A Time Conundrum – Part 2

July 31, 2006

The rapid transit capsule sped through the grounds of the Institute. A procession of microhabitats was observed by the two scientists. Both were very proud of the work that the Institute had done to restore the environment. Greg turned toward his boss and said.

“Do you think that Dr. Osbourne has good news for us? I doubt that we can maintain our funding. Especial-ly with that old fuss-budget of Plucket around. A lot more interest in time travel is shown by other branches of the World Scientific Commission. I don’t understand how they could have appointed somebody who does not like to save species, as the head of the world’s largest ecological organisation.”

“You know politicians, they always want one of their own in power. It is much easier to control us that way.”

“Why can’t nobody see that we have only the good of this world as our goal?”

“Amen.”

Both men looked at the rapidly growing buildings ahead of them. They were approaching the Institute for Advanced Physics, a massive complex of large concrete structures studded by a jungle of antennae, dishes, stacks, power feeds and collectors. Their capsule smoothly slowed down and entered the administration building. They were greeted by Phil Redbird, one of Dr. Osbourne’s lab technicians.

“Good morning, gentlemen.” The large Amerindian said. “Dr. Osbourne instructed me to meet you and es-cort you to the conference room personally.”

“Hello Phil. How is the good Doctor?”

“The good Doctor is doing fine, Dr. Livingston. Even though Mr. Plucket is in a rotten mood, as usual. He never likes to part with any of his precious budget. Especially if it is going to a competing Institute.”

Bill turned toward Greg. He said. “You were right. Old fuss-budget is here and there is trouble.”

Greg silently shrugged his shoulders. They silently followed Phil to the conference room. All three were admitted by an efficient looking secretary. The young man lead them to their seat and quietly exited the room. Bill looked around the room.

Behind the long conference table, a holowall displayed the likeness of an antique super-collider. The other walls were a grim institutional green. He observed the people seated around the table. He grudgingly acknowledged the presence of the elegantly dressed Robert F. Plucket. With all the bad feelings between the two men, Bill had to agree that Plucket cut a dashing figure. The highly intelligent man, Harvard educated, from a wealthy society family did not look his fifty plus years and was the most eligible bachelor on the West coast. No wonder a gangling bachelor like himself resented the man so much.

Next to Plucket, was seated Alfred “Rudder” Rudigast and his first officer Gina Lesage. The congenial man was the time capsule’s test pilot. Bill waved his hand in his direction and said.

“Hi Rudder…, how’s the wife and kids?”

“Very good, Bill. Amanda is still upset about you missing her birthday dinner, I hope you will be able to join us soon. How about this coming Saturday?”

“This sounds fine. I will be there at 8 o’clock.”

After this exchange of pleasantries, Bill noticed that Dr. Osbourne was staring directly at him. Bill blushed immediately. Sheila Osbourne was a stunning redhead in her mid-thirties, with all the right curves in the right places. Bill had a crush on her since the first time they had met, six months ago, to coordinate the “whale” project. Before he had met her, he never had been tongue tied in front any woman. His sudden shyness made him the butt of many jokes around the office.

The young woman’s face brightened when she noticed his embarrassment. She said to him in a sultry voice.

“Good morning Dr. Livingston. I am very glad to see you.” She emphasized the last word and noticed that it had the anticipated effect. Bill blushed even more. She liked the tall boyish man very much, but she was waiting for him to make his own move. She had been hurt before and did not want to speculate about his real feelings toward her. She doubted that he knew about them himself. She did not want to rush him too much for fear of loosing him.

At the other end of the table Robert Plucket cleared his throat. He said in his elegant voice.

“I am glad that all of you are present. The decision about further projects utilizing Dr. Osbourne’s time travel technology, in conjunction with the Women’s Institute as been taken by the World Parliament’s Commission on Scientific Research. No further funds will be allocated, as the resurrection of extinct species is not a priority goal when there are many species that still need to be protected from extinction in the present time. This decision is fi-nal.”

A long silence greeted this statement. The assembled scientists looked at each others still stunned by the news. Suddenly Bill Livingston’s face reddened in anger. He stood up straight unraveling his long, thin body. He looked straight into Bob Plucket’s eyes and said, barely controlling his rage.

“You never wanted to give us a chance. Most species on the verge of extinction can be easily saved by our method, often at a lesser cost than by traditional ones. I demand that the Institute reconsider its position. If not, I will be forced to resign from by post.”

Robert Plucket calmly stood up and took his briefcase from the floor beside him. While still looking straight into Bill’s eyes, he said in a monotone voice.

“Then I accept your verbal resignation. Please vacate your office and leave your cardkey at the front desk by next Monday. Your last wages will be credited to your account.” He briefly looked around the room and continued. “This will be all.”

The distinguished man exited silently from the room while the group of scientists assembled around a flab-bergasted Bill. They all wanted to comfort him.

Bill was too stunned to realize that he had just destroyed his career with his sudden outburst. He did not even hear the rumble of the voices from the people trying to soothe him. He finally came back to reality and looked around him in astonishment. With his voice still shaking from his anger, he said.

“Don’t worry, I was planning to quit anyway. I never could work for that man. Now, I will be able to ac-complish my lifetime goal. With my severance pay I will be able to buy myself a motorsailer and travel around the world.”

Grabbing him by the elbow, Greg dragged him away from the group. He said in a hushed tone.

“Don’t worry, I will help you to get your job back. When you calm down, you should go and see Plucket. I am sure he will agree to take you back. I will tell him a good word on your behalf in the meantime.”

“I will be fine. I need a rest anyway. I have not taken a holiday in over seven years. I will go home now.”

As he was walking towards the conference room’s door, Bill was accosted by Sheila. She put her hand on his arm and gently squeezed it. She timidly smiled. She leaned forward toward him. She stood on tiptoes to whisper in his ear. In the process her breasts brushed his upper arm. Bill felt embarrassed by her closeness. She said breathlessly.

“Dear Bill, I feel sorry for you. Please meet me at home after work, tonight. I have a proposition for you. I hope that you will consider it. Here is my address.”

She slipped a hastily folded piece of paper into his hand. She kissed him lightly on the cheek and left the room holding back some tears with difficulty. Bill looked at her leave with a new fondness in his heart. He said goodbye to the group and left the room whistling softly.

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From 1990: A Time Conundrum

The Sass