the ring slips on her finger. I’m still doing research...”
“Rewires how?” Morgan asked.
“Well, invariably they start seeing houses set upon neatly trimmed lawns surrounded by white picket fences in their mind’s eye. And whereas I’ve got no problem with the whole settling down crap in the long run, I sure ain’t got time for it now. If I married Cleo she would be under the constant strain of trying to get me into a mortgage.”
“You wouldn’t need one,” the young man pointed out. “You could just buy a house with that Monopoly Money of yours.”
“I never said it was counterfeit.”
“Okay, that’s one reason,” Morgan nodded.
“Reason two: when a female manages to bind a man in the irrevocable shackles of wedded bliss…”
“What?”
“Futurama.”
“Oh yeah!”
“Anyways,” Robert continued, “it’s only a matter of time before she hits you with the old I want to have your baby! Of course, I get that a lot anyway…”
“I never get that,” Morgan admitted.
“Yeah…” Robert nodded. “I can see that. Either way, obviously I want Cleo to have my babies and all…”
“Oh yeah!” the young man exclaimed.
“Focus, Morgan!”
“Sorry…”
“So, my iron will would only be able to resist so long…” the traveler explained. “After that I’d have to give her children…”
“I don’t think I could use the phrase have to in that context,” Morgan pointed-out.
“Well, you know what I mean…” Robert replied lifting his hands. “Right now I’m a barely passable not-exactly-a-boyfriend. What kind of father would I make?”
“Yeah… Actually, I do see what you mean… More?”
“Oh yeah!” the traveler exclaimed. “Then there’s the crackling electrical energy of non-stop sexual tension!”
“I can’t believe you just said that. You usually don’t talk like that.”
“That’s not naughty, Morgan,” Robert pointed-out.
“I know,” the young man explained. “That time I was messing with you. See? I’m learning!”
“So you are!” the traveler smiled. “Anyways, Morgan, at the moment we’re basically immortal. There’s no hurry, no reason in the universe to rush anything. I’m one of the few men in the history of all time that can watch his not-exactly-a-girlfriend blossom into her full glory and then rewind it and watch it again.”
“I guess I see that.”
“And that means that she and I can live on the very edge of raw animal passion, staring over into the paradise that is complete and total carnal fulfillment…”
“You could write books, you know that?” Morgan interrupted. “I mean you could write books that I’d be embarrassed to read!”
“Yeah…” Robert sighed. “I have to be careful. My heart’s in perfect condition, but I could still give myself an attack if I really tried. Anyway Morgan, it’s like taking that moment when your lips brush hers, but you haven’t actually kissed her yet and stretching it out for years. It’s un
believable, man. And maybe one day you’ll know what I mean.”
“I’m going to have to get to the lip brushing stage before I completely understand,” Morgan confessed, “but I think I get the general idea. You want it to last.”
“Absolutely!” the traveler exclaimed. “I’m the kind of man that would sit at a table for decades gazing down at a perfectly cooked steak, letting my eyes revel in its perfection and smelling every glorious, juicy scent it had to offer before I ate it.”
“It’s funny that you picked that image, because…”
“Morgan!” Robert warned.
“Right…” the young man sighed. “You know for a guy determined to resist temptation you sure seem to revel in it.”
“What else have I got right now?” the traveler chuckled. “And I’ve learned to sail pretty close to the wind, Morgan. Trust me, it makes the trip a lot more exciting.”
“What does sailing…”
“It’s an expression, man,” Robert explained. “I just mean I can dance right up to the edge with Cleo and then dance safely away. I mean, provided I take precautions, like having you ready to punch me in the head.”
“Well I just hope you don’t ever trip while you're a little too near that precipice.”
“Precipice?” the traveler asked.
“It’s like the edge of a high cliff.”
“I know that! I just didn’t expect you to know it.”
“Well I do,” Morgan replied. “But that’s really beside the point. You’ve led me to another question.”
“And what's that?”
“Why not get engaged?” the young man asked.
“Well because…” Robert began.
“No, hear me out,” Morgan interrupted. “I mean, you plan to marry her like it’s a done deal. If that’s really the case then you already are engaged, you just haven’t made it official. So then, why not make it official? Why not show Cleo that you love her and that you want to spend the rest of your life with her? I mean, what’s holding you back?”
“Wow!” the traveler exclaimed. “I mean, like seriously! Wow! You’re absolutely right, Morgan! I don’t think it's even possible to be righter than that! And you thought of that before I did… I mean, you thought of that with comparably no time to think about it. You’re going to break the six percent barrier!”
“I’m not sure about that,” the young man said shaking his head. “There’s a difference between intelligence and wisdom.”
The Last Time Traveler Page 18