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Ok. So on with the story
CHAPTER 2: A BLUE CODE , BLACK HOLES AND LIES
Finally Cornelius and Wilbur arrived to the meeting area where the rest of staff kept waiting. Each recruit had black leather suits on. The TCTF sparkling bronze and brown logo distinguished in the left side of every jacket with the respective ID. Gleaming bronze watches could be seen in each left wrist of the whole members there gathered including bronze shining belts in their waists.
Agents continued standing apprehensively and saluted from the distance as both Robinsons found their seats.
Wilbur: "Hello everybody. Please take your places. Let's get directly to the point of our assembly today. And as you see my father will join us too as he just got here from his trip."
Cornelius nodded in agreement."Hi everyone. Yes, as my son just said I'll be here with you in case any additional help is needed."
Wilbur: "Thanks… Ok guys, I want the complete report. Who took care of it?"
As soon as Wilbur gave the order a young man walked to his seat. He had light brown and straight short hair. His eyes were hazel like glinting honey framed with some black classic oval glasses; his skin pale white and a "D. Duncan" on his jacket clearly visible. He carried a small black memory device similar to credit cards.
D. Duncan: "I did sir. We recently finished a complete time scan as you requested this afternoon."
The agent handed the storage device containing the data to Wilbur and he slid it through a holographic compartment that appeared in midair.
Wilbur: "So what did you find?"
Using aholographic pencil, the young recruit did the explaining also through the holographic report that included 360 degree maps of the actual time stream. Each part of the presentation contained the layer color codes from the TCTF to indicate the severity of damage with the standard tagging coordinates.
D. D.: "As you can see the last scan we did, detected increasing of black holes to a reason of 4-5 minutes as average. A critical interference with time traffic keeps developing each single minute. Some of our men in mission had to take turns to get into the time stream without getting trapped or pull by any black hole eye…The most dangerous one appeared an hour ago and got bigger as two strong time holes joined." Cornelius took a second to glance his son. He did the same and though they had the same worries, the rest only waited for Wilbur's lead.
Wilbur: "Range of the affected period."
D.D. : "It originates in region G3-A Alfa T-77 till our present time section P9-F Gama Q-002"
As the map showed something caught the inventor's eye and requested something that highly bothered him. "Wilbur. Ask for the exact date." The question quickly made Wilbur understand his father's point and nodded "Agent Duncan put it in regular time period code. I wanna see the incoming point."
D.D. : "Yes captain."
Agent Duncan changed the report mode to date simple mode. When he did, Cornelius and Wilbur got pale. Even though their panic was obvious, no interruptions were needed and they did their best to stay focused.
"The trouble begins in March 17 from year 2042 in Todayland. 16h30. Right here" He points out a shopping center from downtown.
Cornelius: "Duncan, after you analyzed this particular setback… Tell us how much has this phenomena influenced our present."
The young recruit quivered slightly as he was questioned and rubbed the back of his head and the Robinsons present noticed it.
Wilbur: "The truth Derek."
Cornelius: "And consequences."
Derek: "Captain…Dr. Robinson, now that you put it like that…Is pretty bad. We have a blue code and it can make our present show abrupt and uncalled modifications any second. Maybe…"
Wilbur: "Yes?"
Derek: "Sir. Maybe some actual people in here can become…"
Wilbur: "Derek what is it? You can tell us."
Derek: "Uh. There are people in here that can become inexistent."
Wilbur rose up from his seat while Cornelius gasped in total astonishment.
Wilbur: "Who?"
Derek: "Captain. It is not confirmed in a hundred percent. I mean, it is a possibility as things have turned out till this moment. The sooner the past get fixed, the less consequences that will be shown to us."
As Derek Duncan continued his approach with both astounded Robinsons, another young agent entered the room in a rush. She had a petite body and somehow tanned skin. She also wore the black suit and in her jacket ID you could see "A. GREEN" printed. The girl had long and blond wavy hair with a red tiara on her head helping some unruly strands to remain out of her face. She possessed sparkling blue eyes and thin crimson lips. The rest of people watched her in awe as everyone was requested to be in the meeting room minutes before. She soon came aware of and flushed trying to keep her thoughts in order to give a perfect excuse this time. Yes. A perfect and lame excuse. She couldn't tell the truth this time. She didn't like to lie either, but if she told the real reason she was getting more trouble. She attempted to watch her other colleagues to ease the shame, except some scowled her back and a few stifled a short chuckle. On the other hand, Wilbur glanced at her heartedly and gave a slight smile. Cornelius was also distracted and watched the girl panting when she got in the room. There was something that both Robinsons saw in this young recruit that made them feel home, but they couldn't tell why. Anyway, Wilbur and his father were more preoccupied than ever to hear Derek's news.
Wilbur: "Agent Green… you almost didn't get on time."
Green: "I'm sorry sir…I…"
Wilbur: "We can talk about it later. Here, take my seat. I prefer to stand on my feet."
Green: "Your seat? Sir… I don' think that is necessary…"
Wilbur: "Angel, just sit in here and listen to the rest of Derek's news. Derek"
Angel did as she was told and sat in Wilbur's place very embarrassed when the rest of her mates looked at her.
Derek: "Yes sir. As I told you before, March 17th 2042 is a crucial date and we detected 2 ships from the PTF and 1 from DTF entering to Todayland the last 6 hours. After their arrival, time holes increased and generated a blue code 15 minutes ago."
Angel's eyes popped out in awe and she bit her lower lip. She wanted to get out of there in that same instant. Her heartbeat went like crazy and concern was visible in her eyes.
Angel: "Do you know exactly where those ships are now in that time period?"
Cornelius cocked and eyebrow and looked at Angel. Wilbur just had his eyes again at the holographic images intensely.
Derek: "I already mentioned it agent Green. In a shopping center here." Derek pointed out with his pencil the exact coordinates and enhanced the images in date mode again. Angel kept looking attentively and with discretion took a picture of the map in both modes using her watch. Wilbur began walking facing the door and the rest of the staff became anxious once more. Then he turned around to face his personnel confident, a smile forming in his lips. With it, the rest including Cornelius turned out to be bewildered but counting with their captain in the risky mission.
Wilbur: "Well it seems we need to stay fresh as ice. Any suggestion may come handy; if you have any idea just let me know. And I also need to tell you more… I won't be leaving the HQ as I cannot time travel so I'll select a team of level I and J agents to pull this out. Only one of the agents on this team is going to be seen by people from the past, the rest will be back up. I'll give the instructions before the selected people leave. The rest will go on shifts around to see any particular or odd variation. Level C to F will permanently help scanning different time periods and reports will be done each 30 minutes from now. Levels A and B will replace instructors in the academy session that begins tomorrow. Any questions?"
No one dared to move. To add bemusement, Angel had so many queries on the subject and attempted to ask something but her watch suddenly gave a flickering green signal. Luckily she had her hands below the table and covered the light with her right hand. She eyed the crowd uneasy. Who wouldn't? The last thing she wanted was to get caught helping someone with a special request she didn't agree on. Wilbur motioned for Angel to talk and then spoke aloud to get her attention.
Wilbur: "What's your question?"
Angel blinked startled and pointed herself with her index finger."Who? me?"
Wilbur: "Yes, what were you going to ask?"
Angel: "No… I wasn't going to." Her body cringed in Wilbur's chair and the captain glanced at her skeptically. Cornelius on the other hand began talking to Derek and gave him other instructions. He was also a board member in the TCTF after all.
Wilbur: "Ok… Now as you see, we're under a blue code, the rest of missions are cancelled and time machines will be locked down for security reasons. Only the chosen team is having clearance under a special code. You can all go to your places."
Agents nodded and began walking out of the reunion room, so did Derek. Angel had just gotten to her feet to see an instant message on her watch and hid her hand to read it behind a big plant pot:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Angel,
I'll meet you at the mall in front of the movies.
Tell others a good excuse why you are with me
to not get suspicious. Make up the most convincing
stuff. Call me when you're here.
T.R. ;)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
As soon as she read it Angel began to walk away quick. Inopportunely, Wilbur called her name and asked her to stay. The girl stopped dead in her tracks and nervously turned around to see his boss and the famous inventor as well. Her mind started racing with preoccupation more than ever.
What am I going to do now? she thought. They'll find it out and I'll get suspended if not more.
Wilbur: "Angel, are you ok?"
Angel blinked at Wilbur trying to look clueless. Still her mind was thinking like a ship in a rush for an emergency landing: Oh, no sir I am not ok. You see, I hate to lie. Specially you after all your kindness and trust you have on me.
"No captain. I'm perfectly fine, just a little careless today. I'm sorry I didn't get here on time, I was…" Liar!! Tell him, tell him now. This is your last chance before this stupidity blows up in your face.
Angel shook her head and Cornelius was sure of his thoughts. He knew the young girl stifled something and tried to get the information directly.
Cornelius: "You sure there's nothing you need to say to us?"
Angel trembled vaguely, but not enough to be noticed at once. Instead, she decided to do the last thing on earth she thought and mentally hit herself. You owe me mister! I'll kill you for this. Her fists were all together as she prepared to punch someone and muffled herself making some puppy eyes.
Angel sighed and grabbed a strand of her hair with her fingers "Ok. I admit it, I can't lie. I'm terrible at it."
Wilbur and Cornelius exchanged glances puzzled ant tilted their heads.
Wilbur: "So? We're listening…"
Angel: "I was coming when the alarm rang…but but…"
Cornelius crossed his arms and Wilbur tapped his foot in exasperation. Angel kept hammering her brain with more thoughts on how to make her friend pay for what she was going to say.
Angel: "Ok, ok, ok! I was walking on the hall but I ran into Taylor."
Wilbur, Cornelius: "Taylor!"
Wilbur: "How could I be so blind?! He wasn't in here. Angel, where is my son?"
Cornelius: "Where did he go?"
Wilbur: "Ok Angel, what is Taylor up to this time? What did he tell you?"
Angel cheeks became rosy as fire and covered her eyes.
Wilbur: "Angel, we're waiting."
Angel: "Gosh this is so embarrassing. Captain, Taylor and I were talking for a while and that's why I came in late."
Wilbur: "About what if you can be so kind?"
Angel kept a burning blush and blurted words slowly to the Robinsons standing in front of her.
"We had a terrible argument. I told him I had other things to do and so did him. Then we went into other subjects and he was so mad that sprinted out of here."
After the story Angel made up, she put her face down to glimpse at the floor. She didn't know how to ever talk to both men listening to her dumb explanation. She kept her hands entwined as for waiting a final judgment with fear. This was the most silly and not believable excuse. Taylor we're busted now!
To Angel surprise, Wilbur and Cornelius had their mouths hanging open. Cornelius was the first one to get out of shock and put his hand in front of Wilbur's face. Then the confused and troubled father spoke to the girl. "Angel…"
Angel could not take it any longer and tears came out little by little. She kept her head facing almost the ground. Sorry Taylor I must tell your dad.
Angel: "I'm very sorry Mr. Robinson, Taylor and I…"
Wilbur: "Need time to talk..."
Angel: "But sir what I'm trying to say..."
Wilbur: "Just bring him here."
Great, Angel Anne Green. You totally convinced them that you were fighting with Taylor! Maybe they'll drop into other conclusions soon. Urgh. Just wait till I put my hands on you Taylor Robinson!!!
Cornelius: "No wonder you seemed rushed and worried when you got in."
Wilbur: "Yeah dad you're right. So, got any idea where Taylor is right now?"
Angel nodded shyly and added "I do believe I know where he can be."
Wilbur: "Go look for him. Stay in touch. I'll call you when I need both of you. Deal?"
Wilbur took out his right hand to shake it with Angel and she took her own hand to shake it.
Angel: "Yes sir."
Wilbur: "Call me Wilbur."
Angel: "Uhm. Oh God, that will be very hard..."
Cornelius: "Just try it."
Angel: "I guess I'll see ya later…cap-Wilbur."
Angel watch began flickering it's green light that indicated an incoming call. Wilbur stifled a laugh and Cornelius smirked. The girl had her cheeks pink again.
Cornelius: "Better call him back before he goes insane."
Wilbur: "Yah. I see he won't stop to bug you."
Angel: "I figured."
At last, Angel twirled swiftly and dashed out the room to find Taylor Robinson in the settled place on his last message.
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