Prologue

When we last saw our time traveler, Mr. Curtis, he had returned to the Majestic of the Sixties and was rummaging around the evil GM’s office when he came upon an oddly shaped locket. It had a ruby red crystal in the middle which was obviously designed to be pressed into some form of action. Upon closer examination, Mr. Curtis discovered that it was already set to activate and, not only that, but was currently set to emit a beacon of sorts. 

Mr. Curtis felt a deep, unsettling tenseness in his gut when he realized the beacon was “live” and transmitting. Was this some sort of homing mechanism and to whom was this signal being sent? In the pit of his soul, he didn’t really want to know but he feared it was already too late.

Now for the rest of our story or continue reading via WordPress below.

This scenario raised all sorts of questions. For whomever the beacon was intended, were “they” already enroute to Earth? If so, for what reason and who was behind this?

Unfortunately, his police buddy-Time Traveler had been killed in the explosion in the Majestic Hotel lobby years ago. He thought under the circumstances he’d get cooperation in his new search.

In any event Mr. Curtis figured he needed to alert and apprise the Space Time Continuum Authority (STCA) and the Timeline Police.

So he left immediately for Mars, the galactic headquarters of the STCA. Once there he’d visit Admiral Moratoki, the fiesty ole bird from the Gamma Quadrant. Curtis had worked with the admiral before on the Saturn Caper and felt good about seeking his opinions on this Ruby locket mystery.

“Why Mr. Curtis, it’s nice to see you again,” welcomed the Admiral. “Please, take a seat and let’s compare notes, shall we?” he remarked.

“I take it you know why I’m here,” intoned Mr. Curtis.

“News travels fast in these parts,” replied Moratoki. “We’ve had our suspicions about the ruby locket for some time but we haven’t been able to gather much information on it, I’m afraid. I was hoping you might be able to fill us in a bit,” he said.

“Well, sir, all I know so far is what I found in the Majestic GM’s old office; an ornate locket with a red ruby in the center that appeared to have been activated at some previous point. I say activated since it appears the ruby itself is gently vibrating and glowing,” explained Mr. Curtis.

“That’s what I was afraid of,” grumbled Moratoki. As he gently took the locket from Curtis’ hand, he indicated he wanted to turn it over to the Seismic Lab for observation. At this point the last thing they wanted to do was to make things worse by accidentally tampering with the device and further triggering an action they may not be able to reverse.

“How far in the future do you think this thing has come from?” asked Curtis.

“Just based on preliminary data, we’d guess about 500 light years,” replied the admiral. “Wherever its origin, we think it’s from unchartered space. We need you to try and track it down,” Mr. Curtis.

“And how do you propose I do that?” inquired Curtis.

“Why, simple, ole chap. Just program that walking stick of yours for 500 light years into the future. Here, I’ll do it for ‘ya,” volunteered Moratoki.

“But, sir, I . . .,” blurted out Curtis. Then, poof, in an instant he was gone.

“Hmmm, 500 Light Years into the future,” Curtis grumbled. Where would he end up, he wondered. He was about to find out.

Time travel usually doesn’t take that long, at least that’s been Mr. Curtis’s experience. He somehow felt this time would be no different. He was right. The transport process completed and here he stood: right in the middle of a vast wasteland or desert-like environment. The air was breathable so oxygen was present.

As he stood there taking his surroundings all in, he viewed mountains in one direction and a city skyline in the other. Fortunately for him, the city did not appear that far away, maybe only about a quarter mile. He figured he could walk that. The temperature was comfortable, not hot, not cold.

As he neared the city limits, he was impressed with the architecture he saw. The buildings were quite modern and a variety of styles and shapes. Very attractive and distinctive.

Where would Curtis begin his search and who, exactly, was he looking for? He couldn’t approach the first person he saw that looked like a time traveler and ask, “Excuse me, but are you the resident time traveler on this planet?”

His first thought was to go to the city’s “grand hotel” and seek out the general manager and/or the local police detective. As he walked further down what appeared to be the Central Business District, he stopped and asked a passersby where the local hotel was.

Well, conveniently, it was located at the end of Main Street and was very “grand looking.” “You can’t miss it,” the passersby told Mr. Curtis.

And he was right. The closer Curtis got to the end of Main Street, he stopped cold. Just stood there, frozen in awe and disbelief.

He was standing at the front entrance of their grand hotel . . . The Majestic.

Is it a reproduction of the original from Lake Charles, LA in early 20th century or was it mysteriously transported to the future and here it is?

Mr. Curtis hoped to find some answers when inside this Majestic. Well, as soon as he entered the lobby he heard a voice saying “Welcome to the Majestic, Mr. Curtis!”

Then everything went dark.

————-

The room was quiet except for what sounded like a low murmur of voices. Then, “Mr. Curtis.” Silence. “Mr. Curtis,” again. “it’s alright, sir, you’re amongst friends,” said a voice.

Mr. Curtis, feeling groggy, eventually began to focus on the room and the voices just heard. Or at least he thought he heard them.

Then everything came into focus and what, or rather who, he saw first alarmed him. Shocked, however, might be a better descriptor.

“It can’t be,” he murmured. “You’re dead; you’ve been dead for several centuries! How the Hell . . .”

“All in good time, Mr. Curtis. All in good time,” said the “dead” guy’s voice.

“But, you’re the time traveler/time cop I met at the Majestic back in Lake Charles in the early sixties. I saw you die in the lobby explosion,” blurted out Mr. Curtis.

“That’s correct,” said the cop. “You see, I didn’t really die. Over time, my cells regenerated and, in effect, brought me back to life. I’ll explain it more to you over a bourbon. For now, though, we’ve got a problem on our hands,” he replied.

“Do you know about the red ruby pendant that’s acting like a homing device?” questioned Mr. Curtis. “It’s our guess that the signal was emanating from this location, on this planet in this section of unchartered space,” he explained.

“Yes, I’m very much aware of it,” answered the cop. “We’ve been trying to track it for years now but haven’t made much progress,” he pointed out.

‘Mr. Policeman’ continued, “We think the Koralye are behind this. They’re a small but deadly band of galactic pirates who not only time travel but also shape shift. Their sole mission seems to be mind-altering destruction wherever and however they please. As weird as it sounds, we believe this culture seems to be their DNA,” summed up the cop.

“So where does that leave us with the locket?,” asked Curtis. “I mean it seemed to have been activated and its homing device armed and sending signals somewhere, presumably here,” pointed out Curtis.

“By the way,” he interjected, “where the Hell are we, anyway?”

“We’re on an asteroid circling the third moon of Axios, a planet in an uncharted galaxy in what we think might be the Butella Nebula. We believe the Koralye are headquartered here and for sometime have kept the nebula invisible and undetectable to our sensors,” explained the cop.

“How is that even possible?,” Curtis asked, somewhat bewildered.

“We think the Koralye have harnessed some sort of galactic cloaking effect but we can’t be sure,” offered the cop.

“Well, that may be a question to be addressed another day,” stated Curtis. “Meanwhile, regarding the Ruby locket, is the current theory that the signals sent here from Earth are meant to guide this Koralye group to Earth for invasion?,” asked Curtis.

“That is our belief as of now,” stated the cop. “But not just invasion; total destruction of our planet,” he continued. “We think it’s a strategic move on their part so they would gain a key foothold within the Milky Way Galaxy. We can’t let that happen,” declared the cop.

“But how would the destruction of an entire planet serve in their best interests?,” asked Mr. Curtis.

“It’s simple,” said the cop. “Since they would have created a hole in space, you might say, they’d simply replace that hole with their asteroid. The one we’re standing in.”

Mr. Curtis, sounding rather dumbfounded, replied, “You mean they can actually move this asteroid into the place in space that Earth currently occupies? That’s incredible, if it’s true.”

“Incredible as it may seem, Mr. Curtis, we think it’s entirely possible,” reasoned the cop. “Given their technology behind the galactic cloaking phenomenon. We don’t even know to call it a device, or what. But to transform through space and time an entire planet would be the type of devious technology that this species probably is behind,” he continued.

“Well,” bemused Mr. Curtis, “taken into account what we already know, it seems like the Red Ruby locket can be disposed of, since they obviously know how to get to Earth. So the homing device is no longer needed. But after we stop them, seems like we’d need to destroy this asteroid, their headquarters. Then they would not be able to do anything. let alone literally move into Earth’s former space in the solar system,” Curtis conjectured.

“But if that’s the plan,” continued Curtis, “I alone don’t have the authority to give that authorization. That has to come from the… space time continuum authority,” he said.

The cop interjected, “Well, Mr. Curtis, I suggest you contact them immediately and advise them of our situation and ask for instructions.”

After several hours of discussion with the STCA and more introspection Mr. Curtis agreed with the Authority that the only option available was to destroy the asteroid housing the Koralye HQ. A not so minor problem was that they, too, were also on the asteroid.

How to destroy it and get out before complete obliteration took place was the challenge Curtis was going to have to address. Alas, the Authority was no help. What were a few lives lost in service to their planet Earth compared to the billions of lives potentially lost on Earth? In other words, Curtis and his colleagues were expendable.

So, when Curtis delivered the news to his group, the mood was understandably somber. And anxious. How soon could they enact a plan and could it be done without killing themselves in the process?

What about the Ruby pendant; could it be of use? Curtis thought of asking the STCA’s scientists and engineers who had been studying the pendant for clues as to what made it work and was it programmable.

If it can transport one over light years could it also work as a remote detonation device? Or, for that matter, could Curtis’ own walking stick with its emerald jeweled knob be used in connection with the pendant to bring about destruction?

The Authority’s experts would probably have some options. Mr. Curtis decided he’d immediately travel back in time to inquire as to what they’d found out.

Since it wouldn’t take Mr. Curtis that long to travel the 500 light years back in time, he thought he would first check in with Admiral Moratoki and compare notes as to what they knew before checking in with the “tech folks.”

“Not much, Mr. Curtis,” replied the admiral when asked about progress. “Oh, we have an idea or two about how that Ruby pendant works but it’s based on futuristic science and technology; we just don’t have that knowledge yet.”

“Well, since this Authority designed my walking stick, do we know if it’s plausible for it to connect with or talk to the Ruby pendant”?, asked Curtis.

“I’ve asked our chief technologist, Mr. Craig, to join us here for direct feedback,” stated the admiral.

“Ah, Mr. Craig, c’mon in. Right on time”, said the admiral. “This is Mr. Curtis whom I’m sure you remember. What’s the latest on the Ruby pendant? Do we know any more of its secrets”? the admiral inquired.

“Well, sort of,” replied Craig. “It’s composed of several chemical agents, most of which are unknown to us except one: hydrochlorabenzaprine; yeah, I know, it’s a mouthful! It’s commonly referred to as Hyzaprine. The Vulcans were using it back in the 24th Century in certain mining operations. And, yes, it does have destructive powers for good, as long as it’s under control. Out of control it’s extremely volatile,” explained Craig.

“How volatile?,” inquired the admiral.

“Extremely!,” answered Craig. “When combined with Veritol, an explosive, one can have a very impactful and lethal weapon,” stated Craig.

“Could it be developed for a cataclysmic explosion or destruction?,” asked the admiral, “like an entire asteroid?”

“Indirectly, sir,” Craig responded. “The combination of these chemicals would work to disrupt the asteroid’s inner core and thereby creating massive seismic shifts resulting in earthquakes and internal hemorrhages of that core. In this respect, yes, the asteroid could be obliterated; it would, in effect, blow itself up,” concluded Craig.

“How can the pendant be triggered to do this and how much time before all Hell would break loose after it’s triggered?, asked the admiral.

“Once the Ruby is pressed it would only be a matter of seconds before the chain reactions occur. And, sir, someone would have to press the Ruby; it can’t be remote controlled,” stated Craig.

Mr. Curtis interjected “Admiral, I can do that. I can certainly press the Ruby and immediately press the emerald on my walking stick to travel in time away from there.”

“But, what if something goes wrong? You’d have to be in position with Ruby in hand and then “beam” out into time and space as soon as you press the Ruby,” alerted the admiral.

“Yes, I know,” replied Curtis. “Considering what’s at stake, I’m the logical one to do this and this is the only way.”

“I sure hope you know what you’re doing, Mr. Curtis,” Morataki intoned. “Mr. Craig, how soon can you revamp the pendant to do what we need done?” he asked.

“Give me a few hours, Admiral, and we’ll be ready,” confirmed Craig.

“Proceed, Mr. Craig,” the admiral instructed.

“As for you, Mr. Curtis, sit down with me, have a drink or two and let’s chat. I want to hear how you plan to pull this off,” the admiral reassuredly stated.

And waited and drank and chatted for several hours they did until the pendant was ready. Mr. Curtis would leave this timeline at first light tomorrow. Hopefully, if all went well, he would end up saving Earth, no small feat even in the 28th Century.

**********

First light: Mr. Curtis, standing there resplendent in his crisp, all white three-piece suit and white fedora is clutching his walking stick somewhat nervously rubbing the emerald on top.

He admits to himself that he’s uncharacteristically nervous about this mission. He’s never really been in a position to “single handedly” save the world or in this case Earth.

The emerald is pushed and Mr. Curtis feels the transition of going forward in time. It’s a good thing that this voyage won’t take but a few seconds since he won’t have long at all to think anymore about it.

Before he knew it, Curtis rematerializes in a secluded area he had not been before. No problem, he thought; he could remain undetected for a bit longer than he’d anticipated.

Where could he sneak away to for the most devastating vantage point to press the Ruby? He knew from previous excursions about where “their” HQ is located. By his estimate he wasn’t that far away. Now to get there unnoticed.

Wait a second, he thought. Although seldom used he recalled a setting on the area surrounding the emerald that could program site to site transport. He could set it to beam him a few miles directly to the HQ site, hopefully undetected.

Curtis then set the emerald to beam him to an area that his sensor told him was uninhabited. Perfect, he thought. One press of the emerald and, poof, he disappeared. Next thing he knew he was by himself outside some shelter at the heart of the Koralye HQ.

All he had to do now was press the Ruby on the pendant and “all Hell” would begin. Then he had to get out of there immediately.

“3 . 2 . 1 . PUSH RUBY,” Curtis recited out loud. Then, nothing!

All of a sudden he felt trembling from the ground below; the destruction had begun. Now press the emerald on your walking stick, he thought to himself, and get the Hell out of this timeline.

Just as he positioned his walking stick so that he could access the emerald, the ground beneath his feet shook so fiercely he lost his balance and fell to the ground. His walking stick landed a few feet away but was still intact.

He quickly gathered himself and reached out for his cane when he suddenly felt something blocking his way. Someone was standing on the cane.

“Well, well what do we have here,” said a voice. “You looking for me? Ha, seems you found me or rather I found you, Mr. Curtis,” the voice continued.

“I’m Nicholas Basba, the head of the Koralye. What you’re trying to do here won’t work. Our technology is way too advanced for your “modifications “ so pressing the Ruby won’t do a thing,” Basba proudly stated.

Meanwhile, nobody seemed to notice that the ground was continuing to break up and a large swath of land was quickly opening up beneath where Basba stood. He was instantly knocked off balance and swallowed up in the resulting sink hole formed by the ground movement.

Just as Curtis had managed to slightly stand to reach for his cane, he, too, began to slip downward into the sink hole. But, as he was slipping, he held onto the edge of the hole and, while struggling, pulled himself up and out of the cave-in.

He reached down to grab his cane and started to press his emerald to activate the time shift. In a moment he would vanish, leaving this time and world far behind.

“Here we go . . .3 .2 .1,” murmured Curtis. “Press the emerald and off we go”. . . Then nothing. No action whatsoever.

Okay, don’t panic he thought to himself. He tried again, even while all around him rocks and debris were falling.

“3 . . .2 . . .1 . . .press emerald,” he almost shouted and . . . Nothing. “DAMN,” he exclaimed. “What’s wrong? It’s never failed before. Must be these surroundings,” he thought.

Curtis then quickly stammered to an opening at the edge of the sheltered area and, without missing a stride, pushed the emerald once more and suddenly in a flash he was gone. Completely vanished.

Desolation was taking place behind our time traveler. An entire asteroid was being obliterated and an evil empire was being phased out of existence.

Epilogue

Back at STCA HQ, 500 light years in the past, Admiral Moratoki was both pleased and relieved. Seems a sensor array from an affiliated solar system picked up a tremendous explosion from a planetary system light years away. It could only have come from a sun going nova or a similar mass destruction. Perhaps an asteroid explosion.

In any event Curtis was exhausted but pleased the mission was a success. Now, what’s next? Curtis was in no hurry to find out.

The only thing of importance on his mind was to travel back to the early sixties in South Louisiana, Lake Charles specifically, to visit the old Majestic Hotel and relax in their comfortable lobby and enjoy a delicious, cool Mint Julip. After all, he never knew who he might run into, again.

Wondering that, Mr. Curtis rose to stand and bent over to pick up his walking stick. Then he noticed it: The emerald had been replaced with the red ruby. And it was vibrating! What the . . . ?

More stories can be read at https://ideasnmore.net/short-stories