Duty

For safety reasons, and to avoid paradoxes, Time Travel Incorporated assigns a Guardian to all its travelers. So when there is an accident during political historian Roj Hasol’s trip back to 1968, it’s his Guardian Susan who sets out on the arduous task of cleaning up the mess.

Here is an excerpt to give you a sample:

Number 1

As the sun rose over the ocean’s edge, Roj Hasol washed ashore in a dark blue, serge suit, a thin, navy blue tie and black wing tips. His body remembered to cough out the seawater and breathe. His body had to do this on its own for his mind was scrambled.

A few minutes later, a two-meter tall, lithe woman with pale skin, jade eyes, and short dark hair walked towards him along the beach. She wore a black body suit that fit seamlessly into her black gloves and black boots. On her hip was a holster.

Dropping to one knee she rolled Roj onto his back. “Mister Hasol, do you remember me? I’m your Guardian, Susan.”

Roj just looked over her shoulder, unaware of her existence.

“If you can hear me, I’m here to help you.” She took a small device from her belt and held it to his chest. It buzzed for a few seconds, then an indicator light turned red.

Putting the scanner away, she drew her blaster. “I’m sorry,” she said and placed the muzzle to his temple.

Number 9

The wind blew snowflakes into Susan’s face. Looking around all she saw was snow. But then a small mound at her feet drew her attention. She knelt and brushed away some snow to reveal a black wing tip. Moving to the other end of the mound, she uncovered the frozen face of Roj Hasol.

She took her scanner out and held it against his forehead. It buzzed for a few seconds, then the light turned red. Returning it to her belt, she drew her blaster and vaporized the corpse. The snow held the shape of Roj for a second, then collapsed into the now empty cavity.

As Susan stood up, she heard a bellow in the distance; a herd of mammoths were on the march.

***

If you are at all curious, you can find “Duty” on Kindle.