Unintended Consequences

Nick sat in stunned amazement at Reinhold's opening sentence, “About three years ago, there were advances made in technology, and man discovered the ability to travel through time.”

“I don't understand any of the physical principles behind it; I don't even know the names of the scientists that invented it,” Judge Reinhold stated. “All I know is that the technology was created and the government has made every attempt to keep its existence from the public. As you could imagine, knowledge of this ability could lead to all sorts of conspiracy theories.”

Judge Reinhold paused and noticed the look of disbelief in Nick's face. She was expecting him to ask, “OK, who's playing this joke on me?” She recalled that show her mother used to tell her about, the one where they hid the camera and played practical jokes on people. “Candid Camera,” she remembered. “I can see that you don't believe me, Nick?” Judge Reinhold questioned.

Nick took a half-breath and paused, trying to arrange his thoughts. He began, “I certainly can believe the fact that the government is keeping secrets from the public. For the purposes of national security I think it is imperative for our safety.” Nick's face twisted, “But this sounds like something that is just too farfetched. No offense, Your Honor, but are you just trying to bullshit me?”

Judge Reinhold gave a half-smile. If she were back on the bench, that type of language would have been unacceptable. However, the years she had spent off the bench had made her a less stringent enforcer of protocol.

“Nick, let me assure you that the technology does exist. I think as we explain why we brought you here, well, let me correct that, why you brought us here, you will come to believe me.”

Nick was again confused and guarded. “What does she mean I brought them here?” he thought

Judge Reinhold leaned forward in her seat, looking Nick straight in the eye. “Nick, please take a look at Ms. Powell,” Nick turned his head first, but kept his eyes on the judge. Reinhold continued, “Please Nick, look at her.” Nick shifted his eyes.

“Do you recognize Ms. Powell?” Reinhold questioned. “Does she look familiar to you at all?”

Nick's head twisted as he looked at Lesley. She was an attractive woman, probably close to him in age. She seemed to be in better shape than him, which made him adjust his posture a little. Nick shook his head, “No, Your Honor, I don't recognize her at all. Should I?”

“What about me, Nick? Do I look at all familiar to you?” Judge Reinhold asked.

Nick turned his head back to Reinhold, “No, Your Honor, have you and Special Agent Powell been following me?” Nick pushed, in a joking tone, but also wanting answers.

“No Nick, I assure you that you are not part of any investigation, nor have we been observing you,” Reinhold reaffirmed.

“Lesley,” Powell interrupted. Nick quickly turned his head to Special Agent Powell, almost shocked. This was the first time she had spoken since they were first introduced. “Please call me Lesley. May I call you Nick?” Agent Powell requested.

Nick looked at her again and smiled. He didn't know why, but he liked this woman. Maybe it was because she was attractive; maybe something in her voice was almost calming and reassuring, maybe it was something about her that was familiar.

“Yes, of course Lesley,” Nick replied.

Reinhold rubbed her face and decided it was probably time to deliver the next bit of news to Nick. “If he is questioning the existence of the technology, then he is really going to flip over this next bit of information,” Reinhold thought.

“Nick, Lesley has been the first person to have traveled back in time in an attempt to help correct a wrongdoing on behalf of our judicial system.”

“Oh, come on,” Nick said. “Now I know you are bullshitting me.”

Lesley sat up in her chair, “Let me assure you Nick, this is not bullshit. The events of the last few weeks have had a dramatic impact on my life and yours as well.”

Nick was caught a little off-guard by Lesley's reaction, and sat back in his chair in a protective manner.

Lesley relaxed a bit, realizing that she was taking the wrong approach. “You see Nick, I was sent back in time, at your request, to save your mother's and father's lives.”

“What?” Nick said, begging for further clarification.