September Stories

Awake

"Who are you and what do you want from me?"

My eyes slowly adjusted to the bright light. Still couldn't make out the surroundings. I did, however, notice another hospital bed-operation table hybrid with a body on it. Me. I hope me's alright. What do these people want? I could try to travel away from here. But then, showing your abilities just like that when you've been captured didn't sound like the smartest decision.

"I know what you are thinking of. Don't worry, you won't be able to time travel away from here, we made sure of it."

The female voice approached. I tried to turn around to see her – but no luck. What does she mean, I can't travel? Like anybody can take this away! I needed time to think of a plan. Of anything really. I needed to make sure me is okay.

"What have you done to her?"

I meant to shout but my voice was weak. And I still felt weak. I didn't really mean the body, haven't tested it yet. I couldn't think straight, thoughts were flying around like a flock of mad birds. I'll manage, I always do.

"You're both fine. This is just... precautions."

Finally I could see her. I don't know why I expected to see a crazy scary scientist woman. That's what the surroundings want you to believe. She was... normal. In her late thirties. Dressed officially. By the looks, I'd say I'm not talking to a common abductor. She looked like a boss.

"What have you done to us?"

I ground my teeth and tried to pull away from the bed-table thing. No but this is so unusual. It was like my body was responding to the brain's commands with a slight latency. And the belts didn't let go. Well, it was worth a try.

"Now, the more you struggle, the harder it will be for us to come to terms. We were merely saving time for introduction, and making sure you don't run away."

"How sweet." 

Okay, she obviously knows I can time travel. I am not revealing anything she doesn't know if I try then. Unless she's guessing and waiting for me to prove it. Nah. She doesn't look that smart. I concentrated. Closed my eyes – the lights were still disturbing. When did I want to go? I'd say the past. A week should do. Bye-bye, crazy lady. We'll meet again, I promise. Here we go!

Nothing happened. Time to start panicking. I was covered in sweat seconds later. How did they do this?! It makes no sense! They cannot take this away!!

"As I told you." Apparently, my struggles did not go unnoticed. The lady's face appeared right in front of mine, centimeters away. Nasty.

"Why is she still unconscious?" Negotiating it is, me has to be okay.

"Now, that's a good question. Has she had nothing to eat for a while now? You wouldn't know, she's in your future, silly me." 

She started circling around me and myself. Her voice was as calm as when she first spoke. Maybe with a faint hint of smile. Oh, I was very much not a fan of her. Quite the opposite.

"So, you did drug us. Who do you think you are?!"

"Researchers, my dear. You know that as well as I do."

"Stop playing your little games! Either tell me who you are and what you need from us, or let us go! Or else you're in a very big trouble because-"

"Says who?" The speech didn't seem to move her. 

As the woman slowly continued hir spirally walk, she came back into my sight. Close enough for me to spot a badge hanging from her pocket. If only she came a little closer...

"Alright, if you don't believe me, see for yourself."

I heard a weak sound of sensory buttons responding to touch, as a projection appeared at the front. I was able to count twelve before completely losing my focus. They were all me. Different age, but me.

"Sorry, forgot to turn the sound on."

The room got filled with voices. My voices.

"My name is Maurice-:

"Maurice Grant, age 20-"

"Undergoing a research-"

"Time travel paradoxes-"

It didn't stop but I could barely comprehend what me's were saying. And my head still hurt after the drugs.

"Stop it!" 

My voice raised above this mayhem of sounds. It didn't come from any of the recordings. From the other me. Me is awake!

"I have no idea what you've done to me, but I cannot think of any possible scenario that I – or any other me – would agree to work with people like you, doctor Ryder."

I wonder how long me's been awake now. Definitely long enough to read the badge on the lady as well.

"M-28 is back to consciousness. Awaiting instructions." The robotic nurse announced me's presence just a little bit out of sync. Pity. They just don't make good robots these days - I tried to cheer myself up with the dumbest joke.

"Tricking automatic medical assistants? Impressive." I watched doctor Ryder stride to me's bed and taking a look at the screens. "Now, dear, answering your question – don't you want to learn the truth? To finally understand why you're a paradox?"

"Say, we are collaborating," I said. "Why knock us unonscious? Why does neither of us have any recollections of that ever happening before? And on top, you're keeping us tied to these things! Name one reason we should trust you."

"You already have. And there's nobody in this world you trust more than you, is there, Maurice?"

I exchanged worried looks with me. Whatever reasons me's have had to cooperate with this woman before, I'm sure me never trusted her. Not on these terms.

"An offer for an offer. Untie us first, then we speak." Me's words made sense.

"The usual. Bargaining." Doctor Ryder backed off with the same still smile on her face. Does it ever get off? "Same old, same old. Every time I thought we'd get there... differently."

It is always like this, I mouthed to me hoping that the doctor won't notice. Me just barely moved her head in aknowledgement.

"Yet, here we are. But now there're two of you." 

She looked at me. The smile gone. Somehow I preferred it the way she was before.

"Then do something smart! Impress us!"

Doctor Ryder rolled her eyes – almost theatrically – and continued circling as she did a few minutes ago.

"You must think you're so smart, my poor Maurice. I have to admit, you really are much smarter than the rest of them. Paradoxes rarely live to their early twenties even. But you have a system, you have rules. You are trying to outsmart the time itself."

She went on, but something didn't cling in my head.

"What do you mean... others?"

Me's voice sounded no better than my own mess of thoughts. It can't be...

"Oh, the other paradoxes. Time travellers, if you will."