'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...
Paulina has a problem. She has materialised a few days before her 'now-time', in other words, the last time that she was in modern-day Kyiv. What's more her chrono-senses are telling her that she is in a flat which is only a few doors away from where her other self, the one that is appropriate for the current time stream, is staying.
'And what's more Anna, you could easily meet your other self with terrible consequences for the integrity of the time system.'
'But surely, they should not be here – they should be travelling in ancient Egypt, or Jazz Age New York, like we were?'
'I understand. I believe that this "present" is a time variant, a product of our decision to go travelling – and this is what would have happened if we had stayed in our own time.'
Sehzula, who has been sitting quietly in the corner, still moping for Melissa, has a sudden thought.
'But I've never been here, so I can go out and run errands for us. Perhaps we should try to disguise me a little in case I meet someone from the SISP?'
'Agreed. And of course, in case you were wondering, the obvious solution – a short jump to "now-time" – is being precluded by the vortex.
Whether or not it's the chrono-physics of having two Paulinas and possibly two Annas in close proximity, or if it is the mind of the vortex trying to protect itself against an anomaly is hard to tell.'
'But surely the easiest solution is to put time between us and our other selves ...'
'Not necessarily, Anna. If the other Paulina was time-jumping just as I was, who knows what would happen ... Sehzula, let me explain about modern Ukrainian breakfasts ...'
***
'And so, we get a few minutes alone, at long last. If we do meet our doppelgängers, and survive, I certainly hope that you won't prefer her to me, sweet Anna.'
'I'm sure I would never think that!'
'Oh ... that feels so good. I really missed you!'
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***
Meanwhile, a couple of weeks into the future, Lauren and Jennifer are finally on leave from their SISP duties.
'I feel a bit guilty about leaving the others with Zaratorio on the loose in medieval China, and Paulina's chrono-signature being hidden by some kind of anomaly.'
'It will be all right. The Admiral has recently sent Holopath a major upgrade, so she can do even more to help us than she could before.'
'So we can enjoy ourselves here at Olena's Bar. Part of the fun of going on a date with a shapeshifter is that you really don't know what they look like! Tinder plus, so to speak!'
