First Hand Observers

The only communication you will have will be with me, At Time Coordination Central. You will tell me your observations, as you experience them, and I will record them for referral when you return."

Professor Ashley was holding his chin, completely absorbed, as he always was when there was something to learn. The others stood silent and nodded as the Time Coordinator spoke.

He continued: "There is no way to locate your minds directly with a host who may be of some value to your observations. It's possible you might miss out on the event you have wanted to witness. This is one reason why we send back our specialists in groups, so we have a better chance of attaching to a better host. As good as the process is, we are still hindered by certain factors which make most of it good guess work."

Miss Chenille raised her finger to ask a question. "Miss Chenille."

"Ms. Chenille," she corrected. "I have a question, about our hosts. Is it possible I will have a male host, then?"

The group held its breath. Only Ashley allowed himself a slight smile.

"Very possible. As I explained there is no way of controlling who one might get as a host. The transfer process, at best, puts you within a close proximity of the time and spatial period, but cannot control exact movements."

Nash was next to ask a question. "Will we be aware of who is hosting another of our party, if they meet?"

"Yes as soon as eye contact is made. You will feel the other's thought waves emanate. You see the residual static energy that accumulates as you pass through time will stay with you until it naturally discharges, or until it comes close to another mass of static time energy. Although its nature still isn’t fully understood, we ascertain it's spontaneously telepathic."

He looked to an indicator on the far wall near one of the computer banks. "I have time for one more question. How about you, sir."

It was Professor Ashley. The smile was gone.

"What happens if our host is killed while we occupy his body?"

"You will be snapped back to the present; the return will be instantaneous." Came the reply.

"I understand an historian went insane a few months ago undergoing such an experience. What about that?" All eyes turned to Ashley. The question hung in the air while they waited for the answer.

"We really don't know the answer to that. The man suffered a great shock while occupying his host. If we have any indication of one losing control we will try and bring you back as fast as possible."

A buzzer sounded from the interphone on his desk, he picked it up, then cradled it after a short conversation. The professors sat still as they thought of what might be ahead of them.

"It's ready to go now; if you will please follow me."

After a walk down the white metal stairs and across the black tiled floor, they arrived at the entrance of the translucent sphere. They stepped inside and each was assigned to a green, contoured leather chair.

As nicely designed, as they were, they resembled too closely the termination chairs, which was the latest method in humane executions. They were strapped into the seats and were each fitted with semi- transparent helmets.

For a second both Nash and Masters had a moment of claustrophobia. It went away as soon as the time generators kicked in and the lights around them turned a vivid yellow.

We’re on our way Nash thought. Next stop Troy.

Paris came down from his post as soon as the relief guard came up to greet him.