A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 15--Excerpt

 

This is an excerpt from A Time Traveler's Companion-chapter 15.

In the last chapter, Remi and Melanie visited the zoo planet controlled by the Greys, where Melanie swiped the Red Jewelry, a valuable gemstone that holds immense knowledge. As they tried to flee, Remi got shot by a Grey just as they reached Jack's ship. They managed to return to Earth, but Remi ended up paralyzed, prompting Melanie to reach out to Mr. Smith for assistance. Jack, however, is skeptical about whether it was a good idea for Melanie to involve Mr. Smith.

NOTE: this novel is written as a first person narrative.

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Jack asked, "Do you really want to be here when he shows up?" She paused, sidestepping his question, and knelt beside me. 

Pressing her lips to mine, she whispered, "Remi, I must go when he arrives. Please forgive me." A tear slipped down my cheek as my body sank deeper into the seat.

 Jack commented, "You know he’ll be angry with you," before adding, "He’s here," as he reached for his pistol. The ramp descended, allowing Mr. Smith to enter, his eyes filled with both fury and concern for my situation. He shot an angry glance at Melanie, who swallowed hard and stammered, "I’m sorry about this." Jack raised his pistol, his look stern. Melanie gestured him to put it down.

 "Enough, save it, I don’t want to hear excuses. Why did you go there in the first place?" He asked with an indignant tone. Melanie remained silent, clearly terrified. I spoke up, my voice barely above a whisper, "Please don’t be mad at her; it was my choice." He scooped me up in his arms, casting a chilling glare at Jack and Melanie before we exited the ship and stepped into the monolith. Melanie clearly struggled with the situation; her distress was palpable, yet I grasped the reasons behind her quick departure. He escorted me to the infirmary, gently placing me on the bed.

“The AI will take care of you, and afterwards, we need to have a serious talk,” he stated firmly. I felt a lump in my throat and began to express my remorse, but he interrupted me, saying, “Save it for later; I want to hear your side of the story.”

Time slipped by and I gradually opened my eyes, to find myself in the infirmary. The walls around me were a deep, shadowy black, while the soft glow of the overhead lights provided a comforting illumination.

I took a moment to check in with my body, stretching my arms and legs effortlessly, and drew in a deep breath, relishing the wonderful feeling of being alive.

 "I know you can hear me; can you please let me know if he’s still upset with me?" I asked the AI; my voice tinged with anxiety. "Yes, he is still angry, but he has feelings for you and will ultimately forgive you," it replied, offering a glimmer of hope. I pondered its words for a moment before asking, "Is he going to go after Melanie?" The room fell silent for a brief second before the AI spoke, “He’s been keeping an eye on her for a while, and he is aware of your little adventures together.” Hearing the AI drop that bombshell made my heart plummet. I responded, "I have a lot of questions, and maybe you can shed some light on them." Its response was a simple, "Maybe." Just then, Mr. Smith entered the room. He loomed over me, his gaze piercing. "How are you feeling?" he asked. I replied, "I'm doing fine.” He responded with a serious tone, "That's good, but I need to have a word with you." His face darkened and I felt the impending discussion swaying in an ominous direction. He helped me up and we walked to his room. 

I was wearing one of the hospital gowns from the infirmary. In that instant, fear gripped me as I stood beside him. Unbeknownst to me, the AI had the ability to sense my emotions and echoed my inner turmoil. 

“She is afraid of you,” it stated, prompting Mr. Smith to shift his gaze toward me. Gripping my hand firmly, he reassured me, “Please don’t fear me, Remi. I regret if I caused you to feel this way, but you hurt me.” As we entered his room, I felt a wave of regret washing over me. "I’m truly sorry," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. Clad in a flimsy white hospital gown, I felt exposed, acutely aware of the betrayal that hung heavily between us. I took a seat on his bed, and he settled beside me, the air thick with unspoken words.

"I’ll share everything, from the moment I first met her to this very moment," I said, my heart racing as I began to tell him everything from the moment I met Melanie up until our last adventure. His unwavering gaze met mine, and as I spoke, tears brimmed in my eyes, the fear of losing him looming large in my mind. A heavy stillness enveloped us, and then the AI broke the silence, stating, “She fears she might lose your love.”

“Curse that AI,” I thought to myself. He wrapped his arms around me, drawing me in tightly. As he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, he reassured me, “I’m not upset, well, perhaps just a touch, but you’ll never escape my love. You are mine, Remi, and I will never let you go. I love you.” A frown creased my forehead as I reflected on his words. While a sense of joy bubbled within me, the underlying tone of his voice hinted at a troubling possessiveness that sent a shiver down my spine.

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A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 8 Excerpt

 

(excerpt from Chapter 8:The Host)

A few more days passed, my memories returned in flashes, I felt less pain in my head, and I asked Leila to tell me what happened.

 “Don’t you want Mr. Smith to tell you?” I shook my head. 

 “I feel embarrassed, I want you to fill me in, please.”

 “Okay, I hope I’m doing the right thing. Mr. Smith said that I should let him know if you start to remember but I think I’ll fill you in a bit before you face him again.” I looked at her wondering if I had done something horrific. As she began to recount the bizarre events that led to my unexpected stay in a high-tech alien medical facility, her eyes widened with urgency.  "You see, those strange creatures that were leaping out of the pond were actually parasitic aliens. Once one of them latched onto your face, Mr. Smith rushed you into the monolith, where the infirmary's advanced AI was able to remove it. We were optimistic about your recovery, so Mr. Smith brought us back home, believing everything would turn out alright."

 "Did we make it back home?" I asked, and she confirmed with a nod. With a heavy breath, she elaborated, "We were unaware that something had been injected into you by that creature. Just a day after he left us, you began to express that you felt unusually cold. Upon our return, he instructed me to reach out if you started behaving strangely." I gazed at her, bracing myself for an unsettling revelation. A sense of dread washed over me. She swallowed hard, "You spent two days resting; your mother assumed you had caught the flu or something similar. You did run a fever, but by the third day, you seemed to improve. I came to see you, and we shared everything we had gone through, except that you didn’t remember the star-fish creature,” she paused. “I must say, I never want to travel with him again,” she added.

 Then I asked, “Tell me what else happened.”

 She took a deep breath and continued, “So, you were changing. It was clear that something was happening. You mentioned migraine, and your demeanor shifted dramatically. During our chat, you abruptly froze, turning to me with an unsettling blank stare that sent chills down my spine. Your eyes held an eerie quality as you stood up and approached the mirror, gazing at your reflection as if it were a novel sight. I couldn't help but joke, “Take a picture, it will last you longer,” and laughed lightly.”

 “I do remember that. There was a voice in my head, something odd that seemed to speak for me,” I said. A worried look shadowed her face.   

“Well, um, you sat next to me on the bed. You then said you felt cold, and I looked at you and wondered if you were feeling well, I touched your forehead to see if you were running a temp. "You might want to rest a bit more," I suggested. Then you embraced me tightly. 

“What’s wrong with you?' I asked. You replied, "I need your warmth; I feel so cold." It struck me as strange since it was a sweltering summer day, with temperatures soaring close to 100 degrees. considered calling Mr. Smith, as he had requested updates on any unusual behavior from you. Just as I reached for the phone he provided, you knocked it from my hand and kissed me with urgency. Something strange flickered in my mouth. I quickly pushed you away and dashed out of the room, escaping what felt like an imminent assault.” I expressed my sincere apologies, unable to articulate the reasons behind my unusual behavior. It felt completely out of character for me, and I couldn't shake the guilt that lingered from actions I couldn't even recall. She responded with a nod, her understanding reflecting the oddity of the circumstances we found ourselves in. She continued, "It seems that whatever you went through on that planet, the only one who can truly help you is Mr. Smith," she remarked, emphasizing the necessity of his expertise in this perplexing matter.

 “Unfortunately, when I ran out of your room, I left the phone behind, and I did not want to go back in there, so I hid downstairs. Your parents weren’t home, and your brother is always out somewhere.”

“When did you go back and pick it up?”

“After you left.”

“What? You let me leave?”

“Well, I waited to see when or if you’d leave your house, it took you a while too. I hid in the closet next to the front door.” Leila shifted in her chair. Flashes of that event came to me and now I understood what was going on. The parasite invaded my body and possessed my mind. I was still there inside but dormant I couldn’t stop what it was making me do, I had no control of my motor skills and my body’s movements. I remember that after Leila ran out of my room, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I took off my clothes and I heard myself say, “Perfect body, I like this species. The body is easy to repair.” 

My voice sounded strange; it wasn’t me. I went to the closet and looked through my clothes. I picked out an adorable red crop-top with black lace detailing, paired it with a black lace shrug and a black velvet choker and some cute earrings. To complete the look, I threw on a denim mini skirt and slipped into my black closed-toe sandals. Feeling good about my outfit, I headed downstairs and stepped outside. I was fighting every step of the way, until I gave into the parasite. Leila continued her story: “So, after you left, I ran upstairs and grabbed the phone and called Mr. Smith. He arrived quickly but you were nowhere to be found. But you did leave a trail of breadcrumbs,” Leila said.

“What do you mean?” She was reluctant to tell me. “Come on, is it that bad?”

“Well, when Mr. Smith came back, we took your car and drove around looking for you. We spotted you walking down a sidewalk in town. A man walked past, and you stopped and started following him. We called out your name, you glanced but did not acknowledge us. Mr. Smith mentioned that he returned to that planet to collect water samples, revealing that the parasites inhabit and reproduce in the hot spring located at the pond's depths. Apparently, the parasites in that region, only had the warm-blooded local animals to attach themselves to and they would consume the insides and leave the host, but they’ve never been inside an intelligent being before.”

I then chimed in, “That’s why I felt cold because it needs heat. That thing needed body heat.” She gave a nod and continued, “While we trailed behind you in the car, the man made his way into 21 Fitness, and you decided to follow him inside. Once we managed to secure a parking spot, we entered the gym, but since we weren’t members, we had to approach the receptionist for assistance. Mr. Smith presented her with a blank card, and for some inexplicable reason, she assumed we were some sort of investigators. He was in a panic, worried that you might have harmed someone, and unfortunately, his fears were confirmed. We discovered a man sprawled on the floor of one of the sauna rooms, a peculiar greenish-yellow foam seeping from his mouth.

 "She must have just left," I told him. He gazed at the lifeless body and his expression somber,” Leila paused and asked me if I wanted something to drink, I smiled and nodded. She stood up and went to a table where there was a pitcher of water and a cup next to it. She poured the water and brought the cup to me. I took a sip. "What else happened?" I asked her.

“Mr. Smith retrieved his scanner, gliding it over the man's body and then remarked, "It seems he wasn't quite the ideal partner," a concerned expression crossed his face. "The parasite residing within Remi is on the hunt for a companion to reproduce and spawn more of those things," he continued, his tone laced with a hint of empathy. A woman walked in and saw the body.
She screamed and Mr. Smith told her to call 911. “This man died of asphyxiation, and shock. I guess his body couldn’t take it.” After the woman left the room, I asked Mr. Smith, “Have you ever encountered anything like this?"

He shook his head. “We need to locate her,” he insisted, “and I know a hospital that specializes in cases like this.” We walked out of the room and just before we departed, Mr. Smith briefed the security personnel on his findings, carefully omitting any mention of the bizarre parasite incident. As we walked out of the fitness center I asked him, “Won’t they investigate why the man died?”

 He nodded and replied, “Yes, but they might throw it off as food poisoning or something. Right now, our main concern is Remi.” We got back in the car and drove around.”

 “I can’t believe I killed someone,” I muttered. Leila put her hand on my hand to comfort me. “It wasn’t your fault,” she said.

 “What else happened,” I asked, fearing the worse. “Well, I suggested going back home, maybe you had returned to your house. But instead, we found you entering Mr. Leon’s house.” She fell silent.

 “Well, what?” I asked. 

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New Entry: The Maze from Hell

A New Excerpt

Recently Published Books!

 

A Time Traveler's Companion

(ages 18 & over due to mild sexual content)

Remi finds herself swept up in a tumultuous romance with a time traveler. Their fateful encounter leads her on an extraordinary journey through both time and space, exploring the wonders and challenges that come with such an unconventional relationship.

 Mr. Smith's love is both intoxicating and consuming. Despite the numerous risks associated with being his companion, Remi chooses to accompany him on his journeys and ultimately uncovers his secrets. 

The Maze from Hell: A Backrooms Tale is available on Amazon as an eBook. The two protagonists find themselves ensnared in the eerie realm of the Backrooms. As they navigate the labyrinthine corridors filled with an unsettling ambiance, both characters quickly grasp the terrifying reality of the Backrooms.

They must confront the horrors lurking within and work together to escape the clutches of this non-Euclidean dark dimension. 

A Time Traveler's Companion

The Maze from Hell: A Backroom Tale

I will be publishing more excerpts from these book in the near future. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to post a comment.

By the way, A Time Traveler's Companion is loosely based on a Doctor Who fanfiction I wrote. Visit the link if interested.

My Immortal: The Doctor & Me

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A Time Traveler's Companion: Now Available as an eBook!

 

Now Available! A Time Traveler's Companion is available as an eBook on Amazon.

I will be working on the paperback version later in the year and publishing it on IngramSparks. 

This book is loosely based on a Doctor Who fanfiction I wrote a few years back. Information about the fanfic will be on the last pages of the book, under author's notes. 

The images I used in the eBook are not quite positioned the way I'd like them to be but in the paperback version, I will have more control on how they sit on the page. Please do visit the link to view information on the book.

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You can find the audiobooks for "A Time Traveler's Companion" on Google Play through the link provided below. Exciting news—I'll be releasing the eBook version of this title on Amazon in just a few weeks! To stay in the loop and receive the latest updates, make sure to subscribe to this blog or follow me on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X. I appreciate your support and can't wait to share this journey with you!

Trigger warnings: Adult content-18 & over.

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A Time Traveler’s Companion: excerpt from Chapter 14-Book 3

 

From beyond the bounds of time and space, my immortal arrived. His warmth enveloped me, igniting my heart's embrace. Our lives intertwined, a bond so profound, no other soul can match his grace.

An excerpt from A Time Traveler’s Companion

Book 3

Chapter 14: The Jungle & the Red Jewel

I had just finished my class on campus when I spotted Melanie leaning against my car. “What are you doing here?” I asked, my tone laced with suspicion, while glancing around to ensure Mr. Smith wouldn’t see us talking.

 “Relax Birdie, I’m just here to invite you on a trip to another planet,” she replied playfully. I leaned back against my car, exhaling deeply.

“I’m not sure about this. I don’t want to deceive Mr. Smith; it could really hurt him. If he finds out I’ve been spending time with you, I can’t even imagine the fallout,” I admitted. She rolled her eyes, “True, he can be intense, but we can keep it under wraps,” she said with a mischievous grin and a wink. I couldn’t help but smirk, shaking my head as I sighed again.

 “Okay, but just this once because I really need to concentrate on my studies.” We headed home, and mom was already there, but dad was still at work and my brother was hanging out with his friends. I told Melanie to quietly go upstairs and that I would join her in a bit. The door that goes out into the garage is located on the opposite side of the hallway and mom can’t see who walks upstairs so she didn’t see Melanie. “Is that you, honey?” mom called from the kitchen. I froze halfway up the stairs. “Uh, yeah, mom,” I replied.

 “Can you come here for a sec? I need to have a word with you,” she sounded serious. She walked to the Livingroom, sat down, and I joined her.

“Sweetheart, you would let me know if you were having sex, wouldn’t you?” I was taken aback, my jaw dropped. “I realize you’re 18 and will turn 19 in just one month, but I was really hoping you’d tell me if you were…” 

I interjected, “Mom, I’m not,” then I hesitated, I did not feel comfortable lying to her. She let out a sigh, “I guess you are having sex then,” she shook her head, and her brow furrowed in disapproval. She can tell when I'm not being honest. She didn't even need to ask; her suspicion was enough, and my hesitation just confirmed it. "How did you find out?" I asked, clearly irritated. She hesitated before responding, "I was bringing some clothes up to your room, and when I placed your shirts on the bed, I saw a notebook peeking out from beneath your pillow."

"Oh no, Mom, you didn't." My forehead creased, and a look of discontent shadowed my face. I sighed heavily, shaking my head in disbelief. Standing with my hands on my hips, I glared down at her. “I regret having to say this, but I’m relieved I glanced at your diary. You would have never mentioned about having sex at all to me, but I was hoping you’d talk to me about it.” I interrupted, saying, “Mom, that diary is personal; how could you invade my privacy?”

She replied, “To ease your mind, I only read the section about the Pill and how Leila’s sister provided it to you. You could have shared this with me, and I could have helped you with the prescription. You’re 18 and it’s really not a big deal.”

“Mom that’s not the point, you looked in my Diary, it’s private,” I said, feeling very disheartened with her at the moment. My cheeks burned with anger as I faced my mom, who had also stood up, with her arms crossed.

 "Alright, but I need to know who it is," she pressed, eager for answers. If only she had flipped to the next page, she would discover it was Mr. Smith, and the discussion would’ve taken a different turn. I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of my frustration.

 "Mom, I really don’t want to talk about this right now," I said, starting to walk up the stairs. But then I paused, spun around, and added, "I’m not going to be like you; I won’t make the same mistakes you did." The look on her face showed that she was genuinely floored by my words.

 “Wait a minute young lady, what do you mean?”

I turned around to face her. “You’ve always said you don’t want me to end up like you, but I don’t think life was so bad. My childhood was good, you did a good job in raising me but don’t ever go digging into my private stuff,” I paused. “I won’t get pregnant—okay?” I rushed up the stairs and into my room, leaving her behind. After locking the door, I imagined she had retreated to the kitchen for a glass of wine, her usual remedy for distress.

“What’s going on? I heard an argument,” said Melanie, standing by the window with her arms crossed. She glanced at me, her expression, curious. “It’s nothing,” I replied, and she raised an eyebrow. “Nothing? It didn’t sound like nothing, but I guess it’s not my place to pry.” 

Her attention drifted back outside, as if she were waiting for something or someone to appear. I flopped onto my bed, I exhaled. “Does your silence mean you won’t join me?” she asked.

 “No, I want to come,” I responded, wanting to get away for a while especially after the argument I had with my mother. “Well, there’s a jungle planet where we can do some exploring. If there is any danger at all we can zap out of there in a heartbeat,” she said, reassuringly.

 “Okay, I really hope Mr. Smith doesn’t catch wind of this because I have a feeling, he’d be pretty livid if he found out.” Melanie laughed, gave me an eye roll, and plopped down beside me on the bed. She wrapped her arm around my shoulder, making the moment feel a bit more relaxed. “Don’t worry little Birdie, we’ll be back before he comes to visit you again.” I scoffed and smiled, “Let me get my backpack and dress for the occasion.” I slipped on my olive-green button-up shirt, my jeans and packed some essentials into my backpack, including a flashlight and battery charger for my phone. I paused and realized that I had the phone that Mr. Smith gave Leila, and I put it into my backpack. I combed my hair up in a loose ponytail and looked at the time--it was 2:35pm and I exhaled. “Let’s go,” I told her. She secured the quantum time manipulator to my wrist and grasped my hand. As I opened my eyes, I witnessed us passing through the wormhole. We found ourselves aboard a sleek black starship, its metallic surface reminiscent of the monolith but it was an actual ship. A wave of nausea hit me, leaving me feeling disoriented.

“Are you alright, Birdie?” I nodded and flashed her a ‘thumbs up’ as I collected myself and let out a sigh.

She chuckled, saying, “You’ll get the hang of it.”

As she slid into the pilot's seat, she made herself right at home. The ship isn’t particularly large; it features a control room packed with all the navigational gear needed for a smooth journey, and a cozy mid-section that boasts a small table alongside a booth that’s reminiscent of those found in RVs and trailers. Curiosity piqued, and I asked, “So, is this your ship?”

She grinned back at me and clarified, “It actually belongs to a friend of mine.” A man stepped out from the rear of the ship; his collar casually flipped up. He sported a dark navy-blue coat that reached his knees, which was left unbuttoned at the front, revealing an ivory cotton shirt underneath. The coat featured medium-sized gold buttons that added a touch of elegance to his look. There was a holster strapped around his waist, but the gun was noticeably absent from its place. His captivating blue eyes locked onto mine, pulling me closer. With his short, light brown hair slicked back, he exuded a charming yet mischievous aura that suggested he might be a heartbreaker. 

Curiosity piqued, I found myself asking, "Who are you?"

 “I am Jack, milady,” he replied, taking my hand and planting a kiss on it. I couldn't help but giggle, glancing at Melanie, who rolled her eyes and shook her head. 

“She’s with me, Jack,” she interjected. Jack shot her a playful smirk, raising an eyebrow and said, “I thought I was your only companion?” he chuckled lightly. He settled into the passenger seat beside Melanie, leaving me to occupy the third seat in the back. His American accent mirrored that of Melanie's. I have no doubt that she will share more details about him one of these days. I asked Melanie, “Since you have access to this ship, why not return home?" It was a valid question, yet she merely cast a fleeting glance my way. "Birdie, I want to go back, but it's not that simple."

 “Oh, I see,” I responded, feeling that there’s something else she hasn’t told me. “Buckle in,” she said. Jack let out a “Woohoo,” as we lifted off. Jack tapped a few buttons on the control panel, and in an instant, we shot into light-speed, plunging through a mesmerizing wormhole. It was amazing! I was completely in awe. We arrived on a planet covered in a dense jungle. “The ship will be hidden, and I’ll input the coordinates into our quantum time manipulators to return us to the ship or as close to it,” Melanie stated with assurance. Jack asked her, “So, you won’t need my help on this mission?”

Melanie shook her head, saying, “We’ll manage, Jack. I know the location of the temple, and

I’ll call for you, if necessary,” she comforted him and placed her hand on his shoulder, he then kissed it.

I couldn't help but think, "What a flirt."

He pressed Melanie once more, asking if she was certain she didn't want his assistance, but she firmly maintained that everything would be fine. Jack and I shared a worried look, our concern unmistakable. As Melanie and I disembarked from the ship, I noticed the weapon holster she had slung around her waist. She adjusted her brown leather messenger bag, which she wore diagonally across her chest, and retrieved a scanner from within it, meticulously surveying our surroundings. "Everything seems fine," she remarked, tucking the scanner back into her bag with a satisfied nod. 

Meanwhile, I placed my backpack on the ground beside me and pulled out the insect repellent, applying the cream generously to my arms and any other exposed skin, but not on my face. Melanie chuckled at my cautiousness. I expressed my reluctance, saying, "I really don't want to be bitten by some unfamiliar exotic insect," as I explained my reasoning. "This time, I need to be careful," I continued. She chuckled and gave a slight shake of her head. She suggested we link our devices, and in an instant, we found ourselves 100 yards away from an unusual building. This was no typical structure; it appeared to be crafted from gold and featured a peculiar architectural design to it.

"What is this place?" I asked, my gaze shifting nervously as the towering edifice loomed ahead of us. With a smile, she gestured toward it and said, "That's where we're headed, Birdie," before giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

 "Let's move,” she grabbed my hand, and we began to walk toward it. The jungle was thick with an array of foliage all around. The environment felt ominously threatening, however there’s a certain peace and tranquility about this place. I took a deep breath. The aroma of exotic flowers and plants lingered in the air. It’s safe to assume that there are Alien beings on this planet too. Approaching the building, the stunning gold edifice towered in front of us. Its architecture seemed otherworldly, reminiscent of a scene from a science fiction film. The structure featured several balconies, and the windows were tinted. "Melanie, what's the real reason we're here?" I questioned her. "I'm on a quest for something,” she paused and added, “I figured you'd be thrilled to join me.”

Meanwhile, a nagging worry lingered in my mind that Mr. Smith could find out about our little escapade, and anxiety started to set in. As we made our way down a faintly marked trail, Melanie activated her scanner, which led her forward. Suddenly, a clicking noise echoed behind us, and I turned to see a massive insect that looked like a bizarre hybrid of a praying mantis or something else, staring at us. Stunned, I stumbled back, unable to move. "Melanie!" I yelled, and she quickly grabbed her pistol, firing at the creature, it collapsed. My heart raced.

"I really don't think bug spray would have done the trick," I thought, exhaling in relief.

 "Looks like I need to teach you how to handle a weapon," she said, pausing for a moment, "Or maybe Mr. Smith should teach you."

She rolled her eyes, adding, "You can't always be a damsel in distress." I nodded in agreement, and we pressed on with our mission. I paused to grab my water bottle while Melanie pulled out a canteen from her bag. We took a rest for a minute or two, then we walked onward.

 “We’re getting close to the building now so, take my hand, Birdie." In no time, we were inside, much to my dismay. I can't shake off my negative feelings about this journey; it feels risky and uncertain. I have the phone Mr. Smith gave me, and if necessary, I’ll reach out to him, but I know there will be consequences for being here with her. My eyes flicked nervously from side to side as we cautiously navigated the hallway. Suddenly, we caught sight of an alien that looked like a Grey, but it was taller— perhaps around five foot ten. I let out a quiet gasp, “Melanie, look,” and I pointed. We quickly ducked behind a corner, managing to avoid detection as the alien walked by, seemingly preoccupied with a device in hand, speaking into. Once he was gone, we reached the room, and we came across a locked door.

 “What should we do now?” I asked. Melanie retrieved a scanner like the one Mr. Smith possesses and then she positioned it near the lock, allowing the device to search for the code to open the door. The door clicked and slid open at last. We stepped inside, and the dim room lit up, showcasing various artifacts, each protected by a forcefield. Melanie had her sights set on one specific item: a medium-sized red crystal.

As we got closer, I couldn't help but be captivated by its beauty. "Is this the one you're after?" I asked her. "Absolutely," she replied. "Just give me a moment to remove the forcefield, and then we can have a closer look." She pulled out another gadget and switched off the forcefield. "You need to pay attention," she said, with urgency in her voice. “The moment I remove the crystal, the alarm will sound, and we must act quickly, or we'll be trapped inside the building.”

 I stared at her in shock and exclaimed, “Wait, what!” Instantly, as the shield dropped, and she raised the crystal, the alarms erupted. Melanie quickly snatched it and shoved it into a durable black storage bag, that she had pulled from her messenger bag and then tossed it back inside. Without wasting a moment, she took my hand, and we bolted out of the room, only to find ourselves face-to-face with two Greys. 

Melanie fired her pistol, managing to stun one of them, but the other was hot on our heels as we sprinted down the corridor. “Jack, locate our quantum time manipulators and guide us out of here, like, right now!” she yelled. Just as Jack activated the transport, we vanished just in time. The building-initiated lockdown procedures. If he had hesitated for even a minute longer, we would have been stuck inside, and who knows what kind of trouble we could have found ourselves in. “I don’t think we should’ve done that,” I mentioned with a worried look on my face as we trekked back to the ship. I asked her, “I thought the quantum time manipulators would transport us into the ship?” She did not respond. We were close enough to spot the ship in the distance. I spotted Jack dashing down the ramp, quickly making his way toward us. Melanie turned her head and caught sight of the Greys materializing just a few feet away. We dashed toward the ship while Jack drew their attention by shooting at them. As we raced forward, I felt a sharp pain as something struck me, causing me to fall. With a swift tug, Melanie yanked me up by the arm, her fingers dancing over the controls of the quantum time manipulator, and in an instant, we found ourselves aboard the ship. Jack sprinted back to the ship and wasted no time, inputting coordinates and steering us back to Earth. As we touched down in a deserted lot, he activated the cloaking mechanism, but I remained paralyzed, I softly said, “help me.” There was something wrong with my body, I couldn’t move. Melanie looked at me with concern, assuring me, "Trust me, I’ll make this right,” she said with urgency in her voice. I was taken aback when she unexpectedly reached for my phone and called Mr. Smith. His voice boomed through the receiver, filled with anger. "Don't waste your breath telling me your location, I can track you down," he snapped. Melanie sighed heavily. Her frustration evident, "Birdie, I’m truly sorry," she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

(This is an excerpt from Chapter 14-Book 3.

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 Remi's Wedding

 

A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 12 Excerpt

 

(This is an excerpt from Chapter 12: Traveling with Melanie)

It was September, and I was sitting in my room, completely absorbed in my laptop and the class assignments I had to finish. Out of nowhere, a portal popped up right where the monolith usually sits, catching me completely off guard. To my astonishment, Melanie stepped out of it. My heart raced, and I could hardly believe my eyes.

 "What are you doing here? My parents are downstairs, and as for my brother—well, forget him; he’s not around," I exclaimed, a hint of irritation creeping into my voice as I pondered his mysterious whereabouts. It was puzzling how he had spent nearly the entire summer out with friends, while I had been preoccupied with Mr. Smith and now this surprise visit from Melanie. It seems we both have secrets.

 “Have you thought about my offer?” I shut my laptop and pivoted my chair to face her, contemplating the proposal she had just laid out. With my arms crossed, I responded, “Alright, I’ll join you this one time, but I can’t shake the feeling that Mr. Smith might catch wind of this,” casting her a concerned glance. “You don’t need to fret about that,” she replied with a casual shrug. “Now, come here, little Bird, and take my hand.” She had a medium brown leather messenger bag slung across her chest, and from it, she retrieved another quantum time manipulator. 

With a swift motion, she slapped it onto my wrist and secured it tightly. “So, how does this thing work?” I asked as I rose to my feet, curiosity piqued.

 “You just have to hold my hand while we travel,” she explained, her tone both reassuring and excited. “And where exactly are we headed?” I pressed, eager to know what awaits me on this unexpected journey.

 "How about we take a trip to the 1920s?" she suggested, her finger dancing over the button of her quantum time manipulator. In an instant, we found ourselves standing in a vast, desolate field.

 "What just happened? Where are we?" I stammered, a wave of nausea washing over me as I fought the urge to be sick. 

 "Welcome to April 1926," she replied with a grin. As I looked around, a wave of confusion washed over me; this was supposed to be my hometown, but it felt completely foreign, stripped of the familiar homes and buildings that wouldn’t be built for another seventy-five years.

 “So, there’s absolutely nothing—where do we even go from here?” She pressed another button on the quantum time manipulator and grabbed my hand, and suddenly we found ourselves standing right in front of the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. Once a posh spot, it fell from grace during the Great Depression and turned into a rundown hotel notorious for all sorts of shady dealings. The hotel boasts seven hundred rooms and three hundred and one suites, a massive space that holds a lot of stories from its colorful past.

 “Wow, I can’t believe we’re in the 1920’s,” I paused and added, “But our clothes?” I asked, looking at my modern attire. “Yeah, they do stand out,” she said and added, “We will go to the nearest boutique clothing shop and buy clothes that fit this era. She waved down a taxi. The man driving the taxi looked at us skeptically. “Take us downtown,” Melanie said and gave him extra fare.

"How did you manage to get that cash?" I asked, settling into the seat beside her in the taxi. With a playful wink, she replied, "Zyrius always said to be ready for anything," and she squeezed my hand gently.

“I took some of the money from every era that he had stashed hidden in one of his drawers.”

I glanced over at her and couldn’t help but think, “Hmm, perhaps that’s why he’s so mad at her, aside from the fact that she managed to slip away from him.” When the taxi pulled up in downtown Los Angeles, Melanie and I stepped out and began to wander the streets in search of a boutique. After a short stroll, we discovered one that caught our eye and decided to enter. As we walked in, the woman at the cash register looked us over with a puzzled expression and asked, "Can I assist you with something?"

 “Yes, we need clothes to wear can we browse to see what there is?” Melanie asked. The woman who was dressed in 1920’s clothes gave us a nod and smiled.

The boutique seemed very elegant. I mentioned to Melanie, "Mr. Smith typically keeps clothes in the monolith, all set for wearing."

Melanie replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Yes, Zyrius is always ready, isn't he?" Her eye roll suggested a complicated past between them, possibly one tinged with resentment. We selected several outfits from the racks and headed to the dressing room to try them on. Most of the clothes suited me well, and Melanie looked stunning. “Can we wear what we got on?” She asked the clerk. “Sure, as long as you pay.” Melanie pulled out money from her messenger bag, it was 1920’s money. The woman’s eyes widened; she is overwhelmed by the amount of money Melanie is carrying. “Um, I am an explorer; archeologist, and this is my assistant,” Melanie told the cashier. The woman breathed a sigh of relief.

 “Oh, of course that is why you both were wearing those other outfits.” She smiled and accepted the money. We walked out wearing fine 1920’s attire. Melanie waved down a taxi and we went back to the Cecil Hotel. “We’ll get a room here,” Melanie said. We walked into the lobby; it was very distinguished and classy. Melanie paid for one guest room; one bed and we went upstairs. "What are your thoughts on this place?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. I found myself captivated by the vintage charm that surrounded us, despite everything being brand new. "This is really impressive," I responded, my voice filled with enthusiasm. “But in my time, the Cecil Hotel is rather rundown and has a dark history,” I added. As I approached the ornate mirror, I realized my hairstyle clashed with the historical ambiance, prompting me to quickly roll my hair up and secure it with pins to achieve a more fitting look. Turning back to her, I nodded appreciatively and said, "It's truly lovely. I really enjoy it." A broad smile spread across my face, and Melanie's eyes lit up with delight at my reaction. She let out a playful scoff, her own smile mirroring my excitement. "I think I know why Zyrius, or rather Mr. Smith, finds you so captivating."

I looked at her and asked, "Why do you say that?" I sat beside her on the bed.

 "It's because you perceive the world with such innocent and refreshing eyes," she replied, a hint of admiration in her voice. A gentle smile crept across my face as my brown eyes locked onto hers, filled with curiosity.

 "I hope it's not too forward to ask, but what happened between you and Mr. Smith? What led you to part ways with him and how did you acquire the body?" She took a deep breath, her expression turning serious as her brow furrowed.

 "Are you certain you want to hear this?" I affirmed with a nod. She gulped, “As you already know, I was with him from the start. When he took on a physical form in the 1500s, his desire was to find me a vessel of my own. Unlike him, I was not inclined to inhabit a body, yet he was insistent on the matter. Our journey through the ages brought us to the late 1800s, where we found ourselves on a sprawling farmland in the United States, in Montana. Melanie, the person whose body I now share, used to call that place home. It was in that very spot that we first crossed paths. At just 23 years old, she was on her way back home from a day in town, strolling along a dusty road.

 She was balancing a canvas bag filled with groceries, her long blonde hair dancing in the warm summer breeze, while her ankle-length dress flowed gracefully around her. Her feet were clad in well-worn black shoes, a testament to her humble lifestyle. The young woman was minding her own business, probably thinking about her husband or someone that she loves, then suddenly the monolith appeared a few yards away from her,” Melanie paused as her mind remembered that faithful day.

“It horrified the poor woman, the sound that the monolith made was otherworldly; she turned to run but suddenly Zyrius touched a crystal on the matrix table and the woman froze, she couldn’t move. Suddenly, she collapsed to the ground, as if an invisible force was pulling her legs down, making it impossible for her to stay upright. On our previous journey to Tarislee, Zyrius had completely transformed his appearance; he wasn't in those old 1500s clothes anymore. He picked out a whole new wardrobe, got rid of his beard, and even had a fresh haircut. The change was striking; he looked nothing like the disheveled peasant he used to be.”

 “I imagined he had treated himself at the day spa, where he was groomed and pampered,” I said. Melanie gave me a nod, “You’re right,” she said and

continued her story, “He emerged from the monolith and approached the terrified woman. Tears streamed down her cheeks; she pleaded for mercy.

“Hello, I’m Mr. Smith,” he said, pausing to kneel beside her. “Are you interested in joining me on an adventure through time and space?” His gaze lingered on her, thoughtfully assessing her, while his fingers gently caressed her flowing, curly locks.

I was observing from within the monolith on the screen, noting how his eyes glowed with a predatory allure, suggesting a desire that was far from innocent. Paralyzed with fear, she could only stare at him in

confusion, yet her hands remained free to resist as Zyrius seized her by the hair, forcefully pulling her into the depths of the monolith,” Melanie recounted. Thinking about what Mr. Smith told the woman before he took her, I remember that he had said the same thing to me when we first met. It makes me wonder, if I had turned him down and not gone with him, would he have taken me anyway? Melanie released a deep, weary sigh, and an uncomfortable silence enveloped us. The cheerful sounds of a party floated up from the room next to the lobby. I think in later years, they ended up getting rid of that party room. I’m not sure if it was a private event going on downstairs, but I had a feeling Melanie would be interested in joining the fun. To fill the void, I asked, "What happened after he took her inside?" She let out another heavy sigh before replying, "After he brought her inside, the AI recommended that he examine her body. He gently stroked the woman’s cheek, then hoisted her over his shoulder, carrying her into his room while she screamed in protest. The AI revealed the horrifying details of his actions to me by showing me on the holographic screen," she paused, taking a

moment to collect herself, a pained expression crossing her features, a blend of grief and distress. "He raped that poor woman." My jaw dropped in disbelief; I was stunned that he could commit such an atrocity. “After he was done with her, he turned to the screen on the wall and asked me, "So, what do you think, Ona? She has a body that’s just perfect," he said, his eyes glued to her while a chilling smirk

played on his lips. “Ona, come to my room,” he demanded. I found myself standing in his room, revealing my true form to the poor woman. He forced the woman to look upon me," Melanie hesitated, shifting uneasily on the bed. A knot formed in my throat as I asked, "What happened?" I took her hand in mine. Deep down, I was reluctant to hear her response, leaving the air thick with unspoken tension. “The moment her eyes fell upon my true form, she was struck blind, a piercing scream escaped her lips. The AI embedded within the monolith revealed to Zyrius the course of action he needed to take, and I doubt I need to elaborate further; the outcome is already clear to you.” An uneasy quietness enveloped us, and I could sense the discomfort she felt as the memories of that incident resurfaced.

“The experience of merging into her body was excruciating, a sensation that pierced through me like a thousand needles. Though her physical form lay lifeless, I could feel a surge of my own energy intertwining into her body, as if I were trying to breathe life back into a shell that had long since departed. The struggle was palpable, a haunting reminder of the thin veil between existence and oblivion, as I fought to connect with something that was no longer there yet still resonated within the depths of my being.”

  I interrupted, “I hate to bring this up, but when you took her body, did you find it difficult to adapt?" Melanie let out a soft scoff, a subtle smile gracing her lips. "It was tough, but Zyrius was there to help; he had more experience in his body," she said, her eyes wandering as she reminisced about their cherished moments together.

 “How did you manage to restore the woman’s sight?” I asked her.

 “The AI handled that in the infirmary,” she replied. A sigh escaped me, a blend of understanding and frustration rising within. "Ah, I understand," I said quietly. “Zyrius confided in me that he prefers to identify as male, even though my species doesn’t have a specific gender. In our culture, when two people marry, they merge their essences to create a new life, a tradition deeply embedded in our customs. However, as I journeyed alongside him, I found immense pleasure in the new forms we took on together. The myriads of sensations that accompanied these bodies were utterly captivating, almost addictive. Having sex was interesting.” I listened to her with rapt attention, contemplating her words.

“That make sense. When Mr. Smith and I share those intimate moments, it feels as if he’s attempting to completely envelop me, almost like he wants to pull me into his very being.” I mused thoughtfully.

 She continued, “The desire to return home lingered in the back of my mind, yet as I spent more moments with him, delving into the mysteries of space and time, I found myself embracing this new way of life. The thrill of adventure ignited a yearning for independence within me. It was during one of our excursions to a clandestine black market nestled within our star system, I made a pivotal decision; I acquired a quantum time manipulator, a device that came in handy when it was time for me to escape. Earth was the ideal place for me to hide out and quantum jump. Zyrius can be very forceful and possessive,” she paused and added, “I believe you know what I mean.”

 I nodded and then asked, “So, you never told me how you knew about my unfortunate luck on that planet I visited with Mr. Smith?” She hesitated then revealed, “Zyrius managed to locate me and pulled a fast one on me while I was off on another planet hunting for treasures,” she explained, letting out a deep sigh. "He’s got this ability to track me using the AI. When I was with him in that monolith, the AI slipped a tracker into me," she said, tapping her head to show where the implant is located. “What Zyrius didn’t know was that I wasn’t alone. I met a man named Jack from the year, 2315 and I explained everything to him about my conundrum.” She let out a soft smile. “When Zyrius caught me, and took me onboard the monolith, I realized I was trapped by a set of restraint rings that dance around me like hula hoops, making it impossible to get away. To make matters worse, if I tried to escape, I risked a painful electric shock. Meanwhile, Jack, equipped with a quantum time manipulator, same as mine, managed to activate his device just in time, allowing him to slip into the monolith before it vanished from the area. I shouted to Jack to take one of the crystals from the matrix table and throw it. As he did, the rings descended, and in that moment, Jack seized my hand, allowing us to be transported from the monolith directly into his ship. That’s how I escaped, but just before Jack came to my aid, Zyrius shared the story of your ordeal on that planet.”

“What did he say? I asked her.

“Well, I asked him about you, and how you were doing. He mentioned that you were okay, but you both had an encounter with a bounty hunter. When he asked why I was interested, I explained that I had heard about a bounty hunter who nearly caught him but ended up meeting a fatal end.”

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