Fantasy novel "Time Traders"

[Morpheus]

Good day everyone! I love writing fantasy novels. I present the beginning of one of them to your attention for evaluation. If someone likes it, I will publish a sequel. It is already completely finished and I can publish new chapters according to the interest of those who will read it. So...
— Time traders —

https://i.postimg.cc/d1Rxm28d/scale-1200.png
Алекс Фоули открыл глаза. На матовом потолке его спальни медленно плыли голографические изображения планет в космосе, звучала тихая музыка, затем зажглись зелёные буквы: «С ДОБРЫМ УТРОМ!» Потянувшись в кровати он вылез из неё и сонно проследовал в ванную комнату, привычно не обратив внимания, что как только он встал кровать сама бесшумно спряталась в нише стены словно её тут и не было. Через пятнадцать минут Алекс отфыркиваясь после принятия холодного душа выскочил оттуда вытираясь махровым полотенцем мурлыча себе под нос популярную мелодию. Электронный голос «умного дома» вежливо приветствовал его откуда-то сверху:
— Доброе утро, Алекс! Как вы себя чувствуете? Хорошо ли спалось? Сегодня у нас дождь. Оконные жалюзи открылись вместе с окнами и в комнату ворвался звук дождя, свежесть мокрого асфальта и запах озона, как после грозы. Алекс подошёл к окну и выглянул наружу: багрово- серые тучи медленно плыли по небу вдоль шпилей небоскрёбов отражаясь в их тонированных стёклах, низвергая на землю мелкий тёплый дождь. Механический голос тем временем продолжал:
—Температура за окном +75,5 градуса по Фаренгейту или если хотите +24 по Цельсию. Уверен сегодня чудесный день, несмотря на дождь! Ах, как я люблю дождь, в нём столько поэзии…- Алекс недовольно поморщился, в эти программы «умный дом» техники вшивали всё, что можно. – Знаете Алекс, я у себя в памяти нашёл строчки одного известного поэта какой так красиво описал дождь…
Алекс перебил его красноречие:
- Эй, хватит пока. Мне надо успеть на работу. Давай организуй завтрак и что мне одеть сегодня. Слышно было, как на кухне зажужжала кофеварка и духовка начала готовить горячие сэндвичи. Из стены встроенного шкафа выехала длинная вешалка на которой висела его одежда на разные случаи жизни. Тот же механический голос под потолком с оттенком эстета предложил ему надеть сегодня минимализм: джинсы принимающие любой цвет по его желанию, красную ковбойку на спине которой медленно перемещались вышитые голографическими нитями планеты вокруг которых обвился дракон из древних преданий. На шею повязать яркий платок какой принимал цвет в зависимости от его настроения, чёрный полисинтетический плащ с функцией сушки и на ноги высокие краги. Алекс согласился и через пять минут уже одетый зашёл на кухню. На столе стоял его завтрак. —Кухня, включи канал 24+...- скомандовал он. Кусок панели кухни превратился в огромный экран на котором жизнерадостная длинноволосая ведущая рассказывала о последних событиях в мире. Алекс отхлебнул кофе и схватив тёплый сэндвич уставился в экран. Ведущая рассказывала про последние события в мире. Ничего нового. Три локальных конфликта в странах третьего мира( опять власть не поделили), продолжающаяся эпидемия малярии на Мавританских островах, на Луне и Марсе у новых колонистов родились дети… учёные продолжают тестировать на добровольцах новое лекарство от вируса Вагнера... Ручной хронометр на его руке пискнул. Пришло сообщение из агентства. Он просмотрел его и допив кофе быстро направился к выходу. Выскочив из подъезда дома он вскочил на движущийся тротуар, к счастью тот был снабжён навесом из силового поля и непогода не мешала комфортно ехать на нём. Движущийся тротуар был хорошей альтернативой такси, хотя бы потому что он был бесплатным . Представители разных слоёв населения пользовались им разъезжаясь по своим делам. Мимо них по шоссе двигались мономобили на магнитной подушке. В воздухе мчались почтовые модули, скоростные курьеры и воздушные поезда. Голографические рекламные экраны висели прямо в воздухе с краю над движущимися тротуарами двигаясь вместе с ними. Алекс стараясь не смотреть в их сторону, мысленно активировал виртуальные очки. Информационный чип в его голове, выбрал и включил музыкальный канал. Минут через десять он сошёл с тротуара на платформу монорельса. Под зажигательные ритмы музыки звучавшей в его голове он втиснулся в огромный, длинный обтекаемой формы в виде сигары вагон с квадратами окон. Электронный сканер пискнул, когда он приложил большой палец к экрану и с его счёта списалась сумма в размере 2 кредитов за проезд. Через четыре остановки он вышел на перрон торгового центра города и быстро запрыгнул на другой движущийся тротуар который довёз его туда, где царили небоскрёбы офисов и административных зданий, из стекла и бетона. На их фоне высилась громада сооружения в форме пирамиды сделанная сплошь из тонированных, полированных прямоугольной формы стеклоблоков. На его фасаде в воздухе висела огромная голограммная вывеска: "Агентство времени". В правом верхнем углу переливались цифры показывающие текущую дату, время, год. 8часов 13минут, 12 июня 2197 года. Слева на право бегущей строкой бежала надпись: "Путешествия в любую эпоху и год. Незабываемые и абсолютно безопасные путешествия во времени. Лучшие цены. Лучшие воспоминания". И тут же часть экрана разделилась пополам и словно из рога изобилия полились казалось прямо на дорогу сменяя друг-друга в бешенном темпе древние египетские пирамиды, корабли Колумба, рыцари на лошадях, вымершие миллиарды лет назад динозавры, римские легионеры и масса других исторических персонажей какие внезапно ожили благодаря супер реалистичной голограмме. Как только этот поток иссяк, появилась надпись: "Позвольте себе это…"Алекс поморщился. Он работал в этой фирме гидом- проводником вот уже пару лет, и этот рекламный слоган слегка нервировал его. Каждый проводник знал, что все эти путешествия во времени для богатых бездельников не такие уж и бывают безопасными.
Войдя через стеклянные двери в вестибюль он оказался в огромном холле. Светофильтры на окнах пропускали рассеянный свет, кондиционеры тихонько жужжали неся прохладу. По центру помещения был сделан небольшой фонтан с бассейном, где плавали живые экзотические рыбы. В помещении стоял легкий запах пыли и старых вещей. Всё вокруг было заставлено разными экспонатами, которые были развешаны на стенах, стояли на полу, сидели на специальных подставках. Вся эта экспозиция была собрана для того, чтобы посетители могли увидеть, как жили люди в разные эпохи.За ним была стойка ресепшена, где восседала прекрасная белокурая Элейн, ей было 27, разведена и поговаривали, что она была любовницей шефа…Она сидела в своём оазисе из комнатных растений, окружённая виртуальными мониторами и принимала заказы от клиентов. Он подошёл к ней и изобразил улыбку на лице:
- Привет! Как у нас дела?!
- Вроде неплохо… У тебя сегодня переброска. Вот ознакомься…— она сунула ему в руки тонкий планшет с заданием.
Он пробежал его глазами и кивнул, потом мило улыбнулся Элейн и помахав ей рукой пошёл к центральному входу.
—Удачи, Алекс!— Услышал он находясь уже возле двери. Служебные двери ведущие в коридор центра управления по уровню защиты могли бы посостязаться с банковскими. Он приложил свой пропуск к сканирующему устройству, назвал полный свой идентификационный номер, приложил глаза к устройству по сканированию сетчатки глаза и одновременно ладонь к томографу. Только после этого холодный металлический голос известил его, что он имеет доступ на уровень А, В и С. Открылась дверь, он вошёл в длинный узкий коридор со стенами из полированного металла. Повернул к двери с надписью "Обслуживающий персонал", снова приложил свой пропуск к сканеру и дверь открылась. Внутри стояла металлическая армейская походная двухъярусная кровать с матрасами, небольшой стол из стеклопластика, пара тумбочек, кофейный автомат и пневматические боксы для заказа еды и товаров. Три железных шкафчика и складные пластиковые стулья. Алекс открыл дверцу своего и переоделся в форменный серый комбинезон с эмблемой агентства изображающей искривленный растёкшийся циферблат часов. С ним работали ещё два напарника, но все в разное время, так что вместе они пересекались тут лишь время от времени. Сегодня был тот день, когда на переброску оказалось несколько групп клиентов. К Алексу вскоре присоединился его второй напарник Стивен Бак, голубоглазый крепыш с соломенного цвета шевелюрой и специфическим чувством юмора. Пока переодевались, Бак успел рассказать ему, как в прошлое своё перемещение со своей группой состоящих из трёх молодых людей, они посетили древний остров Пасхи до того, как до него добрались первые мореплаватели. С собой они взяли дешёвые стеклянные украшения и какой-то завалявшийся на складе списанный хлам. Всё это они преподнесли в качестве даров местным туземцам какие не видели ещё белых людей и принявших их за Богов. Клиенты оплатили целых три дня пребывания на острове и всё это время предавались разврату и чревоугодию. Молодые девушки острова считали за честь переспать с Богами, остальные приносили им еду и были готовы выполнить любое их желание… Спустя три дня клиенты настолько прониклись местной атмосферой и гостеприимством, что начали просить меня оставить их там навсегда!- Бак заржал в голос.- Алекс, представляешь, они хотели остаться там! Мне пришлось усыплять их и уже спящими телепортировать в наше время. Если б мы так потакали желаниям всех клиентов, то изменили прошлое с будущим до неузнаваемости.- Бак внезапно стал серьёзным и со вздохом задумчиво протянул:
- Эх, видел бы ты этих туземочек…
Алекс в ответ хмыкнул похлопал напарника по плечу и вышел в холл здания. Внутри" Агентства времени" возле фонтана стояли две группы людей состоящих из мужчин, женщин и детей- подростков. Играла тихая спокойная музыка, специально для клиентов стояли небольшие походные столики с бокалами шампанского, розетки с чёрной и красной икрой, а также разные закуски. Гости угощались, общались между собой и каждый пытался понять насколько влиятелен его собеседник в этом мире. К ним вышел глава «агентства времени», сам Дэвид Мерлоу, как всегда в шикарном деловом костюме и блестящих чёрных туфлях из страусовой кожи. Выверенными движениями холёных рук он приветствовал клиентов словами:
- Добро пожаловать, дамы и господа в Агентство путешествий во времени. Сразу хочу заметить, что только мы имеем лицензию от правительства на путешествия во времени и всё, что вы увидите будет происходить реально, без каких либо иллюзионов или виртуальной реальности. Вы отправитесь именно в то время и эпоху какую выберите сами. Вы увидите именно то событие какое сами захотите увидеть. На некоторое время вы сможете окунуться в тот период куда отправляетесь. Вас ждут увлекательные события и масса положительных эмоций. Весь процесс будет записан и останется у вас в качестве памятного подарка от нашей фирмы. Каждую группу из вас будет сопровождать наш гид- проводник какой будет следить за вашей безопасностью и чтобы вы смогли вернуться домой. Кроме того, он сможет рассказать вам про ту эпоху куда вы направитесь. Но! У нас есть кое-какие ограничения ( он выразительно поднял вверх указательный палец): Мы не путешествуем в будущее( т.к. это технически невозможно и кроме того это запрещено конвенцией следящей за перемещениям во времени). В прошлом нельзя ничего менять. Нельзя встречаться с собой в прошлом, потому что две материи не могут быть одновременно в одной точке. Во всё остальное вас посвятят наши замечательные гиды- проводники( он позволил себе лёгкую улыбку). Каждый из вас получит соответствующую времени одежду и экипировку, какая так же останется вам на память в качестве сувенира. Итак, господа! Счастливого путешествия! А я передаю вас в надёжные руки наших гидов какие введут вас в курс дела.
Алексу досталась группа целого семейства состоящих из отца, его жены и двух великовозрастных сыновей- балбесов какие судя по их откормленным физиономиям ни в чём не знали отказа. Алекс уже был в курсе своего маршрута, но нужно было ещё уточнить кое-какие детали связанные с переброской и провести инструктаж с семейством. Взяв в руки планшет и заполнив в нём техническую информацию, он взглянул на ожидающих его группу. Итак, это семейство заплатило кругленькую сумму ради того, чтобы побывать на берегу Кембрийского моря. В эпоху, когда жизнь на Земле только зарождалась, на земле и в воде водились членистоногие беспозвоночные создания, т.е. до появления динозавров. Семейство погреет свои жирные задницы на берегу , полюбуются доисторическими достопримечательностями, а в качестве бонуса он им пожарит на костре какого-нибудь экзотического обитателя местной фауны и через пару- тройку часов они отбудут назад. Конечно в таких путешествиях всегда был риск встретить, какую- нибудь гигантскую стрекозу или пра-пра-прародителя крокодила какие из-за большого содержания кислорода в воздухе имели большие размеры и соответственно такой же аппетит, и запросто могли бы отобедать одним из путешественников во времени. Но к счастью такое случалось крайне редко, и только в определённые исторические эпохи.
- Итак, господин и госпожа эээ...( он заглянул в планшет обращаясь к мужу и жене семейства) Саймон и Виктория Уэллс мы с вами отправляемся на берег кембрийского моря. Прошу пройти в нашу раздевалку для гостей, где вы получите форменную одежду для путешествий. Семейство галдя словно стая потревоженных птиц, дружно зашли в одну из пяти кабин для переодевания, где они прикладывали свои персональные карточки к сканеру, за секунды их сканировало метрическое устройство, а 8D принтер через пару минут изготовил и выдал им одежду нужного размера и соответствия. В данном случае это были серые комбинезоны из сверхпрочной ткани с нашивкой компании и чёрные высокие ботинки застёгивающиеся вокруг лодыжки с функцией подогрева и вентиляции, устойчивые к любым природным катаклизмам. Кроме этого, каждый из них получил компактный аппарат для дыхания кислородом, т.к. атмосфера в то время ещё не сформировалась окончательно, воздух там был насыщен сероводородом и мало подходил для полноценного дыхания. После того, как все были готовы и вышли к нему Алекс продолжил:
- Вам необходимо прослушать краткий инструктаж по технике безопасности. Итак, во время пребывания там, вам нельзя уходить или удаляться друг от друга более чем на 2 метра и если я вам не разрешил... Вам запрещено, что-либо привозить с собой, ломать или как-то воздействовать на окружающий вас мир в каком вы будете находиться без опять таки моего разрешения. Никаких самовольных контактов или действий без....
- …Вашего разрешения!- закончил за него фразу Саймон Уэллс скорчив недовольную гримасу. - Господин гид, когда мы уже наконец отправимся к морю? Я заплатил столько денег не ради вашей пустой болтовни. Я и сам знаю, что можно, а что нельзя делать... Давайте уже отправимся наконец!— Его сыновья одобрительно заворчали. Алекс с трудом сдержал едкое замечание в его адрес, но взял себя в руки, ослепительно улыбнулся и сделал жест рукой:
—Прошу за мной.
Проведя группу по известному коридору они вошли в большую комнату. Тут не было окон, стены были выполнены из нестатического углеродного пластика за какими внутри прятались микросхемы управления. В углу за массивными створками располагался мозг машины времени. За силовой перегородкой сидели два местных техника Чарли и Дэнни одетые в белые халаты, колдующие над сенсорными мониторами и датчиками. Они отвечали за стабильную работу машины времени, корректировали направление и могли быстро решить проблему, если вдруг что-то пойдёт не так. По центру комнаты стояло пять вертикальных кресел. Под потолком висел огромный лиловый шар переливаясь сиянием излучал энергию. Алекс расставил всех по местам в креслах, достал из спец. шкафчика электрошокер на длинной ручке и огромный тесак в ножнах. Всё это он сложил в свой аварийный металлический контейнер, где было всё на все случаи экстремальных условий и занял своё место рядом со всеми. Поднял вверх большой палец в перчатке дав знак техникам, что они готовы. Через полминуты шум усилился переходя в рёв. Им на плечи опустились страховочные рамки не давая шевелиться. Рёв перешёл в ультразвуковой гул какой начал давить на уши. Лиловый шар под потолком замерцал сильнее и начал выбрасывать синие сгустки энергии какие хороводом начали кружить вокруг них. Их окутало голубоватое свечение. И...в этот момент словно, что-то взорвалось у них в мозгах. Яркий свет. Затем чернота космоса и проносящиеся на огромной скорости звёзды… Затем снова яркая вспышка и ощущение, что тело вот-вот распадётся на атомы и растворится в глубинах мироздания, но через пару секунд они внезапно оказались уже парящими в нескольких сантиметрах над серо- белым песком. Короткий миг падения и все от неожиданности валятся на него. Алекс огляделся:они находились на бескрайнем пляже состоящим из триллиона мелких и не очень ракушек самых причудливых форм. Многие уже превратились в мелкую крошку другие ещё сохранили форму. Прямо перед ними катило свои иссиня- голубые волны море. Берег был устлан зелёными и красными водорослями. Слева от них нависали отвесные вулканические серые скалы с жидкой растительностью похожей на мох. Воздух был густой и влажный, отдавал серой. Дышать было непривычно трудно, в атмосфере явно не хватало кислорода. Алекс дал знак, чтобы все надели на лица маски для дыхания, на всякий случай сверился со своим хронометром, нет всё в порядке, они на месте. Итак, у них есть три часа, потом они автоматически вернутся назад. Таймер машины времени запрограммирован на это. На случай каких-либо непредвиденных ситуаций он имел возможность вернуться с помощью своего именного хронометра который не только определял местоположение в пространстве, но и имел возможность дать исчерпывающую информацию о любой эпохе. Скоро должно выглянуть солнце из-за багровых туч и станет жарко. Он обратился к своей группе, какая с изумлением рассматривали чужой для них мир.

[gerz13]

Very interesting! I like this. Write more!!!

[Morpheus]

Very interesting! I like this. Write more!!!

Okay, then I’ll try to upload the entire novel here...

[The passage]

Very interesting! I like this. Write more!!!

Okay, then I’ll try to upload the entire novel here...

I really liked it too))) It’s very interesting to read the continuation)

[Morpheus]

Thanks to everyone who appreciated my modest literary efforts... Unfortunately, it is not possible to post the entire novel at once, there is a limit on the number of characters, so I will post it in parts...
n(continued) part 2
He turned to his group, who were looking at a world alien to them with amazement.
- So, ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at our destination. I ask you not to take off your breathing masks and please note that we are on a relict beach consisting of a large number of shells that lived in different periods. This world is more than 450 million years away from ours and existed long before the first dinosaurs appeared. I ask you to be very careful and watch your step. At this time, quite a few living creatures lived here, both small and large, and not all of them were harmless. The head of the Wells family walked with admiration to the edge of the shore and took out a huge Cuban cigar from the breast pocket of his overalls, thoughtfully turned it over in his hands, lifted his mask to light a cigarette. Alex noticed this and warned:
- Mr. Wells, if I were you, I wouldn’t do this... There is little oxygen here, your cigar will burn poorly, and you may suffocate from the smoke. Wells glanced at him displeasedly, but put the cigar back in his pocket.
- Well, ladies and gentlemen, let’s take a walk along the seashore?! - Alex allowed himself his best smile. Walking along the shore, they continually came across the remains of representatives of the local fauna, thrown ashore and already beginning to rot, bizarre-shaped fish more reminiscent of some kind of underdeveloped embryos. Several times we encountered huge flat creatures covered with a shell, vaguely similar to modern woodlice, having a large number of legs and protruding eyes, as if standing on separate legs. Alex pointed the end of the stun gun at one of them:
- Please note, in front of you is one of the brightest and most numerous species living at that time - the Trilobite. Very similar to the woodlice we all know. It has a hard chitinous shell divided into three parts, which protects it from enemies, and a soft arthropod body that it hides underneath. They fed mainly on silt, or plankton, or other small species which they crushed with their two tentacles. The trilobite, who was sitting on the shore at that time, being rolled by the waves, very quickly trotted towards the water, moving its many legs, and immediately disappeared into it, simultaneously burying itself in the sea sand. Wells and his family looked at everything they saw with delight.
They had been walking along the shore for about thirty minutes, the sun was blazing hot, and there was an unbearable stench from rotting algae and fish. Without oxygen masks, they obviously couldn’t stay here for long. There were no more living creatures; everyone was exhausted from the heat and covered in sweat. Wells’s sons began to complain of fatigue and stuffiness. Alex, although accustomed to different conditions, also felt unwell. After another fifteen minutes, the rocks suddenly ended and a wide plateau consisting of gray-brown sand of once frozen volcanic lava opened up. Rare, low-growing, green shrubs with thin tubular leaves grew on it, forming a small grove extending deep into the plateau. Below them, something brown like moss was growing on the rocks. Alex decided to take a break at the end of the rock, finding a small recess in it where there was a shadow. He invited the family to settle down here for relaxation and for a future picnic. The family collapsed from exhaustion. Wells was breathing heavily and puffing like a walrus. Mrs. Wells was also not in the best mood, and her sons looked as if they had just unloaded a carload of coal with a shovel. Alex chuckled to himself as he looked at them. These people were not used to excessive physical exertion; all the menial and hard work was done for them by other people and robots. About ten minutes later, when the family had caught their breath a little, Alex suggested that they catch something exotic together for lunch. The head of the family and sons accepted this offer without much enthusiasm, but nevertheless agreed, and Victoria Wells said that she did not want this, but if her husband did not mind, he would wait for them here. Wells didn’t mind. Alex left his container with her, armed only with a cleaver and a stun gun, he and them wandered further along the shore.
“We need bait for the catch,” he said, scanning the beach with his eyes. I saw the rotting remains of a gigantic octopus-like shell in a long chitinous shell like a cap of another mammal, the progenitor of the future squid and artacon cuttlefish, it’s only a pity that in the heat his delicate body had already become very rotten, turning into a fish-smelling jelly. Alex suggested that Wells take his shell as a souvenir when returning back. The air became seriously hot, the cooling inside their overalls had difficulty coping with the rising temperature, and the air began to stink more strongly of the remains of rotting fish and algae. Simon Wells wiped his sweaty brow with his sleeve and looked out into the sea, where through the clear water its bizarre inhabitants could be seen lazily crawling along the bottom or swimming in different directions. Approaching the edge, he pulled the mask onto his forehead and scooped up a handful of water with his hands, washed his face and wet his neck.
- Can’t we take a swim? “Otherwise we’ll go crazy from this heat,” he asked, puffing like a walrus. Alex shook his head:
- I don’t recommend it! At this time, there were no large predators here yet, but there were those who would want to taste you by gnawing a piece from your body. I’ll show you now... He found the still relatively fresh remains of a dead trilobite carcass on the shore, cut off a piece of it with a cleaver and, hooking it on the edge of the stun gun, looked around. Wells and sons watched his actions with interest. Alex went knee-deep into the water and looked through the transparent blue into the depths. Wonderful! Here the coast went downhill and suited his idea perfectly. Having lowered the shocker with a trilobite at the end into the water, he began to move it underwater, creating vibrations. Not even a minute had passed before something grabbed and dragged the mortal remains of the trilobite towards itself. Alex was ready for this and immediately pulled the stun gun up. At the end, clinging to the carcass, hung a huge scorpion-like creature with long jointed legs, two powerful claws and a highly raised fleshy tail without a sting. Without allowing him to come to his senses, Alex pressed the shocker button. A short crack, a blue spark pierced the monster’s body and he twitched like a sack and fell into the water. But Alex immediately picked him up and pulled him ashore. Wells and his sons looked at the monster with a mixture of horror, interest and disgust. Alex took out a cleaver and cut off the claws with it.

Sent after 11 minutes 45 seconds:
Continuation (part three)
- Mr. Wells! In front of you is a sea scorpion. The progenitor of the future land scorpion and somewhere a distant ancestor of the cancer known to you. By the way, it tastes like crab meat. If you want, we can try it... Wells doubtfully and cautiously touched the dead scorpion with the tip of his shoe. Then he nodded. Alex had to carry it; Wells’s sons and he himself categorically refused to take it in their hands. The sea scorpion was very healthy and heavy, but Alex was no stranger to it. Having slung it over their shoulder, they set off back along the shore.
Wells’ wife was already standing on the shore looking out for them with concern. Seeing the prey, she gasped either in horror or in delight, but she was afraid to get close to the sea monster. Meanwhile, Alex collected the stones lying around and took out a camp folding brazier with an autonomous fire function from his container. He expanded it to its maximum size, placed stones inside so that they would heat up, and meanwhile began to cut up a sea scorpion. I removed the entrails and chitinous shell by deliberately throwing them at the very edge of the water. He chopped the naked meat into pieces and threw them to fry on heated stones. Meanwhile, on the shore, a giant Trilobite that had crawled out of the water decided to eat the scorpion’s offal. Alex winked at the family:
- Here, another addition to our dinner... - he grabbed a cleaver and was nearby in two leaps. A short swing and the blade entered exactly between the joints of the shell, pinning the trilobite to the ground. He began to squirm wildly trying to escape. His many feet slid across the sand. The Wells family watched everything with their mouths open, forgetting about everything. Another swing of the cleaver and the trilobite stopped moving. Without moving far from the water, Alex immediately cut the carcass into pieces, this time throwing the giblets and shell further into the water. Trilobite meat looked like a crab with pink dots, while scorpion meat was white.
After frying both carcasses, he offered to try the treat. Taking the first piece himself, he began to chew it with pleasure. Wells at first cautiously ate a small piece and for a long time forced himself to swallow it. But then, apparently, having tasted it, he took another piece and another... The family, seeing this, began to eat the same thing, first with caution, and then more and more boldly. Alex chuckled looking at them. Oh, if only they knew WHAT he sometimes had to try for the sake of clients... So a Trilobite with a sea scorpion is just a delicacy. Having eaten everything they had, the family stretched out blissfully on the shore. Alex looked at the chronometer: in 10 minutes. there will be a transfer. It’s time to go back. He also managed to run and bring Wells an empty giant ortacon shell as a souvenir.
The time transfer back was successful and the Wells family went out into the lobby of the building. Chairman of the Board David Merlow greeted them with a charming smile. The family was given their uniform and a ball with a record of their journey as a souvenir, they said a bunch of compliments and the satisfied Wells went home. Today Alex had to make another jump with a different group. After taking a shower and changing into clean overalls, he went out into the hall, where he saw two middle-aged men dressed in old-fashioned, worn jeans and light luminescent T-shirts. David Merlow was already telling them what awaited them, Alex, meanwhile, took the tablet and looked at the current task, so... They want to go to ancient Rome to watch the gladiator fights. Hmm, Alex winced. He did not understand this love of some for violence. To see how some kill others for the pleasure of the crowd... But work is work and all emotions must be buried deep. He is paid well for this work, which means there is no room for sentimentality. Meanwhile, the two men, having listened to the end of David’s already sore speech, drank a glass of champagne with him (for a wonderful experience!) and they were at Alex’s disposal. Looking into the tablet, he addressed them:
- So, Mr. Van Lin and Mr. Johnson, you and I will take a trip to ancient Rome and watch the Gladiator fights. To begin, please go to the changing cabin. There you will receive clothes appropriate for the time where we are going. Please leave all your personal belongings, including jewelry and even cigarettes, in the storage room. We will provide you with everything you need. The men left to change clothes, and Alex went to his staff changing cabin. Wang Ling and Johnson emerged from theirs five minutes later, wearing white tunics with gold designs on the edges. They were wearing a cloak-paludamentum over their heads; an 8D printer created a fabric identical to that worn by the ancient noble Romans with a gold clasp in the center of the chest. On their feet they were wearing high leather sandals. Alex looked at them critically.
- Gentlemen, so that there are no questions for you there, we dressed you like noble Romans. You must behave according to your status, but do not overact so as not to attract unnecessary attention to yourself. You, noble Romans, came to watch the gladiator fight. All! Listen to me in everything and we will return safely. He gave them the usual safety briefing. He himself dressed in clothes similar to theirs, so as not to stand out from the crowd and to be close. Everyone entered the transfer room together and took their places in the vertical chairs. He gave a thumbs up and nodded. The technicians behind the glass nodded in response and turned on the power. The mount fixed them in place, and the wild dance of light forced them to close their eyes. The next moment there was a bright flash of light, again the dancing of stars in black space, a blue glow, and then there was silence. Hot air filled their lungs. They were in a narrow alley on all sides surrounded by three-story houses in the ancient Roman style with colonnades and terraces. The road between them was paved with yellow stone tiles. Alex checked his chronometer. It’s okay, they’re there. There were no people here and this played into their hands. He took out miniature nano-earphones and said that both misters would insert them into their ears, they would help them understand the speech of the Romans and speak their language. Having inserted the same ones for himself, he beckoned them to follow him. Walking along the houses, they looked at the local residents with interest. Some set up shops on their first floors and sold various foodstuffs, others went about their business on the terraces or simply sat on soft beds drinking wine from flat bowls. About three minutes later they came out onto a wide street filled with people. Men and women in various clothes scurried back and forth. Carts drawn by mules and horses, richly decorated palanquins with brocade curtains with noble Romans inside, carried on their shoulders by slaves, naked to the waist, dark from the sun. Merchants, vagabonds, warriors all mingled in one crowd. The smell of sour wine, horse sweat and rancid fat hung in the air. A bunch of small and large eateries invited travelers to their place offering to dine in their establishments. Huge vats with various provisions were prepared over an open fire. The mixture of smells emanating from the vats was so diverse that to people from the 22nd century it seemed simply incredible. Right there in the stalls, sheep prepared for slaughter bleated pitifully and piglets grunted. Alex, Van Lien and Johnson made their way through this motley crowd to the towering bulk of the Colosseum. It had not yet been destroyed; on the contrary, it was practically new and with its splendor eclipsed all the buildings around. Wang Ling and Johnson whistled in amazement. Alex nudged them not to linger. A seething crowd rushed to the numerous entrances to the Colosseum. They passed iron fences near which there were especially many legionary guards in armor. Here, behind rectangular bars, gladiator slaves with naked torsos and loincloths sat and stood. Many were tall, wiry and muscular, others were lean and short. Different races and different ages. Here they rested before the fight and waited to be called into the arena. Many women of noble family (judging by their rich attire) stood near the bars and looked at the men with languid eyes. The gladiators were talking among themselves, or simply walked aimlessly, others sat looking into space, others stood near the bars and talked about something with the ladies. A man in leather armor with a malicious look and a hooked nose walked between them. Alex guessed who it was. This man made sure that the gladiators were not given anything prohibited from outside. The fact that many women of different origins were crowding around the bars did not surprise him either; many rich and not so rich matrons wanted to have sex with the gladiators; sated with life and pleasures, they were looking for new thrills, they were attracted by the brutality and wild beauty of these men... He briefly told his companions about all this.
After 10 minutes. they entered the arch of the Colosseum. There were 8 of them in total, from different sides, like in a stadium, so there wasn’t much crowding or crush when entering and leaving. We went up the steps to the top, where there were stone benches of the amphitheater on five floors in a circle on which a lot of people were already sitting. A colossal structure in size reminiscent of a large stadium that can accommodate several thousand people. On the platform at the entrance stood a short man with a laurel wreath on his head and a snow-white tunic. There was a table in front of him, on it was an inkwell with a quill pen and rolled up parchment scrolls. Alex and his companions approached him and arrogantly looking at him, authoritatively said in pure ancient Greek:
- I, Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, and these two respectable citizens Cornelius Scipio and Marcus Publius. The man bowed slightly and unfolded his scrolls:
-Are you on the list?
Alex casually waved his hand.
-No, our ship only arrived yesterday from Gaul, we were engaged in trading business and we weren’t here for a long time. Can we get seats in the center under the canopy? - Alex, with the dexterity of a magician, placed three gold coins in his hand. The man bowed again, quickly put the coins in his pocket and, dipping his pen into the inkwell, added their names to the general list of regular visitors. Then he sent a servant boy with them, who led them to the fourth tier to their places, which favorably differed from the rest in their convenient location. Here you could clearly see the Colosseum arena covered with white sand. Along its perimeter stood bronze phallic pillars symbolizing fertility. Above them fluttered a huge canvas made of canvas, which, with the help of ingenious devices, was stretched over the Colosseum in the heat and rain.
Alex’s companions looked around in admiration and quietly discussed their impressions among themselves. Meanwhile, a slave boy pushed his way towards them and offered free cold lemonade in wooden bowls. The drink tasted good, but lacked gas and was sour. However, it was quite refreshing in the heat. The stands were filled with people, and finally the herald from the central stand announced the beginning of the 6th season of games. For another ten minutes he admiringly listed the names of gladiator schools, the names of gladiators who had especially distinguished themselves in previous battles, and also did not forget to colorfully talk about each of the owners of the Lentuli gladiator schools. Wang Lin leaned over to Alex and asked:
- But I wonder why the gladiators were called "gladiators?" - Alex was silent for several seconds, remembering his history lessons and said:
- The fighters were called gladiators by the name of the weapon with which they fought in fierce battles - a small double-edged sword with a wide and very sharp blade (from the Latin Gladius - "sword"). Wang Lin clicked his tongue in surprise and conveyed what he heard to Johnson.
The horn sounded and the first six gladiator slaves jogged into the arena. Dressed in varied armor, armed with short swords and spears, they stopped in the center of the arena, turning their faces to a richly decorated niche where one of the royalty sat and shouted in unison, striking their shields with their weapons:
- Coming to death, greet you!
A slight rumble of approval ran through the amphitheater. The gladiators split into pairs and, at the signal of the horn, the fight began for life and death. Alex often watched historical films through a stereoscope, including ones about the gladiators of Rome, but cinema is one thing, but reality turned out to be much worse and worse. People in the arena, like animals, rushed at each other, inflicting monstrous blows, and only a shield placed in time for protection helped to avoid death or injury. After five minutes of the fight, one was already writhing in the arena, clutching a wound on his side from which blood was gushing. He raised his thumb up indicating that he was ready to surrender to the mercy of the winner. The editor watching the fight on the podium said that the audience should decide his fate. The second pair fought for three minutes. Both were slightly wounded, but continued to fight until one of them, without some contrition, managed to cut off the hand with the sword of the second, and he fell howling in pain and pouring blood into the sand. The third pair finished the fight even faster. During the fight, one of them, during a fierce attack from his opponent, stumbled, could not stay on his feet and fell on his back, his opponent immediately tried to take advantage of this, deciding to plunge a spear into his throat, but the fallen man quickly managed to dodge the blow, the spear stuck into the sand without Having caused him harm, he, in turn, managed to make a sweep with his legs and now his opponent, who had already hesitated, fell into the arena. The crowd roared wildly with delight. But now they are both standing on their feet opposite each other. There was an exchange of blows from short swords. Both were equal in strength and skill and neither wanted to be defeated. But fatigue made itself felt, a wrong movement and the sword of one of the fighters was knocked out, and he himself fell to the sand, slightly wounded. The crowd in the stands went wild. The time has come to determine what to do with the wounded. The audience unanimously pronounced death on the first man to fall with a wound on his side, with his thumbs down; the editor confirmed their verdict by throwing his thumbs down as well. The defeated man humbly sat down on his knees and lowered his head, the winner, with a short swing of his sword, quickly plunged it into his neck and he fell on his side, wheezing. The second man without an arm also suffered death. The third was graciously given life. Applause and screams rang through the stands as the four surviving gladiators bowed deeply and left the arena. Instead, three people jumped out with long hooks, which quickly pulled out the dead and covered the blood stains with fresh sand.

Sent after 12 minutes :
Continuation (part four)...I’ll post the next parts tomorrow, I’m going to bed late today...
Alex shuddered with disgust looking at these senseless murders, but he noticed with what pleasure his companions looked at the fight, screaming along with everyone else in delight when one of the gladiators inflicted a particularly masterful blow on the other. Over the next hour, three more pairs of gladiators performed. Some fought not only among themselves, but also against living lions and tigers. And not everyone managed to emerge victorious from this battle. The animals tore their bodies into pieces until they were driven back out of the arena into the pens, and the corpses were dragged out of the arena with the help of the same hooks. The surviving gladiators had wounds, some could barely stand. The sand inside the arena turned brown with blood. Alex began to feel sick from all this. And although he was not a novice in his field (he had undergone special training and had seen everything), the sight of torn bodies, severed limbs and the savage cruelty with which people killed one another made him feel sick and disgusted. But Van Lin and Johnson seemed to continue to have opposing emotions. The sight of blood and violence in the arena ignited some primal feelings in them. They, like everyone else, jumped up from their seats and shouted to encourage the gladiators when the fight became particularly fierce. Alex sighed with relief when the herald announced the end of the games for the day. He stole a glance at the chronometer hanging around his neck under his tunic. The transfer back should start any minute now. People around rose from their seats and headed for the exit. Slight dizziness and tinnitus made it clear that a reverse time transfer had begun. A minute later, a bluish vortex of air swirled around them and they dissolved in it, causing considerable confusion and even mystical horror for the spectators next to them and behind them.
They walked out into the building’s lobby from the transfer room. As usual, the director of the company was already waiting for them with a radiant smile on his face.
- How do you like ancient Rome? How did it go, gentlemen? - He asked them. Wang Lin and Johnson burst into satisfied grins:
- Excellent! Just excellent! Your guide was excellent, he told us everything very informatively, we got a lot of pleasure from the gladiator fights and were amazed by the grandeur of the Colosseum. Merlow smiled indulgently as he listened to this. The clients are happy and this is the most important thing for him. Johnson and Van Ling changed into their clothes, received notes of their journey and left with a kind farewell. Merlow approached Alex and patted him on the shoulder in a fatherly manner:
- Alex, you do a great job and I like that about you. I am pleased that professionals like you work in our company. If clients are happy, then our company will prosper, which means (he winked at him slyly) your bonuses will also increase. Alex, as befits a good employee, was showered with gratitude and expressed his full readiness to continue not to damage the company’s image in the eyes of clients.
Merlow nodded:
- Go, rest and have lunch. The next client will appear in a couple of hours.
Alex did just that. Took a shower. I changed into my overalls and ordered a hearty lunch through the terminal. After which he blissfully stretched out on the bed.
Two hours later, a rested Alex walked into the hall and saw a middle-aged man with black hair on his head, a flashy suit shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow and with the same tasteless tie. His companion was a pretty, pretty brunette, about 25 years old, with discreet makeup on her face and a light summer dress with a small crocodile skin handbag. Alex thought she was pretty, but her boyfriend gave the impression of a dressed-up peacock. Merlow was already greeting them with a glass of champagne, telling them about their journey. Seeing Alex, he put his hand on his shoulder in a friendly manner and solemnly said:
- Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to your guide through time, Alex Foley. During the trip, he will be your attorney responsible for your safety and your safe return back. I entrust you to him and believe that this journey will leave an indelible impression on you. Merlow retired to his office, and Alex picked up the tablet and quickly looked through it, so... Peter Rieders and his friend Sarah Bolton expressed a desire to get to America in the late 30s, 20th century, they wanted to see the crash of a German airship "Hindenburg", which happened on May 6, 1937... Alex sighed. Seeing how a huge aircraft turns into a torch in a matter of minutes, how burning people fall out of it, and those who survived in horror run in different directions... Well, it’s clear that people’s craving for violence is ineradicable even at the end of the 22nd century.. . Alex put the most friendly smile on his face and invited the guests to proceed to the changing cabin..
* * *
Linda turned 23 yesterday. She finally became a full-fledged citizen of the 1st degree. The birthday passed without unnecessary pathos. There were only the closest friends and parents. She was given various gifts, but the most valuable was a gift certificate from her parents to the Time Agency company, for a trip of her choice in any era. Linda dreamed about this since she was 15 years old. She raved about the history of the past. She wanted to go to different historical eras and see different historical events, but the certificate gave the right to travel to one particular event in one specifically chosen era. Therefore, she had already decided on the direction in advance. Having watched the remake of the well-known film "Titanic" many times, filmed back in 1997, and re-shot in 2180 with the same actors in 80-2DX mode, she wanted to see this legendary ship and witness its death in the Atlantic.
The next morning, June 13, Linda crossed the threshold of the Time Agency. Elaine, sitting at the reception, greeted her with a wide smile and cooed:
- Time Agency Company, my name is Elaine, how can I help you?! Linda took out a rectangular piece of plastic with holographic letters - this was the very certificate whose owner could count on traveling to any era. Elaine took it from her hands and ran it over the scanner. Brief information and a photo of Linda immediately appeared on her monitor screen.
- So, Miss Thomson, you want to take a trip on... (Elaine ran her eyes across the monitor screen) "Titanic", your certificate gives you the right to spend 12 hours on the ship before it hits the iceberg... Great! Please fill out this form. Linda took the electronic pen and quickly began filling out the form. About ten minutes later David Merlow came out to see her. Smiling dazzlingly at her as if he were an old acquaintance, he said:
- Miss Thomson, I am David Merlowe, director of the Time Agency. Welcome to us and we hope that your first trip will not be your last and that you will want to come to us again and again. - Then, turning to Elaine, he said to her:
- Invite Johnson to us, he is an excellent expert on the early twentieth century and is sure he can give an unforgettable excursion for Miss Thomson. Elaine was slightly embarrassed and replied:
- I’m afraid he won’t be able to sir, Johnson just returned yesterday with a group from the Middle Ages, the horse he was riding on tripped and fell and injured his leg, the doctor examined him and said that it was nothing serious , but he won’t be able to work for about a week. Merlow pulled a dissatisfied face and answered with a hint of irritation in his voice:
- Why am I only finding out about this now?
- Sorry, sir! But you weren’t there yesterday, you left for the department.
- Oh, yes... Damn him... Okay, who is free now?
- Foley, sir!
- Invite him!
Alex Foley had just managed to change clothes and drink coffee when the earphone in his ear, in Elaine’s voice, demanded him to go into the hall. Alex cursed to himself: “What the hell?!” Today he will have a client only in two hours and he hoped to take a nap for a couple of hours. Coming out into the hall and seeing Merlow next to a pretty brunette, he guessed that a transfer was waiting for him. Merlow hugged him in a friendly manner and, turning to Linda, said:
- Here is your guide and assistant, with whom you will go on a journey. I’m handing you over to his strong hands.” Merlow smiled again and thrust the tablet with the task into Alex’s hands. Alex glanced at him and, apologizing to the girl, caught up with the leaving Merlow:
- Sir, there is some kind of mistake here. Johnson was supposed to go to the Titanic...
- That’s right, but yesterday Johnson injured his leg, the doctor said he wouldn’t be able to work for a couple of days. You can replace him.
- But sir, I have a flight to the Jurassic period planned in two hours.
- Don’t worry, I’ll delegate this matter to Baku, he’ll handle it. And you have good knowledge of history and I’m sure you won’t screw it up.” Merlow winked at him and disappeared into his office. Alex sighed and headed towards Linda, who was standing near the reception, who was already starting to worry.
“Is there something wrong with my certificate?” She asked. Alex noted to himself that she had a wonderful chest voice. And God didn’t offend him with his figure. Brown curly hair pinned to the side, a light summer dress made her both attractive and desirable. But work comes first! Alex shook his head, put on the friendliest smile and answered:
- No, what are you, miss... Everything is completely fine. We are now changing clothes and immediately hitting the road. Please go to the changing cabin.

Sent after 3 minutes 33 seconds:

Very interesting! I like this. Write more!!!

Okay, then I’ll try to upload the entire novel here...

I really liked it too))) It’s very interesting to read the continuation)

Thank you!)

[gerz13]

Post it on AuthorToday! They will definitely appreciate it!!!

[Morpheus]

Put it on AuthorToday! They’ll definitely appreciate it there!!!

Thanks, I’ll have to go there.

Sent after 3 minutes 25 seconds:
Continuation (Part FIVE)...

Last time He gave an excursion to the Titanic about a year ago. I vaguely remembered the details of the trip. Usually, preparations are made for such a trip at least a day in advance, but not at the last minute. He pulled on a wool suit, tailored according to American fashion in 1912, to pass for a 1st class passenger. He put on a black bowler hat, picked up an elegant ebony cane and, after thinking, put a Glock pistol with 15 rounds in the back of his trousers (just in case!). The 8D scanner also printed two tickets for the Titanic. Coming out of the cabin, he saw Linda. She was wearing a long, beautiful, ancient cream-colored dress. The openwork hat with flower boutonnieres only emphasized her pretty face. Alex could not resist and complimented her:
- Miss Thomson, you are charming. She blushed slightly and replied, “Thank you!” made a slight curtsy in his direction, which made him smile.
* * *
They boarded the Titanic on a cloudy day from the port of the small Irish town of Cove. This was the last port where the Titanic called on April 14, 1912, before its voyage to New York and 12 hours before its death from an iceberg. Given the gigantic size of the ship, the Titanic could not enter the local harbor, so it dropped anchor 6 miles away. From Cove at 11:55 a.m. the small auxiliary ships America and Ireland (including Linda and Alex, young Irish emigrants and third-class passengers), as well as cargo and mail, carried passengers on board. In addition to passengers, journalists, photographers and local merchants boarded with the permission of the captain. At 1:30 p.m., after all the guests had left the ship, the anchor was raised and the Titanic set sail for New York with 2,208 people on board. Alex and Linda, dressed like rich aristocrats, walked along the deck as if they were here every day. Once on board, they followed the signs and found their cabins numbered B 57-58. 1st class cabins are located in the center of the liner in order to relieve passengers from the noise of propellers and even pitching. Their cabin had two rooms. Once inside, Alex locked it from the inside. After which he gave Linda a brief briefing on what awaited them in the near future. So, in order not to arouse suspicion, they should have less contact with someone unnecessarily. When walking on deck, behave like husband and wife so as not to attract attention. "Titanic" will collide with an iceberg on the fourth day of the voyage, i.e. tonight around midnight. This will end their excursion and they will have to return to their own time. In addition, Alex took out two gray paper books from his pocket. He handed one to Linda with the words:
- This is your passport in case they suddenly ask you to confirm your identity. Your name is Maggie Style. Linda looked with surprise at the color book of her passport, where her most ordinary paper black and white photograph was pasted. The passport contained many different blue stamps and seals, the necessity of which Linda could only guess.
- My name will be George Vanderbilt, I am an Irish emigrant heading to America with my wife.- Alex continued and winked at Linda, which made her blush slightly and look away.
- So, settle down for now, and I’ll go find out what’s going on here. Lock the cabin door when I come back and knock. Alex pulled on his suit and went out into the corridor, closing the door behind him. Linda turned the key in the lock and looked around. This room could be called a cabin. A huge wooden bed with silk linens decorated around the perimeter with a red velvet canopy. Instructed with gilding wooden tapestries on the walls. Carved lacquered table, a pair of lamps on the wall. Two large soft velor chairs with curved legs and three ottomans upholstered in red silk fabric. There was a fireplace built into the wall and a pile of firewood stacked in a beautiful woodpile. Beautiful heavy velvet curtains hung on the opposite side of the wall covering the square openings of the windows. In addition, the cabin was equipped with running water and steam heating. Linda, who had seen all this only in pictures and in films, made an indelible impression. The second room was not much inferior in luxury to the first and did not particularly interest the girl. Alex returned about fifteen minutes later.
“In an hour, all 1st class passengers are invited to dinner,” he said. “I think nothing will be wrong if we honor him with our presence.” Linda nodded. Before lunch began, Alex decided to tell Linda how to behave, what to say if asked. Don’t be particularly surprised by anything and act as if she sails on similar ships every day.
An hour later, a bugle sound was heard indicating that lunch was ready and 1st class passengers could proceed to the restaurant. Alex took Linda’s arm and they walked down the corridor into the foyer and up the wooden staircase with bronze angels holding lamps on the railing. Above them was a patterned white glass dome that emitted a soft white light. Climbing the steps, we passed a large antique carved wooden clock. Linda looked at all these details with childish delight. Men and women dressed in the latest 1912 fashion walked past them, like actors playing in a film. Alex nodded to everyone and smiled slightly as if he knew everyone here. The steward led them to a table in the restaurant, where dressed-up ladies in clothes of various styles were already sitting. With a lot of jewelry on his neck and hands. Some held decorative dogs in their hands, which they did not hesitate to feed from their plates. In front of Linda and Alex stood plates with gold edging, and next to them on the left and right were cutlery of bizarre shapes, the purpose of which an ignorant person could only guess. We brought oysters for an aperitif. Although Linda had never eaten them, she decided to try. The shell valves were open and the unappetizing jelly-like body of the mollusk was visible. Taking a spoon with a curved end in her hands, she picked up the gelatinous body and, overpowering herself, put it in her mouth. Surprisingly, the oyster did not taste nasty; rather, on the contrary, it had a completely edible musky taste with sourness. The steward poured them glasses of red wine and they drank with pleasure. After the aperitif, clarified beef broth and freshly baked bread were served. After the broth there was boiled salmon in a sour sauce. Next came chopped lamb in mint sauce with green peas, stewed carrots in cream sauce, rice and new potatoes. Linda felt that if she ate anything else, she would definitely burst from the rich food. The food was all exquisitely prepared and very tasty. It seemed to her that she had never eaten anything more delicious. Alex also seemed to have eaten to his heart’s content, because after washing it all down with another glass of wine, he nodded to Linda and they got up from the table. He suggested that the girl go up to the upper deck and take a walk to shake off the calories. Leaning on a cane and holding Linda’s arm, they walked out onto the promenade deck for 1st class passengers.

Sent after 22 minutes 3 seconds:
Continuation (Part SIX)...
A fresh wind ruffled clothes, the dark blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean foamed overboard carrying white caps on their crests. On the deck there was a row of wicker chairs with warm blankets in which passengers could relax. A little further down, on the floor below, there was an exercise deck for 3rd class passengers, where the servants (as Linda noted) took the purebred dogs of rich 1st class passengers for a walk. She looked with interest at the passing women and men, listened to snippets of their conversations, their manner of behavior. She examined the interior of the deck and everything that surrounded her on the ship. She was three hundred years from her time, among ghost people. They walk around the deck, laugh, talk... they have many personal plans for the future and no one is going to die in 12 hours, or in three days, or in five years. Linda was surprised to realize that she had no compassion for these people. While still in the restaurant and listening out of the corner of my ear to their empty chatter about who and from which designer sews their clothes, about social events, about how their dogs feel, that some have problems with digestion and everything like that... And the men boasted to each other about their wealth, that they thought they could get richer, and how it was not very pleasant for them to sail with the rabble from the 3rd class who were with them through the bulkheads. Looking at these smug faces, at women trying to outshine others like them with their expensive trinkets, and men who consider themselves masters of life and measure the value of other people only by the amount of their cash in the bank, Linda suddenly experienced a feeling of disgust. She didn’t know where it came from, but at some point she just felt a terrible hostility towards these people who had done nothing bad to her. Alex noticed how her expression changed and realized that something was wrong. Therefore, he invited her to go down to the floor below and have a cup of coffee in a wonderful French restaurant. Linda agreed. Having gone down one level in the elevator, they entered a very cozy restaurant, inside it there were panoramic windows overlooking the ocean. There was a live orchestra playing on stage. Having sat down at a table with a snow-white tablecloth and a small lamp in the center, Alex snapped his finger calling the waiter. I ordered two coffees. The coffee was brought in an openwork coffee pot made of Chinese porcelain, two small cups, a figured sugar bowl and cream in a container similar to a teapot. Having poured himself and Linda a cup of coffee, adding cream and sugar, Alex asked:
- Linda, is something wrong? You are on deck, somehow your face suddenly changed.
- Yes, no, everything is fine... It’s just... I was thinking... These people... well, in any case, the majority lived and led behave as if they are the masters of life, and the rest only owe everything to them... I read a lot about this time. It’s horrible! They didn’t care about those who made them rich. This ship... these people here... this luxury... - it’s not real! These people tried to outdo each other in wealth and vanity. And this ship sank not because it was poorly built, but all because it was destroyed by the vanity of narcissistic idiots who considered the Titanic unsinkable and therefore did not bother to provide a full supply of lifeboats only because they would take up extra space on the deck and stop these rich peacocks from walking around opposite each other showing off their outfits and jewelry.” Linda did not notice how her voice began to break into a hysterical cry. Alex tried to calm her eloquence; people sitting at other tables began to look in their direction in bewilderment. But Linda’s ardor faded as quickly as it flared up. She smiled guiltily:
- Forgive me, Mr. Foley. I shouldn’t have said all this here. But I...I don’t know what came over me... Alex motioned to the waiter and asked him to bring a glass of cognac. After that, he mixed half of it in a cup of coffee and told Linda to drink it. Alcohol + coffee had a calming effect on her. Relaxed, she leaned back in her chair.
- Miss Thomson, please, let’s keep our emotions to ourselves if we don’t want to attract too much attention to ourselves. I understand your feelings, but do not forget that there is an abyss of time between you and them and they are all long dead. You are just an outside observer here and your job is to relax and have fun. —Linda nodded in agreement and suddenly changing the topic of conversation playfully asked:
- Mr. Foley, can you tell us a little about yourself? How did you end up working for this time travel company?! You and I will be staying here for some time and I would like to get to know my wonderful guide better. Alex, taking a sip of coffee, began to look somewhere to the side as if he saw there what he wanted to tell her about.
- There is nothing special to tell about myself. My mother died as soon as I was born. The father disappeared somewhere without a trace. I was raised alone until I was five years old by my grandmother, my mother’s mother, but she soon passed away... I was sent to a family boarding school. There were a husband and wife there, wonderful people raising 20 adopted children. They became dearer to me than anyone else. Since childhood, I have been interested in history and everything connected with it. This helped me a lot in mastering this work. Then, at the age of 16, I was called up for compulsory military training. I graduated two years later. I became interested in archeology, was on excavations in different parts of the world... There one day people from the agency found me, they said that a time machine had been created by order of the government to entertain rich moneybags and at the same time study history, they offered me this job. They said that they need specialists like me to tell clients about the era in which they are heading and at the same time make sure that they do not change anything in the past. They promised good money. I took a month-long special course. preparation. The main emphasis was on studying the history of different times. They had a device that allowed them to implant a large amount of information directly into the brain, thanks to this I quickly learned everything that was in one way or another connected with the events of antiquity. In addition, there were mandatory courses in hand-to-hand combat and training in shooting from any type of weapon, including ancient flintlocks and pistols. As you see, there’s nothing particularly interesting.” He finished.
- Well, Miss Thompson, now it’s your turn to tell us a little about yourself, how did you come to the point that you decided to spend this weekend on the Titanic? - Linda looked through the panoramic window at the ocean and answered with some hesitation:
- And you know, you and I have a lot in common... I’m also interested in history. And in essence, that’s why she ended up on the Titanic. In addition, I study psychology and it is important for me to understand why many people behave the way they do... This is probably why I reacted so much to these rich drones, because I am disgusted by their immoral lifestyle and their behavior, but at the same time I am attracted to them... Of course, in our time there are plenty of them. They haven’t essentially disappeared anywhere in 300 years. They have changed in appearance, but the essence of such people is the same... Linda thoughtfully fiddled with a button on her dress and looked at an elderly couple sitting not far from them: a gray-haired man in a black tuxedo and top hat, and an elderly woman all in furs and hung with jewelry, like a Christmas dress Christmas tree. She was finishing her roast beef, and her companion was thoughtfully smoking a cigar and simultaneously drinking wine from a glass.
“I always wanted to go back in time and see everything with my own eyes,” Linda continued. “This agency of yours has become a real find for me.” Of course, if it weren’t for my parents, I would hardly have been able to raise that amount for this certificate myself. And thanks to them, I am here... "Touch history with your hands" - as our history teacher said at school. So... something like this! - she finished with her eyes sparkling mischievously..

Sent after 6 minutes 39 seconds:
Continuation (PART SEVEN)...
Alex finished his coffee and suddenly asked:
- Miss Thomson... Do you have a loved one?!
She raised one eyebrow in surprise:
- Why are you interested in this?
Alex was embarrassed:
- Well, it just came to mind. to keep the conversation going.” He laughed nervously. She looked at him slyly and after a pause replied:
- No... Not yet... Yes, and if there was, would it change something?!- Again, from her side, he caught this sly, inquisitive look. Alex tried to get out of an awkward situation:
- Well, of course not... I just asked.
- Are you married, do you have a girlfriend?!- Linda retorted back to him.
- No! And with this job there is no time to start a relationship. But in the future I’m still thinking about starting a family like everyone else...children and all that.” Alex smiled. - Well, shall we take a walk on the deck again? Let’s see the sights of the Titanic inside?! - Linda nodded. Calling the waiter, Alex asked for the bill, paying for it and leaving the waiter a generous tip, he and Linda left the restaurant on the deck. The wind freshened, and although the sun came out, the temperature dropped noticeably. The splashes of the waves cutting through the ship sometimes reached them. Holding onto the bulkheads of the railings, they looked down at the boiling water of the ocean below. Later we decided to take a short tour of the Titanic. Linda was happy and surprised with childish delight at everything she saw. The ship had a good gym with primitive, but still sports equipment, which was already used by decent ladies and gentlemen dressed in appropriate suits. There was a large swimming pool, a complex of Turkish baths, a large library in which you could not only read books, but also just sit and chat in a quiet, cozy atmosphere in front of a burning fireplace that exuded warmth and the smell of pine logs. Gaming tables for cards and even roulette. There was a photo studio room where you could take photographs and print photo cards, and there was a winter garden with exotic plants. There was even a hospital with a well-equipped operating room for its time. In one of the rooms they accidentally came across a hookah bar. There was practically no furniture inside, the floor was covered with woolen blankets and a bunch of pillows. In the center there were five hookahs, from which there were many smoking pipes. In the room, three men and three women were lying on blankets on the floor, holding pipe holders in their teeth. Their eyes were half-closed, and their gaze was full of detachment. Sweet clouds of smoke slowly rose to the ceiling and went through the ventilation into the open space onto the street. Linda, without Alex’s prompting, guessed that these people were smoking hashish here and were now in a drug haze. They quickly closed the door and went up to the deck. Alex pointed with his hand to the four chimneys of the Titanic, from three of which thick black smoke was pouring out.
- Miss Thomson, did you know that the Titanic only had three chimneys in use, and the fourth served as a decoration and was used as ventilation?!
Linda raised her eyebrows in surprise.
- Really? I didn’t know about this... It’s very interesting with you, Mr. Guide - Linda laughed mischievously again.
Two hours later, having wandered around the ship and examined all its nooks and crannies, they returned to their cabin. Taking off her annoying hat, Linda shuddered. The cabin, despite the steam heating, was noticeably cool. Alex went up to the fireplace, folded thin beams of wood that had been planed in advance into a hut and slipped rolled up writing paper under them. There were long fireplace matches in a stand right there on the wall. Taking one and striking it on the brick of the fireplace, he lit it and brought it to the paper. The fire burned happily. By slowly adding firewood, Alex ensured that it burned evenly. The cabin immediately became more comfortable.
Linda sat down in the chair opposite, stretching out her hands to the fire. Alex opened the bar cabinet filled with various types of alcohol. Selecting 1908 Scotch Scotch, he poured two fingers of Sherball into two square glasses. He handed one to Linda, and with the other, he also moved a chair to the fireplace and sat down next to her. The clock on the mantelpiece showed a quarter to five... There were about 7 hours left before the collision with the iceberg.
* * *
At this time, in the radio operator’s cabin of the Titanic, the radio operators worked tirelessly. Today was Easter, many 1st class passengers wanted to take the opportunity to send a congratulatory telegram from the ship to their friends, relatives, and acquaintances on the mainland. This made it very difficult for them to analyze reports that encounters with icebergs were possible on their way. Those messages that were able to be received were passed on to the senior mate, and he, accordingly, to the captain.
The captain of the Titanic, Edward John Smith, looking through the incoming messages and looking into the blackening darkness of the glass-calm Atlantic Ocean, considered that the path he was on paved will help to avoid encounters with ice floes plus the desire to arrive a day earlier than planned in New York - spurred by his pride to be on the front pages of newspapers and to retire with honor to a well-deserved retirement, so he gave the command to senior assistant Henry Wild:
- Stay the same course, keep “full speed” "looking ahead" pour a little rum, let them warm up and keep their eyes open. I’ll go change, our guests want to have a gala dinner in honor of my birthday.” The assistant saluted and said:
-Yes, sir! - Left the captain’s cabin.
It became noticeably colder on deck. The air temperature dropped to zero degrees Celsius. Twilight quietly fell over the ocean, swallowing the ship. And if not for the bright lamps and spotlights burning on the decks, no one would have seen him. Many passengers preferred to go down to their cabins, restaurants or library to sit near the fireplaces and talk about various trifles and about their plans for life in America.

Sent after 3 minutes 53 seconds:
Continuation (PART EIGHT)...
Someone knocked delicately in Alex and Linda’s cabin . He opened the door. An embarrassed young steward stood on the threshold:
- Sir, today is our captain’s birthday! A gala dinner in his honor will be held in the dining room at 6 p.m. Do you deign to be on it with your wife?!—Alex nodded coyly—Yes, of course! - And thrusting a couple of dollars into the steward’s hand, he closed the door.
- Is it the captain’s birthday? - Linda asked.
- Yes, the 1st class passengers decided to have a gala dinner in his honor and I don’t think there will be there is nothing bad in our presence. He took an antique round pocket watch on a chain from the breast pocket of his vest and opened the lid. The time was 17-30.
Linda sat down in front of the mirror and began to straighten her hair.
Alex walked back and forth around the cabin. Linda noticed his excitement and asked:
- Alex, is something wrong? Are you nervous?
- Yes, no Miss Thomson, everything is fine. I’m always a little on edge when I know something is going to happen. Alex remembered the incident to himself. About six months ago, his colleague Johnson and a client also sailed on the Titanic and almost died. And all because the client wanted to see closer and in more detail what was happening at the moment when the ship began to fall apart and sink... People turned into animals ready to drown another just to survive themselves. As a result, they were overwhelmed by the crowd and they almost fell into the crack of the ship... At the last moment he managed to activate the chronometer and they returned back... The company obviously did not advertise such cases and the guides were ordered to keep quiet. - Alex pulled a pistol from his belt and checked the clip.
Linda opened her eyes wide:
- Are you thinking of using it? Here?!
-Only in case of emergency miss...only in case of emergency- Alex winked at her and again put the gun in the back of his pants belt under his jacket.
At 18-00 the two of them went up to a richly decorated restaurant hall, where tables were already set with food. Women dressed in furs and dresses with their gentlemen in suits and tuxedos sat in groups of four at tables. Behind one of them in the center of the hall, the hero of the occasion, Captain Edward Smith, was already sitting with his first mate William Murdoch. Numerous waiters in snow-white uniforms served the guests, and stewards seated all those arriving at tables. Not far away on the podium, a musical quartet of musicians played melodies of famous classical compositions on violins, double bass and cello. However, few people listened to them. All the guests’ attention was focused on the exquisite dinner and congratulations to the captain on his birthday. Alex and Linda were seated at one of the tables, where a lady of Balzac’s age and her equally elderly gentleman were already seated. From here they had a clear view of the captain. He was a gray-haired, stocky man in his fifties. With a silver gray, neatly trimmed beard, dressed in a festive white jacket with captain’s stripes. On his chest were two medals for his previous services to navigation. He behaved decorously and without arrogance at the table. The tables were crowded with an abundance of food and alcohol. But the captain ate little and drank even less. The guests took turns making toasts in his honor, and the clinking of glasses and excited voices of people were heard in the air every now and then. The captain nodded restrainedly at each toast, and the guests tried to outdo each other in eloquence and praise of the wonderful ship and its captain. A couple of hours later, Edward Smith rose from the table and took his leave, citing the fact that he could not leave control of the ship unattended for a long time, and suggested that the guests continue celebrating without him and not get bored. The tipsy guests once again raised their glasses in his honor and he left. Entering the captain’s cabin, he asked his second chief mate what course he was following.
- How are you, Henry?!
-Okay, Mister Captain! The vessel is in good order and follows the intended course.
The captain tried to see at least something in the darkness in front of the ship.
“Damn,” he swore, “there’s not a breath of wind in the air, the ocean is smooth as glass.” You may not see the iceberg. When there is excitement, at least the waves beat against it, otherwise we will see this block of ice only when it is in front of us... - After a pause, he added:
- Mr. Wilde, be vigilant. Are the sailors on duty in the crow’s nest?
- Yes, sir!
- Change them every hour. I’ll go and lie down to rest. If something happens, wake me up urgently.
- Yes, sir!
Meanwhile, the gala dinner was in full swing. The gentlemen and ladies, full of food and drink, broke into groups and discussed their interests. Plumes of cigar smoke hung in a thick cloud from the ceiling, slowly flowing out through the ventilation. Stewards and waiters hurriedly cleared empty bottles and dirty plates from the table to make room for more snacks and drinks. Nobody listened to the musicians anymore; they played more for themselves, it seemed. Several times we took a break for a snack and bowel movements, and then again diluted the thick air with musical masterpieces of classical music.
Linda made a sign to Alex and they walked out of the restaurant onto the deck. The fresh cold air was just a stunning contrast from the stuffy, smoky hall. Alex undid the buttons on his vest and loosened the collar of his shirt.
- That time there was a similar drinking and eating, but in my opinion there was a fight...- Alex grinned and leaned over the handrail; on the lower deck, through the open portholes in the restaurant, discordant voices and the sounds of music could be heard. After about two minutes, there was the sound of broken dishes, screams of women and some kind of fuss... The musicians stopped playing and you could hear someone arguing with someone, then again the sounds of breaking dishes and selective swearing.
Alex laughed and straightened up:
- Two gentlemen had a fight because they could not come to a consensus on what moves the ship better: the steam traction of the boiler or the experimental electric engine... Each proved that he was right and in the end did not Having found more arguments, they began to kick each other until they were separated by the service staff. Linda smiled and looked at the starry sky and said:
- I can’t even believe that we are 300 years from our time.... And the sky is the same as ours... But no one has ever flown to space, has not colonized the Moon and Mars, and communication is so primitive that you can only communicate in Morse code. Melancholy!
Alex looked at the spreading surface of the ocean and thought that somewhere ahead an iceberg was drifting that would destroy the Titanic and the sailors sitting on the mast in the crow’s nest looking ahead would be able to notice it too late for the ship to change course. Linda walked up to him and took his arm. The wine she drank spread inside with a pleasant warmth and she wanted....she even closed her eyes from the desire that arose, now to be in a warm bed, even with Alex, and for their bodies to touch, for her to lie on his shoulder, and he stroked her back... Shaking her head and driving away the vision, she asked:
- How long will the collision take place?
Alex took out his watch and answered:
- In about forty minutes, the sailors on duty at the top will notice an iceberg and they will inform the first mate... Then there will be a collision and in about 1.5 hours the Titanic will sink. Our task is not to wait until it begins to completely sink and return to its own time. That’s the plan. —Linda nodded and shivered. It was getting colder. A few passengers were walking along the deck.
Alex, against his will, felt that he was drawn to this girl and therefore decided to ask a question that he had already prepared for a long time:
- Linda, tell me... And we could with you guys, after we get back from here, should we go somewhere together?! Let’s say have coffee...

Sent after 2 minutes 48 seconds:
Continuation (PART NINE)...
Linda looked at him slyly:
- Do you invite all your clients for a cup of coffee, then?!- Alex was embarrassed.- Oh well no, of course, this is the first time a girl has come with me on her own, unaccompanied. Usually, either married couples or a girl, someone accompanies... But it’s never happened like with you... - He deliberately told her “you”, and not “you”, as he had previously hoped, that she wouldn’t be offended.
Linda seemed to be thinking about his answer, but then answered evasively:
- Let’s return home, and then we’ll see... You know, I don’t like making decisions at the wrong time.- She laughed at her own pun. Alex smiled back and, in order to somehow hide the awkwardness, told her:
- And you know, I was once looking through historical documents on the Internet and came across an article about the Titanic. Well, besides everything else in it, there was a joke that people apparently wrote after the film was released in 1997. You probably know that the title song in the film was performed by the then popular singer Celine Dion. So here’s an anecdote on the topic of the sinking Titanic. That means he’s drowning. Well, there is no panic, the captain commands: "The crew should lower the boats into the water! The crew should start repairing the hole in the ship! All passengers should be seated in the boats! And....for God’s sake, turn it off, someone Celine Dion!" —Linda laughed loudly.
- Oh, God! I didn’t know such a joke. And you turn out to be a good storyteller, Mr. Foley. Perhaps I will accept your offer regarding the cup of coffee.- She laughed again, throwing an unambiguous look at him that made him feel warm inside and walked along the lifeboats on the deck. Alex, pleased with himself, followed, feeling that he liked this girl more and more. They found themselves under the mast, where two sailors were sitting in the "crow’s nest" who were supposed to warn about the presence of an iceberg on the course. Another thirty-five minutes passed when they heard the sound of a bell and the heart-rending cry of one of the sailors:
- I see an iceberg! Straight ahead! - Alex looked ahead and saw in the darkness of the night, like a ghost, the white silhouette of an ice block emerging from the darkness. "Titanic" was heading straight towards him at full speed. After a couple of minutes, you could hear the blades under the bottom of the ship quieting down and then humming again. The sailor on watch called the captain’s cabin and reported the danger. Now the reverse gear was urgently engaged and the steering wheel was turned all the way to the side. But Alex knew that all this would not save him and the Titanic would be doomed to collide. The bow of the ship very slowly, as if reluctantly, began to turn away from the shimmering blue block of ice. At the very last minute, when it seemed a collision was inevitable, the Titanic miraculously managed to avoid it and the iceberg ended up on their starboard side, but it was not possible to completely avoid the collision. The protruding parts of the ice block under the water, like a can opener, tore open the hull of the ship below the waterline. A terrible crunch and grinding of metal on ice was heard. Pieces of ice that broke off from the iceberg during friction with the ship fell onto the deck. Linda squealed in surprise, and Alex pulled her away from the railing to the bulkhead so that she would not get hit by shrapnel. The ship shook and vibrated, and then the noise of the engine died down and there was silence. For some time he slowly moved by inertia, and the iceberg gradually moved away from him, hiding in the darkness. The passengers, awakened by the shock, poured out onto the decks without understanding anything. Passengers of 1st and 2nd class mixed together because... everyone wanted to know the reason for the stop. It was clear that people were slightly excited, but not yet scared. They didn’t know what awaited them. The pieces of ice on the deck quickly became an object of interest for passengers. They were admired, played with, and even began to be given to each other as souvenirs. Two gentlemen in warm coats came out onto the deck, lit cigars and loudly announced:
- We collided with an iceberg, but nothing serious. Most likely they lost a propeller blade. We’ll get there little by little on the spare.” They laughed and many passengers picked up this news. The sailors bustled about on the decks, running along them with renewed energy. The senior assistant and the engineer, with a bunch of papers under their arms, were hurrying up the gangplank somewhere. It seemed that they were seriously concerned about something. To the direct questions of some passengers about what happened? They answered evasively that everything was fine, and they just needed to make sure of it. Suddenly the crowd near one of the ladders began to buzz, and everyone saw a fireman climbing up the ladder from below where the stokers were located. He stopped a few meters from Linda and Alex. The fingers of one of his hands were cut off. Blood spurted from the stumps, spattering his clothes and face. Bloody traces were visible very clearly on his soot-black skin. One of the women in an ermine fur coat, with a mixture of fear and disgust, decided to ask him if there was any danger.
- Danger?! - he yelled. - Well maybe! It’s just hell going on down there! Look at me! This ship is about to sink! And we are with him! He then lost his footing and fell into a pile of ropes, losing consciousness. Two sailors ran up to him and lifted him to his feet and pulled him away from the curious into the sailor’s quarters. At that moment Linda felt the first twinge of fear—horrible, sickening fear. The sight of this poor guy with a bleeding hand and a blood-spattered face conjured up in her mind a picture of destroyed engines and mutilated human bodies.
Alex felt that Linda was trembling and put his arm around her to calm her down.
- Linda, we can go back now if you wish. But she shook her head.
- No, everything is fine! I want to see everything to the end. We will be here as long as possible.
The people on deck became agitated. But the service personnel and the captain’s assistants began to assure that nothing serious had happened and there was no reason to worry. Many believed this; it was quite cold on deck, so they decided to return to the wardroom, where they continued to drink brandy, smoke cigars and play the interrupted game of bridge. However, not everyone was reassured by these words. Many tried to find the captain and personally find out from him how things were going with the ship. Linda and Alex stood close to the bow and had a clear view of how it slowly began to bury itself in the ocean as water began to fill the lower bulkheads. Forty minutes later, the command of the Titanic, after making sure that the hole could not be repaired, gave the order to urgently take people onto the decks and load them into lifeboats. Everyone was urgently given cork life jackets. Women and children from grades 1 and 2 began to be loaded first. The first boat was launched half empty, people were told that this was a temporary measure and perhaps they would return. But everything changed when water appeared on the floor in the passenger cabins. People became agitated and panic began. This was especially audible on the lower decks, where 3rd class passengers were accommodated. Their cabins were closest to the bottom of the ship, which means they were among the first to fill with water. The command was in no hurry to evacuate them; passengers of 1st and 2nd class were priority.

Sent after 2 minutes 48 seconds:
Continued (PART TEN)...
Many women did not want to leave their husbands and get into the boats, so the sailors forced them into them. The husbands reassured them and said that they would see each other, that they would wait their turn on other boats. Linda and Alex watched all this standing on the sidelines. At that moment, a tall sailor approached them and said: - Ma’am, captain’s order. Place all women in a lifeboat. I ask you to follow into it.” Linda looked at Alex in fear. He calmly answered:
- Thank you my friend, but my wife and I are in no hurry. We will wait for another queue.
- There will be no "other queue". "Titanic" will sink soon, we must evacuate women and children first as soon as possible. Then men. Quicker! We don’t have much time.” The sailor politely but persistently grabbed Linda by the arm and forcibly dragged her to the lifeboat, where five women and three teenage girls were already sitting. Alex rushed towards him and grabbed his wrist, deliberately pressing on the painful point on it. The sailor grimaced in pain and released Linda’s hand.
- She will stay with me! - Alex said calmly, pulling Linda towards him. The sailor, his eyes blazing angrily, hissed:
- Damned Irish emigrant.- After that, he went up to the first assistant in charge of the loading and whispered something in his ear. The assistant looked at Linda and Alex standing and approached them.
- Ma’am, captain’s order! All women and children must be loaded into lifeboats. You must sit in it.
-I’m staying with my husband!-Linda pressed herself close to Alex. The assistant approached them, and the same sailor stood on the other side.
-Ma’am, I will be forced to use force on you!- Together with the sailor, they grabbed the stubborn Linda and dragged her to the boat. Alex pulled out a Glock from his belt and pointed it at his assistant.
-Release her immediately or you will regret it!- Despite the noise and commotion, his words were well heard. They turned to him and released Linda.
- You are making a big mistake by not giving her the opportunity to escape. Give me your gun and I ask you, don’t do anything stupid.” The assistant slowly walked towards him holding an outstretched hand in a white glove in front of him. Alex fired a warning shot past him. A bullet with a depleted uranium tip hit the bulkhead and, with a terrible crack, chewed out a large piece of wood. The passengers were alarmed and ducked their heads. Linda took advantage of the pause and ran up to Alex.
- Listen! Save other people, my wife and I will stay.” Alex said without lowering his weapon. The first assistant nodded and muttered:
- Well, to hell with you! - And continued to seat other passengers. The ship tilted heavily downwards. The bow was almost under water and began to pull the stern along with it. The floor under my feet began to rise at an angle. Loose objects rolled down the deck as if down a slide into the water. Alex decided it was time to leave, put the gun back in his belt and turned Linda to face him with the words "It’s time for us to go back!" Taking out the chronometer, he looked at it. The automatic transfer should begin within five minutes, but he could in principle activate the chronometer in manual mode. And at that moment I heard a sound that deafened everyone. Something in the bowels of the Titanic exploded, and millions of sparks burst into the sky like fireworks on a summer evening. These sparks scattered in all directions like a fountain. Then two more explosions followed, distant and dull, as if under water. Plumes of smoke and steam escaped from there as if from hell. People screamed. Panic and stampede began.
The deck of the Titanic broke into two pieces right in front of them. People fell into the water, screaming terribly, like bunches of grapes falling from branches. The lifeboats began to storm everything without regard for anyone. The captain’s assistant tried to restore order, but no one was listening to him. It was impossible to delay any longer. Alex decided to immediately perform a manual transfer. Having entered the necessary coordinates, he, holding Linda close to him, prepared to press the button to activate the chronometer, but then the bow began to go under the water with a noise and a crash. As a result, the stern began to move and began to rise upward. Alex didn’t have time to do anything before he lost his balance and he and Linda slid together straight into the seething ocean, where the fallen passengers were already swimming in the icy water. Having managed to grab the handrail with one hand and pull the frightened Linda towards him with the other, Alex tried to turn on the device. At this moment, the lights on the ship finally turned off. Before darkness fell, they saw hundreds of human bodies climbing onto the ship or falling into the water. "Titanic" seemed like a swarm of bees, but instead of bees there were people. Linda heard the most terrible screams she had ever heard. Something noisily rushed past them and fell into a pile of floundering bodies. The stern was tilting more and more... Some details, like bullets, began to fly past them with a whistle, and one of them hit the chronometer, almost knocking it out of Alex’s hands. The chronometer vibrated, blue sparks fell from it, and the monitor screen began to chaotically display some numbers and signs. They were enveloped in a blue haze and they disappeared from the ship half a minute before the stern finally plunged into the abyss of the sea.
* * *
The darkness around them began to gradually dissipate. Alex expected to see the familiar walls of a time transfer laboratory, but instead a green field of grass spread out in front of him. Somewhere in the distance the silhouette of a medieval castle was visible. Riders in iron medieval armor with spears at the ready rushed across the field on horses. There were about ten of them. In square helmets and cloaks flowing behind the back. They rushed straight at them, emitting some kind of guttural screams. Alex looked frantically at the chronometer; the date of transfer was June 23, 1480. Oh my God! They were brought into the late Middle Ages. And these gentlemen on horseback are clearly not coming to them to meet them or ask for directions. His chronometer had a large crack in the center of the screen. The impact-resistant glass withstood it, but there was a failure in the electronics, it vibrated and gave out completely incomprehensible information. With trembling fingers, Alex tried to enter the required date to move to his own time. The numbers were changing and did not want to stay in one position for a long time. The horsemen were getting closer. Linda screamed in fear and grabbed Alex’s hand. Before the riders approached them, he managed to hide the chronometer under his shirt. The riders reined in the horses a meter away from them and, pointing their spears at them, asked something in a guttural dialect. Alex, who knew five foreign languages, realized that this was ancient Spanish. And I realized that they were being asked who they were and why they were dressed so strangely? Alex straightened up and answered in perfect Spanish:
- Dear gentlemen! We are traveling scientists. And they are dressed like that because they came from foreign countries. Over there, across the ocean, people wear different clothes. The horsemen surrounded them in a ring. They were all dressed in iron armor, armed with long swords and spears. After listening to Alex’s answer, one of the horsemen, apparently the eldest, angrily exclaimed:
-You are lying, damned heretic! What are you traveling on? On a broomstick? Where is the transport you arrived here on?! You are more like two sorcerers. - With these words, he shouted to the others:
- To the castle, both of them! Let them talk to them there and decide what to do.

Sent after 2 minutes 39 seconds:
Continuation (PART ELEVEN)...
Linda and Alex, slightly tingling with their spears, were driven to the visible castle. They had no choice but to obey. The weapon was powerless here; he would not have time to kill everyone quickly. Fifteen minutes later, exhausted from running quickly across the grass, they found themselves at the castle gates. It was a huge structure made of stone, with four watchtowers around the perimeter. The castle was surrounded by a wide, deep water ditch to protect it from enemy attacks. The suspended wooden bridge served both as a bridge across it and as a gate in the wall. Behind the main wall were three different heights of walls running one after another. Each was guarded along the perimeter and in the event of an attack and siege they were supposed to make it difficult for the attackers to get into the interior of the castle. Soldier sentries in light armor with shields and swords on their belts in sheaths walked along the entire length of these walls. The riders drove Alex and Linda through the wooden gate and inside. The smell of horse manure, sewage, fresh hay and rotten meat filled my nose. Linda covered her nose with her hand; the smells were unbearable for her. They were led along a narrow street, on both sides it was lined with wooden houses coated with clay and straw. Chickens roamed, dogs ran, the road was trampled mud mixed with straw, manure and sewage. A little ahead they saw a two-story house, apparently it belonged to some noble Spaniard; one part of the wall of his house was framed by wooden railings, on which hung gray linen and what looked like blankets and pillows. People came towards them. Women in white caps and wide, long skirts of various cuts that reach the ground, carrying in their hands wicker baskets with vegetables or tanned sheep skins. Men in tight pants and suits with puffy, starched shoulder pads. Everyone stopped and looked at the strangely dressed aliens with undisguised interest. They approached the entrance of one of the towers. The riders dismounted from their horses. There was a guard at the entrance. One of those accompanying Linda and Alex approached him and exchanged a couple of phrases, after which the guard opened a heavy wooden door covered in iron with copper rings instead of handles. They were pushed inside, four of them accompanied them, the rest wandered into a local dirty tavern to drink wine. Linda, because of her long, wide dress, found it terribly uncomfortable to climb up the narrow, wet and slippery steps from the damp. The thickly smoky torches on the walls did not illuminate the space well. Alex held her arm so that she wouldn’t fall. The spiral staircase seemed to have no end, finally they climbed onto a stone platform and stopped in front of another wooden door. They entered through it into a large room with a low, vaulted ceiling made of wild stone and roughly plastered, smoked from the soot of many torches burning on the walls in iron stands. Two remained outside at the entrance, two led them further into the room. Instead of windows, there were small loopholes that a very thin person could barely squeeze through, and which gave out dim, diffused light. It was also damp and smelled of mold. They stopped in the middle of the room. On the left it was a long niche of small rooms-chambers with bars. In each there were wooden trestle beds made of unplaned boards, braziers were burning, and heavy chains with shackles stretched from the wall. On the other side, it was completely filled with instruments of torture. Linda and Alex understood what it was and what it was for almost immediately from their terrible appearance. There was an iron chair with spikes and a pile of coals under it, a “Spanish maiden”, which was two human-sized doors made of metal with sharp iron spikes inside, wooden loungers with various accessories. A wooden pyramid in the corner with ropes hanging above it on blocks, a blacksmith’s forge was burning, next to which on the table, tongs, pliers, hammers, drills were neatly laid out... In a word, everything that can be used to beat a confession out of a person for any crime. Directly in front of them stood a high wooden table, where three people in black church robes with heavy gold crosses around their necks were already sitting. Behind them on the wall hung a large bronze crucifix of Christ. A little to the right, at a low table, sat a lean man, surrounded by paper scrolls and writing something in them with a quill pen, dipping it into an inkwell, (it looks like a “secretary”), Alex thought as he looked at him. One of those accompanying Linda and Alex approached the table where the three were sitting, bowed low to them and, pointing to our companions, said:
- Holy Fathers, our patrol noticed these two not far from the castle. There is a possibility that they are either enemy spies or sorcerers. They are dressed suspiciously strangely. We decided that you should see them. The sitting “holy fathers,” their faces swollen from excessive libation of wine and a hearty meal, examined Linda and Alex with interest, like a biologist examining a rare microbe under a microscope. One of them hiccupped loudly and leaned forward and said in an authoritative, low, nasal voice:
-My name is Brother Mendel. Next to me are Brother Joseph and Brother José. We represent in our person the Holy Inquisition. Identify yourself! Who are you and where are you from? -Alex quickly got his bearings and realized that they had managed to find themselves before the bright eyes of the holy church Inquisition, which administered trials and sent batches of people to the stake and the gallows for any even minor crimes, real or fictitious. He tried to give confidence to his voice and answered in pure Spanish:
- My name is Alejandro Sanchez, and this is my wife Liana Sandra, we came here from Constantinople. We collect medicinal herbs, study exact sciences and help all those who suffer to find a healthy body. We are traveling healers and scientists.
- Your wife is engaged in healing?!- The question was clearly asked with a trick. Alex knew that Linda could easily be accused of witchcraft now.
- No, Holy Father. She assists me in my work, but she has never done this herself. The secretary, who had been writing down their answers all this time, looked up from his writing and listened carefully to them for the last half a minute. Then he stood up from his seat and whispered something in the ear of one of the “holy fathers.” His face immediately cleared up and he passed on the information he had received to others. Alex, not yet knowing how to quickly use the chronometer, noticed this whispering and became worried.
“Your Eminence,” he began, “if you take us to the pier and find Captain Blood there (memory helpfully slipped him the first a surname that came to mind, once looking through the archives of ancient books, a tattered collection of novels about pirates of the 17th century caught his eye, which was called “The Odyssey of Captain Blood”, about which he never read the book, but the surname was remembered) and he will confirm that we are peaceful healers who travel around the world and heal the suffering...
-You are lying!- One of the sitting “holy fathers” in the person of Brother Jose, sharply pointed his index finger with a long dirty nail in his direction - only The Lord can heal even the holy church! You are both strangely dressed and look like two heretics preaching your vile heresy and most likely practicing witchcraft. We need to find out who you really are. And for these purposes, the woman will be tortured by having water poured into her womb through a cone until she tells the whole truth. And you will sit and think on this chair until you tell us the whole truth about you. From somewhere out of the shadows, two people suddenly jumped out, dressed in brown pants and black shirts. They grabbed and dragged the struggling and screaming Linda to a trestle bed on which leather straps for arms and legs were attached, next to there was a small wooden table on which stood a copper jug ​​and a copper cone-shaped watering can with a large handle. The soldiers accompanying them approached Alex and grabbed him by the arms and dragged him to an iron chair. Having forced him into it and secured his arms and legs with belts so that he could not twitch, they moved away from him, and their place was taken by another subject with a bald, shaved head, wearing a black leather shirt and the same pants. Under the chair there was a fire smoldering from coals and there were blacksmith bellows, with the help of which he began to fan the flames under the seated Alex. Meanwhile, Linda was tied to a trestle bed, a huge copper watering can was forcefully inserted into her mouth, and they slowly began to pour in water. Considering that she could not resist, then, willy-nilly, she had to quickly swallow the water pouring into her mouth, which began to accumulate in her stomach, threatening to rise to her throat. She coughed. The water was rotten and smelled like mud. She vomited - water mixed with the remains of food splashed out of her mouth and she almost choked. Her two tormentors gave her the opportunity to empty her stomach and, reinserting the cone, continued to pour water into her mouth.

[Morpheus]

Continued (PART TWELVE)...
Alex, feeling extremely uncomfortable on the sharp metal spikes of the chair, began to feel how quickly it was starting to heat up under him. The one fanning the coals, looking mockingly at him, moved a table towards the chair on which lay threatening-looking instruments of torture covered with rust. Then he fitted two wooden blocks on his foot, shaped like a boot with holes. He hammered a wedge into one of them with a wooden hammer and Alex felt the pads tightly grip his leg. “Spanish boot” was the name of this hellish invention. The more the wedges were hammered, the more the block squeezed the leg, the more the bones were crushed. Then he scored the second and Alex felt as if his leg was being clamped in a vice. The “holy fathers” who observed this whole procedure asked him menacingly:
- Well?! Now will you tell us who you really are before your ass is fried and your leg is crushed? Alex tried to concentrate as much as possible and remember everything they were taught during survival training. First of all, the belts. For a person who knows how to pull his hands out of any handcuffs, these fetters were not a problem. Slowly, he began to release the joints of his hand. Looking straight at them, he calmly and somewhere even mockingly said:
- Yes, but first I will kill this bald man standing next to me. Then both guards standing near the door with tools that were on the table. I’ll break the necks of those who are now torturing my girlfriend, and then I’ll probably rip your fat bellies open. The “Holy Fathers” laughed deeply and one of them asked in feigned fear:
- And how will you do this?
- Remember the leather shackles with which I am tied to the chair?
n- Yes!
- I took them off!- At that moment he jumped out of his chair, feeling like a little more and his butt would start to smoke. The executioner standing next to him did not even have time to come to his senses when he fell with his neck twisted. The guards quickly found their bearings, but Alex was faster. Grabbing two iron chisel-like objects from the table, he threw them with both hands at them. They clearly entered one’s throat, which was not protected by chain mail, and another’s eye. The “Holy Fathers” watched with growing horror as one man playfully killed three people. Alex kicked off the “boot” from his foot, feeling goosebumps running across his numb skin, pulled out a large heavy sword from the sheath of one of the lying ones and, waving it in the air, approached the trestle bed on which Linda was lying half-dead with her stomach noticeably swollen from the water. With a short swing of his sword, he knocked out a copper jug ​​from the hands of one of the executioners and immediately hit him in the nose with the hilt, there was a crunch and with a groan he bent over in half, clutching his broken face, the next blow broke his neck and he collapsed to the floor. The second tried to grab the long pincers and resist with them, but Alex did not allow him to do this by kicking him with force, causing him to turn over the bench and painfully hit his head against the wall and did not rise again. The “Holy Fathers”, who had come to their senses, screamed in one voice:
- Guards!!- The door opened and guards burst into the room with halberds at the ready. Frozen for a moment, they looked in surprise at the massacre committed by Alex. This was enough for him to cut the straps holding Linda, take out the chronometer, and turn on the transfer. A moment before the guards screamed and tried to cut them down, a blue glow enveloped our travelers and they disappeared into thin air, causing mystical horror to everyone in the room. Another moment and they are already standing on the seashore. Large pebbles covered the entire shore, littered with rotting algae and pieces of wood in shape strongly reminiscent of the remains of ancient wooden ships. The shore stretched far. Behind them were visible hills covered with withered grass. It was cold and smelled sickly of rotten fish. Linda, with wet hair and a face smeared from vomit, shivered chillily and fell weakly onto the pebbles. She vomited again. The water came out of her in spurts and she started coughing. Alex tried to help her quickly get rid of the water in her stomach using techniques that are used to save drowning people, when it is necessary to remove the water from the lungs as quickly as possible. Linda felt better and no longer vomited water. But now she wanted to pee every three minutes. The kidneys began to remove the huge amount of fluid accumulated in the body. While she relieved herself, he delicately turned away and inspected the area where they had found themselves this time.
- Where are we?! “And why didn’t they return to their time?” she asked him from behind him, going up to the sea to wash her face. Alex studied the chronometer data.
- If you believe my data, we were again taken somewhere in the past, now the year is 890. A time when the local people were not particularly hospitable and could easily drive a sword into you first, and then ask who you are? - He studied the data on the chronometer for a couple more minutes. - Something damaged the transfer module. I cannot contact the main computer and we cannot return to our time because the chronometer does not want to enter the data that I am trying to enter into it. It spontaneously generates transfer dates and I can’t do anything about it. She walked up to him and touched his hand.
- Thank you, Alex... - Linda said looking at him with feeling - Thank you for saving me. He nodded briefly and answered after a pause:
- It is my duty to protect the clients entrusted to me, but from a purely male point of view, I would not forgive myself if even one hair fell from your head... - She smiled warmly at him and looked into the distance of the sea, there was a slight haze on the sea making it difficult to see the horizon, but then a ray of sunlight pierced the sky and, as it seemed to her, in the distance she noticed an old wooden ship, very similar to a Viking ship. From a distance it was still impossible to say for sure and see the rowers, but then the sun flashed on their shields that covered the starboard side and on their horned helmets, this resolved all doubts. So, a ship is heading here to them, apparently by wild Viking tribes. These guys definitely won’t understand anything, they will pierce Alex with a sword, and at first they can have fun with Linda and kill her or, worse, sell her into slavery. There was absolutely nowhere to hide here. There was only one remedy left: to make the transfer again in the hope of still getting there in due time. He pressed "start", the numbers on the scoreboard began to dance again. They were enveloped in a bluish glow and disappeared before the Vikings could notice them.
The darkness around them dissipated and they looked around: it was warm and there was a green grove around them. The place where they stood had a small cliff gently sloping down. And all around, as far as the eye could see, there was a green field of grass. On it, as if in a line, soldiers in blue uniforms and tight white trousers stood in formation. Each of them had a knapsack behind their back and a high shako headdress on their head. Alex glanced at the chronometer: damn, it is. It’s 1812 now. And apparently they are witnesses to the war of the French army of Napoleon against... (Alex moved his gaze to another part of the field) on the other side stood detachments of soldiers in black uniforms and with similar uniforms. It looks like Napoleon’s war against the Russians. On the hillock on both sides there were cannons with stacked piles of cannonballs. Gunners with lit fuses stood near them. About ten tents and a hundred tents stood in even rows and the tricolor flag of France rose above them. Napoleon Bonaparte himself sat on a hill in a chair, surrounded by generals. In his constant cocked hat and telescope, he studied the enemy. Linda gasped quietly, she, of course, knew about Napoleon from history, but to see him live like this... He sat importantly in a chair with his back straight and one leg bent under him. Looking up from the pipe, he said something to his generals, one of them bowed and shouted something loudly in French. Rows of soldiers moved towards the enemy, the sun shining on their bayonets. The gunners brought the fuses to the guns and shots rang out. Black balls of cannonballs flew towards the enemy, crushing his ranks and maiming people. Shooting from rifles and cannons began from both sides. The battlefield was filled with bluish smoke from gunpowder charges. The screams of the commanders, the groans of the wounded and dull explosions were heard. At that moment, three people in black uniforms with flintlock pistols in their hands appeared behind Alex and Linda, who were enthusiastically watching the battle. Apparently these were spies from the other side trying to find out the situation in Napoleon’s camp. One of them, seeing Linda and Alex, rather out of surprise, raised his pistol and pulled the trigger. A spark from the silicon fuse flashed and the pistol fired. The bullet whistled a millimeter from Alex’s temple, tearing off the skin. There was no time to hesitate. With a kick he knocked out the gun from the second, and knocked out the third with the edge of his palm. The first with an unloaded pistol tried to use it as a club, but quickly calmed down from a sensitive blow to the jaw. The second one raised his hands in fear and wailed something. Alex pushed him with his foot, grabbed Linda’s hand and pressed "start" on the chronometer. Of course, he hoped for a miracle that this time they would be thrown out in due time.

Sent after 2 minutes 44 seconds:
Continuation (PART THIRTEEN)...
The darkness cleared, but a purple haze continued to stand around them, as if transported through time. They did not stand, but floated in the air. The world around them, like a film being fast-forwarded, moved at tremendous speed, changing landscapes, landscapes of mountains and hillocks, like sand dunes changing their shape in the wind. Cities, houses, skyscrapers, prehistoric ships, virgin forests, dinosaurs, galloping Indians appeared and disappeared... Everything changed in a chaotic order without any connection or consistency. Linda was both frightened and amazed at what was happening. Alex looked at his chronometer with annoyance; the dates were jumping on it and there was no way to stop them. In addition, the battery charge showed that a little more and the battery would run out, and then they would definitely not be able to get back to their time if they were stuck somewhere in the past, where there was not even electricity yet. He unsuccessfully poked at the screen trying to stop the dance of numbers, but the chronometer did not want to obey, continuing to carry them in the abyss of time eras. The battery charge was melting before our eyes, a little more it would turn off and they would find themselves in the time where they accidentally ended up. And then the numbers on the screen began to slow down until they stuck on the date June 14, 2196. The chaotic movement of the world around them stopped and a second later they were already in the familiar time transfer room at the Time Agency company. The technicians, the head of the company, David Merlow, and Linda’s parents were all there. Alex couldn’t believe his eyes that they managed to get back. As soon as they appeared, the room was filled with jubilation and cheers. The parents rushed to hug Linda, who was stunned with joy, and the technicians and Merlow began to squeeze Foley.
“Welcome home, son!” Merlow said with feeling. You won’t believe how nervous we all got here because of you. What happened there?
- Sir, when returning from the Titanic, an unforeseen situation occurred that delayed the planned transfer back, something damaged the chronometer transfer module and it stopped working normally, throwing us into different eras. - Foley answered.
- We were ready to receive you, but at some point THIS came from space instead of you—one of the technicians was holding in his hands a part of a ship rivet that looked like a large nail with an oval head. “With the speed of a bullet, it pierced the skin of the barrier where we were sitting and hit the system control unit of the computer responsible for the operation of the time machine. A short circuit occurred and the system stopped.
Foley showed his chronometer and the crack in it. The technician examined it and put forward the version that a rivet from the ship, which flew out of its hull during the crash, hit the screen and at the moment of movement, the ricochet instead got here one tenth of a second earlier than they did, damaging the time travel module in the chronometer. Because of this, the technicians could not immediately force the travelers back to their time. Due to a breakdown, Alex’s chronometer began to produce inaccurate information, as a result of which they began jumping through eras without control from an external computer. It took technicians 12 hours to fix the system. By scanning space, they managed to detect their signal from the chronometer and forcibly return them to their own time.
While they were being told about all these subtleties, Linda’s father approached them and arrogantly declared:
- Mr. Merlow! I have to inform you that I will sue you and your company for putting my daughter in danger.” Merlow turned sharply on his heel and a sad, foxy smile lit up his face:
- Mr. Thomson, I and my company offers you and your lovely daughter our deepest apologies for this incident. We will compensate you for the cost of the certificate and offer you a choice, completely free of charge, for you and your family to make a new trip in any era.
- Are you laughing at me?! - Thomson jumped up - After you almost ruined mine daughter, do you even dare offer me a free trip to an era where I can stay forever because of a technical error by your idiots?! I will do everything to ensure that your company can never operate again! Merlow’s face became solemnly sad, he cupped his hands in front of him and answered:
- Mr. Thomson, of course you can sue our company for this unforeseen incident. But isn’t such a bright adventure with a happy ending the best reward for your daughter? What is our life essentially? - A series of events without much change. And your daughter was able to feel the taste of life, to see what not everyone could. Besides, she is alive and well....- He turned to Linda.
- Miss Thomson, do you also think that we should be sued for this force majeure with you?! Tell me, do you have any complaints about your guide, Mr. Foley?
Linda looked at Alex with a slight smile and answered:
- No, I don’t have any complaints about Mr. Foley. He behaved with dignity throughout the entire time and even saved my life several times. Thanks to his endurance and courage, I did not doubt for a minute that I would return back soon. And as for everything else... - She turned her gaze to her father, who was flushed with anger. - As for the trip, I also have no complaints about this company. As a future historian, I was able to see and appreciate the scale of the tragedy that occurred on the Titanic, albeit for a short time, but to feel the breath of other eras... This event with the rivet, on the contrary, helped me and did not harm me. So dad, you won’t sue anyone and demand any compensation. Thomson immediately became deflated. It was clear that his daughter had a great influence on him and he did not want to argue with her. In addition, his wife came up, took him by the arm and, looking into his eyes, said quietly:
- Dear, the main thing is our girl is alive and well. Everything else is no longer so important. Mr. Thomson shook his head with dissatisfaction and, in order not to lose the remnants of his dignity, looking sternly at Merlow, barked:
“And yet I demand from you compensation for the certificate and a new trip for all of us.” Merlow blossomed with pleasure that he managed to get out of this situation so cheaply and swore that the compensation had already been transferred to his account (and even some bonus) and he and his family would be able to visit any era at any convenient time at the expense of the company. Thomson nodded with satisfaction. Linda went to change clothes, the technicians went to their places. Merlow, as a sign of reconciliation, opened a collection of cognac from his personal reserves and treated the Thomson couple to it. Alex felt terribly tired. There are too many events, he clearly needs a rest. Having changed his clothes, he went out into the hall and handed Linda the notes of their journey.
“I think this adventure will become a bestseller for you, Miss Thomson,” he winked at her and held her hand in his hand a little more than necessary, looking into her eyes. The girl smiled back at him and hid the note in her purse. Thomson and his wife walked towards the exit, Linda walking behind. Merlow approached Alex and thoughtfully looking at the back of the retreating Thomsons said:
- Alex, I need your detailed report on what happened, how it all happened. - Alex nodded sadly and thought that he most likely had nothing shines with such a girl who has such influential parents. Already at the door, Linda suddenly turned around.
- Mr. Foley, your [url=viewtopic.php?t=12476] still valid?—Alex nodded happily, grinning. She took a plastic business card from her purse and snapped it to him. He caught it on the fly and looked. The number of her videophone was stamped on it.

[Morpheus]

Continued (PART 14)...
* * *
Merlow, after reading Alex’s report on his last trip, gave him a three-day day off so that he could rest and come to his senses. Alex spent one day healing his cuts, abrasions and getting some sleep. The next day I called Linda to ask her out. Linda did not flirt and agreed almost immediately. Alex puzzled for a long time about where to take her on the first date. A girl who has everything she wants will not be so easy to please. He had a good nest egg and could, in principle, afford to arrange a romantic evening for her. The choice fell on a seafood restaurant. This was no ordinary restaurant, it was located deep underwater at the bottom of the ocean. Above them there was a glass dome and the same glass walls through which the entire oceanic world under water was visible. Special lighting made it possible to see everything that was happening on the sandy seabed within a radius of 100 meters. Sharks and rays swam lazily above them, exotic fish circled in schools, looking at the people inside in surprise. Dim light pouring from somewhere from different sides created a comfort and intimate atmosphere inside the restaurant. They sat on comfortable sofas at a table with a snow-white tablecloth and drank an aperitif. Linda, holding the glass by the stem, looked at the greenish liquid in it and said thoughtfully:
“I really didn’t expect that after such adventures at sea I would agree to a date again in the ocean.” She laughed loudly. Alex grinned back, admiring her. The hair on her head was pinned up in a neat hairstyle, she was dressed in a beautiful purple dress that fit her figure perfectly. Around her neck hung a white gold necklace, at the end of which hung a huge blue heart-shaped diamond in the same frame. He whistled:
- Linda, is it really the same stone that King Louis 14 gave to his beloved? And which, according to some sources, sailed with a certain passenger on the Titanic.
She smiled contentedly, her emerald green eyes sparkled defiantly, exactly like a diamond.
- No, this is his exact copy. My father gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday. I found it in a catalog and ordered a copy of that same jewelry from a jewelry shop, and now... - Linda lifted the pendant in her fingers so that Alex could see it better. He could not resist and took it into his hands with two fingers. The decoration looked amazing. The diamond shimmered with its edges. And the endless blue drew him into himself as if into the depths of the sea. He felt the warmth of her small fingers, which involuntarily touched his hand. Their eyes met. His lips whispered:
—Le Coeur de la Mer.
—I don’t understand!?—Linda raised one eyebrow in surprise. Alex, continuing to look into her eyes, replied:
—That’s the name of your jewelry, translated from French—“Heart of the Ocean.”
- Yes? God, how romantic this is... -she shot her eyes in his direction, touched her hair with her hands and thoughtfully repeated her earlier phrase:
- I never thought that I would agree to visit the ocean again... Alex looked away from her and releasing the diamond, he answered embarrassedly:
- Hmmm, when I was choosing where to invite you, I was guided by the beauty and unusualness of this place... And somehow I lost sight of the fact that you probably spent these 12 hours on the Titanic I saw enough of the ocean. Linda waved her hand:
- Don’t pay attention, I was on the surface. And now I want to be in the depths of this ocean.” She again gave him a charming smile and took a sip from her glass. A robot waiter, dressed in a white suit with the head and body of a human, but with a unicycle instead of legs, rolled up to them, took their order and drove off to the kitchen. Less than ten minutes had passed before he brought the dishes they ordered, deftly arranging the plates on the table and wishing them “Bon appetit!” he quickly drove off to another table. Linda ate slowly and tastefully, Alex secretly admired her. Somewhere from hidden speakers under the ceiling, lyrical compositions were playing, setting the guests present here in a romantic mood.
- By the way, Linda, what is your father, has he decided where he will go with a certificate from our company?
- Oh, no, she and mom can’t decide where they want to go. Father wants to see how the pyramids of Egypt were built, and mother wants to go to the concert of the French singer of the early 20th century Edith Piaf. She’s just crazy about her.
- It’s not surprising, your father is a construction businessman, and your mother, as far as I know, loves piano music, hence their differences.
- Where does this information come from?!- Linda She pushed the empty plate away from her (it immediately disappeared, swallowed by the light box for dirty dishes) and smiled at him. Alex dabbed his lips with a damp napkin and answered:
- Nothing special. Our database contains all the information about a potential client at once. This is necessary in order to understand what kind of person is in front of us, what he does, his level of income, etc. For general safety, when we play games over time, this is a good idea. Linda took a large sip of wine from her glass and nodded in agreement.
- Well, did you yourself want to go somewhere just like that as a tourist?
- I somehow never thought about it ...I visit different eras almost every day and this is quite enough for me to be impressed. - Alex grinned, rolled the napkin into a tight ball and with a precise click sent it into the same light box after his dirty plate.
- You know , and I would like to go live somewhere... - Linda thoughtfully turned her glass in her hands. - Somewhere far away from this hectic 22nd century. There, where there was no technical progress yet, where people lived by trade, by their labor and were happy... My father is still a snob. He wants to go and look at the pyramids just to understand the technology with which the Egyptians built them, so that here he can try to create a formula and apply it in his own construction. She’s thinking of outwitting her competitors and creating another advertisement with a slogan like: “Our houses will stand on par with the pyramids of Cheops, because only we build them using the same technology.” She again took a large sip of wine. “You know, I was an only child as a child.” in the family and all the best, of course, went to me. But that’s not all I wanted. I wanted my parents to simply love me, but my father was always busy at his construction site, and my mother seemed to be trying to pay more attention to me, but she also often had no time because of her concerts and tours. I spent time with robotic house workers. I talked to the kitchen and poured out my soul to the robot tutor. My passion for history became an outlet for me and at the same time helped me find myself. I suddenly realized that for some 300-400 years people lived much better and happier without having anything that I have now. Alex wanted to hug her and comfort her. He even opened his mouth to say something encouraging to her, but somehow nothing worthwhile came to mind, so he decided to change the topic of conversation.
- You know, our director Merlow, somehow on general meeting told us that the government wants to expand funding and staff, and they seem to be thinking about introducing guides like me into different eras in advance, so that people can go back in time not only to admire different events, but also just maybe, who wants to live there, say, a week or two, and we will be some kind of hotel or inn owner, so that we immediately have somewhere to accommodate them, feed them and conduct excursions.
--So, you will become a kind of guide-hotel owner?!- Linda smiled.
- Yes, no, I don’t think so... We will most likely remain the same as we were, but Others will be hired for these positions. Our job is to protect and entertain guests as before, and make sure that they do not change anything in the past. But this is still in the plans, but time will tell how things will turn out.” Alex finished his glass of wine and pressed the button to call the waiter. The same robot waiter rolled up to them and in a melodious, pleasant voice asked if the dear guests would like anything else? Alex looked questioningly at Linda. She smiled and said that she was full and happy with everything.
-Then please count us. -he said. Inside the robot, something buzzed and a white rectangle of paper with a printed bill suddenly emerged from the side pocket of his jacket on his chest. The robot picked it up and handed it to Alex. While he was examining its contents, a living rose flower on a short stem popped out of the same pocket. The robot carefully took it out and, bending slightly, brought it to Linda. She laughed in surprise and accepted it with gratitude.
- This is a miss for you! A small present from the service staff. - The eye on the robot’s face suddenly winked at Linda. If Alex hadn’t been completely sure that in front of him was just an android on a wheel, he would probably have been jealous. Quickly placing his finger on the scanner on his chest, he waited for the money to be withdrawn from his account and stood up. Linda followed suit.
A special elevator brought them to the surface and they found themselves in the cool of the evening city. Alex wanted to call Linda a taxi, but she suggested they go for a short walk. She was interested and happy in the company of Alex, taking his arm they walked along the pier. The sun, like a giant red coin, fell into a crack in the horizon above the ocean. Numerous couples in love stood right there and admired the sunset. Seagulls flew screaming above their heads, a fresh sea breeze blew, and it seemed that at that moment the whole world belonged to them alone. They walked slowly along the embankment, the evening illumination of the city filling the darkness with might and main. Cars rustled quietly along the road, couriers and mail modules continued to fly silently through the air.

Sent after 2 minutes 32 seconds:
Continuation (PART 15)...
Alex, in order to fill the pause in their communication, suddenly said:
- Do you know Linda , the legend about the diamond, what kind of diamond are you wearing? They say that the Titanic sank because of him. And everyone who owned this diamond subsequently had big troubles...
Linda looked at him in surprise.
- Mr. Foley, are you saying that I carry a bad sign of fate?
- “I didn’t say that,” he allowed himself a smile, “I only said that the owners of this diamond at one time came to a bad end. According to one version, it was used in ritual sacrifices in India and for four centuries it was sprinkled with human and animal blood. Again, if you believe the legend, then the mysticism with this stone began with theft... - he laughed mischievously looking at her confused face.
- Are you interested in this?
- You intrigued me. Continue. Let’s assume that our joint excursion continues.” Linda looked at him with a mixture of interest and slight fear on her face. He continued:
- So, several centuries ago, a man named Tavernier traveled to India. He stole a huge blue diamond from a local temple. The stone was removed from a statue of the Hindu goddess Zita. After this, the priests of this temple allegedly placed a curse and misfortune on the stone. And death awaited everyone who touched it... - Alex noticed that Linda turned slightly pale, but tried not to show concern, so he hastened to reassure her: - But on the other hand, you only have a copy of that jewelry, which means it cannot I think I’ll harm you somehow.
- Well, thank you, you consoled me...- Although Linda’s voice was cheerful, he heard notes of confusion in it.
- Did I upset you?! Don’t worry - this is just part of a beautiful legend. In fact, historical facts indicate the opposite, in 1642 French jeweler and traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier came to India. Here he bought a large blue diamond mined in one of the Golconda mines. The diamond weighed 112 grams and was shaped like the eye of a goddess. Upon returning to France, the jeweler was presented to the court of King Louis 14 and received a noble title. Louis XIV bought the diamond from Tavernier. Well, then this diamond wandered from hand to hand. It even visited private collections at the end of the 20th century, but then disappeared... However, whether it is a coincidence or not, everyone who owned this diamond was haunted by misfortunes. I emphasize, those who owned the ORIGINAL of this diamond, and you just have a perfectly made copy, so I’m sure you are in no danger.- And to change the subject of conversation, he casually asked:
-Do you have a dog at home? ?
-Yes, Labrador.
-What is his name?
-Ralph.
-Ralph?! A strong name for a dog...
They descended from the embankment and now walked along the alley illuminated by neon light of advertisements past spreading maples. Teenagers raced along the alley on aerial boards, performing complex pirouettes on them. They walked closely touching each other’s hands, talking about various trifles and laughing at each other’s jokes. The road led them to a wide multi-tiered building consisting entirely of hundred-story skyscrapers with mirrored stained glass walls. The site was fenced off by a low fence behind which a row of pneumatic cars stood in the parking lot. To one of the entrances there was a path lined with fresh flowers and at the entrance there was a barrier with the inscription: “ENTRANCE ONLY BY INVITATION OF HOUSE RESIDENTS.” On the side there was a scanning sensor flashing a red and green indicator. Alex knew that behind the barrier and along the entire perimeter of the parking lot there was a force field that protected more reliably than any security. It was impossible to enter here without a special key, unless, of course, the owners of one of these fashionable apartments let you in. In this area lived those whose income level exceeded the level of 1,000,000 credits per month. Linda applied the electronic key to the scanner and, with a joyful squeak, it lit up with a steady green light. The barrier gently rose to let her through. They stood opposite each other and it was clear that both did not want to leave today, but Linda preferred not to rush things.
- Thank you for a wonderful evening, Alex. See you again.” She kissed him on the cheek and easily ran to the entrance of the front door. At the entrance she turned around and waved her hand with a flower to him. He waved back, involuntarily moving very close to the force field. The barrier fell into place and the indicators on the scanner began flashing again. He felt a slight jolt, as if he had bumped into an invisible elastic wall. After standing for a couple more minutes and looking at the windows of the house glowing with soft light, he sent the most gentle air kiss towards the skyscraper and walked to the taxi stand.
* * *
Three days later he returned to his work . Entering the lobby of the “time agency” building, I immediately noticed two people in black suits, holding tablets in their hands, talking about something with David Merlow. Alex didn’t like their appearance, and judging by the president’s angry look, these two clearly didn’t come here for time travel experiences. He walked into the locker room when one of the technicians, Martin Grace, came in wearing a white coat over his casual clothes and conspiratorially told him:
- Alex, it looks like we have problems. Someone tried to hack our database and penetrate our time travel control system. These two in suits are FSK employees who are supposed to control time travel. Alex frowned:
- Why would someone want to penetrate our system’s database?
- Foley, don’t be stupid! If someone can penetrate our system, they will be able to completely control the processes of launching the time machine, which means someone wants to invade history and start changing something there. Of course, hacking the security of our system is not easy, but there will always be some smart guy who can do it and gain control. By the way, I almost forgot to tell you: we carried out diagnostics on your chronometer and I can say that the reason for its breakdown was not only a rivet from a ship that got into it, I discovered a virus in it, which was activated at the right moment and tried to penetrate our system. I’ll tell you more: I have an idea that the rivet that flew to us from the past and damaged our computer was also not an accident. I’m sure someone planned everything very precisely. Alex zipped up his overalls and opened his mouth to answer something, but the next moment the door opened and two FSK agents walked inside the locker room. Merlow was with them, pale and upset. They showed Foley their badges and walked around the perimeter of the room without invitation. One of them stopped opposite Alex and, looking at his tablet, said:
- Mr. Foley, I am Agent Wislow. And my partner is Agent Smith. We are federal time travel agents. I’m sure Mr. Grace brought you up to date and told you what happened. We interrogate all agency employees and you will not be an exception. So, we need to ask you a few questions...

Sent after 4 minutes 54 seconds:
Continued (PART 16)...
Over the next hour, they asked him in detail what eras he had been moving to in the last couple of months. Have you noticed anything strange in the behavior of clients? They asked in detail about his last stay on the Titanic and especially about his broken chronometer. Alex answered all questions in detail and without holding anything back. The agents recorded all his testimony on tablets and made some notes on them for themselves. After a couple of hours, the agents left the building and everyone was able to breathe a little more freely. By this time, all the guides had already gathered here and the agents had similar conversations with each of them. Merlow loosened the tie on his snow-white shirt, poured himself half a glass of cognac and drank it in one gulp without even grimacing. Then he called all the employees and announced:
- Ladies and gentlemen, you all know perfectly well what happened and how it can threaten us and our business if the press gets wind of it. Therefore, first of all, everyone should keep their mouths shut and not tell anyone anything. FSK and our technicians will monitor the problem and try to trace where we may be in danger. All guides should pay double attention to all clients. Carrying a concealed firearm is mandatory. Be vigilant and remember: the fate of the entire history of mankind may depend on you. And now it’s all about jobs. In an hour we will have clients, I need to change clothes and get myself in order.
Over the next week, Alex continued his travel excursions through the eras. He didn’t notice anything suspicious. Yes, and others too. There was also no news from FSK, but Merlow was sure that they were now actively studying everyone who had ever been a client of this agency. Alex continued to see Linda whenever he had free time. They walked together, went on attractions, sat in cafes, swam in the ocean... In a word, they spent a rich life as young lovers. The fact that he fell head over heels in love with Linda was not a surprise to him; rather, he accepted it as a gift from fate from above and was grateful to her for it. Linda reciprocated his feelings. He was even honored to visit her several times, where in an informal setting he became better acquainted with her parents. Mr. Thomson behaved surprisingly kindly to him. Thomson’s wife also showed favor despite her and Alex’s different social status. Once he was honored to be invited to dinner with them and they were all together on the veranda of the 54th floor, which had a breathtaking view of the ocean, sat at a set table, ate, drank, talked about various trifles and listened with interest about their joint trip with Linda to "Titanic". Thomson also turned out to be an avid fisherman and was happy to tell how he managed to catch particularly large fish. (Alex noted to the impressive number of stuffed fish on the wall in the hall and was involuntarily amazed by it). Thomson paternally patted him on the shoulder and promised to take him and Linda fishing on his pleasure yacht. After dinner, he invited Alex to share a glass of brandy. The women went to the kitchen to gossip. Having poured brandy from the bar into two "sherballs", he handed one to Alex, took the other for himself, sitting down in two wicker chairs made of real rattan, they simply savored the drink for a few seconds. Alex didn’t know much about drinking, but he acknowledged that what he drank before was significantly different from what he drank now. Mr. Thomson treated him to a large real Cuban cigar, he dipped the tip into a glass of brandy and smoked it while sucking, assuring him that this way he could feel the taste better. They silently looked for several more minutes at the blue of the ocean until Thomson finally said:
- Tell me son, is everything serious with you and Linda?
- Yes, of course sir, I love your daughter and I think she does the same to me. You have nothing to worry about, I assure you. Thomson, crossing his legs, looked at him thoughtfully and blew out a large puff of smoke.
- Linda didn’t tell you that suitors were wooing her whose fortune was estimated at ten zeros, but she refused them. Why do you think Linda has a crush on you?
Alex didn’t like the question.
- Well, I don’t know, it seemed to me that she wanted the same thing as me in life, we have many common interests and most importantly, we feel good together. And those with ten zeros, I think, were just zeros in her eyes.” Alex himself was surprised at his own bold answer and prepared for Thomson to make some kind of barb at him. But he looked at him silently, then turned his gaze to the ocean, after a pause, he suddenly said in a slightly hoarse voice:
- Linda, reminds me of my wife in her youth... She was the same age when we got married... She was a provincial girl from a poor family, obsessed with classical and pop music, long-dead performers of the 19th and 20th centuries. And I was already fully involved in the construction business and understood well what I wanted to take from life. Before her, I had many different women, but none could have such an impact on me as my Brenda. Her bottomless eyes captivated me, and her modesty and self-esteem finally made me fall in love with her... We got married, Brenda could not get pregnant for a long time, due to an old injury she received in childhood when she fell from an air scooter. But when we succeeded and our Linda was born... I realized that I would lay the whole world at their feet if my girls were happy and did not need anything.
He fell silent for a long time, thoughtfully blowing puffs of blue cigar smoke . Alex froze, realizing that a person like Thomson would not tell just anyone about this, which means they trust him and will most likely accept him into their family despite the difference in income. Forgetting about my cigar and brandy, afraid to move, I listened to him memories about childhood, youth... however, at some point, Thomson, as if shaking off an invisible web of memories, immediately returned his former arrogant expression to his face and looked straight at Alex.
- Linda told me about your adventures... I looked at the recording of everything that happened with you... I’m glad that you showed yourself like a real man and saved my girl... By the way, I made inquiries about you (don’t blame me, but I need to know who my daughter is dating) and came to the conclusion that you both really look alike. Both are passionate about history and both love what they do. But most importantly, you have no craving for free wealth and you firmly want to get on your feet without anyone’s help. Well, that’s commendable. I don’t need a rogue son-in-law who wants to seduce my daughter for a rich dowry. For me, Linda is the center of the universe. And if you try to deceive or offend her, I will grind you into powder! - The last phrase was said as if Thomson told him the weather forecast for tomorrow. Alex felt a chill on his skin, but restrainedly nodded his head and calmly looking into Thomson’s eyes replied:
- Mr. Thomson, believe me, my intentions regarding your daughter are the most sincere and serious.
-And you have no other choice.- Thomson grinned and put out his cigar in an unfinished glass of brandy.
* * *
Three days after this conversation, the Thomson family finally decided where they wanted to go. For the sake of his wife, Thomson gave her the right to choose and they all went together to the mid-20th century for a concert by the then famous French singer Edith Piaf. Of course, Alex was chosen as our guide.
A month later, Linda agreed to live with Foley together. Now the smart home greeted her with “good morning” in the morning and sang her praises about how amazing she looks today. Alex listened to this with a smile, but sometimes he felt that he was beginning to be jealous of this electronic brain and asked him to stop showering her with compliments, threatening to otherwise flood his microcircuits with water. Linda was amused by this, and every time Alex threatened the smart home to “rip all the wires out of its ass,” she burst into happy laughter, and the electronic voice, offended, but with a sense of dignity, answered something like: “Oh! Mr. Alex knows how to convince.”
Another month later, Alex made Linda proposal and gave her an engagement ring with a blue diamond in the shape of a heart. Linda did not immediately answer, she said that she needed to think about it. Alex was a little confused by this, but decided not to force things, giving her time. A couple of days later, she gave her consent, smiling happily. The parents were not against it and they applied. They decided to have the wedding in Tahiti. Mr. Thomson promised them to pay for a honeymoon trip around the world on a state-of-the-art cruise ship sailing on water, land and air. On the day of their marriage registration, two hours before the private jetliner departed for Tahiti, a snow-white limousine decorated with fresh flowers stopped near the “time agency”. One of its doors opened and Alex Foley stepped out onto the sidewalk in a black formal wedding suit and crocodile leather shoes. He extended his hand and Linda followed in a chic wedding dress. On her head she was wearing a golden tiara with precious stones, and a veil train descended from under it. She was dressed in a short white dress that favorably emphasized her figure, on her hands were white gloves and brand-name white sandals. On the chest was a necklace from earlier with a blue diamond set in white gold. On her finger, matching the color of the necklace, was an engagement ring with a stone—a gift from Alex. In her hands she held a huge bouquet of fresh flowers. They were followed by Linda’s parents, Alex’s best man, and several bridesmaids. The whole ceremony entered the building, where David Merlow personally met them and with a smile made a small solemn speech that the company takes care of its employees and, in honor of the wedding, gives the newlyweds 100,000 credits for their “honeymoon.” In addition to him, all the employees of the company gathered and everyone congratulated and gave some kind of gift from themselves. The small festive table, where there were already drinks and snacks, was immediately filled. Toasts and wishes to the newlyweds came one after another, glasses clinked in the air. Linda, flushed with embarrassment, kissed Alex at the request of the guests. And they, in turn, supported them with joyful cries. It was Mr. Thomson’s turn to make a toast. He importantly raised his filled glass of champagne and said:
- Our dear Linda and our son-in-law Alex! I want to raise this glass to you...so that you don’t forget your promises to be a support for each other, to love, to be there for each other in poverty or wealth, in happiness and in trouble, in health and illness. Many events await you ahead, now you are a family and... - He didn’t have time to finish his toast, four people in black closed suits, balaclava masks on their faces, armed with automatic assault rifles burst into the hall of the building.

Sent after 3 minutes 18 seconds:
Continued (PART 17)...
They immediately fired a line over their heads and shouted loudly:
- Sorry for not being invited, but we have an urgent matter.
Everyone present in the hall looked at them in bewilderment and fear. One of the attackers closed the entrance doors, blocked the electronic lock on them and lowered the armored blinds on the windows. Three approached the festive table, among them a tall, strong man especially stood out; he poured himself a glass of champagne and rolled up his mask to his nose, poured it over himself with the words:
- To the health of the young! - Then he took an empty chair and sat down calmly into it, putting the rifle on his knees, he said measuredly:
- Please forgive my intrusion, but the business I have in mind cannot be delayed. Gentlemen! You will save me a lot of time and perhaps save your life if you help me get to the transfer room and tell me the codes. “No one at the table moved or said a word. The strong man turned to one of his accomplices and said:
- Mr. Varen, please... - The one who was called Varen walked around the table and pulled out technician Martin Grace by the collar and put the muzzle of a rifle to his cheek.
-So, Mister how are you there?..Grace it seems...Would you be so kind as to take us inside?- The sitting burly man clearly liked to clown around. The technician looked towards the pale Merlow and shook his head:
- Sorry, I have no right without the permission of my boss...
The strong guy turned his gaze to Merlow, who was sitting like a stone statue.
- Mr. Merlow, your subordinate does not want to violate the rules you have established and kindly asks you to allow him to help us get inside. Merlow feverishly tried to collect his thoughts and cursed himself for ordering the security system at the entrance to be turned off during the young couple’s visit.
- Gentlemen, you will have big problems if you don’t get out now. I give you my word that I will not report you to the police.” He said, trying to make his voice sound firm and confident. The beefy man jumped up from his chair and leaned over the table and handed Merlow across it, sweeping plates and glasses onto the floor, then holding him by the tie with one hand and hissed in his face:
- You have one minute bastard to open the doors and escort us all inside. If you refuse, I will kill one person at a time, and then I will begin to slowly kill you until you tell me what I want to know.
Merlow tried to object, but the strong man’s accomplices had already grabbed him by the arms and, leading him to the first door, pressed his face against the scanner as hard as he could. Merlow’s face immediately became covered with blood and he began to lose consciousness. But he was prevented from doing this by placing his hand on the scanner and then pointing his eye at the reading device. The door leading to the corridor opened. The two dived into it and dragged the technician and Merlow with them. The remaining two turned their attention to the hostages for a moment. Alex, without taking his eyes off them, ordered Linda and her parents with his lips to dive under the table as soon as he began to act. Having exchanged glances with his two partners, he threw an empty champagne bottle at one of the bandits with a backhand; the blow from the bottle to the chest caused him to stagger for a moment and the muzzle of his rifle went to the side; a plate thrown by the well-aimed hand of Stephen Buck flew into the second one. Linda and her parents ducked under the table, and the others also hesitated a little. Alex threw his trained body forward and jumped on one; two jumped on the strong man, trying to snatch the rifle from his hands. A fight ensued. The strong man turned out to be a strong and dexterous opponent. Almost immediately, with one blow, he knocked out Jones and broke his jaw with the butt of Baku’s rifle. Alex knocked down his attacker and tried to strike him in the head, but he dodged and managed to attack himself by placing his foot on his chest and pushing him away from himself. Alex fell to the floor, feeling the shards of broken dishes digging into his back through his jacket. The bandit jumped to his feet and tried to fire a rifle burst at him, and then Linda appeared on his side. With a precise kick of her sandaled foot, she knocked the barrel out of his hands and, catching it in the air with her hand, shouted:
- No! We will still need him.
Alex looked at her from the floor, puzzled, and thought that he was seeing a bad dream. By this time, the strong man who apparently led this gang, breathing heavily, tore off his balaclava, under which the face of a young, high-cheeked guy of about 28, with short hair and blue eyes was revealed. He looked around the room and approached Alex for several seconds, studying him intently, and then said to his partner:
- Take him.
Alex was lifted to his feet, he did not resist, looking with all his eyes at Linda, who was talking sweetly about something with the leader and smiling at him, like an old acquaintance. They dragged him to the door, at that moment Linda’s father rushed to his rescue, but they fired at him from a rifle and he fell holding his bloody hand. There was chaos in the hall, the women were screaming in fear. No one remembered that two minutes before the attack, Elaine, the boss’s secretary, apologized to the guests and ran to the toilet to “powder her nose.” When it all started, she watched what was happening with her eyes widened in horror, opening the toilet door slightly. Fortunately, the attackers had no time to see if they had all the hostages in their hands. With trembling hands, Elaine activated the videophone and dialed emergency services. She explained for a long time and confusingly what had happened, and when the operator promised to call a patrol to help them, she dived into the toilet stall and, having locked herself in it from the inside, climbed onto the toilet with her legs afraid to move. Within five minutes, police sirens were wailing outside the building. Police technicians rushed to the door and began rummaging through the electronic scanner, trying to unlock the entrance.
A voice amplified by the loudspeaker came from outside:
- Resistance is useless! The building is blocked. Release the hostages or we will begin the assault. You have two minutes to surrender. Alex was dragged to the doorway, where two criminals and Merlow and the technician had already disappeared. They found themselves inside the corridor and stopped: four charred bodies lay on the floor. Their clothes were burned and metal parts melted. It seems they chose death, giving the bandits the wrong code and dying along with them. The security system made it impossible for outsiders to get to the center of the time machine. One of the bandits yelled:
- Your mother! Why didn’t anyone talk about these fucking lasers? So much time to prepare this operation and fail on such crap.
- Calm down! We have someone who can take us inside, otherwise he will also be fried with us. - Alex decided that he was going crazy - the voice belonged to Linda. His Linda! At the same instant, he was turned around and he was stunned to see his bride in a wedding dress with a face twisted with anger and a knife in her hand.
- What? “I didn’t expect such a development of events, did I, handsome?” She muttered, “Come on, cancel the security and take us to the transfer center, we have very little time.”
- Linda! What are you doing? I do not understand anything! Are you in league with them? - Alex tried to delay time to allow the police to capture them, but she rudely shoved his face into the scanner and said: - You have five seconds to do everything! Then you will see how your blood floods your face. Alex closed his eyes and prepared to die. At that moment, the entrance doors opened and flash-noise and gas grenades were thrown into the building’s lobby. A bright flash of light and clouds of smoke filled the room. Linda, who was closest to the door, pushed it with her foot, and the armored door reliably cut them off from the external influence of tear gas. You could hear the heavy boots of the police in the hall and the blows on the locked door.
Linda pressed the knife to Alex’s throat and screamed:
- Turn off the security, you son of a bitch! “Alex decided that he would not die so absurdly and mechanically pressed the code on the scanner and put his eye to the sensor. He was dragged further along the corridor to where the transfer center was located. Another armored door with a code. While Alex was fiddling with the lock, the police managed to blow up the door and clouds of smoke burst into the narrow corridor. The door leading to the transfer room opened. Police dressed in gas masks and protective equipment opened fire on the fleeing bandits. The bullets howled as they ricocheted off the walls and when they hit the electronics, they noisily exploded in a shower of sparks. One of the attackers fell screaming and gasping as the bullets hit him and severed the aorta in his neck. The second one collapsed on the floor, howling and holding his leg. The pant leg quickly began to become soaked in blood. The door managed to close almost in front of the police and this saved the bandits from certain death.
-Give the program!- Linda shouted, rushing to the wounded man. He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pyramid with convex edges, shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow. Linda grabbed it and ran to the computers and put it into the electronic brain system unit. I typed the program activation code on the virtual keyboard and the time machine came to life. There are dull knocks on the door and screams from the police demanding that it be opened. Linda ran up to the lying bandit, grabbed a pistol from his holster and pointed it at Alex and said:
-Tell them, if they try to break in here, you will die!- Alex looked at her reproachfully. But he obeyed and, approaching the door, shouted through it:
- Don’t shoot! I’m a hostage! They said they would kill me if you tried to break the door. – There was silence behind her. Apparently they had a meeting. Meanwhile, Linda again jumped to the keyboard and feverishly began to enter new commands on it. Linda’s mother’s voice came from behind the door.
- Alex! Is Linda with you? Tell me, is my girl alive?
“She’s alive, and it looks like she’s running everything here,” Alex answered gloomily through the door. Linda’s mother began to sob and another voice was heard:
- I am a police psychologist, what are the terrorists’ demands?
- “I don’t know,” Alex answered honestly and looked at Linda.
“It’s done!” she cried out joyfully and, as if to confirm her words, the matte ball under the ceiling lit up and began to emit blue discharges. The bandit lying on the floor tried to get up, but he didn’t succeed. Linda approached him.
- Robert, we did it! Get up, we’ll leave now and no one will ever find us. And in an hour we can buy this shitty world! - She helped the wounded man get up and drag him to the transfer site. The buzzing intensified. Alex stood helplessly and watched them. Linda held him at gunpoint and never took her eyes off him.
- Sorry, dear. But here our paths will diverge. You’re a good guy, but I’m afraid you won’t appreciate what I have in mind. I’m sorry that this happened...I’m really sorry... - The gun in her hand saluted him in the air. Purely on reflexes, he jumped on her. The pistol fired and he felt the bullet burn his cheek, passing a millimeter from him. At that moment, the front door flew off its hinges with a noise. The police burst in. The bandit, wounded in the leg, raised his rifle and fired at them. But the protection worn by the guards of the law reliably protected them from bullets, but several ricocheted and landed in electronic media. Sparks rained down and everything around began to blink and explode. In response, the bandit was killed with a precise shot. Alex fell on Linda and grabbed her hand with the gun. The bluish glow of the ball intensified and at that very moment it exploded deafeningly, showering everyone with glass shards and causing even greater destruction. Fog began to envelop them, as if during a transfer. Alex tried to jump out of the circle, but he couldn’t. The protective force field prevented him from doing this. The last thing he saw was a fire starting, his mother’s tear-stained face and Linda’s father, twisted with anger, holding his bloody hand. They were enveloped in a bluish fog.
* * *

Sent after 3 minutes 57 seconds:
Continuation (PART 18)...
There was real chaos in the time transfer room. Electronic equipment was torn apart, colored cable wires popped out of their niches like veins. Plumes of suffocating smoke and a fire beginning to flare up completed this picture of the apocalypse. Rescuers began to remove survivors and wounded from the building. Some suffered bullet wounds and tear gas poisoning. Crowds of onlookers gathered near the building ironically joked that now the Time Agency would seem to be out of time. A small two-seater helicopter was already hovering over the building, from which there was a live broadcast and the journalist was commenting on what happened in the building. "So, dear ladies and gentlemen, something that has been warned about for a long time has happened: a group of terrorists tried to seize the Time Travel Agency. From our reliable sources, we know that this action was planned. Fortunately, the terrorists did not have time to carry out their dark plans, thanks to their work. the police managed to neutralize them in time. But according to our information, two managed to escape - this is a certain Linda Thomson, the daughter of an industrial millionaire, Mr. Bert Thomson, and as we learned, her fiancé Alex Foley works as a guide in this company. There is a suspicion that Linda Thomson led this attack. and Alex Foley was their accomplice. Unfortunately, the two of them managed to travel in time, but the exact location is unlikely to be found out in the near future, given the fact that the head of the time machine was also dead, and all the electronics were destroyed in the same place. as a result of damage caused by fire and explosion. Federal services will investigate and try to find out at what time these two escaped. And we will keep you updated on the news. Vanessa Green was with you, television channel "news 24."

* * *
The darkness around them gradually dissipated and they were able to look around. It was early morning and a damp fog still shrouded the space around them, making it difficult to look around. There was silence. There was green grass underfoot and a pine grove as far as could be seen. Linda looked around and exclaimed angrily:
- Damn it! This doesn’t look like South America! – Then she turned abruptly to Alex and continued in a hoarse voice:
- Alex, motherfucker! Do you know how long it took us to prepare this? And now everything has gone to hell, because you interfered with us at the last moment..- She cursed, exhaustedly sank onto the grass. Alex finally came to his senses and moved closer and yelled at her:
- Linda, what the hell is going on? Why did you become an accomplice of these people? Who the hell are you really?! “If it weren’t for the gun in her hands, he probably would have grabbed her and shook her until she told him the whole truth.
- First of all, shut up and better tell me where we are?-Linda looked distantly into the distance.
-Where are we?!- he looked at his chronometer, just as he was afraid of the device it broke when it fell and now looked like a dark screen with glass shards. - Alex unfastened it with irritation and threw it far into the bushes.
- And who the hell knows where we are now. Thanks to your friends and to you personally, because the transfer module was destroyed during the move and now we will not be able to return back. I don’t even know what time it took us. I pray that this is a civilization, otherwise we are doomed to death... Linda made a circle with a pistol in the air, and looking around, said in a low voice:
- According to the plan, we were supposed to move into the past of South America, to the times of the ancient Mayans. We knew they had a place where they kept their gold. With modern weapons we would have captured it. And then, when the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they would have killed them. Thus, Columbus will not be able to discover America in time, and with this pile of gold we created our own world. America did not become the country it was known before...We would have changed history!
Alex listened to all this with undisguised amazement and could not believe it
-So you used me to find out the secrets of our center?! To carry out this stupid adventure? And I believed you! How could you do this to me Linda?! What were you missing in your life?
- Stop wailing! - she cut him off sharply. “You still won’t understand this.” We’re probably in some ancient hellhole right now, it’s cold here and I have no desire to have family scenes with you right now. We need to figure out where we are. Then we will decide what to do next. It seems to me that there is a road nearby, I think I heard the noise of a car. Alex opened his mouth to object. But then he decided that he could find out everything to the end a little later. However, Linda has nowhere to go and she cannot leave him here alone. He listened. And in fact, in the silence of the forest, he clearly heard something similar to the noise of the wheels of a car driving along the asphalt. His heart jumped with joy. If they were abandoned nearby, there is a chance to return back, or at least not to die from the arrows of savages or in the teeth of some prehistoric predator.
They followed the sound through the tall grass wet with dew. Linda’s feet, dressed in light sandals, quickly became wet and began to rub her skin. Alex, unlike her, was wearing shoes and felt relatively normal, except for his wet pants. About ten minutes later they actually came out onto the asphalt road. Alex had no doubt that gasoline-powered cars were driving here. The clear tire tread marks on it spoke for themselves. Beyond the road was a plowed field lined by a tractor into neat mounds of beds. Further as far as the eye could see there were forest plantations and nothing else. Although the fog had almost cleared, it did not add any visibility. The first timid rays of sunlight appeared from behind the clouds. A new day was beginning. Linda shivered chillily.
- Damn, looks like we missed. The explosion damaged the time travel module before we started moving and the defense threw us out impromptu to another time so that we wouldn’t die... - She muttered and grinned sadly. Alex looked at her. Her gorgeous wedding dress had taken a lot of damage in the last hour. It was dirty, covered in grass and now had an unpresentable appearance. She lost the golden diadem when Alex fell on her into the room during the start of the transfer. The only thing was that the “Heart of the Ocean” necklace somehow miraculously stayed on her neck and the ring was placed on her white-gloved finger. Alex’s breath caught in his throat when he saw him. Just an hour ago he was supposed to get married to the most beautiful and wonderful girl in the world, as it seemed to him. He built rosy dreams... dreamed of children and a warm family hearth... and now, due to the fault of the one he loved, he found himself unknown where and due to whose fault now his life will not be worth a damn. And then...he didn’t even want to think further. His gloomy thoughts were interrupted by the roar of a car engine moving along the highway. Alex was hoping to see a modern car, but instead, a miracle of the American automobile industry from approximately the 30s of the 20th century was driving towards them. Alex even immediately identified its make: it was a green Cadillac 341 sedan. Quite a good model for its time. He walked out into the middle of the road and waved his arms. The car smoothly braked next to them. An elderly couple was sitting in the cabin: a man dressed in a gray three-piece suit with a tie and his companion in an elaborate cream-colored dress pinned on the shoulder with a brooch with stones. They looked at Linda’s short, dirty wedding dress with undisguised surprise, and Alex’s appearance clearly embarrassed them, given that he was clearly not dressed in the fashion of the 30s. Linda looked at them detachedly through the windshield of the car, holding her hand with a pistol behind her back and wondering whether to use it or wait?! Alex smiled sweetly with all his might, radiating friendliness and, approaching the driver, said:
- Sir, please forgive us. My future wife and I found ourselves in an unpleasant situation, we were going to a wedding, but before that we decided to call our friends who live in one of the suburban villages, about twenty miles from here our car broke down and we were forced to walk to call them. help.
-Why are you dressed so strangely for the wedding?- the voice of the elderly driver was full of suspicion-And why is this young lady showing her bare legs having lost all shame?!- Alex involuntarily looked at Linda’s outfit and answered:
- You see, she had a dress like everyone else, but when we walked through the forest planting to take a shortcut, it constantly clung to everything and we were forced to cut it off, otherwise she risked being completely without it - Alex smiled guiltily. Linda finally came out of her stupor and, continuing to hide the gun, approached the cabin from the side of the passenger seat, where an elderly lady was sitting and made pitiful eyes and said:
- It’s true, we would be very grateful to you if you would give us a lift to the nearest phone. – The driver’s elderly companion looked at the diamond necklace on Linda’s chest with poorly concealed envy. The driver thought for a few seconds, but then suddenly announced that there were a lot of crooks now and he was very suspicious of both of them! - With these words, he briskly began to turn the window lift handle on the door. Linda pulled a pistol from behind her back and pointed it through the glass at his elderly companion with the words:
- Come on, both of you are out of the car alive!
The elderly driver and his passenger immediately raised their hands up and unquestioningly got out from the cabin, staring at them with fear. Alex didn’t like this idea, but there was no other way to get somewhere without arousing suspicion in anyone. Linda, holding the gun at eye level, walked up to the driver and with her free hand pulled out a large leather wallet from his bosom. Unfolding it with one hand, she looked inside. A skinny wad of dollars, gas coupons and some small change. She pulled out all the bills, then fanned them out in her hands, assessing the denomination. Three five dollar bills, one ten, four one dollar bills and one twenty dollar bill. She silently tried to remember the story and evaluate how much or little money there was, or rather their nominal value. Handing the money to Alex, who was standing like a pillar, she ordered the driver and his passenger to move away from the car to the side of the road. She threw him an empty wallet and sat down in the driver’s seat without taking her arms off them. Alex had no choice but to sit next to her. Linda studied the antique car dashboard with a little confusion. Alex looked at her mockingly, and then said:
-Do you know how to drive this car?- Linda turned the key in the ignition, the engine purred contentedly. Then she carefully moved the gearshift lever. The car jerked forward sharply, the engine sneezed and stalled. Linda started the engine again and this time squeezed the clutch more smoothly, and the car quietly rolled forward, pouring exhaust over its former owners standing on the side of the road in confusion with their hands raised.
—No more difficult than riding a bicycle, honey.— She answered him with a slight smile.

[Morpheus]

Continued. (PART 19)...
Ten minutes later, Linda had more or less figured out the controls and the car, picking up speed more confidently, rolled along the highway. Alex counted the bills he still had in his hands - 49 American dollars, as far as he understood they were approximately in America in the 30s. Damn, I should have asked the previous owners of the car about the current date and year, but somehow I didn’t figure it out right away. Paper dollars circulated in America almost until the end of the 21st century, until they were replaced by a single credit currency—the kind that could be paid even on Mars. The money they had was unlikely to be enough for a luxurious life here, but given their situation, it would do for the first time... with this amount they could last for a while without attracting too much attention to themselves. He rolled up the bills and put them in the inside pocket of his jacket and looked back through the rearview glass. No one was following them. He looked straight at Linda.
- And what next?
- What’s wrong with you, honey?- Linda’s voice sounded as if they were out for a walk- You should know better than me how to behave here. First of all, we need to buy other clothes and, of course, change the wheels for another car. This couple, as soon as someone picks them up, will rush to the police to report that their car was seized by two newlyweds dressed like morons and, of course, our signs. “She paused. “Of course, it would be necessary to remove both of them so that they wouldn’t talk... As one old pirate said, Flint thinks: “The dead don’t bite.” – Alex looked at her as if she were crazy. Linda caught his gaze and suddenly laughed nervously:
- What?? Do you have other options? If you want, I can drop you off and then our paths diverge, but for now we need each other, right?! We can’t survive here alone. Don’t pretend to be a moralist. We still don’t know what year we ended up in and how to get out of here is also unknown. - She angrily hit the steering wheel with her palm and screamed:
- Damn! After all, we were one step away from changing this fucking world! And ruin everything because of an absurd mistake, and you... you also became an obstacle in our brilliant plan.
Alex grinned and leaned back in his chair and contemptuously replied:
- Well, sorry.
We drove in silence for the next thirty minutes until we entered a small town on the border of which a rusty billboard with a smiling red-haired woman and the inscription: “WELCOME TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS” proudly stood. Low one- and three-story buildings with faded advertisements for Coca-Cola and shaving foam on paper posters hanging on the walls. Vintage retro cars were moving towards them. Alex identified their brands as Fords, Cadillacs, Buicks. People dressed in fashion from the 1930s to the twentieth century walked along the sidewalks along the houses. We urgently need to find out exactly what year they were brought in. He saw a gas station and told Linda to stop by. There you could not only refuel, but also buy something to eat right there in a small shop, as well as a newspaper in the newspaper machine located next to the entrance. Linda carefully parked near the pump and looked questioningly at Alex.
- Stay in the car and don’t go out anywhere. I’ll buy the local newspaper and find out where I can get clothes here. He got out of the car and slowly walked towards the entrance, which was closed by a door with a mosquito net stretched over it. Linda looked around through the car window with longing in her eyes. After everything she had in her time, the life flowing outside the window of her car seemed gray and primitive to her. Ten minutes later, Alex came out of the gas station door with a paper bag in his hand and some guy in a blue shirt and wide canvas pants with large greasy stains on them, who walked up to the gas pump and inserted a gun into the bell of the gas tank of their car. Meanwhile, Alex took out a fresh Washington Post newspaper from the newspaper machine and first of all fixed his eyes on the date on it. May 17, 1934. So, they are almost three hundred years from their era.
The gas station attendant finished refueling their car and hung the hose into the pump. Alex slipped ten dollars into his hand and winked:
- If anything, you haven’t seen us, oh, okay?! The young boy looked at the bill in his hand, smiled joyfully and actively nodded his head. Linda started the engine and they moved on. Alex unwrapped the package and took out a road map. Next he pulled out a couple of sausage sandwiches and a bottle of water. Handing one to Linda, he took a large bite from his and said gloomily:
- Do you know where we have gone? In 1934. A year of the Great Depression and a poor economy in most states. As if to confirm his words, rows of rusted cars and trailers stretched past them on the sides of the road, between which sheets were stretched, serving as a canopy, and dwellings somehow cobbled together from various rubbish. Between them there were fires burning on which they cooked food. The gloomy faces of women and men spoke for themselves - they were not forced to lead such a lifestyle because of a good life. Dirty children in tattered clothes ran around playing their simple games.
Linda held the steering wheel with one hand and took a bite of her sandwich with the other. Alex, meanwhile, finished his, unfolded the map and, looking at it a couple of minutes later, said:
- If you believe this map, we are driving along the road to the north. We will move along it for now, it will lead us to the big city, and we will see there. The gas station attendant said there’s a used clothing store here. They need to look there and change clothes, otherwise you can’t walk around like that.
After about five minutes, they actually saw a small, shabby sign with the inscription: “Freddy’s Used Clothes Store.” A little lower, smaller: “We buy and sell old clothes.” Inside the store it was stuffy, dusty and smelled of mothballs. Fortunately for them, there was no one inside the large room filled with all sorts of rags except the owner Freddie himself, a smiling fat man of about fifty, and they were able to freely choose clothes that fit them and in accordance with the local fashion, so as not to stand out. Alex chose almost new gray trousers and the same vest with a white shirt, a gray jacket and a beige hat with a black trim. His shoes were not particularly noticeable, so he did not take other shoes. Linda bought herself a long yellow summer dress made of thin fabric with rose embroidery on the chest, a woolen jacket, a wide white hat and a small leatherette handbag with a long cord where she hid the gun, her precious necklace and wedding ring away from prying eyes. I replaced the sandals with almost new patent leather shoes. The owner of the store, although he was surprised by the strange outfit of these newlyweds and their desire to buy used things, did not show it, especially since the strange visitors paid more than the required amount for clothes, asking him not to tell anyone about their visit, if anyone suddenly asks about them.
* * *
They left the town. We drove for another hour at top speed, fearing a possible police chase. Along the route we came across a small roadside hotel with a cafe. Near him there were already two Cadillacs and one Ford. Alex told Linda to park next to them. They needed to change the car to another one. But for this it was better to wait until dark. Besides, he was desperately hungry and didn’t mind taking a shower. And it wouldn’t hurt to rest; after all this worry over the last 24 hours, he felt overwhelmed and tired. Judging by Linda’s face, she also experienced the same sensations. Entering the office premises, they approached the hotel manager’s desk. A middle-aged man, lean, wearing glasses and a thin line of lips with greased hair, was writing something in his grubby office book. Behind him hung an old-fashioned telephone booth, where you held a conical tube on a thin cord near your ear and spoke into a microphone on the body. The counter was worn out, dirty and full of cracks. Alex involuntarily felt disgusted. But suppressing his dissatisfaction, he walked towards her with Linda and, putting on the friendliest smile on his face, said:
- Hello! Can we rent a room from you for a day? - The manager looked up from his book and tried to portray something like cordiality.
- Of course, sir! Do you need a room with a shower?
- Yes, preferably!
- Great. There is just a double room. Price: 5 dollars. Your documents, please?! - Alex frowned in annoyance... Damn, he completely forgot that identification documents are needed when checking in. He reached into his pocket and took out the rest of the cash. There were 19 dollars left. Having counted 15, he conspiratorially winked at the hotel manager and said:
- You see, my friend... My fiancée and I decided to have a honeymoon, but our parents had quite strict rules on this matter before the wedding... So we ran away with her and are traveling That’s how it goes across the country. incognita. Let’s sign us up as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and we promise to be quiet and not make noise.” Alex pushed 15 dollars towards him and winked. The manager thought for a few seconds. Then he briskly grabbed the money and gave them a key with a large round plaque on which stood the number 8. Alex picked up the key and, taking Linda by the elbow, with the most carefree look, went to the cafe. Here they were able to eat normal hot food with the remaining money and after that they went to their room. The room was small but cozy. Double bed with relatively clean washed sheets. Two bedside tables with electric table night lights in the lampshade. A tiny corner with a shower, where even one was cramped with a sliding screen that prevented splashes of water from entering the room. Apparently the toilet was shared on the street; it was not provided here. There is a faded carpet on the floor. There are blinds hanging on the only window. Along the wall are two old wooden chairs and a low coffee table. Linda examined the interior and grimaced with dissatisfaction - hmmm, she, the daughter of a construction magnate, accustomed to prosperity and cutting-edge technologies that make her life calm and serene, has to get used to living in such monstrous conditions. She took off her clothes and climbed into the shower first. I spent a long time trying to figure out the old valves, then I waited for the rusty water to drain and adjusted the hot and cold water to achieve the optimal temperature for washing. Alex, meanwhile, lay down on the bed and unfolded the newspaper he had bought the day before. On the front page, in big bold font, was the headline: “The Burrow Gang Robs the Bank Again!” Below I read the text of the article: “A gang that includes the well-known Bonnie Parker and Clyde Burrow yesterday, May 15 of this year. once again committed a daring bank robbery in Okabina, Minnesota. A policeman and two bank employees were killed. The police continue to search for the elusive robbers and ask residents to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals.” Below were two black and white photographs of a man and a woman. The man was young with a short hairstyle combed to the side and the same young girl with wavy hair casually grabbed with a hairpin. Alex peered at them. Yes, of course it was about American history and about this criminal couple. I didn’t remember all the details, but I remembered well how badly they would end... About thirty minutes later, Linda came out of the shower, drying herself with a large white terry towel. He smelled a slight smell of toilet soap. Alex looked at her. At another time, the sight of Linda naked would have caused him wild excitement, but now, after everything that had happened, he felt nothing for her except terrible apathy. She sat down on the edge of the bed and said:
- You can go to the shower if you want. The water is not bad.
Alex stood up and threw the newspaper on her lap. He quickly undressed and squeezed into the shower. Underfoot there were cracked tiles with rusty streaks, framing a metal drain drain in the center. There was soggy soap in a rusty iron soap dish nailed to the wall. Overcoming his disgust, he took it and soaped his head and whole body. Wash off the soap suds. I repeated the procedure again. He turned off the water and, drying himself with a towel, went into the room. Linda, with her towel wrapped around her chest, was reclining on the bed and reading the newspaper. Alex put on his trousers and, after thinking, threw on his shirt, but did not button it up. The room was quite warm. Linda looked up from reading and suddenly asked:
- You probably hate me?!
Alex put his hands in his pockets and looked at her point-blank.
- What do you think? You used me for unknown purposes. Your friends killed innocent people. By your grace we are stuck in this hole. And what do you expect from me? Gratitude?! - He angrily paced around the room, but due to the fact that the area of ​​​​the room did not allow him to walk far, he plopped down in one of the chairs and frowned and began to look into the corner. Linda wrapped the towel around herself tighter and sat up on the bed and said:
- Listen to me. Due to the fact that it is unknown whether we will ever be able to get out of here, and because of the current circumstances, I want to tell you everything as it is. And then decide for yourself what to do. You can take the gun from my purse and shoot me. There is a necklace and your ring, all this can be turned into money here and I think I will live well the rest of my life.

Sent after 1 minute 51 seconds:
Thank you all for your attention! To be continued a little later today.

[Evgenii7519]

It’s kind of a hat, to be honest.

[Morpheus]

Some kind of hat, to be honest

Well, to each his own...

Sent after 2 hours 25 minutes 56 seconds:
Continued (PART 20). ..
—I’m sorry that I ruined your life, but... when I saw you for the first time, I didn’t think that our relationship would go so far... It’s a long story...
I grew up as a calm, obedient child. She studied diligently, was not rude to her parents and elders, and dreamed of becoming a historian because... I was very fascinated by history. But at the age of 20 I met a guy, his name was Robert Weiss. He was a genius in terms of technology and, it seemed to me, he was also crazy about everything that emanated from antiquity. He talked about how he traveled a lot around the world, participated in illegal archaeological excavations, and had a large library of ancient books and all sorts of artifacts. He said that he dreams of visiting the past, but he does not have the money to pay for the trip. We started an easy romance with him. I was head over heels in love with him. And he kept me at a distance, not letting me come closer to him, but not pushing me away either. My parents didn’t know anything about him, but I dreamed that he would ask me to marry and the two of us would seriously engage in our favorite activity—studying ancient cultures. He did not work anywhere, he was engaged in assembling and flashing some programs for computers and somehow earned his living. At each of our meetings, he told me what would happen if... and began to fantasize if it were possible to use the time machine for personal gain and change the course of history... . I listened to him and became increasingly imbued with the spirit of adventurism. A year later, I couldn’t even think about anything other than helping him get into the past and change something in him. I dreamed of such prospects... The simplest thing that seemed possible for us to do was to go to a time when Columbus had not yet discovered America. The Incas lived in the area of ​​future South America and we knew that they had countless reserves of gold. With the help of modern weapons and trinkets, we thought we would become gods for them, whom they would worship and voluntarily give us all their treasures. Then we would have destroyed the Spanish conquistadors and Columbus would not have discovered America, and we, jumping through eras with this gold, would have created a new world that no one could dream of... That’s what he said and it seemed to me a damn tempting offer, I understood that innocent people could suffer people and that perhaps there would be no turning back, but Robert said that we would be able to fix everything later... Through the Internet I found three more guys who were just as screwed up as himself. Together we began to seriously think about how we could make what we dreamed into reality. At first, Robert tried to assemble his own time machine, but there was not enough power. A colossal amount of energy was needed, and without a special powerful generator there was no point even thinking about it. We started studying your time agency. We tried to find in the archives plans for the construction of the building itself, how and how the time machine is controlled... how the transfer takes place... Another two years passed before they were able to create a virus program with which we were able to enter your system. I have long hinted to my parents to give me a certificate for traveling into the past. Shortly thereafter, a miniature camera was used to film the interior layout of the room through time travel. And Robert managed to connect to their system, and when you and I were returning from the Titanic, a tragedy almost occurred due to a virus that I had introduced into your chronometer, the system malfunctioned and we were unable to return back. Robert managed to download all the codes and commands to launch the time machine only when the chronometer began working to transport us back. Everything was calculated down to the smallest detail, even a rivet that flew out of the ship’s hull was part of the plan, but quite accidentally hitting the screen disrupted its work and we began to drift through the eras. But in fact, her task was only to disrupt the operation of the transfer system at the time of our return, in order to hide the traces of our interference in it... Robert, with his stories about world domination and changing the course of history, was so able to convince us of the correctness of this idea that we ourselves believed and wanted this, believing that we could change the world for the better by turning the wheel of history in the other direction. All that was left to do was to choose a day when it would be possible to freely enter your agency under a plausible pretext and, having taken possession of the remote control for launching the time machine, go wherever we want. I started dating you again on Robert’s instructions, he said that I need to continue communicating with you, you can be very valuable in our business. There was even an idea to persuade you to work with us, but we were afraid that you would refuse, and then we would be discovered. At first, when I met you, I was simply trying to find out as much as possible about your work and the structure of the time machine. And then...then I realized that I was becoming interested in you more than just as an object. I suddenly felt the difference between the calculating and cold Robert and the good nature and open love for me on your part, and I also felt that I was beginning to fall in love with you... But I could no longer betray our cause. The thought of changing the world sat like a thorn in my brain.
- And marrying me, was that his idea?- Alex asked gloomily.
Linda was silent for a few seconds, then answered:
- Yes and no... He wanted me to move to live with you and was not against our close relationship, saying that the closer we are, the easier it will be to extract the information we need from you. You proposed to me, and I didn’t know at first whether to agree or not... But Robert said it was perfect! That this is the very case that we have been waiting for so long to enter the time travel room when the security system is minimally turned on. Moreover, after our hacker attack, the federal services dug their noses into the ground trying to find the ends of where the information leak occurred. Therefore, it was decided to act, especially since our plan seemed ideal to us. We took out suits, weapons... we hoped that we would be able to leave without shooting and killings. But they didn’t take into account your preparation and, of course, they screwed up the security system in the corridor, which you didn’t really tell anything about. Well, we missed the moment when one of your guys called the police. As a result, the brilliant plan fell apart like a house of cards, and then you know...
- Well, you moved, but they figured out you and would have found you in the very near future. And your parents? Why did you decide to betray them in this way? And what were you missing? You had everything! -Alex’s voice was more surprised than condemning.
- Yes, I had... - Linda smiled sadly, looking into space in front of her - but I told you that it wasn’t money that I needed. And the elementary attention of my parents to me, to my needs... And when all day long you communicate with electronic servants and empty-headed girlfriends of the same rich parents, who were incapable of talking about anything other than rags and entertainment, you inevitably begin to cling to anything. And with the advent of Robert, my life changed radically. We’ve thought of everything. After our transfer to the main computer, ghost programs would be launched, which should hide our real location, and by the time the system was cleared of them, we had already turned the wheel of history in the other direction... It’s a pity that the police bullets corrected this a little, the time machine died before we reached our destination.
- Yes?! What about your father’s bloodhounds? He told me that he had beaten me and knew everything about my life. -Alex stretched his legs forward and folded his hands on his stomach.
- Yes, I know about it. He also tracked me through electronic tracking systems. But Robert came up with a special program and it fooled his programs by showing that I was, like, anywhere but with him.
She was silent.
- For my parents, I was just like an expensive thing that needs to be protected and kept under glass.
Alex got up from his chair, thoughtfully went to the window and looked at street through a strip of blinds. There was a green Cadillac parked next to their car; there seemed to be no suspicious movement. He walked back and forth across the room and sat down in the chair again. Linda looked at him searchingly, as if expecting some kind of verdict.
- Everything you told me is, of course, very fascinating...But I’m not sure that you’re not lying to me even now.
-Why do I need this?-Linda responded sluggishly.
-I don’t know. How can I trust you after everything that happened? You just decided to play with my feelings for some dubious purpose. Where can I guarantee that you won’t want to leave me somewhere to die if something happens here? What does it cost you? I was just a link in the chain of your such a brilliant plan. Linda got out of bed and sat next to him in an empty chair, turning to him.
- Alex, I understand that I am very guilty of you. But what happened happened - I can’t change the past. You may not believe me, but I really like you very much. Everything that happened between us was sincere and from the heart. I probably love you too... Maybe not as much as you loved me, but I still love you... And then, you can take the gun, the ring, the necklace - if it makes you feel safer. This way I will be completely dependent on you. Alex wanted to believe it. Somewhere deep down, he may have even forgiven Linda. Besides, he had no idea what to dofurther, hopes that in the coming years a time machine will be created again and they will begin to look for them were very small. All ends were most likely destroyed by the explosion. The only way they can find out something about them is by rummaging through the archives and if they somehow leave a legacy here. Dad Thomson will certainly spare no money and effort and will provide any assistance to restore the time machine as soon as possible and begin the search for his beloved unlucky daughter. However, Linda has no way back. Even if her parents forgive her, the authorities will not let this matter go, but on the contrary, they will stage a show trial of her and immediately condemn her for terrorism. And now he has to either stay here forever with her, or find an opportunity to make himself known and thus return to his own time, but without her. He sighed and stood up from his chair. The room became cooler and he began to button up his shirt.
- Well, that’s it... Consider that I gave you another trust form as a bonus. If you screw him up too, I’ll shoot you personally. Linda stood up from her chair and quietly hugged his shoulders from behind. He felt how her tears wet his shirt and how her shoulders trembled from sobs.
- Thank you, Alex...I was afraid that you would leave me here alone. Yes, I deserved it, but I still hoped that you would forgive me...
He felt incredibly sorry for her. The old feelings washed over him like a wave. He turned to her and began to cover her tear-stained face with thousands of kisses. His love for her returned to him with redoubled force. She laughed and cried at the same time from the feeling of happiness. Tears, previously held back by an effort of will, washed away all the negativity from her soul and heart in a hot stream. The realization of what she had done at that time was only now beginning to dawn on her in full. She fell for something unknown, and this is the result... She is in someone else’s time, her parents curse her, and the authorities will do everything to find her even here. The only dear person who needs her and who will not leave her alone is nearby.
Alex wiped her tears from her face with his hand and, pressing her to himself, whispered gentle encouraging words. Passion and love again covered them with its blanket and an hour later they, happy and tired, fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Sent after 3 minutes 46 seconds:
Continuation (PART 21)...
Alex, still in a sleepy slumber, sensed with his sixth sense the impending danger. Opening his eyes and quickly remembering where they were, he slipped out of bed and gently rolled along the floor to the window. Some exclamations and the creaking of the brakes of several cars were heard from the street. Four Fords were parked right in front of the hotel, blocking the parking lot. Judging by their badges on the doors, it was the State Police. Men in uniform with rifles and Thompson submachine guns jumped out of the cars. Some hid behind open car doors, others took positions behind trees. The voice of one amplified by a megaphone sounded.
- We know that you are inside! Give up! Come out with your hands up! Otherwise we shoot to kill. Linda woke up the same way and anxiously listened to sounds from the street. Alex bent down cursing and crawled up to Linda, who understood nothing. He threw her clothes from the chair and ordered her to get dressed quickly.
- Alex, what’s going on?!- her voice was scared.
- Police! It looks like we were either betrayed by the hotel owner, or a stolen car was found. Or maybe both together.” He quickly pulled his shoes on his feet and put on his vest. Linda hesitated, getting tangled in the folds of the unusual style of dress. And then the shooting started. First, several pistol and rifle shots were heard, and then machine guns joined them. You could hear the bullets breaking the glass in the next room and biting into the wood with a howl. Alex was surprised why, if they shoot at them, they don’t shoot at their number?! Maybe they were wrong? But at that moment several stray bullets pierced their doors and got stuck in the opposite wall. Holding Linda’s hand, he crouched down to the window and tried to see out of the corner of his eye what was happening on the street. The perimeter between the hotel and the road was clouded with bluish gunpowder smoke. The police were shooting somewhere near their room, but stray bullets kept trying to fly into their room. Alex didn’t know for sure whether the police had come for them or not, but he decided not to tempt fate and get out of here as quickly as possible. Their car was parked not far from the door of their room, while the police continued to fire excitedly towards the hotel, they had a chance to sneak into their car unnoticed and take advantage of the confusion to leave. After waiting until the shooting had died down a little, Alex opened the door and he and Linda, like two Japanese ninjas, dived onto the lawn and rolled towards the car. There were several other parked cars nearby and they protected them well from bullets and line of sight of the police. At that moment, Alex saw with his peripheral vision how the bullet-riddled door of the room next to them suddenly opened and two figures appeared on the threshold: a young girl in a white trouser suit and a man of about the same age. He had a Thompson submachine gun in both hands, and she was holding a shotgun. Shooting as they went, they ducked behind a parked Ford. The shooting resumed with renewed vigor. Broken car windows rattled and the exhalations of wheel cylinders pierced by bullets could be heard. The couple fired back and didn’t seem to be going to surrender alive. Another policeman, wounded in the arm, dropped his gun and fell behind the car. But the forces were clearly not equal. The cartridges were running out, and the police began to advance, shooting and not allowing them to lean out from behind the cars. Alex assessed the situation. So, it will no longer be possible to get out unnoticed. Their car will be riddled with bullets before they can drive a hundred meters. Wait until the police finish off these two, and then arrest them to find out who they are and where they come from - this is the best case scenario. At worst, they will be killed as accomplices without even being allowed to say anything in their defense. In both cases, the situation was not in their favor. Linda is with him and he will not forgive himself if something happens to her. He grabbed Linda’s purse and removed from it a 20-round Glock with explosive bullets, used by special police forces in his time. Leaning out slightly from behind the car, he shot at a sneaking policeman who was trying to get around the shooters on the other side. He shot in the leg so as not to kill, but only to incapacitate. However, an explosive bullet hitting living flesh severely crippled it, but in this case it was better than death. With the next shot, he smashed the breech of the gun of another policeman hiding behind the car, thus breaking it. They were noticed and hurricane fire was now opened on them. The car they were hiding behind immediately looked like Swiss cheese with holes. But their help was also appreciated by a couple hiding not far from them, who only now noticed Alex and Linda. They looked at each other for several long seconds, as if deciding to trust them or better shoot them right away. Alex decided to take the first step and shouted to them:
- Hey, we are with you! Come to us. The couple quickly talked about something and, waving their hand, crouched and ran up to them. The police fired less often, apparently they began to run out of ammunition. Squatting down, they looked at Linda and Alex with undisguised interest. It seemed to him that he had already seen them somewhere... A black hat, an expensive black suit with a white shirt, brown eyes and an impudent grin full of irony, and she was in a white trouser suit, blue eyes, slightly full lips, a short hairstyle on her head... businesslike reloads the gun as if they were hunting. And not on the brink of death.
- Well, friends? “Are you with us?” the guy in the hat interrupted his thoughts. Alex suddenly remembered that he had left his hat in the hotel room. In response, he nodded and, so that there would be no doubt about his sincerity, he suddenly emerged from behind the hood of the car and, as they were taught in training, made several accurate shots towards the police. One howled holding his hand, shattered by a bullet. And the other was rolling in the dust on his stomach, holding his shot buttock. There were no more than four policemen left on their feet, some of whom were clearly already running out of ammunition. The guy in the hat appreciated Alex’s maneuver and sharply pulled the door of the car behind which they were all hiding. It was a four-seater green Ford sedan. His girlfriend immediately dived into the back seat and began frantically firing a gun at the police from the window. Alex, having realized, quickly helped Linda climb inside and ordered her to lie down between the seats, meanwhile the guy in the hat dived into the driver’s seat and started the engine and quickly took off. Alex jumped into the cabin next to him as he walked. Although the car was riddled with bullets and had two broken wheels, it moved and that was the main thing. The police sluggishly tried to shoot in pursuit, but this did not change anything. The fugitives successfully managed to escape from the trap. But they could not pursue them, all the police cars were disabled. The Ford, broken in many places, was wobbling along a country road on flat tires, raising clouds of dust. After about thirty minutes, they turned left and drove until they came to a building that very much resembled an old mill, only without the mill wings. The guy in the hat sitting behind the wheel quickly jumped out and opened the gate to the mill building, drove the car inside and closed the gate doors. Alex and Linda went outside without waiting for an invitation. Their companion invited them and his friend to climb the stairs up into the building. They found themselves inside a large room with worn wooden floors, a minimum of furniture and an absolutely ascetic atmosphere. The faint smell of ground flour and sour dough hung in the air. The only window overlooking an area overgrown with weeds was covered with newspapers from the inside so that light could not be seen outside. The guy in the hat walked up to a small minibar lined with bottles of booze. He twisted the cork with the first one he came across and poured the alcohol into four glasses. He treated Linda and Alex, and he and his passion plopped down in a sagging chair. She sat on his lap, sipping from a glass and looking at Alex inquisitively.
- So, who do I have the honor of knowing? - the guy in the hat asked foolishly, looking out from behind the girl. Alex cleared his throat and calmly replied:
- My name is Alex Foley, and this... this is my wife Linda Foley. We are very grateful to you guys for your help.” Alex raised his glass in greeting. The guy in the hat raised his in response and answered thoughtfully.
- Why did the cops decide to hunt you too? I know for sure that they came for our souls, and then, when I was already thinking about not leaving, you appear and save our asses.
- Well, we stole a car and robbed one guy..- Alex winked at him.- Besides, we have long dreamed of meeting you in person, so to speak, in order to have the honor of fighting back with you against this rotten world. After all, you are the famous Bonnie and Clyde, right? - Alex showed puppy delight on his face. The guy sitting in the chair lifted his girlfriend to her feet and, looking thoughtfully at Alex, came close to him. He was slightly shorter than him, but slightly wider at the shoulders. He looked at him for a few seconds, then took a sip from the glass and suddenly suddenly threw his hand forward and said:
- Then let’s get to know each other better. Yes, I’m Clyde, Clyde Burrow. And this is my friend, Bonnie Parker. - He grinned slyly - Yes, the press made us famous and we even like it. Alex hurried to eagerly shake the outstretched hand and, as if from overwhelming emotions, exclaimed:
- Oh, yes! Mr. Burrow has long wanted to meet you personally. My wife and I decided to follow in your footsteps. These bastards who made you outcasts must pay. People like us must show everyone that we can break this system. -Alex said everything he remembered from the history course about what Bonnie and Clyde were promoting then. Linda, with amazement, also remembered this criminal couple, who for several years had been a nightmare for banks and stores, and who soon died ingloriously... Clyde listened to Alex with a grin and, having finished his glass, turned to Bonnie.
- Look, dear, our business is gaining momentum followers. So we are on the right track. - And again turning to Alex. – Guys, if you really are who you say you are, then that’s certainly great. It’s pretty damn hard for the two of us right now. The authorities have taken us seriously and we are forced to constantly change our place of residence. At the hotel, the manager apparently betrayed us. Most likely he saw our faces in the newspaper. Linda, unable to bear it, answered:
-The manager didn’t call the police because he recognized you. Most likely, he didn’t like the fact that Bonnie was wearing pants, and many here perceive this as inappropriate behavior of a girl, and therefore arouses suspicion. So he called the cops, and they apparently guessed that it was you.” Alex looked at her with admiration. She also remembered who Bonnie and Clyde were in America in the 30s.
- That’s how?! - Bonnie raised one eyebrow in surprise. - What an old goat... - she cursed intricately. - How do you know about this? Linda scolded herself for her rash statement.
- So this is understandable, the owner of the hotel looks like he is clearly one of those who adheres to strict moral principles in everything. - Alex came to her rescue - When my wife and I moved in, he I didn’t believe that we were husband and wife until I showed him our wedding rings on our fingers. And the whole time he was processing us, he looked at us as if we were some kind of communists who had come to agitate him to join their union. -Clyde laughed at Alex’s successful joke and took an open bottle from the bar and poured more alcohol for everyone.
- That’s for sure! That’s why I didn’t immediately like his face, the way he looked at Bonnie. That is OK. I hope the police smashed the floor of the hotel for him while they smoked us out of there. - Clyde raised his glass and took a big sip. -
- Okay, friends, if you are really with us, then we will have work to do tomorrow. We have our eye on a bank in the vicinity. There is almost no security there, but you can get good money. At the same time, let’s remind ourselves once again. Alex glanced at Linda. There was nowhere to go, either with them or to the police.
- Oh, okay! Now it would be nice to have lunch. After that shootout, I got a terrible appetite.” Clyde went to the closet in the wall and opened the doors. The niche in the wall was completely filled with all types of small arms: pistols, shotguns, rifles, machine guns, boxes of ammunition. Alex whistled.
- Wow! Where does such an arsenal come from?
- And we did this, somehow raided a weapons store and now we can fight even against the regular army.
Clyde took out a bulky Thompson submachine gun from a niche and inserted a disc into it with cartridges.
- Wait, you said you were hungry... I thought we were going to eat... - Alex looked at Clyde incomprehensibly. He laughed and took out a spare disk.
-That’s right, buddy! We’re going shopping. You see, Bonnie and I took the bank the day before, crashed into this shitty hotel, thought to wait there, and then the police came... In short, we had to leave all the money, otherwise there would be no way to leave with it. This is a temporary den, tomorrow we’ll grab some money and go on the run again, to another state. Now let’s take some food and lie down here for the night. The police won’t look for us here. Linda was handed a .38-caliber police revolver with six rounds in the cylinder. Bonnie pulled out a box of ammunition for her gun from a niche. Alex noticed that she walked all the time dragging her right leg. From the history course I remembered that during the next escape from the police in the car, they overturned and one of the car’s batteries burst, as a result of which the acid in it spilled onto her leg, damaging it. Clyde threw his machine gun behind his back, picked Bonnie up in his arms and went down the stairs. Alex and Linda followed them down. When they went outside, they discovered that there was another car in the bushes behind the mill. It was a cherry colored Buick. Clyde climbed inside and pulled the car closer to them. Having placed the weapons in the luggage compartment, everyone sat down inside and the car drove towards the road leading to the city. An hour later they stopped at a grocery store with a catchy sign: “The best products. Brad and Sons." After some discussion, it was decided to leave the women in the car for insurance and go into the store themselves. They each took a pistol with them and quickly went inside.

Sent after 2 minutes 49 seconds:
Continued (PART 22)...
Alex’s nose was filled with the smell of vinegar, freshly baked bread, pickled fish, some spices and the sweetish smell of fresh meat. Wooden barrels with pickled fish, vegetables, and soaked apples stood right along the counter, exuding an amber. Behind the counter on the shelves were piles of sweets, sugar, vegetables, canned goods, rings of boiled and smoked sausage. Cured hams and fresh meat hung from hooks. Black square loaves and white loaves of bread, large sliced ​​heads of cheese, and much more that Alex, despite his deep knowledge of history, could not identify. There were two customers in the store, an elderly lady and a middle-aged gentleman looking at the window display. A fat man stood at the cash register—apparently the owner of the shop was the same Brad—and was writing something down in a large, battered business book. There were no sons in sight. Clyde walked up to the counter with the most carefree look and stood looking at the display case. Alex stood at the entrance, insuring himself in case of unforeseen circumstances, and quietly flipped the sign that read “open” to the reverse “closed.” The guy, as healthy as the owner, came out of the back room and headed towards Clyde standing near the counter.
- How can I help, sir?!- His voice was deep, but with notes of courtesy to the buyer. Clyde burst into a smile and began dictating to the kid in a sing-song voice what he wanted to buy. A couple of rings of smoked sausage, a dozen different canned goods, a loaf of bread, tea, sugar and many other products flew into a paper bag. There were already two full paper bags on the counter and a third one was being filled. Finally, Clyde approached the cash register. Standing behind the cash register, Brad put on his face something like a flattering smile for such a large customer and began pushing the products Clyde had ordered through the machine. He waited for the end of this procedure, then slowly pulled out a pistol from his belt behind and pointed it at the taken aback Brad.
- Kindly, please also put all the proceeds from the cash register in a separate bag. And hurry up, I’m in a hurry! The guy standing behind the opposite counter, apparently one of his sons, began to sneak along the display window, hoping to go behind Clyde’s back. Alex noticed his maneuver, pulled out his pistol, pointed it at him and shouted at him to stay in place. He froze, glaring at Alex with a hateful gaze. The visitors in the store pressed themselves against the wall with fear and raised their hands up. Meanwhile, Brad, standing behind the cash register, reluctantly began to put the proceeds from the cash register into a paper bag. Clyde shouted at him to speed up and shot at the window behind him, breaking a bottle of vinegar, causing the store to stink even more.
-Hey, Alex! - Clyde called him over - Take the bags of groceries, which Mr. Brad so kindly prepared for us and bring it to the car. Alex walked up to him and took two heavy bags in his hands. At that moment, with some sixth sense, he caught the movement and only professional training saved his life. From somewhere behind, another type appeared with the same volume as Brad himself and his son. In his hands he held a huge ax like butchers usually cut up beef carcasses and, swinging it, apparently tried to split Alex’s skull. He dropped the bags of groceries and barely had time to step aside. The ax slammed into the counter with a whistling sound, leaving a deep groove in it. Clyde hesitated for just a second, but immediately pulled himself together and shot him with a pistol. The bullet hit him in the side, but did not cause any visible harm, because he made another attempt to hit him with the ax. Clyde offhand fired three more shots at point-blank range and the attacker, with a roar, dropped the ax and fell to the dirty floor, covering it with his blood. A second one jumped out from behind the counter and jumped on Clyde, knocking him down. The gun fell out of his hands and flew against the wall, and he collapsed under the weight of the attacker. Standing behind the cash register, Brad, shouting curses, pulled out from somewhere a long, wide knife like one used to cut bread, jumped up on the counter with his feet, and jumped on Alex. Although he was more agile, he did not have time to dodge and Brad’s heavy body almost crushed him. As he fell, he managed to hit him in the wrist, which was gripping the knife, and it fell out of his hands and fell nearby. Stunned by the fall, he began to beat the fat man with his hands and feet on all the unprotected parts of his body that he could reach. Brad reeked of sweat, urine, and clothes that had not been washed for a long time. In addition, folds of fat prevented him from delivering a sensitive blow. He began to choke, Brad, growling and spewing curses, wanted to reach his throat with his hands. Meanwhile, Clyde was trying to get out from under the carcass of his son Brad who was holding him. They rolled on the floor, knocking over everything they came across. Alex smacked Brad’s ears with his palms when he bent low over him, breathing musty breath into his face, he screamed and grabbed his ears, which shot through with severe pain. Then throwing off the fat man was a matter of technique. Another blow with outstretched fingers to the neck under the jaw and, for good measure, with the ribs of the palms on the side of the neck. Brad fell over like a sack of shit and went limp. Alex, breathing heavily, got out from under him and came to Clyde’s rescue. A kick to the face and the fat man fell off him like a sack, clutching his broken nose. Clyde in a torn jacket, breathing heavily, rose to his feet and heartily kicked him in the face again... and again... and again... Alex had to pull him away from the body whose face had already turned into a bluish, bloody mask.
- That’s it, let’s leave, Clyde is out of here! - he shouted, pushing him towards the exit of the store, meanwhile he quickly turned around and, stepping over the unconscious bodies in pools of blood, grabbed a half-filled bag of groceries from the floor and rushed to the entrance after behind Clyde. Two customers who had been standing along the wall all this time and did not dare to move out of fear, rushed outside and ran far away from the ill-fated store. The women in the car with guns drawn were ready to rush into the store and shoot everyone if Clyde and Alex didn’t come out in a minute. They clearly heard shots and the sounds of breaking dishes, but Bonnie did not allow Linda to rush to the rescue, saying that they had to wait. Somewhere in the distance a police siren wailed. Someone called the cops after all. Clyde and Alex jumped into the car and it sped along the highway away from the store. Bonnie was sitting behind the wheel, Clyde next to her was holding his hand on the abrasion on his face, blood was oozing through his fingers, staining his snow-white shirt. From behind, Alex was hugging Linda, who was shaking all over.
- What happened there, dear?- Bonnie asked Clyde without taking her from the road.
- Damn, that hog almost strangled me with his carcass , and before that he almost hacked us to death with an axe. If it weren’t for Alex, I would have had a hard time, baby.” Clyde took a handkerchief out of his pocket and pressed it to his face.
- By the way, Alex, I owe you. Thank you for helping and not leaving me there.
- Nothing. I’m sure you would have done the same for me.” Alex only now noticed that the scratch on his hand was bleeding. Still, Brad managed to strike his hand with the blade of the knife, but in the heat of battle he didn’t even notice it. He turned back, there seemed to be no pursuit. It seems no one saw them, unless of course you count those two random customers who ran away from the store as fast as they could. It is unlikely that they will be able to clearly describe their signs to the police. We drove further to the mill in silence. The car was again camouflaged in the branches of trees and we went inside. Alex was holding in his hands a miraculously preserved half-empty paper bag of groceries, which he had taken with him from the store. Clyde looked at him for a few seconds and suddenly laughed loudly.
- Alex, I like you. He helped me and didn’t even forget that we were without food.” Foley casually shrugged his shoulders and put it on the table. Bonnie fussed around Clyde, treating his abrasion on his face with a rag soaked in whiskey. Linda began to take the remaining food out of the bag and put it on the table. A couple of cans of rabbit stew in its own juice, two rings of smoked sausage, a loaf of black bread and a can of coffee. Suitable for four people to dine at once. Clyde changed into different clothes and even gave Alex something from his own wardrobe. Meanwhile, the girls figured out how to slightly diversify their modest menu. In the cache there were four eggs and a dozen sprouted soft potatoes. All this was mixed in a huge baking pan and put on the roasting pan. While the food was being prepared, everyone drank a glass of whiskey. The nervous tension began to subside little by little. Clyde, looking at Alex, asked:
- Listen, you surprised me twice today. And it’s not that easy. I’ve known you for nothing, but it seems like an eternity already. Who are you and where are you guys from? Alex took a sip from his glass and answered with a slight smile:
- If I tell you, you still won’t believe me.
- Try it, I don’t believe in God or the devil . I believe only in the power of weapons and in my own strength.
- And yet you won’t believe me...- Alex repeated thoughtfully.
- Don’t want to talk? Well, okay. I don’t really trust words. I trust things more. Today you showed me twice what you are capable of and I love it. The four of us will now achieve great success and reporters will write about us in all newspapers.
Dinner proceeded at home. Due to the lack of electricity, a kerosene lamp was burning, and firewood was crackling in the brazier. At the table they joked, laughed and behaved as if old friends had gathered and decided to just have a good time together. Alex, relying on his knowledge of the past, had no difficulty maintaining a casual conversation, every now and then inserting some interesting facts from the current era about politicians and famous artists. This earned him respect in the eyes of Bonnie, who listened to him with her mouth open. In the past, she had acting talent and even thought about becoming an actress, but fate brought her together with the bad boy Clyde and life took a completely different turn. Already closer to midnight we decided to go to bed. The bedroom here was a small adjoining room with a straw mattress on the floor. Alex and Linda were given another mattress with straw and laid them in the room where they had dinner, wished them good dreams and turned off the lamp.
They lay closely huddled together. Alex was thinking about how to get out of this time and about the upcoming bank robbery tomorrow. God knows, he didn’t want to get involved in all this, but now there is no other way out. Either with them, or on their own until the police catch them and begin a long and tedious search for why they don’t have documents, who they are and how they ended up here in the first place? Linda, on the other hand, wasn’t thinking about anything right now. She felt good here and now. And she didn’t even want to think about what would happen next. Pressed against Alex’s chest, she was happy. For the first time I felt what true happiness was to be with a loved one. She knew that Alex would not leave her alone and would do everything to snatch her from the tenacious clutches of the law if they were lucky enough to return to their own time. There was a fuss and muffled laughter in the next room. Clyde and Bonnie, not particularly embarrassed by their neighbors, began to love each other. Linda stroked Alex’s chest and kissed his neck. Alex flinched and looked at her in surprise. She touched his face with her lips, touched his lips with her finger as if teasing him... Alex felt a burning desire. As if on command, their bodies intertwined in one impulse and a hot embrace, stronger than any chain, connected them. It seemed to Alex that he was only now beginning to recognize the same Linda with whom he had fallen in love. The passion that seemed to have died down from the moment of her betrayal suddenly flared up in them with renewed vigor. They both floated on the waves of love and tenderness for each other. For them at that moment, no one and nothing existed. There were just the two of them and the whole universe. An hour later, tired and happy, they fell asleep hugging each other, like people who have reached the peak of pleasure and fulfilled some mission.
* * *

Sent after 2 minutes 41 seconds:
Continued. PART 23...
The next morning, at exactly 7:30, Clyde woke them up. Bonnie was already preparing breakfast. Alex and Linda took turns running to the nearest bushes to relieve themselves and washed themselves with rainwater right there from a standing wooden barrel. After getting dressed, they sat down at the table on which an old pot-bellied iron teapot was already steaming and there were four metal mugs. A can of coffee, sliced ​​sausage and leftover bread - that’s all for a simple breakfast.
Clyde, sipping coffee from his cup, said:
- It’s okay guys, today we’ll take the bank and crash into the best hotel. Let’s get some grub and eat normally. We won’t be returning here. I’m tired of sleeping on this straw and eating whatever I can steal. Alex, chewing a sausage sandwich, suddenly came up with an idea of ​​how they could make themselves known to the future so that they could be found.
- Listen, Clyde, I know you and Bonnie sent your photos to newspaper editors. Why would they print them?!
- Well, yes, I want to show these bloodhounds that we are not afraid of them and will not even hide our faces. Let them catch us. Bonnie said that it turns her on that we are constantly on the verge of death. Yes baby?!—Clyde playfully winked at his friend. She broke into a smile and nodded coquettishly.
- Listen, do you have a camera? What if we took a series of pictures with us together? Fame won’t hurt us either, and at the same time let everyone know that you are not alone now. “Clyde thought for a few seconds. And then he nodded.
- I think that’s a good idea. Baby, bring our camera. He seems to be there in things. We’ll do a little outdoor shooting.
After breakfast everyone went outside. Bonnie brought an old Kodak camera with film inside. The photography began. Clyde, Linda and Alex stood in different positions. With and without weapons, in front of a car and just fooling around. Then they changed and Bonnie was in the frame with Clyde and Linda. Fifteen frames were shot. Clyde said that today we need to send the film for development and immediately print the photographs in order to send them to all the major newspapers in the country. Before leaving, the entire arsenal of weapons was loaded into the car. They took only the most necessary things and threw the rest inside.
They drove for about an hour along an already quite busy highway. On the way, we stopped at a photo studio and Bonnie gave the film to be developed and printed. She slipped the photographer an extra ten dollars so that he wouldn’t ask too many questions. They promised to print the photo as soon as possible. To somehow kill time, we went to a roadside cafe, ordered a cup of coffee and cheesecakes, and in order to attract less attention to ourselves, we bought a newspaper, which, unfolded in front of us, hid their faces, while simultaneously looking at people hurrying about their business, scurrying along the sidewalks or looking at store windows. Everyone was thinking about their own things at that moment. They talked a little about various trifles, but the conversation did not go well and they spent the rest of the time silently drinking each of their coffees. After a while, Bonnie safely took the still wet black and white photos from the photo studio and they moved on. On the way, they came across a restaurant, in the parking lot of which stood a lonely, handsome ebony-colored Ford. The car was clearly purchased not long ago, its varnish coating glittered in the sun, playing with sunbeams on the mirrored wheel caps. Clyde pulled up and stood next to him so that he could not be seen from the restaurant window. Getting out of the car, he bent over and crept up to the hood of a standing Ford, threw it back and rummaged around inside the engine compartment for several minutes. The car began to purr. Next, Clyde used a wire to open the driver’s side door in less than a minute and motioned for Bonnie to join him. Alex shouted to drive their car after them. Linda moved into the driver’s seat and as soon as the Ford pulled out of the parking lot, she followed. Nobody jumped out of the restaurant, which means they didn’t notice the loss and there was a chance not to attract attention ahead of time.
Three blocks ahead, the Ford stopped at the corner of a two-story building opposite a building with a sign “Bank of Arkansas.” Getting out of the car, Clyde approached Alex and told him to park so that his car blocked the entrance to the bank.
- Depict a sudden breakdown of the car so that no one will be suspicious of it. — He said, taking out machine guns wrapped in a tarpaulin from the trunk. The three of us agreed to go to the bank. Linda, who had no experience in such matters, was ordered to pretend to be repairing a car. To do this, Alex opened the hood and scattered the wrenches found in the car nearby.
The trio burst into the bank suddenly and impudently. Waving their weapons, they ordered everyone inside to lie face down. Alex looked around quickly. In the corner, two heavyset guards in uniforms silently raised their hands up without even trying to resist. The cashiers were separated only by a wooden partition with glass inserted into it. Moreover, the partition did not go all the way to the ceiling, so climbing over it was not difficult. Of course, there is no trace of video surveillance, so I don’t want to rob. Clyde flew onto the partition like a bullet and climbed over it. Pushing the cashiers with the muzzle of the machine gun forced them to quickly collect all the proceeds into a bag. Alex stood at the door and made sure no one came in or out. Bonnie, meanwhile, walked between bank customers lying face down and politely asked them to hand over their wallets to her. Nobody resisted. They took their pistols from the guards and, having poured the cartridges out of them, kindly put them back in their holsters. Clyde rushed the cashiers, shouting at them. The bag was almost full. It was time to make legs. Clyde walked towards the doorway from the cash register to exit through the door. Alex was distracted and did not notice how a policeman was approaching him from behind from the street. Apparently he accidentally saw what was happening in the bank and tried to stop them. Linda, who was fiddling near the car, saw him and shouted:
- Alex, watch out!
Only his reflexes helped him, without turning around and without wasting precious seconds, to jump sharply into the left corner and turn over the desk on the move in case of a possible firing at him. Bonnie fired her gun but missed. The policeman began to shoot back, but she managed to duck down. Clyde, who fell out of the cash register door, threw the bag on the floor and began shooting from the machine gun as he walked. A policeman, a young guy patrolling the street, apparently just recently graduated from the academy and who was eager to catch one of the robbers himself, fell riddled with bullets. Alex jumped out of his hiding spot and looked outside. People began to run away from the road screaming when they heard shots. Clyde grabbed the bag of money and Bonnie rushed to the exit by the elbow. Linda immediately realized what to do and was already sitting in another car that they had left on the corner, turning on the engine. The trio flew up to her and quickly began to sit down inside. Clyde demanded to drive himself. The car took off and rushed through the narrow streets between the houses. And then, crossing the neighboring street, a police patrol car cut their way. Apparently, someone managed to call the police and report the robbery. Clyde was ready for the chase, but did not expect to meet the police so early. Having sharply rushed into the next alley, out of the corner of my eye I managed to see two heads in uniform sticking out of the windows of a police car and starting shooting at them with machine guns. Fortunately, their car managed to get through and only the trunk caught several bullets. Then we had to weave along crooked streets until we reached the highway. The police did not lag behind and shot from the windows as they walked. Linda, Alex and Bonnie had to answer them. Fortunately, the arsenal allowed this. The first police car was joined by three more called by radio. The cars raced after each other at top speed. The bullets buzzed like hornets, piercing the interior of their car and breaking through the windshield and moving on. Clyde drove at full speed, swerving from side to side. A truck pulled out towards him, Clyde turned the steering wheel to the side, and Bonnie started shooting at his wheels. The truck immediately lost speed and, wobbling, crashed into one of the police cars and overturned. The police car rolled onto its side and burst into flames. Bonnie let out a triumphant cry and busily began reloading her gun. Clyde turned onto a country road and the car, bouncing on potholes and raising clouds of white dust behind it, rushed on. They were now being pursued by only one police car; the rest could not have been seriously damaged by bullets, or were wounded or killed. Due to the dust, visibility decreased and the last car also fell behind for fear of falling into a trap. Clyde, without slowing down, wobbling along the knurled rut, raced like this for another twenty minutes until he was convinced that they had managed to break away. Turning into the woods, he began to drive slowly between the trees until we reached a wonderful lake so all sides surrounded by reeds. Here we decided to make a small stop. Having unloaded from the car, they first began to examine each other for injuries. Clyde had a slight wound in the shoulder and the bullet tore off the skin on his head. Bonnie had three graze wounds on her forearm, but they were no longer bleeding. Linda and Alex escaped with minor tangential wounds, which could not be called serious. Bonnie took out a first aid kit from the car and they began to take turns treating and bandaging each other’s wounds. Alex, bandaging Clyde’s hand, remarked:
- I think after this mess the cops will start a real hunt for you... and us. Maybe we should go to Mexico, for example, lie low with the loot and wait until everything settles down?
- What are we going to do in Mexico? I think the stolen money is barely enough for us for a couple of months, and then what? No! Now we’ll go to my good friend, recover a little and rush to another state. Where they haven’t heard of us yet. Then further... And when we collect a decent amount of money, we can drive off to where there is white sand, a warm ocean, green palm trees and no police. Alex didn’t answer anything to this, although it was on the tip of his tongue to tell him that all his dreams about white sand and a warm ocean would be shattered in just four days... They counted the stolen money. Together with the cash seized from bank clients, they received about $120,000. Not a bad income for a mediocre bank.
The car left the forest and drove on along the well-worn road. There was a draft inside the cabin through bullet holes and roadside dust, it was not very comfortable to drive, but there was no alternative. Clyde told everyone that he knew this area well, somewhere here there lived a farmer with whom they could take shelter and repair the car. Linda closed her eyes and tried to collect her thoughts, but the unevenness of the road and the poor depreciation of the car did not allow her to do this. A country road led them to the highway. Clyde apparently had a compass in his head, because after 1.5 hours the car turned onto another country road and drove another ten miles and actually ended up near a wooden farmhouse. It was quite large, painted white with a red tiled roof, a garage, a workshop and a shed for livestock. Behind it stood a tower with a large water tank and some outbuildings. There was one house for the next five miles in the area. As they drove closer, a gray-haired, round-faced man of about sixty, dressed in blue wide jeans and a gray cowboy shirt, came out of the house, in his hands he was holding a rag with which he was wiping his hands.
Clyde got out of the car and greeted him by slightly raising his hat:
- Good afternoon, Mr. Novak! Is your son Billy at home?
- Billy? Yes... He’s just feeding the calves now... Who are you, excuse me?! - The farmer was clearly suspicious.
- I’m Billy’s friend, Clyde, Clyde Burrow. Didn’t Billy tell you anything about me and my fighting friend?” Clyde shook his head towards the car. The farmer’s face immediately brightened and broke into a benevolent smile.

[Morpheus]

Continued.(PART 24)....
- Oh, it’s you, Mr. Burrow, I’ve heard a lot about your exploits with Miss..—he looked through the bullet-pierced windshield at Bonnie sitting in the cockpit... Parker. My son told me a lot about you, he says that you saved him from the cops when he stole money from the gas station where he worked because the owner didn’t want to pay him his salary because my boy accidentally spilled gasoline on the ground. You did a noble thing Mr. Burrow, my son is the only thing I have. - Then he realized. - Why are we standing on the threshold? Come into the house, dear guests. What are the names of your companions? Linda and Alex got out of the car and walked closer to Clyde.
- Oh! These are our friends and companions. Mr Alex Foley and his wife Mrs Linda Foley. The farmer nodded and went into the house, inviting the guests to follow him. Inside the house there was a smell of sour bread, fresh hay and something else elusive. In the middle there was a large wooden table with a white tablecloth. Large wooden chairs with carved legs, simple colored sun-bleached curtains on the windows, an electric lamp under the ceiling in an iron lampshade and a wooden staircase leading to the second floor. Old family photos and hunting trophies: the head of a deer, wild boar and wild goat. There was also a double-barreled hunting rifle hanging there; the owner seemed to be a good hunter as well. Linda curiously studied the old photographs on the wall and even carefully touched the heads of the stuffed animals with her hand, being delighted that they looked like they were alive. In her time, no one hunted anymore due to the fact that the number of animals had decreased and their remains had to be relocated to a reserve on one of the tropical islands.
The owner of the house, noticing her genuine interest in the photo on the wall, said importantly:
- Yes, miss, here you see almost the entire dynasty of the Novak family. My great-grandfather settled here in the last century and was engaged in breeding cows, my father continued his business and now I pass it on to my Billy. My wife, Mrs. Jacqueline Novak, nee Jackson, gave her soul to God five years ago, God rest her soul,” Novak crossed himself, “while she was alive, she had a bad character, but she managed the farm in such a way that any male farmer would be jealous.” When she passed away, Billy and I together continued the work of our ancestors and are holding on to this business tightly, you can take my word for it, miss.” He winked at her in a fatherly way.
Linda smiled admiringly and asked:
- Did you shoot all of these cute animals yourself?
- By yourself, missus! Hunting is second nature to me and there was not a day when I came empty-handed. For dinner we always had hares, partridges or pheasants. Now I’m old, my vision is poor, so these trophies now remind me of the old days, because I haven’t gone hunting for a very long time. Linda sat down on one of the chairs, continuing to gaze at the wall in fascination, Bonnie joined her, but the sight of old photos and animal heads on the wall did not particularly impress or interest her. Clyde and Alex looked around, each wondering something in their minds. Meanwhile, Novak, with the fussiness of an old man, exclaimed that the guests were probably hungry from the road, and he was feeding them with stories - he quickly went to the kitchen, asking his dear guests to settle down and feel at home, he would now set the table. At that moment, the same chubby boy of about 25 years old entered the house, with straw-colored hair spilling out from under a leather cap, in a greasy overalls with a plaid shirt underneath. His face seemed to be smiling all the time and a slightly embarrassed smile did not leave him throughout the entire time. Clyde, grinning, jumped up to him and shook his hand.
- Billy! Buddy! You see, it was not in vain that I helped you then, now I will need your help. The guy’s face broke into an even bigger smile, like melted cheese in the sun.
- Oh! Mr. Burrow! It is you?! I’m so glad you decided to visit me. How can I help you? “He just radiated a desire to be useful.” Clyde hugged him by the shoulders in a friendly manner and confidentially said:
- Yes, Billy, I know you are good with cars and I need you to fix the car we arrived in. You probably saw for yourself that it was badly damaged by the cops who were chasing us. And for this we will give you and your old man some money. So you won’t be offended.
- Of course, Mr. Burrow. We will do everything in the best possible way. Dad has a lot of different parts and paint in his garage, so your car will be like new in a couple of days.” Clyde patted him on the shoulder and pulled a large Cuban cigar from his pocket and put Billy in his breast pocket of his overalls. “I knew it.” that I can count on you. Thank you. Drive it into the garage so it doesn’t light up here. Billy, still with the same satisfied smile on his face, left to fulfill Clyde’s request. Meanwhile, Mr. Novak began setting the table. Linda and Bonnie volunteered to help him, but he refused them, citing that it was better for Bonnie not to put any strain on her wounded leg, and for Linda, who also had minor injuries to her arm, to rest. On the table appeared a large porcelain tureen from which the fragrant smell of chicken broth poured out, a pot of sliced ​​black homemade bread, a bottle of homemade liqueur, fresh vegetables, potatoes baked in the oven with spices and wild duck meat. Everyone felt terrible hunger. They sat down at the table, Billy came and also sat down at the table next to Clyde, whispered something in his ear and he nodded with satisfaction.
The chicken broth with homemade noodles went with a bang and soon the tureen was empty. They ate potatoes and duck, washed down with a sweet liqueur, which made the whole body feel warm, the legs slowly stopped working, and the head began to make a pleasant noise. Conversations at the table began spontaneously. The girls began to communicate with each other about their own, feminine things. The men, as usual, talked a little about politics, about the decline in the living standards of ordinary Americans. About the fact that Bonnie and Clyde, albeit in this way, managed to grab their piece of the pie from life and everything on such topics. We sat up talking and enjoying a second bottle of liquor until late in the evening. Billy fell asleep right at the table with his head in his hands. Clyde was also nodding off from drinking. And Alex and Linda could barely stand on their feet. Mr. Novak put them all together in one room. They immediately fell asleep without undressing. He returned to the hall where they had lunch and picked up his sleeping son Billy by the arms, dragged him into another room, where he put him to bed.
The next morning, Mr. Novak brought a new bottle of liquor, some of the remains of yesterday’s dinner and everyone sat down to breakfast. Afterwards, we took turns taking a shower. The water in it smelled like mud and was a little warm, but it was good for washing. Afterwards, Bonnie found Billy and pulled out a paper envelope with photographs and handed them to him, then with a pencil on paper she wrote several addresses of newspaper publications and put 20 dollars in his hands so that he would urgently send these photos to the specified addresses and enclose the letters she had written in advance. Billy smiled joyfully and immediately took his father’s old truck and rushed to the nearest post office to complete her task. Alex, after washing in the shower, went out with Linda to the hill behind the house and sat down on the grass and said:
- Listen to me Lindy very carefully: as I think you yourself know, this criminal couple will be killed in the next few days. The state police are digging their noses into the ground and coming up with ways to kill them as soon as possible. After all their pranks and murders, no one will take the policemen alive now. Society wants them dead. Today Bonnie sent Billy to send a photo of us filming near the mill to several large newspaper editorial offices. Do you remember that I insisted that she take a series of photographs with us too?! The idea occurred to me that if our photos end up in newspapers, and therefore in archives in the future, then assuming that the time machine can be restored, and the feds, while examining the archives, stumble upon our photos dating back to today, I’m sure they will be able to figure out our location, which means bringing us back to our home. Linda looked long and thoughtfully at the green field of corn that swayed in the wind before answering.
- You can return without any special consequences for yourself. And I, as you know, will face trial and, at best, life imprisonment in selenium mines in the craters of the Moon, at worst, they will simply be sent to a gas chamber...
- Linda, I promise you that I will do everything to prevent this. Let’s hire the best lawyer, I’m sure your father will forgive you and help you too... I don’t want to lose you there, but here too, sooner or later we will die, like these two. Linda, please! “She turned to him and thoughtfully ran her warm palm over his face. Her eyes somehow looked at him in a special way.
- My dear, my beloved... - she whispered - I didn’t expect that you would forgive me someday... You so sincerely want to help me... But I don’t deserve this. I made a terrible mistake by getting involved with this Robert. Because of me, you almost died yourself. And now are you ready to forget all this and help me again, like you are helping me now?! —Alex kissed her hand and pressed her to him. He had a vague idea of ​​what would happen next. Even if the feds find them before the police of this time, they will still need to be able to snatch Linda from the clutches of the Law and prove that everything she did was done by her under outside influence. He stroked her hair and kissed her temple, and said as softly as possible:
- Everything will be fine, I promise!
Two hours later, the same cheerful Billy returned and showed Bonnie the receipts for payment postal items. Clyde tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to work on their car. So all that remained was to wait. In view of the fact, what to do there was nothing special, everyone was looking for something to their liking. Someone decided to sleep it off. Someone to wander around and listen to the birds in the grass.
On the afternoon of the second day, Mr. Novak arrived from the city in a truck, bringing food and feed for the livestock. As well as the latest local newspapers. On the front page, in bold print, was the headline: “BERROW’S GANG EXPANDS.” And below were photos of Bonnie and Clyde, and Alex and Linda standing next to the car. Next came the article itself. “The well-known gang led by Clyde Burrow and his girlfriend Bonnie Parker has been replenished with new members of his criminal group. Only their names are known about them: one Alex and one Linda. No one yet knows who they are and where they come from. Police say they don’t have anything on file on them. This couple, apparently inspired by the fame of Bonnie and Clyde, decided to join them. Police say they were identified by witnesses at the latest bank robbery. Sheriff Hammer spoke out in favor of not capturing this gang if they were caught alive if they showed resistance. The police also urge all citizens who have information about them to immediately report by phone which we publish below.”
Bonnie put down the newspaper and grinned.
- Linda, Alex - you are now in the same harness with us. Get famous. Alex chuckled but didn’t answer. In the evening, after a hearty dinner, everyone scattered as usual. Clyde went outside and lit a cigar. A light warm breeze blew in his face. He looked thoughtfully at the sunset in the sky and thought about where they should go next. Alex, meanwhile, was going down the stairs to fill a jug of water for the night. Passing by Mr. Novak’s room, through a poorly closed door, he heard him talking in a raised voice with his son.
- Billy! Were you completely crazy when you invited this Clyde and his company to our house? Do you know that the police still haven’t closed the case against you? And if they get wind that we’re hosting them here, do you think we’ll be rewarded for it? In general, son, I’m going to the sheriff tomorrow and inform him of their location, in exchange for them not touching you.
- But dad! They’re my friends! Is it possible to do this to them? - Billy’s plaintive voice was heard.
In response, there was the sound of a slap and Novak’s muffled whisper:
- Shut up, little asshole, I’m saving your ass from prison.
Alex changed his mind about taking water and returned to Linda. Having closed the door, he said:
- The owner will hand us over to the police tomorrow. It looks like it was on his tip that Bonnie and Clyde were captured. We will need to do our feet together with them.
-Okay, my love, I’m not afraid of anything with you. Let everything be as it will be... -Linda kissed him on the lips and fell on the bed looking at him invitingly. Alex mentally sent everything to hell and, turning off the light, plopped down next to her. This night was the most passionate and hottest they had ever had.
The next morning, farmer Novak, under the pretext that he urgently needed to go to the city, took Billy with him to help him, and invited the guests not to deny themselves anything and feel at home. Only his truck disappeared onto the road. Alex walked up to Clyde and said:
- We need to get out of here urgently. This Novak will bring the police here. Yesterday I accidentally overheard his conversation with his son. He will hand us over to them so that they will leave his son alone. Clyde laughed.
- Hey, old fox, I felt in my bones that this asshole was playing a double game. He was too happy about our visit here. Okay, five minutes to get ready, take only what you need and quickly leave here. His son Billy seems to have fixed our car so we can go. The car was again loaded with an arsenal of weapons, food and canned goods found from the farmer, and three gallons of drinking water. We decided to drive straight through the cornfield until we reached the highway. Judging by the map, this road led them to the state of Texas, where they could sit out.

Sent after 3 minutes 26 seconds:
End (PART 25)...
The car had been driving for an hour. There was no chase and everyone’s nervous tension gradually subsided. Clyde, sitting behind the wheel in black sunglasses (found from old man Novak), turned on the radio and blues compositions of the 30s filled the cabin. Bonnie sat next to him and turned half-turn, looking at him with a loving gaze. Alex, hugging Linda in the back seat, thought that perhaps they could change the course of history and Bonnie and Clyde would not die today. Novak’s familiar truck loomed ahead, standing in the middle of the road. One of his wheels was removed and lay nearby, and Mr. Novak himself was fiddling with the axle, trying to unscrew something in it. Clyde began to slow down. Alex looked at Novak and the truck, and couldn’t understand how he managed to end up here on a track he shouldn’t have been on. Clyde bared his teeth in some kind of unkind smile, stopped and looked out through the side window:
- Hey, Mr. Novak, how are you, old man?! Novak straightened up and smiled, some kind of rubber smile. His eyes darted around as if he was waiting for something. Alex suddenly realized: THIS IS THE DEATH TRAP THAT BONNIE AND CLYDE Lured INTO, and that means the same for them. Novak raised his shoulders apologetically and suddenly dived under the truck. At that moment, only one person came out of the bushes dressed in a local sheriff’s uniform with a gun at the ready. He slowly approached the car in which the fugitives were sitting and, pointing it through the windshield, shouted:
- My name is Sheriff Hammer! I kindly suggest you surrender, you are surrounded on all sides. Clyde sat for several seconds as if paralyzed, then rushed to get the rifle between the seat and at that moment, when Alex realized that this was the end, something happened... The air around them seemed to thicken. It seems that everything has stopped, even the wind has stopped blowing and the leaves have stopped swaying. Clyde froze in a half-turn trying to get his rifle, Bonnie, like a wax doll, froze in the front seat without moving. The sheriff, aiming through the windshield, froze and did not shoot. Only Alex and Linda saw and understood everything. The air in front of their car gathered into a funnel, and then straightened out again, spitting out four people. Three were equipped in protective armored suits with polaroid lenses on their helmets, armed with heavy assault rifles. The fourth was dressed in a strict black business suit with a large leather folder in his hands. He stepped forward a little and, opening the folder, said:
- In the name of the law of the United States of America of June 23, 2198. I, Joseph Moss, Bailiff. Alex Foley and Linda Thomson, get out of the car immediately. They obeyed and stared in surprise at the bailiff.
- How? How did you find us? After all, the time machine was destroyed. - Alex was sincerely surprised.
- We managed to restore it in the shortest possible time, Mr. Foley. And your photos at this time helped us find you, as I see it, just in time. I think you yourself know what awaited your new friends and you now, if we had not appeared... - The bailiff pointed significantly to the sheriff, who was still standing like a pillar.
- So, did you come to arrest us or save us? - Alex quietly groped the handle of a revolver in the back of her belt.
- We conducted a thorough investigation and found out that Linda Thomson was involved in this incident that happened two years ago, who was an accomplice of a certain Robert Weiss, who was the main instigator of this attack. You, Mr. Foley, were a victim of circumstances and found innocent. We have come to escort you to your time, where you will return to your normal life and work, and Linda Thomson will stand trial for complicity in the attack on the Time Agency, whichever punishment will be chosen for her.
- Well, that’s all... Linda whispered looking at Alex. “We are not destined to be together, my love.” The bailiff commandingly said:
- Mr. Foley, you have a pistol in your bosom, be so kind as to hand it over to me so that you don’t do anything stupid.- Alex slowly, without sudden movements, took out his Glock from his bosom. and holding it with two fingers, handed it to the bailiff. He extended his hand to take it. Alex noticed a time travel chronometer on his belt. While the performer was hiding the pistol in his pocket, Alex managed to whisper with his lips to Linda that she would prepare to dive under the bottom of the Ford as soon as he began to act. She stared at him in surprise, but then quietly bowed her head and extended her hands forward. The bailiff nodded to one of the guards to handcuff her. The guard, throwing his rifle behind his back, approached them and took out electronic handcuffs, which cheerfully winked with colored indicators. Alex took a step to the side as if it didn’t concern him. And then everything happened, as if in a slow motion movie, with incomprehensible speed he hit the guard with his outstretched fists, from surprise he lost his balance for a few seconds and staggered, Alex was already behind him and pulled out a “policy gun” from his belt. 38 caliber specialist fired several shots into his back below his body armor. Grabbing him by the neck and not letting him fall to the ground, covering himself, he tore off the rifle with a shield and fired a burst at the taken aback guards. Linda, at Alex’s first actions, dived under the car, the bailiff, turning pale, tried to hide behind the guards, shouting that Alex was complicating his fate and would now go to trial in the same way. The guards tried to respond with chaotic shooting, but confusion was clearly felt in their actions. Alex dived behind the car and continued to hold his body using it as a shield from bullets, not forgetting to conduct targeted shooting himself. Stray bullets hit the sheriff standing there several times, but he continued to stand, aiming through the windshield at Bonnie and Clyde sitting in the car. Finally, the last guard collapsed and Alex looked out from behind the car. The bailiff, shaking his whole body, looked out from behind Novak’s truck, hiding behind his leather folder. Alex walked up to him and pulled out his chronometer and his pistol from his belt. The bailiff looked at him in horror.
-What...what are you going to do to me?- He asked stuttering. Alex looked at the chronometer display board, pressed something on it and the dead bodies lying in the dust rose in the air, as if a giant vacuum cleaner had sucked them into the vortex that appeared, which disappeared after a couple of seconds.
- I sent them back ...After all, we don’t want them to be discovered here and become a mystery to the locals, right?!” Alex winked meaningfully at the performer. “And with your permission, we are also leaving.” I love this woman and am ready to share my fate with her, but...in a different time. Say hello to her parents and say that we are sorry that everything turned out this way.” With these words, Alex called Linda, who had crawled out from under the car, to him and entered some data into the chronometer. The bailiff, clutching a folder in his hands, suddenly disappeared with a wild cry in the resulting funnel of air. Linda grabbed Alex’s hand and looking into his eyes said:
-You didn’t have to do that. And now you will be arrested the same way and then we will never see you again! He gently took her chin with two fingers and kissed her lips.
- I made my choice. Don’t worry, dear... We won’t go back. Now you can fulfill your old dream. We now have all the time in the world in our hands and we can decide where exactly we want to go - he smiled encouragingly and handed her the chronometer.
- Come on, choose the date where we will go.
Linda took from a chronometer in his hands and looked at it for several minutes, then she entered some data into it and, without holding back her tears, took Alex’s hand. They were enveloped in a bluish glow and disappeared into space. Immediately after this, the air at this time seemed to come to life... the sounds of nature and the chirping of birds burst in, the sheriff, standing near the car with a gun, began to grimace in pain, and the sleeves of his shirt began to be stained with bloody stains from his arms pierced in two places by stray bullets. The world around me came to life. Clyde snatching his rifle and Bonnie squealing, and then a deafening volley from the bushes, a leaden hail of bullets rained down on their car and pierced the bodies of the people. More than five hundred bullets hit them and Bonnie and Clyde ended their existence.
* * *
...Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean...
Linda sat on a tree stump and wrote on dressed in a thin piece of leather with a sharpened stick, which was dipped from time to time into an improvised inkwell made from mango leaves, in ink made from local plants, the petals of which, if crushed and poured with water, produced a consistency close to the well-known ink.
Alan stood nearby dressed like a local aborigine in skins and dry palm leaves, leaning on a long pointed pole. Linda looked a match for him, wrapped in poorly dressed hide.
Having completed the text, she rolled the leather tightly into a tube and picked up a glass figured bottle braided with grape branches from the ground. This bottle washed up on their island in a storm and judging by its appearance, it did not have time to stay in the water for long. It was sealed with a cork, which prevented it from drowning. With difficulty pushing the skin inside, Linda tightly plugged the plug and handed it to Alex, who immediately tarred the top with resin that flowed from a huge sequoia trunk. Tossing the bottle in his hand, Alex looked at Linda:
- Do you think they will ever find it?
- I hope...- Linda shrugged her shoulder and stood up to her full height, holding her growing belly with her hand.
They came out onto a rock from which a stunning view of the ocean opened up.
Alex looked towards the horizon and, swinging with all his might, threw the bottle as far as possible into the water. Small waves picked her up and slowly began to carry her into the distance...
Linda took Alex by the hand and they looked in that direction for a long time until the bottle was no longer visible...
* * *
24 June, 2198. Mr. Thomson sat with his wife in his office on the 109th floor. He was already aware of what happened to his daughter. Looking at the printed black and white photographs of Linda and Alex taken together with Bonnie and Clyde, he could not believe that his beloved daughter was capable of this. The police and the Time Travel Department questioned him multiple times in connection with an incident that happened at the Time Agency on the eve of her wedding. One of the secret agents he hired to find out the whereabouts of his daughter came to him holding a thin electronic tablet in his hands. Having said hello, he sat down in a chair and looking straight at Thomson said:
- Mr. Thomson, I have two news for you regarding your daughter and failed son-in-law: bad and good.
—Let’s get the good one first,” Thomson nodded gloomily, lighting a cigar.
—Miss Linda Thomson and her fiancé Alex Foley are alive. But they are technically alive...
—How is that?
—And this is already bad news. They are beyond the reach of our capabilities.
—Where is this interesting?!—Thomson looked at the agent puzzledly.
—I found a document in one of the archives, it is about 500 years old and was found about 450 years ago in a bottle. Carbon analysis showed that the bottle was manufactured at a factory in a glass-blowing workshop approximately in the 17th century; inside, apparently, there was an alcoholic drink that was popular at that time; the owner of this bottle must have, when he drank its contents, plugged it with a cork and threw it into the ocean, possibly from the ship ship. After a while, waves washed her to land from where she was again thrown into the water, but with a message inside. This bottle, according to archival documents, was found in the belly of a shark that they caught, then local fishermen, and when they read the text of the letter in the bottle and did not understand anything, gave it to the local, as they called it then, city hall, where they had their own department for studying messages washed ashore by the ocean in bottles. Naturally, they also did not really understand the contents of the letter and sent it to the archive...
-This is of course very interesting, but could you be closer to the topic of your visit?!..- Thomson impatiently interrupted him, lighting an extinguished cigar.
— Patience, Mr. Thomson, I’ve come to the most important thing: so, at your request, I have been rummaging through old archives for the past months, sifting through terabytes of information, looking for at least some clues related to your daughter and son-in-law. And then I come across this letter from a bottle. When I read it and compared it with all the information I had, then everything fell into place.
The letter confirms the fact that they made their last time transfer from 1934 of the 20th century, approximately to the 17-18th century to one of the islands uninhabited at that time, to which civilization reached only a few centuries later.
Government agents did not have time to find this letter, I was ahead of them, otherwise they would sooner or later be able to figure out where they lived in the past and bring them back here for a show trial. I’m sure you don’t want this fate for them and I think you’ll leave everything as it is. I made a copy of the letter I found...
The agent turned on the tablet and handed it to Thomson. It contained a scanned yellowed piece of tanned leather with edges spoiled by time and semi-erased letters written in ink. Thomson and his wife read it aloud:
“To my dear parents from their daughter Linda Thomson and son-in-law Alex Foley. We left this message and hope it reaches you someday. We want to assure you that everything is fine with us. We have made our last time travel to one of the beautiful tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean, where we are going to spend the rest of our lives away from civilization. We will not be able to return to our own time, because upon arrival the chronometer was destroyed so that they could not find us and find us. Here, in the bosom of the virgin jungle, Alex and I will create a new life. Forgive me for everything, I alone am to blame for what happened, but I can no longer change the past. Alex loves me and therefore was forced to protect me from the punishing hand of the law by sharing this part of his life with me. Don’t look for us! We are happy and soon we will have the first inhabitant of our new world. Farewell. Your daughter Linda and son-in-law Alex.”
Thomson put the tablet aside and rose from his chair, going to the window, a stingy man’s tear rolled down his cheek. On the horizon, the yellow disk of the sun rose from across the ocean.

Sent after 2 minutes 7 seconds:
Well, that’s all for now! Thanks to everyone who read my creation and appreciated it. See you again!