1 comments/ 11363 views/ 0 favorites Time Testing 101: Tim's New Book By: Starjammer22 The annual Peoples' Science Fiction Convention was upon the people of New City, Pennsylvania, and by the thousands the citizens made their way to the historic Pavilion Palace – many dressed in various garbs of their favorite fantasy Sci-Fi creatures. Also, many college students who enjoyed the genre journeyed from nearby schools – Amerdale Univ., Overland College, and even as far east as Haverlawn and Arcadia Universities – to see the latest collectibles and catch sneak peeks at upcoming genre movies and videos. Not as popular as the "mainstream" science fiction conventions, this one was created, maintained, and set up by fans for fans (not for profit, though in the past few years some semi-famous actors have made appearances). On this sultry summer day, the Pavilion was packed with people – many dressed up despite the heat. In the many throngs of people were a group of four – three guys and a female. On outer appearances, they looked like the typical "geeks" – all wore various wardrobes depicting wizards and soldiers, wore glasses (the girl's being the thickest), and their demeanor just hollered, "I Am a Nerd... give me a Wedgie." They walked past the many booths that advertised things like Star Wars action figures, posters for old B movies, and even the underground sci-fi porno tapes (which was a growing business with such mainstream hits like "Doma-Matrix" and "XXX Men" making millions). One of the males, a pimply-faced, medium-build man sporting a white "armored" soldier's uniform, pointed to one of those booths, "Lookie lookie guys. Seems there are more SciFi smut – Timothy, you should add to your collection!" Laughs came from everyone except Timothy – clad in the popular sorcerer's gown of the time (dark brown) and matching wizard hat – he glared at his friend coldly. "Ha ha wannabe Storm Trooper Jason. I don't own any Sci-Fi smut; ya mistaking me for yourself." Their companions continued to chuckle as Jason and Timothy continued bickering about who owned porno tapes... though all four (yes, the girl too) owned a drawer full of such movies. Yet, they continued to trade barbs while they walked past Wookies, Ewoks, Witches, Wizards, Gremlins, and other such people in costumes checking out the hundreds of booths full of stuff. Disgusted finally, Timothy stormed off down a nearby aisle, the girl following behind him yelling to the others, "I'll keep an eye on him! If he buys more porno, I'll tell!" Catching Timothy, the girl was smiling behind her thick-lens glasses. He stared back a look of bemused anger flaring his green eyes. "Thanks... I don't think everyone within earshot heard you yell to Jason and Cheddar. Geez Hannah..." "Sorry Timothy," Hannah said wrapping an arm around Timothy's, "it was just a joke. Come on... walking with me will dispel any such rumor ya know!" She giggled; Timothy couldn't help smiling back at his long time friend. As they past a booth selling comics, Timothy couldn't help think about what she said. Despite the glasses, Hannah was attractive (for a NERD... though he was one too unfortunately). Her blue eyes seemed big as saucers with those bifocals on... yet she sported a full, curvy body. Her ample, full breasts pushed her dark blue tunic forward, her slacks accentuating her round, pleasant ass and slim, but not skinny hips and legs (the toy laser blasters attached to her pants). The boots added height to an already six foot tall frame making her an inch or three taller than Timothy. Even her hair – curly black with a weird blue hue – was smooth and silky as it was in a tight bun (two loose strands falling down each side of her face). Hannah was attractive. Yet... "What's up Tim? What's with the sighing?" "Huh? Oh, nothing. Just thinking bout what to get." He lied as he scanned the various items for sale – hearing people haggle in English and other languages (mostly alien tongues from the various shows). Timothy hid a second sigh as he kept walking. Hannah was attractive; yet, she was like him – a nerd. She dated as much as he did – which meant she didn't date at all either. For her, it was the glasses (not to mention her love of science fiction and her vast knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus with a lack of people skills); Timothy knew from his limited experience he didn't fit the profile of a "dateable" guy as well. Being 5'10, he was above average in height, but not muscular (he considered himself "lean"). In fact, he didn't have a lot of muscle at all; he was a healthy, thin 25 year-old Graphics Artist. His round, nondescript face didn't strike anyone as "handsome" yet he wasn't considered ugly. He just wasn't... There. Crossing the aisle they were in was a guy many females in New City considered "handsome" and "Majorly Fuckable." The popular Councilman Jeffery Walsh stood over six feet tall, had short blond hair, sparkling blue eyes that melted many hearts (and cause many a pussy to moisten), with a soft, smooth tan, muscular build, and what he heard, the sex drive of a rabbit with the stamina of a lion. By all standards, Councilman Walsh could have been a model in California – if he didn't live in small town Pennsylvania. So you ask why he's at the Convention? The one thing that made him SOOO popular and intriguing to everyone is he LOVES science fiction and fantasy – yet he was considered "cool" and "hip." To Timothy it was not fair; he loved science fiction too. Just because he wasn't tall, muscular, had fantastic looks, a winning personality, considered cool..."Timmy, you're sighing again." Hannah said bringing him out of his thoughts. "Can't find anything you want? Or, did you spot our wonderful councilman and all those reporters a moment ago?" She laughed softly seeing Timothy's sullen face. "Look Tim, he remembers you – he just cannot say so in public. Remember, he's trying to run for mayor this year and cannot have the likes of us bothering him k? I have gotten over it..." Though Hannah's face also grew grim remembering how Councilman Walsh was one of them at Overland College. Before he began dating the head cheerleader Amy Douglas and became MR. COOL... Suppressing sighs, they continued their tour of the convention, occasionally buying books or costume accessories – the Pavilion Palace becoming louder and more energized with Councilman Walsh walking around (and buying stuff making the products must-haves for everyone). In the distance they would hear the noise that followed Councilman Walsh – people there were honored to have a politician talk to them about science fiction (though it was for the camera, not cause he really gave a shit bout them). Walking down another aisle, Timothy looked at the booths not seeing anything else he wanted. He had spent a good amount of money on some collectible action figures, comics (one a popular porno-like comic), and props for his business – though deep down he wanted to at least look at the collection of sci-fi porn. As they continued walking, they past an elderly man sitting behind a booth, an array of thick books in front of him. A particular one caught Timothy's eye... "Hey Hannah," He said, "Hold up. I want to check out these books." Nodding, the duo stood before the man – thinning gray-white hair, wrinkled face, a rail thin frame and hollow, lifeless blue eyes – as they looked at the books. Many looked old; the smell of old paper wafted from many of them as their binds looked frayed and antique. The designs differed depicting epic battles, religious symbols, or ancient, mythical animals (dragons, gargoyles)... "What's this?" Hannah asked picking one up. It was heavy in her hands; it didn't look as old as the others. Maroon in color, it resembled a bulky encyclopedia volume more than anything else. The cover was a velvety texture, and the words on it were... "Book of Griffen-El: The History of Hoptet-Mi..." Hannah spoke smiling. Turning to Timothy, "That's a catchy title. Sounds like some epic fantasy tale." "Who wrote this book?" Timothy asked the old man. Looking up at the two, the old man's haggard face brightened – a semi-toothless grin appearing. "It is written by an old group of people – much older than my 70 years – many, many years ago. No one knows their names... just that this book is very valuable." "Or so my gramps thinks." Replied someone behind Timothy and Hannah. Turning around, they saw a short, chubby teen boy sporting a werewolf costume sans the headgear (tucked under his arm). His wooly brown hair looked wild and unkept – it resembled the wolf's head. "Gramps always tells that line to potential buyers. It's just an old book that was in the attic of the house we moved into a few years back." "Where are you from?" Hannah asked intrigued. Timothy saw her eyes glint behind the glasses and knew she may waste her money on this book. "From Cumberland, Maryland – about two hours south of here." The boy replied sticking out his hand. "I'm Chadwick Sturges; that's my gramps Gordy... um, Grandpa Gordy Sturges I mean." "Hi. I'm Hannah and this is my friend Timothy." She said shaking his hand. Timothy reluctantly shook the teen's hand also. "Now, this book is valuable? So, why sell it here? I mean, shouldn't you be at some antique auction..." "Because none of the ones in Maryland believes my grandpa," Chadwick replied shaking his head. "His notion that some of the books hold magical properties is ludicrous... look inside." Opening the book, both peered at the pages. The chapter headings were in English – albeit from the days of Colonial rule. However, the text... "There's no vowels anywhere in the words," Timothy said. "How the heck ya suppose to read this stuff with no vowels?" Chuckling, Gordy replied his voice sounding wet and wheezy, "That is how the authors of the text spoke. I believe it's an old world language – possibly dating back to-" "That's ok Gramps," Chadwick interrupted his voice growing tense, "No need to spook potential customers with your theories." The teen's grandfather gave him a cold stare as he quietly sat back. Chadwick turned to Hannah, "He has a lot of theories on the books. My parents just want the books out of the house so he could move on. Plus some of them seem weird." Timothy had picked on one of the texts also. A grayish-silver one, it was similar to the one Hannah held, but even the title on the cover was in that weird, no-vowel style... SSKTCHWN FNLND... SPLLS FRM HLMZ-L HPTT-M: CSTS DNST "And this book I have, is it written by same group of people?" Timothy asked, getting this weird feeling from the book (almost sexual in nature). "My gramps believe so," Chadwick answered, "Though he says the one you have is more a book of spells. I say 'eh' to it all..." Feeling the weight in his hand, Timothy kept getting this vibe – no, attraction - to the book. It was if the book was channeling his innermost feelings so he would buy it... "How much are these two?" Timothy spoke before realizing it. Looking a bit surprised, Chadwick turned to his grandfather. The elder spoke slowly but with more vigor than earlier, "For you, I'll strike a deal. Both books for $150." Shocked ran through Timothy. He couldn't be serious? Yet, his mind could not fight the pull of the text in his hands as he opened his mouth to say, "Deal. Hope you take hundred-dollar bills." Hannah and Chadwick watched stunned as he pulled out two one hundred-dollar bills and handed them to Gordy. The old man quickly took the money in his skeletal hands, smiling at his grandson. A few moments later, he handed Timothy his change still smiling his semi-toothless grin his grandson's way. As they were leaving with their new possessions, Gordy waved Timothy closer. Moving closer, Timothy got a whiff of Ben-Gay, stale bread, and sweat as the old man whispered, "Want to warn you: though no one believes me, I consider the book you hold real and powerful. Be careful..." Giving the elderly man a perplexed look, Timothy nodded, said goodbye to Chadwick, and headed off with Hannah – carrying his new book (which seemed like it belonged to him) – to meet his friends. Meeting them by the entrance twenty minutes later - and buying a porno movie using Hannah's money – (her teasing, "We gonna watch it together later!"), Timothy and his friends retold of their wares before setting out for the minivan and the trip to Jason's apartment. During the walk to the van and the drive, Timothy held onto the book securely – as if it were a valuable artifact. He didn't know why, but the book felt right to him... like it was meant for him. Time Testing 101: Tim's New Book Initially, Timothy noticed no change in anything. More time passed and he began to notice nothing had changed. "Guess the spells do not work after all guys," Timothy said resignedly getting up. Looking at them, he noticed their faces remained the same intent nervousness he saw when he spoke the words. Not paying too much attention, he walked over to the window shaking his head at how he got swindled for the book (sneaky old fart, he sighed) Timothy suddenly heard that ringing noise in his head. He only heard that noise when it was absolutely quiet... Peering out the window, Timothy's mouth dropped. The noise of cars and people moving about in the small town was gone; everything was frozen in place – even the few pigeons flying overhead were stuck in mid-motion between wing flaps. Turning back to his friends, he saw that they too were silent and still as statues. It was like looking a portraits; eerily lifelike yet not real because there was no life from them. "Guys! Yo guys! Joke's over – say something!" He kept yelling until he found it useless. Standing still himself, he listened for certain noises – the fridge running, the overhead clock ticking, someone breathing besides himself (he actually held his breath)... but heard nothing. It was as if everything just shut off – "Holy shit, the spell worked." He whispered to himself. He felt giddy excitement and anxiety; he wanted to jump up and down for joy. The spell worked! It fucking worked! Yet... "What the fuck did I just do? Freeze time? Did I stop it forever?" He quickly ran to the wall clock and saw what time it stopped on – 6:15 PM. He checked his digital watch and saw that it too had stopped at 6:15 PM; it was eerie seeing the LED screen so still and permanent on that hour, minute and second. Going into the kitchen, Timothy wanted one more test. At the sink, he turned on both faucets and waited... nothing. Not a single drop of water came out – not even the sound of it running through the pipes was heard. Grabbing a glass, he turned and blindly threw it into the living room. The sight fascinated him; as the glass left his hand, it began to slow down. Slowly it tumbled end over end (the light glinting off it) in the air then stopped mid-air in the doorway to the living room. Timothy's mouth was agape again; this shit was TOO REAL to believe! This time he did yell and jump for joy. "Hot fucking DAMN!!! That book is MAGIC!! The POWER I HAVE! POWER!!!" His yells of joy became manic in their intensity; his mind finally overloaded with the severity that the spell worked. EVERYTHING WAS STUCK IN TIME... Screams startled Timothy from the living room. The sudden gushing of water from the faucet caused him to jump back in surprise – then the glass he threw crashed causing more screams from the living room. He rushed into the room and saw his friends standing, Cheddar with a deep cut on his forehead (the cup hit him). The outside world began moving as well as sounds of screeching vehicles and yelling people overwhelmed Timothy's ears. He winced at that – then at seeing Cheddar's face sported more cuts from the glass hitting him. "Hey Timothy! What the hell happened?" Jason yelled looking at him upset. "One second you sitting there reading, next you're gone. Then, this glass comes flying through the air hitting Cheddar –" "I'm sorry," Timothy said coming closer. Seeing Cheddar stare at him angrily, he stopped approaching. "The spell worked! It worked!" "Who the fuck cares!" Cheddar yelled. His face grew red with fury (and with blood from the cuts). Looking closely, Timothy saw a few shards were stuck in his skin! "Why did you throw the glass at me! You know I couldn't move!" "It worked?" Hannah asked speaking softly. Timothy nodded as Jason returned with a wet cloth, broom and dustpan. Giving Timothy a cold glare, he didn't speak as he treated Cheddar. Timothy approached cautiously, his joy at the spell working now gone hoping his friend wasn't disfigured... "OWW Jason! Careful, the glass is STUCK in my skin!" Cheddar shrieked as Jason attempted to pull pieces of glass from his face. "That book of yours is something... powerful. I don't think you should keep it after what just happened-" "What Hannah? I'm not giving this book up. The spell worked. Everything around me stopped – the birds, cars, the clocks," "Shut the HELL up Tim!" Cheddar yelled wincing as Jason treated his cuts. His gaze tore into Timothy; he didn't care if the spell worked because his face was cut by a flying glass... one HE threw and watched hover than stop (not minding to take it down). "I'm sorry about that Ched," Timothy tried to explain, "I forgot I had thrown it. Was just soooo happy the spell worked." "Get Out." "Huh Jason?' "Get out of my house Timothy. Take the book with you." The tone in Jason's voice stunned Timothy. Looking at Jason, he saw the inflexible face. Turning to Hannah, he saw that she was agreeing with Jason. Not having to look at Cheddar's face (and not wanting to knowing he would see scars – most likely permanent ones), Timothy silently stood. "Tim, Jase means it. He wants you to go," Hannah said softly rubbing Cheddar's shoulders while Jason continued treating the wounds. "Fine." Timothy said annoyed. Grabbing the book, he got a sudden rush of feeling from it (like a rush of adrenaline). Pausing, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply before heading for the door. Before he left he said over his shoulder, "Can I call you all later?" Hearing no answer, "Ok... bye. And I'm very sorry Cheddar. I really am." With that, he walked out of the apartment. Outside, he took one last look at the window to Jason's apartment, then grabbed a cab for the crosstown trek to his apartment knowing that, despite the glass hitting Cheddar's face (he did forget he threw it you know), the spell was a SUCCESS. S-U-C-C-E-S-S success... Back at his apartment, Timothy was upset that his friends reacted the way they did to the spell – though he understood remembering how Cheddar's face is going to look from now on – yet thrilled at what the spell allowed him to do. While the world halted, HE had free reign to travel around, do whatever he wanted – though for a few moments. A shudder of excitement made him hug his arms to his body tightly. The book was magical and it was HIS. In his bedroom, Timothy sat with his legs spread – the book open in front of him. He had returned to the TIMELINE/REALITY ALTERATIONS section of the book. Here before him was a different page within the Time Testing 101 part; the spells were shorter (two lines) except for a big one on the top of the next page. The style it was written in was different; the text seemed more elegant than the rest, and the way the letters were written suggested great care was taken to jotting them down correctly. Timothy's eyes fixed on that spell disregarding the others. It was if that one spell was calling for him to say it... "Say it," Timothy heard the whisper, but realized he didn't say it. Whirling his head around wildly, he saw no one else in his room. Just him and the book of spells... "What could happen," he said loudly steeling his resolve. Clearing his throat, he began reciting the words very slowly (not wanting to mispronounce them messing up what would happen). The addition of hyphens in the words made reciting the spell harder and longer, but Timothy was determined to say this one. As he continued, the hair on the back of his neck stood as a sudden whirlwind engulfed the room. Him and the bed was surrounded by the swirling wind as the rushing air drowned out all noise but Timothy's voice – and he had to raise his voice to hear himself say the spell. Timothy wanted to see this spell to the end (even if it killed him – though he hoped to heaven it didn't). When he finished, the air grew calm and silent. All around his room his belongings lay strewn on the floor, the desks and dressers lying on their sides on the floor around his bed. Him and the bed remained unchanged. "Whoa. Some special effects." Timothy stood surveying his room. Slowly he made his way out into his small living room passing the kitchen (and seeing that the floor was littered with utensils, pots and pans); to his surprise he heard the television on. He remembered not having it on when he went to his room to do the spell. As he entered the living room, his ears popped loudly disorienting him and making his eyes water. Wiping them he approached the window and saw that the sun was at its peak – MIDDAY PEAK! But I got home a 7:30 PM! Timothy thought. Looking out the window, he saw the normal vision of the main expressway that wove past his apartment complex. Nearby, the three huge smokestacks of the Municipal Plant plumed huge volumes of smoke – which it did only in the early afternoon. He kept staring out the window at the sudden midday traffic (though he swore it was close to 8 PM) when he heard a slight cough behind him. Turning around quickly, Timothy caught sight of someone on his couch! His mouth dropped as he leaned against the window; he took in his intruder. He was about Timothy's height and build (lean towards skinny), with blond hair cut short and spiky (like Timothy's), intelligent and alert green eyes (wide with shock), wearing blue jeans and a tee shirt with a design on it – a navy blue circle background with two red streaks streaking through it forming the letter V – which was Timothy's company logo... "What the Fuck!!" Timothy hollered as he realized he was staring at HIMSELF sitting on the couch! But... How is that possible? To Be Continued...