From Here To 1137 AD; Episode 42, A Virtual Trip

This is episode forty-two of the novel, From Here To 1137 AD. If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137 AD, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. 

A Virtual Trip

"We are within a light year,” Brian said.

Tom did not reply immediately. He sat stolidly in the captain’s chair. 

Finally, he spoke as if unimpressed by what was just said. “A light year away. It’s said like, just down the road, about a mile or two.”

“I sense it will be good for you to be around humans,” Brain said. 

“Human! You mean the 12th-century ones? They are little more than holograms. You can’t have a relationship with someone who is, in some technical sort of way, doesn’t really exist. This is, indeed, so bizarre, and I was the fool who bought into it. Between you and Gordon, I think you exploited a weakness in my character. Who in their right mind would do this?”

“The isolation is affecting you,” Brain said.

“You are affecting me,” Tom retorted sharply.

“Here is a suggestion,” Brain said. “The replicator can be expanded to the lounge and create a virtual reality for you. It could have a calming effect.”

“What would you suggest, a field of poppies?” Tom replied sarcastically.

“If that’s what you would like,” Brain said.

Tom hung his head and massaged his forehead. “You are right. I need something to calm me. I’m not prepared for this. I’m not prepared for isolation. You have no idea what it’s like inside my head.”

“You are right,” Brian said. “I’m a machine and can’t feel or sympathize or empathize. I am not even an ‘I.’ However, from a logical reckoning, something can be provided for you. I am sure it will help.”

“Brain, you can’t fathom loneliness. You can define it, but can’t feel it. I’m who knows how many million light-years from my home and friends. They might as well not even exist. How can something that far away exist? There must be a point in distance at which something does not exist.”

“The logic is acceptable to my reasoning,” Brian said. “I understand.”

“Thank you, Brain. Knowing it is logical eases me. That’s a start on empathy.”

“Indeed,” Brian said, “just knowing someone or, in my case, something, understands is helpful.”

“Do you still have something virtual in mind for me?”

“I will patriciate the control room from the lounge and beg you patient indulgence for a few moments,” Brain said. “And then you can enter the lounge from a door. It is best to have a solid division between the real world and the virtual one. Otherwise, it can be confusing and disorienting.” 

Tom swirled in the captain’s chair to face the control panel. He examined the various readings. It was a control panel completely foreign and nonsensical to him a few months ago. Now, it informed him of all he needed to know about the operation of the pod. 

“You may enter the lounge at any time,” Brain said.

“Thank you, I can’t wait to see what you’ve prepared.”

“I have come to logical conclusions that you will be satisfied with it.”

Tom swiveled around and stood. He opened the door to the virtual world that Brain prepared. Tom’s eyes sparkled. A soft, pleasing smile rose on his face. His chest felt warm. 

“What do you think?” Brain asked.

“Brain, this is more than what I expected or hoped for. This is the stream at the edge of our property, back on the farm. That is the willow tree hanging over it. I can smell the grass. I can hear the stream flow and trickle over the rocks.”

“Remove your shoes,” Brain said. 

Tom sat on the ground. He removed his shoes and socks.

“Now,” Brain said, “put your feet in the water.”

Tom sat on a rock and eased his feet into the stream.

“Oh my, how did you do this? Never mind, I don’t need an explanation.”

“It is as if you recreated a perfect day on the farm. It’s as if I’m actually there. Clouds are moving across the sky. I hear red-wing blackbirds. I hear a tractor in the distance, and crickets, and the sound of singing semi-tires on the interstate. How long is this good for?”

“As long as you like,” Brain said, “but remember, events will not hold for you; the 1138 Earth is moving along second by second.”

Tom chuckled. “I’m actually chilled. But I don’t want to take my feet out of the water.”

“If you like,” Brain said, “I can change the ambient temperature for you. It is seventy-two degrees now. What about the water’s temperature, which can be adjusted?”

”Nah, leave it like it is. I don’t want to get spoiled. It’s reality I desire, and there’s only so much you can do with reality. Sometimes you just have to give in to what is real.”

A few minutes elapsed, thinking about the past on the farm. He remembered fishing with his dad not far from this spot. It was where this stream met with a larger stream. Most of the year, it was a gentle flowing stream, but after a hard rain and during the spring, it was turbulent. Tom’s father said fish gathered there to feed, and it was a good place to fish—and it was. 

“How far can I go in this virtual world?” Tom asked Brain.

“As far as you like,” Brain said, “but be mindful of the time.”

Tom stood and walked barefoot to where the two streams converged. By the time he arrived, his feet were dry, and he slipped his socks and shoes on. 

He rested on a high point overlooking the convergence of the two streams. It brought back a flood of good memories. They were memories full of meaning and love. It was here that his father spoke to him about life, conduct, integrity, and the lessons he learned from his life. 

“I understand the problem with a hologram now,” Tom said. “I want my dad to be here desperately. But when the experience is over, it would be like another death—and the pain that goes with it.”

“That is a logic assessment,” Brain said.

Tom stood and walked along the bank of the stream. “When I return, and late spring comes, I’m going to walk along this bank with Debbie. I’m going to capture every moment as if it’s filmed.”

Tom stopped and imagined for a moment Debbie being with him. He envisioned a soft, subtle smile and the sun shining in her eyes. She squints and brushes her hair from her face.

“Brain, how do I get out of this virtual setting?”

“Just say, ‘reality,’” Brain said. 

“Reality,” Tom said.

Everything appeared to melt and vanish. In not much more than a few seconds, Tom stood in the lounge of the pod.

“Thanks, Brain. I’m ready for the 12th century.”

“Good, because we are there.”

 

From Here To 1137 AD; Episode 41, Longing

This is episode forty-one of the novel, From Here To 1137 AD. If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137 AD, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. 

Longing

Shortly before the supper meal, Tom sat in the lounge typing notes into his tablet.

Brain said, “We are entering the next galaxy.”

“Thanks, Brain.”

“Have you made any firm decisions that I may be able to assemble things in motion for you?” Braid said. 

“I have decided to be Invisaported to Scarborough. It’s a port city. It may help establish some sort of authenticity. I read that word about a stranger or traveler will reach a village before they get there. I’m going to try to dress the part and act the part, but curiosity often gives way to paranoia. The time that I’m going to Northumberland is a time of great mistrust and suspicion. A war is about to break out, and any stranger may be viewed as a spy.”

“May I suggest including in your Instaport protocol a few physiological changes to your current makeup?” Brian said.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Disease is rampant in the 12th century period,” Brain said. “Your generation may have lost some of the immunities that they possess and it would be wise to make certain you are immune to what they are not immune to. That can occur best when instaported and reversed when you return.”

“Thanks.”

“Also,” Brain continued, “there may be odors you may find objectionable.”

Tom interrupted, “Brain, I was raised on a farm.”

“Nevertheless,” Brain said, “I will include what is needed for you to withstand any objectionable odors. Along with that, taste will have to be adjusted.”

“You’re right on top of it, Brain.”

“In case of extreme loneliness, I can create a hologram version of myself,” Brian said. “The only thing needed for you to do is to offer a description. By integrating the Instaport and replicator, it can be accomplished.”

“That’s intriguing.” Tom set the tablet down. He began to contemplate what he would like Brain to look like.

“However,” Brain warned, “caution must be advised. It is possible to become emotionally attached to the hologram.”

“You mean when it fades into the fog like Debbie?”

“Yes,” Brain said. “I did note a rapid adjustment in your levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.”

“I’ll trust your experience on such things.”

“Would you like some music?” Brain asked.

“Do you have the movie, Forbidden Planet? I remember watching it with my dad. He said it scared him as a kid. As far as I’m concerned, it was really lame.”

“It is available,” Brain said. “And may I ask, why watch it if you didn’t like it?”

“It reminds me of Dad.”

“Yes,” Brain said, “sentimentality. It is only understood on an academic level. It can be quite emotionally burdensome for living beings possessing the capacity for such.”

“As a matter of communicating with living beings, why not try accessing poets? I’m sure you could come up with words that might soothe one who has become sentimental over lost and longed-for relationships.”

“Is there a tone of sarcasm and dissatisfaction in your comment?” Brain asked.

“You’re not sounding very academic.”

“In case you may request a hologram,” Brian said. “I’m merely trying to emulate correct responses to you that will appeal positively to your needs.”

“Duly noted, and with much appreciation.”

The trip across the galaxy lasted three days, as calculated. During that time, Tom continued to prepare for the civilization that he would suddenly find himself in. He entertained himself with movies and music. His thoughts often turned to Debbie, and occasionally, he worried about Edgar. He felt as if he should have done more to prepare Edgar for his long absence. Edgar had already become suspicious and began to inquire. He would never be able to figure out exactly what Tom was doing; nevertheless, suspicion could have made Edgar act irrationally or distrustfully. 

Brain announced that once again, the pod had entered a space between two galaxies. It lasted fifteen Earth hours, during which Brain announced they had entered the galaxy that was the location of Tom’s destination. 

From Here to 1137 AD; Episode 40, Goodbye Debbie, Hello Space

This is episode forty of the novel, From Here To 1137 AD. If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137 AD, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. 

Goodbye Debbie, Hello Space

For the next two days, Tom spent a lot of time with Debbie. However, he used the rest of his time preparing the farm and Gene for his voyage. Gene continued to believe Tom was merely taking an extended trip somewhere on Earth.

The day of departure arrived.

A cold fog hung low over the frozen farm fields. Tom and Debbie stood in the lane near the shrouded pod.

“Well, Tom, this is it for a while,” Debbie said.

“Study hard,” Tom said. “I want to see that you made the dean’s list.”

“It will be hard,” Debbie said. “I’ll worry.”

“And I’ll worry about you. Remember, farm work is far more dangerous than what I’m going to do.”

“I wish I knew more so I could worry less,” Debbie said.

“I’m going to a planet very much like Earth. It’s almost a thousand years behind us. They haven’t even invented the printing press. Where I’m going to, rifles won’t appear for maybe another two hundred years. The vertical windmill has not yet come of age.”

“There are things like knives, swords, lances, clubs, and just plain old physical brutality,” Debbie said.

“I have a suit,” Tom said. “It is invisible and micro-thin. Nothing that we have today can penetrate it. A man could knock me over the head with a lead pipe, and I wouldn’t feel it.”

“Are you saying that to make me feel better?” Debbie said.

“No, it’s true. Don’t worry. I love you.”

“And I love you.”

They embraced and kissed.

Tom looked into Debbie’s eyes. “There is nothing in this universe that can keep me from not returning to you. I’m holding everything in the universe in my arms at this moment.”

“I’ll think of you every moment,” Debbie’s eyes became moist.

Tom smiled assuringly. “Goodbye and see you soon.”

Debbie wiped a tear from her cheek. “Don’t pick up any hitchhikers.”

They stepped away holding hands. Their hands dropped, and they parted. 

Tom watched Debbie walk away, down the farm lane until she faded into the cold morning fog.

‘I don’t know who will be the loneliest,’ Tom thought.

Tom entered the pod. He wondered if he should take a moment for some sort of reflection. “I have plenty of time and space to wonder.”

“Brain,” Tom said, “how far away will we be traveling?”

“1,748 kiloparsecs,” Brain said.

“Can you tell me that in miles?” 

“It would be best to tell you in days; how many days it will take,” Brain said.

“Have it your way.”

“Five days,” Brain said.

“That’s fine, but it still doesn’t satisfy my curiosity.”

“Okay,” Brain said, “if Earth were the size of a golf ball, you would have to travel forty trillion miles.”

Tom fell into the captain’s chair. He squinted as if trying to unravel a complicated concept. 

“Do you have a reply?” Brain asked.

“I’m almost afraid I asked to begin with.”

“It is understood,” Brain said. “Even those from the planet where I was created are left with the same perplexities as you have now.”

“What about you?”

“As a machine, I can’t imagine,” Brain said. “I’m limited to only what I know and can calculate.”

“Can you at least give me an idea of how we can travel that far in a comparatively short span of time?”

“Certainly,” Brain said. “Once we break the speed of light, which is the most difficult maneuver to achieve, a realm of existence is entered into. It is called the Superluminal Zone or SL Zone. The conventional laws of physics do not apply there. I am referring to laws such as Newton’s Laws of Physics. Once in that zone, propulsion as it is understood in your realm does not exist. It is a zone where time and distance are compressed. However, objects are not. Thus, you and this pod, or anything brought to it, can operate. However, it is the ability to calculate what occurs outside the Zone is the only way to use it effectively. Light does not exist in this realm. Is that enough, or do you need more?”

“How far am I traveling in rods?” Tom chuckled and added. “Just kidding.”

“I have it, if you like,” Brain said.

“How far am I from the Earth now?” 

“At least 10 million miles,” Brain said. “It is difficult to calculate because in the time it took to ask, you could have traveled hundreds of thousands of light-years.”

“Just get me there safely,” Tom said. “And I won’t ask anymore questions that I can’t grasp.”

“No offense, Brain,”but I should have brought somebody with me. I have the feeling these next five days are going to be boring. It will be like living underground.”

“You may want to study as much as you can absorb about 12th-century England. It appears to be a fascinating time in history. Regarding your own sensitivities and preferences, it may prove to be a challenge. Knowledge, a willingness to adapt, and compliance cannot be underestimated.”

“You sound experienced.”

“I have offered advice on many such experiences,” Brain said. “You will find a wealth of intriguing reading that is ready for you on your tablet.”

“I know, get busy.”

The rest of the day was filled with reading. Tom occasionally stopped and pondered how he might fit into the rural life of 12th-century England.  

From Here To 1137 AD; Episode 39, A Day At The Beach

This is episode thirty-nine of the novel, From Here To 1137 AD. If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137 AD, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. 

 D

A Day At The Beach

At the back door of Debbie’s home, she met Tom with a quick kiss. 

He spoke privately to Debbie’s brother about taking care of the cattle. Her brother agreed. 

Tom asked Debbie to climb into the truck and go with him back to his house. As they drove the short distance, Debbie looked perplexed as she stared at Tom’s profile. She sensed something was deeply troubling him. His face blended with the vacant and cold—vacant and cold as the farm fields they drove by. 

Tom steered into the driveway and turned off the truck. He turned to Debbie. “Can I trust you with a secret?”

She hesitated and appeared confused. “I feel as if you are about to tell me something that might end our relationship.”

“I told you I love you. That will never change. He gently held her hand. “I will be gone for a while. I’m not sure how long, but I will return.”

“How long?” Debbie asked.

“I don’t know, but I can’t see it lasting more than a few months at the very most.”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Debbie said as if she wanted more of an explanation. “But when you mean trust, do you mean me seeing someone else while you are gone?”

“No, I said it was a secret,” Tom said, “but I’ve always lived with the possibility that if you should find someone else—well, we are young and we change.”

“I love you, Tom,” Debbie said. “That will never change.”

“If you should find someone else, you cannot tell that person,” Tom said. “Can you do that? Is that possible?”

“I love you so much that no matter what, I could never betray your trust,” Debbie assured.

Tom grabbed the door handle and cracked the door open. “Come with me. I’m going to show you something that will be hard for you to believe.”

Debbie tossed her head from side to side as if to say, ‘I’m ready for this.’

They walked without a word to the empty cornfield. 

Tom stopped and turned Debbie toward the cornfield.

“Pod un-shroud,” Tom said. 

The pod appeared.

“Ahh,” Debbie let out an excited scream and lost her breath.

“You’re okay,” Tom said, curling his arm around Debbie.

“Pod, shroud,” Tom said, and the pod disappeared.

“What…?” Debbie said with a combination of fear, excitement, and wonderment. “What is going on? What is that?”

“It’s called a pod,” Tom said. 

“Where did it come from?” Debbie stared at the cornfield.

“Several months ago, I was visited by someone from a distant galaxy, and he entrusted the pod to me.”

“We’re not both crazy or hallucinating, are we?” Debbie said.

Tom smiled assuredly at Debbie. “Let’s get out of the cold.”

She turned to start walking back down the lane toward the house.

Tom tugged gently on her arm. “Wait.”

Her brow furled.

“Pod hatch, open,” Toms said, and the pod door opened as if a part of the cornfield.

Tom held Debbie’s hand and led her inside the pod.

Tom felt her hand tremble.

“Pod hatch, close,” Tom said.

Fear spread across Debbie’s face when the hatch closed.

“Let me take your coat,” Tom said. “You’re safe here. In fact, this is the safest place on Earth.”

“No, thank you,” Debbie said. “I’ll keep my coat on.”

Tom gestured with his hand toward the lounge. “Let’s relax over here.”

Debbie cautiously walked into the lounge and sat in a chair. She remained suspicious and nervous.

“This place is just as real as your living room,” Tom said.

“I have to let my thoughts slow down,” Debbie said. 

“That’s okay. I had the exact reaction when this was all revealed to me the first time.” Tom paused. “Are you still prepared to keep this secret?”

A sickly smile of resignation fell upon Debbie’s face. “Secret! Who’s going to believe me anyway?”

“That was my feeling also.”

“What is this thing?” Debbie asked and slid her coat off.

“It’s called a pod, but it travels. I’ve been to New York City and San Jose, Costa Rica. I can be any place in the world in a matter of minutes. Soon I will travel beyond this galaxy, through another, and into the next. It will take only a few days.”

“Why are you going to do it?” Debbie said. “Are you being forced?”

“No,” Tom said, “not at all. But it is something very critical.”

Debbie leaned forward and held Tom’s hands. “You were never the one to trivialize anything. It must be important. It must be dangerous too?”

“There’s danger in picking corn. I really believe the danger involved is less than that for me. However, many others are involved and will be affected.”

“I won’t ask you how you can be so sure,” Debbie said. She smiled and relaxed.

“Let me ask you something,” Tom looked into Debbie’s eyes and smiled. “Would you like to go someplace warm?”

“Who wouldn’t?” Debbie said, unsurely. 

“Brain,” Tom said. 

“Yes,” Brain said.

Debbie jerked.

“That’s an onboard computer that runs this thing,” Tom said. “It’s just a synthesized voice. It’s not a being. Although I do take to him like he’s one.”

Debbie continued to appear confounded.

“Brain, take us to a deserted island in the Pacific. Sandy beaches, swaying palms, clear skies, and warm breezes.”

“Several islands are matching that description,” Brain said.

“The closest will be fine.”

A slight movement of the pod caused Debbie to jerk again.

“We’re okay. We’re airborne. Let’s go forward and take a look at the Earth that few people ever see.”

Tom held Debbie’s hand as they walked to the front of the pod. They sat in two chairs at the control panel. Debbie’s eyes filled with wonderment as she saw the orb of the Earth slowly turn as they sped along at a speed neither of them could comprehend.

“I did not think anything like this was possible except in movies,” Debbie said.

Tom tapped a screen on the control panel. “We should arrive in twenty minutes.”

“How fast are we going?” Debbie said.

Tom tapped another screen. “6,822 miles per hour. That’s almost 9 times the speed of sound.”

“I’m feeling sick,” Debbie said.

“Brain,” Tom said, “what do you suggest?”

“All physical readings point to stress,” Brain said. “Four ounces of Chardonnay will certainly help.”

“Brain, have the replicator prepare four ounces for both of us,” Tom said. He patted Debbie’s hand. “I’ll be right back.”

Tom hurried to the replicator and returned with the glasses of Chardonnay.

“I don’t believe this,” Debbie said and sipped the wine. “This is so good.”

Tom sipped and said, “It’s probably the best. But what do I know?”

They chatted as they sipped the wine. 

“I’m feeling better,” Debbie said.

“We’re about there,” Tom said, glancing at one of the screens on the control panel.

There was a slight soft jerk of the pod.

“We have arrived at an uninhabited island,” Brian said.

“Hatch, open,” Tom said.

Tom and Debbie stepped out of the pod. They were greeted by three-foot waves breaking onto a white sandy beach. In both directions, palm trees hung over the beach. The water shimmered in a luscious blue expanse. 

They sat down and removed their shoes and socks. Then they strolled hand in hand along the water’s edge.

“Thank you for not keeping this from me,” Debbie said.

“I wanted only to see the expression on your face. This! Look all around, this is how much I love you.”

“I wish we could walk forever like this,” Debbie said. 

They walked for a while and returned to the pod. While there, Tom had a meal prepared, and they ate on the beach. 

They watched and listened to the waves. They talked about the serious and mundane. They laughed, and they cried. 

“We must go back,” Tom said.

“We must,” Debbie agreed with a smile and a kiss.

They flew back to the farm. Tom drove Debbie back to her home. Tom walked Debbie to the back door of her home.

“I’ll see you soon,” Tom said.

They kissed and parted.