Future Imperfect

By Pelaam

Sterling Rossi thinks he's just made history as the world's first chrononaut. But if he's the first to travel back through time, who is the attractive blond he sees during his jaunt, and why is his team so keen to deny his existence?

Sterling soon realizes there are more forces at work than he ever imagined and wonders just what's really happening, and who he can trust.

As the truth unravels, Sterling has to go back in time to save his lover, while a creature from the fabric of time threatens to destroy the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Apr 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781772333275

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

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Published by Evernight Publishing ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2015 Pelaam

ISBN: 978-1-77233-327-5

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To my partner for his faith in me.

FUTURE IMPERFECT

Pelaam

Copyright © 2015

Chapter One

Groaning softly, Sterling slapped at his alarm clock. Then he realized the noise wasn't the alarm, but his cell phone. He rolled onto his back and reached across to his bedside table.

Picking up his phone, Sterling flicked across the screen to activate it and held it to his ear. He recognized the voice on the other end immediately.

Hi, Ma. How’re you? He stretched his free arm over his head as he spoke. Yeah, I’m good.

An affectionate smile curved his lips. He let her familiar voice wash over him as she talked about her favorite subject: the family. His mother was third generation Italian-American, and lived over in the United States with one half of his very large family.

Both of his parents had siblings who'd either moved back to Italy or elsewhere in the world. He probably had as many cousins in Italy as he did back in America. Family was very important to him, too, and all of his family was proud of his achievements.

His mother had bawled a leg off over his move to New Zealand for this job yet at the same time had boasted to everyone about how important his job was, and how very proud of him she was. Even though she actually knew nothing about it.

Intentionally.

A mix of nostalgia and homesickness washed over him. Shuffling to get more comfortable as he listened, Sterling shoved the duvet and sheet down, and idly ran his free hand over his chest, enjoying the feel of the hair beneath his fingers. His hand stilled at his mother's question.

Sorry, no, Ma. No sign of any girl on the horizon. We had that chat before I left. Remember? Yeah, well, no, Ma. Nothing’s changed. He shook his head, even though his mother wouldn’t see it.

As proud of him as she was, she still had this image of him settling down and having a brood of kids. As far as Sterling was concerned, he was enjoying his single status, and there was nothing even remotely domesticated in his future.

Yes, sure, Ma. If I meet someone, I’ll be sure to let you know. Okay. Bye, Ma. I love you, too.

Laughing, Sterling flicked off his phone and stared up at the ceiling.  There was no changing his mother, and if he was honest, he wouldn’t have it any other way. There was little point in staying in bed any longer. He'd have a leisurely shower, then breakfast, and finally head over to the complex. Things were moving on, and his real work would soon begin.

Humming to himself, Sterling showered, then dried himself off before donning a thick, soft robe and going to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. He was careful with his portion of oats, and all but winced when adding skimmed milk to his beloved coffee. But the portions were important. His weight had to be kept within a strictly monitored and specified range.

Flicking the controller, Sterling put the TV on, and settled with his porridge and coffee to eat his breakfast while watching the news. After putting his dishes in the washer, Sterling headed back to the bathroom, passing a photograph of himself hanging in the hallway.

In the photograph, Sterling was dressed as an astronaut, a trio of similarly dressed men around him. On the frame a single word was inscribed: Believe.

Well. He ran his finger over the word. I guess I didn’t get to go to the space station, but I’ll still be able to ‘boldly go where no man has gone before’. Laughing softly, he headed into the bathroom.

Shave completed and teeth brushed, he returned to the bedroom to dress. He glanced along his hallway as he walked along. Although the photo of him in his astronaut's suit was one he was proud of, there were a lot of other photographs lining his hallway of which he was equally proud for entirely different reasons. His parents, grandparents, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins were all there. A mix of couples, small family groups, and huge get-togethers.

Given his family lived in America, Italy, and the UK, as well as a couple of cousins who were in New Zealand like himself, every time he walked past his gallery, he got a warm feeling and remembered a family event. As with his mother, family was incredibly important to him. His parents were an amazing couple who fortunately supported him one hundred percent.

Even if his mother still had a longing for more grandchildren, despite their deep conversations. He laughed softly, reaching to stroke her smiling face in the nearest photograph.

Sorry, Ma. That’s one thing you won’t get from me. Anyway, you already have five.

Ten minutes later he was on the road. It still amazed him that the area he lived in was so rural that the nearest town was a thirty minute drive in the opposite direction, and what he drove through to get to work was mostly protected forest areas. Mountains rose and fell as he drove along, and finally a small stream dogged his left side, growing into a river.

He didn’t bother indicating as he turned down what looked like a little used track. Now he was hemmed in by the river to his left, and on his right were steeply rising ground and solid foliage. The track he bounced along led down into a valley invisible from the road above. Ahead a gate barred his way, but with a push of the button on the tiny device attached his mirror, it slowly opened.

He grinned and waved even though the road ahead was empty. From the moment he turned off the main road, he knew his movements were being tracked. If he’d been an unauthorized visitor, security would have stopped him long before now. Even as close as he was to the complex now, it remained impossible to see the building in which he worked. Anyone looking down would see nothing but the river and plenty of foliage.

The narrow track opened out, and Sterling headed to the garage. Both it and the main building were painted in camouflage colors. He drove inside, parked in his allocated space, and whistled as he left the garage and strode jauntily to the main building. Nodding at the security guard at the desk, Sterling headed for the elevator. Work had officially started.

Chapter Two

Two floors down and Sterling headed along a corridor decorated in a cool, almost sterile, shade of blue. Tapping on a door with the legend Technical Manager inscribed on its brass nameplate, Sterling entered at the muffled shout from within.

Not only was the office large, but it always reminded Sterling of something he’d seen in a James Bond movie. A large, well-polished wooden desk was ahead of him, bare apart from a computer and a pen holder. The black leather chair behind it was currently empty.

He glanced over to the left where three large fish tanks were set into the wall, in front of which was a long, narrow wooden table which held various small containers of food. Carey stood in the middle of the three, peering intently in each tank before looking over at Sterling. With a wave of his hand, he indicated for Sterling to come over.

The tanks were huge, well stocked with impressive plants and rocks, and were the pride and joy of the man who smiled at Sterling. But the tanks didn’t hold goldfish, koi, or even the usual array of tropical fish. Carey’s tastes were even more exotic or, as some said, macabre.

In truth, Carey looked more like everyone's idea of a favorite teacher rather than a debonair spy with his trim build, affable features, and thinning grey hair. Given which, it had been very easy to assume that Carey's taste in fish would be as dull and grey as the man himself. But Sterling knew now that assumption was far removed from the truth.

As Sterling approached he watched the middle tank where the fish was so well camouflaged it was impossible to see from a distance. The immense tank only held the one fish, a scorpion fish, as deadly as it was beautiful. Carey tossed a live shrimp into the tank as Sterling came up close. The shrimp didn't stand a chance. The fish shot forward, grabbing the small treat immediately, not even needing to stun it with its venom.

The tanks either side of the scorpion fish held different inhabitants, Carey's current, prized Japanese fighting fishes. Sterling wasn’t keen on the idea of watching one fish fight and kill another. They might be beautiful, but if his tastes were ever to run to keeping fish, Sterling knew he’d keep more tranquil denizens in his tank.

During the time Sterling had known Carey, the fighting fish he kept had changed several times. Carey seemed to have no loyalty except to the victor, treating a losing fish he’d fed and cared for as the next meal for the scorpion fish. Sterling knew he couldn’t accept one fish killing another even as a sport, much less as a pet.

How’re they doing? Sterling peered at the scorpion fish that swam quickly away as he approached.

I’m certain he’s growing. Carey lightly tapped the tank nearest Sterling, and then pointed over at the tank on the far right that held the other of his fighting fish. He’s won a few battles now. He’s very aggressive. This one's only won two. Give him a little longer and I may decide to find just who's the stronger between them both.

There was a hint of pride in Carey’s tone, and Sterling shook his head. Not my scene, but whatever floats your boat. The bloodthirstiness in regards the fish always seemed so at odds with Carey's mild-mannered persona, and always turned Sterling's stomach slightly. He angled his body away from the tanks.

Indeed. I trust you’re keeping yourself in peak condition. Turning away from the tanks himself, Carey gave Sterling a frank appraisal. You look fit enough. Seems like New Zealand is good for your health.

I go to the gym here almost every day, and I run on the beach when not here. I’m good. Sterling tapped his chest hard.

Dear God, you even sound like a local. Carey laughed. Good, I’m glad to hear it. We’ve progressed to final stage amber. Green is imminent for your first jaunt. Are you sure you’re ready?

Anticipation zipped along Sterling's spine, with a frisson of apprehension in hot pursuit. He nodded. Yes. I'm ready. How imminent?

I'm not at liberty to say. Carey smiled, showing a rare flash of small, even teeth as he briefly drew back his lips. Let's just say you'll be getting measured in the next couple of days. Make sure your weight doesn't fluctuate.

I'll get down to the gym right away. Sterling was already turning to leave, but Casey's hand on his arm made him hesitate.

Call into the medical bay first. We need to verify your bloods. Before you leave, call back to see me. I'll have a homework parcel for you to take home.

Fine. Med labs first. Catch you later. With a wave of his hand, Sterling headed out of the office. Outside he took a few deep, calming breaths. He'd been training for this for months. Now he could hardly believe that making his jaunt was imminent. Although imminent in Carey-speak could mean anything from days to weeks.

He returned to the elevator. The medical laboratories were a floor down, as was the gym. He knew his weight was fine, and he was fit and well. There would be no medical reason for the jaunt not to go ahead.

As the elevator descended, Sterling stared at his reflection in the highly polished metal. He sent a silent prayer that all would go well whenever the jaunt took place, and then focused on the present. He laughed softly as the elevator doors opened. No point worrying about the future. Or in my case, the past.

Chapter Three

Perched on a bed in the Med Lab, Sterling sat with his back ramrod stiff. He'd already stoically endured the various needles as his blood was drawn. This was the last one, and the nurse looked up and smiled at him, fluttering her eyelashes a little as she removed the needle. Sterling flashed a quick smile in return, but his mind was far from any present flirtatiousness.

Status is nearly green. He closed his eyes as an adrenaline rush hit him. He could hardly wait to get to the gym and work off some of his nervous energy. He had no idea how he was going to go home and eat and sleep normally.

All good, Sterling. The nurse looked over her shoulder at him from where she was putting the vials in a tray. I got enough blood. I have no worries that this is all going to be just fine. We’ve been testing you regularly. We know you’re clean.

That’s good to know. Sterling stood, eager to leave.

I have a tea break at ten-thirty if you’re free? I’d love to hear about your preparations for the jaunt. She turned to face him properly and smiled widely.

Offering her his most apologetic smile, Sterling shook his head. Sorry. I’ll be in the gym for the next few hours, and I have to be really careful about eating and drinking. Another time maybe. He didn’t miss the flash of disappointment, but the nurse nodded and turned back to the tray she'd been fussing over.

Of course. I understand. Your fitness is very important. As you say, another time.

He'd raised a hand to offer a farewell wave, but Sterling let his arm drop to his side when he realized the nurse wasn't going to take any further notice of him. With a shrug, Sterling hurried out of the sick bay. It wasn't his favorite place, and he hated needles. But to have got to where he was, and do his job, they were a necessity, so he tolerated them.

The nurse and her offer were quickly pushed out of his mind. She was a colleague, and that was all she’d stay. He headed down the corridor, then turned off toward the gym. He liked the way it had been kitted out. The complex's gym contained all the best equipment, and there were no