The Time Travelers Academy by Reginald Williams

Author:Reginald Williams [Williams, Reginald]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Romance, Science Fiction, Adventure, Fiction, Time travel
ISBN: 9781847289261
Publisher: Lulu.com
Published: 2006-10-15T21:37:56.264983+00:00

24

The seven days of training were solely about the time machine—how to lift off, navigate it, land it and what to do if something broke down.

“Which,” Adams told them, “I pray never happens.”

Finally, they were taken by Jeep to see the machine they’d been learning about on paper. Adams begged off, saying he had paperwork to catch up.

As they reached the building housing the time machine, they could see a helicopter bringing it in from the open dome. About the size of a large SUV, it was surprisingly nondescript to John, being constructed of the drab gray trilasteverium and with only small portholes for windows.

He glanced at Vincent, whose expression was very different, as though eager and energized at the sight.

While they viewed it, General Jones said, “And oh, by the way, the Ascendia Corporation fixed it.”

“What was wrong with it?” John said. “Was it broken?”

“Fixed meaning we changed its programming so it can never go backward in time past the universal timeline.”

John nodded. “Yes, Professor Rubiano mentioned that in class.”

“Regrettable,” Jones admitted. “One of the main purposes of the Academy was to be able to go back in time to a disaster or emergency that had just occurred—to either warn about the upcoming disaster or stop it ourselves. But,” he sighed, “when it was theorized how the universe would stop us if we do, the plan was scrapped. Congress just recently banned it. Until this plague crisis happened, we were one step from losing our funding and being disbanded. Either that, or being placed under the control of a private corporation. . . . That’s another reason this mission is so important. If successful, it will not only save the Earth, but the Time Travelers Academy, too.”

John gave a low whistle. “I had no idea the very program was at stake, General. But believe me, if there’s a way, it will be done. I’ll see to it.”

Jones looked at him fondly. “I suspected I’d made the right choice of person to lead the mission. Now, I’m sure of it.”

He returned his gaze to the machine. “Knowing what you all know now, perhaps you can understand why I turned down a promotion from the President so I could stay here and oversee the Academy’s success.”

“What was the position you turned down, sir?” John asked, then grinned. “You’re a four-star general, there’s not much higher than that.”

Jones returned his smile. “A few years ago, the former President asked me to accept his nomination for Secretary of Defense. But when I turned him down, I explained my goals for the Academy. He agreed with me. In fact, he wanted to see this Academy become the sixth branch of the military service and be renamed the United States Department of Time Travel. The current President offered the same promotion, but I declined it.”

He turned his head toward the sentry guarding the entrance to the hangar. “Step outside. Close the door behind you.”

Once the door closed, Jones turned back to the crew. “There’s another reason why I want this Academy to succeed.

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