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The Future
Murray stood next to Angus, beside the control panel for The Time Machine. They’d given him permission to attend the return of the Retriever. Angela, Mr Stobbart and the other members of the Chief Council were present in the cold earthy-scented barn. Angus activated the machine for retrieval.
“It’s engaged,” Angus said. “That means he’s there with Scott at the right time.” All was going to plan. The Time Machine discharged, and a pod appeared. Limited available oxygen in the pod meant time was crucial and the traveller was at risk of suffocation. Murray ran over and broke open the pod. He stood back in surprise. An attractive young woman peeled the pod away from herself.
“Hi. I’m Mandy. Um, Rory is in the next one.” Mandy explained as her long legs slipped out of the resin pod.
A stunned silence filled the barn. Angus let out a low whistle as he reset the machine. It discharged again, and Rory returned.
“Where’s Dad?” Murray demanded, his face twisted in confusion and his chest empty with the absence of his father.
Those present looked accusingly at Rory.
“Things didn’t go as planned,” Rory stated.
“I knew it! You couldn’t bring him back, could you?” Angela’s tone exuded justification at her misgivings of Rory as the Retriever.
“Aye, I did nae bring our father back,” Rory faced his eldest sister. “And do you want to know why, Angela?” Angela took a step back as Rory breathed his vehemence in her face. “I couldn’t bring the offender back,” Rory continued loudly, “as he died saving his wife, your mother, from slave-traders.”
The barn was silent.
“You’re just saying that because you wouldn’t let Dad face his crimes,” Angela accused.
Rory’s shoulders rose with a breath as he struggled to maintain control. He must have expected Angela would be hard to convince, Murray guessed. She was so infuriating in her lack of compassion.
“Did you want me to bring his head on a spike as proof of his death?” The high-ceilinged barn rang with his anger.
Angela stood silent; her mouth open. Murray spun and left. As he passed Angela, silent tears fell down her cheeks.
***
RORY PLACED MANDY IN suitable accommodation, then made his way to the communication centre where he hailed the Community at Glencoe on a citizen band radio.
“Aye. It’s Rory Campbell here, from the Invercharing Community. May I speak to Kelly and Alistair McKinnon please? Oh, tell Alistair, action man wants to speak with him. Over.”