Time Travel

A thin trail of smoke rises from his discarded pipe. A stark shadow falls from his hat brim, as he leans into the beam of light. He clasps his hands together and rests them on the desk top. From behind him you hear the creak of leather shoes, as the wearer shifts his unseen bulk. You imagine what you cannot see under that brim. Piercing, merciless eyes, focussed on you. They measure you, calculating. Wooden groans echo as the stateroom moves with the tide. The hand on your shoulder attempts a reassuring squeeze. Then the Captain clears his throat… “But the fact remains time travel limits opportunity. How? I hear you ask. Let us say the birds sing and the sun shines, and your true love holds your hand. Well you’d alter time if you possibly could, to keep this cherished love grand. But you just may well put at risk Destiny’s master plan. For when this love did end you’d earn your reward, a prize so dear and sweet. The understanding and consuming passion of a brilliant flame, who now, you’ll never meet.”