The Chronosurge 3.(Final part)

As humans, our wants and needs are enormous and dynamic hence satisfaction is always hard to get. With my insatiable hunger for achievements and knowledge, I temper with something that is beyond my understanding, something that is part of our cosmic design. In the end, I realized that there is an ultimate power that controls our world and reality. I try to play God and now I have blood on my hands.

My name is Erik Nordahl. I created the Chronosurge, a velocity machine that is designed to manipulate time.

At first, I believed the project would crumble under the weight of financial limitations, but surrendering to defeat wasn't in me. So I approached the government and some rich powerful people to sponsor the project. It didn't take much effort to convince them after I promised to surrender the machine to them when it was done. Everyone wants power no matter the cost.

Today, I am confronted by an enraged father, his anger palpable as he demands that I rectify the havoc I'd wrought—the catastrophe I caused in our world. He stands over me, awaiting a solution that can bring his daughter back and the millions of lives lost. The gravity of my actions weighs heavily upon me.

As I work on recreating the Chronosurge machine again, I can't help but wonder if I'll succeed in rectifying my mess or die by the hands of a furious father who wants his daughter back at all cost.

"Could you please stop pacing around? Your restlessness is making me anxious, and I can't concentrate fully on the Chronosurge," Erik said to Alastair, who continued to pace as the scientist focused on rebuilding the device.

”Oh, now my pacing around is distracting?! You better finish that machine fast and make sure it works!” Alastair blurted and continued pacing.

”What if it doesn't work?”

”It must work. I want my daughter back and our world back to the way it was. Do you like what is left of our world? This isn't living, it is a death sentence you have condemned us all to. So make it work! Or-”

*”Or you'll electrocute, torture, and kill me? Yes, I understand. I can't forget that, considering you've recited your intentions like a lullaby for the past few days."

Alastair glared at Erik. ”Would you still choose to create the Chronosurge machine knowing what happens afterwards, if time was reversed?”

”No! Never! Look Alastair, I regret what I did and that is why I am working myself to exhaustion to make this machine. I am sorry about Elaine. I wasn't myself.”

”Then if you're really sorry, you'll make sure that this machine works!”

Erik immediately went back to work, scouring the laboratory for parts that had survived the explosion.

Fourteen Hours Later

”Alastair! The machine is ready now.” I called out.

Alastair comes running and anxious from the look on his face. For my own good, I hope the universe forgives my sins and makes this machine work.

”Well, turn it on and begin!” Alastair blurts when I don't make any move to start up the machine.

”I-I can't.” I say.

”What do you mean?!”

”I-I-I need some source of energy to start it.”

”What?! And you didn't think to mention it earlier so I could source for it?!”

”There is actually but it requires someone to activate it manually from the rooftop of the lab.”

Alastair glares at me with so much rage in his eyes. Then he climbs to the roof top and immediately I begin to yell at him instructions on how he'll activate the solar system of the lab.

We go back and forth, yelling at each other before the solar system vibrates and comes to life. Alastair, threatens to drop bricks on my head and kill me while we navigate how to kick start the solar system. At this point, I am not afraid of his death threats anymore. I just want to make the machine work and restore all that I'd destroyed even if it means sacrificing my life for it.

In an instant, the lab is illuminated with light all round except for the blast-damaged area. Immediately, Alastair joins me as I activate the Chronosurge machine. He stares at me with such intensity, like he's waiting for something to go wrong or for me to do something stupid.

Abruptly, a radiant white glow envelopes the surroundings, and we find ourselves in a temporal zone where gravity ceases to exist. Objects and equipment in the lab begin to float, and before we can fully comprehend the situation, we are lifted from the ground. Clinging to a nearby metal table, I observe the glow spreading throughout the entire lab.

The intensity of the light is so overwhelming that I shut my eyes. Turmoil ensues, persisting until a resounding explosion echoes, reminiscent of the initial blast that had rocked our world. After a period of tumult, the white glow dissipates.

I rise from where the force of the machine three me and see Alastair is partially buried under lightweight debris. I rush to pull him out.

As we stand together, we see a body lying close near the remnants of the machine in a fetal position. Recognizing the auburn curly hair, I know it's Elaine. Alastair and I run towards her.

”Elaine?” Alastair whispers, cupping her face with his large hand.

”Dad?” She responds, her eyes focusing on her father.

Recognition dawns, and her face lights up, her smile beautiful and contagious as she embraces Alastair. Tears pools in my eyes, blurring my vision. From a distance, I hear faint murmurs, they are sounds of life.

I've done it! I reverse the damage I caused and restore time. Speed is no longer the determinant of our future.

Story was inspired from @shadowspub email daily writing prompt. To subscribe click here

To catch up on the previous parts, see below

Part 1

Part 2

^{Images above are created from Nightcafe AI}

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