Time After Time

Time After Time

He just appeared in my back yard one evening just before sunset.

Suddenly I heard a buzzing sound like from a dozen bees. It was like watching someone appear from a transporter beam in an old science fiction movie. I was sitting on my patio having an after-dinner coffee. The air by my birdbath went sort of blurry and there he was. He looked around for a couple of seconds and then smiled and sort of waved to me. He walked closer to where I was sitting. He opened his mouth to speak.

“Gorko. Hippy a seed anute homa.”

No idea what the man said. Not knowing what to say back, I just gestured to the chair next me on the patio. He gave nod and came to sit in the chair. I smiled and nodded.

“Oh.” He said and pulled out a device about the size of a cell phone. He pushed a couple of buttons and spoke to the device. “Chanjo messa aged Englash.”

My guess was he was setting up a translation device. I wasn’t sure if he was from another planet or what. A few beeps and bops from the device and he spoke again.

“Can you understand me now? The strange thing was the sound seemed to come from his mouth, not from the translator device.

“I understand what you’re saying perfectly.” Then I wondered if he understood what I was saying. But apparently, he did.

He spoke again, “Good, we can communicate. How are you called?”

“My name? My name is James Thomson. What is your name.” He smiled and nodded.

“Ah, yes name that’s the term. My name is Neuto Garrvin. I’m here from the future 2286.” At least numbers hadn’t changed like the words obviously had.

“So, you’re not some alien from Mars or one of the moons of Saturn?” I’m sure he heard the skepticism in my voice.

He laughed, “No James, not that. Although I’ve been there a few times.”

I was shocked and impressed, “Really Neuto, what’s it like to travel through space like that? It must be incredibly exciting.”

“It’s exciting to arrive at those places, but the journey is distant and for most of it we are in what you would call, suspended animation. Even longer when we go to other galaxies.”

Wow, other galaxies indeed. I can’t even imagine what that might be like.

Neuto was not tall. I’d say about five foot six. Somewhat muscular, but it was difficult to tell under that one-piece uniform suit he wore. It was a strange shade of purple with black detail on the collar and sleeves. His shoes seemed to be the same material but with a sole and thin heel on the bottom. Other than the somewhat unusual clothing he looked average like someone who might live down the street. His skin seemed a bit paler but features like any human being.

“So you’re from the future. Can you tell me what happens? Who wins the Kentucky Derby or the World Series, or better yet the Super Bowl next year.”

“Not only do I not know, I have no idea what those things are. James, they do not exist in my time.”

“Don’t you have any sports?” I was starting to wonder if he was being honest.

“We do have competitions both physical and intellectual. We have a sport where we kick a ball around an area, similar to your soccer. We also play a multi-dimensional chess for relaxation, and we have various other intellectual challenges.

“Neuto, why are you here? To save the world or something else.” at this point he has me curious.

“Well, think about it. If I came to save the world, I wouldn’t exist and therefore couldn’t.”

His response was accurate; I had to admit.

“Good point. But why are you here? Just curiosity?” I was becoming more curious.

“Well James, I am what you might call a q-89 engineer and I’m working to improve the time machine, to make it more precise and accurate.”

“Won’t that be dangerous? You might wipe out your own existence.” He seemed upset at my comment.

“Well, I just think that’s exactly why it’s important. The Butterfly Effect’ and the Grandfather Paradox are real possibilities, especially with the time device’s inaccuracy. Of course there can also be the duplicity effect.”

“What is that?” I was puzzled.

“Well, when I time travel it can happen twice, but only if I stay too long.”

“Well, Neuto, how long is too long? I’m curious to know.”

“Why, do you want to get rid of me?”

“No, I’d really like to take you around to meet all my friends and relatives.”

“Why?”

“Because they won’t believe me.” I said this with a little laughter. He laughed too. He looked at the device on his wrist.

“But do tell me, how does this time-travel thing actually work? Why do you wear that fancy suit?”

“Well James, it all involves a certain timing with dimensional-shift, a q-computing device, repetition sequencing, Newton’s 247 harmonics, Tesla’s sonic resonance, and just a bit of time measurement and controlled slippage.”

“But what about the suit? Is it made of something special?”

“Yes, it is designed to eliminate static electricity, so that I don’t get injured or sent to the incorrect space and time.”

I noticed him checking the device again.

“Is it time to leave?”

“It is.” Neuto sounded a bit worried.

“Will I be able to remember our conversation?”

“You will, for a while.”

“When will I see you next.”

“You probably won’t it will just be a buzzing sound.”

“Why did you come to see me? Am I special somehow?

“You don’t understand, do you?” A buzzing sound started and he began to fade. “All I have time to say is this. James, you are a ‘Butterfly Effect.”

Neuto touched his wrist device, the buzzing grew much louder and he was gone. I sat there with my mouth open, wondering what would happen next.