Preparation

PREPARATION

Everyone but Larry was on board, even after Skorzenzy showed them the artifacts Captain Christopher had returned with. No mistake, these were actually from the correct time period, even though there wasn’t a carbon machine available to verify exact dates. Muki had handled enough authenticated papyrus scripts of the era to recognize a fake or an authentic artifact. She gazed with amazement at the intricate measurements and details of how the stones were cut at the quarries then moved to the site. The directions were simple and direct in the legend. Even Larry had to appreciate the engineering depicted on the scroll. Albeit skeptical, he couldn’t deny the machine actually worked.

The Professor allowed his new pupils to examine the artifacts with no interruptions. They needed to become totally immersed and mesmerized with the treasures of the past. The longer they stared, the more questions they asked, the deeper they would fall under his guidance. He contemplated the next issues as “his” students studied his next move.

The next question would be, who would go first. Judith? Much too ambitious and self-centered. He knew where she wanted to go, but she needed to learn a little temperament. Larry? NO! He’s not convinced, and will be the last one before I go, or maybe I shall have him join me. I shall consider this further. The young Star Trek fan? He would be a good choice but still needs a little more convincing. Yes, the young Asian girl, Muki. She would be perfect. Her attitude is correct. She is fascinated with the prospect of studying history firsthand while at the same time keeping her eyes and ears open. She is not easily swayed, and will keep a clear mind in a difficult situation if it should arise. Yes, Muki should go first.

“Children—”

“Excuse me?” Judith’s eyes bore into the professor. “Children? You have us mistaken with someone else. We are fully grown adults and do not take kindly to your inference.” The intensity and fierceness was resurfacing in her tone.

“Excuse me, Judith. I meant no harm. Students. Is that more pleasing?” The tone was a bit condescending.

“No,” replied Larry. “Call us by our names only.”

“As you wish. My apologies, but it would be a bit redundant calling each of you by name each time I require to address a topic.” He pondered the minor dilemma for a minute, then reached the obvious conclusion. “Graduates. Is anyone opposed to the moniker?” No one spoke up. “Excellent, then ‘graduates’ it is. After careful consideration I believe, if she isn’t frightened by the thought, Muki should be the first to travel back in time. Her success will settle your concerns and eliminate any lingering doubts.”

“What?” yelled Judith. “Why should she go first? She’s no better than the rest of us. If anyone should go first, it should be me.”

“Granted Judith, my decision is not meant to slight any of the graduates. Only, that I believe Muki’s grasp of history and thirst for more knowledge would ease all of our fears and doubts, that is, if she is willing to go?” He moved his eyes to Muki, as did the others.

She never flinched or showed the excitement welling up inside. She stared at the stone schematic while formulating her response. She needed to be calm and cool. Too much enthusiasm could jinx the deal; not enough could be viewed as too complacent and unappreciative. She raised her eyes looking for reactions from her friends. Judith’s eyes were full of hate and contempt. Abdul’s were of bewilderment, and Larry’s showed distaste for the whole venture. She could sense he was pleading for her to decline. Choosing her words carefully, she replied. “Professor.” Her tone confident and clear. “It would be an honor to represent our group and travel back in time. I have a few questions though before we proceed.”

Excellent. She’s accepting the challenge.

“Yes. What concerns are you speaking of?”

“The suit. Based on everything we’ve learned, I’m sure the suits aren’t one-size-fits-all.

“Correct.”

“And without the suit, the trip would be impossible to undertake.”

“Correct.”

“Then how is it possible for one of us, especially me, to travel back without a formfitting suit?”

“An excellent point. The suits are custom-fitted for each traveler. Because of the high security of this installation, it was mandatory that the fittings and construction be performed on site. Down the last hallway, is a room where the suit will be spun to your exact requirements and specific needs. Next question.” She was too smart to have only one. He would have been highly disappointed if she didn’t have at least one more question.

“The next question is twofold. How long will I be gone in real time, and how long will I be suspended in the next dimension?”

“In real time, Muki, that depends on how long you wish to stay in the past. In the case of Captain Christopher, it was agreed we only wanted to observe the events of ancient Egypt. We agreed eight hours would be ample if he were properly placed as dictated by the coordinates we used. Seeing how his clothing and skin color would be difficult to camouflage, he convinced us that he would be able to remain hidden while accomplishing the mission. So, his time was exactly eight hours.”

“And if it’s eight hours there, then it’s eight hours here?” she asked.

“Correct. Time is not altered at all as far as minutes, hours and days are concerned. We aren’t accelerating the timeline. It remains the same.” She thought about that for a few moments.

“Okay, next question. If the traveler were to get in trouble or find themselves in a compromising situation, is there any way to send a signal to alert the complex of impending danger or a medical issue?”

“Yes, there is. The battery, which powers the fiber optics in the suit, has a small red button on it. If the traveler becomes distressed or compromised, he or she only needs to press the button, and the signal is received back here. We promptly start the return sequence, and the subject will be retrieved within two minutes.” She studied his response for a moment, trying to convince herself the trip was worth the risks.

“Okay, one last question. I’m sure the device was extensively tested?” Her tone wasn’t as sure.

Abdul was particularly interested in how a radio signal from the past could travel to the future. It was obvious the technology of the past would not be able to accommodate modern technological requirements of the future.

“Professor, excuse me for my ignorance, but how is that possible?”

Skorzenzy wasn’t expecting this line of questioning. No, they had no way of receiving or sending messages from the past to the present. Once the traveler was placed, they were on their own. There was no way to open a rift in space and keep it open once the individual was in place. He needed to think fast.

“Since we only used the machine once, which was successful, it was not necessary to test the device. In theory, once an individual arrives at the destination, a magnetic field encompasses the body allowing a small portal to remain open, which produces a small rift for electronic signals to pass through.”

“Professor, according to all the quantum physics theories, that would be catastrophic. Creating a rift in the time continuum will drastically alter the electronic and magnet fields of both universes.” Abdul’s line of questioning was becoming uncomfortable and discouraging.

“Excuse me, son. You have seen for yourself with the video the machine works. You have seen the authentic artifacts from Egypt.” Abdul agreed. “Then why would you question whether the machine is safe or not?” The only argument Abdul could muster was theory, not application.

“Professor, I meant no harm, rather pointing out the theory of—”

Skorzenzy had had enough. “Exactly.” The words were hard. “Theory? It’s theory you speak of? I speak of fact. Before you is the theory in practice. Are you denying your eyes? Are you questioning the decades of experiments performed to achieve perfection? I have the proof; you have the books. Which one garners more credibility?”

There was nothing he could add. The professor was right. He was looking at the theory in practice.

“I apologize, Professor. I meant no harm. Of course, practicality outweighs theory.” Skorzenzy scanned for other questions from the group. None were forthcoming.

“Good, now it is time to decide what era you wish to go back to.”

Muki had been fascinated with the JFK assassination in Dallas. “Professor, as I mentioned earlier, I would choose November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas.”

The date did not escape him. He knew the day well—all too well. His father and uncles spoke about the topic very freely when they vacationed in the Caribbean. At home, the topic was never broached or hinted at. In private, it was the center of discussions.

“My dear, and why would you want to see JFK killed? What could you possibly learn from such a tragic event in American history? Would it not be wise to let the man lie in peace? Surely there is a more desirable area to visit?” He was cautious with his tone. If he couldn’t talk her out of the choice, then he would take the chance, hoping the family secret would remain a secret. Even if she did learn the truth, she would have to leave the facility alive to make the knowledge public.

“No, Professor. That is the area I wish to travel to.” Without arguing, he agreed.

“And where have you decided to be placed? The Grassy Knoll? The overpass on IH-35 and Commerce, or the Book Depository Building?”

Muki thought about the choices. The professor had left out an important landmark, which could provide her a panoramic view of the motorcade as it turned onto Main Street from Market—The Dallas County Records Building. If placed on the roof, she would have an unobstructed view. “Professor, I believe the best vantage point would be the Records Building.”

A hint of panic flashed through his eyes. “Are you sure about your choice?”

“Yes, I believe it would provide an excellent view.” The professor was cringing.

“My dear, please rethink your choice. If you are transported to the roof of the Records Building, I fear you would become a guest of the Secret Service before you could hit the panic button.”

“Professor, it wasn’t until Kennedy was killed did the Secret Service increase the advanced vanguard of men to seal off buildings and rooftops. It will be perfectly safe and provide, as I stated earlier, an excellent view of the motorcade, the Grassy Knoll, and the Book Depository Building.” He knew her mind was made up, and if he pressed too hard, she might start asking embarrassing questions.

“Very well, Dallas it is.”

It was agreed (although begrudgingly by Judith) that Muki would go first. Skorzenzy led them down the only corridor they hadn’t explored when they were earlier searching for secret rooms. He removed a small chain of keys which resembled nothing any of them had ever seen before. Each key was one inch long, no more than a sixteenth of an inch thick, with no discernible keyed grooves. The professor scanned through five of the keys before settling on one. He slowly moved towards the wall and brushed against the gray concrete. A small panel immediately moved back revealing a slot. He placed the key in and waited. A low hum whirred from behind the wall. A section of the wall 4 x 6 feet slid effortlessly to the left. Florescent lights flickered for a moment then held steady, revealing a room no more than 30 x 30 feet. The only visible equipment was a small circular platform in the middle. Above it was a machine resembling the lower body of a spider.

“Wow,” remarked Abdul as he entered first. We have truly traveled to another dimension in time.”

The professor couldn’t agree more. “Yes, you have.” He looked at the others and waved them in. “Shall we?”

Muki went first, then Judith, and finally Larry. Skorzenzy followed the group in, waved the key over an unseen sensor, allowing the door to close behind them. There was no sound as it closed.

The professor majestically waved his hand at Muki, “Please move onto the platform.” Nervously, she moved towards the raised circular platform and stepped up. Her eyes were darting around the room, attempting to understand the process she was embarking upon.

“Relax my dear, everything will be fine.” She wasn’t reassured with his words.

Skorzenzy moved to the left of the platform and ran a different key over another unseen panel. A small part of the smooth wall slid back exposing a compact control panel. “Graduates, please join me. I wouldn’t want you to get tangled up in the web.”

“Muki, please discard all of your clothes except your undergarments. He preferred to be proper. The word underwear was much too brusque for him.

She stared in shock. “Professor, my clothes?”

“Yes my dear, your clothing. How else do you think we will achieve a skintight fit? We can’t have you running around in the past in your present clothing now, can we? Trust me, this is not a perversion of some type. It is a mandatory requirement to protect your body when you travel.”

Still not completely convinced, she slowly started unbuttoning her blouse. “My dear, at this rate Mr. Kennedy will be shot three more times. Please, the process is very safe, and your virtue is in no danger.” His words calmed her inner nerves, and she proceeded to disrobe.

Skorzenzy noticed the boys were taking maybe too much of an interest in her actions. “Boys, please. Show her some respect.”

Larry and Abdul’s faces flushed with embarrassment. They turned and stared at the control panel.

“Anyway, we can watch on the monitor,” said Skorzenzy as he hit a video feed button and indeed, a crystal clear picture of Muki appeared on the screen.

Judith’s attention was directed at the cylindrical object hanging from the ceiling. “And how does this work, Professor?”

“Watch, my dear. Muki, are you ready?”

She stood shivering slightly in the cool room. “Yes, I believe so.”

“Good. Now relax and stand still. The probe will start with a laser beam encompassing your body. The measurements will be fed into the mainframe and digested. The machine will then start your custom suit. Do not panic when it starts. The material will feel as if it’s squeezing you as the weaving process starts covering your body. That is natural. In a few seconds, the pressure will disappear as the fabric adjusts to your measurements. Ready?”

Her voice emitted a bit of hesitation. “Yes, let’s proceed.”

“Very good,” replied Skorzenzy as he depressed the button marked engage. The lights in the room went black. For a few seconds, the only illumination in the room was from the display monitor and the control panel buttons. The darkness was broken by a bright-colored purple beam coming out of the cylinder. It encompassed Muki’s body with a deep warmth. The boys’ eyes were transfixed on the monitor. Muki appeared to be in a deep trance. After ten seconds, the room went black again. A loud hum was emanating from the cylinder as a small sphere appeared from the tube. A white light bathed over Muki. A small wand emerged from the sphere and moved down to Muki’s feet. The professor had left out one important detail. Once the machine started the weaving process, in order for the lower part of her body to be encased, a magnetic field would slowly lift her off the floor.

The spindle started spinning around her body until it reached a speed so fast the wand appeared to be suspended in air. They watched in disbelief and amazement as a thin stringy substance started coating her feet, ankles and legs. The monitor detected Muki’s heart rate and blood pressure were increasing as the material form-fitted on her small body. Her eyes opened in shock as the material squeezed her skin. But as suddenly as she resisted the material, she relaxed and closed her eyes. In a minute, the process was completed. Skorzenzy shut down the machine, and Muki floated back to the platform as the residual magnetic field slowly dissipated.

“How do you feel?” he asked.

She moved her hands over the new suit. “I feel fine, and the suit appears to fit perfectly.” She unzipped the front and found the pocket and the connector for the battery. “This is amazing,” was all she could say.

He walked up and gave the suit a thorough examination. “You are quite right, my dear. The fit is perfect. Now, are you ready for the next step?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go send you back in time and see what mysteries we can solve.”