BeChloe Week 2023
Summary: In the year 2045, renowned scientist Dr. Beca Mitchell, her partner Dr. Bella Conrad and their team develop a machine that can send someone back in time. Dr. Mitchell is the first to attempt it. She has a few ideas about what might happen but is still surprised by the events that unfold when she reaches her destination.
NOTE: As with time travel, there will be time jumps.
"Before we get started, let's go through the checklist real quick so we can pack your backpack," Dr. Bella Conrad said.
"Okay," Dr. Beca Mitchell said, tossing the empty backpack onto the table.
"Dr. Adams, would you place the items into the backpack as I go through the list?" Dr. Conrad asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Dr. Adams said.
"Okay," Dr. Conrad said. "First, we have two changes of clothing."
Dr. Adams took the clothes and placed them in the backpack.
"Done," Dr. Adam said.
"Good. Next, we have a tablet where we uploaded the complete plans to help create, or in this case, recreate the time travel device," Dr. Conrad said.
"We need to find a cooler name than time travel device," Dr. Mitchell said as she handed Dr. Adams the tablet.
"I'm sure you'll think of something when you build or re-build it," Dr. Conrad said. "Let's continue, shall we?"
Thirty minutes later, the backpack was full, and Dr. Mitchell was situated inside the time travel device. Dr. Conrad stood next to her and adjusted a few knobs before turning to Dr. Mitchell.
"Ready?" Dr. Conrad asked.
Beca nodded
"Quiet everyone," Dr. Conrad called out. "Record on. This is Dr. Bella Conrad. Today is October 1, 2045, and this is our inaugural attempt at time travel. We have Dr. Beca Mitchell set up and ready to send back to the year 2012. Are you ready, Dr. Mitchell?"
"I'm ready, Bella," Beca said. "Let's just do this already."
"Record off," Bella said.
"What now?" Beca asked, sighing.
"Beca," Bella whined. "This is for the official record, and you need to address me as Dr. Conrad."
Drs. Adams and Smith chuckled at the look on Dr. Mitchell's face.
"Oh, my god," Beca mumbled. "I'm sorry, Dr. Conrad. Let's take it from the top."
"Are you going to behave and address me properly?" Bella asked, pouting.
"I just did, didn't I?" Beca said. "Can we get to it already?"
"Fine," Bella said. "But we should go over a few things one more time, okay?"
"Oh, for the love of," Beca muttered before sighing again. "I already know that once I'm transported back to the year 2012, there is no technology to bring me back to now until I re-create the time travel device."
"That's correct," Stacie said. "And once you re-create it, you can return here to report on your findings."
"So, I can change history and have time travel start years sooner?"
"Yep," Bella said. "That's the plan."
"How will you know if it worked and that I'm actually in 2012?" Beca asked.
"Good question," Bella said. "And one we currently don't have an answer for. But it only took us a year to get to this point, so if you don't come back in a year, we'll assume it didn't work. If you recreate what we did here, you should be able to come back and let us know you actually were in 2012."
"You're all a big part of this," Beca said, looking at her team. "How am I supposed to recreate this without you all?"
"I think I speak for everyone when I say we're flattered," Bella said. "But you won't need us because when you land in Barden in 2012, you will find my mother, Stacie Conrad. She's a student at Barden University and is genius-level intelligent. Talk to her, and she'll be able to put together a group like us to help you."
"If she's that smart," Beca said. "Why didn't she invent a time travel device on her own?"
"Quantum physics and mechanics weren't as advanced then," Bella said. "You're taking that knowledge with you; my mother didn't learn about it until I took an interest when I was eighteen. And now, the two of us have had a breakthrough and put together the team that created an actual time travel device. I think she'll be very proud of us once we're sure it works."
"Why haven't I met your mother?" Beca asked. "I've known you for over a year."
"She lives in Mykonos with my stepmother Aubrey Posen," Bella said. "It's a long story, but you'll meet them both when you get to Barden in 2012."
"You mean if I get to Barden in 2012," Beca said, chuckling.
"I said what I said," Bella said, smirking. "Secure your backpack."
"Done," Beca said, making sure she had a tight grip on the straps so she wouldn't lose the backpack during the "trip."
"Good," Bella said. "Are you ready to give this a try for real this time?"
"I'm more than ready, Dr. Conrad," Beca said, smiling as she settled back and prepared for her trip.
"Okay, quiet everyone," Bella said. "Let's do this. Record on."
~~ BeChloe Week 2023 - Day 2 ~~
"Whoa!" Beca cried out as she landed on her back. "That was awesome!"
She laughed as she rolled over and looked around. She was in a wooded area and began to formulate a plan for her next steps. She stood, grabbed her backpack, and pulled out a change of clothes.
Once she was changed, she started walking. She found a path and looked right, then left before deciding to go left. She started walking again and soon found herself heading out of the woods and facing what appeared to be the edge of the Barden University campus.
Beca smiled and pulled out her tablet to check the map of the University. After locating the science building, she started walking again. Ten minutes later, she found herself standing in front of the building, looking around. She noticed a leggy brunette coming out of the building and smiled.
"That has got to be Bella's mother," Beca mumbled as she started toward the woman. "Excuse me. Are you Stacie Conrad?"
The woman stopped and looked at Beca. "I am. And who might you be?"
"My name is Beca Mitchell," Beca replied. "And I really need to talk to you if you have the time."
"What's this about?" Stacie asked.
"It's a long story and one you probably won't believe," Beca said. Looking around to make sure no one could hear them, she leaned in and whispered, "I'm from the future and need your help."
Stacie laughed and shook her head. "That's impossible."
"I knew you'd say that," Beca said. "Could you humor me and at least listen to what I have to say? I promise it will be worth your while."
Stacie studied Beca for a moment; she then looked around to make sure she wasn't being punked. Seeing nothing unusual, so she turned back to Beca.
"Well, you seem harmless enough," she said. "Come with me to my dorm, and we can talk. This should be interesting."
"Thank you," Beca said, letting out the breath she had been holding.
Beca shifted her backpack and followed Stacie.
~~ BeChloe Week 2023 - Day 2 ~~
Two hours later, Beca sat watching as Stacie paced back and forth, processing everything Beca had told her.
"So, you came back to build a time machine to take you into the future?" Stacie said. "Why? What happened in 2012 that needs to be changed?"
"I'm, um," Beca started and stopped. "I'm not allowed to tell you because it may change history. The only part of history I can change is having a time machine built now instead of thirty-three years from now."
"I'll ask again," Stacie said. "Why 2012?"
Beca ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "The year isn't that important. We just need to ensure that it got me back at least ten years into the past. We picked 2012 because one of the scientists who helped build the time travel device believes that you have the knowledge to help build a new one to go into the future. That's all I can tell you for now."
"I see," Stacie said. "What do we need to do to get started?"
"You'll help me?" Beca squealed.
Stacie chuckled. "Yes, I'll help you. But we are going to need more than just you and me. And I have the perfect people."
"People?" Beca repeated. "How many people are you talking about? This is one of those secret things that can't get out."
"Just two," Stacie said. "And don't worry; they won't say anything about what we're doing."
"Good," Beca said. "I'm hungry, can we get something to eat?"
Before Stacie could answer, there was a knock on the door.
"Stacie?" A voice called through the door. "It's Chloe. Are you alone?"
"I know her," Stacie said. "I'm going to let her in, okay?"
"Why are you asking me?" Beca said. "You live here, and she's your friend."
"I didn't know if you wanted her to know you were here," Stacie said.
"It's no big deal if someone else sees me," Beca said. "Just tell her I'm a friend if she starts getting too curious."
"Oh, okay," Stacie said, going to the door and opening it. "Come on in, Chloe."
"Thanks," Chloe said. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"You're not," Stacie said.
When Chloe was inside the room, Beca's eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. This girl was the prettiest girl Beca had ever seen. Realizing she was still staring, Bec quickly snapped her mouth shut and looked away.
Seeing Beca, Chloe smiled and asked, "Who is this cutie?"
Beca blushed. Stacie saw Beca's red face and laughed as she said, "This is my friend, Beca Mitchell. We're working on a project together. Beca, this is my friend Chloe Beale."
"It's really nice to meet you, Beca," Chloe said, smiling.
"Um, yeah," Beca said. "You, too."
Beca and Chloe stood looking at each other. Stacie smiled as she watched the two.
"So, Chloe," Stacie said, causing Chloe to look at her. "Did you want something?"
"Oh, right," Chloe said. "I was going to go to that new Mexican place just off campus and thought you might like to join me. I remember you saying you loved Mexican food; I'd ask Aubrey, but she isn't a fan. Beca can come too if she wants."
"I'd love to go with you," Beca said, smiling at Chloe.
"I'd love to go, too," Stacie said. "We were just talking about getting something to eat."
"Perfect," Chloe said. "Let's go."
~~ BeChloe Week 2023 - Day 2 ~~
Beca knew the moment she met Chloe that she had found her soulmate; Chloe seemed to feel the same.
Months after that spur-of-the-moment dinner invitation, Stacie would tell anyone who would listen how she was there the moment the great love affair between Beca and Chloe began.
Six months later, after another date night, Chloe started talking about staying close to Barden after graduation so she and Beca could be together without worrying about a long-distance relationship and all the problems that came with it. Beca began to panic and bid Chloe a hasty goodnight, left, and hurried over to Stacie's.
Stacie was startled by loud knocking and Beca calling out for her. She hurried to the door and let Beca in.
"Oh, my God! Oh, my God!" Beca mumbled as she paced back and forth, running her hands through her hair. "What am I going to do?"
"Beca, sit down," Stacie ordered.
Beca immediately sat on the edge of Stacie's bed; Stacie sat next to her.
"Now tell me what's got you all frazzled," Stacie said.
"Chloe's talking about us being together after she graduates," Beca said. "She wants us to live together near Barden. What am I going to do?"
"That's a good thing, Beca," Stacie said, smiling. "She really loves you and sees a future with you."
"That's the problem," Beca said with tears in her eyes. "I am from the future, and I'm going to have to go back."
"Do you really?" Stacie said.
"Well, yeah," Beca said. "That's been the plan from the beginning. I go back after a year to prove our time travel device worked. If I don't go back, they'll think it failed. I can't leave my team hanging, not knowing. They are part of something remarkable, and they should know that."
"I get that part," Stacie said. "I'm asking if you are the only one who can go back and tell them it worked. What if someone else goes back instead?"
Beca furrowed her brow and looked at Stacie. "Who? If someone else goes back, I'll still be-." Suddenly a smile came to Beca's face. "If someone else goes back, I can stay here. And Chloe and I can be together for the rest of our lives."
"Exactly," Stacie said, smiling.
Beca's smile dropped again. "But who would change places with me? Who can we get to go back? It's a lot to ask of someone to give up their life to do something like that."
"You did it," Stacie said.
"I know I did," Beca said. "But I also knew what I was signing up for. It's not the same."
"What if I find someone to do it," Stacie said. "If they agree, you'll stay here, and you and Chloe can be together. Plus, I don't lose someone who has become one of my best friends."
Beca swallowed loudly and looked down at the floor. "If I agree to this, I want to write a letter to Bel-; to my partner, explaining everything. I'm sure she'll get a kick out of knowing I found my soulmate."
Stacie smiled. "You should also tell Chloe about all this."
"I will," Beca said. "Someday."
~~ BeChloe Week 2023 - Day 2 ~~
For the seventh day in a row, Dr. Bella Conrad and her colleague, Dr. Zeke Adam, waited in the Quantum Leap lab to see if Dr. Beca Mitchell would return to prove she had traveled back in time to the year 2012.
"It's been seven days, Bella," Zeke said. "She's not coming back. We're going to have to resign ourselves to the fact that she didn't make it."
"I can't give up on her," Bella said. "She taught us all so much; she can't just be gone."
"Dr. Conrad! Dr. Conrad!" Dr. Samuel Jones yelled, running into the lab.
"What is it, Sam?"
"Dr. Mitchell made it," Sam said. "She made it back to 2012, or at least to 2017."
"How can you be so sure?" Bella asked.
"This," Sam said, holding up his tablet. "There's an article about her. Sort of a retrospective of music from the 20teens. She apparently became a singing star."
"Oh, my God!" Bella said, taking the table and reading the article. "It says she was discovered by someone named DJ Khaled and shot to stardom practically overnight. This is amazing!"
Zeke took the tablet and read the article himself. "It says here she got her start with a college acapella group, the Barden Bellas."
"My mom was a Bella," Bella said. "She named me after the group. I wish Beca would come back and tell us about it."
The three scientists jumped when lights started flashing, and the room was filled with BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! sounds.
"What the hell?" Bella cried out.
"I think we're getting a time traveler," Zeke said excitedly. "Maybe it's Dr. Mitchell coming back."
The three scientists stared at the time travel device, waiting for someone to appear. Bella was expecting to see Beca when another brunette suddenly appeared.
"Wow!" the brunette said. "That was one wild ride."
Bella, Sam, and Zeke just stared at the woman.
"Who are you?" Bella finally asked.
"Oh, I'm Denise," the woman said. "Beca Mitchell sent me. Are you Dr. Bella Conrad?"
"I am," Bella responded.
"Great!" Denise said. "That means I'm where I'm supposed to be. And I have something for you."
Denise reached into her jacket and pulled out an envelope.
"Here," Denise said, holding the envelope out to Bella.
Bella took the envelope and pulled out the letter from inside. She looked it over and smiled.
"It's from Beca," Bella said. "She apologizes for not being the one who came back. She met her soulmate and decided to stay back to be with her; Denise volunteered to return in her stead, so Beca and her girlfriend Chloe could be together."
"I didn't have anyone or anything to keep me there, and Beca is so in love with Chloe that I couldn't not volunteer," Denise said.
"We thank you for that," Bella said, smiling. "Beca also said she knew who my mom was because I look just like her."
"She's not wrong there," Denise said, chuckling.
"The letter also says she had some others help build the time machine, and if I was reading this letter, then everything was as it should be in the future."
Zeke and Sam cheered and grabbed Bella and Denise in a hug. "Let's go celebrate."
~~ BeChloe Week 2023 - Day 2 ~~
On the same date in 2012, Beca, Stacie, and Lily reflected on Denise's excitement over traveling into the future. They stood around looking glum, wondering if Denise actually made it into the future.
"I'm sure she made it," Beca said forcefully. "I don't want to think about what it means if she didn't."
"I'm sure she made it, too," Stacie said. "We wouldn't have come this far not to have her make it."
"I'm sure Cynthia Rose will notice that Denise is missing," Lily said.
"Denise told Cynthia Rose she was accepted into a foreign education program and was leaving the States," Stacie said. "Cynthia Rose wished her good luck, and that was it. I don't think Cynthia Rose will be looking for her."
"I wanted to be the one to go," Lily said. "But Denise told me she didn't have any family to worry about or miss her, so she was the logical choice to send."
"I hope you told her that we're her family," Beca said and then smiled. "I will always remember the sacrifice she made that allows Chloe and I to be together forever."
"Are you finally going to tell Chloe about all this now?" Stacie asked.
"Can't it wait until after we've been married for a while?" Beca asked.
"You're getting married!?" Stacie squealed.
"I haven't asked her yet, but I hope so," Beca said.
The three friends looked around the lab one last time before leaving it. Once outside, Beca went to meet Chloe for their date, and Stacie and Lily walked away together, chatting about their next project.