Science Fiction: Time Travel

By Richard S. Levine

Four short stories written by Richard S. Levine that relate to some form of time travel. "Fast Forward" explores a future where some people live for a thousand years. In "Myron's Debarkation" a couple cruise into the future. "Time Enough for Sarah" examines the relationship across time of a man and his daughter. "Timer" might make you wonder if a time portal is such a good idea.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard S. Levine
• Release date: Apr 19, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458074379

Richard S. Levine

Richard S. Levine has been a math teacher, a software engineer, and a video games designer. Now he's busy writing speculative fiction. He has had stories published in Emerald Tales, OG's Speculative Fiction, Raygun Revival, The Fifth Di, The Lorelei Signal, and other online and print magazines. "A Comic on Phobos" received a nomination for Samsdotpublishing's James award. To learn more about Mr. Levine's writings and his award winning classic video game, "Microsurgeon", please visit his website. You can also check out my interests on Pinterest at pinterest.com/ricklev/.

Book preview

Science Fiction: Time Travel

By Richard S. Levine

Copyright © 2011 Richard S. Levine

Smashwords Edition

Discover other titles by Richard S. Levine at

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/richardslevine

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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The following stories were written by Richard S. Levine and have appeared previously in other publications. Each story relates to some form of time travel. Fast Forward explores a future where some people live for a thousand years. In Myron's Debarkation, a couple cruise into the future. Time Enough for Sarah examines the relationship across time of a man and his daughter. Timer might make you wonder if a time portal is such a good idea.

Contents

Fast Forward

Myron’s Debarkation

Time Enough for Sarah

Timer

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Fast Forward

This story was published in Sci Phi Journal (Feb 2009), and the podcast is excellent if you can access it on the internet. There are several scientists worldwide working on various ways to extend human life, possibly to hundreds of years. While this would no doubt be a monumental achievement in human history, it is also an interesting subject for a philosophical discussion.

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"NanoMethusela, the choice is easy." - Medical Age magazine advertisement

Every twenty years I have the same decision to make. Should I go to my doctor’s office and get injected with NanoMethusela? Dumb question, right?

I’ll be one hundred and eighty-five years old today, but I still look like twenty-one. My hair’s solid brown, no gray. My vision is 20/20, and my boyfriend’s thirty three.

NanoMethusela will keep me young and alive for a long, long time -- no illness, little aging, competent mental facility, and an energetic sex life. The magazine ads all say how great it is to live a thousand years.

I did get plastic surgery last June, but just to remove the bump on my nose. Besides, that bump always reminded me too much of Carl.

I first met him when I was twenty-four. I was a wild waitress at the old Hydrogen Drive-In in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Carl worked next door.

Several times a week he’d hop into his fuel cell retrofitted, Mini Cooper convertible and drive through the parking lot just to stop at our drive-in. He said it was because of the cheap hydrogen and fast food, but I knew better.

He’d always find a spot in my territory and park there. He’d say something like, Hi Flora. I’ll have the usual, which meant he wanted a chicken sandwich, malt and fries. For weeks I acted like I hardly noticed him -- the honest truth. I’d just ask our roboserver, Scarlett, to get it for him and bring it out on a tray. But Carl kept showing up and ordering the same thing.

It was about the sixth week that I finally gave in and fetched his usual for him. Unlike me, Carl was a planner.

Over the following weeks, Carl described his future life in detail. He said he wasn’t always going to be just an accountant. In ten years he’d be a partner in the firm,

Reviews for Science Fiction

[deardavid0 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed these stories very much.  They had the flavor of 'classic' science fiction, with a mix of interesting ideas, people, and devices.  The author tries to keep the science credible.   These stories are not soap operas or fantasy stories about epic battles, but extrapolations and explorations of the future consequences of scientific ideas. The plot is the most important thing, rather than character and setting.  Each story was thought provoking.  And the stories were short and sweet – no unnecessary padding to make their point.  Thank you, Richard.