RECORDING MOMENTS IN TIME

We know so little about each other and even less about our galaxy, the Milky Way. A system filled with stars, gas, dust, dark matter, and a supermassive black hole at its center. Scientists predict we will collide with a neighboring galaxy. The result, uncertain. The end is inevitable. Relax, that’s about 4.5 billion years in the future. I recalled reading that we needed to chill out. Everything would be fine. Technology Will Save Us! Artificial Intelligence is our salvation.

Brett and Cord pulled closer to the table, lowering their voices. Brett asked, “Where did you two meet?” “We met amid anarchy. We watched public education falter, a deteriorating climate, a collapsing economy, splintering governments, crushed hope, and a broken society. She worked as a quasi-manager at the cafe we all recently ‘visited’ in the barrio. I worked there occasionally, and it was there we connected. Spent free time together, sharing our love of reading. We both had

There we all sat, including Diana, Frank seated across the table, eyes avoiding Diana. His silent demeanor showed his sadness. Like everything else in the Well, stories spread quickly. Truths, half-truths and lies. Transparency. …the note, now crumpled, still haunted me. I pulled it out and read, “Mr. Jesse Tucker, I know who you are; I know where you are; I knew your wife; you are a dead man, sincerely.” This continued to leave me wondering: what about my daughters? Looking

“DAD!” Without hesitation, she darted out the gate, hugged her dad, exclaiming, “Why did you not return?” Watching, I wondered if my daughters would greet me in such a fashion? Would I be ‘dad’ or some no-name stranger who betrayed them, who gave up searching for them. “I need to speak to Jesse now,” Luke stated, releasing Diana. Hand on weapon, he walked toward me, clearly angry. He whispered in my ear, “If it were not for Diana’s presence, I would drop you here on this spot

The air filled with the hum of voices as we — Mr. Maddox and his team, and I — anticipated our guests. By late afternoon, the once-cooling breeze had completely vanished, replaced by an uncomfortable stillness. The air felt stagnant and unmoving, thick. The crickets abruptly ceased their song; an unsettling silence fell, a warning of predators approaching. Hiding in the darkness, committee members watched to see the outcome, hoping for the best, expecting, maybe hoping for ou

Each day a redo, nothing new. The note and the recent threat at the gate were still at the forefront of my thoughts. I needed a distraction. Time to pull Scout Team 3 together to venture outside. We needed to perform, otherwise Well members would actively protest. My recent ill-advised adventure at the Barrio resulted in success despite my actions. Addison, the team was always a step ahead of me. Saving me. The value of the Scout Teams was questioned by many. The bounty appea

Daily, a line formed at the front gate. Layers of protection ensured the safety of those hidden within. Dual gates at the entrance point, guards, backup guards, and protocols. As the world continued its downward spiral, tribalism grew; danger and death followed. There were a few pockets of sanctuary. Somehow, we had held it together, with a few exceptions. Minor rebellions were quickly extinguished. The problem: as a community, we were now maxed out, supplies and resources in

Despondently, I watched as the wagon, our livestock, extra harnesses, miscellaneous junk, and concealed cash receded from my view into the darkness. The immediate challenges were to stay dry, keep out of sight, out of the wind, and find boots. Then plot our next steps. Where are Frank and Addison? Likely sitting around a table, enjoying a warm meal. The other members of the crew? Settling in for the night? What happens if they inadvertently encounter the wagon and the thieves

It was getting late, and unfortunately the heat was ever-present. Rain clouds were forming, the smell of rain in the air as we headed along the south side of Main Street. Most businesses were now closed, each filled with vagrants. Every city, large or small, was a heat island. At least the rain cooled the ground as the temperature dropped quickly; meanwhile, the humidity became stifling. Breathing was an effort; clothes soaked with sweat. Lights ahead marked the restaurant, n

Moving onward, the village was silent. Quiet enough to wander freely, although folks were watching and judging. We hoped to get a warm welcome, but that wouldn’t last. Hope is a sign of weakness. A character flaw. Society hoped climate change was a phase. That technology would save us. Equality was possible. There is always a silver lining. That people are basically good, and the Star Trek ideology of the late 20th century was true. Humanity can be better, virtuous. Our foref

Up early, preparing for what could be our last day among the living. The rain was moving in, returning with a vengeance, the wind increasing, and cold. The air was heavy; the atmosphere a gloomy gray. Not sure if this will work to our advantage or not. Frank, Addison, and I prepared the wagon. Gathered a few tradeable supplies, two bridles, and two used saddles for extra horses should they be required. Early afternoon we headed out, covered in ponchos, looking like worn-out t

“Barrio Hollywood,” I said. “You mean where we just recently ran from, leaving our mark in - ‘dust burger’?” Frank asked. “No, beyond that, in the valley. Enough begging, seeking small game. It’s time to find bigger prey. If we intend to take a risk, there needs to be a larger payoff, something to show for our incursion. If we have a reputation, let’s use it to our advantage.” Our Scout Teams had been visiting all around the region, losing team members, returning with next to

Days passed — praying , a word rarely heard anymore — while the committee seemed to have forgotten us. We ate and chatted idly, averting our gazes and sidestepping personal topics, failing to meet the committee’s expectations. The committee, whose members were unknown, became restless. Recently , they reminded us we were expendable, and that we had to perform or flee. Then again, there were few standing in line, wanting to replace us. Within the Well , children worshiped us,

The next day, forced to face an uncomfortable reality. They will never let this lie. Everyone walked away, no bodies left behind, no harm, still if only I could walk this all back. Never my intention to involve others, I saw they were all gathered around our table engaged in a robust conversation until I approached, awkward. Squashed the mood. Why did they follow me, and how did they know? Best guess Addison. Is she an insider, a spy, or does she work for the committee? I kno

What was he thinking? Jesse — educated, if unpredictable, creative, once a teacher by trade, now leads our Scout Team. (Although not by choice.) Average-looking guy, 5’10’’, brown hair, brown eyes, southpaw, physically fit — capable of thoughtful thinking — mostly. Independent, a bit of a loner. Occasionally, I wondered if he had a death wish. Thoughts buried. Moody, as if carrying a weight, a sadness and, like all of us, a history he was unwilling to share. Looked like a fam

A voice from behind, both unsteady and unexpected, stammered, “Tu… turn around slowly… and keep… your hands in view.” I froze, took a second to catch my breath, speculating what the hell have I gotten myself into? Minding my own business, a stranger. I felt my head spinning, my shoulders tightening, and my jaw clenching. Gotta keep breathing, stay steady. Could see the server headed to my table, food in hand, stopped, now watching the scenario play out. Her eyes fixed on the

No one was currently about; the stable empty, all chores completed for the evening, workers headed homeward, dinner with ‘family’ or consumed alone, and then preparing for the dark. My mount prepped as requested. The coast is clear, the sun now setting. It’s time to saddle up. Think incognito. Low profile. Decamping through the north gate, but circled around to the south side, then headed east along an aging roadway. The valley below was already fading into the shadows. Thirt

They saw us coming. Slowly approaching. Midday, hot, most hunkered down, the heat today unbearable, triple digits. Despite that, a waiting entourage; someone from the roof yells, “He’s bringing people.” Interest piqued; there was a procedure for adding to our population with strict rules. Pulling into the yard, the Scout Team surrounded the wagon, holding back the audience. I approached one of the community leaders, who appeared distraught and immediately demanded an explanat

“We have injured members who badly need medical care, perhaps a doctor, which are few and far apart, so we’re hoping you, as a larger, self-contained community, might have medical personnel. We have no medical staff, but we have a cache of medical supplies. So…, you take three injured needing care, and a trainable community member with several boxes of materials, address their needs, teach her, and return all safe at which we will provide additional medical materials, capeesh

Woke, pulling the covers over my head, seeking refuge from the blazing sun, alone. Last night’s visitor, gone. Voices, a few, filtered through the adjacent compartments. No electronics, no notifications, no beeps interrupting the moment, no vehicles or aircraft cacophony polluting the air, just disturbing silence. The technology that once kept us constant company, now artifacts of a foiled past. The news, talking heads, geniuses, always assured us the next solution would be o