The Lana House

Chapter 3

I took the transit to the small living quarters, where I was more than happy to be leaving. It's not that I wasn't grateful but I was also very grateful to finally move out of there.

I found Clifford standing outside, smoking tobacco from a brier pipe. Even though we were about the same age, he had an old soul. He greeted me with a nod and a smile. 

"Cliff, when are you going to drop that nasty habit?" I started as I walked up to him.

"You know very well I will never quit, Jackie girl." He jokingly retorted. "Let's get in, my nose is cold."

I unlocked my apartment, which was dark and musty. I went straight to the small line of light that I could make out and ripped the blinds open. I half expected mice and bugs to scatter quickly into a dark space but needless to say, that didn't happen. 

Clifford was reading my expression.

"Wow I sure will miss this place." He said sarcastically. I squinted my face at him. 

"Maybe you can visit me in my Marine Suite sometime. You know, bring me paperwork from Lana from time to time." I smiled. I liked Cliff. Not only was he in a different position than I was, but he was in a higher position than I was, and I wasn't sure those things ever worked out, so I tried my best to see him as a friendly face. Someone with more experience. Someone who could teach me. 

"Yeah, I could do that for ya." He said simply. 

It only took us 45 minutes to gather all my things. The apartment came with plenty "decor" and furniture, so all I really had were a few bags in the end. Cliff helped me load my stuff up into the truck bed. 

"Are you excited? Lana filled me in. I'm really happy for you J." Cliff started, thankfully filling up the quiet drive. 

"Yes, it's like a dream come true. I feel like it doesn't really matter where I am in the now, but getting to travel is the greatest gift I could ever ask for. I just hope I don't screw this up." I smiled, looking out the window. 

We were driving alongside the ocean. It makes sense that we would be away from the rest of civilization. Lana comes from a line of travelers, and it was her grandfather who purchased this island and turned it into a "time-traveler-town". We aren't the government, but the government is very interested in our studies and funnels money into the research that makes this all possible. 

"There was a time I was in your position. Not everybody makes it past writing journals. It's a huge deal." He said.

"Yeah, I guess I didn't really think about that. Lana must see something else in me." I pondered that as we arrived at what I assumed to be the Marine location. 

There was a beautiful building with lots of lights and busy bodies. There were people hustling around the entrance, carrying bags, opening doors, all the while smiling proudly. This was a hotel. 

"Cliff, is this a hotel?" I asked, confused. Cliff got out and closed his door. I did the same.  

"Yes, it is. We will be staying here tonight. The Marine Suite is just across that way." He pointed to an island that I had never noticed before, maybe because it looked like a pinprick. 

"Oh wow. I had no idea we were so close to another spot of land!" I paused. "Why didn't Lana just have me stay at my apartment tonight?" 

"Oh silly girl. This is a gift from corporate, and this must be your first promotion!" He teased me. Obviously this is my first promotion. He's already had two.

"Then why are you here?" I teased back. 

"Because you will be training me." He said, a slight smile crept over his face. 

Clifford was part of a team that dedicated every waking moment to modern time travel. They did all the hard work but sacrificed the coolest part of this all. They aren't allowed to travel. There is speculation that traveling can mess with the neurotransmitters in your brain. It would be too risky to submit them to potential brain damage. It is their responsibility to oversee operations and manage the tech and the traveler's well being. If a single mistake is made, it could ruin everything. Everything. So it isn't a surprise when an overseer retires, or demotes themselves. 

"How am I supposed train you?" I said, feeling a little apprehensive. 

"Jackie, listen, it was getting really tough out there. Those guys are veterans at what they do. I'm practically a kid. I'm not so sure I had what it takes." Cliff was actually venting to me. 

"You know the second you travel they will never let you have that job again." I reminded him. 

"I know. But I see the faces of all the travelers, and they haven't even formed wrinkles yet! You all have such joy. I'm more than a brain, Jackie." He smiled. I could get used to this. Maybe we could move from acquaintances to friends. 

"Yeah. After all, traveling is pretty amazing. I don't think you will regret it." I said back. 

Cliff led the way and I followed. Walking on the side walk, I had to stop and look at the perfect sunset. Cliff stopped and retraced his steps to where I was standing. 

"Whatcha doin?" He asked. 

"Look out there! Isn't it incredible?" I didn't get this view from the apartment. 

"It definitely is." Cliff said. 

"You will never look at a sunset the same after travelling. Travelling changes everything." I closed my eyes and took in the moment. 

"Alright dreamer, lets go check in." Cliff said, walking away with my bags in his hand.