Jeremy Robinson - The Didymus Contingency

Roberts pushed the correct button and a blue pulse of light began to flash in front of him. Sally, George and Jake backed quickly out of the room and watched through the glass as Captain Roberts exploded back in time to kill their best and brightest.

Sally turned to George and asked, “So what’s our backup plan if Roberts fails?”

“He won’t fail,” said George with feigned confidence.

“Nonetheless, I’m sure you have a backup plan. What is it?”

George motioned to Jake to explain. Jake stepped forward and said with forced casualness, “We’ve developed a series of miniature robots that can-”

“Robots? Cut the crap and tell me the truth.” Sally didn’t feel like being jerked around.

“No joke,” Jake said, as he pushed his glasses further onto his nose. “The I-Fly 100 robotic insect series. Each is equipped to deliver a lethal sting that will mimic an allergic reaction. We’ve tested it on several employees already.”

Sally was aghast.

“Not to worry, Sally,” George added, “We have an antidote. No one died during the testing.”

“The robots are designed to fly, look and act like common pests. They have built in facial recognition software and can operate for seven days using micro fuel cells and solar power.”

“How quickly does the poison act?” Sally asked, her stomach knotting.

“Depends on the target,” George said with pride. “If healthy, it could take up to two days.”

“And you have these all ready to go?” Sally asked.

“Three of them, yes,” George said, “You don’t have a problem with this, do you?”

Sally was testing her facial control today. “Of course not. I just want to be kept informed from now on.”

“Naturally,” George said.

“You said you had three. One for David, one for Tom, who is the third for?” asked Sally.

“Captain Roberts, of course. Should he fail to return, his life is subject to termination as well,” Jake explained with a smirk that said, “Well, duh.”

Sally wished she could punch the little brownnose, but instead said, “You’ll let me know when your robots are ready to be sent back?”

“I promise,” George said with a toothy grin.

“Good,” Sally said, wishing she had something more stinging to say. She pivoted expertly on her heels and strode away.

Jake looked at George and asked, “Think she’s still with us?”

“Sally’s a team player, Jake, always has been,” George said.

Jake watched Sally walk away.

George stretched his neck and then said with a smile, “Besides, if Sally becomes a problem, there’s always robot number four.” Jake smiled.

The laughter from Lazarus’s home could be heard clear to the walls of Bethany. The past four hours since their arrival had been filled with storytelling, camaraderie and fine dining. The seating was a bit awkward, lounging around a short table from which people would scoop food with unleavened bread. It wasn’t Peggy’s, but Martha could cook like no other woman in ancient Israel-Tom was sure of that. He was smitten with their hosts. Lazarus was strong as an ox and as funny as a cat in water. Martha was an amazing host, never stopping to eat, drink or talk. The woman was a machine. And Mary…sweet Mary. Every time Tom’s eyes met with hers, even for the briefest moment, his stomach would turn over. Tom hoped their stay at the home would last longer than most stops.

Half the group, including Tom, Jesus, Matthew, Peter, Judas, Lazarus and Mary sat in one room together, while the rest of the disciples dined in a room across the hall. David had gone outside more then an hour ago and had yet to return. Tom wondered if David had returned to the future again without telling him. Whatever the reason for David’s disappearance, Tom wouldn’t let it distract him from the incredible time he was having.

Martha buzzed between the rooms and through the corner of her eyes saw Mary laughing flirtatiously with Tom. “Having fun?” Martha asked her with a steely glare.

Jesus looked up at Martha and his smile faded slightly. Trouble was brewing. “What troubles you, Martha?” Jesus asked, as though clueless.

“Do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?” Martha asked.

Jesus smiled pleasantly, “Martha…you’re worried about so many things, but only one thing is needed.”

Martha puts her hands on her hips, waiting to hear what Jesus had to say. “Mary has chosen what is important and we won’t take that from her.”

Martha’s lips pursed tightly and her eyebrows sank.

“I only mean that my disciples are grown men. Let them tend to their own preparations and join us. We’ve hardly seen you,” Jesus said with a genuine smile.

Martha softened a little. Jesus was getting through. “Stop this foolishness and join us, Martha!” piped in Lazarus.

Martha lost any pleasantness and shouted, “I will not!”

But before Martha could retreat, Lazarus took her by the wrist. “We’ll see about that!”

With a strong tug, Lazarus pulled Martha down onto his lap and began tickling her. The room erupted with laughter, while a furious Martha squirmed and screamed in anger, “Let go of me! Lazarus! You stop…HA! Right now! HA HA! Ahhh ha ha ha!”

Lazarus’s tickling worked magic and Martha’s anger became undone. Tom watched the entire event unfold as though he were watching a brilliant movie. His own family had been as dysfunctional as they come. He was never close to his parents and his brother was a moronic bully. The only person he was proud to call family had been snatched from him. Tom caught Mary’s eyes as thoughts of Megan entered his thoughts. He was consumed with guilt. The single reason for him being here, in the home of Lazarus, sharing dinner with friends and staring at a beautiful woman was because Megan had died so many years ago.

And if she hadn’t died? If Megan had survived? What would she look like now? Would they have children? Stuff stockings at Christmas? Celebrate birthdays? Tom’s mind flooded with images of Megan, of their non-existent children, of the life he could have had.

The captivating eyes of Mary were too much for Tom to take. He couldn’t betray the memory of Megan, not here, not like this. Tom stood and subtly wiped the wetness from around his eyes. “Where are you going Tom? Martha was just about to serve us dessert!” Jesus said with a laugh.

Martha ribbed Jesus and said, “You hush!”

“I just need some fresh air, to clear my head,” Tom said.

“Maybe you’ll find David while you’re out there? He’s missing the fun!” Matthew shouted with a chuckle.

“I’ll send him in if I see him,” Tom said, as he left the room.

“Clear his head! As though it were dirty!”

Tom listened to the room laugh at his expense. He often forgot that modern expressions didn’t always translate very well. It was something that he couldn’t quite master and it almost always got a laugh. Not that it bothered him, but he knew it bothered David.

Cool, crisp air filled Tom’s lungs as he breathed deeply. His thoughts became clear and the feelings of inner turmoil faded…if only for a moment.

“Thomas?” asked a sweet voice.

Tom turned to the voice, not realizing that his lips had spread into a smile and his eyebrows rose with anticipation. Mary smiled back at him.

“Why did you leave?” Mary asked.

“Just wanted to…” Tom wondered how he could say it right. “…forget some thoughts.”

“Of me?”

“No.”

“Then maybe…of someone else?”

Tom’s heart sank. Mary could see right through him.

Mary frowned. “If your heart belongs to another, I’ll-”

“I’m married,” Tom said.