AN: It took me a little longer to get into the story, but now I have a direction and a changed plot in mind. This chapter has still more explanations than action, but that will change soon. At one point I made a reference to another story of mine (Behind the veil) and that with good reason. But more of this later ;-)...Please read and enjoy! And if you like to say something, leave a little review!
The fire had burned down and apart from the sounds of the forest at night, it was quiet. Jerry, Doug and Tony sat together on a blanket, each of them deep in thoughts. Jerry, who couldn't fathom, that their plan did work, allowed himself the feeling of relief. Phillips and Newman on the other hand had much to contemplate, after what Jerry had told them.
The three men looked up, when Niles came over to them.
"Try to get some sleep, all of you!"
Turning to Doug and Tony, he added:
"We'll meet tomorrow with a group of scientists that come directly from the former state of California. It is time that we do something about the people who want to turn the rest of humanity into hunters and gatherers again."
He handed the two time travelers each a blanket and wished them a good night.
It wasn't really a good night, but when they awoke, they felt less exhausted and the pains from the last transfer were gone.
They washed themselves at the brook, and then went back to the camp, from which it clearly smelled of coffee.
Jerry waved to them and a petite woman with red curly hair pressed them a tin cup in hand. She looked at the two of them curious and as Newman answered that look questioningly, she smiled at him.
"Good to see you again, Dr. Newman."
When he moved his eyebrows, she smiled again.
"You don't remember me, right?"
She gave Jerry a cup and turned away. Even while walking, she said to Tony:
"Melissa Davis. Computer expert. I was mostly busy on the processors in the main control room."
Now it dawned on him. He had been for a few times with the young woman, while she saved calculations or results for him. She had brought him, just like now, coffee and they had exchanged a few words. Miss Davis had begun on the same day as he to work for Project Tic Toc.
Newman grinned.
"My memory is not what it once was."
Melissa Davis turned around.
"Apology accepted!" and winked at him.
Still grinning, he sat down with Doug and Jerry.
" How many people from our project are in this group? "
Jerry shrugged his shoulders.
"Only few, maybe four or five. "
Phillips had been silent and just watched what was going on around him. Jerry had told them the night before what had happened. The fact that there had been a war, that changed the whole world and brought mankind to the brink of ruin. That this war suddenly two years ago came to an end. Not because reason was victorious, much more because the resources were depleted. And that now as the destruction should be repaired, Culprits were sought. After 27 years of war, different groups, who wanted to rule, were formed. But most of these groups pursued their own goals. Only one thing they had in common: They made science responsible for the extent of the destruction. And even if Project Tic Toc was top secret, amazingly many people knew about it. It was easy to say that the time travelers were to blame. For the war in the first place, but also for the destruction of the known civilization.
That was the beginning of the witch hunt against the people who worked for Tic Toc, but also for all other scientists and people who had something to do even remotely with science.
It was not logical and Phillips racked his brain, if he and Tony had not yet triggered a paradox in one of their adventures.
And then Briggs had told of how Dr. Swain, General Kirk, himself and Sergeant Jiggs had remained until the end of 1975 in the tunnel complex. When it was ultimately inevitable, they had traveled to the year 2000 through the time tunnel. He also said that they had exempted the members of the team, whether they wanted to stay or rather wanted to go home to their families. There were surprisingly many who remained, and then went into an uncertain future.
According to Jerry's report, Ray probably had created something of an evacuation plan and if everything had worked properly, they would have arrived at the same place at the same time. But that was not the case. The team was scattered all over the world. And even now, in 2002, Jerry did not know if all that had gone through the time tunnel, actually landed in the future. There were hardly any communication facilities. Telephone, television, and radio no longer worked and when it went to the "new" rulers that would remain so.
Silently Doug drank his coffee, ate something that was offered to him without knowing what he ate. The question that was foremost on his mind, he had not asked. And Briggs had told nothing of her. Phillips assumed that Jerry did not know that Dr. MacGregor was important to him.
Tony, who has always been the more impatient of the two, knew no restraint. He had sat down to Melissa Davis and she told him everything she knew. Even if she did not belong to the inner circle of the team, she knew much of what was going on.
Later Newman and Phillips met at the brook and talked about what they have learned. Yet they did not understand everything, it was too fantastic, to utopian and yet they were aware that they've landed in a reality that was like a nightmare.
Tony had picked up some pebbles and threw them now gradually into the water as he watched his friend, who seemed to be miles away in thought.
"What do we do now, Doug? Stay with the people here? Make our way alone to ... yes, to what to do, anyway?"
Phillips was startled out of his thoughts.
"I do not know, Tony. I ... I'd like to know what happened to Ann. Jerry has not mentioned her."
"But Melissa had!"
"Who is Melissa?"
Tony explained it to Doug and added:
"According to Melissa, Ann went first through the tunnel. Against her will. But Kirk and Swain wanted to keep her safe. Till now no one has heard from her."
He hesitated a moment.
"It could be that Jerry knows something about her. He's not long with the people here. And Melissa has talked to him when he once was drunk. He said something about Ann, but she was not the wiser after the talk."
Phillips nodded absently.
"The question is, are we stranded here? Is the tunnel still functional? Will we be offset against our will, because we are still connected to the time vortex?"
Tony shook his head.
"No clue, but the pain and the strange sensation after the transfer can also mean that the connection is torn. Has Jerry said, what would happen to us when the team went away?"
"No, I have the feeling that he conceals something. Maybe we should wait for this other group and then decide what to do."
"I agree with you, Doug. And until then, we should learn as much as possible about this time.
From all what I've heard and seen so far, we're in a world, where only the strong survive. According to Melissa there is a town not far from here, where the group will gather supplies. That is to say we will plunder the houses and stores that aren't occupied. And if people live there, maybe we have to fight. Look at them, Doug. Would you believe, that they were civilized, serious scientists? They look like a bunch of outlaws."
"Mmh, but what shall we do? Starve to death because we like to stay as we are? Or it is better to adapt to this new kind of existence, so that we have the chance to reach the tunnel complex and undo this war and its aftermath."
"Well so we shall also plunder and steal?"
"Tony, I like this idea as little as you, but if it's inevitable, we will do it. If only to live to reach our goal."
Newman shrugged.
"What if the tunnel doesn't exists anymore? What if Ann, Ray and Kirk are dead?"
"I don't want to give up, Tony. I will find them. Or at least a trace of them. Maybe this other group had information's. And after the meeting I will have a word with Jerry Briggs. He seems so changed and I can't get rid of the feeling, that he hide a lot from us."
Tony shrugged again.
"Maybe you're right, Doug. We are only here since yesterday and I'm more than confused."
"Same here, Tony."
********************************TT**********************************
The night air was balmy and the dark sky full of stars. Ann MacGregor stood at the railing and looked at the wide expanse of the sea. It was the third day of her travel and never before in the past two years she felt so relaxed and secure. If it was the presence of not only Bill Banders but also Sergeant Jiggs, who served as first officer of the ship, or the messages she received by Bill, she didn't know. But it was nice not have to fight for food or water, for shelter or for the naked life. She was exhausted, more than she liked to admit.
She took a look around, but she was the only one on deck. The other passengers were, to her relief, refugees like herself. Among them was a couple with a little daughter. The girl named Kathleen quickly gained confidence in Ann. And Ann liked the child, even if it was a reminder of things, that she wanted in her life, but would never have. Ann knew that she should be careful who she trusts, but when the parents of Kathleen told her, that they had to flee, because she was a physician and he an astrophysicist, she opened up to them, if only a little. The blonde wig and a fake identity gave her security, because she did not look like herself anymore. Betty and John Dermott confided to Ann, who went by the name of Angela Bernheim, that they were on the way to Germany.
Reports said, that Europe wasn't as much damaged than the rest of the world, even if that doesn't meant much. At least the hunt for scientists wasn't in high gear. And as Ann hesitantly told them, that she too was on the way to Berlin, the seemingly happy couple invited her to stay with them, as long as she wished. Ann thanked them, but as she wasn't sure what the near future had in store for her, she declined, with the promise to stay in touch with them and Kathleen of course.
With a small smile on her lips she looked up to the starry sky. The papers, that Bill gave her, had lifted a little the weight from her heart. It were letters from General Kirk and Dr. Swain which explained a lot. She read them again and again until she knew them by heart. On one hand, now she knew what had happened after she was gone, but on the other hand, she was alone like before. The longing for the people who were dear to her, was as strong as before. And the longing for the man her heart belonged to, was indescribable. And if she would ever see him again, was not even written in the stars.
She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice that Bill Banders stood beside her.
Only when he cleared his throat, Ann turned her head to the side.
She smiled. Bill was still the man for all cases, like he was when he worked for Project Tic Toc, He and Jiggs were thick as thieves then and now. Jiggs, who always seemed so stern and serious, had as much mischief in mind like Bill. And both of them were absolutely reliable. If they promised something, it was just as good as if it were already done. It was good to have such friends in this chaotic times. And Ann was very thankful that she had met the two of them again.
Banders cleared his throat again.
"Won't you come in, it gets colder."
Now that Bill had said it, she realized that a cool wind was blowing.
"Are you worried about my health? Or is there anything else what you want to tell me?"
"Since when can you read minds?" he joked, but became earnest at once.
"We have news, Ann. The other passengers are in their quarters, so we can talk in the Mess Hall, if one can describe this lousy excuse for a canteen in that way."
Ann's mind raced immediately. What could have happened? And how came Jiggs and Bill of news. The last question she immediately rejected. Jiggs and Bill were earlier able to find everything without anyone knew how they did it. Why should this have changed.
Bill smiled reassuring.
"Don't worry, it's not too bad."
After she doffed her coat and brought it into her room, she went to the Mess Hall. Even if Bill always grumbled about it, the room was big enough and cozy. The cook was one of the employees from the former staff canteen at Tic Toc and he tried to make the Mess Hall friendlier. Somehow Ann felt at home since the first meal she had have on board of this ship.. Jiggs opened a bottle of wine and Ann didn't ask, from where he had it.
"Out with it, Bill, Jiggs. I'm not accustomed anymore to wait for news."
Both men shared a look, but it was Jiggs, who spoke.
"We received the signal, Dr. MacGregor!"
Uncomprehendingly she looked at the man.
"The signal? What signal?"
Bill handed the scientist a glass of wine.
"Relax, it will take some time to explain."
Ann took a sip and leaned back in her chair.
"I'll listen closely!"
Jiggs nodded and continued.
"After you were gone through the tunnel, it was soon clear, that this war wasn't a thing of a moment. Dr. Swain, Dr. Briggs and some of the other scientists tried to transfer Newman and Phillips into your time line, to no avail. Sometimes they had them on the view screen, sometimes they had you on the view screen, but never they could establish a voice connection. Then Dr. Swain had an idea. I can't give you the technical details, because I'm no scientist, only a soldier. And even Bill, who has more knowledge about all things, can't explain, what they have done or tried to do.
All I know is, that General Kirk took care of the concealment of the Tunnel Complex and Ray, Jerry and some others developed a program, that should send Newman and Phillips into the year 2002. If this would be the case, the tunnel should be destroyed automatically. Then the signal would be sent to all of us. I don't know how many have the required equipment available. Our ship may look like a wreck, but it is much more than meets the eye. We received the signal as well as Kirk and Swain and some others. And Kirk had a short radio contact with Bill. The plan was changed.
Our ship will go, as intended, to Hamburg. Our passengers will leave us, with one exception. You will sail with us first to the Caribbean, until Kirk can contact you."
Ann had listened closely to the moment as Jiggs told, whereby the signal was triggered.
"Does that mean that Doug is here in this time line? And Tony too? "
Bill and Jiggs smiled.
"If everything went according to the plan, they should be in this time. But we don't know where they are."
"Can we, I mean, have we the opportunity to locate them?"
"No, all we can hope for is, that they met some other former Tic Toc employees. And that Kirk and Ray find a way to contact them. You know, that they are in Australia?"
"Then why should I go to the Caribbean? Why not to Australia, to find them and together we can try to find Doug and Tony, and the others. And why didn't they mentioned this program in their letters?" She thought for a moment.
"I could go back to the USA. You know, that I have met Jerry there and I know the group in which he is a member."
"Because Kirk fears for your safety and for the things you have with you, he thought it best, if you are as far from the USA as possible."
"Can we make radio contact with Kirk again? I need to speak with him."
"No, he will contact us, please have patience."
"Of course. If you would excuse me. I need to think."
Bill accompanied her to the door.
"If you need to talk with someone, we are here for you, you know?"
With a little smile Ann breathed a chaste kiss on Bill's cheek.
"Thank you for being such a good friend. You and Jiggs. But just now, I need some time for me alone. Sleep well, we'll see us at breakfast."
********************************TT**********************************
Tony closed the zipper of his jacket and went over to Doug. He grinned a bit, because his friend looked strange without his suit. The khaki pants and black T-shirt was a sight, on which he only would get used to with time. Just like Tony, Phillips had pulled on a thick padded leather jacket.
The expected group had not yet arrived in the afternoon. So Niles Harrison, who was something like the leader of the squad, had decided that they would pay the small town, which was about 5 miles away, a visit.
And for the first time since their arrival Doug and Tony became aware of the extent of the destruction. The forest in which they have landed seemed to be an exception. Desert, ruins, destroyed buildings were everywhere. Abandoned cars at the roadside, if there still were roads. The desolation that triggered this sight in the two time travelers was greater than any despair that they had experienced many times in their adventures.
To their great relief, the village was deserted. First, Newman and Phillips participated only reluctantly in what Niles called a "shopping spree". But they quickly came to the realization that the people, who had brought them to their campfire, were no outlaws. They took what they thought necessary, but only as much as they needed. Niles advised Doug and Tony to seek other clothing and ultimately there were also a few electrical devices that Jerry packed into a van that was still roadworthy. And they were lucky, Tony discovered a gas station where there seemed to be sufficient gasoline. The van was fueled and they filled a few spare tanks. Of course it would not last for all eternity, but after Doug had tested two jeeps and even these were still roadworthy, Niles slapped him on the shoulder and said that they were from now on no longer guests, but members of the small community.
The way back was much easier with the cars and when they arrived, the camp was filled with strangers. Harrison was looking for familiar faces and found them apparently fast.
"Hey Theofanos, Eleni!"
While Niles welcomed the two relatively young people, Tony saw, how Melissa Davis suddenly stood like thunderstruck
"What is it, Melissa?"
"Nothing, Tony, I will tell you later, first I have to get out of here."
Shortly thereafter, the astonished Tony had lost sight of her.
Shaking his head, Newman went to the fire, which was newly rekindled. He saw Jerry came by together with a dark haired, broad-shouldered man. It was obvious that they knew each other. Tony was startled when Doug suddenly spoke beside him:
"Do you know this man? I mean the guy who is with Jerry?"
"No. Why do you ask?"
"For a moment I thought, I've seen him before, but I'm not sure, from where I should know him."
Phillips looked at Jerry and the unknown man.
"I had the feeling that he wanted to come over to us. But Briggs stopped him."
Tony shrugged.
"Maybe they know each other from former times and Jerry wanted to talk to him in private."
From their point it seemed that Jerry had a heated discussion with the newcomer and now also Tony was suspicious, especially when the stranger turned to Phillips and Newmans direction and Briggs grabbed for his arm, to get hold of him. But at last the stranger freed himself from Briggs grip and greeted the time travelers.
"Dr. Phillips, Dr. Newman! I'm very glad to see you alive! Excuse my manners, you will not know me. I'm Ted Marshall, Dr. Ted Marshall. I'm...I was the replacement for Dr. Burkhardt at Tic Toc."
Tony's and Doug's faces lit up.
Doug reached out his hand and Dr. Marshall shook it vehemently.
Phillips thought for a second.
"Now I know, where I've seen you." He turned to his colleague.
"Tony, do you remember our adventure in Vienna? When we where in the tunnel, but halfway in another dimension? I've seen Dr. Marshal in the main control room. But I don't think, he has seen me!"
The physician shook his head.
"No, I hadn't the pleasure. But now...it is really good to meet you. When yesterday I received the signal, I couldn't believe that the insane plan of Ray Swain eventually works."
Tony held up his hand.
"Just a moment. What signal, what plan?"
Ted Marshal grinned.
"Let's sit at the fire and talk. I will try to explain it to you, all of it, as far as I'm involved."
***************************TT**********************
One could believe that the two men who were sitting on a rock by the sea, were on vacation. But this would be a mistaken impression. The fishing rods weren't for pleasure in the water, but to provide today's lunch. When from far away they heard the sound of a motor, the taller of the two picked up a rifle and climbed down.
A car, that had maybe seen better times, came to a stop and a man got out, with his hands in the air.
"Woody, it's only me!"
General Kirk lowered the rifle.
"Leroy! Where from do you come? I thought you were in San Francisco?"
The man with the thinning hair smiled wryly.
"What is still there of San Francisco isn't much. I've actually found a functional airplane and a pilot who brought me here. I need you and Ray. The signal was sent yesterday. "
"We know, and we had radio contact with Bill Banders, you know him?"
"Of course."
Kirk waved to Ray.
"Ann is on board of his ship."
"That's good, but not so important right now. It is time that we come into action. If Phillips and Newman are actually at this time, then we need to find all people, which had to do with Tic Toc and bring them together at one place. "
"That will not be easy, Leroy. And we agreed, that here in Australia we have very good conditions."
Meanwhile, Dr. Raymond Swain had joined the two men.
"Hello Senator Clarke."
Clarke chuckled.
"Hello, Dr. Swain. Long time, that I have heard this title, but maybe it is time to be a
Senator again. Mrs. Franklin, the leader of the Eastern Union, as she calls her group, is gaining more and more followers. Although she don't want that our civilization will be restored, but at least she is moderate in her aversion to progress and also scientists. And she takes the history of our time tunnel for a fairy tale. I will join her and tell her that I'm my own son, so to speak. Just in case that my name still has any meaning."
Kirk nodded.
"And what, in your opinion, should we do?"
"First, give up your hermitage. Fly back with me to America. The Tunnel Complex is destroyed, but the Special Army base still exists. As far as I know it is deserted. And I don't think anyone still remember it. Just think of the possibilities that open up."
Kirk shook his head.
"It's a far fetched idea, Leroy. Without Phillips, Newman and MacGregor the chances to change things are zero. But I will follow you."
"Me too," added Swain.
They send a last longing look at the beach and the sea, before the car brought them away. Somehow the idea to stay here and live only from day to day was not so bad as they had thought. But now it was too late. They had to face the harsh reality and made the best of it.
TBC...