This is episode forty-one of the novel, From Here To 1137 AD. If you would like to purchase From Here To 1137 AD, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback.
Longing
Shortly before the supper meal, Tom sat in the lounge typing notes into his tablet.
Brain said, “We are entering the next galaxy.”
“Thanks, Brain.”
“Have you made any firm decisions that I may be able to assemble things in motion for you?” Braid said.
“I have decided to be Invisaported to Scarborough. It’s a port city. It may help establish some sort of authenticity. I read that word about a stranger or traveler will reach a village before they get there. I’m going to try to dress the part and act the part, but curiosity often gives way to paranoia. The time that I’m going to Northumberland is a time of great mistrust and suspicion. A war is about to break out, and any stranger may be viewed as a spy.”
“May I suggest including in your Instaport protocol a few physiological changes to your current makeup?” Brian said.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Disease is rampant in the 12th century period,” Brain said. “Your generation may have lost some of the immunities that they possess and it would be wise to make certain you are immune to what they are not immune to. That can occur best when instaported and reversed when you return.”
“Thanks.”
“Also,” Brain continued, “there may be odors you may find objectionable.”
Tom interrupted, “Brain, I was raised on a farm.”
“Nevertheless,” Brain said, “I will include what is needed for you to withstand any objectionable odors. Along with that, taste will have to be adjusted.”
“You’re right on top of it, Brain.”
“In case of extreme loneliness, I can create a hologram version of myself,” Brian said. “The only thing needed for you to do is to offer a description. By integrating the Instaport and replicator, it can be accomplished.”
“That’s intriguing.” Tom set the tablet down. He began to contemplate what he would like Brain to look like.
“However,” Brain warned, “caution must be advised. It is possible to become emotionally attached to the hologram.”
“You mean when it fades into the fog like Debbie?”
“Yes,” Brain said. “I did note a rapid adjustment in your levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.”
“I’ll trust your experience on such things.”
“Would you like some music?” Brain asked.
“Do you have the movie, Forbidden Planet? I remember watching it with my dad. He said it scared him as a kid. As far as I’m concerned, it was really lame.”
“It is available,” Brain said. “And may I ask, why watch it if you didn’t like it?”
“It reminds me of Dad.”
“Yes,” Brain said, “sentimentality. It is only understood on an academic level. It can be quite emotionally burdensome for living beings possessing the capacity for such.”
“As a matter of communicating with living beings, why not try accessing poets? I’m sure you could come up with words that might soothe one who has become sentimental over lost and longed-for relationships.”
“Is there a tone of sarcasm and dissatisfaction in your comment?” Brain asked.
“You’re not sounding very academic.”
“In case you may request a hologram,” Brian said. “I’m merely trying to emulate correct responses to you that will appeal positively to your needs.”
“Duly noted, and with much appreciation.”
The trip across the galaxy lasted three days, as calculated. During that time, Tom continued to prepare for the civilization that he would suddenly find himself in. He entertained himself with movies and music. His thoughts often turned to Debbie, and occasionally, he worried about Edgar. He felt as if he should have done more to prepare Edgar for his long absence. Edgar had already become suspicious and began to inquire. He would never be able to figure out exactly what Tom was doing; nevertheless, suspicion could have made Edgar act irrationally or distrustfully.
Brain announced that once again, the pod had entered a space between two galaxies. It lasted fifteen Earth hours, during which Brain announced they had entered the galaxy that was the location of Tom’s destination.
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