'Zaratorio: The Story Continues' is a political parable dedicated in general to everyone who believes in #PeaceinUkraine and who says #NoToWar. More specifically, it is written in support of the brave and generous women and men of Medecins Sans Fro...
'I know it's a tough thing to do, but we should continue our journey to Kyiv, if we possibly can' says Amber.
There are tears in Brenda's eyes, but she agrees.
'Yes, I see that. For Harnii's sake.'
The little girl squeezes her mother's hand, and snuggles closer.
Amber: 'I believe that I can generate another pulse of sub-space radiation that will get us moving again.'
Brenda: 'And once we have reached our own time, then we can make use of all the many resources of the SISP to look for my dear Mark ...'
'Of course, my dear. Just let me make a few minor adjustments to the ECM and then we will be on our way again.'
After a few minutes of solar time, Amber's prediction comes true, and before long she is watching not just hundreds, but thousands, of years - as conventionally measured - tick by on her console.
'Can we take a nap?' asks Brenda. 'Harnii is very tired.'
'I should think so' replies the Professor. 'After all, once upon a time, waking up in a different century, or on a different planet, was quite a common device in science fiction!'
Brenda laughs.
'I will have to ask Mark about that, but I'm sure you are right!'
***
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'ALL SISP PERSONNEL. This is Jennifer Silverman – please report to the Epochal Variation MatrixControl Hall immediately. We have an incoming chrono-vehicle behaving most erratically. Let'shope it is Professor Jessop and her party, and not one of Zaratorio's tricks.'
***
Before long, Anton, Krystle and Lauren are at their stations, the various technicians who bring wonderful scientific expertise to the SISP are also in position, while Paulina paces around anxiously at the back of the hall.
'I wish I still had Sonyakolo, the magical ring of power. Perhaps it could have helped us to rescue Professor Amber and the others from the time vortex, before we ever got to this situation.'
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Suddenly there is a gigantic flash of light, followed by the rush of a massive cloud of gas and steam, which the EVM's filtration system is only just able to control.
Lauren: 'Don't worry, Paulina. Rematerialisations always discharge a lot of chrono-energy into more conventional forms of matter – so that, across the universe as a whole, E still equals MC squared!'
'Is it really them?'
'Well, it's certainly Amber, Brenda and Harnii. But where is Mark?'
