Looking Backward from the Tricentennial

Part VI - Chapter Forty-Three

Part VI: Where do we go from here? (May 1, 2076)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9

One of the best proofs that reality hinges on moral foundations is the fact that when men and governments work devotedly for the good of others, they achieve their own enrichment in the process.

-Martin Luther King Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?

Chapter Forty-Three

On his last day in the tricentennial, Julian woke to the sound of Idabee in the shower. He came alert quickly, thinking of what needed to be done that morning before people arrived at Doctor Leete's condo to say goodbye. As promised, Professor Carlton was on his way from Maine to meet him in person, along with Faith, Adon, and their kids. He would officially be an American Union organizer.

The previous night had been one of intentional relaxation, the calm before the storm. Idabee had introduced him to modern cinema with A New Hope Rises, the Star Wars remake. The holographic power of the parlor had been on full display. Gratuitous 3-D effects aside, Julian appreciated the foreshadowing of the story arc: the hints at Darth Vader's eventual redemption through his son's satyagraha campaign, conscience reawakened by the power of unconditional love.

For Julian, it might only be a few hours or days before he saw Idabee again, but on her end, it would be more than three years, if at all. Aware that much could go wrong, Idabee was still confident that when she arrived on Christmas Day, she would be able to find her way to Reverend Shaver and deliver her message. Everything after that would be a bonus. The National Archive uncovered resources—Julian had to explain the concept of a homeless shelter—that she would be able to access as she scrabbled to lay a foundation for a new life in the past.

Idabee had never asked him about the contents of the journal or repeated Delroy's question about who CJ was married to, and Julian had never volunteered that specific information. They had free will and had made different choices than their predecessors. Julian's spontaneous marriage proposal had never been mentioned again, firmly shelved by a better understanding of his duties and reinforced by a single passing comment Idabee made about celibacy. Without any sexual tension between them, their friendship found new depths.

The pair talked for hours, trading stories of their pasts and scrupulously avoiding speculation about their own forthcoming campaigns. They also divided the cash Delroy had given him, ensuring Idabee only had Federal Reserve Notes from 2019 and earlier. Finding that Julian's share came to $45,480 injected more unease into the whole situation—it was what CJ had carried. Was he trapped within a maze of destiny, doomed to duplicate disappointment?

The spray of the shower slowed to a halt. Idabee padded around the bathroom for a few minutes, then her footsteps exited into the hallway. As she meandered past his door to Ray's study, where she'd slept, Idabee delivered a trio of firm knocks.

It was time for action.

Julian propelled himself into the bathroom, a twist in his smile hinting excitement. Catching a glance of his reflection in the mirror, he took a moment to appreciate the full head of hair growing in. Had he lost a little weight? The series of scars revealed when he stripped merited no special attention; forgiveness of Connor had included acceptance of them.

Once cleansed and reinvigorated by the strong shower spray, eyes bright with anticipation, Julian dressed quickly, ready to embrace his final hours in the tricentennial.

The kitchen was unusually silent as he walked down the short hallway, and he halted when he saw Ray and Idabee holding each other tightly. Julian reversed course, retreating to his room to double-check his traveling bag, giving father and daughter the space and time to say a final goodbye.