Recorded Rationing

Three years. Lore and Char found themselves in the dead centre of the square just moments after Famine struck. Their surroundings seemed unchanged, perhaps slightly less cluttered by vehicles and pedestrians but suspiciously similar. Lore span on their heels, taking everything in. There was something that stood out. Not five metres away from them, at the edge of the once green park, a stone plaque had appeared. They walked over to it with crossed fingers, hoping it would indicate what impact they had had on the past.
“Varerian Memorial Park. Dedicated to the chairman that embodied the word. Where once a government building stood, it was Shren Varerian’s wish that the land be shared and enjoyed by the people.” Lore scanned the rest of the text. “It was here that our saviours first arrived and informed us of our potential future. Because of their intervention, Chairman Shren survived the Tri-Moon bombing to deliver us to salvation.” Lore stood back slightly. “Well, we made an impact.”
“I would say that you did.” A tall woman stepped out of a nearby car. “I hadn’t expected to see you twice in the same day.”
“And you are?” Char, noticing the herculean figures behind the woman, slowly moved her hand over her pistol.
“Udonita. Shren Udonita. You knew my father. I was born three weeks after you left.” She smiled, extending her left hand. “Father told me that if I was ever to meet you, this is how I should greet you.” Lore took her hand and shook it.
“How has it been? Smooth evacuation?”
“We’re about half way through, slightly ahead of your predicted schedule, with the youngest and eldest of our peoples evacuated first. It’s been hard to watch sons taken from their fathers but they know that because of their sacrifice, they’ll meet again.”
“What about your father? I was almost expecting him to get out of the car but this sign…” Lore wasn’t sure of the best way to end that thought.
“He passed away a year after I was born. He taught me everything I needed to know and when I became old enough, I ran for Chairman and given my family history, I was accepted.” There was a warm sadness to her smile.
“But you’re only three?” Char looked to Udonita.
“And my father was only one and a half when he was voted into office for the first time. Our people don’t age like yours it seems. Father made it to fifteen before his hearts gave out which is quite old by our people’s standards. I was a week old when I said my first word and by a month, I had basic mastery of the language.”
“Wow.” Lore was at a loss for words. “What about The Chronicle?”
“He decided his time would be better spent living with those who had decided to stay. He’s determined to be the last of our kind to die on the home world. Thirteen years old is more than a little late to be discovering your calling but more power to him.” She paused for a moment. “I would like to know one thing before you disappear once more.”
“Go ahead.” Lore smiled.
“Why Earth and Solosur? The galaxy is filled with empty yet habitable planets so why those two?”
Lore wasn’t quite sure of an answer. “We studied the timeline and those planets were the only two where you wouldn’t be followed to by Famine.” She didn’t quite understand but smiled anyway.
“Thank you.” She reached in for a hug. Lore clenched in order to supress their twitch. “If I could, I would write your names in the stars.”
“We’re just doing our job. Speaking of which, we best be off. Planets to visit and people to save.” Lore smiled as they stepped back towards Char. “Back to The Destiny then?”
Char nodded. Lore gave a final wave as they returned to their starting point.
Now at The Destiny’s rear, Lore began a final sweep of the planet around them. They then climbed the docking ramp and ran straight to the bridge. Syncing their Breacher to the ship yielded the expected result. Twenty seven thousand three hundred and eight life signs, not including theirs, and O’Raes presence on two other planets.
“We did it.” Lore slumped in their chair. “We saved a species from extinction.” Char knelt before them.
“Yes. Yes we did. Now how about a break?” She held Lore’s hands in her own.
“I could do with a nap.” They released an almighty yawn. “But we do have other people to worry about.” They set The Destiny in motion.
“Lore, Babe, time travel is a lot like having a pause button. We can go anywhere, do anything and be back before reality knows we were ever missing.” She stroked Lore’s fingers, purposely stopping them from selecting a new heading.
“I know but if we pause it for too long, we might lose track of where we are.” Lore straightened themselves out.
“Come on, a week’s holiday wouldn’t kill anyone. We’ve just saved an entire species from extinction in under a week so you can’t say we haven’t earned some time off.” Char changed tactic and had begun caressing Lore’s legs.
They smiled at her. “I would say yes but… I’ve got this niggling feeling about our next destination.” Lore rubbed the back of their neck. “I can’t describe it but… It’s important we go there soon.”
“Soon!” Char’s eyes lit up.
“We can have a weekend off. That way it doesn’t have to go on our honeymoon.” They smiled, taking Char’s hands in theirs.
“Sneaky git.” She smiled, gently pulling Lore towards the Bridge’s door.
Glowing, she led Lore to their quarters. They began to undress, a task Char had hoped would enhance the mood but ultimately killed it by the virtue that neither of them had showered or changed clothes since before they had a building land on their heads. She rolled with it and instead lead the near nude Lore to their bathroom. She had intended they shower together but as soon as Lore crossed the threshold, the door swiped closed and locked. Mood finally dead, she made her way to the guest quarters and showered similarly alone. Neither of them had realised quite how dirty they were and were thankful they showered solo. Black Dawn.