Chapter 3

Another day, another venture. I awake later than usual today, but the day before and what I had experienced left me feeling rather exhausted. I sit up in bed, feeling myself drawn to my workshop more than ever. I felt as if I were running late for some important meeting, and though the feeling was unfounded, I found myself moving in something of a rush. Today’s timeline would lead me to the peak of human culture, sometime before the species self-destructed.

Though many things about the past fascinate me, the time that humans ruled the earth seems perhaps the most interesting. The time I had chosen was early in the 2nd millennia, before the turn of the first century. Much about this time is pure speculation, which is what drives me to visit it. There seems to be much to learn, much to discover. Perhaps the most compelling reason is the simple tug I feel; as if I am meant to go there on this very day. It is inexplicable, but much about my explorations seemed impossible. In refreshing my knowledge on genetics, I had confirmed that the genetic duplicate was scarcely in the realm of statistical probability. Though I have little option but to dismiss the woman I’d met as some sort of genetic anomaly, I cannot help but feel as if something is amiss. Was there some sort of protocol for genetic reconstruction in the future? One can only wonder.

I have little time for wondering however, and what time I want to ponder on the women I’d met is better spent exploring new timelines. I give pause as I reach my time machine, reaching out to touch the outer steel. My body, though normal on the outside, seemed to be undergoing some sort of internal changes. There was a near constant burning in my gut, accompanied by a near constant feeling of yearning. Yearning for what, again, I’m not sure. It may be of worth to examine myself more deeply in my own time and perform a range of tests. As a matter of fact, it would likely prove more beneficial than continuing these ventures. However, putting a hold on my time travel scarcely seems an option now. It may be bordering on obsession, but I can’t make myself care as deeply as I probably should.

I brush my fingertips to the dials, adjusting them to the proper timeline. The gap grows ever wider, but it is the last thing on my mind. The light that indicates my travel through the space time continuum has become a comfort, an indulgence that I grant myself as often as possible. I lean against the back wall, breathing a sigh as the machine begins to shiver and shake. Then, as always, it falls still. The doors open, and I am greeted by busy cities and looming skyscrapers. As a precaution, I had bought a reflective cloak the night before to drape across my machine as I explored the timeframe. As long as it is well enough out of the way, all anyone will see is a simulated vision of the machine’s surroundings. In the back of my mind I realize I am growing sloppier, more complacent. It’s as if I am slowly losing control of my own actions, but truly, I have never felt more alive. Ignoring my own indecision, I drape the cloak across my machine and begin my venture into the 21st century city. The first thing I notice is how loud everything seems. The cars, the people, even the birds in the sky seem louder than I can bear. As I walk across the sidewalk, ears ringing from the sheer volume, I am approached by two young humans. They smile broadly at me, and I consider them with uncertainty.

“Can I… help you?” I inquire softly. Their smiles grow wider, and they hold up some strange square shaped object with a single lens.

“Sweet cosplay dude. I’ve always wanted to dress up in public, but I’m too nervous. Good on you for being brave enough to come out in full costume. What fandom are you in?” The young female human rambles, and I can only stare uncertainly at her.

“Uh…” I offer, and the boy at her side looks at an archaic timepiece on his wrist.

“Let’s just snap the picture, we’re gonna be late.” He whines, receiving a glare from the female at his side.

“Rude. Hey, dude, do you mind if we get a quick picture with you? The only other cosplay picture I have is of this lady that dresses up like some goddess full time. It’s really trippy, some kind of uncanny valley stuff. Like, she looks almost normal, but too… pretty. Unreal almost. She didn’t have time to mention her fandom either.” The human woman continues to ramble, and I can only stare in confusion as the boy grabs the square device-- a camera apparently, and snaps a picture at my side.

“Okay, let’s go.” The boy grumbles, shoving the camera back into her hand. She breathes a sigh, offering me an apologetic look before moving to slip away. Something about what she’d said strikes me as odd, however, and I quickly call out to her.

“One moment. This woman, can I see her picture?” I say, desperation lacing my voice in a pathetic show that I don’t even understand. She hesitates a moment, this time offering an apologetic look to the boy before stepping up to me again.

“I think it’s still on here. Hold on a sec.” She murmurs, fidgeting with the camera. She smiles victoriously, and my heart soars as she holds the camera out to me. I look at the picture, a jolt lancing straight through my heart. I must look rather stricken, because the woman looks at me with concern.