All the time for the first time

“I’ll let you know if anything changes.” And with that Travis leaves the small office and shuts the door behind him. It is going to be a long day and he is late now. Furthermore, he has nothing to show for it. However, it shouldn’t surprise him. Nothing official ever moves quickly. In fact, his Grandpa used to say the only thing the government loves more than its taxes, are its fees. Of course that didn’t surprise Travis. Not much did anymore.

Three days ago he was happily clueless. Just another soul struggling with the day to day trials. Then it happened. He still feels blown away. Or he doesn’t believe it at all. From minute to minute it changes in his mind. He didn’t believe the old guy at first. Nobody would have. Books and movies. That was where this type of thing existed. Not in the real world. And especially not in his world.

However, if it were true, then what? He even asked the old guy that same question. Travis was playing along back then. He already made up his mind he didn’t believe a word the old guy said. At least until later. It was later that same afternoon when the old guy finally said something that began to convince Travis. Something only Travis could have known. Something so deeply personal he hadn’t remembered it himself. Until he reminded…himself.

All The Time

It was late afternoon when Travis met himself for the first time. Although he didn’t know it at the time. He stops walking for a second, and thinks about that. Maybe he did know it at the time. But not in his time. Furthermore, if he didn’t know it now, when will he find out? That one little detail has been the sticking point.

He thinks back to his old biology teacher Mr. Robertson. Enigmatic and compelling, the old school teacher had many more sayings and quotes than Travis could remember. However, one particular class lesson still stands out. “Ever had a conversation with yourself?” Mr. Robertson slowly turns his head to take in the entire class. No one raises a hand. In fact, no one moves or makes any sounds. As usual, their attention is riveted on Mr. Robertson.

“I’m not talking about a simple internal debate. An internal argument doesn’t count. It’s impossible not to have at least some inside information in an internal debate.” Mr. Robertson pauses and slowly looks around the room. His gaze lingers a few seconds on each student. And then he continues.

The First Time

“I’m talking about a perfect copy of you. Down to the most minute detail. Any thoughts on how that conversation might go?” Once again he slowly looks around the room. He doesn’t really expect anyone to answer. Although he would have been delighted had they done so. “How about we take this one step further? Let’s say it’s not only a perfect copy of yourself, but also it’s a future version of yourself.”

“Still a copy, but an older version. Now…how does that conversation go? What’s the first thing you would ask yourself?” Mr. Robertson pauses again. This is where he usually begins introducing a formula, or two, and connecting some math as well. Only this time he lets the class ask their questions and play out their assumptions. He continues, but quieter this time, almost as if he’s revealing something never known before now.

A Compelling Case

“Think of it. You are seeking information from yourself. In fact, it’s not even certain the same space time can be occupied by someone from different timelines. The math says no, but the physics say maybe.” Travis remembers feeling like he was on the edge of something profound. Something tantalizingly close, but just beyond his reach. Additionally, he hasn’t thought about that day in over thirty years.

He parks the car in the driveway. The garage is where he is staying. Currently. Everything with time is relevant now, he thinks, as he unlocks the door to his house. There’s something to do. Except he hasn’t been able to get any real answers from himself. If that is who he really is. Himself. But you already know it’s you. He tries to shrug off the thought. If he bases things on how he feels about them, his goose is cooked.

Time

Now he’s back at home and he needs some answers. Two days ago he was defiant and refused to say anything more. Which was almost funny because convincing himself was something he is still having trouble with. He locks the door behind him and switches on some lights. The house is warm and inviting and again Travis finds himself wondering when it happened. Obviously somewhere in the future is when it happens. But what is the catalyst? What changes things?

He walks to the garage door and pauses. Is he really ready for this? And what happens if it’s all true? People didn’t just time travel for shits and giggles. There was always a reason. And usually it was a doomsday kind of thing. Books and movies, he thinks. That’s where all this belongs. It doesn’t happen in real life. Time travel is a myth. A hypothesis, and a flimsy one at that. He’s still in denial as he opens the garage door and steps inside the garage. Even from thirty years in the future he recognizes the familiar expression on his own, considerably older face.

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