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: Excerpt from A New Face-Chapter 31

 

(An excerpt from A New Face: A Time Traveler's Companion Chapter 31)

“What are you thinking about?” he asked, while he moved the crystals on the matrix table, switching their positions. A holographic projection hovered above the matrix table, displaying a map of the galaxy. He turned to me, noting my deep contemplation and pressed, “You seem lost in thought,” he remarked, eyeing the hologram with interest, “What’s on your mind?”

 “You,” I replied, casting him a loving gaze.

“I trust those thoughts are pleasant,” he said with a playful wink, tilting his head toward the corridor leading to his bedroom. I chuckled softly, feeling a mix of amusement and longing.

“Um, I was thinking about what would happen if,” I paused, leaning my back against the pillar with my arms crossed, I continued, “What if you got hurt to a point that you will have to discard your body?” He sighed, “Don’t think about it, I am fine. We have been careful, and I don’t want you to worry,” he said with a wistful smile. I nodded but little did I know that venturing to Vygel was going to change everything. 

We stumbled upon a local creature that caught our attention. It had vibrant green and yellow scales, a snake-like head, yellow eyes, sharp teeth, claws, and a long tail. The creature could move on all fours and can stand upright as well to a height of about 7 feet if it wanted to. As we gathered the crystals, it had been quietly tracking us. While scanning the surroundings, I caught sight of something creeping closer, almost hidden from view. Its camouflage made it hard to detect, revealing only a glimmer when sunlight struck its scales. In a panic, I abandoned the scanner and sprinted toward Mr. Smith. 

“Mr. Smith, something unknown is coming!” I yelled, but my warning came too late. The creature ran in full throttle on all fours toward us, and Mr. Smith stood between me and the creature. It knocked him down, tearing away at his protective suit. The armor he was wearing wasn’t enough to shield him from the long, five-inch-thick claws the creature had; it ripped through the armor like butter.  

I screamed and I got its attention, long enough for Mr. Smith to take out his weapon and fire. He stunned it long enough for him to summon the monolith. He fell to his knees because the reptile humanoid creature bit him several times and no doubt the poison was running fast into his blood stream. I ran to him and helped him inside the monolith. The monolith created a shield around itself so that nothing can penetrate it while Mr. Smith was incapacitated. I waited outside of the infirmary, much like before when he was shot in the 1930s. I paced back and forth, anxiously awaiting the results of his condition. “Is he doing, okay?” I asked the AI. “Yes. He will be fine. But he should take another body soon.”

“No, he doesn’t want to,” I said, in protest. I pondered, “He will eventually take a new body, it’s inevitable.” I gulped and sighed. I thought about my birthday and the times we shared together. I wiped tears from my eyes and exhaled. He told me that he is prepared for every contingency that might arise but just like the attack by that creature, I’m wary and ambivalent of his decisions. He is careless and yet he shows no fear of the unknown.

“Can I see him?”

“No,” the AI responded. I wandered around the corridors and rooms. Some were furnished and others weren’t. I went to the pool room. I smiled, remembering when we first dipped our naked bodies into the warm water. 

I chose to step inside, hoping it might ease my angst. I removed the black bodysuit, boots, and pendant, laying my clothes on a nearby pool chair and delicately placing the pendant on top. The poolroom features black walls decorated with geometric patterns, similar to those throughout the monolith, complemented by a few black lounge chairs. The ceiling light casts shimmering reflections on the water's surface. I dived in, feeling the warm water against my skin, soothing my nerves, and relaxing my senses. I closed my eyes, and imagined him with me, touching my body: kissing me.

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 Part 3-Chapter 16

A New Excerpt!

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from A Time Traveler's Companion chapter 1

 

(This is an excerpt from the book A Time Traveler's Companion)

Trigger Warnings: sexual situations 

MA-21 & over

  My Life after high school: After completing high school in mid-June 2014, I found myself in a situation where I needed to find a part-time job. At the same time, I was faced with the decision of whether to go to community college for the Fall semester or not. Rather than rushing into further education, I decided to take a step back and give myself some time to figure out my future ambitions and aspirations. I didn't have a clear goal in mind, and I wanted to make sure I made the right choice for my future path. Well, Life happens, and some things turn out differently than what expected. It was just another ordinary day when I encountered the man who would ultimately transform my life in ways I never anticipated. I decided to take a hike at one of my favorite hiking spots, the Menifee Cross Trails. The hills are crisscrossed with numerous narrow trails, offering a total of 2.7 miles of hiking. 

However, if you decide to explore the additional trails in the area, it can turn into quite a satisfying workout. Leila, my closest friend, and I have explored those hills several times in the past. One day, while she was occupied with her job at the local mall, I took the opportunity to drive my Honda electric plug-in hybrid. I parked it in the dirt lot where many hikers leave their vehicles, conveniently situated next to one of the trails. Three other cars were parked in the area, all owned by the most committed hikers who frequent the spot. I brought along my red and brown backpack, sporting my favorite olive-green safari button-up shirt paired with brown khaki shorts, and laced up my ankle-high rust brown hiking boots before hitting the trail.  

Reaching the summit of a modest hill, I paused to catch my breath. Glancing around, my gaze settled on the imposing metal cross standing proudly atop a larger hill nearby. The origin of the cross remained a mystery to me, yet it served as a focal point and drew visitors to the hiking trails. As the fog gradually dissipated, the landscape appeared less foreboding than it had at the start of my trek. In the distance, I spotted a couple of fellow hikers enjoying the serene surroundings. I took a sip from my water bottle and after I rested a bit, I started my descent.  

As I continued my journey, I noticed a different path up ahead and decided to explore it. However, out of nowhere, a series of bizarre events unfolded, catching me off guard. The air crackled with an eerie static electricity, causing a shiver to run down my spine. My heart raced in my chest, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Standing there, an inexplicable sense of unease crept over me as I waited, unsure of what I was waiting for.

   A nagging feeling urged me to flee, yet I remained rooted to the spot. Suddenly, a peculiar whooshing, humming noise echoed from behind me, causing me to whirl around in alarm. Before me, a strange shimmering object materialized, startling me into a sudden jump. As I took a step back, my eyes widened in disbelief as an ominous black monolith emerged out of thin air right before me. Time seemed to stand still as I found myself frozen in place, holding my breath in anticipation of what would happen next.

“What the Fuck?” I muttered, as a sudden whirlwind swooshed my hair back, leaving me in a state of bewilderment. I glanced around, hoping to find someone who had also witnessed this inexplicable phenomenon. Everything around me became quiet and the sudden burst of wind subsided. As I stood there, a mix of awe and confusion washed over me. "What in the world," I thought.

Curiosity compelled me to approach the enigmatic object, cautiously running my fingers along its smooth and icy surface. A sudden jolt of static electricity coursed through me. “Ouch,” I recoiled my hand. The monolith towered before me, measuring 40 inches wide, and a staggering 7 feet in height. With wide eyes and a mind filled with questions, I stood there, utterly dumbfounded. Perplexed, I couldn't help but wonder about the purpose and origin of this mysterious structure. With wide eyes and a mind filled with questions, I stood there, utterly dumbfounded. Just as I contemplated the enigma before me, a figure emerged from within the monolith.

Startled, I swiftly moved to the other side, seeking cover behind the towering structure. As I peered from behind the monolith spotting a man stepping onto the trail, he seemed unaffected by the strangeness of the situation. He looked to be in his late twenties, maybe early thirties. He glanced around, scanning from left to right. Looking at his attire, he was donning a brown pinstriped blazer over a white tee shirt, paired with denim jeans and black high-top sneakers. Initially, unaware of my presence, I hid behind the monolith and discreetly glanced around the corner. As he moved away from the monolith towards my intended direction, I debated whether to leave or follow him, ultimately, I succumbed to my curiosity and trailed him surreptitiously. Halting midway, he paused to survey his surroundings with hands in his pockets, letting out a sigh and shaking his head. Eventually, he pivoted to return to the monolith, our gazes locking as he appeared surprised, his eyes filled with curiosity.

“Wow,” he remarked, taking in my appearance. “Are you from around here?” I simply gaped at him while he grinned back. I was momentarily speechless, especially after catching the unmistakable British accent in his tone. Gathering my thoughts, I mustered the courage to ask, “Who are you?” 

“Just call me Mr. Smith,” he replied.

“How did you get here,” I asked, my curiosity piqued. With a sly grin, he approached me and replied, "I stumbled upon this place during my travels."

His eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and a hint of allure. I glanced at the monolith. As he spoke, I couldn't help but take a step back, unsure of what to expect. Sensing my hesitation, he reassured me, "If you're interested, I'll gladly show you, come travel with me,” he paused. “But if not, feel free to leave." A lump formed in my throat, causing me to hesitate. He moved closer, attempting to hold my hand, but I instinctively pulled away. "Don't worry," he assured me, his voice soothing. "I'll ensure your safety and make sure you have an interesting time." 

Gesturing towards the mysterious monolith, he insisted, "Trust me, let me show you." Once again, he reached out for my hand, and a warm sensation washed over me, making it impossible to resist. Despite my apprehension and uncertainty, I found myself irresistibly drawn to this enigmatic man who emerged from the monolith. His captivating eyes, charming smile, and the aura surrounding him had me completely mesmerized, along with the enigmatic monolith itself. As his touch enveloped me, all thoughts of my past vanished, and I became completely entranced, until he finally asked, "What is your name?" I hesitantly replied, “I'm Remi,” my voice barely above a whisper.

 His smile shifted into a playful smirk, his gaze slowly taking in every detail of me. As I moved closer to the massive structure, I spotted someone standing on one of the hills nearby, perhaps he was clearly just as puzzled by the sudden appearance of the monolith as I was. Mr. Smith shot a glance toward him, his eyes narrowed.

"Come on," he beckoned, gesturing towards the monolith with a flirtatious smile and a playful wink. Confused, I glanced at the monolith’s surface, devoid of any inscriptions, its sleek black surface chilling to the touch, just as I had mentioned earlier. With a sudden jolt, an opening materialized which I assume was the door, it caused me to instinctively recoil. With unwavering confidence, he took a bold stride into it, and I hesitantly mirrored his actions. However, as I crossed the threshold, a wave of disbelief washed over me, causing my mouth to fall open and my eyes to widen in astonishment. The sheer magnitude of what lay before me left me breathless, and I couldn't suppress a gasp that escaped my lips.

 In that moment, he couldn't contain his excitement and proudly declared, "Welcome to my humble abode," relishing the astonishment that was etched across my face. "This is a Time Dimensional Spacecraft, or TDSC for short," he announced. Looking around, I suddenly realized that I was situated within an otherworldly spacecraft. My eyes wandered around the room, absorbing the sleek, jet-black design with mesmerizing geometric patterns. The two control panels on either wall and the sleek floor reflecting the ceiling, drew my attention.

"Hold on a second," I exclaimed as I stepped out of the craft and circled it, taking in the bizarre design while a sense of confusion enveloped me. It struck me that the inside and outside of the spacecraft were mismatched in size. I hurried back inside, eager to unravel this puzzling revelation. I stared at it, my eyes with wide with excitement. 

"Wow! I can't believe my eyes, it's bigger inside!" I exclaimed, filled with awe. Instead of feeling afraid, I was completely fascinated by the whole experience and eager to uncover the mysteries behind this intriguing man and his extraordinary ship. He chuckled, clearly pleased with my reaction.

"I had a feeling you'd be amazed," he said, with a smug grin on his face. My heart raced, and I couldn't tear my gaze away from the mesmerizing interior.

 "Would you like to embark on an adventure with me?" he asked. My heart skipped a beat, and I took a deep breath, my eyes brimming with astonishment. I was at a loss for words.  

"Your eyes are captivating," he remarked, gazing at me intently, as if weighing a decision. His deep brown eyes roamed over me in a suggestive manner, causing me to blush and look away. A tense silence enveloped us briefly, before I broke it with a question: “Am I being abducted?” I hesitated, inching toward the door that was hidden from the outside but clear from within. He moved closer, his presence a mix of authority and reassurance. "You can leave if you want; we’re still on the same hiking trail," he said, his gaze steady on mine. Standing nearly six feet tall, he loomed over my five-foot-six frame, which felt a bit daunting.

 Feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity, I couldn't help but nervously smile back at him. "I believe the person you saw earlier is nearing the TDSC and may be contacting others soon." A soft smile graced his lips as he looked directly at me, his eyes filled with anticipation. It was evident that he was eagerly awaiting my response, silently pleading for a positive answer. The way he gazed at me spoke volumes, conveying his desire for me to agree to whatever he was proposing.

"If you decide to accompany me, we can journey to any destination of your choosing, and I'll ensure we return before dinner. I possess the ability to traverse time. The possibilities are endless," he said, enticing me further. Despite his kind offer, I still felt unsure. "Don't worry, once you get to know me, you'll realize I’m not such a bad guy,” he continued to persuade me. His words were accompanied by a chuckle and a smile, sending a shiver down my spine. A nervous chuckle escaped my lips; my eyes spotted a mysterious black pillar embellished with sparkling crystals in the center of the room. It truly captivated me. Setting my backpack down on the floor, I cautiously approached, drawn in by its enchanting allure. "What is this?" I asked, circling around the strange pillar with multicolored quartz crystals at the center, one of them glowing brightly. 

"No, don't touch it," he warned, causing me to retract my hand. 

 "What are they?" I asked, intrigued.

 "They control this ship," he explained. I pondered over the offer he made earlier.

 "I'll accept your offer, but..." I hesitated.

 "But what?" he asked.

 "I hope you'll bring me back before dinnertime or before 10pm," I nervously chuckled, feeling a strange attraction toward him. Standing in front of each other, the crystals casting a soft glow on my face, I couldn't help but question the risks of joining this enigmatic being from another realm on an adventure. 

"How old are you?” he asked. Before responding, I thought about my uneventful life. Musing, "I don’t have a boyfriend, I’m out of high school now, considered an adult ready to start a new chapter in my life and at the moment I clearly don’t have any plans.”

After a brief pause, I mustered the courage to respond, "I'm twenty," I said, it was a blatant lie though. Despite being only eighteen, but turning 19 in October, I decided to withhold that information from him. His inquisitive gaze persisted as he mulled over my answer.

"Well, okay,” he paused and added, “You do appear to be young," he delicately traced his fingers along the glowing crystals on the table on top of the pillar.

 “People often assume that about me, but the truth is I'm twenty, with my birthday just four months away.” I lied again, feeling a lump in my throat. He stepped closer and softly stroked my cheek before placing a tender kiss on my forehead. A rush of warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but blush as he smiled at me. "So, where do you want to go?" he asked, tapping a crimson crystal. Suddenly, a sleek jet-black seat materialized a short distance away from him and he casually took off his brown pinstriped blazer and tossed it onto the chair. Pondering his words, I said, "If you truly have the power to time travel, I'd love to visit the 1970s." I smiled at him.

"Do you have a specific year in mind?" he asked.

 I casually shrugged and grinned, replying, "1976, my grandma used to tell me fascinating stories about that year." He chuckled, flashing a smile my way. 

"Alright then, let's embark on this adventure," he exclaimed excitedly.

 "Touch that crystal," he instructed. 

 "But I thought you didn't want me to touch the crystals?"

"I'm granting you the privilege," he smiled. He then told me to focus on my grandma and the year 1976. With closed eyes, I imagined the sensation of being transported to that era.

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Excerpt 2 1976 

Excerpt 3 

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A Time Traveler's Companion Vol. 1