Chapter 10 – A New Home.
Eddie paced the living room of the old Bishop's house at Raiden Lake were they'd been staying the last few days.
Astrid chuckled watching the young man. "You're going to wear a hole and fall into the basement if you keep up like that."
"It's been almost a day since she crossed over," he stopped and turned to Astrid, "What if they arrested her or something?"
"Relax Eddie. There's no reason they would do that." Astrid put down the book she'd been reading. "When the bridge closed, we were on good terms with them. We were working together to defeat the new shapeshifters. Lincoln even told me that we were considered heroes on the other side, for helping their world to heal."
"Lincoln? That's the guy you told us about, right? The guy who used to work with you and my aunt, the one who stayed on the other side when the bridge closed?"
"Yes, he's an old friend and a former member of our Fringe team. He decided to stay there when we severed the bridge. I really hope he is okay, I'd really love to see him and the other members of their Fringe Division team again."
"I still don't know if it's a good idea, us crossing over." Eddie turned to Donald, who was fiddling with a selection of electronic parts scattered over the living room table. "I mean, first you tell us that we can't go with Etta to the past because we would need drugs to recover from the trip and now you want us to cross over to an Alternate Universe?"
Donald looked up from his work to gaze at him as impassively as always. "Those are totally different things my young friend," he set the parts aside and gave Eddie his full attention. "We will be crossing over with Etta. She has the ability to bend the fabric of both universes without damaging the integrity of the space. She will not cause harm to herself nor to whatever and whomever she takes along with her. Exactly as her mother was able to do."
"Exactly the same way the Bridge worked, a stable corridor," Astrid interjected, "people were able to go back and forth all the time without any problems whatsoever."
"Yes, that is correct," Donald nodded to Astrid.
"Okay, I get it. So why is travelling to the past so dangerous? Isn't it supposed to be the same thing?"
"No Edward. We will be using technology to facilitate time travel, while your cousin uses her natural ability to jump universes. The device we will use to travel in time is based on the Dizray machine Etta's grandfather designed. As you may recall, it is a teleportation machine that affects the subject's body at an atomic level. It will teleport us to the past. The last person that used a prototype of that machine was David Robert Jones in the original timeline. He had to recover in a modified decompression chamber for many hours. We will not have such luxury once we arrive there, nor will we have access to the drugs that would be required to replace the need for decompression."
Eddie listened without saying a word. He continued to pace the living room deep in thought. After a few minutes he stopped and turned to Donald, "Maybe the other side has one of those chambers, or drugs similar to what we'd need."
Once again Donald paused his task and turned to the young man, "It is a possibility, although I have doubts they will. I do not believe that they possess technology similar to the Dizray machine, although they are technologically advanced compared to this universe. Therefore it is most unlikely they would develop drugs or the chamber required to counter the effects of a device they do not possess."
Eddie huffed, frustrated by both the waiting and for, once again, having his hopes of travelling with Etta burned to the ground. He slumped on one of the couches. "This waiting is killing me," he complained.
They remained quiet for the next few minutes, each of them engrossed in their own tasks and thoughts, though in Eddie's case, the lull was plagued by worries and nagging doubts.
The silence was broken when the outside door was jerked open wide, startling the three inhabitants of the house. "I'm back!" Etta announced with a big smile.
Eddie jumped from the couch and grabbed his cousin, hugging her tightly.
She hugged him back, "I'm very happy to see you too, Eddie," she said smiling and a bit surprised by his reaction.
They broke apart after a few seconds, but Eddie didn't release her completely, instead he maintained contact with her shoulders at arm's length. He fixed her with a serious expression and shook her lightly, punctuating his words as he asked, "What took you so long?"
She stared back, amused by her cousin's concern and stern look, "I went shopping and lost track of time."
Eddie raised an eyebrow, surprised by her answer. She pressed on, "You won't believe the variety of clothes they have on the other side. The girls over there wear these tiny little skirts that barely cover your modesty, but they're so sexy. Apparently the nineteen-sixties are in again, whatever that means. Anyway, they're to die for! I bought five of those!"
Eddie kept staring at his cousin, a look of disbelief on his face, "You what?"
Etta snorted, "God Eddie, sometimes you really seem to be sarcasm impaired."
"Yeah, I keep forgetting that you're the family comedian," he said with a disapproving look.
Astrid pulled Etta for another hug. "He was worried about you, go easy on him."
Etta hugged her back smiling, "I know, I just couldn't help it, he's such an easy target."
Astrid smiled back, shaking her head, "You're really are you're father's daughter."
Etta pulled away from Astrid with a grin and turned to Donald who remained in his seat, quietly watching the interaction between his companions. She smiled and walked towards him, "Come here, you need a hug too," she bent down and swiftly threw her arms around Donald.
"It is nice to see you again Henrietta," he said giving a gentle pat on Etta's back. "I assume everything went as we expected, judging by your demeanour?"
"Yes it did. My grandfather is on board with the plan."
"I assume you explained the details only to him?"
Etta rolled her eyes, "Yes, Donald, I only told him and he actually agreed with you that it was for the best. He is of the opinion that we should refrain from speak about it with anyone once we've crossed over."
"Yes, that is wise."
"He's actually waiting for us, in this same house on the other side." She turned to Astrid, "Your friend Lincoln and his wife Olivia are there too."
"Lincoln is there? My God that is wonderful!" Astrid smiled widely at the thought of seeing her old colleague and friend again. Then she frowned "Wait a minute, did you just said 'his wife Olivia'?"
"Uh-huh," Etta confirmed nodding her head.
"Olivia Dunham from over there?" Her question received a confirming nod from Etta. "Oh my God, that is amazing, I'm so happy for him!" she squealed, then shifted closer to Etta and whispered in a conspiratorial tone, "Did you know that Lincoln had a really big crush on your mom?"
"He did?" Etta's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yup. Believe me that for a while I thought Olivia was going to pursuit it, but then your father came along and after a while she recovered her memories and Lincoln..."
"...went to the other side and married a carbon copy of her. That is kind of... weird?" Etta completed with a grimace. "Does the other Olivia know anything about that?"
"I have no idea and I'm sure not going to be the one to tell her." Both women giggled at each other.
Eddie stepped between the two putting one arm around each of the women's shoulders. "Have you girls finished with the gossip?" he said looking back and forth between Etta and then Astrid. Then he focused his attention back on his cousin, fixing her with with a reproachful look. "First fashion tips and now gossip? Really? Who are you and what have you done with my cousin?"
"Look, Eddie made a joke. There is still hope for you." Etta said in a mocking tone and took his hand from her shoulder. "Besides, believe me, you are going to love those skirts..."
Eddie frowned, but didn't say a word. Etta pressed on, "A good looking young man like you from another universe, those girls will be revealing much more than a bit of leg in no time…" she left the comment hanging and winked at him.
"Yes of course, that's why I'm going there, to hit on women," Eddie retorted a bit embarrassed by his cousin's suggestive remark.
"It would do you good to get laid," Etta grinned at her cousin, enjoying the fact that she was successfully making him squirm.
"Oh for God sakes, I'm so not having this conversation!" Eddie rubbed a hand over his brow, not believing what she had just said and annoyed at how very pleased with herself she looked.
Donald decided it was time to put an end to the banter between the two of them. "I suggest you continue this topic after we crossover. We should prepare to go immediately." Then he turned to Etta. To ensure the change in topic lasted, he asked "How are you feeling Henrietta? Do you think you are capable of crossing us over?"
"I'm fine Donald, don't worry. My grandfather gave me some kind of 'energy boost' shot to help me. He says that soldiers and sportsmen in his universe use it to help them through very demanding physical situations, he said it should be good for a couple of hours, so I'm good to go. The other side has a welcoming party waiting for us whenever we're ready."
"Very well. Then we should go. First you will crossover with Astrid and Eddie. I will be last, with the remainder of the luggage".
Etta nodded, "Sounds like a plan."
"There is also something I need you to do on the other side before you return to get me." Etta frowned at him. "Just a little experiment," Donald said, answering her unspoken question with a cryptic smile.
The group gathered their equipment and filed outside to their agreed departure point which Etta would use to crossover.
On the Other Side, a Fringe team lead by Lincoln Lee and Olivia Dunham remained ready, in expectation of the arrival of their guests. Next to them, the former Secretary of Defence, awaited in silence.
In a blink of an eye Etta materialized, along with Astrid and Eddie.
Etta introduced Eddie to everyone, shaking hands with each of them. She noticed Olivia's reaction to him. Her aunt Rachel had always said that he bore a strong resemblance to their maternal grandfather.
Eddie was the nephew this world's Olivia never got to have. He was also a living reminder of both her lost sister and long dead father.
Astrid exchanged compliments with the Fringe team and with Walternate, but it was Lincoln that she hugged fondly.
Walternate approached Etta after the pleasantries and asked quietly, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay don't worry. The shot you gave me really helped a lot. I'm going to get Donald and the rest of our kit."
"Take it easy dear. You can always rest for a few hours. I'm sure your friend wouldn't mind," he said with concern.
"I'm fine really," she reassured her grandfather. "Actually Donald asked if you guys might have a breach detector on hand."
"Why so?"
"He wants to test something. He believes I should be able to crossover in a way your sensors won't detect."
"Really? My, my, that would be truly remarkable. Give me a minute dear, I think we can arrange for one to be set up." He set off towards Olivia to make the arrangements. Within a few minutes a portable console was brought from the van and calibrated, ready to test Donald's theory.
"It's ready Sir." The agent behind the console informed Walter.
"See you guys in a sec," Etta waved and walked back towards the crossover zone once more.
Again, she disappeared mid-step, bending the fabric of realities and walking smoothly between universes.
Waiting nearby, with three backpacks and a duffel bag that made up the rest of their luggage, was Donald. "You can rest if you wish, we can stay here a while longer."
"I'm okay Donald," Etta huffed frustrated. "Everyone keeps treating me like I'm made of glass."
"The feat you are preforming is very demanding on your body. It is natural that your friends show concern about your wellbeing. Besides I would like you to be rested and relaxed for your next jump. It is very important that you fully dominate the task of bending realities without causing any disturbance whatsoever. It may prove very useful once you travel into the past."
"I promise that if I feel any signs of exhaustion, I'll tell you, okay?"
"Very well then, I presume you are ready to proceed?"
"Yup," she confirmed already hefting two of the backpacks onto her shoulders and heading back towards the crossing area. Donald followed with the rest of the bags.
They stood face to face and Etta took Donald's hand.
"Remember what I taught you. Do not push all the way to get over there. Let yourself drift once you feel the pull of the other universe. Concentrate and push gently until you feel this reality slipping away, then let yourself go. Remember also, that you are carrying me and luggage along with you. You will need to push a bit harder to gain momentum. But you have to stop immediately when you feel the pull of the other universe."
Etta nodded with a smile, "Ok, Donald, I'll do my best."
"Good. Take us there Henrietta."
Etta closed her eyes in concentration. She felt reality bending at her will as she pushed towards the other universe. As soon as she felt the pull, like Donald had instructed her, she stopped pushing and let herself drift. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes and found Donald, he was giving her a proud smile. She heard voices behind her.
"Sun of a...! There's nothing! It didn't detect a single thing, Sir!"
"Are you sure Agent?" Etta turned her head when she heard her grandfather's voice.
"Positive Sir!"
"Remarkable!" Walternate said amazed by his granddaughter and the power of her ability.
"I believe you have succeeded Henrietta," Donald said still smiling and giving a congratulatory pat on her shoulder.
Lincoln was the first to approach. He held out his hand to the older man, "You must be Donald."
"That is correct," he said accepting the shake.
"I believe we met back when I was with the Fringe Division in my home world, when you were still..."
"...an Observer," Donald completed. "Yes we did."
"Well it's nice to see you again. Welcome to this Universe."
"Thank you. We appreciate what you are doing for us."
"Forget it, it's the least we can do."
Etta made the remaining introductions and soon afterward the group proceeded towards the vehicles waiting to transport them to Boston, where Walter had arranged accommodation for them.
Elizabeth had busied herself with the task of readying the Bishops old house near the Harvard campus. She was coordinating a small cleaning crew, ensuring the place was ready for the arrival of its new inhabitants. Sooner than she expected she heard the rumble of engines outside and went out to greet them.
Three vehicles arrived carrying the awaited guests, along with Olivia, Lincoln and her husband. Once the group had alighted from the convoy, Etta introduced her grandmother to the other members of her party.
"Welcome. Please, come inside. Everything is almost ready for you," Elizabeth said showing them in.
Astrid was the first to recognize where they were. "On our side this was the house your father lived in for a few months after he appeared at Raiden Lake, before he got back with your mother. It belonged to Walter." She said turning to Etta.
"That's right, I helped your father settle in at that house when he moved in," Lincoln added. "All these years I've been here and I never thought this house would exist over here too," he smiled taking a look around the house.
Walternate took a few steps inside, taking in the old house once more. "Like many other things, I guess this is something else Walter from your side and I had in common. This house was allocated to me when I worked here at Harvard back in the nineteen-seventies. I end up buying it. Later we moved to New York while I perused my political career, after that we only used this place when we visited Boston. We thought about moving here when I retired, but Elizabeth already had her heart set on the house in Cambridge. After putting up with me for so many years, it was the least I could do for her. Still, I didn't had the heart to sell this place. Too many memories."
Elizabeth approached her husband and slipped her hand into his, giving a gentle squeeze. "And I'm glad we didn't sell." She turned to their guests, "There is space enough for the four of you and you can stay here for as long as you want. Although there are only three rooms upstairs, one is big enough for two to share. I had the king-size bed removed and we've had two single beds brought in. But off course Etta, if you'd rather, you would be welcome to stay with us."
"No it's fine thank you, Astrid and I can share the twin bedroom. Believe me that this is a five star hotel compared to what we are used to."
"You'll have another advantage in staying here," Walter interjected. "It's close to my old lab at Harvard. I have arranged for it to be available for us to work there. I guessed you would enjoy that, since it's almost identical to the one your Fringe division used in your universe."
"That is excellent, thank you Dr. Bishop," Donald replied, inclining is head slightly as a thank you gesture.
They were interrupted when a Fringe Division Agent entered the house. He immediately approached Olivia to whom he handed a small packet. "I have some more good news," she informed them, moving towards the living room table where she opened the package, scattering its contents.
Inside were four envelopes, each with the name of one of the four new arrivals written on them. She picked up the envelopes and handed them out. They took the envelopes and opened them, surprised by the contents. Olivia, Lincoln and Walternate exchange amused looks and Olivia explained the contents of the packs, "You all have a comm device. We've already shown Etta how they work, so she will explain their functions to you later. The card is a fully legal Show Me card, you'll need it in order to use public transport and also to gain access to public buildings and other facilities. It also gives you access to a bank account. Fringe division has opened one for each of the four of you. During your stay you'll have access to all the funds you will need. Your show me card is also necessary for you to be able to drive, there are two vehicles parked outside which have been assigned for your use."
"This is too much," Astrid said quietly, overwhelmed by their hosts generosity.
Eddie was also taken aback by everything that had been so willingly offered to them. "We can't accept all of this. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, because I am really grateful for all that you guys are doing for us, but it's like Astrid said," he shook his head. "It's too much."
"Nonsense young man," Walternate waved his hand, dismissing Astrid and Eddie's concerns. "My wife and I are a wealthy old couple. Without Etta we have no living heirs and we never expected - but are so grateful - to have her in our lives. She is family."
"This is the least we can do for our granddaughter, her family and friends" Elizabeth interjected "think of it as a start-up fund for your new lives over here. Besides, this won't make much difference to an old couple's fortune."
Etta walked towards her grandparents and threw her arms around both of them, "Thank you," she smiled and gave each a quick peck on the cheek. Walternate grasped and patted her hand, while Elizabeth ran soothing circles across Etta's back with her hand.
She felt truly grateful for everything that had been done for her friends and herself, although she knew she wouldn't stay around for long to enjoy the spoils of this offered 'new life'. Nevertheless it felt good knowing she would leave Eddie and Astrid behind in a safe environment surrounded by people that cared about them, far removed from their dystopian world already doomed. If the plan failed, they would remain safe.
Next, Etta turned to Olivia and Lincoln smiling at them, "You guys have been so kind to me since I got here. When I first crossed over I was hoping you could help. But all this... I don't even know how to thank you enough."
Olivia grabbed both of Etta's hands, squeezing lightly. "You don't have to thank us for anything. Your side helped us a lot in the past. Thanks to the help we received, we got many things back that we thought had been lost for good. Your parents were instrumental in that process, Etta. This is the least we can do for you."
Etta nodded, unable to say anything else.
One of the members of the cleaning crew approached Elizabeth, announcing that they had concluded their work. She thanked them as they left.
"Well, everything's ready," she said with a smile. "We should go now and let you settle in. But first I would like to invite the four of you to dinner at our house this evening."
Walternate joined his wife, "Yes we would love to have you there. It will also give us the opportunity to further discuss what I have already talked about with Etta."
"That is most kind of you. We will be honoured to accept," Donald replied, shaking Walter's hand as both a thank you and a good-bye gesture.
Lincoln and Olivia also said their good-byes, "I'm afraid we have to go too. We have to be in New York before this evening. But first, we have to drop by to see our son, Trevor, he's studying at MIT." Lincoln explained.
"He's very excited to meet the visitors from the other side, especially you Etta, and Eddie. So expect him to visit some time during next few days," Olivia added.
"It will be a pleasure meeting him," Etta replied with a smile.
The group accompanied their hosts outside and said their final goodbyes. Once all the vehicles departed, they wandered back inside and for the first time since their arrival they were left on their own.
Donald and Eddie took charge of the luggage leaving Astrid to roam the house. She smiled as many fond memories flushed through her brain.
She started giggling softly when she reached a certain area of the living room, not far from the kitchen. "What it is it?" Etta asked, made curious by the former Agent's demeanour.
Astrid shook her head still amused by the memory that had surfaced in her mind. "Just remembering," she said with a wistful smile. "In the original timeline, your father and Walter lived in a hotel room for a whole year after joining the Fringe Division, until they moved to this very same house. It didn't belong to Walter back then, the FBI rented the house for them."
"That's a funny coincidence," Etta said wrinkling her nose.
"Yes it is, but that was not why I was giggling. You see, your grandfather had his bed in this very spot, right here where I'm standing."
"What? Right here in the living room?"
"That's right. According to him it was the best spot in the house, near the fireplace and only thirteen paces from the kitchen. Because, 'You never know when one cloud get hungry in the middle of the night'. Which according to your father, happened a lot with Walter."
"And my father was okay with that?" Etta queried, frowning.
Astrid smiled softly, "Peter learned to deal with Walter's eccentricities. It was one of those things that you were just better off letting him have his way and everybody was happy with it. Believe me, after spending a whole year with Walter in the same hotel room, Peter didn't mind at all sleeping one floor away from him." Etta chuckled at the thought.
Astrid slipped into silence for a few seconds. She had a vacant look in her eyes, her mind someplace else, a world, a lifetime away. Then her face brightened, having realized something. "It just struck me," she said turning to Etta, "if everything goes according to plan, in a few weeks, probably even days, you will be right here, on the other side. Only about twenty five years in the past with Walter and Peter."
She took a few steps, turning and taking the house in. She looked at Etta with a sad wistful smile, "God, I would give anything to be there with you."
Etta approached the former Fringe Agent and smiled at her, "But, in a way you will."
Astrid frowned, until she realized what Etta meant. Her smile became brighter "I guess you're right, I will be."
A/N And again, big thanks go to Crystalline Green. It wouldn't be the same without you mate!