Story: "The Time Drill," or, "Liveblogging the Dwight Lazar Press Conference"

This was written for a short story contest held by a local alt-weekly, the Chattanooga Pulse.  It sadly didn't place, but that just means I get to share it with you sooner.  Personally, I'm just proud that I managed to tell a time-travel story in less than 500 words.

Liveblogging the Dwight Lazar Press Conference 

(Posted at 14:23)

I'm here at the press conference. Not much longer before Dr. Lazar comes out and gets things rolling. I think that's his new invention under the tarp. Maybe the leaked blueprints were real after all. Dr. Lazar's been promising that this will change everything. I have my hopes up.

As I'm sure you know from previous posts, Dr. Lazar's one of my heroes. His books on science helped me understand so much about physics, especially things like quantum entanglement or time dilation. Being able to see him in person is a great honor, especially if this invention is as earth-shattering as we've heard.

(Update - 14:30) And here he is. He looks more frazzled than his usual TV appearances. He apologizes for the rushed nature of this event. Considering the leaks were only a few days ago, I can certainly understand.

Now he says the blueprints are his. So it's true. He really did invent a time machine.

(14:36) He's starting a video. Some crude CG, but it's pretty clear with him narrating. He calls it a "time drill." Nice. Apparently there are miniature particle accelerators on it. Also nice.

(14:41) Video's over, and he takes the sheet off. The time drill is impressive. There's a seat in the middle, with some tubes spiraling around it, which I guess explains the "drill" part. Reminds me a bit of H.G. Wells.

(14:45) He's explaining why he invented it. I'm not sure I believe what I'm hearing. He says it was all because he was embarrassed in front of a girl he liked in fifth grade, and he never told her how he felt. Yes, that's it. He invented time travel all so he could change that incident. I would have thought "kill Hitler" or "meet Jesus" or "save Lincoln." Nope, it was a grade-school crush.

And apparently he actually did it. He found his ten-year-old self and said "exactly what I needed to hear." It was a doozy: "If you can invent a time machine, you can tell a girl you like her."  They lasted about a week, but he still seems misty-eyed.

(14:55) Wow. This suddenly got surreal. I'm still trying to process it. Right after that last update, he started crying. Yes, crying. I'm sure you'll see it all on YouTube later. I'm watching someone else's video to make sure I get it all. I'll let Dr. Lazar speak for himself:

"I remember both of them--both versions of my life. I'm the only one who does. I was married to one woman before.  Now I'm married to a different one, and we have three kids.  I have kids that I've wiped out of existence.   I'll never see them again.

"Sometimes I forget, and reminisce with someone about something that never happened. At least one state had a different governor before I changed my past. Can any of you imagine what that's like? To have two lives you remember, but only one you get to live? Don't you people see? I've broken time. It'll never be the same again."

I need a drink. Comment away.