“Time travel became a reality in the thirty-first century, making it possible to travel back in time, capture a nanosecond of a person’s life, and move that nanosecond into the future, to a time when cures for every disease have been found. Because the body is not being diminished by illnesses, the cells replenish themselves perfectly. The loved ones we bring forward could then bring their loved ones forward and, in the end, a form of immortality is achieved. It would be possible to move further and further into the future, until continued life is attained.” I paused again so they could catch up with what I was saying. “Would that not be a form of resurrection?” Their faces showed that I wasn’t getting through to them.
“Think about it for a moment,” I continued. “Who would you bring forward? You would bring someone near and dear to you, of course. . . . Perhaps even the worst of men were loved by someone. By traveling into the future, I’ve learned that it’s possible, even today, to solve most of humankind’s problems collectively. But before that can happen, we must solve the problems of religious prejudice, bigotry, and fear. Then we’ll have to solve the problems of greed and lust for power.”
“The ability to reason is the Creator’s greatest gift to humans. When reason and faith collide, one or the other is abandoned. The people of Jan’s time teach: ‘Strive for beauty and knowledge. When you attain them, deny them to no one.’”
“Looking back at the old photograph,” I said, “the camera that produced this tintype captured a moment in the lives of our ancestors, and we have brought that moment to this time. We’re seeing them now as they were 120 years ago. Your grandparents have not aged in this picture. It still shows them just as they were, and they will stay the same as long as this tintype exists.
“I never thought of it like that, but you’re right,” Grandpa said.
“I agree about the movies,” Dad said. “It is a form of immortality! We are beginning to hear people talk of time as a fourth dimension. Some men of science are saying time travel might become a possibility. Is that what you’re trying to tell us?”
“That’s exactly what I’m trying to say.” I took the button from my pocket and showed it to them. “With this button, I can travel backward or forward in time. That’s what I did when I obtained the inscription in the wedding band. I went back and watched Mr. Hawberg do the engraving. I then wrote what he had engraved on the newspaper and brought the paper back with me.”
Dad said, “I noticed that the newsprint looked fresh, but you disappeared for only an instant. How did you do all that in only a second?”
“The traveler travels in time, but time does not change for the traveler. If I had wanted to, I could have returned in the same instant that I left. I did a slight delay to illustrate a point.”
Grandpa was always a curious man, and he had to know how things worked. He reached for the button and said, “Let me see that thing.”
“Eeeasy, Grandpa, let me show you how to use it. You could find yourself someplace you don’t like and not know how to get back. Now, hold your hand out with your palm up. I’m going to place the button in your hand. Examine it, but don’t rub it. If it starts to vibrate or hum, put it down.”
I placed the button in Grandpa’s palm. “Feels nice,” he said. “It’s heavier than I thought it would be. How does it work?”
I explained about the colors, and told him what would happen if he rubbed them.
Grandpa said, “I’d like to try it. I lost my watch in the barn yesterday. I’d like to go back and get it. Could I do that?”
“Of course you can. Do you remember what you were doing just before you lost the watch?”
“Yeah, I was milking the cows.”
“All right, but I’ll go with you. I’ll hold on to you and you do as I say. Think of what you were doing yesterday while milking the cows, then rub the red area.” He rubbed the button, and we were in the barn yesterday. There was Grandpa with his back to us, milking the Jersey cow, with his watch on. When he finished milking, he got up. The clasp on the watch came unfastened, so it fell into the loose straw at his feet. Without realizing it, he kicked straw over it as he walked away. So now, the Grandpa I was with reached down, picked up the watch, and put it on, without being seen by the Grandpa milking the cow.
“Now, rub white!” I whispered. He did, and we were back sitting on the porch.
“Aren’t you going to do it?” Dad asked, looking at us.
Grandpa grinned from ear to ear. “What do you mean, aren’t we going to do it? We’ve done it! See, here’s my watch.”
Dad was dumbfounded, shook his head, got up and said as he walked away, “This is too much for me. I think I’ll go talk to the girls.”
Grandpa slapped me on the shoulder and said, “By Jove, Augustus, you’ve made a believer outta me; let’s go tell the girls!” He was excited and wanted to tell someone, but no one would listen. After a time, he put his arm around my shoulders and said, “Now, Augustus, I understand your problem.”
* * * * *
Chapter 26
Jan and Mother were almost as excited as Grandpa—only they were excited about the wedding.
Jan said, “Mother and I are going into town to buy a gown and get the announcements printed. Do you want to come along?”
Dad looked up at me through his eyebrows, and shook his head slightly. I took the hint, and said, “No, I think I’ll clean up the cottage and get it ready for our honeymoon.”
“All right,” Jan said, as she and Mother walked out the door. “We’ll see you at supper time.”
I was pleased to note that Jan was learning fast. She called my mother “Mother,” and she didn’t call the evening meal “dinner.”
“You’re going to be too busy to fix supper,” I said, “so we’ll meet you at the Bon Ton.”
“What’s the Bon Ton?” Jan asked.
“It’s a family-style restaurant. They serve good food there, and you’ll meet some of my childhood friends. We’ll see you there at six.”
* * *
The cottage was neat as a pin. All it needed was a little sprucing up. I mowed the lawn, trimmed the shrubs, and picked up the dead branches in the glen. It didn’t have the immaculate look of the thirty-first century, but the arched footbridge across the stream and the fragrance of the wildflowers gave it a charm that would have been difficult to duplicate.
It was 5 o’clock when I got back to the house. Dad and Grandpa were dressed and ready. I didn’t want to look conspicuous, so I dressed in western attire. As a convenience, I kept western clothes in my room, string tie, boots, and all, so I wouldn’t look out of place in Stoville.
When we got to the restaurant, Mother and Jan hadn’t yet arrived. Jim, the owner, knew that Jan would draw a crowd, and he wanted his restaurant to benefit, so he seated us by the window. Everyone in town had heard about Jan and they were all eager to see her. I was the third generation of Wilders who had lived in Stoville. Dad and Grandpa had beer, and I had coffee while we waited.
Jan and Mother soon arrived, both looking very happy. Every table in the restaurant filled almost immediately. Jan was even bubblier than normal. Her golden hair, blue eyes, sparkling smile, accentuated by her perfect features and glowing skin, made her something worth seeing. Mother was radiant. She had a daughter now, and she was preparing for her daughter’s wedding. I was her son, but all she gave me was a motherly smile.
Darla Firth, the girl I had had a childhood crush on, was seated at the same table where she had sat 12 years ago, only this time she had her two children with her. I smiled, she smiled back and waved. She sure took a long time to do that.
Jan took my arm and said, “Gus, I like your town. Everybody is so friendly and helpful. We ordered the invitations; the printer is working overtime to complete the order. He’s going to bring them by here when he gets them printed. We hired a caterer to prepare and serve the food at the wedding reception. He almost fainted when we told him how many people we were expecting.” Jan bounced up and down wh
en she said, “And I selected a wedding gown. I can’t wait for you to see it. Mother was wonderful; she knew exactly what I would like.”
Again I noticed she didn’t say, “Your mother”—she said “Mother.” Dad and Grandpa noticed also, and I could tell by their faces that they were pleased.
Dad said quietly, “You sure know how to pick ’em, son.”
“It seems to me that we both know how to pick ’em,” I whispered to Dad.
He smiled and nodded.
So many people were coming by our table to meet Jan that thirty minutes went by before we could place our order for food.
As Jim took our orders he said, “I remember you. . . . You ate breakfast here about 12 years ago.” He held out his wrist. “You left this watch.”
I grinned guiltily, reached for my wallet, and said, “I’ll pay my bill now.”
“No, you won’t,” he said shaking his head and pulling his hand back. “I like this watch. It’s been a good-luck charm for me. It’s because of this watch that I own this restaurant and have a wonderful family. I’d like for you and Jan to meet my wife and kids.” He turned to the table where Darla was sitting and called out, “Darla, bring the children, I want to introduce you to a friend.”
I stood waiting for Darla to arrive, and Jan stood with me.
Darla was 30, and she looked it, but she was still pretty. She said, “I need no introduction to Augustus; I’ve known him all my life, but I’m pleased to meet Jan.”
I took Darla’s hand and said, “You’re still as pretty as ever, Darla, and your children are beautiful.” Turning to Jan, I said, “Jan, this is the girl I told you about. You can see why I had a crush on her.”
“I sure can,” Jan said as she smiled and hugged Darla. “Thank you, Darla, for saving him for me. I hope we can have children as pretty as yours and Jim’s.”
I was so proud of Jan that my chest was about to burst through my shirt.
Jim voiced the question that others were wondering about when he asked, “If you and Darla are the same age, how come you look so young? Twelve years ago, you looked older than you do now.”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it when we have more time.”
Darla nodded graciously and returned to her table. She looked puzzled also. We placed our orders.
* * *
So that the people who lived in Boston would receive their invitations in time, Jan and I hand-delivered them. We avoided seeing the people, but it was fun going from address to address, and seeing the various homes.
* * *
The Big Day came, and the weather was wonderful. The chapel couldn’t hold all the guests. Many watched and listened through the open doors and windows. Music played.
Jan’s flawless beauty was enhanced by the flowing white wedding gown adorned with the jewels she had brought with her. On her head, she wore a diamond tiara. Around her neck she wore a necklace of rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. The gown was low-cut in the front, and form fitted around the bodice, waist, and hips. The train was long, but not so long that it would get in the way. She wore gold slippers and a bouquet of pink rosebuds, accented with white cattleya orchids. I was dressed in my finest.
When the preacher said, “I now pronounce you man and wife,” Jan squeezed my hand a little tighter. We embraced to the applause of the guests. Mother was crying, but her face was aglow with happiness.
Dad announced, “The reception will be in the glen. We have prepared a feast, and we hope to see all of you there.”
Carpenters had built a dance floor. The first dance was a waltz. Jan and I did a solo dance, then all the men wanted to dance with Jan, and she was enjoying the attention. The guests dined and danced through the night, but around midnight Jan and I slipped away to the cottage. The cottage was a good walk from the main house; a full moon illuminated our path. I couldn’t imagine how any man could ever have had a more beautiful bride, or a more satisfying wedding night.
* * *
The sun was high when we dressed. A delicious breakfast tray had been placed on the table outside the door. We ate while sitting on the porch overlooking the valley. I had seen this view of the stream, the valley, and the hills beyond many times, but it had never looked so good.
* * *
“Jan, I want to take you horseback riding. A beautiful trail wanders along the stream and through the hills.”
“I’ve never ridden!”
“We have a golden brown stallion with a black mane and tail. He has always been gentle, and I think you’ll like him. We can end the ride any time you like. I’ve taken the liberty of buying you a riding habit—boots, hat, and all.”
After a short time, Jan was riding like she was born to ranch life. We stopped in the shade of a big tree to let the horses rest.
In a serious moment, she said, “We in the thirty-first century have attained many things, but we have lost the sense of adventure that you have, and the closeness of family. Courage and caring are not appreciated as they should be. You are bringing that back, and we thank you for it. I’m proud to have you for my husband.”
I held her close and said, “I’m the luckiest man who has ever lived to have you for my wife. I’ve had engravings made in our rings that read ‘Until the end of time.’”
I had never yet seen Jan cry, but there were tears of happiness in her eyes. We spent more and more time with my folks until one day Jan said, “Gus, we’re needed in the thirty-first century.”
“Yes,” I agreed, “it’s time to leave.”
I promised my family that we would return on birthdays and important holidays. Jan and I said good-bye and rubbed our travel button. We arrived at the purification station, and hurriedly underwent cleansing. We reached the council chambers just as the meeting was beginning.
* * *
Everyone stood as we entered. What an enormous tribute they were paying us! Roc-2 personally escorted us to seats at the end of the table. Two robots brought gray robes and held them for us to slip into. They then stood in attendance behind us.
Roc-2 returned to his place at the head of the table and, after he was seated, the rest of us sat down. Six Council members wore white robes, and six wore black. Roc-2’s robe was white with black trim. A robot stood in attendance behind each member, except for Roc-2. Behind him were two robots. The members’ faces reflected their intense concentration, but they were not somber. For the first time, I noticed that four of the Council members were women; their hooded robes framed their delicate faces.
Roc-2 extended his right hand, palm up, to Jan-3 and me and said, “We will receive your reports now. Jan-3, since you’re familiar with our procedures, will you report first?”
Jan-3 stood, did a slight nod to Roc-2, and then looked directly into the eyes of each seated member. Her face was serious; her radiant features reflected her sincerity. In a clear voice, she said, “I am honored to speak before the council. . . . Here in the thirty first century, I am Jan-3. But in the twenty-first century, I am Mrs. Augustus Wilder. Whether here or there, I am the life companion of Gus. He and I will forever be joined in life and in purpose.”
She continued, “My journey to the past was rewarding in many ways. The knowledge of my chosen professions of history and anthropology has been increased. I learned of things we have lost, like love, caring, courage, and giving. With that knowledge, I will be able to contribute greatly to the betterment of our society. I will write a complete report and submit it for your review.” She nodded to Chairman Roc-2, and sat down.
Roc-2 extended his hand to me and nodded.
This was my first time to speak as a Councilmember, and I was a little nervous. “Jan-3 has done me the great honor of becoming my life mate. We’re ready to do whatever we can to expand the knowledge of the people of Earth and, hopefully, serve in a way that will be beneficial to all people everywhere.”
Tena, a Council member, stood up. A cascade of auburn hair fell around her shoulders as she pushed her hood back and spoke. “Gu
s and Jan-3, you are uniquely qualified to fill a special need. Now that it is possible to go into the past and bring our ancestors forward to the present, many people are requesting that privilege. We want to grant their requests, but we are afraid that, in time, it would violate our law by overpopulating the earth and creating problems that would cause harm. We do not feel qualified to judge the actions of people in previous times, but we cannot allow harmful behavior in our society. Those being brought forward will have to be trained to live in the thirty-first century. If they disobey our law, they will have to be returned to their point of origin, or they will have to form their own society on another planet.”
Jan-3 stood beside me and asked, “What can we do to help?”
“You and Gus are experienced time travelers,” Roc-2 replied. “We want you to search the galaxies for planets suitable for human habitation.”
I looked at Jan-3 before responding.
“If Jan-3 is willing,” I said, “we’ll accept the assignment. We’ll need experts to crew the expedition—astronomers, biologists, botanists, chemists, and geologists. I would like them to be volunteers.”
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