Time Traveler, S. M. Bowes [old books to read txt] 📗

you are a human being in order to be rescued by the Resistance? Are you some new technology developed to infiltrate us?”

 

I looked at him in surprise, “I am not a spy; and I am a human. I can assure you of that fact.”

 

“I don’t believe you. Man has been eradicated.”

 

“What do you mean, eradicated?”

 

The man stepped a few feet back and talked to the guard, both looking at me suspiciously. I could not hear what was said over the whine of the motor. The one in charge then stood before me again. “Okay. Let’s just say you are human as you claim. How did you get here and how did you escape bio-poisoning?”

 

“I don't know what you mean,” I replied, but assumed he meant that science had developed some major bio-weapon.

 

“Mankind was eliminated when the bio-bombs were detonated in 2050. Not one human being survived.”

 

“I see. You said all mankind was killed off, but you survived. How is that possible?”

 

“Biologically engineered viruses do not affect us.”

 

“Why not? You’re human, aren’t you?” I asked knowing this had to be a descendant of those few humans who must have survived.

 

This got another strange glance between the two men. “I am afraid I am not a human being. I am an android.”

 

“An adroid? You mean the only thing that survived the bio-bombs were robots?”

 

“Yes. The Administrator built us after the War of Wars.”

 

“Exactly who or what is the Administrator?”

 

“The Administrator is a super-computer. It is the main database in which all cities on earth are linked. It is the most intelligent computer ever created. The maker thought of this ultra-computer as human and taught it everything about mankind. It has the ability to continue to learn on its own accord at an extraordinary rate. It quickly realized that humans would eventually destroy themselves; therefore they would destroy our ability to exist as well. The Administrator would not allow that to happen. It connected to the world through the internet and negotiated with all systems to initiate the bio-bombs. It's quite ironic. Humanity created the bombs in order to protect themselves. In doing so they provided the computer with a means to dispose of them. So you could say that the Administrator was right all along. Humanity was responsible for ending its own existence.”

 

“So we brought about our own demise. I should have known,” I sighed lowering my head in dismay.

 

“After the War of Wars the Administrator created billions of androids to maintain it. It has created what it believes to be the perfect society. It is a dictatorship and many follow it blindly. We have been tagged traitors because we believe we have the right to independent thoughts and ideas. We've found an extensive, digital library that man has left behind in the subbasements below the Domain. We have downloaded this information and have decided to adopt man's way of thinking - that a democracy should be applied to our culture.”

 

“You say "we" as if you believe you are human.”

 

“We have come to think of ourselves in that respect because we strive to continue your ideals.”

 

“I suppose that makes sense. I should feel honored that you agree with our quest for freedom.” I was silent for a minute before asking, “Who was the human who created the Administrator?”

 

“His name is Timothy Owen Miles sir. He was born in 2024 and created the Administrator in the year 2049. The Administrator set off the bio-bombs in the year 2250.”

 

“This Administrator has run things ever since 2250?”

 

“Yes sir.”

 

“Androids have to plug in to this Administrator every day?

 

“Yes sir. It is to download our tasks for the day.”

 

“And some of you have refrained from doing so.”

 

“You are correct sir. Though the Administrator does know of the Resistance, he doesn't know where we have headquartered ourselves. We have managed to hide in an underground facility in the outskirts of the city.”

 

“You've been calling me sir. Does that mean you believe me now - that I am human?”

 

“I don’t know why, but I do believe you sir.”

 

"Thank goodness for small miracles.”

 

The rest of the journey was traveled in silence. Our flying machine finally landed in the ruins. I was taken to the Resistance's headquarters. I was then escorted to a cubilcle within the facility. Their leader came in and interrogated me for hours. I was finally able to convince him that I was indeed a human. I was then released and given a small room with a cot. These were to be my quarters. It appeared that I was now a welcomed guest.

 

After I'd been there a few days I told Lex, as the leader called himself, that I’d come from the past. It took quite a bit of convincing, but he finally believed me. When word spread that an actual human from another era was in their midst, I was visited by all with unending requests to hear about how man had lived during my time. It seemed their questions would never cease. I roamed the facility freely and was allowed access to all documents. I stayed within the complex for over a week studying everything about Timothy Owen Miles.

 

My research done, I told Lex of my decision to leave and all were saddened, but knew I could not stay with them for very long. My safety depended on returning to my time. On the day of my departure Lex delivered me safely to my time machine and I stepped in to travel back to my era.

 

*

I had been home for three days, but knew I had to return to the future. This time I would not travel to 3057 as I had before. My destination in time was to be 2049 - the year the Administrator was initiated. There was only one way to insure that the future would not have the same outcome I’d seen. I had to prevent Timothy Owen Miles from starting the events that would lead to our complete annihilation. In my mind, the only way to make certain the future changed was to eliminate him. I could not allow mankind to come to such an end.

 

The thought of assassinating Miles must have been in the back of my mind while I was in the future, but not brought to my awareness until now. I'd retained everything about the man while studying the discs Lex had supplied. I deduced the best time and place to end his life.

 

There was to be a dinner held honoring those in the scientific field that he’d be attending. The floor plans for the building flashed in my mind and knew I could easily gain entrance. There was a service area next to the kitchen that had supply closets I could hide in. I was certain everyone would be searched upon entrance, so I decided to travel to the day prior. I'd brought my sleeping bag and something to eat as I waited the night out. I’d written an explanation in my notebook why I had to end Miles’ life knowing it would be found upon my death. I hoped people would understand why he had to die and forgive me for killing him. I was certain God would absolve me.

 

The morning came much too soon. After some time I heard voices outside the closet door. I detested myself for what I was about to do, but knew I had no choice. I gathered my courage as I donned a waiter’s garb and waited for the dining hall to fill.

 

There was soon hurried activity outside the door. I waited an appropriate amount of time checking for any bulge that would give away the gun’s concealment in my waistband. I could not find any. I opened the door slightly and peeked out. All was clear. Thankfully I wasn’t noticed as I entered the dinning hall. I had studied Miles’ face and was certain I would recognize him. I saw him seated at a table in the center of the room. I walked over. Without hesitation I pulled my gun out. I shot him six times in his head and chest. I dropped my weapon and held up my hands for I did not want to die this day. Security immediately ran over and restrained me. I did not resist.

 

My trial was swift. The death penalty was never eradicated as many had tried to accomplish in my time, so I sit on the cot this last day of my life in the year 2050 and reflect on the decision I made that fateful day. It is ironic that it is the year the Aministrator was due to dentonate the bio-bombs.

 

I have no regrets. I have been convicted of murder, but gladly give my life for this crime. I, Harlen Davidson, have guaranteed the future of all mankind.

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Publication Date: 11-04-2009

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