Temporal Exploring 101 - Deep Future

IV.10 A hearing before a committee

The morning before the hearing, I was feeling nervous like never before in my life. I had to force myself to have some breakfast, as I knew that it would be difficult for me to concentrate with a growling stomach. And I would have to alert and focused when I faced the committee, that much was certain.

Because, what if I screwed up and inadvertently let slip certain facts that led members of the committee to deduce things that had better be kept secret? Such as the fact that Natty Fogg had transited to the 23rd century, twice already. That she was currently staying in Sara's apartment, even. There was no telling what would be the consequences not just for myself but also for Sara and possibly even for Mira, if that came to pass.

To be sure, we had discussed what questions the committee might have for me, and what and how much I ought to tell them. I had even practiced that, in a manner. I was glad that Sara and Mira had gone to such lengths to prepare me for the hearing, but still I felt terribly nervous. 

After breakfast the four of us went to the Institute where Natty was to stay and continue to write up the entropy paper.

"I don't have to hide in your office and work on that paper all day, do I, Sara?" Natty asked, somewhat wistfully. "I am still allowed to talk to researchers here, aren't I?"

"Of course you are free to talk to other scientists," my Temporal Instructor assured her. "But, Natalie? Do all of us a favor and try not to solve any fundamental problems that those people may be working on."

Natty looked a bit taken aback, "Uh, yes. I will do my best."

"Perhaps you could pay a visit to Professor Holmsted and further discuss those results that he wanted to publish with you," Mira suggested.

"That's an excellent idea. Yes, do visit Ansgar and talk to him about that, Natalie,"   Sara agreed. "After the hearing, Catherine and you will need to return to the 1960s fairly soon, and you may not get another chance to discuss things with him."

With that, Sara, Mira and I left Natty and went to attend the hearing which was to held at Professor Hempler's office.

Berit Hempler was a historian of some renown who specialized in the history of the second half of the 20th and the first part of the 21st century, with an emphasis on the decades that preceded the Cataclysm. She was the chairwoman of the committee, which may have been the reason that they had agreed to meet in her office at the university.

Professor Hempler, a tall blonde lady in her early fifties,  introduced the other members of the committee to Mira and me. There was a middle-aged psychologist, Karim Ozir, and another social scientist, a dark-haired woman whose named I did not catch. Councilwoman Esther Narbit attended as a representative of the Council of the Cities, and dark-skinned Amit Cusk acted as representative of the Special Forces. As it turned out, Sara herself was also a member the committee: she was the group's resident expert on Temporal Physics.

Ozir was studying my face with keen interest. "So, you are the girl that got enrolled at a 1960s' boarding school on her First Temporal Assignment, to investigate a classmate who may turn out to be none other than the famous Natty Fogg."

My cheeks got warm. "Yes, that's correct."

"Actually, we are now fairly certain that the girl in question is indeed the author of the Red Notebook," Sara interjected.

"Ah, but that's marvelous." The psychologist was beaming. "You know, Catherine ..." He broke off. "May I call you Catherine?"

I nodded. "Of course."

"You see, Catherine, prior to your mission I, as well as two of my esteemed colleagues, were asked to evaluate the handwriting of the Red Notebook in order to deduce from it certain aspects of the author's character traits. We concluded that Fogg must have been a shy, soft-spoken, introverted girl. I am curious, of course, if we got it right." He was looking at me all expectantly.