Button in the Fabric of Time

by Dicksion, William Wayne

  “The crew will all need to be armed with stun guns,” Jan-3 added, “and we’ll each need time-travel buttons. We’ll need a keri designed especially for the expedition.”

  Tena had remained standing. She said, “Your request is justified. I recommend that we accept their offer and grant them whatever assistance we can provide.” She scanned the faces of the Council, each of whom nodded solemnly.

  “Whatever you need will be provided,” Roc-2 commented. “Select your crew. I doubt that you will have difficulty finding volunteers. Gus, you will be in command; Jan-3 will be your co-commander. Please let us know when you are ready to depart. The people have heard of your exploits and are waiting to meet you. A celebration will be held to commemorate your departure. Everyone will want to wish you a safe and successful expedition.”

  As Roc-2 had predicted, there was a long line of volunteers. Jan-3 and I interviewed each person and carefully selected the most qualified. When our selections were made, we truly had a crew of the very best in each field.

  * * *

  The crew worked for days preparing the tools and materials needed. The engineering department worked day and night building the keri. It had to be big enough to provide comfort and privacy for the crew, and stocked with the best emergency equipment available.

  Jan-3 and I spent hours each day in the astronomy department, going over the hundreds of planets on which humans might be able to live. More than a thousand years ago, astronomers estimated that there were more than 400 billion solar systems in the Milky Way alone; the first planets outside our solar system had been discovered as far back as 1996. Later, astronomers determined that planetary systems orbited most of those suns. Hundreds of billions of solar systems were to be examined. The thirty-first century astronomy department had instruments with which they had taken readings and determined the size of millions of the planets and the temperature, atmospheric pressure, type and content of the gases that made up the atmosphere. The astronomers had noted which planets had oceans of water and polar ice. They knew which planets had vegetation and had determined the length of each planet’s days and years.

  Not all the planets had moons, but some had moons similar to Earth, and some had multiple moons. The astronomers had estimated how much gravitational pressure a human would have to endure to live on each planet, and they had compiled a list of planets they recommended we examine. The astronomer we chose as a crew member was highly respected by his colleagues.

  The astronomy department was tantalized by the information they had previously obtained, but it had been impossible for them to reach even the closest planet. The distance was too great, and the time required for the journey was too long—sending a signal to a planet and then receiving a reply took years. But we had found a way to travel without time delay, and everybody in the department was excited. Many wanted to be a part of the expedition and be among the first to explore a new planet.

  Jan-3 and I met with our crew each night after work and discussed every possible emergency condition that we could imagine. We briefed them thoroughly on what to expect on their first journey through time.

  At last, our keri was ready. The necessary tools and supplies were on board, and it was time to go. We reported to the Council, “We’re ready.”

  The celebration of our departure was to be held in a natural amphitheater prepared specially for the occasion in the mountains of Greece. That country was selected because it was one of the important centers of early human civilization. Millions attended. Jan-3’s beauty reminded them of their legendary Helen of Troy.

  The story of our fight with the Lōōg on planet Ergo had spread around the world, and we were heroes. The entire crew of the keri was heroes, because we were the first humans to venture into deep space. Our images were displayed on viewing screens, and everybody wanted to hear us speak.

  As leader of the expedition, I addressed the viewers, “Thank you for your support and thank you for this great honor. It is appropriate that we should leave from the site where the ancient gods of Greece came down and joined with women to make humans the descendants of the gods. Of course, those old beliefs are no longer acceptable to most, but perhaps, just perhaps, there are things we are yet to learn. It is time for us to depart. We will return—if we are successful—with new hope for humans.”

  With those remarks, the crew boarded the keri. We had already decided what our destination would be. It was a planet almost identical to Earth that orbited in the Ursa Major solar system. The astronomers had named it, but the honor of renaming it was given to the crew. We agreed to call it Etu, symbol for Earth-2. The name would identify it as a home for Earth-like humans.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 27

  I asked the crew, “Are you ready?” With excited anticipation, they all nodded yes. Jan-3 smiled, as I concentrated my thoughts on a certain planet, and rubbed the red portion of the button. Next, we were aware of looking through the viewing plate of our keri at a countryside of rolling hills with green vegetation, and clear-running streams. Grazing animals beyond number covered the hillsides, and colorful birds filled the sky.

  “I had dreams of what this planet might be, but this exceeds my wildest dreams,” Jan-3 murmured.

  Everyone wanted to start exploring right away, but I withheld approval until we had all accomplished the tasks we were selected to do.

  I said, “Taki-4, as our chemist, will you confirm that the air, water, and soil are safe?” Then I turned to Rina-5. “Rina-5, please determine that radiation levels are safe. Cord-1, as our astronomer, will you confirm that we have arrived at the planet we selected? . . . After each of you have performed your duties, and made the determination that it is safe, then we will step out upon this planet and begin exploring.”

  Angie-2 said, “As life forms specialist, I recommend we each keep our stun guns and space travel buttons handy. With that many grazing animals, there are certain to be predators. We must be prepared for a surprise attack, and I also recommend that we each wear our protective clothing in case we encounter poisonous insects or venomous reptiles.”

  “Those are good recommendations,” I agreed, as I placed my stun gun in my shoulder holster. “We will all comply. Does anyone else have anything to report?”

  Lani, the geologist, reported, “The air is two percent more dense than it is on Earth, and the oxygen level is slightly elevated—but it’s safe.”

  Jan-3, always ready for adventure, said, “If no one else has anything to report, I recommend that we walk upon Etu and see if it’s suitable for humans.”

  As a group, we stepped from the keri onto Etu. The ground was firm, with a slightly spongy feel, probably due to decayed plant matter.

  I grasped a hand full of dirt and said, “This is fertile soil.” I removed my head cover to test the air. “Farmers, like my father and grandfather, would like it here. This grass would be good for cattle.” I was eager to test the quality of the water. Taki-4 was already testing it when Jan-3 and I reached the stream.

  “The water is safe,” he said, “and it has a healthy spectrum of minerals.”

  “We’ve got a good crew,” Jan-3 whispered, as she dipped her hand into the water to taste it, a reptile, camouflaged by its green-and-black color, slithered away into the grass. Jan-3 was startled and a little frightened. “Do you think it was venomous?” she asked.

  “I’ll stun it and test it,” Angie-2 said, as she started into the grass to search for the reptile.

  “Wait!” Jan-3 said “We have no idea what else might be hidden in that grass. We’ll find other reptiles to test.”

  “Thank you. That was careless of me,” Angie-2 said, as she hugged Jan-3. “Let’s form a buddy system” she said, “so each person is in constant contact with someone else.”

  “If you find fruit,” Rina-5 said, “don’t eat it until I’ve had a chance to test it.”

  “Then let’s pair off and move out in different directions,” I suggested, “so keep your communicators
open. Call if you run into trouble. We’ll meet back here in four hours. Now, be careful. Jan-3 and I will follow the stream. I want to explore those mountains.” I pointed to some craggy cliffs. Since Jan-3 and I were vigorous as teenagers, with the strength of adults, we moved quickly.

  Vibrant red, yellow, and blue aromatic flowers blossomed among thorn-less vines and trees. Many trees had umbrella-shaped canopies with branches shading hundreds of square meters. Birds of many sizes and shapes, some as colorful as Earth’s parrots, glided through the air and sat on the tree branches. Humming and chirping insects fed upon the foliage and provided food for the birds.

  “Oh, Gus,” Jan-3 exclaimed, “this place is wonderful!”

  “I agree.” Then I scanned the cliffs ahead and saw something troubling. It was a nest, larger than any I had ever seen, and it seemed to be built from the skins of animals. “I’ll keep my eyes open for the predator that built that nest,” I muttered to myself.

  Jan-3 had wandered off into the trees to gather fruit, and I couldn’t see her, so I called out. When she didn’t answer, I ran into the trees, looking for her. She had climbed a tree to pick a pink peach-like fruit with a wonderful aroma.

  “I’ll heed Angie-2’s warning,” she said, “and take this back to be tested before I taste it. I hope it will remain fresh—it looks and smells delicious.”

  “Jan-3, you gave me quite a scare. Please don’t wander off like that without telling me where you’re going.”

  “Don’t worry,” she said, “There’s nothing here to harm us.”

  I told her about the nest.

  “Don’t worry, Gus,” she repeated. “Earth has eagles and osprey that build nests in places like that.”

  “I’ve never seen a bird nest built from the hides of animals.” Hoping she was right, I pushed the thought of danger out of my mind, and continued exploring and enjoying the beauty of this new planet. However, I had failed to notice that the days on Etu were only 18 hours long, and so it was getting dark before the allotted time of four hours was up. “Jan-3, did you bring a light? I’m afraid it’ll get dark before we get back.”

  “No, I didn’t,” she said, “but our sample containers are full, and we’ve taken hundreds of pictures, so we’re finished with our tasks. I don’t feel safe walking through this jungle in the dark. Let’s zap ourselves back now.”

  “I’ll let the others know what we’re doing,” I said, “and they can meet us at the keri. Let’s take a moment to view the three moons and to experience this enchanting night.” She stood close, and it occurred to me that we were possibly the first humans on this planet.

  Jan-3 said, “I feel like Eve must have felt.”

  “Do you believe the story of Adam and Eve?”

  “Not literally, but I like the symbolism. Let’s return, at least for a time, with the Earth people who choose Etu as their new home. I like this planet.”

  “I like it, too.” I said, “Perhaps we can help the new inhabitants establish a civilization here. We’d better get back. The others will be wondering what happened to us.” I rubbed my travel button with Jan-3 still in my arms, and together we appeared to the crew in front of the keri.

  They were eager to tell us of their experiences. No one had eaten since leaving Greece, and we were all hungry. Taki-4 tested the fruit Jan-3 had brought back, while the rest of us prepared our evening meal. The fruit was edible, and we shared it. Then each crew member made a verbal report.

  Lani, the geologist, reported first: “The mineral content of the soil and the water is excellent. Etu seems to be in about the same stage of development as Earth was during the late Cretaceous period. The planet is completely habitable, but the people who make it their home may experience storms of extreme proportions. I would like to survey the entire planet with the keri before I complete my report.”

  Angie-2 reported next: “I agree with Lani about the stage of development. The life forms here are different, of course, but there is a parallel to the life forms of Earth during the same period. I saw droppings and other indications of reptiles. There are mammals here also. The predators seem to be similar to the late dinosaurs of Earth. I saw tracks that looked like they were made by humanoids. Whatever made the tracks were definitely biped, and walked with a stride much like the earliest humans.”

  “You think there are cavemen here?” Jan-3 asked.

  “I doubt that these beings have developed that far. Their tracks indicate that they walk less than fully erect. They’re probably tree-dwellers. The caves on this planet will probably be occupied by reptiles. I saw no indication of campfires and, without fire; humanoids would have no way to defend a cave. They’re probably pre-Stone Age.”

  I told the crew, “I saw a large nest among the crags that was bigger than an eagle’s nest, and it wasn’t made with sticks and twigs. It was made from the hides of animals. I want to look at that nest more closely before we leave.”

  “Pterosaurs existed in the late Cretaceous period. They, or something like them, may exist here. The time period seems right,” Angie-2 agreed.

  “Could you bring me up to date?” Cord-1 asked. “I’m an astronomer. I have no knowledge of dinosaurs. What is a pterosaur?”

  “It’s a winged reptile,” Angie-2 answered. “Some were large enough to carry humans to their nests and feed them to their young.”

  “That sounds like an unpleasant experience to me!” Cord-1 chuckled.

  “That’s the reason,” I cut in, “why we must take another look at that nest before we complete our report on this planet’s habitability. There are probably carnivores in the water also. With thirty-first century weapons, people would be able to eliminate the carnivores, but that’s not a decision for us to make at this time. We’ll report what we find, and the Council will decide what to do.”

  I turned to Rina-5. “As an environmentalist, what do you think of Etu?”

  “My observations agree with the previous reports,” Rina-5 replied. “The air is moist and warm, indicating a swamp-like environment. The water is warm and algae grow in larger quantities than would have been normal on Earth in the late Cretaceous period. I’ll have to see the entire planet before I can make a complete determination.”

  “Would each of you record your findings while the experience is fresh?” I asked. “Tomorrow, we’ll try to determine what kind of bird made that nest, and then we’ll circle the planet for an overall look before proceeding deeper into space. We must look for other planets that are habitable.”

  “I’d like to sit outside the keri for a while and enjoy the night,” Jan-3 said.

  “I’d like that, too,” Rina-5 said, “but we must exercise caution. We have no way of knowing what other life forms inhabit this planet, or what the night prowlers might do.”

  “Thank you, Rina-5,” I said. “After seeing that nest, I agree that we must be careful. From now on, we must always carry their stun guns, lasers, travel buttons, and lights. Make sure you’re wearing your communication ring at all times. No one is to wander off alone, so if you go exploring, take a buddy with you.”

  We all went outside to enjoy the night. A warm, moist wind made the night sensuous. One large and two small moons hung in a sky that was so dark that it was almost black. The Milky Way showed up even more clearly on Etu than it did on Earth. It was a night meant for lovers. Cord-1 pointed to the stars he was familiar with, but it was difficult to identify them from this point of view without instruments. The night was enchanting, but there was much to do tomorrow, so Jan-3 and I retired to our bed.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 28

  We ate breakfast hurriedly and zapped ourselves to the cliff where I had seen the nest.

  We were astonished when we saw a small group of humanoids gathered at the base of the cliff, frantically pointing to the nest. Seeing us terrified them, but they were even more terrified by what was happening in the nest. With the knowledge of language Jan-3 and I had received from the Antons, we understood their guttural sound
s. A child had been captured by a flying reptile. We could see the reptile standing in the nest, holding the child in its talons. I held my stun gun in my left hand and rubbed the red portion of my button with my right, and I was beside the reptile on the rim of the nest. I knew that if I used my stun gun on the flying reptile, while it was holding the child, it would also stun the child. I severed the reptile’s head with my laser. When the reptile fell, I grabbed the child, preventing her from falling to the ground fifty meters below. Then I rubbed the white portion of my button, and we were instantly back on the ground.

  I handed the child to Jan-3, who was busy trying to console the child’s mother. The little girl wasn’t seriously hurt, but she had been terribly frightened and was sobbing. The humanoids dropped to their knees and raised their hands in an act of worship. The crew and I stooped to pick them up, and I tried to explain that we were not gods. It was beyond their ability to understand who we were, or why we were on their planet.

  The hominids were short, with long, hairy arms hanging from stooped but muscular shoulders. The females gathered around the women in our crew, wanting to feel their hair and examine their clothes. Jan-3 and the other women in our crew were holding and cuddling the babies, and playing with the children.

  The children, not understanding the limitations of the Earth women, scampered up into the trees with the ease of monkeys, expecting Jan-3 and her companions to follow. The babies responded like babies everywhere; they liked being cuddled.

  The primitive men examined us cautiously, their faces expressing both fear and awe. They offered us food, but it smelled terrible, so we declined.

  Using her knowledge of anthropology, Jan-3 said, “These people are in the same developmental stage that we Earth humans were when we were tree dwellers. They will not be able to come down from the trees and move into caves until they have a way to protect themselves. They need fire. Gus, do you think it would be all right for us to show them how to make and use fire?”