Oct. 8, 1939, Crosley Field, Cincinnati
"I know you'd rather be at the Moulin Rouge," Jeffrey said as he settled back into the stadium chair. "You always said you couldn't wait for me to grow up."
Bogg laughed and took a bite from his hot dog. "Yeah, I didn't mean it, though. This is great. You're a nice wholesome influence on me."
Jeff looked at him a bit nervously. "You'll still visit once I'm at Voyager Academy, right?"
"You know it, kid," Phineas smiled. "I'm your guardian until you're 18, so I have to make sure you're studying more than I ever did. Be a waste for you to follow in my footsteps."
"Doubt that," Jeffrey said. "You're still the best Voyager there is."
"You'll need to fix that, then," Bogg said, winking at the boy. "At 17, you'll not be the youngest Voyager for long, but you'll definitely be the best. You know, grabbing you out of that window is still the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me."
"I can't imagine how Voyager Academy is going to teach me more than you have," Jeff said.
"Just different," Bogg said. "Don't you worry. I'll be around, and you have a whole eager support team at headquarters."
"I'm not worried exactly. I'd just rather …"
"You need to go to the Academy," Bogg said. "We've already talked about this."
"I know. I'll just …" Jeff's voice trailed off.
"I'll miss you, too, Jeffrey," Bogg said. "But it's part of growing up. I have something for you, by the way."
He held out a box. "Happy Birthday, kid."
"You even wrapped it," Jeff laughed. "I guess 17 is a special birthday."
Bogg smiled. "Smart kids give me a pain. Just open it."
Jeff tore the wrapping paper and opened the small square box. He drew in his breath. It was a belt buckle, identical to Bogg's , with a falcon.
"Bogg, you had this made … for me?"
"Something to remind you," Bogg said, shrugging. "I thought you'd like it. You do like it?"
"I love it. I just don't know what to say."
"Thanks is good."
"Thank you," Jeff said and hugged his guardian. "Are you sure …"
"Jeffrey, it's time for you to get the education you need to do this job even better," Bogg said sternly. "But don't you think you'll not be part of my life. You're my family, and I'm yours. That won't change. Like always, it's crazy but OK."
"Yeah," Jeff said softly. "I know, but …"
"But nothing," Phineas said. "Won't change. It would be the same it would if you went to college in the regular time stream. You're my kid, and you'll be my kid until you're my age and older. I love you, but it's time."
"I love you, too, Bogg," Jeff said.
"Watch the game," Bogg said as he ruffled Jeff's hair. "It was your birthday wish to be here."