Life on Mars

Chapter Seven

The doctor and the professor made their way across the square and took the elevator up to the 11th floor. In the unlikely event they met another resident, their likeness would certainly draw attention. Pullis was one of the few who might be willing to greet and put them in an embarrassing situation, but he'd be able to pass his older self as DNA kin. Although both wary of anyone approaching, the coast remained clear.

 The doctor's apartment was three doors along from the lift and as they approached, the door opened automatically and they slipped inside. The professor's subliminal voice of ignorance switched off the minute they entered an apartment that in his memory had been destroyed a long time ago. The decor and smell evoked a sense of time when he lived peacefully in this environment. When the inner voice of ignorance left, there was nothing but a dizzy feeling of nostalgia left in its place. An ache to be back before everything he'd been through and reliving these carefree days, a time when he was happy and unaware of what his future held. The ludicrous feeling of stepping back in time forced an involuntary smile.

The surroundings were so familiar, to the left was the study, then the small bedroom; perhaps the professor's accommodation for the foreseeable future. The living space and food prep areas were in a single space, divided by a work surface. Then there was the main bedroom, the door opened as the professor approached and stood in the doorway.

"No," said the doctor firmly.

The professor looked in and the feeling was overwhelming. He stared at the wardrobe. He knew its contents and his heart pounded. He looked back at the doctor, who was slowly shaking his head.

"No," he said once more. The professor would have loved to see her once more, but now wasn't the time to push it. She was part of the reason he'd risked his life to be here, maybe later.

"Duke," said the doc sharply to his sage.

"Good afternoon."

"My friend, the professor, will be staying with us for a few days."

"Hello, Professor," said Duke. "Will you be giving full access?"

"No." He beckoned him to come away from the door. "Guest access."

The professor walked over and placed his hand across the scanner by the front door.

"Sir, I need the guest to scan," said Duke.

The professor kept his hand on the pad and whispered to the doc. "Same DNA?"

The doctor shrugged his shoulders. "Duke, never mind with access, just change the security setting please to allow for a pet."

"Certainly." It was the most logical solution, for now, Duke could allow for two organic lifeforms in the building for now.

The pair went into the lounge area and sat down. "We share DNA, no need to change the settings; you have all privileges."

"Thank you."

"This means I trust you; you understand that? My space is my space. I don't want you in there. Agreed?"

"Agreed. On our life." He smiled before adding, "Joke."

The professor had seen enough to know that events were reflecting the history he knew but was surprised at how familiar the place looked. He wasn't sure if he expected the decor to be different as some way of proving he was in a different dimension. It fitted his memory perfectly and he was overcome with a feeling of security being here. He was already looking forward to a restful sleep.

"So, what about the life I was meant to have, to be a professor and to do what you did? Will that change?"

The professor looked around before responding. "Have you ever heard of a mental condition called Capgras delusion?" he said.