Authors: Lisa Dawn Wadler
“I believe the time bubble we came from will collapse after the remaining UNK005 is removed. While I don’t want that type of ultimate power, time continues from this point somehow without the threat of UNK005 being found in the desert. My working theory is that we have already prevented the war in this bubble.” Samantha sat back against the headboard and waited for the men to process the information. “We still need to recapture UNK005.”
“But you said we can’t go forward,” Boomer said.
“I know, and that’s still true, but there is still something I’m missing, something in plain sight,” Samantha answered as her hand opened and closed and opened and closed. She saw Boomer’s expression change. “Don’t tell me what you saw in the lab.”
Boomer nodded. “If our time bubble pops, do we still exist?”
“Yes, because we are no longer in that bubble. Is it a paradox that we still exist? Yes, but UNK005 thinks we need to violate time in an effort to prevent it from being found by humanity,” Samantha said.
“I don’t like the way you talk about that thing,” Jeff said.
“It likes you, Jeff,” she teased and waited for him to find the joke.
He rolled his eyes. “Now what?”
“Now I need time to think. Don’t worry. I’m not going to connect again until absolutely necessary. I need mundane activity to process the information download and find the missing piece of the puzzle. Life in the dark ages should be uncomplicated enough to allow for a bit of concentration.”
“All right, you think and keep me informed. In the meantime, we proceed with the sanitation detail and co-training,” Jeff said.
Samantha asked, “When did I authorize such activities?”
Jeff smiled. “You were sedated, and I took command. Are you ready to take it back?”
Samantha shifted and put her feet on the floor. Pleased to find balance, she said, “First I need to speak with the men and let them know what I found. I’m assuming Dana would also like to know how much she changed the future.”
“Do you think her presence here was enough to prevent a war?” Jeff asked in disbelief. “This is just one tiny spot on the planet.”
“All I know for certain is that UNK005 does not think it’s found in this new bubble, so for now I can only theorize the future develops on a better path due in part to Dana. So our mission remains the same: recapture UNK005 and bury it deep,” Samantha stated.
“Let’s assume we can recapture UNK005. Where do we take it?” Jeff asked.
Samantha answered immediately. “While there is a plan, I’m still working on the details.” There was hesitation before she added, “I need to determine the methodology for another quantum door before I decide where we go from there.” Jeff’s silent nod was the only acknowledgment.
“Where are the concerns over mixing with this time and minimizing our impact?” Boomer asked.
She smiled. “For now they have been put on the back burner, but we still need to use some restraint. No exposing the culture to discussions of what the future holds, no creating advanced weaponry, and no advanced tech development. We need to let this time bubble develop as it should, slowly.”
“Do you intend to tell the men everything?” Jeff asked.
“Full disclosure,” Samantha stated. “Once I decide how best to proceed, there will be decisions to make that affect the course of their lives. Do you know where they are now?”
“When Keira came up, she said they were in the hall waiting for word on you,” Jeff replied.
She smiled at their concern. “Then I’m going to talk to them.”
Boomer added as he handed her boots over the bed, “Assume you need to make some apologies along the way for scaring the crap out of everyone.”
Samantha was surprised by how well her men handled the findings. She found all seven in the hall after her conversation with Boomer and Jeff. Though Boomer had wanted to come with her, there were some matters she needed to handle alone. Both men had been ordered to get some sleep, and she had gone alone.
Thankfully she only had to explain once as Dana also sat in the hall. The men only questioned her well-being, and none questioned her research or the simplified theory of time bubbles and risk. She internally questioned if the men had too much faith in her abilities. When her explanation was complete, they asked if they were to continue with training and sanitation. She nodded and gave permission.
Before leaving the hall, she asked, “Private Miller, how is the pneumonia patient?”
His expression said it all. “The little guy is doing great, and so is Alyssone.”
Samantha smiled at the good news and refused to let her mind wander to thoughts of interference and paradox. In her time, too many children perished in a brutal war. Peace filled her that a small boy would see tomorrow.
“Come into my kitchen, and we can find you something to eat. You must be hungry.” Dana offered.
Samantha smiled at the offer. “That would be great.” She let the older woman take her arm and lead her into the previously unseen room. The kitchen appeared to be of modern design even though made of wood walls. Clean stone floors led to a massive oven made of rough bricks. A cooking grate sat over a bed of cooling embers. Clay jars sat in order on the massive wooden island. In all, it could have been a modern kitchen, though it was large enough to feed the small army of the clan.
Dana pulled out a stool from under the island. “Sit, and I’ll get you something.”
“My stomach is a bit queasy from the tranquilizers, so something simple would be great.” Samantha said and watched the woman move with ease in her domain.
“I can sympathize with you on that,” Dana said as she placed a plate with bread and sliced chicken on her plate. “Eat, and then we can talk.”
Samantha complied. “Are you okay with what I told you?”
Dana’s laughter filled the kitchen. “I already knew I changed the world. About six weeks ago, one of my grandsons came to visit with his wife and three-month-old baby. I held my great grandchild and looked into her beautiful blue eyes. You don’t need to be a genius to see your impact on the world. Any doubt I’ve even had about my place in this time has always been erased when looking into the eyes of a child, especially of those related to me.”
“I’m glad you are happy here, though I do feel terrible about changing the course of your life,” Samantha said as she finished her food.
“Get over it, honey. I did a long time ago,” Dana replied as she cleared the dish off the counter. “The big question is what happens to you. Provided you are successful with your mission, the rest of your life awaits.”
“I’m not ready to worry about me yet. There is still so much work to do, and my men’s security comes first,” Samantha stated.
Dana nodded. “Exactly. My people are under the impression you are here to marry Faolan. In this place, it’s the way bonds are created. But hear me now, Samantha. You don’t have to marry him to be welcome here. I want that boy settled with a woman who loves him, not one desperate to keep someone else safe. He also needs a wife who plans on staying here.”
The blush crept over Samantha’s cheeks. “I was very clear with Faolan that our people don’t marry for treaties.”
“I know. We talked about it,” Dana said. “This is my way of telling you to be certain before you say no or before you agree. Just think about what you want. However, my grandchild seems to be under the impression that fate had a hand in all of this.”
Samantha laughed. “I know.”
Dana nodded and pointed to a rough fabric curtain to the side of the room. “Enough for tonight. Whatever happens between the two of you is your business. He’s a grown man.” Dana stood and motioned for Samantha to come to her side. “Did I mention that I improved our methods of heating water for bathing?”
Caught off guard by the comment, Samantha said, “No.”
“I have rain water collected into barrels on the roof which feeds into a large cauldron over a fire. The blacksmith made some rough pipes for me and created a lever to control the flow of water. Rather clever, if I do say so myself.” Dana leaned forward with a wrinkled nose and said, “I can only imagine a hot bath would feel great after being sedated against your will.”
Samantha caught a flash in the woman’s eyes. “You would know this how?”
Dana ignored the question and replied, “There’s a hot bath waiting for you behind the curtain. When Keira said you were awake, I asked her to prepare it for you. Use it. You’re a little funky.” Dana laughed. “You have no idea how much I just enjoyed using the word ‘funky’ after so many years.”
Samantha peered behind the curtain. The sight of a wooden tub lined with animal skin seemed like a fantasy come true. Steam rose from the water, and she acknowledged, “Thank you. Do you have anything clean I can wear after? My uniform needs a wash too.”
Dana gave a light push, and Samantha stood next to the tub. She answered, “Your clean uniform is upstairs waiting for you. Leave that one on the floor, and the women will take care of it.” She reached into a chest in the room and pulled out a fabric bundle. “I keep robes in here for just this reason. While for community use, they’re clean. Just bring it back down here tomorrow.”
Samantha noted the bar of soap on the stool next to the steamy water and lifted it to smell. Two pitchers of water sat next to it, and she assumed it was intended to rinse her hair.
“Lavender, glad you like it. Now strip and hop in. I’ll stay long enough to wash your hair and then leave you in peace,” Dana said.
She didn’t need to be told twice, and the military had stolen any modesty she once had. With a quick hand, her clothes were on the floor, and she was soaking in the hot water. Samantha turned to talk to Dana and remained quiet at the strange expression on the old woman’s face.
Dana asked with a soft voice, “Why do you have the Draig tattoo?”
Samantha offered the same story she had given Faolan and waited for a reply.
Dana’s lips twitched before the smile broke free. She said, “I’ve never been much for fate and destiny. But I’m willing to admit I may be wrong.”
“Matching dragons hardly makes for the hand of fate, Dana,” Samantha stated just before she dunked her head under the water.
Hands reached for soap and asked for Samantha’s cooperation. Dana remained quiet as she scrubbed and rinsed Samantha’s hair. Only when the task was completed did she say, “I’ve never been a big believer in coincidence either. Enjoy your bath, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“That’s it?” Samantha asked as Dana lifted the curtain to leave the quiet nook.
“Let Faolan know you’re okay. We had to threaten to sedate him yesterday. He was out of his mind with worry.” The woman stopped and turned to say, “Enjoy that bra, Samantha. You’ll miss it when it wears out.” Then she was gone.
Samantha wondered why her tattoo had silenced the previously gregarious woman. Her mind rationalized it must have been a shock in some way. The scientist in her had no faith in fate.
The thoughts fled as she sat in the warm water, and once again her hand opened and closed and opened and closed. Lavender filled her senses as the motion continued.
Tepid water brought her back to the moment. She blinked in confusion and wondered how long she had been in the tub.
Maybe Boomer is right, and I shouldn’t be left alone.
Her hand reached for the length of cloth left for a towel. The simple motion of drying her hair and body again left her mind wandering. A rough comb served its purpose as she forced her concentration to stay on task.
She snapped back to attention, certain she had no desire to be found naked in the room.
The sedative must still be lingering
, she thought as she reached for a robe, put on her boots, and made her way through the kitchens into the empty and darkened hall. The fire had burned to embers, and she walked through the shadows to the stairs.
Faolan’s room was across from hers, she had been told. Her hand hesitated before knocking on the door. She rapped softly, not wanting to disturb him if sleeping. When there was no answer, she turned back to her door and refused to believe she was disappointed.
The soft glow of light came from under her door.
Boomer must have left a candle burning for my return.
She opened the door to find Faolan sitting at her makeshift desk. “I just knocked on your door. Why are you here?”
Faolan shifted in the chair to stare at her. “I knew you would return after your bath, so I waited. I needed to see with my own eyes you are recovered.”
He sat still and straight. The level of intensity from his gaze left her off balance. She stepped enough into the room to close the door behind her. Her feet moved of their own volition to stand before him. Yet he just stared.
“I’m fine now. I’m sorry for worrying you,” Samantha stated even as she noted the bruising on his left cheek. She asked with hesitation, “Did I do that?” Her fingers grazed the discoloration as she spoke.
His hand reached to grip hers. “You did, but it matters little. I dinna believe your intent was to hurt me.”
Faolan’s words were soft, but his hand held hers in a firm grip. His body shifted to face her, and with a swift tug, Samantha found herself wrapped in his arms and held within his leather-clad thighs. The hand never let go as his other arm wrapped around her waist and his forehead rested on her breastbone. She felt his warm breath tickle her skin through the thin fabric of the robe.
Stilled within his embrace, she said, “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Faolan’s palm flattened on her back and held her in place. His fingers toyed with the damp ends of her hair. “I wonder how your hairs feels when dry.” His forehead remained against her chest as he spoke. “I have never kenned such fear. How could fate bring you to me only to rip you away?”
Before she could reply, his head lifted, and he pulled the trapped hand to his lips and placed a kiss to the palm. Samantha watched him do it and swallowed hard when his eyes finally lifted to hers.
“Was the risk worth it?” Faolan asked.