* * *
"Cowboy, up 'n' at 'em!"
Jack rolled onto his back. "I ain't sellin' t'day, Kloppman."
Kloppman held the door aside completely. "Jack, it's a beautiful day. Everyone's up and ready to go. You can't sit out today."
"Watch me." he rolled back over.
"Do you wanna eat today or not?"
"I can skip a day 'f eatin'."
"Quit being a stubborn kid and act your age. You're an adult now. You should act like one."
"I don't wanna act like one!" he sat upright. "Kloppman, I'm sick of livin'! I lost my pa, my girl, an' now I'm gonna lose th' last person in th' world I really consider as family. Medda's always been like a mama t' me, you know that. An' now she's gonna die."
"That doesn't mean you need to stop living."
"Why not?"
Kloppman seated himself on the bed. "Because in my old age, you learn that life is worth living. Keep your chin up, Jack. You're a strong kid. I know everything seems hopeless now, but you'll endure and be stronger than ever."
Jack huffed. "What makes ya say so?"
"Because I've been around seventy-two years."
His eyes widened. "Seventy-two? I din't know you was that old."
"I am. And I've seen men like you come and go. Some allow their feelings to overrun their life and prevent them from living the way they should. And then I've seen some move on and excel in so many ways. You can excel, Jack. You're a fighter. And you need to go out today. I got a feeling in my bones that something good is coming."
Jack's brow arched. Something fishy was going on. He had had a dream last night, a strange dream. He dreamed he saw so many things he held dear, his father, Sarah, Medda, as well as other things, being smothered away from him with dark smoke. And yet, out from the smoke emerged a bright light. The light had a shape to it, and behind it was also black smoke of its own.
It was then that Jack had looked at himself and found that he was glowing in the same light that the one before him was glowing. He and the bright shape before him were coming closer and closer. And as they came closer, Jack could swear that the figure before him was that of a woman. But that was when Kloppman had come in.
"You psychic or somethin'?" he wondered aloud.
Kloppman chuckled. "No. But sometimes us old people can feel things coming. And I believe something good's gonna come your way today. Are you gonna pass up that opportunity?"
"I�guess I can't now."
"Then get that lazy butt of yours out of that bed and sell your newspapers."
Jack remembered the dream and stretched before setting his feet on the floor. Groaning, he stood, pulled a shirt on over his underclothes and snapped the suspenders of his pants over the shirt. Then he reached for his cowboy hat and put it on. He left the spare room and found Kid Blink, Frizz, Spat and Skittery waiting outside for him.
"Feelin' okay, Cowboy?" Blink asked.
"Ah, I need some food in my system. But I oughta be fine."
"Ya look a liddle low." Skittery mentioned as they stepped outside.
"I know, I know. But I'll do better. I know I will."
The newsies danced along the sidewalk, while Jack just trotted behind. His mood was still rather low, but he was beginning to feel better. He wished he knew what that dream had meant, but all he knew was that he would probably find out today. Kloppman had urged him after that dream. There couldn't be any more proof of something going to happen.
After a quick breakfast, the newsies finally arrived at the distribution yard. David and Les were waiting and David went to Jack the very instant he arrived.
"Good to see you up and about." he complemented. "Feeling okay?"
"I guess." he shrugged. "Dave, do ya ever get that feelin' that somethin' good is gonna happen t'day?"
"I'm not sure." he raised his eyebrows. "Why?"
"Cuz I had a dream las' night. I dunno what it means, but it kinda felt like somethin' was gonna happen t'day. Then Kloppman says I should sell cuz somethin' good was gonna happen."
"Then I guess something will." he grinned. "Let's grab our papes."
Taunting Weasel would probably put Jack in a somewhat better mood. Clanging the overhead bell, he heard harsh coughing and the window being opened. A very pale Weasel set the book on the counter. He looked rather ill himself.
"Looks like someone woke up on th' wrong side 'f bed this mornin'." he teased.
"Look Cowboy," Weasel croaked, "I'm not in the mood. You want the usual or don't you?"
"Yeah, I want th' usual." he slammed his coins on the counter. "All hundred of 'em."
The stack was slammed down, and Jack grabbed them and headed down the platform. Taking one paper from his stack, he read over the front page. The front headline immediately caught his eye.
"Unidentified Beam of Light seen Over High Street."
"Hey, Dave!" Jack called, beckoning to him.
David hefted his papers under his arm. "What?"
"Lookit this." he pointed to the headline. "That's like what we saw las' night."
His eyes widened. "Wow. What does it say?"
"It says, 'Around seven thirty-nine, several residents of the High Street area reported a strange beam of light fall from the sky. Sources claim that the light seemed to be coming toward the ground before completely disappearing. There were no sounds, and no evidence left of this phenomenon.'"
David whistled. "Now that's strange. What else do they have to say?"
"Looks like some peoples are thinkin' that we got people from other planets comin' down t' earth." Jack snorted. "Stupid superstitions."
"Well, what else could it be?"
"I dunno. C'mon, let's just sell th' papes an' get. If there's somethin' good waitin' for me out there, I wanna get out there an' find out what it is.�
* * *
Austin Chang was the first officer to report to the transporter room that morning. Apparently, everyone on the Voyager crew had been alerted of the current mission and was wishing everyone good luck. However, Austin was particularly nervous about the mission due to the fact that he wasn't fully human.
Born on Rigel VII, his mother being an Asian human and his father a Rigellian. He had never been more aware of his human side before, nor so thankful that Rigellians had no outward appearances to suggest they weren't human. Rigellians were capable of some minor telepathy but also had an aggressiveness to their nature. All inward capabilities, Austin felt somewhat safer.
Then he had to wear these late 19th century clothes. The undergarments were somewhat uncomfortable, especially the fabric used. Then the brown corduroy pants, red flannel shirt, brown vest and matching hat made him feel a little too coordinated. Even the clothes he replicated to bring were rather dull and boring.
The doors slid apart, and Austin stood ready to meet the rest of his team. Instead, Tom Odell stepped in. Tom was one of the Hazard Team Austin was sure would be chosen for this mission, due to the fact that he had a degree in 20th century history. Apparently, Tuvok had thought that Tom wasn't right for the mission. Then, not too far behind Tom, Mitch Csatlos entered.
"What're you doing here, Tom?" Austin wondered. "Going to give us a quick briefing on the time?"
"Actually, yes. Tuvok asked me to be here. And I'm waiting for Jaworski."
Austin glanced at Mitch and found him tugging uncomfortably around the seat of his pants. Tom noticed as well and the two exchanged glances. Mitch noticed and straightened.
"How could those people stand this underwear?" he wondered aloud. "First, it's one piece that has to cover most of me. Then, it's pink. And finally, it keeps riding up!"
�Up where?� Tom asked.
�Just�up!�
Tom grimaced. �Too much info there.�
�Aw, shut up. So, what are you doing here?�
�I�m waiting for Jaworski. I have a favor to ask him. Oh yeah, Tuvok also told me to give you some money for the time period. You�ll need if for food and boarding.�
Telsia was next to arrive. She was uncomfortable as well, having to wear a blue calico skirt with a matching beige blouse that buttoned tightly all the way to her chin. The underwear was even worse. How women could wear corsets and lacy leggings was beyond her.
The only clothing she was comfortable with was the blue kerchief tied around her red hair. It felt nice to wear her hair down rather than in the tight bun that was required of women with hair as long as hers.
�You look lovely.� Mitch complemented.
�Thanks.� She muttered. �But I certainly don�t feel it.�
�You�re not the only one.� Austin said. �We all feel pretty awkward.�
�I�ll bet you two days worth of replicator rations that I have it worse than you do.�
�I won�t take that bet.�
�Then you�re smart.�
Juliet appeared next. The clothes she had replicated were much nicer than Telsia�s. She had a black linsey-woolsey skirt with large rusty pink flowers decorating it, and an off-white blouse that didn�t button up all the way to her chin. Her black hair hung thickly down from the straw hat on her head. This outfit did much to accent her figure.
Austin couldn�t help but stare at her. He couldn�t remember seeing her as lovely, until he remembered the connection made between them when they kissed. That was three years ago. But three years hadn�t put a damper on those feelings. At least, not where Austin was concerned.
�What�s taking Mike so long?� Tom wondered.
�You know him. He�s usually late.� Telsia uttered.
The doors slid apart and Tuvok and Lt. Foster entered. The away team stood at attention as they superiors addressed them.
�Crewman Jaworski isn�t here yet?� Tuvok inquired.
�No sir.� Telsia replied. �He�s running late.�
�Very well. I will brief you now, and you may tell Mr. Jaworski what I�ve told you later. You all know that this is a mission of the utmost importance. Any tampering to the timeline can change the future. You must be extremely cautious and be aware of every decision you make.
�I must advise you to find lodging together and maintain a comm link at all times if you are separated. Try not to interact with too many people. Lt. Foster or I will contact you in the evenings to be informed of your progress. If you run into any kind of resistance or trouble, contact us immediately. We will have backup ready to beam down in case you need assistance.�
�Sir,� Mitch spoke up, �what if we meet up with this Keptik guy? How will we know it�s him?�
�The Odarian race is almost physically identical to Humans.� Foster informed. �They have no outward markings to determine they aren�t terrestrial. Except for one thing: they have orange eyes. Orange eyes are uncommon for humans, but it is usually overlooked.�
�What should we do if we run into him?� Juliet wondered.
�The Odarian government has requested that you destroy his ship and take him into custody. But if he resists, they told us not to hesitate to destroy him as well. He�s already responsible for the deaths of nearly one hundred people on his planet.�
Juliet had to flinch. Being a medic, she was extremely aware of how precious life was and she wanted to preserve it at all costs.
�Crewman Odell, you may now brief the team on the history of this time.� Tuvok ordered.
It was then that Jaworski came speeding through the doors to the transporter room. He was panting, but he was here. Late, as usual.
�Mr. Jaworski, you are late.� Tuvok said sternly.
�I�m sorry, sir.�
�You must learn that punctuality is one of the most important qualities on a mission as critical as this. Next time, you will not be excused for your tardiness.�
�Yes sir.�
�Mr. Odell, you may proceed.�
Tom nodded. �All right, the people here are not aware of alien life. They will not be for at least another forty-seven years, so you should be pretty safe here. Most people in this area live in apartments or boarding houses. Money is extremely important. I have replicated some for your convenience.
�But there are things to be aware of: during this time, children were used for manual labor, but there were plenty on the streets that stole for a living. You may encounter some of these pickpockets.�
Telsia cringed slightly. She knew too well what these pickpockets were capable of doing. She was, after all, a pickpocket for a living when she was a child.
Tom continued explaining details of this time period, then wrapped up by passing out ten dollars to each crewman. This money included dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies.
�Oh, so that�s a penny.� Telsia muttered to herself.
�Also,� Tom added, �I would like to ask a favor of you. During this time, there was a fluidic alloy known as gasoline. Would you mind bringing me a tank or two of gasoline?�
�Mr. Odell,� Tuvok said, �that is quite an inappropriate question.�
�What would you want it for?� Mike Jaworski wondered. �For those�those whatever it is you call them?�
�Motorcycles. And yes, that�s what I�d like them for.� Tom turned to Tuvok. �With permission, I�d like to request they bring some back for my motorcycles back on earth.�
�Mr. Odell, earth is still fifty thousand lightyears from here. Even if you did acquire the gasoline, it is highly unlikely it would be put to use of your primitive collectables. It would be more likely that it would leak and ruin conduits.�
�All right. It was worth a shot.�
�Mr. Pelletier,� Foster directed to the transporter operator, �are the coordinates locked in?�
�They are, sir.�
�Very well. Away team, prepare to beam down to the surface.�
The team gathered the things they were to bring and took their places on the transporter pad. Telsia did everything in her power to hide the uneasiness from her face.
�Good luck, crewmen.� Foster said. �Mr. Pelletier, energize.�
* * *
