The Archives: Education: The Archives, #1

Chapter 1

The Beginning

Admission to the academy is the most important thing on the mind of most young people these days. Surrounded by mystery, cloaked in danger, and an equal portion of intrigue thrown in for good measure; but this is all conjecture.  Hear say, as most would tell you.  ‘No one knows for sure...’ is the canned response.  Secrets and allusion are what Archive Island is all about.

So, when Benjamin Jensen was granted an interview for his postdoctoral education, he was not stunned, nor was he jubilant.  He simply made the comment ‘I see they do recognize raw talent!’ 

Yes, when he made the comment it was out loud, and with the exclamation point at the end.  Fortunately, he was alone in his single room dwelling and no one could hear him, except for his computer.

He needed to go out and celebrate this fact, but he did not know where to go.  He had a favorite place to get drunk, but this was different.  He did not need to move to accept the enrollment since he already lived about a 15 or 20-minute walk from the tube that went to Archive Island, but maybe he SHOULD move closer.  But closer is more expensive.  He needed to find a place closer to the action!  Not closer to work. 

Do they put you in a dormitory for your training?  He thought to himself.  He did want to live somewhere that would provide him a shorter commute to Archive Island since he was more of an entertainment oriented person.  But that’s for another day, after the interview, the training, and graduation.  Tonight, is for partying.

Display a list of establishments where I can eat and drink in style, but affordable.  He was on a budget after all, he did just graduate with his degree in History and still had not secured a good paying position anywhere.  He could have applied at Archive Island as a minor researcher, an analyst, but he wanted more.  If he would have been accepted as an employee, his plans to be the best researcher in history would have been shattered.

His computer displayed a list of locations on the vid wall – 4 in all – that met his criteria. 

The Swill and Cane – a British establishment

The Hog’s Jowls – a Southern Themed Bar and Grill

Pluto’s – a place to drink

Le Grande Marquee de Terra – a French Bistro.

Download all locations into my portacomm He instructed the computer. I think I will stop by all of them and see what they are like.

The trip to the entertainment area of the city was quite a distance away, but it gave him a few minutes to think about things.  Twenty-four hours ago, he would not have thought it possible to be in this wonderful position, a cadet for the next researcher training class.  He knew it would be difficult, but he was up to the challenge.  A lot of studying, memorizing history, plan development and project management were only the beginning.  Not only would he be required to learn all human history, but he needed to know it intimately.  To do this, he would need to rely on other people to aid him in his studies, as he would also assist them in understanding the pieces he knew quite well.

Tonight was for pure entertainment and fun; and fun was exactly what he was going to have even if he died trying.

As the transit slowed to a stop he glanced around the car and saw several young and impressionable women who were very attractive, but they were covered from head to toe.  Granted it left a lot to the imagination, but he preferred to view the merchandise before he paid for it...so to speak.  He walked over to speak to them but as he approached, they were all reading from the same book; brown cover, small print in red and black.  He felt he needed to not go near them so he walked past the group and sat next to a scantily clothed brunette and struck up a conversation.  How’s the weather, come here before, what are the best clubs...that sort of thing.  Nothing too deep or intimate.

This woman was an electronics specialist and being promoted to supervisor.  Benjamin felt a bit intimidated by her.  Here he is...multiple degrees, all that education, and no job.  No strike that, he has never had a job, never had to work to survive, pay bills, nothing. 

His parents, both employees at Archive Island, were injured during a research trip.  The exact circumstances were not completely available to him due to security concerns.  His father did not survive his injuries, and his mother was ‘not-all-there’ any longer.  She was retired and holds an honorary position in the staff at the Island but she is no longer an active researcher.  During some of her more lucid moments she recounted to him of the incident that took the life of his father, and injured her so badly.  If the staff of the Island knew what she was telling him, they would put a stop to it fast.  Or.... maybe that’s the reason he was accepted into training in the first place.  It would be a great way to keep an eye on him.

Since his mother was not able to care for him, the Archive Island Family and Community Relations Organization took care of him.  They put him through elementary and secondary school, paid for his tuition, food, apartment, and a small amount of ‘income’ for entertainment while he attended the university for the last 8 years.  He needed to get a posting at the Island so he could help his parents.  He had been without them for nearly 15 years, since he was 12. He has been on his own for more than half his life.  His mother, although physically there, was not there emotionally or mentally except on rare instances, and those were getting fewer and farther in-between.  She recounted numerous research trips to him that he initially thought we just stories fabricated by a damaged mind.  But as he learned more and more history, he realized she was recounting first hand experiences.  On one occasion in a history class in his last year before he graduated, he found a photograph of settlers who traveled the Oregon Trail and in the background, he saw his parents.  He never mentioned it to anyone but he knew for a fact it was them. 

His father had a birthmark above his left eye in the shape of a crescent moon, he found it on the person in the photograph and knew it was them.  He printed the image out and brought it to his mother.  She looked at it a moment and began speaking about the event, the names of the people in the picture, the weather that week, and things never documented.  He knew they were time travelers and that this was a real image of his parents, in the distant past.  This is the life he wanted.  This is the life he needed.

During the last 15 years however, he learned to take advantage of the weaknesses of others, and exploit humanity to his advantage.  A skill that can be useful in some professions, like when you are looking for a temporary romance.  He is considered to be a bit spoiled by most standards, but you needed to look deep into his soul to actually see it.  He has a way of speaking that allowed you to look past obvious character flaws, even over-look them at times.

Glenda, that was this woman’s name, let Benjamin know she had no interest in any relationship, long – or – short term.  But if he wanted to tag along with her on her club route, he was welcome.

After four and half hours, and 7 clubs, Benjamin wandered away from his escorts and found his way to the street.  She was rather boring, and he needed to just find a place that was dark, quiet, and had refreshments that can take the pain away from his mind. 

The thoughts about his parents dragged him down emotionally and spiritually, and for the last three hours he had been trying to get in a better mood.  It started off ok, but after a while, Glenda and company got a bit monotonous.  Their routine was simple, new bar, sit, drink, leave.  As others approached them for a dance or to flirt or to make small talk, the group appeared as though they had no idea what the person was saying.  Yes, it was rude, but more than that it made them all look foolish. He needed a new place to be alone in his thoughts and think, and to just drink.

Opening his portacomm he asked for the closest location from the establishments the computer programmed before he left home.  Pluto’s Bar was less than a 10-minute walk, so...Pluto’s it is!

Speaking out loud while looking at his communications unit he read the description of Pluto’s, PLUTO’S, a place to drink...Sounds good so far.  Let’s see, been in business for quite a few years...Limited numbers of employee’s...Limited number of tables...No legal issues...No Advertizing...No frills. 

He made his way there and the door was blue, universal sign it was open.  They used green at one point for the open color and a really red red color for closed.  But, some people, even in this day and age, still had a color vision issues and those colors looked the same.  So, the makers of the doors switched to BLUE for open and RED-ORANGE for locked.  It made sense, and the colors looked nicer.

As he passed through the blue door of Pluto’s he realized everyone was staring at him.  He was the center of attention.  He liked it.  He glanced around and realized it was dark, quiet, a single bartender, and a single waitress.  There were about 35 tables in the place with one or two people at about a third of them.  He liked this place and had no idea why.  He felt at home here, like he belonged.  He began to wonder if he would have the same feeling in five minutes so he found an empty table and sat down. He saw the server walking his way and prepared for the standard advertisement before asking for his order.

Hi sweetie, my name is Barbara and I will be serving you tonight...or any night for that matter.  What can I get you?

Hi there Barbara; light night tonight? Commenting on how empty the place appeared.  Interesting he thought to himself, no pushing the drinks just a question.

Are you kidding?  This is the busiest we’ve been in months.

That’s a lot of empty tables for a place this size.

Naaaaa, our customers enjoy their privacy, and the refreshments.  Speaking of which...what can I get you?

Beer, whatever you have on tap is fine.

Mike, beer over doll!  She yelled to the bartender.

Pluto’s was a bit of an anomaly. Entertainment clubs and bars currently cater to the whims and wishes of their patrons.  Holographic generators to entice the visual experience, aroma dispensers to heighten the olfactory sense, the best possible audio system to...well, be as loud as possible; food from all over the known universe so the patrons can feel as though they are living the high life.  That’s what an entertainment establishment holds to a minimum level for the patrons. 

However, Pluto’s Pub has none of that; dark, quiet, secluded, basic alcohol such as beer and wine, and the spirits.  Food, well....

Barbara, can I see a menu?

"MENU!  You gotta be kiddin?  Burgers, Dogs, maybe a turkey sandwich.  Pluto’s is not known for our four-star cuisine, just our ambience."  She over-exaggerating the last word.

Bring me a burger, with cheese.

All the way?

Sure.  Why not.  Barbara left and yelled to the kitchen to burn a rat and give him a blanket. Benjamin thought about his order... ‘I wonder what all the way is?’  he wondered. ‘Burn a rat?’

What kind of rat? a voice from the kitchen yelled.  Stuffed and compressed.  Replied Barbara.

‘Cleared that right up’ thought Benjamin.  He laughed silently to himself.

Mike brought over his beer and before he left to return to the bar Benjamin ordered his next three.  The beer was fresh, smooth, no skunky after taste, and very cold.  It went down very easy.  He felt at peace here and understood the attraction to this place.

No frills, no gourmet cuisine, no catering to your every whim.  But it had something that was needed even more by the people today. It had quiet and peace to unwind from a stressful day and it had expert service in the personification of Barbara.  She seemed to know each and every person in the place, and exactly what they wanted when they walked through the door.  Was she a telepath?  Empath?  Or perhaps simply an excellent waitress who receives very large tips because she is so good at her job.  She does seem to be enjoying waiting on tables.  Satisfaction through satisfaction maybe. 

"WOW!  I gotta remember that one.  Satisfaction through satisfaction.  She receives satisfaction in knowing or seeing that someone is satisfied with her service."  Benjamin repeated it a couple times in the hopes that he would remember it.

Here you go buddy.  Mike sat the mug on the table in front of Benjamin.

So, how long have you and Barbara been here at Pluto’s?

Too long.  I hired her when I was a kid.  Now we’re stuck here.

Why’s that?  Benjamin said laughing and half choking on his beer.

Barbara and I are part owners in the place.  As are all employees, all four of us.  We bought the place as a group about 5 years ago from the guy who was steering it off a cliff; so, you see, we have the need and desire to see Pluto’s succeed since we are on the board of directors, and all that crap.  But, one thing keeps us walking through that door every single day.

What’s that?

Meeting new faces.  Mike smiled at Benjamin and pointed at him momentarily, then walked back to his bar.  A small but noticeable grin on his lips.

Benjamin sat there for another few minutes and nursed his current mug of brew.  Looking around and seeing all the faces he wondered how long or how often they come in here and drown their day. 

Here you go, sir.  One cheese burger all the way.

Barbara...two things?  ONE:  my name is Benjamin...not sir and TWO: what exactly is all-the-way?  Benjamin smiled at her and shook his head slightly as if questioning what he was about to eat.

Smiling back at him, Ok Benny.  All the way means every single condiment and piece of rabbit food in the kitchen goes on that burger.  Never the same two nights in a row.  But guaranteed to be tasty and something you can’t find at any of those high-priced places down the street.

I know what you mean; I spend most of my nights at some of those places.  Let me tell you, this place is a treasure.  I wish I lived upstairs.

There is a new building going up down the street, the manager and construction supervisor and owner of the place stops in here every night for a nightcap.  I suggest you buy HIM a beer or two, several nights in a row.  Then next week, when they take applications for residence and you show up to want to move in...well, how can he turn down his new best friend?

Barbara, is there anything here you don’t know?  He paused a second.  The Manager, the Owner, and the Construction Supervisor is just a HIM.  One person.

Yep. Tom will be in a bit later.  As for what I don’t know, that would be You

ME!

Sure Benny, tell me about you.

Me...well, let’s see...  The beer was having a sodium pentothal effect.  After all, he has been drinking most of the evening and just downed a couple since he walked in the door.  I lost my parents when I was 12 and have been on my own more or less.  I hold several degrees from the university.  Undergraduate degrees in business, history, art, and science.  Master’s in business, art, and history.  And I am a doctor of history.  I guess you can call me a professional student.  I live a bit of a distance from here and would love to live closer.  Tomorrow I have an interview at Archive Island to prolong my educational torture and join that team.  If I don’t get it, well, maybe I can work for Mike stocking the bar.

Torture....don’t give me that...anyone who has that much ‘lernin’ really loves to be in school and learning new things.  She gave him THE glance.  A sideways look out of the left side of her face, narrowed eyes, slight grin on her face.

From across the room a patron yelled out, MIKE!!  Help the new guy.  Barbara is giving him the look!  Son...you are done for now!  Don’t look her in the eye!!

The whole room laughed and Benjamin threw his hands up in mock surrender.

OK, you got me Barbara.  I enjoy school, and learning new things, but most of all I love history.  Understanding what happened in the past can prevent humanity from repeating it in the future.

Finally, down to the root.  Thanks, Benny!  I like to know my customers a little.

No problem.  One last thing; whenever you see me walk through the door, before you even take my order, please bring me one of these...  he was tapping the now empty beer mug.

Sure thing, shall I bring you another?

Benjamin nodded and Barbara walked away.

He began eating his burger.  It was really good and almost too hot to eat.  He was happy Barbara wanted conversation before he ate, if for no other reason than to give his dinner – a rather late dinner – a chance to cool off a little. 

Taking the first bite, the flavors exploded in his mouth.  He tasted the meat; good quality meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, cucumber, mayo, water chestnuts, salad dressing, wasabi, onion, and several other things he was having some trouble identifying.  All in all, the best burger he has had in a while.  No, not a while...ever.

Barbara brought him his beer and he nodded.  He attempted to tell her this is the best burger he has ever had, but with as much of the burger in question that was in his mouth from the last bite, he was not exactly understandable as far as human speech was concerned.  Barbara on the other hand understood every word he was saying.  Must have been all that experience speaking to bar patrons in the wee hours of the morning, also known as last call.

We may not be gourmet at Pluto’s Benny, but we know how to make a good burger. 

Barbara walked away and tended to another patron, Benjamin devoured his burger, and he was feeling a whole lot better than he did when he came in just a short time ago.  Now, when is this manager going to get here and what does he look like?

A LITTLE LESS THAN an hour passed and Benjamin was sitting there at his solitary table with his mug of beer consoled in his thoughts, Benny, there he is.  Barbara was looking at the door.  She startled him back to reality and he had a moment where he did not remember where he was, but it past in an instant.

A man had just walked in wearing comfortable clothing and glanced around.  He just happened to sit at the table right next to Benjamin; their chairs were about a meter apart.

Good evening sir, I know you don’t know me but I understand you are in the construction industry, at least from what I can see.  Can I ask you a few questions?

Taken aback, Sure ... why not.  The man sat and got comfortable. 

Benjamin walked over and sat at his table.  What are the pitfalls of construction in this day and age?

Why are you so interested?

Construction, or more precisely a how-do-they-do-it, is a hobby.  Benjamin nodded and made a circular motion with his finger to Barbara; she understood the universal sign signifying another round for the table.

He and Benjamin sat and talked for a couple hours and Mr. Wolski finally needed to get home.  Benjamin needed to leave a few hours ago but wanted to make an impression with his new best friend.  He did need to get some sleep before the interview.

Will I see you tomorrow evening?  Mr. Wolski asked.

As far as I know Tom.  Benjamin smiled back.

They walked out together and went in separate directions.

Benjamin walked back to the transit station and entered the car that would take him back to the other side of town.  On his walk to the tube he saw Glenda and company getting into a cab.  5 women and 3 men now in the party.  It looks like their evening turned out OK.  Glenda waved to him and he casually waved back to her.  Her eyes were offering a ride but he needed to get home and prepare for tomorrow’s inquisition.  He put the palms of his hands together in front of his chest and bowed to her; she nodded and smiled back.  Maybe they would meet again.

Chapter 2

The Inquisition

The appointment was for 10:00 AM sharp, and Benjamin looked as fresh as a daisy; after a few hours’ sleep, a shower, a change of clothes and a highly caffeinated beverage that is.  He made it to the interview 20-minutes early and at exactly 10:00 AM on the dot; he was escorted into the conference room and ushered to his seat inside the center of a horseshoe shaped table.  He had a near circular view of the members of the interview board, and they each had a perfect view of him.  He had a small table and second chair at his disposal. 

So, Mr. Jensen.  Why is it you have applied to be a researcher?  Surely you are fully aware of the dangers, peril, and commitment needed to be a valued member of the team?  The man in the center of the table began in a very loud and low and rumbling voice, as if he was attempting to put on the air of an extreme professional.  I remember your parents well.  Knowing what the possible reward for this job can be, why do you wish to become a part of it?  I repeat...are you ready for the commitment this position entails?  Not a single one of them introduced themselves.

I am sir, and I have a deep desire for historical events.  My doctorate is in history, specifically in the 18th through 22nd centuries.  I have a near photographic memory and I feel I know this time frame better than most people.  I have a connection to this time in history in the sense that I believe this is when my parents were injured.  Benjamin froze for just a heartbeat.

OH...that was stupid to say, he thought quickly. Glancing around at the members and then a glance at the clock behind the interview table, the time was 10:05 AM.  Benjamin thought how funny, all it took was five minutes to kill a career.

Too late now.  No back pedaling.  It will make me look like even more of an idiot.

The gentleman on the far left of the horseshoe started to speak fast, Mr. Jensen, I suspect you are referring to coming to the aid of your parents.  They were a marvelous team and did great wonders for the archives.  I know you have a more enriched understanding of what the research entails than most people; so, I hope you don’t have it in your head to pop in and rescue them at some point in your career?

The woman next to him continued, We have learned that this is the worst, and most dangerous, thing a researcher can ever do.

No sir - ma’am.  I have a pretty clear understanding of temporal mechanics.  If by some chance I would make the attempt, and I did influence their situation and due to my interference, they were not injured in the past; then I would not be who I am today but rather the sum of that new life and possibly not a researcher, or rather the researcher who goes back to warn them of the danger.  An infinite loop in time.  One reality I go back to help them, the next reality I’m a chef in a small bistro.

All 11 members of the interview board smiled.  It may have been a stupid thing to say, but it was exactly what they wanted to hear.  Perhaps it was best to get this out of the way early in this proceeding and move on.  Either way, it was done and over.

I am sure that you understand the circumstances and events leading to the incident surrounding your parents cannot be mentioned outside of these walls.  The woman on his right said.

Yes ma’am.  I am in full understanding and agreement regarding the confidentiality of the temporal jump system.  If this were to be public knowledge, tourism would increase and the Earth would suffer unimaginable consequences.

The members of the board looked at each other quickly.  Benjamin wondered, was there a time stream out there somewhere where the ability to travel in time was made public?  Due to the result it had on the planet; did they go back to before it was told and stop that person?  OK, headache starting.... 

The man in the center began again.  He was obviously in charge of the interview.  Mr. Jensen, let’s start with your education and work up to today.  I understand you attended Archive Island Primary School.  What can you tell me about your experiences there, and describe your teachers and class mates in as great a detail as possible?

This was going to take a while....

HIS BRAIN WAS FRIED.  That was the most intense interview he had ever had.  He found himself remembering events and people and minutia he did not know he even knew.  In his third-grade science class what color was the north wall?  Who sat to your left in English during your high school education?  Of all your professors in your undergraduate program, which two stand out and why?  Which educator had the least impression on your education and why?

Several times during the inquisition one of the members would either say correct, as if they were testing him on his memory and ability to recall events in detail, or they would correct him....no, not correct but rather offer him clues so he could spark that memory to life. 

Benjamin was walking blindly down the street.  He had jumped on the first tube he ran across on the island and when the doors opened he exited the car but he had no direction, no end point in mind.  So, pointed toward no direction or destination he began walking down a street. 

As he passed a storefront he realized where he was and walked through the door; peace and quiet, dark and seclusion.  He sat down and reveled in the aloneness.  No one was asking him questions or questions within questions.  No one was trying to pull memories from his mind.  His mind was in a fog and there was only one thing he needed right now.

Hi ya Benny.  Here you go.  Barbara placed a cold mug in front of him and he was baffled.  That WAS exactly what he needed but how did she know?  Then he remembered his request to her.  A beer before taking his order.

One second Barbara. He tipped the glass and drained it in one long drink; the ice cold beer made his throat burn a little, but after all....this WAS medicine.  Handing it back to her, Can we please have a repeat performance?

Sure thing.  How did the interview go?

It just ended.  It was brutal.

What time did it start?

10 AM, why?

Let’s see.  10 AM to 4 PM is six hours.  You got it beat.  Looks like you passed the interview.

How would you know that?

Well, any interview for Archive Island that lasts less than 3 hours is a definite no.  An interview of 3 to 4 hours is a slim chance; and 4 to 5 hours is a probable.  More than 5 hours is a definite.  Benny, you did it!

Benjamin leaned back in his chair and took a really deep breath, more like a sigh of relief really.  Even if Barbara was making all this up he did feel better now.  Maybe that was all she was trying to accomplish.

In that case, a round for the house on me!  Benjamin yelled.  All six patrons weakly applauded.

You got it Benny.

Tom walked in and asked what all the commotion was about.  Benjamin explained that he just had an interview at the Island and Barbara felt he passed with flying colors.

I am thinking about moving closer to the Island tube.  I have a couple years before I will need a place since I learned today I will be in the dorms on the Island during the two years of training.  Any idea where I can look for a place?  Some place close to Pluto’s preferably.  He asked for Tom’s opinion.  Since the tube itself is a minute or two walk from Pluto’s, and Tom’s new building is the same distance in the other direction....

Tell you what, my boy.  I like you.  You are a reality in this artificial world.  If you get into and complete the training, I will give you a flat at today’s rate when you graduate.  Fate is in my favor though.  Have you seen the statistics on the graduation rate for the researcher class?  Tom knew that the dropout rate was enormous and someone who frequents this place was sure to drop out sometime in the next couple years.  Well, tell you what.  Stop by my office when you get the word one way or another and I will draw up the papers if you make it.  Won’t take more than a few minutes.  He paused briefly.  If you don’t, dinner and drinks are on me.

Tom and Benjamin spent another 8 drinks there, time was relative...he knew that...all he needed to do was get up in the morning at a reasonable hour and call Archive Island Student Services to see if he had been accepted.  If he had, he would buy Barbara a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers he could find after making a short visit to Tom’s office. 

As midnight approached, he had to find his way home.  That would be a chore since he did not remember where he was at the moment; or where he lived.

MORNING REARED ITS bright and shiny head. Benjamin needed an analgesic and a very large glass of water.  TIME! he shouted into the air.

The current time is 10:38 AM responded the computer.

‘OK, let’s get this over with.’ Benjamin thought.

After a bit of searching Benjamin located his portacomm and pressed dial on the device.  He had preprogrammed the auto response during the application process to use his portacomm number as an auto login to the system. Number dialed, Benjamin pressed speaker for two reasons: 1st – it hurt to hold his hand to his head, and 2nd – putting something so loud next to his ear right now sounded stupid.

You have reached the Archives... application auto responder... the individual at this portacomm number has been accepted into training at the Archives.  If you still wish to proceed with the application and enter the training process, please say YES, if not remain silent and your application will be removed from the process....

Benjamin looked nowhere in particular and began dreaming about the possibilities and the future.  Being a member of the Archive – a Researcher!  His dream come trrr....

"If no input is received in 10 seconds your response will be assumed to be no, you