The Real World

I came back to Ludwig's lab today, on August twenty-first, 2009. Sixty-three days after this time-travelling adventure began. And it was quite an adventure. Ben was there, unharmed, when I got there, returned by Ludwig Einstein. After much reunion, I was in for a surprise. Aleck had just laid a box of C4 on the ground, and signalled for us to exit.

"What are you doing?"

"Blowing up Einstein's lab." he said matter-of-factly, "just as he asked."

"Why?"

"Because the past," he said, "is something which must be guarded. We should not pick through history with a fine-tooth comb."

I nodded in agreement as we walked out. The ground shook as the explosion resonated through the earth. We came up to the surface a while later. "I feel it's time to give this to you." Aleck reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrinkled letter. It's contents, however, were easy to read. "This was an old letter handed down from generations." he said, "My father pointed it out when I mentioned your name. You remember what I said when you were in the hospital getting the cookie removed? I had an ancestor named Oleck, who was thought to be insane. Now I know why they thought that." The letter read...

To Vanderdecken12, who will be met by someone named Aleck Smart, some time after the 21st century begins.

Hello, Gregory, or Vanderdecken12, as is your real name. I couldn't resist telling you how the 'story' ends. We won the war, of course. My father is alive and well. He never played a major part in the rebellion. He felt it was too late, and that others had already filled his void, but he is content. I think about the time we had every single day, at first with sad loneliness, now with reminiscent satisfaction. Say thank you to Aleck for me, whom I am sure is my descendant. I wish you could see how I am doing. I am a very successful man, now twenty-seven years of age, and with a degree from a fine college named Harvard University. Perhaps you've heard of it. I am married, and have three children, another one on the way. I am currently teaching College Physics. My future is a question, which I am sure will be answered with a positive life. Anything is possible, but I've been thinking over some of the basic principles which Ludwig Einstein used, and I think I can get the hang of the major problems of time travel. Don't get your hopes up.

Sincerely,

Oleck Smart