by Unknown
Tom-Tom…I am on a desperate mission. You must accompany me.
“I’ve had a feeling that you might be showing up,” I answered.
Your original and his brood require your assistance, he added.
My brother and his brood required my assistance? Seems I had hear that before, only the table had turned. Before, it was I, Tom-Tom who needed the assistance. This time, it was my original who might be in a pickle.
I bet it has something to do with the nightmare, I thought.
You might be wondering how I could hear Monroe without a communications helmet. Well, since you have gone technical on me, I suppose you will require an explanation.
Tom had to wear one, as did all the originals, in order to communicate with their future generation telepathic kinfolk. We clones have a communications microchip, as well as a tracking device, installed somewhere in our body. So, there is no need for a helmet. For those of you that keep track of all the technical stuff, this should satisfy your enquiry. Now, let’s get back to the story, shall we?
The next thing I know, I was standing in the transfer room aboard Monroe’s Mothership. There will probably be talk of a UFO in tomorrow’s news.
There in an adjoining tiny, almost claustrophobic cubical, that I recognized from my previous travel, sat Monroe in his boring gray metallic cloth suit. Still the same old dull fashion that would most definitely receive a ghastly review at any fashion show of our time period.
At least I thought my abductor to be Monroe. It was hard to tell our future descendants from one another, as they all looked alike. He didn’t seemed to have aged a bit. Keep in mind, it had been 37 years since I replaced Tom and last saw Monroe.
Greetings Tom-Tom. My apologies for interrupting your boring evening. Since you have learned to melt your memory block, you are aware who I am, where I have traveled from, your true identity, and why you are here. I anticipate you will not object to joining me, since your brother, Tom, is in a desperate situation that I trust you would be willing to help resolve, Monroe said telepathically.
It was Monroe all right. I recognized his thought.
As in most abductions, I might not have much of a choice as to whether I wanted to go or not.
Holy Mackerel! Looks like the table has turned. It’s now Tom who needs my help.
I’m heading back to the future, to discover what in the world Tom had gotten himself into. What I discover might knock your socks off.
CHAPTER NINE
A New Revelation
Before we depart, there is another I must retrieve, Monroe stated.
Another? Wonder who that might be? I thought as I shot him an inquisitive glance.
Bet you’re thinking Claudia, my first wife’s clone. Actually, she was going by CJ these days. Well, to be honest, that was my first thought too. We both would be wrong. It turned out to be the last person on earth I would have imagined. Well, maybe not the last. But close to it.
The Mothership’s transfer room was in the lower central part of the ship. How people were transferred from the surface to the ship was…you guessed it… need to know. I knew it wasn’t like in Star Trek, where all your body modules are scrambled and transported to the ship in a beam of light and then reassembled. Don’t know if I’d like that. All I know is that I am at one spot one moment and then magically appear aboard the spaceship the next. I had asked Monroe how it worked. He told me the answer was beyond my comprehension.
You must go to the bridge, Tom-Tom. No other person can be in the transfer room during a transfer, Monroe pointed out.
He was sitting in a chair that spun a full 360-degrees as he manipulated controls on a circular transparent instrument control panel that was suspended in mid-air.
In the middle of the panel, I noticed a large sphere that hovered and rotated, ever so slightly. It looked to be a hologram or pictogram that resembled Earth. There were many tiny colored lights flashing around the sphere.
Monroe made an imperceptible gesture with his hand, the great panorama faded from view, leaving only a shadowy blankness of indeterminate depth.
He then noticed my observation and inquisitive expression.
“Wow! Is that sphere what I think it is?” I asked.
Yes, you are correct. It is our planet. Each flashing light represents a clone who had replaced their original, he replied without much emotion. They each have a tracking device implanted in their communications chip so that we can identify their locations, he explained further.
There appeared to have been at least 100 flashing lights of two colors scattered across the globe. I would eventually discover that a blue color meant a male clone while the color pink indicated a female. Some things never change.
You and CJ are not the only clones to discovered a method to melt our mind blocks. There are several other clones who are aware of their true identity. Fortunately, not enough for it to be a concern or problem.
“Do I know any of them?”
I cannot reveal any further information. You have already learned more than most clones in your timeframe. Any further information could be dangerous to your health.
“Whoa! Hold on a second. I’m not a threat to national security. Surely, you remember that Tom was cleared for top secret information while in the Navy,” I reminded him. “That means I too, have a top secret clearance, so what’s with all the secrecy?”
I am well aware of that fact, he added, giving me that ‘don’t ask any more questions look’. But I asked another one just the same, which seemed to irritate him even more.
“Who is this other that you have to retrieve? Anyone I might know?”
Not to my surprise, he replied. You will discover their identity in due time. Meanwhile, please take the entrance to your right and follow the signs that will lead you to the bridge. As soon as I retrieve the other, we will join you.
I could tell his equilibrium was being disturbed with all my questions, so I followed his instructions and made my way to the bridge, all the while picking my brain as to who this ‘other’ might be.
On the bridge were two of the Warriors that Tom had encountered on his trip to the future. They hadn’t aged a bit. If you remember, Monroe had told me they are genetically engineered to provide security in the one world order of the future. Their human form more closely resembled our generation.
They were around 75 inches in height. Tall for this future generation. They had distinct, attractive facial features with unblemished olive complexions and deep blue sea eyes. Their hair was mid-length blond-white. They could have been twins as it was difficult to tell them apart, except for their gender. The female stuck out like a sore thumb. They both wore a one-piece uniform that conformed tightly to their perfectly proportional Olympic athlete bodies.
Both were extremely graceful and portrayed a gentle, but firm expression. They could communicate both verbally and telepathically.
The female Warrior gave me a flirting smile and a suggestive wink when I looked at her. Her vibes suggested I might taste as good as a slice of grandma’s homemade hot apple pie. I sensed that we must know one another, but couldn’t quite put my finger on where or when. Could have been one of Tom’s memories since we share the same ones. I’m sensing they had a most enjoyable time together.
There were also two other beings on deck who resembled Monroe. They paid me no attention nor bothered with introductions, as they continued with their tasks.
I sat down on a chair that was the most comfortable chair I had ever sat on. It was a wonder I didn’t fall asleep. It swirled around in a complete circle and relaxed every bone in my body. It wasn’t attached to the floor or a wall. It floated in mid-air. Sitting in it felt like being in seventh heaven and on cloud nine.
When I finally returned to reality, I observed I was sitting next to the time and date instrument panel. The upper half read 2019 (GMT) 10/12/2015, while the lower part displayed 2019 (GMT) 10/12/2228.
Well, I’ll be darn, it occurred to me it was Tom’s daughter’s
birthday. I’ll have to remember to POKE her on Facebook when I get back. If I get back? For some strange reason, I had a queasy feeling that this might be my final journey.
I sat there for some time pondering that thought. Something mighty important had prompted Monroe to retrieve me and another. My imagination started to run wild.
Have the Warriors gone rogue? They weren’t acting any different. Maybe Tom was getting homesick. But if that were the case, surely he would be here for the exchange. Is there something physically or mentally wrong with me? My mind was racing a mile a minute.
But each minute seemed to drag by, the next slower than the past. The song ‘Dragging the Line’ popped to mind.
I feel fine.
I’m talking about peace of mind.
I’m gonna take my time.
I’m getting to good times.
I’m draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line).
Aside from the feeling this would be my last journey, I was curious and anxious to know who this ‘other’ would be. I’m sure you are too.
One minute turned into two, which turned into three minutes. I started tapping my feet, biting my nails, and twiddling my thumbs. Darn if I wasn’t getting a urge for smoke.
Come on Monroe…Your draggin’ the line.
Finally… the door sprang open, and I spun the chair around to see who this ‘other’ would be. Monroe stepped onto the bridge. All eyes turned and were glued on Monroe to see who would enter the room behind him.
In stepped the ‘other’.
My jaw dropped, as the shock almost sent me into cardiac arrest. I bet the look on my face would have stopped all granddaddy’s clocks. They would surely be broke now, ’cause all of a sudden, time stood still.
Standby, this picture has become distorted and the Kid requires time to sort through another intriguing dilemma.
CHAPTER TEN
Improbable
The other just happened to be…‘the apple of my eye’, my wife, Karen.
So what in the world was she doing here on Monroe’s ship and in this part of the story? I’m not having another one of those dreams, am I? Bet you can’t wait to hear this rationalization, if there is one.
“Monroe says he needs my help as well,” were the first words out of Karen’s mouth.
She looked me in the eye, smiled, and walked up to give me a gentle hug. With a wistful smile, I smoothed her short brown hair and pecked her forehead. But my smile soon faded as a troubled look appeared on her face.
Karen, bless her heart, was always one to help. I suppose this situation was one she couldn’t resist. But then again, she was probably like me and didn’t really have a choice.
“He said I was additional insurance. My original seems to be involved in this situation too. So, as you can see, I am not coming along just for the ride,” she added, with a tiny bit of mockery in her voice.
Her words almost floored me.
“Your original? For cryin’ out loud, you mean to tell me that I’ve been sleeping with a clone?”
“Knock knock, SashMo. While you were fasting and abstaining…I was too. You weren’t the only one who had a revelation,” she replied, rolling her beautiful brown eyes.
SashMo was her nickname for me when she gets irritated with me or wants to make a point. Sort of like when you’re young and the parent shouts out your full birth certificate name.
Surprises never seem to cease in this story. But when you stop to think about it, duh, how could I have not known?
I had told Karen that I had a medical condition, and my doctor had advised me to fast and abstain from sexual activity for a while. Being a good wife, she supported me along the way. It never occurred to me that she would be going through the same conditions. And then, to find herself to be a clone too. Never in a billion years!
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.
“I kept wanting to, but you were so involved in writing your books. I didn’t want to disturb your story. I was waiting for the right moment. I suppose this is that moment.”
Wow! Hadn’t seen that one coming. How about you sport fans.
“Okay. So when were you abducted and cloned?” I was dying to know.
“Right after my divorce with Rick,” she said.
Rick was her previous husband.
“So honey, what’s your clone name?”
“Caren,” she replied. “With a ‘C’, instead of a ‘K.’”
Now if that don’t beat all, I thought.
“So Monroe plucked you from your Women’s Club meeting?”
“No, the meeting let out early because of the storm. I had just gotten back to the house and was closing the garage door. Next thing I know Monroe is introducing himself.”
Sorry to interrupt, but it is time to sit and fasten your seat belts. I am required to return as soon as possible, Monroe said. His hands twitched over a instrument panel. Once we arrive, there will be sufficient time for the two of you to interact.
“You can’t even give us a hint as to why we are needed so badly,” I asked him out loud, as I wanted Caren to hear also.
In due time Tom-Tom. You older generations seem so impatient.
“Can you hear Monroe?” I asked Caren.
“Of course,” she said.
Remember that Monroe can hear me when I speak out loud. There was nothing wrong with his hearing. He just couldn’t speak out loud.
“Well, Monroe, what would you say and do if we told you we didn’t want to go with you?”
It’s not that I didn’t want to go, ’cause you know me and my restless, adventurous spirit by now. I just kind of like to see if I can get under his skin now and then. Being an agitator has always been a part of my nature. Sometimes it is referred to as ‘pulling one’s chain’ or ‘rocking the boat’. Monroe seemed so…what’s the word…stiff, or maybe I should say, straight as an arrow type.
We are family. Why would you not want to assist me? He asked.
“Excellent point Monroe,” Caren added her two cents worth.
I could only smile and shake my head at his question. He certainly got me with that one.
“Monroe, you are definitely a chip off the old block,” I chuckled.
I could see in his eyes and posture that that last statement was beyond his comprehension.
I figured this might be a good time to try and lighten him up by playing a joke on him. I walked up to him and put my finger on his boring outfit, right under his chin.
“How did this speck get on your shirt?”
When he lowered his head to see what I was referring to, I raised my finger and poked him under the chin, under his tiny nose.
“Got’cha,” I laughed, displaying my thumb through my fist, making it look like I had snatched off his little nose.
He looked at me as if I had to be the dumbest person in the world.
I fail to comprehend the humor in that gesture.
“Ah, come on Monroe, lighten up.”
What is it that I am required to light?
“Hopefully, someday I will be able to get a smile out of you, and you will be able to understand what I say.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Caren added.
“Okay…not to change the subject, but it’s time for some of the devil’s music…Let’s rock and roll,” Caren remarked, as she sat down and buckled up.
“Great idea, sweetheart. Let’s get this show on the road,” I said, sitting and buckling up.
Caren’s rock and roll remark got me singing:
Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll.
The kinda of music just soothes the soul…
I reminisce about the days of old…Caren joined me in the last verse.
Give me that old time rock and roll…
“Hey, Monroe, do you guys still do Karaoke in the future?”
I am unfamiliar with that vegetable.
What? He thought Karaoke was a veggie? Now how could he ever think that?
Man, we got a serious g
eneration gap here. Usually, it is the other way around.
“I hope we won’t be gone too long,” Caren interjected. “You know I have a Women’s Club meeting Monday.”
I reached over and squeezed her hand.
“Don’t fret honey. The Cardinals are in the playoffs. They have a good chance to go to the World Series again. Monroe surely knows I can’t be missing that, so he will have us back in plenty of time. We won’t even be missed. Right Monroe?”
I would not count on it, he said, as he waved his hand to engage the time mechanism.
Before you could snap your finger, the time and date panels registered the same time and date: 2047 (GMT), 10/12/2228.
In less than a New York Minute, we were ‘back in the future’.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Back to the Future
What happened to the base at Easter Island? Didn’t you have to go there to initiate time travel? I thought to Monroe.
There is no further requirement for Easter Island. A time apparatus is currently installed on all our flying vessels. Modern technology, Tom-Tom, Monroe said, with a hint of pride in his thought. All our flying vessels can now travel through time and anywhere on the planet.
I glazed through the skylight dome on the flight deck. It had a 360-degree view. I could barely make out the Lake Waukomis Dam, but there was very little water in the lake. Didn’t see any hyperactive squirrels navigating the barren trees, nor a dog pestering a neighbor, nor any irritating honking geese. Old ruined structures that we once called house and home were scattered about. Most were leaning badly and those that weren’t, had collapsed in a pile of rubble. Decayed pontoon boats were scattered about by their docks that were now sitting on dry land. It looked to be a pontoon boat graveyard.
There was not a living thing in sight. I was staring at a wasteland. My Lake Waukomis paradise no longer existed here in the future.
The Mothership accelerated as we flew into the wild blue yonder. In a jiffy, we were traveling above the horizon and approaching a Dome city.