Page 47 - Tales Apocalyptic and Dystopian

Into the Tempifuge

“We do. And they tell us he had the technology available to set it
up just as described. Are the plans any good? Are they really in there?
Will the Package self-destroy if we try to open it? Too much is at
stake to gamble with the outcome.”
“But what can I do?” Underwood looked around for guidance.
Smith started to speak, but Delirian interrupted him.
“Let me tell him—my research has made this possible. Since
physics turned away from mass-energy problems in the late twentieth
century, its focus has been on the mysteries of spacetime. The
tremendously expensive particle accelerators and atom-smashers were
abandoned once the basic structure of matter was described and
nuclear fusion became the standard source of energy in the world.
Cosmology and the general theory of relativity took center stage in
physics throughout the twenty-first century and well into our own
era. The failure to detect any signs of life in outer space, coupled with
a decline in the number of scientists interested in the light speed
barrier, led to public apathy concerning any progress in my field.
Thus it has not been difficult to keep the Tempifuge under wraps.”
“The what?”
“Dr. Underwood, if we are to proceed, your future—as well as
ours—will be profoundly affected.” John Smith pressed a button on
the table and a panel on the wall slid up, uncovering a door. “We are
well aware that you are deeply involved in the era you study. Your
apartment is filled with twentieth-century memorabilia. You do find
life in those times more appealing than the present, do you not?”
“Well, yes, for a variety of reasons.”
“None of which we need examine now. Further, you have very few
personal ties. Divorced, no children or other dependents. Your
professional career has, shall we say, peaked.”
Underwood began to rise to his feet. “Now listen here—”
“No, you must hear me out,” said Smith, and motioned him back
into his chair. “Here is the proposition: will you travel into the past—
literally—and fix the Package so it will not blow up in our faces when
we open it?”
“Time travel! Dr. Delirian! Have you really—”
The physicist nodded. “Yes. The Tempifuge has been operational
for several months. It became a crash project when the international
situation began deteriorating a few years ago. It has been fully tested;

46