The Pebble That Changed Everything

“We can’t?”

“Nope. That system can’t be beaten. Damn it, something is wrong here. I was told it was a Jarred, very secure, but beatable.”

“The doors weren’t a problem?”

“They were on a remote system and I had access. This is completely self contained with no external connections, you switch out a battery pack.”

“What’re we gonna’ do?”

“I don’t know, let me think.”

“But, this guy is crazy, he claims he’s built a time machine.”

“I know, that’s why we’re here. I need it.”

“Need it? You gonna go back and kill Hitler or something?”

“No. Never mind, just be quiet for a minute.”

“Why do we have to stay? Let’s go, I don’t want to get caught.”

“Then you’d better get out. I’m staying. I need that machine.”

“Why?”

“Because I have to save Bethany... Whah... who’re you? Crap, another thief, get out, the machine is mine.”

“No, it’s mine. It’s not in the safe anyway, it’s in my pocket.”

“Give it to me!”

“The gun is useless. If you want to save her I’ll help, but you can not meet her. It’ll screw up reality.”

“How...?”

“Like this...”

*****
“Where are we?”

“Bethany is 4 blocks that way and in 45 seconds a car will pass, the one that hit her.”

“What do I do? Jesus, What...!”

“Watch.”

“A pebble? What damned good is that?”

“Here he comes too fast...now I toss it at his windshield and...it‘s cracked...see?”

“Holy crap...he stopped, but he’s Racing again toward...”

“She’s already safe on the sidewalk.”

*****
“I’ve got to see her...where are we?”

“Your new home. Beth lived and everything changed. She’ll be here in seconds and you’ll forget all this. Bye.”

“But...Wait!...Hi Beth, where’ve you been?”

“Hi dad, at the mall, wanna’ see...”