A Confluence of A's

For a moment, people began to stir with confusion. Captain quickly remedied the situation, letting the nurses believe all was well.

“Where did you send Jack’s energy?” Aaron asked Blink.

“You will find out soon. I’ll be calling on you,” Blink smiled.

“Why are you so cryptic?” Aaron shook his head.

“You’ll find that out, too,” Blink shrugged. Aaron sighed, looking around to see if his friends were okay. Jane sat at Arie’s bedside. She looked up at Aaron and he knew she understood what had just happened. Inside her mind, he could detect a mix of relief and pain. Miche laid on the other side of Jane, Blink on the other side of Arie.

“Are they okay?” Aaron asked.

“They will be. Just experienced a slight shock,” Blink offered.

“That doesn’t sound good…” Campbell said in a low voice.

“You will come to find that those are some of the most resilient women you’ve ever met,” Captain responded.

“Right…” Aaron looked to them, hoping they would be okay soon. “So, why isn’t there some kind of time paradox thing?”

“Because essentially they don’t exist,” Blink said blankly.

“But… What?” Aaron sat down. “Shouldn’t Captain’s time be different now?”

“Shouldn’t it?” Captain asked.

“No, not necessarily,” Blink stated. “We like to think time is parallel, but it isn’t. There are certain things that are supposed to happen no matter what. This isn’t one of them.”

“Makes sense,” Captain looked up. “I don’t have any experiences where despotic men from the future were trying to kill me. But I do remember…”

“You know better, Aaron,” Blink gave him a stern look. “Just in case he actually is going to see some of that stuff.”

“Oh… Right…” Captain looked away and whistled.

“You really aren’t that different,” Campbell patted Aaron’s shoulder.

“Anyway,” Blink cleared his throat, “Events change in different timelines. Travel back in time, change one timeline, not all of them.”

“Unless you change an event that’s supposed to happen in each of them,” Aaron tapped his chin.

“You catch on fast,” Blink smiled. “There’s no clear way for things to change in one timeline. Any time people try, they end up discouraged that their time is the same. I guess they forget the impact they may have caused on another, even when it’s positive.”

“Well… That’s confusing,” Campbell shook his head.

“So, is there anything you can tell me?” Aaron looked at Captain.

“Cherish him,” tears began to well in Captain’s eyes.

“I always do,” Aaron leaned on Campbell. “So, is this over?”

“Yes. That I know for a certainty,” Blink nodded.

“Good, I don’t think I could deal with that again,” Aaron laid on a nearby hospital bed. Blink stood silently.

“There’s something you’re not saying,” Aaron quickly sat up.

“I know,” Blink said in a flat tone. He and Captain exchanged a look full of sadness. “There’s something else I need to handle.” He walked over to Jane.

“Are you ready to go back?” he asked her.

“I want to stay here. With Aaron and Arie.” She looked him directly in the eyes.

“I didn’t expect anything different,” Blink gave her a hug. “I’m very proud of you.”

“Thank you,” she smiled.

“I’ll make arrangements for you,” Blink winked at her. “You can attend the university with your new friends.”

Jane smiled again, but her lips soon grew thin. “What about my brother? And my father?”

“I have something in store for them. I think you’ll appreciate it. James? He probably won’t,” Blink sat near her on Arie’s bed.

“Not surprising,” Jane gave a weak laugh. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”

“Any time,” Blink placed his hands on hers. “I think it’s time for us to go back,” he looked to Captain. “We’ve all had quite the adventure lately.”

“True,” Jane said with relief. They exchanged one last hug before Blink walked back to Captain.

“Ready?” he asked Captain.

“As ever,” Captain smiled brightly.

“I haven’t seen that smile in a long time, my friend,” Blink embraced him.

“Stay strong, Aaron,” Captain said as they departed.

“See you soon,” Blink gave an mischievous laugh.

“Seriously?” Aaron sighed as he walked to Jane. “So you’re staying?”

“Yes,” she nodded. They noticed Blink, Arie, and Miche begin to stir.

“Good,” Aaron walked over to Blink. “I could use a new friend.”