A Matter of Time

“Welcome, everybody, to TTT Ltd,” Elenor announced, somehow maintaining the same enthusiastic smile she had worn for every group that morning. “Here at Time Travel Tourism Limited, we make sure everyone gets the holiday they paid for, bought, or even will purchase…”

A few polite chuckles came from the assembled journalists and potential investors.

Elenor paused. “Well, we’re still working on the introduction.” That got a better laugh.

She led the group from the atrium and into the demonstration hall, waiting patiently as the last few stragglers finished taking photographs.

“And now! I present my lovely husband, Dr Aiden Barrows’, greatest invention.” She swept out an arm.

The machine dominated the room. At its centre stood a cylindrical pod, not unlike a lift without a shaft. Thick bundles of cables snaked from its base, disappearing beneath the floor and into the walls, while rings of intricate machinery surrounded it, slowly rotating around one another.

“Time travel!” 

The room erupted in applause. Cameras flashed. Journalists raised tablets and began scribbling notes. Several of the investors simply stared.

Beyond the machine, enormous cables fed through the far wall. Reinforced doors bore bright radiation warnings, while behind thick glass sat the heart of the entire operation. A processing hub containing what Aiden proudly claimed was the largest computer in the world.

“Of course,” Elenor continued, “this is the real world, and in the real world, time travel has rules. None of that silly changing the past and suddenly disappearing from photographs. That sort of thing only happens in the movies.”

She gestured towards a metal plaque mounted beside the steps leading to the machine.

QUO LONGIUS RETROCEDIS, EO MINUS TEMPORIS MANERE POTES

Several members of the group leaned closer. A few read it twice.

“Of course, for the non-Latin speakers…” Elenor chuckled. “I did tell him he should simplify it. It roughly translates to: the further you go back, the less time you can stay. Eventually, the amount of time becomes infinitesimally small, so insignificant. That travelling any further becomes impossible.”

A hand rose from amongst the crowd. “So there’s a limit?”

“Indeed,” Elenor replied. “So far, we predict it to be around one thousand years. Unfortunately, the calculations required to send someone even that far demand an extraordinary amount of processing power and energy.”

She gestured towards the computer behind the glass.

The group murmured amongst themselves. Another hand rose. Elenor glanced at the man's visitor badge.

GEOFF CHEVVY — HELIX SCIENTIFIC VENTURES

“How does any of that mean we can't change the past?” he asked, wearing a cheeky grin.

“Very good question.” Elenor smiled. “Because the moment you set foot in the past, a branching reality is created. Around here, we call them rubber bands.”

She held up both hands, stretching an imaginary band between her fingers. “The longer you remain in the past, the further the rubber band stretches. Eventually…” She snapped her fingers. “…it breaks. You're returned to the exact moment you left, and the branching reality collapses with it.”

Geoff slowly tapped a finger against his chin. “So…” His grin widened. “Everything we do there is erased?”

“Indeed.”

His grin grew wider still.

Elenor noticed. “Which is exactly why TTT Ltd performs extensive background checks on every person who uses our services. Dr Barrows is adamant that his invention be used for the betterment of humanity. For enjoyment, observation and understanding.”

Geoff's smile faltered.

“So far, we've obtained time-lapse footage of the painting of the Mona Lisa, interviewed famous writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien and William Shakespeare, and, of course…” Elenor allowed herself a theatrical pause. “…solved the Jack the Ripper murders.”

The room erupted with questions and applause.

“If it weren't for the ridiculous amount of power the machine requires, we could have done so much more!”

Heads turned and Dr Aiden Barrows strode through a side door. His overly long lab coat flapping around and hair that looked as though it hadn't seen a comb in several days.

“But,” he continued, “that's exactly why we're looking for investment and preparing to offer this technology to the general public.”

Geoff's hand rose again. “What kind of background checks?”

Aiden stopped. “The kind that ascertain exactly how you intend to use your time in the past. We don't condone murder or any other crime here. The past is to be observed.” His expression softened. “Perhaps you want to visit a long-lost family member. Perhaps you'd like to see a performer who died before you were born. Walk through a city that no longer exists. See history as it actually happened rather than how someone wrote it down.”

“Well, I'm sure my company could invest a substantial amount,” Geoff said. “This business could be extremely lucrative. Infinite earning possibilities, really. The board would certainly be willing to discuss relaxing some of these restrictions if…”

“No.”

Geoff blinked and Dr Aiden's jaw tightened.

“Excuse me?”

“No exceptions.” Aiden pointed towards the exit. “Get out!”

Silence swallowed the room.

Geoff raised his hands innocently. “I was only suggesting…”

“Out!”

A member of staff hurried forward and ushered Geoff towards the doors. Aiden watched him leave. The moment the door closed, his anger seemed to collapse with it. He rubbed both hands across his face.

“Excuse me.” He disappeared through the side door.

Elenor waited a moment before giving the group an apologetic smile. “My husband is rather protective of his work. Please, feel free to look around. I'll be back in just a moment.”

She found Aiden slumped behind the desk in his office. “My love.”

“We're going to get people like him,” Aiden groaned. “I know. Until we can get proper funding, we're going to keep getting people like him. I just…” He shook his head. “I don't understand why people look at this and immediately see an opportunity to fulfil their… their…” His expression soured. “Urges?”

“Some people simply can't see the wonderful potential in what you've made.” Elenor sat beside him and rested her palm against his cheek. “Not everyone has your, um…”

“Morality?” Aiden offered, a reluctant grin appearing.

“I was going to say philanthropy.”

“Thanks, sweetie.” He chuckled, leaning over and kissing her cheek. “I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you.”

Elenor smiled. “Probably have to do the inductions yourself.”

Aiden recoiled in mock horror. “God forbid.”

She laughed and pulled him to his feet. “Come on. We've still got half a tour to finish.”

“Right.” He straightened his lab coat. “Let's get these people signed in and checked.”

Together, they returned to the demonstration hall.

“Apologies, everyone!” Elenor announced, immediately drawing the group's attention. “Now, we have a few more… quality-of-life-slash…” She waved her hand vaguely. “… more sensible rules.”

The crowd reformed into a semicircle around her.

“Obviously, you'll be appropriately vaccinated before travelling, and we'll provide period-appropriate clothing. We also need to discuss language barriers, contamination and…”

BEEP! BEEP!

Elenor’s watch lit up and she glanced down.

“Oh. Sorry, everyone. If you'll give me one second.” She slipped away while the group continued inspecting the machine.

Passing through a back door, she emerged into reception.

“Um, Mrs Barrows?” the receptionist called. “Aren't you supposed to be finishing the tour?”

“I'll only be a second, dear. Don't worry.” Elenor said as she pushed through the doors into the car park. Looking around with a long sigh.

“You were right, I guess.” Geoff emerged from behind a parked car, hands buried in his pockets. “Can't believe it,” he groaned. “That's three times in a row.”

Elenor smirked. “I guess I'm just better at convincing a lonely scientist to become a philanthropist, than you are at playing a sleazy investor.”

“Fine. You win.” Geoff rolled his eyes. “But next time, I want to be the billionaire businessman again.”

“Oh, come on. You did that this time.”

“Not properly.”

“You do it every time!”

He shrugged. “It's easy.”

Elenor shook her head. “Yeah, when you know the lottery numbers.”

Geoff was silent for a moment, then his grin returned. “Hmm. I've got an idea.”

Elenor sighed. “Go on, then.”

“Another competition.”

“Really?” She groaned. “Can't we just go back and have a good time?”

“Did you not have a good time here?” Geoff asked. “You seemed to enjoy yourself with the doctor.”

Something in his tone made her glare and she folded her arms. “Fine. What is it?” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “And it better not be one of your dumb ideas.”

“Nah. Simple one.” Geoff chuckled. “Let's see who can get richest during the Great Depression of 2042.”

Elenor stared at him, then slowly grinned. “Sure! You just want a competition that involves making money.”

"Well, it’s only a matter of time until I win one of our little bets." Geoff laughed and both of their watches beeped. His smile disappeared. “It's over.”

Elenor nodded as she heard the door behind her open.

“Elenor?”

Her body stiffened.

Aiden stood in the doorway. His eyes moved from his wife to Geoff, confusion crossing his face.

“Elenor!” He rushed towards them. “What are you doing talking to…”

SNAP!