With a jolt, Evelyn sat straight up in her bed. She felt like she had just relived several lifetimes, but she had no idea how long she had been preoccupied with the tsunami of thoughts, questions and possibilities that washed over her.

The digital clock at her bedside said 8:34 p.m., resetting her sense of actual time. For that fleeting moment before checking the clock, if someone had asked her what time it was, she wouldn’t have been able to even make a guess. And she wondered that if she were to attempt time travel, if she might find herself in that situation again. Would possibilities like that be worth the risk?

June 28, 2023 would be a birthday she would never forget, but not for the traditional reasons. She knew that now was the time to try to understand the implications of utilizing her birthday surprise.

She took a quick look again at the canvas tote bag, which enveloped the mysterious device about the size of a yoga foam roller. Interestingly, a metallic device of that size was not very heavy when she picked it up in the museum’s dark storage room – another mystery added to a growing list of them.

Evelyn turned on her computer and began to research the ethics of time travel, hoping to find some guidance or insight that would help her navigate this moral dilemma. She also hoped to find any indication or evidence that it was indeed real and possible, instead of merely a theme of many great science fiction stories.

The first thing she found was an essay by the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, in which he discussed the concept of “chronology protection conjecture.” Hawking’s conjecture suggested that the laws of physics might prevent time travel, thus avoiding any potential paradoxes or violations of causality. While this idea comforted her to some extent, she knew that the device she had found might defy this conjecture, and she couldn’t ignore the ethical implications of its potential use.

Evelyn’s search then led her to a classic work of science fiction, H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine.” In the novel, the protagonist travels to a future society where humanity has evolved into two distinct species, the Eloi and the Morlocks. The story presents a dystopian vision of the future, where the Eloi were a passive, childlike race, while the Morlocks were a predatory, subterranean species. This cautionary tale showed the potential dangers of meddling with the past and the unpredictable nature of the future.

Evelyn next came across the philosophical concept of “The Great Chain of Being,” which posited a hierarchy of existence with God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, plants and inanimate objects. This concept was deeply rooted in the medieval worldview and suggested that everything had its proper place in the natural order. By altering the past, Evelyn wondered if altering the past would disrupt this chain and usurp the role of a higher power.

Evelyn’s exploration of ethics led her to the work of Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher who developed the concept of the categorical imperative. Kant believed that an action was only morally acceptable if it could be applied universally, without contradiction. This principle made Evelyn question whether time travel could ever be ethical since it would involve making decisions that could potentially affect the entire course of history.

Another philosopher, John Stuart Mill, caught Evelyn’s attention with his theory of utilitarianism. Mill argued that an action was morally right if it produced the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This principle presented a different perspective on the ethics of time travel, as it might justify altering the past if it led to a better future for most people. However, this approach also raised concerns about the potential consequences of changing the past, as it was impossible to predict the ripple effects of such actions.

Next Evelyn found references to the work of Derek Parfit, a British philosopher who focused on personal identity and the ethics of future generations. Parfit’s work raised the question of whether people in the present have a moral obligation to future generations. This idea made Evelyn wonder if any actions she might take in the past could impact her ancestors, herself or even future generations, and whether she had a moral responsibility to consider the potential consequences of her actions on those who had not yet been born.

Intrigued by these philosophical perspectives, Evelyn delved deeper into the ethical considerations of time travel. She discovered an article by the contemporary ethicist, Nick Bostrom, who explored the concept of “existential risk.” Bostrom argued that humanity faces several potential threats to its existence, and that it is essential to minimize these risks to ensure the survival of future generations. Time travel, with its potential to alter the course of history, could introduce new existential risks or exacerbate existing ones.

Throughout her research, Evelyn also encountered various paradoxes associated with time travel, such as the grandfather paradox and the bootstrap paradox. The grandfather paradox illustrated the potential problems that could arise if a time traveler were to go back in time and accidentally kill their own grandfather before their parent was born. This action would prevent the time traveler’s own existence, creating a logical contradiction. The bootstrap paradox, on the other hand, involved a situation where an object or piece of information is sent back in time, creating a loop in which the object or information has no discernible origin.

These paradoxes underscored the inherent complexities and potential dangers of time travel, and they further emphasized the ethical considerations that Evelyn needed to address. The possibility of creating a paradox or causing unintended consequences in the past only added to the gravity of her decision.

As she pondered these ethical dilemmas, Evelyn also considered the potential benefits of time travel. If she could go back and somehow alter the course of history to prevent the unjust fate that befell her ancestors, the uncertainty and potential risks that such an action might entail could not be ignored.

She discovered Albert Einstein’s theories of Special Relativity and General Relativity. She immersed herself in these theories, determined to comprehend the relationship between space and time, and how they formed the fabric of the universe. Evelyn found herself fascinated by the concept of spacetime and how it could potentially be manipulated to achieve time travel. She thought that if she could understand the underlying principles of these theories, it would provide her with the foundation she needed to make sense of the device she had discovered.

She then came across the idea of closed timelike curves (CTCs), a concept that intrigued her. CTCs were solutions to the equations of General Relativity that allowed for the possibility of time travel. The existence of CTCs had been debated among physicists for decades, and while some believed that they were purely theoretical constructs, others thought that they could be the key to unlocking the secrets of time travel.

Evelyn also delved into the philosophical and ethical implications of her potential journey through time. She pondered the concept of the “butterfly effect,” the idea that even the smallest change in the past could have drastic consequences for the present and future. She wondered what the ramifications would be if she were to intervene in the events that led to the downfall of her family and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Evelyn’s research expertise was in high gear now. She discovered the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, which suggested that every decision or event resulted in the creation of parallel universes, each containing a different outcome. She wondered if this could mean that anything she might do in the past would not necessarily alter her present timeline but would instead create a new, parallel universe. This idea provided her with the duality of some comfort, as it meant that her actions might not irrevocably change the course of history in her own world, but rather open the possibility of a different outcome in another – another that she might unintentionally create. Meet Evelyn Roth – museum historian turned world builder – nice resume booster, she thought with a slight grin.

She started to mentally crawl into that scenario, but she had no brain energy remaining. Much like everything else that had occurred on this day, Evelyn was left with many more questions than answers. By now it was getting close to her usual bedtime of between 10 and 10:30 p.m., and she was mentally drained. She dropped off to sleep quicker than you could say Dr. Victor Adler, precisely who was on her mind as her brain finally shut down for the evening.

Even though she had forgotten to set her alarm for Thursday morning, Evelyn awoke that morning with time to spare – at least for a typical day. But this day was clearly atypical. As important as yesterday was, this day had the potential of nearing that plateau.

She knew she wouldn’t get anything done at the museum even if she reported for work as usual, so Evelyn texted her supervisor, Judy Highsmith:

“Hi Judy, unfortunately, the headache I’ve been experiencing since Wednesday hasn’t subsided, and it’s really difficult for me to think clearly. So I won’t be able to make it into work today. I just wanted to let you know so you can plan accordingly. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and I’ll do my best to catch up on anything I miss as soon as I’m feeling better. Thank you for your understanding. Evelyn”

Evelyn’s text wasn’t entirely false. Her thoughts were still racing, so clear thinking was still a challenge.

“Now,” she thought to herself, “how do I protect possibly the most priceless item on the face of the Earth?”

Silver Spring didn’t have a big crime problem, but it certainly wasn’t unheard of for thieves to break into homes and apartments and steal things. Locking the tote-bag-encased time-travel device in a closet would be something she’d regret if today was the day some thief randomly chose her place to ply his trade.

A quick Google search showed that a nearby Falcon Bank branch offered safety deposit box service, and that they opened at 8:30.

It was still early, 7:39 a.m., but Evelyn’s mind was still racing. Now was the time to reach out to Victor Adler, the University of Maryland historian with unique knowledge of the Intricate network of partnerships and schemes that had shaped pre-World War I Europe. And, he was named after a prominent Austrian socialist politician who was a key figure in the events leading up to World War I. It was time to get to know this guy, or at least what all he knew, she thought.

She still had the flyer with Dr. Adler’s contact information that was passed out at the lecture she attended, so she sat down at her computer to write him an email:

Dear Dr. Victor Adler,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Evelyn Roth, and I recently attended your captivating lecture at the University of Maryland on pre-World War I Europe. Your depth of knowledge and engaging presentation truly made history come alive for me.

As someone who also has a connection to that era, I am particularly interested in discussing our shared ties to the events leading up to the Great War. I understand that you were named after Victor Adler, the prominent Austrian socialist politician who played a significant role in that tumultuous period. My ancestors were directly involved in the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s political leadership and the unfolding events in the region.

Given our mutual interest in and personal connections to pre-WWI Europe, I believe we could both benefit from further discussing that period of history and exchanging insights. Would you be open to meeting over coffee or lunch to get to know each other better and delve deeper into this fascinating era? I am eager to learn from your expertise and share my own family’s story.

As luck would have it, my schedule is quite flexible today, and I would be delighted to meet up at your convenience. If today does not work for you, please let me know a few dates and times that suit your schedule, and I would be more than happy to accommodate.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the possibility of meeting with you.

Best regards,

Evelyn Roth

She didn’t want to wait around, because she knew any time she wasn’t busy progressing this big decision would be time her mind would be wildly racing without a finish line.

Evelyn didn’t have her phone in hand, so she called out to Alexa:

“Alexa, what time is it, please?”

“The current time is 8:10 a.m.,” Alexa replied.

Evelyn hurriedly dressed, grabbed a spare bed sheet, then the canvas tote bag and its contents, and flew out the door. When she got to her car, she again put on the glove she used as a barrier between the time-travel device and the touch of her skin. She opened the folded bed sheet with the intent of wrapping it tightly around the device. With the sheet unfolded and covering both of her hands, she opened the canvas tote bag and started to reach for the cylindrical object.

Evelyn then hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. As her eyes fell upon the peculiar device once more, she felt a renewed sense of awe and fascination wash over her. The iridescent surface seemed to shimmer even more brilliantly than before, as if it were calling out to her, urging her to draw closer. The intricate patterns and engravings on its exterior appeared more mesmerizing than ever, their entwined threads weaving a story that she longed to unravel.

Evelyn approached the celestial navigation instrument with cautious reverence, her fingers hovering just above the central sphere and its revolving rings. She marveled at the familiar constellations and abstract symbols etched into the rings, wondering about the minds that had conceived and crafted such an enigmatic artifact.

The air around the device seemed to thrum with an even more potent energy than she remembered, as if it were aware of her presence and intent. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. It was clear that the object before her was of immense significance, and as she stood there, her mind raced with the possibilities of what it could mean for her and her family’s legacy.

A loud car horn from nearby Sligo Avenue startled Evelyn out of that moment, and she then proceeded to wrap the object in the bed sheet and place it fully within the canvas bag.

The drive to Falcon Bank took about 10 minutes, so she was there right as the branch doors opened. Evelyn slung the tote bag over her shoulder in a very casual way, in hopes of not drawing any unneeded attention to herself. She entered the bank as the day’s first customer and approached the only staffed teller station.

The teller, a young woman with short, auburn hair and a friendly smile, was dressed in the bank’s uniform of a crisp white blouse, a navy blue blazer adorned with a gold Falcon Bank pin on the lapel, and a matching knee-length skirt. Her polished black shoes clicked softly on the marble floor as she greeted Evelyn.

“Good morning and welcome to Falcon Bank, where your finances take flight,” the teller said with a smile. “How can I help you this fine morning?”

“I’m here to rent a safe deposit box,” Evelyn replied. “Do you have any available?”

“Oh, yes, ma’am,” the teller replied. “What size do you need?”

“There are different sizes?” Evelyn asked.

“Every treasure has its place, from tiny trinkets to grand gems,” said the teller, who was already on her second cup of coffee.

“Do you have one about this size?” Evelyn asked, slightly lifting her right shoulder and nodding toward the tote bag to emphasize it.

“Oh yes, this is your lucky day,” replied the teller. “We have only one left in that size … that looks like about two feet wide?”

“I haven’t measured it precisely, but I think that’s correct,” Evelyn said.

After the paperwork was completed, the teller walked Evelyn over to her new safety deposit box and handed her the key.

“Here you go, Evelyn! Your very own key to the kingdom of keepsakes,” said the overenthusiastic, heavily caffeinated teller. “Unlock the magic and let your valuables live happily ever after!”

“Uh, thank you,” replied Evelyn without making much eye contact. “By the way, how late are you open on weekdays?”

“We close at 4:30,” the teller said. “On Saturdays we’re open from 9 to 3.”

As the teller walked back to her customer service station, Evelyn opened the box, gently lowered in the canvas bag and its contents, locked it, and said a silent prayer that today would not be the day this Falcon Bank would be robbed, bombed or destroyed by a tornado.

Just then, her iPhone emitted a ping tone that indicated an incoming email. She took a quick look:

Dear Evelyn,

Thank you for your thoughtful email and kind words about my lecture at the University of Maryland. It’s always a pleasure to hear from someone who shares a passion for history, particularly when it comes to the complex and fascinating period leading up to the Great War.

I’m intrigued by your family’s connection to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss our shared ties to this era. It’s quite rare to come across someone with such a direct and personal link to those events, and I believe our conversation could be both enlightening and enriching for both of us.

As it happens, my schedule today is also quite flexible, and I would be more than happy to meet you for coffee or lunch. If you’re available, let’s say around 11:30 am at the campus café, “The Scholar’s Brew”? It’s a cozy spot with great coffee and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for engaging discussions.

I look forward to our meeting and the opportunity to learn more about your family’s unique history, as well as sharing my own insights and knowledge about the events leading up to World War I.

See you soon!

Best regards,

Dr. Victor Adler
A big smile crossed Evelyn’s face. She typed a quick response that she would be happy to meet him at 11:30 a.m. at The Scholar’s Brew and sent it to Dr. Adler. Time was of the essence, in more ways than one.