TimeWise
By Dan Ectodude Shannon
Chapter 2: What's first - The World Of BTTF
Within seconds after displacement, Dan and Ed saw a large brick wall in front of them, and Dan quickly slammed on the brakes. The DeLorean came to a stop, fishtailing wildly in the process, the car came to a stop inches from hitting the wall. Dan and Ed were extremely tense.
Ed: That was weird.
Dan looked to the time display as Ed picked the camera up off the floor. The time display read, "Destination: October 21, 2015 4:29 PM. Present: October 21, 2015 4:31 PM. Last Departed: November 22, 2002 1:48 AM."
Dan: We're here.
Ed: How do you know?
Dan: I'm running on assumption right now.
Ed: Maybe you should look around before you assume. Do ya think?
Dan: Good idea. What do you think, Dasher?
The chubby Elkhound looked at Dan, and panted.
Dan: I'll take that as a yes.
Dan put the DeLorean in reverse, turned around, and headed down to where the exit was...
Ed: It looks like we're in Lyon Estates.
Dan: Hmmm... I guess you're right. That is IF it worked. They could have torn down Orland Square Mall, and put this here in its place. We just might be in the future of our world if the dimensional transference didn't work.
Ed: Then how do you explain the amount of wear on the buildings?
Dan: Look, I didn't say it didn't happen, I'm just not sure.
Dan saw the end of the street ahead of him. As the DeLorean pulled out of the sub-division, two concrete pillars, or what was left of them, stood. Ed tried to read the text on the pallets, but it had been damaged from years of wear and graffiti. Dan looked down both ends of the street...
Dan: Man... where the hell is everyone?
Ed: If it worked, they have flying cars, and don't need ground transport, and if it didn't, it might be a holiday of the future.
Dan: Ed... just film!
The time machine pulled onto the street, and headed towards, what they hopped to be, downtown Hill Valley.
***
As the DeLorean continued its trek towards the town, it had finally set in.
Ed: This is amazing! Look at this place! It's so clean you can lick the streets!
Dan: Yeah, but I wouldn't want to put my money, or my mouth, on it.
There were no stoplights on corners that should have had them. Cars had lined the streets, but there weren't any actually driving on them. The cars themselves were rather odd. They looked more streamlined and smooth compared to the cars seen in 2002, more or less, in there own world.
Dan stopped at a street corner with a stop sign. As they stopped, a dog on some kind of robotic leash walked in front of the DeLorean as it crossed the street. Dan stared at it as Ed recorded it on tape. It was such an odd scene, even Dasher looked at the device holding the dog.
Dan: Maybe I should get one of those.
Dasher looked to Dan, and grunted...
Dan: Alright! Alright! I was kidding! Shit.
Ed laughed a little as the DeLorean continued down the street.
***
The time vehicle turned the street, and come up behind what looked like some kind of movie theatre. That was when the car parked, and Ed, Dan and Dasher stepped out...
Ed: Dan, are you sure about this? I mean, if it worked, we might be...
Dan: Shhhh! Relax, Ed. Just keep rolling.
They walked around the corner, and came to the front of the building to find the most spectacular thing either of them, more or less, anyone on the face of the planet, has ever witnessed...
Hill Valley's Courthouse Square.
Ed lowered the camera as Dan's eyes jumped out of his head. They were both speechless...
Dan: I've done it. I have actually... done it.
Ed: I'll have to remind my brother, John, not to call you a moron anymore.
They walked across the streets to the Courthouse Mall to look at the pond that was in the front of the massive building. Ed looked up to the clock tower, and saw that it was in fact stopped at 10:04.
Dan: And to think, in our world, this place was a movie set in the back lot of Universal Studios in Hollywood.
Ed: Not to mention shitloads of money in special effects.
Dan: All for the better for us, eh?
Ed: No kidding. Say, what do we do first?
Dan: Well, we need to check a bank account I'm going to have set up.
Ed: Hold on... Say that again?
Dan: I said I'm going to check a bank account I'm going to set up.
Ed: Dan, you can't check on a bank account that doesn't exist!
Dan: You've seen "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," right?
Ed: Yeah?
Dan: I'm going to do the same thing as they did to get Ted's dad's keys, just with a bank account.
Ed: Oh!
Dan: Just remind me to get the account at "Bank Of America" after I get the Mr. Fusion and the hover-conversion.
Ed: Gotcha.
Dan walked across the street as Ed sat down on a bench in front of the pond. Dasher walked up behind, and sat down beside the bench next to Ed. From there, they had a good view of what was going on across the pond, towards where "Café 80's" and "Blast from the Past" was.
Dan walked into "Bank Of The World" across the street from the courthouse. Dan figured it was the same bank all the way around, except for the name. He walked in, and stepped up to the teller window...
Teller: Hello. Can I help you today?
Dan: Hi. I'm here to check my account balance?
The teller, a nice young lady with amber hair, looked up...
Teller: Ok, just place your thumb to the plate in front of you.
Dan did so. A small LCD screen lit up with the following information:
Name: Shannon Daniel P.
D.O.B: AUG. 30 1980
Address: 17233 Odeon Dr.
Tinley Park, IL
Current Balance: $385,760.76
Dan was amazed. At least he knows now that he'll remember to open that account. Good thing for interest, he thought.
Dan: Ok, how do I withdraw from this account?
Teller: Just place your thumb on the I.D. plate at the place you're doing business, and it will automatically be deducted from your account balance. Anything else you need help with?
Dan: No, that just about covers it. Thank you.
Teller: You too, and have a good day!
Dan left the bank, and went back to the bench where Ed and Dasher were sitting. He sat down beside Ed...
Dan: We've got enough cash for the hover-conversion. Anything happen while I was gone?
Ed handed him the camera, and pressed the "Play" button. Dan watched through the flip-up LCD playback screen. A familiar character with a multi-colored holographic hat and a gray and red jacket walk out from the alley by "Blast from the Past." He saw him dally a bit, duck from a holographic shark, and so on.
Dan: I take it Marty has arrived?
Ed: Just walked into the café.
Dan: So that means in about a minuet and a half, Griff will be comin in.
Ed: I guess. ::beat:: Hey, I've got an idea.
Dan: What?
Ed: How about we go inside the café, and watch it first hand?
Dan: Ok, but we better be quick.
Dan and Ed walked over across the street to the Café, and walked in. Dasher stayed outside of the café to avoid problems. When they walked in, it was exactly like the movie. There were about 50 TVs with shows from the 80's, and other assorted items. If you haven't seen the movie, go rent it. Anyway, they had already walked into the scene with old Biff starting with Marty, who was dressed like his future son. They ignored it and went to a booth behind where old Biff was sitting. We pick up in the middle of the argument...
Biff: ...No, no, I'm not talking about George McFly, I'm talking about his kid! Your old man? Marty McFly Senior? The man that took his life, and flushed it completely down the toilet?
Marty: I did? I-I mean, he did?
Dan: ::to Ed:: You are recording this, right?
Ed: Yeah. Oh, here comes Griff.
As if on cue, Griff walked into the door, and started his routine...
Griff: Gramps! I told you two coats of wax on my car, not just one!
Biff: Relax, I just finished putting the second coat on last week.
Griff: Yeah?! With your eyes closed?!
Marty: Are you two related?
Biff walked over to Mary and started tapping on his head with the end of his cane...
Biff: Hello? Anybody home?! What do ya think, Griff calls me "Gramps" for his health?
Marty: He's Griff?!
Griff: Gramps! What the hell am I paying you for?!
Biff started making his way out of the café, when he turned around and spoke...
Biff: Say hello to you're grandma for me!
And with that, Griff pulled Biff through the door, and yelled at Marty...
Griff: And McFly, don't go anywhere! You're next!
Dan turned to Ed...
Dan: I think we should leave here now. We still have stuff to do.
Both men got up from the booth, and walked out the door, trying not to interfere with the happenings. As they left, they heard Griff yelling at Biff...
Griff: ...Now unless you finish that coat of wax, I will crush your pathetic head into dust! Now move it, old man!
Dan couldn't help but take up the opportunity...
Dan: Dude, take it easy on the caffeine! You'll live longer!
Griff: What?! I will...
Dan: You know, I'd love to stay all day and chat, but I got shit to do. Dasher! Come on girl!
The chubby Elkhound came following behind Dan and Ed as all three of them made there way to the back of the theater. As they did, they bumped into Marty Jr.
Marty Jr.: Oh, sorry, guys!
Ed: Hey, its no prob. Oh, uh, someone wants to see you in the Café.
Marty Jr.: Oh, well, thank you.
As Junior continued on his somewhat merry way, Dan looked to Ed, and shook his head...
Ed: ::indignantly:: What?
Dan: Did you HAVE to do that?
Ed: What? I was just making sure everything went to plan.
Dan: Dunce.
Ed: Well, it was no different then you talking to Griff!
Dan: Hey look at it this way, we just caught a conversation that didn't appear in the movie. Our first hard proof that this world exists on a different plane of reality. Next, we have to get a hover conversion for the DeLorean.
Ed: What about Dasher?
***
A TV screen lit up, and an image of a woman in her late 30's appeared...
Image: Hello, my name is Linda. How can I help you?
Dan: Yeah, I need a local listing for suspended animation kennels?
Linda: One moment, please.
Dan stood at a futuristic phone booth, looking for a place that could take care of Dasher while the DeLorean was getting converted. The woman continued her search, looking for a kennel...
Linda: I found one listing for your area, Mr. Shannon. 1922 Oakland road. 725-9274. If you would like to phone this number, please thumb 25 cents.
Dan: Uh, no, that's quite alright.
Linda: Anything else I can help you with?
Dan: Yeah, I also need the nearest location of a Wilson Hover Conversions?
Linda: From your current location, down the street, and to the right.
Dan: Ah, thanks.
Linda: Will that be all?
Dan: Yeah, that's just about it.
Linda: Thank you for using AT&T.
The screen went black as Dan walked back to the DeLorean parked on the curb. He stepped in, and proceeded toward the suspended animation kennels.
***
After Dasher was left at the kennel, the DeLorean pulled up to the hover conversions building. Both Ed and Dan stepped out, and walked into the lobby...
Secretary: Hello, can I help you?
Dan: Yeah, who do I speak with to have my car converted?
Secretary: Mr. Wilson, of course. Would you like your car to be converted today?
Dan: Yeah, I see why not.
Secretary: Ok, I'll call you in.
The door on the side of the desk opened automatically, as the secretary spoke...
Secretary: Mr. Wilson will see you now. Have a nice day.
Ed: Thank you.
Dan and Ed made their way into the office, to find a black man in his early 30's sitting behind his desk, looking at his computer screen. He looked up at the both of them. He stood and outreached his hand as he spoke...
Wilson: Hello, friends. How can I help you?
Dan grabbed his hand, and shook. Ed did the same...
Dan: Hi, I would like a hover conversion for my car, today if possible.
Wilson: I believe we have an opening, all I need is some information.
He turned back to his computer...
Wilson: Your name?
Dan: Daniel Shannon.
Wilson: Make, model and year of your car?
Dan: 1982 DeLorean.
Wilson: Wow, those are hard to come by.
Dan: Paid a pretty penny for it, too.
Ed: Yeah, and not just on the car.
Dan kicked Ed in the shin, and shot him a look. Luckily, Wilson didn't see it happen, nor was he paying attention enough to realize what Ed had said.
Wilson: Would you like to have the "Mr. Fusion" unit installed as well?
Dan: Yeah, sure.
Wilson: Fusion Industries has a couple of different models for use of hover-conversions. Would you like the 1.5 or 2 jigawatt model?
Dan: 2. I say the more power, the better.
Wilson typed a bit more on his computer before he turned back to Dan and Ed...
Wilson: Ok, with tax, your total comes to $41,499.99. Cash or Thumb?
Dan: Thumb.
Wilson: Ok, put your print to the panel.
Dan did so. After all was cleared...
Wilson: Ok, that's it! Just hand me your keys, and we'll be finished in a couple of hours. 4 at most.
Dan: Cool! Thanks! We'll be back later, then.
As they were about to leave, Dan stopped, and looked to Wilson...
Dan: Oh, and please be careful with the car. That thing is worth more then my life!
Wilson: I've done over thousands of conversion jobs. Trust me, your car is in good hands.
Dan smiled and nodded as he left.
***
Dan and Ed figured since there was still some money left for the future world of BTTF, they walked around Hill Valley in search of a shopping center for some futuristic items which could be used for travel into other dimensions. When they found a store, the both of them split up to cover more ground.
On one side of the store, Dan looked for possible work clothes that could be used for heavy wear. He found a couple of jackets that looked like Marty Junior's jacket, except green and black. He grabbed two. As he was passing the tool department, something caught his eye. Something called "poly-iron" work gloves and tool belts. Told to be tougher then Kevlar body armor. He grabbed two pairs and two belts with pouches.
On the other side of the center, Ed looked in the toy department, and found hover boards. He tried not to get any crappy Mattel ones. (more or less any that were bright colors) Ed found good ones, and grabbed them. He then went to the pharmaceutical section, and picked up a Sleep Inducer. (You know, the thing Doc knocks Jennifer out with?) He then walked to the electronics section, and picked up some kind of wrist communicators.
They met in the front of the store, and rang up the items...
Ed: What, no power lacing shoes?
Dan: You're becoming the lazy bastard, ain't ya?
Ed: No, they would just be cool to have. That's all.
After all the items were rang up, the girl turned to Dan...
Girl: Cash or Print?
Dan: Print.
He put his thumb on the plate, and took the bags...
Girl: Have a nice day.
Ed: You too.
Dan: Thanks.
***
Still having some time to kill, they walked to the town square to go back to Café 80's. They, of course, saw the damage that was done to the Courthouse Mall's windows from the commotion they had seen a hundred times on tape. Police where still taking pictures of the broken front windows as Dan and Ed entered the café for the second time that day.
Ed put down one of the bags, and pulled out the wrist watch communicators. He handed one to Dan, and they both put them on. They sat down to the booth they were in earlier...
Ed: So, now that dimensional travel has been proven, what are you going to do with your discovery?
Dan: To do what I've always wanted: visit the characters of all the shows I always wanted to be a part of. I figure we could do it together, because everyone at one point wanted to do it.
Ed: It's kind of a weird fantasy, do you think?
Dan: I never lost that part of my childhood, which is why I was nuts enough to make that machine. I mean, I did base it off the BTTF DeLorean, so that's got to be a big ass red flag. Not to mention, we could start our own business selling other worlds technologies.
Ed: I don't know if doing something like selling other worlds inventions is a good idea. I mean, if the Afghani's get ahold of some of it, it could seriously screw up our world.
Dan: You have a good point. Hmmm... Maybe we could start our own Ghostbusting office in our world?
Ed: What?
Dan: We could help the Ghostbusters in their world, and convince them to give us some of their equipment! Take it back to our world, and we could do it in our world.
Ed: Naw... Naw, I don't like the idea.
Dan: Why?
Ed: People are going to want that equipment! They might kill you for it, and if you're going to open a Ghostbusting office, you have to give out your address. We'd be sitting ducks!
Dan: Well, damnit, I'm out of ideas! We can't just have this wonder machine, and have all these worlds as our playground, and can't do anything about it!
Ed: Yeah, too bad we can't do something like Stargate SG-1. Just go from world to world, and just help them.
After a moment of silence, it stuck both of them like a backpack full of lead...
Ed and Dan: THAT'S IT!
Everyone in the café turned their attention towards both men in the booth. When they realized they had eyes on them, they cowered outside.
***
Dan: ...It's simple! We offer our services to other worlds, and ask for equipment as a compensation! Either that, if it's the same particular time period on the same circumstances as on our world, we can ask for a fund. It's a service they just can't refuse!
Ed: Outside help from a world that knows what's going to happen next, and can come help at anytime? Man, this business will be in the bag!
They walked down the street, on their way to the hover-conversion center to pick up the DeLorean. It was a bit of a long walk from there, but they figured they needed it. Besides the fact that everyone else in this worlds future is thin, it would at least look like they were putting effort into walking.
Dan: And think, no one on our world will know that Paratech Industries even exists as a dimensional assistance service!
Ed: Oh, I've been meaning to ask you, what the hell is Paratech Industries?
Dan: Oh, it's the new name for my Ghostbusters fan site.
Ed: You're changing it from "We Got One.com"?
Dan: Well, I don't have the domain anymore, and I'm too lazy and cheap to pay for it, so I'm changing it. I haven't done it yet, though.
Ed: Oh, alright. I was just wondering why you had it on the trailer.
Dan looked down to his watch...
Dan: Oh shit! We better move it, it's getting around that time!
Ed: What time?
Dan: Remember when Biff gave that almanac to his past self?
Ed: Yeah?
Dan: If we don't pick up the pace, we might hit a huge hiccup in the world's time stream, and I sure as hell don't want to prove my theory on independent dimensional evolution any further. Come on!
Dan broke out into a slow jog. Ed followed close behind.
***
They arrived at Wilson Hover Conversions a couple of moments later. They rushed into the lobby, and ran to the secretary...
Dan: Excuse me, I'm here to pick up my car? Name's Shannon?
The secretary typed into her computer...
Secretary: Ok, sir, your car is in Conversion Bay 3. Second door on your left.
Dan: Thanks!
Dan ran to the door, with Ed behind him. They rushed in, to find the DeLorean parked in the center of the room. A couple of conversion technicians are seen looking over the car. A voice called out behind them...
Wilson: I have to admit, I have seen some crazy-looking custom sky strippers, but this one is a dozy!
Dan and Ed turned to find Wilson behind them, overlooking the final checks on the car.
Dan: Is the car almost ready?
Wilson: Well, they did just get back from the test flight. They're checking for any last minuet repairs and are making sure everything is on tightly. Don't want to loose a thruster, now do we?
Dan: No, that would be bad.
Ed: Look sir, we are *really* in a hurry to get ready to get out of here. Is there a way you could hurry this up a little?
Wilson: I'm afraid not. We want to make sure we did the job right, for your safety.
Dan looked back to his watch nervously. He took off his hat, and wiped his forehead with the arm that was holding the hat.
Wilson: As I was saying, that is the most unusual looking custom job I have ever seen. There was stuff in there I have never seen before! What does all that do?
Dan tried to think of an answer as quick as possible. One sprang to mind...
Dan: Oh, well I'm an Electronic Engineer, and with the ridiculous raising of gas prices, I figured I could create a machine that could help get more mileage out of one tank of gas, and help it burn cleaner. It's still a bit on the experimental side, though.
Wilson looked at the engineer with a raised eyebrow...
Dan: Well, you got to start somewhere!
That was one of the technicians came up, and handed the clipboard to Wilson...
Tech: Ok, Mr. Wilson. The car checks out.
Wilson: Great! Thanks Rob.
Wilson unclipped the keys from the clipboard while keeping the papers attached to it. He handed them to Dan, and held out his hand.
Wilson: It was great doing business with you, Dan!
Dan grabbed his hand, and shook...
Dan: Trust me, the pleasure is on this side of the... Uh... ok, maybe that wasn't the best analogy, but I believe you get the idea.
Dan glances at his watch, and his eyes nearly pop out of his head...
Dan: Oh, shit! Look, I really have to get going! Thank you, Mr. Wilson!
Ed dropped the bags into the front trunk compartment as Dan ran to the driver side. The both of them get into the car at the same time as Dan starts the DeLorean up.
Ed: Do you know how to work this thing?
Dan: Not a clue, but here's hopping!
Dan gave a thumbs up to Mr. Wilson, and Wilson hit the door opening control on the wall. The skylight on the roof opened...
Dan: Here goes blind luck!
He hit the hover control switch, and the car lifted off the ground as the tires folded down, and became level with the bottom of the car. He put the gear into first, and pulled back on the wheel as he hit the gas. The DeLorean flew upward, up and out of the conversion bay and into the sky.
Dan: We still need to get Dasher!
Dan let the wheel return to center position as he flew off toward the direction of the suspended animation kennels.
***
Dan and Ed walked into the corridor where Dasher's kennel was. It was deadly silent, for the fact that all the animals were locked in a state of sleep. The attendant that lead them in walked up to Dasher's kennel, and the young lady pressed the unlock key on a control panel above the cage. Dasher awoke, and saw Dan standing there. She didn't bark for joy, because she didn't realize that he was gone to begin with. But none the less, she ran up to him, and hopped up on him.
Dan put her leash on her as the young lady that was attending the kennels held up a clipboard with a thumb panel on it...
Girl: Thumb or Cash?
Dan: Thumb.
Dan was about to press his thumb to the scanner, when the girl dropped the clipboard, grabbed her stomach, and wailed pain. Ed walked over to see what was wrong...
Ed: Dan, what's the matter with her?!
Dan: I don't know! ::to the girl:: Miss, are you ok?! Is there anything I can help you with?!
Girl: Ah! It hurts! What's happening?!
Dan: Miss?!
The girl passed out into Ed's arms. Suddenly, she became lighter in Ed's hands. Dan started to see through her. She continued fading until she disappeared. Ed looked at his hands; the hands that were holding the unconscious girl with...
Ed: Oh... my... god!
Dan: Sh-sh-she disap-disap-disappeared!
Dan looked to Ed, and Ed looked to Dan, both spooked out of their minds. Dan knew what it meant...
Dan: The time line is fazing! It's switching to the alternate world!
Ed: We gotta get the hell outta here!
Dan Ed and Dasher ran back to the DeLorean as fast as they could. Dan stopped at the garbage can to pick up a half-empty Pepsi Perfect bottle, and an apple core. Ed and Dasher jumped into the car as Dan dumped the trash into Mr. Fusion, and then join the others in the DeLorean. The world around them started rippling like water as the scenery changed from beautiful to an extremely screwed up version of Joliet's Industrial landscaping.
Dan slammed into first, and took off down the street. The rippling traveled close behind the DeLorean as Dan switched gears. He turned on the time circuits, selected "Paratech Home World" on the database, and began embracement. 83... 84... 85...
***
Three flashes of light, and three sonic blasts later, the DeLorean reappeared where it left: In the parking lot of Orland Square Mall. Dan hit the brakes, and stepped out of the car to look around. Dan looked behind him, and saw that the fire tracks from when they left were still burning on the ground faintly. Slowly dying out.
Ed opened his door, and looked around the terrain. He looked to Dan...
Ed: Are we back?
Dan: We're back, baby. We are back! And now, we're in business!
Dan went back into the driver seat, and started the car up again. Ed looked into the passenger side...
Ed: What are you doing?
Dan: We've got to pay for all this wonderful stuff, right? I need to go to the BTTF world, 1985 and put money in that account!
Ed nodded as he shut the door. The car lifted off the ground, and soared above the roof of the mall. The DeLorean turns about mid-air, and speeds toward our view. It flashes and disappears as we fade to black.
Stay tuned for Episode 3: Ghost of a Chance - World of Ghostbusters.
By Dan Ectodude Shannon
Chapter 2: What's first - The World Of BTTF
Within seconds after displacement, Dan and Ed saw a large brick wall in front of them, and Dan quickly slammed on the brakes. The DeLorean came to a stop, fishtailing wildly in the process, the car came to a stop inches from hitting the wall. Dan and Ed were extremely tense.
Ed: That was weird.
Dan looked to the time display as Ed picked the camera up off the floor. The time display read, "Destination: October 21, 2015 4:29 PM. Present: October 21, 2015 4:31 PM. Last Departed: November 22, 2002 1:48 AM."
Dan: We're here.
Ed: How do you know?
Dan: I'm running on assumption right now.
Ed: Maybe you should look around before you assume. Do ya think?
Dan: Good idea. What do you think, Dasher?
The chubby Elkhound looked at Dan, and panted.
Dan: I'll take that as a yes.
Dan put the DeLorean in reverse, turned around, and headed down to where the exit was...
Ed: It looks like we're in Lyon Estates.
Dan: Hmmm... I guess you're right. That is IF it worked. They could have torn down Orland Square Mall, and put this here in its place. We just might be in the future of our world if the dimensional transference didn't work.
Ed: Then how do you explain the amount of wear on the buildings?
Dan: Look, I didn't say it didn't happen, I'm just not sure.
Dan saw the end of the street ahead of him. As the DeLorean pulled out of the sub-division, two concrete pillars, or what was left of them, stood. Ed tried to read the text on the pallets, but it had been damaged from years of wear and graffiti. Dan looked down both ends of the street...
Dan: Man... where the hell is everyone?
Ed: If it worked, they have flying cars, and don't need ground transport, and if it didn't, it might be a holiday of the future.
Dan: Ed... just film!
The time machine pulled onto the street, and headed towards, what they hopped to be, downtown Hill Valley.
***
As the DeLorean continued its trek towards the town, it had finally set in.
Ed: This is amazing! Look at this place! It's so clean you can lick the streets!
Dan: Yeah, but I wouldn't want to put my money, or my mouth, on it.
There were no stoplights on corners that should have had them. Cars had lined the streets, but there weren't any actually driving on them. The cars themselves were rather odd. They looked more streamlined and smooth compared to the cars seen in 2002, more or less, in there own world.
Dan stopped at a street corner with a stop sign. As they stopped, a dog on some kind of robotic leash walked in front of the DeLorean as it crossed the street. Dan stared at it as Ed recorded it on tape. It was such an odd scene, even Dasher looked at the device holding the dog.
Dan: Maybe I should get one of those.
Dasher looked to Dan, and grunted...
Dan: Alright! Alright! I was kidding! Shit.
Ed laughed a little as the DeLorean continued down the street.
***
The time vehicle turned the street, and come up behind what looked like some kind of movie theatre. That was when the car parked, and Ed, Dan and Dasher stepped out...
Ed: Dan, are you sure about this? I mean, if it worked, we might be...
Dan: Shhhh! Relax, Ed. Just keep rolling.
They walked around the corner, and came to the front of the building to find the most spectacular thing either of them, more or less, anyone on the face of the planet, has ever witnessed...
Hill Valley's Courthouse Square.
Ed lowered the camera as Dan's eyes jumped out of his head. They were both speechless...
Dan: I've done it. I have actually... done it.
Ed: I'll have to remind my brother, John, not to call you a moron anymore.
They walked across the streets to the Courthouse Mall to look at the pond that was in the front of the massive building. Ed looked up to the clock tower, and saw that it was in fact stopped at 10:04.
Dan: And to think, in our world, this place was a movie set in the back lot of Universal Studios in Hollywood.
Ed: Not to mention shitloads of money in special effects.
Dan: All for the better for us, eh?
Ed: No kidding. Say, what do we do first?
Dan: Well, we need to check a bank account I'm going to have set up.
Ed: Hold on... Say that again?
Dan: I said I'm going to check a bank account I'm going to set up.
Ed: Dan, you can't check on a bank account that doesn't exist!
Dan: You've seen "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," right?
Ed: Yeah?
Dan: I'm going to do the same thing as they did to get Ted's dad's keys, just with a bank account.
Ed: Oh!
Dan: Just remind me to get the account at "Bank Of America" after I get the Mr. Fusion and the hover-conversion.
Ed: Gotcha.
Dan walked across the street as Ed sat down on a bench in front of the pond. Dasher walked up behind, and sat down beside the bench next to Ed. From there, they had a good view of what was going on across the pond, towards where "Café 80's" and "Blast from the Past" was.
Dan walked into "Bank Of The World" across the street from the courthouse. Dan figured it was the same bank all the way around, except for the name. He walked in, and stepped up to the teller window...
Teller: Hello. Can I help you today?
Dan: Hi. I'm here to check my account balance?
The teller, a nice young lady with amber hair, looked up...
Teller: Ok, just place your thumb to the plate in front of you.
Dan did so. A small LCD screen lit up with the following information:
Name: Shannon Daniel P.
D.O.B: AUG. 30 1980
Address: 17233 Odeon Dr.
Tinley Park, IL
Current Balance: $385,760.76
Dan was amazed. At least he knows now that he'll remember to open that account. Good thing for interest, he thought.
Dan: Ok, how do I withdraw from this account?
Teller: Just place your thumb on the I.D. plate at the place you're doing business, and it will automatically be deducted from your account balance. Anything else you need help with?
Dan: No, that just about covers it. Thank you.
Teller: You too, and have a good day!
Dan left the bank, and went back to the bench where Ed and Dasher were sitting. He sat down beside Ed...
Dan: We've got enough cash for the hover-conversion. Anything happen while I was gone?
Ed handed him the camera, and pressed the "Play" button. Dan watched through the flip-up LCD playback screen. A familiar character with a multi-colored holographic hat and a gray and red jacket walk out from the alley by "Blast from the Past." He saw him dally a bit, duck from a holographic shark, and so on.
Dan: I take it Marty has arrived?
Ed: Just walked into the café.
Dan: So that means in about a minuet and a half, Griff will be comin in.
Ed: I guess. ::beat:: Hey, I've got an idea.
Dan: What?
Ed: How about we go inside the café, and watch it first hand?
Dan: Ok, but we better be quick.
Dan and Ed walked over across the street to the Café, and walked in. Dasher stayed outside of the café to avoid problems. When they walked in, it was exactly like the movie. There were about 50 TVs with shows from the 80's, and other assorted items. If you haven't seen the movie, go rent it. Anyway, they had already walked into the scene with old Biff starting with Marty, who was dressed like his future son. They ignored it and went to a booth behind where old Biff was sitting. We pick up in the middle of the argument...
Biff: ...No, no, I'm not talking about George McFly, I'm talking about his kid! Your old man? Marty McFly Senior? The man that took his life, and flushed it completely down the toilet?
Marty: I did? I-I mean, he did?
Dan: ::to Ed:: You are recording this, right?
Ed: Yeah. Oh, here comes Griff.
As if on cue, Griff walked into the door, and started his routine...
Griff: Gramps! I told you two coats of wax on my car, not just one!
Biff: Relax, I just finished putting the second coat on last week.
Griff: Yeah?! With your eyes closed?!
Marty: Are you two related?
Biff walked over to Mary and started tapping on his head with the end of his cane...
Biff: Hello? Anybody home?! What do ya think, Griff calls me "Gramps" for his health?
Marty: He's Griff?!
Griff: Gramps! What the hell am I paying you for?!
Biff started making his way out of the café, when he turned around and spoke...
Biff: Say hello to you're grandma for me!
And with that, Griff pulled Biff through the door, and yelled at Marty...
Griff: And McFly, don't go anywhere! You're next!
Dan turned to Ed...
Dan: I think we should leave here now. We still have stuff to do.
Both men got up from the booth, and walked out the door, trying not to interfere with the happenings. As they left, they heard Griff yelling at Biff...
Griff: ...Now unless you finish that coat of wax, I will crush your pathetic head into dust! Now move it, old man!
Dan couldn't help but take up the opportunity...
Dan: Dude, take it easy on the caffeine! You'll live longer!
Griff: What?! I will...
Dan: You know, I'd love to stay all day and chat, but I got shit to do. Dasher! Come on girl!
The chubby Elkhound came following behind Dan and Ed as all three of them made there way to the back of the theater. As they did, they bumped into Marty Jr.
Marty Jr.: Oh, sorry, guys!
Ed: Hey, its no prob. Oh, uh, someone wants to see you in the Café.
Marty Jr.: Oh, well, thank you.
As Junior continued on his somewhat merry way, Dan looked to Ed, and shook his head...
Ed: ::indignantly:: What?
Dan: Did you HAVE to do that?
Ed: What? I was just making sure everything went to plan.
Dan: Dunce.
Ed: Well, it was no different then you talking to Griff!
Dan: Hey look at it this way, we just caught a conversation that didn't appear in the movie. Our first hard proof that this world exists on a different plane of reality. Next, we have to get a hover conversion for the DeLorean.
Ed: What about Dasher?
***
A TV screen lit up, and an image of a woman in her late 30's appeared...
Image: Hello, my name is Linda. How can I help you?
Dan: Yeah, I need a local listing for suspended animation kennels?
Linda: One moment, please.
Dan stood at a futuristic phone booth, looking for a place that could take care of Dasher while the DeLorean was getting converted. The woman continued her search, looking for a kennel...
Linda: I found one listing for your area, Mr. Shannon. 1922 Oakland road. 725-9274. If you would like to phone this number, please thumb 25 cents.
Dan: Uh, no, that's quite alright.
Linda: Anything else I can help you with?
Dan: Yeah, I also need the nearest location of a Wilson Hover Conversions?
Linda: From your current location, down the street, and to the right.
Dan: Ah, thanks.
Linda: Will that be all?
Dan: Yeah, that's just about it.
Linda: Thank you for using AT&T.
The screen went black as Dan walked back to the DeLorean parked on the curb. He stepped in, and proceeded toward the suspended animation kennels.
***
After Dasher was left at the kennel, the DeLorean pulled up to the hover conversions building. Both Ed and Dan stepped out, and walked into the lobby...
Secretary: Hello, can I help you?
Dan: Yeah, who do I speak with to have my car converted?
Secretary: Mr. Wilson, of course. Would you like your car to be converted today?
Dan: Yeah, I see why not.
Secretary: Ok, I'll call you in.
The door on the side of the desk opened automatically, as the secretary spoke...
Secretary: Mr. Wilson will see you now. Have a nice day.
Ed: Thank you.
Dan and Ed made their way into the office, to find a black man in his early 30's sitting behind his desk, looking at his computer screen. He looked up at the both of them. He stood and outreached his hand as he spoke...
Wilson: Hello, friends. How can I help you?
Dan grabbed his hand, and shook. Ed did the same...
Dan: Hi, I would like a hover conversion for my car, today if possible.
Wilson: I believe we have an opening, all I need is some information.
He turned back to his computer...
Wilson: Your name?
Dan: Daniel Shannon.
Wilson: Make, model and year of your car?
Dan: 1982 DeLorean.
Wilson: Wow, those are hard to come by.
Dan: Paid a pretty penny for it, too.
Ed: Yeah, and not just on the car.
Dan kicked Ed in the shin, and shot him a look. Luckily, Wilson didn't see it happen, nor was he paying attention enough to realize what Ed had said.
Wilson: Would you like to have the "Mr. Fusion" unit installed as well?
Dan: Yeah, sure.
Wilson: Fusion Industries has a couple of different models for use of hover-conversions. Would you like the 1.5 or 2 jigawatt model?
Dan: 2. I say the more power, the better.
Wilson typed a bit more on his computer before he turned back to Dan and Ed...
Wilson: Ok, with tax, your total comes to $41,499.99. Cash or Thumb?
Dan: Thumb.
Wilson: Ok, put your print to the panel.
Dan did so. After all was cleared...
Wilson: Ok, that's it! Just hand me your keys, and we'll be finished in a couple of hours. 4 at most.
Dan: Cool! Thanks! We'll be back later, then.
As they were about to leave, Dan stopped, and looked to Wilson...
Dan: Oh, and please be careful with the car. That thing is worth more then my life!
Wilson: I've done over thousands of conversion jobs. Trust me, your car is in good hands.
Dan smiled and nodded as he left.
***
Dan and Ed figured since there was still some money left for the future world of BTTF, they walked around Hill Valley in search of a shopping center for some futuristic items which could be used for travel into other dimensions. When they found a store, the both of them split up to cover more ground.
On one side of the store, Dan looked for possible work clothes that could be used for heavy wear. He found a couple of jackets that looked like Marty Junior's jacket, except green and black. He grabbed two. As he was passing the tool department, something caught his eye. Something called "poly-iron" work gloves and tool belts. Told to be tougher then Kevlar body armor. He grabbed two pairs and two belts with pouches.
On the other side of the center, Ed looked in the toy department, and found hover boards. He tried not to get any crappy Mattel ones. (more or less any that were bright colors) Ed found good ones, and grabbed them. He then went to the pharmaceutical section, and picked up a Sleep Inducer. (You know, the thing Doc knocks Jennifer out with?) He then walked to the electronics section, and picked up some kind of wrist communicators.
They met in the front of the store, and rang up the items...
Ed: What, no power lacing shoes?
Dan: You're becoming the lazy bastard, ain't ya?
Ed: No, they would just be cool to have. That's all.
After all the items were rang up, the girl turned to Dan...
Girl: Cash or Print?
Dan: Print.
He put his thumb on the plate, and took the bags...
Girl: Have a nice day.
Ed: You too.
Dan: Thanks.
***
Still having some time to kill, they walked to the town square to go back to Café 80's. They, of course, saw the damage that was done to the Courthouse Mall's windows from the commotion they had seen a hundred times on tape. Police where still taking pictures of the broken front windows as Dan and Ed entered the café for the second time that day.
Ed put down one of the bags, and pulled out the wrist watch communicators. He handed one to Dan, and they both put them on. They sat down to the booth they were in earlier...
Ed: So, now that dimensional travel has been proven, what are you going to do with your discovery?
Dan: To do what I've always wanted: visit the characters of all the shows I always wanted to be a part of. I figure we could do it together, because everyone at one point wanted to do it.
Ed: It's kind of a weird fantasy, do you think?
Dan: I never lost that part of my childhood, which is why I was nuts enough to make that machine. I mean, I did base it off the BTTF DeLorean, so that's got to be a big ass red flag. Not to mention, we could start our own business selling other worlds technologies.
Ed: I don't know if doing something like selling other worlds inventions is a good idea. I mean, if the Afghani's get ahold of some of it, it could seriously screw up our world.
Dan: You have a good point. Hmmm... Maybe we could start our own Ghostbusting office in our world?
Ed: What?
Dan: We could help the Ghostbusters in their world, and convince them to give us some of their equipment! Take it back to our world, and we could do it in our world.
Ed: Naw... Naw, I don't like the idea.
Dan: Why?
Ed: People are going to want that equipment! They might kill you for it, and if you're going to open a Ghostbusting office, you have to give out your address. We'd be sitting ducks!
Dan: Well, damnit, I'm out of ideas! We can't just have this wonder machine, and have all these worlds as our playground, and can't do anything about it!
Ed: Yeah, too bad we can't do something like Stargate SG-1. Just go from world to world, and just help them.
After a moment of silence, it stuck both of them like a backpack full of lead...
Ed and Dan: THAT'S IT!
Everyone in the café turned their attention towards both men in the booth. When they realized they had eyes on them, they cowered outside.
***
Dan: ...It's simple! We offer our services to other worlds, and ask for equipment as a compensation! Either that, if it's the same particular time period on the same circumstances as on our world, we can ask for a fund. It's a service they just can't refuse!
Ed: Outside help from a world that knows what's going to happen next, and can come help at anytime? Man, this business will be in the bag!
They walked down the street, on their way to the hover-conversion center to pick up the DeLorean. It was a bit of a long walk from there, but they figured they needed it. Besides the fact that everyone else in this worlds future is thin, it would at least look like they were putting effort into walking.
Dan: And think, no one on our world will know that Paratech Industries even exists as a dimensional assistance service!
Ed: Oh, I've been meaning to ask you, what the hell is Paratech Industries?
Dan: Oh, it's the new name for my Ghostbusters fan site.
Ed: You're changing it from "We Got One.com"?
Dan: Well, I don't have the domain anymore, and I'm too lazy and cheap to pay for it, so I'm changing it. I haven't done it yet, though.
Ed: Oh, alright. I was just wondering why you had it on the trailer.
Dan looked down to his watch...
Dan: Oh shit! We better move it, it's getting around that time!
Ed: What time?
Dan: Remember when Biff gave that almanac to his past self?
Ed: Yeah?
Dan: If we don't pick up the pace, we might hit a huge hiccup in the world's time stream, and I sure as hell don't want to prove my theory on independent dimensional evolution any further. Come on!
Dan broke out into a slow jog. Ed followed close behind.
***
They arrived at Wilson Hover Conversions a couple of moments later. They rushed into the lobby, and ran to the secretary...
Dan: Excuse me, I'm here to pick up my car? Name's Shannon?
The secretary typed into her computer...
Secretary: Ok, sir, your car is in Conversion Bay 3. Second door on your left.
Dan: Thanks!
Dan ran to the door, with Ed behind him. They rushed in, to find the DeLorean parked in the center of the room. A couple of conversion technicians are seen looking over the car. A voice called out behind them...
Wilson: I have to admit, I have seen some crazy-looking custom sky strippers, but this one is a dozy!
Dan and Ed turned to find Wilson behind them, overlooking the final checks on the car.
Dan: Is the car almost ready?
Wilson: Well, they did just get back from the test flight. They're checking for any last minuet repairs and are making sure everything is on tightly. Don't want to loose a thruster, now do we?
Dan: No, that would be bad.
Ed: Look sir, we are *really* in a hurry to get ready to get out of here. Is there a way you could hurry this up a little?
Wilson: I'm afraid not. We want to make sure we did the job right, for your safety.
Dan looked back to his watch nervously. He took off his hat, and wiped his forehead with the arm that was holding the hat.
Wilson: As I was saying, that is the most unusual looking custom job I have ever seen. There was stuff in there I have never seen before! What does all that do?
Dan tried to think of an answer as quick as possible. One sprang to mind...
Dan: Oh, well I'm an Electronic Engineer, and with the ridiculous raising of gas prices, I figured I could create a machine that could help get more mileage out of one tank of gas, and help it burn cleaner. It's still a bit on the experimental side, though.
Wilson looked at the engineer with a raised eyebrow...
Dan: Well, you got to start somewhere!
That was one of the technicians came up, and handed the clipboard to Wilson...
Tech: Ok, Mr. Wilson. The car checks out.
Wilson: Great! Thanks Rob.
Wilson unclipped the keys from the clipboard while keeping the papers attached to it. He handed them to Dan, and held out his hand.
Wilson: It was great doing business with you, Dan!
Dan grabbed his hand, and shook...
Dan: Trust me, the pleasure is on this side of the... Uh... ok, maybe that wasn't the best analogy, but I believe you get the idea.
Dan glances at his watch, and his eyes nearly pop out of his head...
Dan: Oh, shit! Look, I really have to get going! Thank you, Mr. Wilson!
Ed dropped the bags into the front trunk compartment as Dan ran to the driver side. The both of them get into the car at the same time as Dan starts the DeLorean up.
Ed: Do you know how to work this thing?
Dan: Not a clue, but here's hopping!
Dan gave a thumbs up to Mr. Wilson, and Wilson hit the door opening control on the wall. The skylight on the roof opened...
Dan: Here goes blind luck!
He hit the hover control switch, and the car lifted off the ground as the tires folded down, and became level with the bottom of the car. He put the gear into first, and pulled back on the wheel as he hit the gas. The DeLorean flew upward, up and out of the conversion bay and into the sky.
Dan: We still need to get Dasher!
Dan let the wheel return to center position as he flew off toward the direction of the suspended animation kennels.
***
Dan and Ed walked into the corridor where Dasher's kennel was. It was deadly silent, for the fact that all the animals were locked in a state of sleep. The attendant that lead them in walked up to Dasher's kennel, and the young lady pressed the unlock key on a control panel above the cage. Dasher awoke, and saw Dan standing there. She didn't bark for joy, because she didn't realize that he was gone to begin with. But none the less, she ran up to him, and hopped up on him.
Dan put her leash on her as the young lady that was attending the kennels held up a clipboard with a thumb panel on it...
Girl: Thumb or Cash?
Dan: Thumb.
Dan was about to press his thumb to the scanner, when the girl dropped the clipboard, grabbed her stomach, and wailed pain. Ed walked over to see what was wrong...
Ed: Dan, what's the matter with her?!
Dan: I don't know! ::to the girl:: Miss, are you ok?! Is there anything I can help you with?!
Girl: Ah! It hurts! What's happening?!
Dan: Miss?!
The girl passed out into Ed's arms. Suddenly, she became lighter in Ed's hands. Dan started to see through her. She continued fading until she disappeared. Ed looked at his hands; the hands that were holding the unconscious girl with...
Ed: Oh... my... god!
Dan: Sh-sh-she disap-disap-disappeared!
Dan looked to Ed, and Ed looked to Dan, both spooked out of their minds. Dan knew what it meant...
Dan: The time line is fazing! It's switching to the alternate world!
Ed: We gotta get the hell outta here!
Dan Ed and Dasher ran back to the DeLorean as fast as they could. Dan stopped at the garbage can to pick up a half-empty Pepsi Perfect bottle, and an apple core. Ed and Dasher jumped into the car as Dan dumped the trash into Mr. Fusion, and then join the others in the DeLorean. The world around them started rippling like water as the scenery changed from beautiful to an extremely screwed up version of Joliet's Industrial landscaping.
Dan slammed into first, and took off down the street. The rippling traveled close behind the DeLorean as Dan switched gears. He turned on the time circuits, selected "Paratech Home World" on the database, and began embracement. 83... 84... 85...
***
Three flashes of light, and three sonic blasts later, the DeLorean reappeared where it left: In the parking lot of Orland Square Mall. Dan hit the brakes, and stepped out of the car to look around. Dan looked behind him, and saw that the fire tracks from when they left were still burning on the ground faintly. Slowly dying out.
Ed opened his door, and looked around the terrain. He looked to Dan...
Ed: Are we back?
Dan: We're back, baby. We are back! And now, we're in business!
Dan went back into the driver seat, and started the car up again. Ed looked into the passenger side...
Ed: What are you doing?
Dan: We've got to pay for all this wonderful stuff, right? I need to go to the BTTF world, 1985 and put money in that account!
Ed nodded as he shut the door. The car lifted off the ground, and soared above the roof of the mall. The DeLorean turns about mid-air, and speeds toward our view. It flashes and disappears as we fade to black.
Stay tuned for Episode 3: Ghost of a Chance - World of Ghostbusters.