talk of families yet. Let’s talk about an Observation mission. That’s the first step with new recruits. You’ll be going with an escort, me, and you won’t have any enhancements. So you’ll have to stay right with me so nothing happens. We’ve also chosen an event that took place during your recent lifetime, so we’ll have to be extremely careful about interactions.”
Tom interjected, “Hold on. This is going a little too fast. An hour ago we were riding in a limo in Buffalo and now we’re in some kind of limbo-land and you’re already talking about sending us on a time mission?”
Brad took a deep breath and said, “OK, so we’re going a bit fast for you. I apologize. How about you catch a good night’s sleep and we start first thing in the morning?”
Liz said, “That would be good. We’re honestly trying to keep up with you, but you must admit that this is a little strange.”
Brad concurred, “You’re right. I was recruited two years ago and it took me a couple of days to soak it up. But I’m from a couple decades before you, so you may pick up a bit faster.”
“Wait,” said Tom. “You are from where, I mean when?”
Brad replied, “I was born in 1954 in Cincinnati and recruited in 1985, back when the personal computer was just an idea.”
Liz asked, “And you’re allowed to travel into the future? Well, past 1985?”
“Yes, as a recruiter and liaison to Era 50, I’m Level 4 certified, meaning I can freely travel anywhere in or before my era as long as I file a flight plan.”
“Flight plan, you mean you fly and travel in time?” asked Tom.
Brad laughed. “No, that’s just what we call it in our era. The people from Era 50 are really hard to communicate with, so we use our own lingo in Era 47.”
Tom moaned, “Era 47? Era 50? This is really confusing!”
Brad said, “Just go to sleep. I’ll catch you up later.”
Back in the living room, the kids were glued to the couch. They didn’t move, they didn’t ask questions. They looked at their parents with pleading eyes. Tom asked, “Ready for more?” They nodded emphatically.
Chapter 10: A good night’s sleep
Lana stood to escort them to their sleeping quarters. On the way there, they asked Lana, “So you are an Era 50 person?”
Lana replied, “Yes, I was born in 2110 and recruited in 2133.”
Liz asked, “Forgive the intrusion, but if you are bonded to the communal intellect and each other in your time, then how come you can operate so well with people from our era?”
“It’s kind of complicated, but some of the commune can be fed to me here, through a kind of bridge. It lets me work here, without suffering from withdrawal from my people. But I do have to return soon.”
They followed, amazed at Lana’s explanation, but quickly catching on that things happened faster and differently in the InterTime Zone.
Soon they were introduced to a lovely suite whose only marking on the door was “Era 47 Liz and Tom Watson”. Lana said, “Please be comfortable and rest. Once you are ready, you may leave your suite and Brad will take over your orientation.”
“Will we see you again, Lana?”, asked Liz.
“Perhaps. I mostly recruit new observers and occasionally agents, but we may cross paths again.”
“Well thank you for your help. We believe you now, and we’re sorry for acting so strange back in the office,” said Tom.
“No problem at all. Given the circumstances, you reacted very well. You are both intelligent, observant and self-confident. They are the talents of good observers, and your reactions told us that you would work well in strange circumstances. I wish you the best of luck in your orientation and I sincerely hope that you choose to join us in our mission. It is very important to humanity.”
“We are humbled with your compliments. Goodbye, Lana.”
“Oh, one more item. If you