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Chapter -27- Old Friends

Early May 1893 Heart of America, westbound train ...

Reno slid off the uncomfortable bed. He stood up slowly, careful to keep his balance on the rumbling locomotive, and reached for a sliding door.

Standing in the aisle on the other side of the door was a man Reno recognized. His jaw went slack. "Oh my God, Trajen!"

The man had a light mocha tone of skin. His hair was short, his trim beard was neat, and his clothes were classy and expensive looking. "So, you know my name? It appears you have me at a disadvantage, which is most certainly a rather rare..."

"Reno Nevada," he blurted out without time to think it through.

"I was curious of your name; your destination means little to me."

Reno grimaced. He turned to his bed and lifted the cushion on a hinge against the wall. Reno latched it into place and motioned to the booth-style seating that was beneath the fold-away bed. "To be honest, I'm surprised you didn't already know. You know damn near everything."

Trajen slid the door shut behind himself. He sat down on the booth seating and looked over the white man with a shrug. "Thank you for inviting me in."

"Well, you have to know something about me. You wouldn't just show up on a random train from Chicago to San Francisco, would you?"

"You act as though you think I should know you, but I don't even know your name."

Reno shrugged. "Reno Nevada. I know, I know - it's unconventional. Let's keep it a secret between us for right now, alright?"

"So then why tell me? Why not lie about your name?"

Reno sat down on the cushioned booth chair across from Trajen. "You'd have figured it out soon enough, brother. So how did you know I'd be here?"

"Brother?" Trajen arched his brows. "I don't know if I should be insulted, but there are those who would be, at least to hear you speak in such a way. If you wish your name to remain unknown to others, you should probably know I sell information to the highest bidder."

"I know." A smile found its way on Reno's face. "I also know you won't tell anyone my name."

"Oh?"

"Tell you what, you can call me Nathan Carrington."

Trajen folded his arms. "I highly doubt _you_are Nathanial Carrington."

"You've heard the name, huh? I'm not surprised. He's a big deal, after all."

"Is he, now?" Trajen folded his hands and relaxed in the cushioned bench. "My sources tell me he will not exist until the year 1906."

Reno rubbed his chin. "Yeah. I've heard that, too. Karla told me."

"I'm afraid I do not know anyone named Karla."

"Really? She's a blond succubus - kind of short, a bit on the chesty side ... you sure?"

"Chesty?" Trajen looked towards the window. He reached up and drew back a shade, trying not to smile at the amusing term. "Did you mean voluptuous?" Trajen turned his gaze back to Reno. "Who told you about Mr. Carrington arriving in 1906?"

"Karla did."

"I do not know anyone named Karla. However, if you're looking for a succubus, I know a woman named Kerii Mae Clark. Succubi are a dying breed; perhaps Kerii will know where we can reach your blond ... 'chesty' friend."

Reno reached his hands up and pushed his fingers through his black tousled hair. "Okay."

"So why are you taking the name of another man?"

"Because I don't know what else to call myself here. I can't use my regular name, it would mess things up."

"You speak in an odd manner - about as odd as the way that you dress."

Reno shrugged. Dress pants and a white t-shirt with a bit of dirt on the shoulder from where he landed in Chicago yesterday...

Nevada rubbed his forehead. "Okay, there has to be an easier way to do this - do you know Raul Poliandro?"

"The time traveler? No one knows him. I only know of him. Why do you ask?"

"Okay, nevermind, then. I need his help. I don't want this to be difficult, you know? I wonder if I can just ... change time."

Trajen arched his brows. "Excuse me, Mr. Nevada?"

"I know you in the future. We meet in 2022. We meet again in 2023. We meet one more time in 2049. Then, on New Years Day, in 2050, I'm accidentally thrown back in time. By telling you this, I'm hoping that you'll warn me about it, so I don't make all the same mistakes. That way, it never happens to begin with."

Trajen stared at Reno in silence.

Reno glanced outside the window. Flat empty fields rushed by. He waited to see if he would wake up in 2050, but it never happened. Reno grimaced. "Dammit. Well, it was worth a try. Weird, though. Why don't I remember you telling me in the future, now?"

"I am unaware how such things work. I've only heard of time travel as a myth."

"No, man. It's real. I'm here, after all."

"You could be crazy, too."

Reno shook his head. He reached into his pocket and withdrew Conner Parker's tablet computer. It was a seven inch screen with a glossy finish. He thumbed the button and showed Trajen the screen. "Does this look like I'm lying?"

Trajen stared at the tablet. He reached forward and brushed his fingertip across the capacitive touchscreen interface. "Fantastic," he whispered.

"So how come you didn't tell me about this in the future? I don't get it."

"Perhaps I simply chose to keep it a secret."

Reno sighed. "God dammit. That sounds like something you'd do."

"If you never go back, I would never know what I've learned from you thus far. Knowledge and information can be quite powerful. I now know things about the future. However, my sources tell me that you are an important person to know, and that I should help you to California."

"Who is your source?"

Trajen smiled. "I never reveal my sources. That is what people pay for - anonymity. It is why I am trusted for information purchases."

"So you know some oracles huh?"

Trajen eyed Reno for a moment. He smiled. "You are a sharp man, although you need a nice suit and a tailor."

"That's what Nikola said. He told me if we cross paths again, he'll teach me how to dress, heh. Okay." Reno rubbed his palms together. "I need to get back to my time. It's just a temporary hiccup. So let's get this fixed. You help me get back to my time, and I make sure you are very well informed and rich in the future."

"You wish to purchase my aid? How would you manage such?" Trajen asked,

"Hmm. Let's see - this winter, for the first time during an Army verses Navy football game, one of the players will wear a helmet. Uhm, I think Boston takes the pennant. I think the Stanley Cup is refused by the winning Canadian team, but I can't remember who it was. Montreal, I think. I'm usually pretty good with sports stuff, but I can't remember things by year - I remember them by..."

Trajen held his hands up. "I know a succubus. Let's see if she can help us find this woman, Karla. I would like to know how she knows of the real Nathanial Carrington's appearance in 1906."

"She wouldn't know yet. Where I come from, she has that memory, but it hasn't happened for her, yet."

"Ah. I see."

Reno tilted his head. "If you come with me to San Francisco, I know people that will give you money if you help me find Karla."

"I will introduce you to Kerii Mae Clark. She lives in California."

Reno grinned. "Well, alright! Now we're making progress! How much longer will it be to Cali?"

"We should arrive day after tomorrow." Trajen reached up and adjusted the curtain blind. "I wish to test the validity of my source - they told me your power - they said you would be generally confused by your own identity, and that you would be on this train."

"Confused by my identity?"

"You're named after a town in a state, far out west, Mr. Nevada. I feel that I now understand my source's meaning. However, I wish to determine just how accurate their prediction was - may I see your ability?"

Reno held his hands apart and created a glowing arc of electricity between his palms. "Cool?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Reno sighed. "I meant, do you like the show?" The energy faded from between his hands. "Look, we're allies in the future. We never talked much, but we trusted one another. Can I count on you to help me, now? I need to get back to my time, and I'm going to need all the help and information that I can get."

Trajen nodded. "I have a question about your ... future."

Reno tilted his head. "Yeah?"

Trajen nodded. "Since I knocked on your door, you've treated me as an equal human being. I can tell in your tone, and with how comfortable you seem in my presence. So, forgive me for asking, but if you really come from the future, when do people begin treating the black community with respect?"

"With respect? That's a weird question, man. Kind of loaded, if you ask me. People are racist against each other over hair color, skin color, eye color, dick size, foot size, height, weight ... people will never learn to truly respect one another. But the black community starts voting in the 1960s, and the first black president won two consecutive terms."

"So ... it eventually happens, but not for, at least, another seventy years. And the human race calls itself progressive."

Reno shrugged. "It's definitely more than a hundred years. Sorry, man. But if it makes you feel any better, there are way more black, Chinese and hispanic people than white people in the world. Like, a lot more."

Trajen eyed Reno. He shook his head with a chuckle. "In your timeline, or now? Do you even know for sure?"

"Not ... really."

Trajen shook his head. "And the future from which you just came?"

"I'm a minority, heh." Reno shrugged. "Internationally and domestic."

"Which means one thing."

Reno tilted his head. "Should we be talking anout what the future will be like? You know? It might cause something called a paradox."

Trajen raised the curtain shade again. "Never mind, Mr. Nevada."

"Well, until this other Nathanial Carrington shows up, can you just call me Nathan?"

"As you wish." Trajen stood up and offered his hand to Reno. "I will visit you again before we arrive in California."

"You're leaving?"

"You seem to be growing reluctant to talk about the future, Nathan. However, it does make me smile to think that I might live to such an old age, yet look close enough to my current appearance that you are able to recognize me so quickly in my youth."

Reno grinned. He reached up and took Trajen's hand. They shook. "See you soon. It was nice to meet you again, for the first time."

"Mm. I'll reserve judgment until I know you better. For you to call me 'brother' was quite a surprise. Take care, Mr. Nevada. I will call you 'Nathan' in public."

"That works for me."

Trajen slid the door open, stepped out of the tiny room, and shut the door behind himself.

Reno looked back out the window. He was waiting for the time travel situation to catch up to him. At this point, he assumed he was simply in shock by it all. The gravity of the situation hadn't yet had an effect.

Instead, he simply murmured the infamous words of Michael J. Fox. "This is heavy, Doc."

X

X

Thirty-six hours later...

"Karla, I'm sorry I stayed away so long. But it's like I've always said, you're way out of my league, beautiful."

Karla stared at Eric in silence. After a moment, she narrowed her eyes. "Do you have any idea how hurtful it is when you say that? First of all, women like confidence. Not OVER-confidence, but some sort of self-assuredness. I don't want to hear about how awful you are. I don't want a list of everything you think is wrong with you. I don't want you to throw yourself a pity party...

"Secondly, you have no idea how insulting it is to ME when you say these things about yourself. If you're so clearly horrible and you have to constantly ask me why I married you, it makes me feel like an idiot for marrying someone I 'shouldn't be married to' - according to you. And if you tell someone the same thing long enough, they just might start to believe it."

Eric and Karla turned to face Reno.

"Let's not do this right now, Karla. Let's not do this in front of Reno."

The succubus smirked. "I would say '_let's not do this at all,' but if you're so hell bent on arguing more at a later time..." She shook her head._

Eric stormed off. "Excuse me."

Karla turned to Reno with a sigh. "I'm sorry you heard all that. God, I should have done a better job of protecting Chance. I'd have married that boy in half a heartbeat."

"How did he die?"

"I want to blame myself, but the boy surrendered to the esoteric council in exchange for my name to be cleared."

Reno frowned. "What about your friend, Nathanial? Why didn't HE protect this guy you loved so much?"

Karla sighed. "It's complicated."

"So make it simple for me."

"Top Cop, it's like this - Chance was telepathic. In one month, he was almost as good as Charlie Foster is, who has had his powers for twenty-five years - he was a prodigy. Talk about wasted potential. Anyhow, Nathanial knew things that could make Chance into a target. Nathan was worried if Chance learned his secrets, it would make Chance a target."

Reno arched his brows. "Oh. So, you're telling me that Nathanial Carrington, the great badass of the twentieth century ... abandoned you in your time of need over a technicality_. I know you had a lot of respect for the guy, but_ that's bullshit. If it were me, I would have protected BOTH of you. I'd rather have a telepath helping to watch my back, then to take on the burdens of the world alone. That's what being a team player is all about."

Karla sighed. "Yeah. I've been thinking about Chance more lately. Maybe it's because we have another team telepath hanging around. I don't know. Blah."

"I'm sorry you're going through this, Karla."

"Yeah. It's okay. Look, I'm going to go and smooth things over with Eric." Karla leaned in close and brushed her lips against the side of Reno's face. "Thanks for being a good shoulder, hon."

"You can vent to me any time. I'm good for it."

Karla's smile faded. The lost city of Atlantis faded. Everything faded away, replaced by blinding sunlight.

Reno opened his eyes and squinted. He reached up and pulled down on a curtain shade, where the sunlight peered in at a corner.

He rolled over onto his hip to try and go back to sleep but ... his body began to wake.

At first, he felt his bladder, the burden of morning wood, followed by the wetness of sweat under his arms. The discomfort was contrasted by the feeling of cold on the bottom of his feet.

Reno sat up with a grunt and fixed the blanket so that it covered his ankles and feet.

He flopped back down on the mattress for a moment and sighed. It wasn't as comfortable as he was used to. He wasn't even sure if it had springs or any kind of support in it.

He lay there for a few more moments, wondering how long before memory foam would be invented. Reno sighed and slid his legs off the cushion.

He stretched and reached for the curtain shade. It went up into place and the sunshine brightened the small room considerably.

With a grunt, Reno rubbed his face, ran his fingers through his hair and eased to the ground. He twisted his body from left to right, then he doubled over and stretched his back.

He leaned back, stretched a bit, and made his way to the sliding door. Reno headed down to a bathroom at the end of the hall and stepped into line.

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth - Trajen was waiting in line for the bathroom. Reno nodded with a tired smile. "You know, all the time I've known you, I've never seen you do something normal."

"Hmm?"

"You're in line to take a leak." Reno stretched his arms upwards and craned his neck a bit. "You've always had this ... air of mystery. It was easy to forget you put one pant-leg on at a time like the rest of us. How'd you sleep?"

"Well, and yourself?"

"Good."

Trajen drew in a calm breath through his nose, followed by an equally calm sigh. "I fear for the world's grammar."

"English is an evolving language," Reno replied. "A hundred years ago, people would look at you and think you speak poorly. Five hundred years ago, English speaking people were completely different than a hundred years ago. Can you imagine five hundred years in the future? We'll have new words and phrases and all sorts of crap that would sound like bullsh- er, crap today." Reno looked around. He saw a small boy and his father at the front of the line. "Sorry."

The people didn't respond.

Trajen offered Reno a grin. "I'm not yet sure why, but I like you. You amuse me."

"Well, that's just friggin' great news, man. When do we get to California?"

"We're in California now," said Trajen. "We'll be in San Francisco in about an hour. You should get dressed. I look forward to meeting your friends that you knew from ... when you knew them before. It should be interesting." Trajen looked around the area, then turned back to Reno. "Let's not speak of it here."

"Yeah. Right on."

"Right on ... what?" Trajen shook his head and scoffed with a smile. "People where you are from have a tendency to end a sentence on a preposition?"

"You just did."

Trajen reflected back on his wording. He smirked. "That was almost clever."

"I know I seem strange to you, but the world is a big place and it's getting even bigger by the day." Reno stepped forward in line as the father and young child came from the onboard outhouse. He glanced towards the adjacent line for 'coloured' and shook his head. "You wanna go ahead of me?"

Trajen narrowed his eyes. "Do you want to start trouble with the people behind you?"

Reno watched the father and child disappear back down the train car. He turned back to Trajen and shrugged. "I can handle any trouble. It's a matter of what's right. Basic human rights. You were here first, before me. I'm closer to the front of my line. How screwed up is that?"

Trajen shook his head. "I won't forget this. But, no. Would you cut in front of a woman? It's a different line, and I do not meet the criteria of your line."

Reno scoffed, growing one person closer to the 'white' bathroom. "All men are created equal. I won't check your pants, pal, but I'm pretty sure you meet that criteria."

"Perhaps, but yes - please do not 'check' my trousers." Trajen paused then nodded. "Your turn ... Nathan."

Reno smirked. He stepped into the bathroom. The bathroom wasn't really a 'bathroom' at all.

That's when Reno realized that mobile bathrooms on a passenger train wasn't really something possible in this time period. Instead, it was seat with a hole down to the tracks beneath. He saw the track lines rushing along and shook his head. "Jesus."

Reno finished his business and left the small 'wash room.' He waited for several moments until Trajen was finished and emerged from the other lavatory.

"You're still here, Nathan?"

"Jesus, man. No wonder that other guy went with his kid. A kid could fall in and die on the tracks."

Trajen smirked. "In India, they lack such fanciful technology as an onboard washroom."

"Why are there lines anyhow?"

"Because lavatory use is prohibited when in the station. I would imagine it would be rather unsanitary to behold such use on tracks in a city area."

Reno sighed. "I really need to get back to my ... you know."

Trajen nodded. He withdrew a pocket watch and popped the lid. "I must admit, it is refreshing for you to speak to me as though you are color blind."

"We're all pink on the inside, so who gives a rat's ass?"

Trajen arched his brows. "You are chock full of interesting euphemisms."

"Hey," said one of the men in the 'white' men's line. "Your negro friend makes a good point - you're white and he ain't. Why'n the hell are you so sweet on him, fella'?"

Reno pivoted on his heel and came nearly nose to nose with the man in line. His eyes glowed, but only within the pupils, so that no one else would see.

The man swallowed.

Reno spoke calmly, but in a passive aggressive tone. "What are you trying to suggest? I consider him a friend, because he's intelligent and trustworthy. I don't know you, but here's some advice: What I do in my life is my business."

The white man blinked as if he didn't understand Reno's wording for some reason.

Reno grimaced. "I'll make it simple: Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

Someone came out of the bathroom.

The man glared at Reno for a moment, and then stepped into the empty lavatory. He pulled the door shut with a slam.

Reno rolled his eyes. "What a racist jerk. I don't even know why it's called 'racism' anyway. We're all part of the same human race."

Trajen arched his brows upward. "We're all part of the same species."

"Same difference."

"I've never heard that expression before but it makes little sense. No offense."

"None taken." Reno cracked his knuckles. "I didn't realize there were segregated bathrooms on trains this far back."

Trajen arched his brows. "This is a train for people of class and money. There are nine colored folk on this train, currently, so the woman's bathroom was relabeled for this trip."

Reno grimaced. He shook his head and sighed. "Okay, how much longer before we arrive?"

"Any minute, truthfully. The conductor will be coming back here to cordon the washroom car. So, if I may be so bold, who paid for your ticket?"

Reno and Trajen began walking back through the car together. They headed to the bunk car. "A guy named Nikola Tesla had this other guy, George Westinghouse, pay for my way."

"You ... had your ticket paid for by Tesla and Westinghouse?"

"Yeah. I just showed Nikola my ability and let him measure my output. He was thrilled."

Trajen grimaced. They stepped out of the washroom car and stood on the platform between train cars. "Mr. Nevada ... with all due respect, it would behoove you to refrain from showing mortal mundane people your special abilities."

"It's Nikola Tesla, man! I was curious how much I could throw; if anyone was fit to answer that question, it was him."

"And did you find your answer?"

Reno laughed. "The equipment he had wasn't enough to measure my output. What he had on hand was only able to measure up to fifty thousand volts. I was way past that."

"You never measured it in the future?"

"I've been told that lightning produces ten billion watts, a billion volts, and twenty thousand amps. Of course, if I really pour it on, I could probably go beyond the typical lightning current averages. But, no, I've never been measured."

Trajen shook his head. "You could power a city with ease. The only restriction would be if Edison could make enough bulbs."

Reno rubbed his chin. "I'd not thought of that."

"The oracle said you would not be here long, and that I was to help you." Trajen glanced out over the California landscape. He drew in a deep breath, delighted by the lack of humidity. "Kerii Mae Clark lives in San Francisco. If anyone knows where to find the succubus you are looking for, it will be Kerii. At the very least, she will know where you can start your search."

"Why don't we meet her before I go looking for the Kincades?"

Trajen eyed Reno for a moment. "You're looking for the Kincades? As in ... Niall Kincade?"

"I guess so. I know the family for Natalia and Kalen."

"I've never met Niall's wife. I've only had the pleasure of meeting Niall twice. Like you, he sees past my skin. He's also intelligent, and rumor has it ... he's quite old."

Reno nodded in agreement. "From what I understand, he's one of the oldest of two people in the world."

Trajen smiled again. "You are full of information, Mr. Nevada. I have spent a long time procuring information on Niall. He's a very mysterious vampire. The rumors I've heard suggests he predates vampirism."

"I know his best friend, too. In my time, the guy calls himself Steve Milford, but I understand his old name was Isaac."

Trajen shook his head. "Niall does not have a 'best friend.' However, he has the next closest thing - that man's name is Joshua. I am unaware of Joshua's last name."

"Really? You know damn near everything."

"Not quite, but it seems you do, Mr. Nevada. I am still undecided in regards to 'time travel,' however..." Trajen trailed off.

The door opened and the man from earlier crossed between train cars. He paused and looked from Reno to Trajen. "You two again..."

Reno narrowed his gaze, causing his pupils to glow again. "You really don't want to start trouble here. Keep moving, pal."

"Funny, I was just thinking ... you two are between cars and we're moving."

Reno stepped closer to the man in an attempt to intimidate him. "I said keep moving."

Without warning, the man brought his hands up in an attempt to shove Reno from the moving train.

Nevada's body dissolved into pure light. He ascended into the sky and then back down, forming behind the man. The sky rumbled with thunder, despite the cloudless blue canvas above.

The man stumbled towards the edge and flailed.

Reno grasped the man's shirt collar from behind. He held the man firmly with his right hand, and took hold of a railing in his left fist. "Listen, pal ... you just tried to take my life, and my first instinct was to save yours. You're a bully. You're an asshole. And now, worst of all, you owe your life to a guy who is friends with an African American dude. How small do you feel, now?"

Reno never let the man answer. Instead, he pulled the guy back from the edge of the platform by the man's collar. He shoved the man towards the door leading into the bunk car. "Now move along."

The man hurried off the platform and into the bunk car without a word.

Reno turned back to Trajen and grinned.

Trajen shook his head with a sigh. "You really shouldn't use your abilities. If a Justiciar were to find out, you would have to answer for your mischief."

Reno crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not trying to start trouble."

"I'm surprised you haven't been cited and punished in your time, Mr. Nevada."

"They're all dead in 2050. Let's uh ... let's keep that between us."

Trajen swallowed but remained otherwise emotionless. "They are important to our culture. They keep our kind in line, so that we never suffer the consequences of another inquisition."

"Too late. That happens in 2023. Nearly every person with an ability has been wiped out by that point."

"Dear God in heaven..." Trajen exhaled softly. "You said we meet in 2022. Please tell me that neither of us are responsible for this travesty."

"Nah. My powers didn't even go active or ... you know, I didn't get them until afterwards. In fact..." Reno trailed off. He rubbed his forehead and laughed. "Jesus."

"I beg your pardon?"

Reno leaned back against the railing. "Damn, man! I've always wondered how the hell you knew everything about me! I just figured it's because you're so damn connected."

"I'm not following your intention."

Reno shook his head. "You specifically requested me in 2022 to work a case at your establishment."

"I'm a business owner?"

"Yeah. Anyhow, I work the job, and you gave me an insane amount of leeway. I did the job; you told me that you owe me a favor. About a year later, I came to collect - I needed information. You told me you'd look into it and to come back. A little later, I came back to your club. You told me to teleport up to the balcony if I wanted to talk. I figured it out and got up there. I always wondered how the hell you knew I was able to teleport right after I figured out how to do it. Now it all makes sense! I told you now, in 1893 - you've known for a hundred 'n thirty years!"

Trajen closed his eyes, shook his head and smiled inwardly. "Mr. Nevada ... I will make a deal with you."

"Yeah?"

"If you behave - if you show restraint, responsibility and maturity with your abilities, I will be quite pleased to assist you in the future."

"Well in that case, I obviously do it."

"I hope that you will."

"I mean, you do help me in 2023, right around the time I manifest. So obviously you and I get along good."

"My God you butcher the English language." Trajen grinned. "I have heard illiterate teenaged men of my race, who speak better english than you, Mr. Nevada. Again, no offense."

"Again, none taken." Reno grinned. "At least I said 'you and I.' That's one that most people get wrong."

"God help the human race." The train began to slow on the tracks. Trajen turned to Reno and said, "No more speaking of the future. Absolutely speak of it to no one."

"The whole ... fate verses freewill thing, huh?"

"If you change time by forcing the wrathful hand of the Justiciars, I will have no desire to help your younger-self in the future ... provided, of course, you are not delirious. I see you think you are telling the truth ... and I must admit, the oracle was quite adamant that I aid you."

Reno offered his hand to Trajen. "No more using powers in public. No more talk of the future. So far as Tesla, he is the _only_person who knows. He wants to keep it a secret, because he wants to be the one to reach a million volts. Pun intended - he doesn't want the world to find out about me, because it would steal his thunder."

Trajen grimaced at the horrible pun. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph..."

Reno kept his hand extended. "Well? You afraid you'll get white-dude cooties?"

Trajen shook his head with a laugh. He thrust his hand into Reno's palm and they shook. "I am unsure to the meaning of 'cooties,' but you should be aware that 'dude' means 'fool' in German, and the word has evolved to be a mocking term for men."

"Yeah? And Karla told me that 'cunt' came from 'cun', like cunnilingus, and it means 'female.' Cunt is now offensive, when it used to mean 'woman' or something. In my time, Dude is no longer offensive."

"I see."

Reno shrugged. "English is an evolving language, pal. One day, archeologists, three thousand years from now, will be offended that we called ourselves 'men' and 'women' because it will be the most offensive thing to say to someone, heh."

Trajen smiled. "I like you, Mr. Nevada. You are a strange man, and you have odd mannerisms, and you ruin the English language, but ... I cannot hold that against you, if you really are from the future. I look forward to determining the legitimacy of your claim."

"Well right on, then." The train rolled to a stop at a station in San Francisco. Reno looked up at the town-like sights of The city he grew to love.

It looked so very different from when he saw it devastated by a nuke. There were no tall buildings yet.

"I've been considering the possibility of moving here. Perhaps now is a good time to..."

Reno patted Trajen's chest with his palm. "Don't even think about it until after 1907."

"I know I asked you not to speak of the future, but ... would you kindly explain why?"

Reno shrugged. "Because there's a big mess to clean up in 1906. Just trust me, man." Reno thought back to the spray painted message he saw after the nuclear warhead detonated in 2049.

He recalled climbing through the abandoned mansion where someone spray-painted about 'rebuilding, just as San Francisco had in 1906.' He remembered looking up information about the earthquake of 1906, but he couldn't remember the month.

"Thank you. I suppose that will be one of the easiest ways to know you are telling the truth about the future."

"It's an earthquake that shakes the city flat. There are fires that burn until nothing is left. Some guy took a picture with a kite and a camera. It's just flat scorched earth and outlines."

"Outlines?"

"Streets that went around the blocks of houses and buildings. It's gonna be a mess. Everyone will be headed to Los Angeles after that crap."

"I see."

The door to the washroom car opened. Two more people passed through. They said nothing, and disappeared into the bunk car."

Reno rubbed his chin. "Is Sacramento the capital of California yet? Or is it still San Jose?"

"Sacramento became the capital just a few years ago, in 1879. It was a little blurb in the local paper, back east."

"Where are you from?"

Trajen tilted his head. "You don't know?"

"Like I said, you've always been mysterious."

Trajen smiled. "I like that people know so little about me. Come, Mr. Nevada. I've only been to California a handful of times in the last few years. I recall where Ms. Clark resides. I wish I could have sent her a telegraph in advance, but she is a delightful young woman with a wonderful personality. I have no doubt that she will be pleased by our visit."

"Well let's go then." Reno held the door to the bunk car for Trajen. "After you."

"I appreciate the tremendous respect you've shown me thusfar."

"Yeah, well, you've helped me out of a few spots, man. It's also pretty cool to peel back a layer of the mystery and get to know you a little better. You're way different than you are in the future."

"I am? How so?"

Reno shrugged, following Trajen up to the bunk room Reno used. Nevada opened the sliding door, grabbed his shoes and socks and put them on his feet."

"Interesting stockings. You have logos stitched into the fabric?"

"It's just some brand name."

"Textiles and fabrics have branding names woven into their product?"

"Everything is made on an assembly line in the future, Trajen. It's made by machines, so that everything is exactly the same. It's good stuff - the consistency of clothing, it's something you can count on." Reno finished lacing his shoes and gestured for Trajen to lead the way off the train.

"Perhaps it would be best to find you shoes and clothing that do not stand out in such a way."

Reno nodded in agreement. "I'm following you. I can't wait to get back to my time so I can tell your future self how down-to-earth and humble you are in the past."

"How am I in the future?"

"Aloof. Not in a bad way, but in a mysterious way. Not many people know if they can trust you, because they know so little about you."

"But they trust my information?"

"Oh, yeah." Reno nodded firmly. "They sure as hell do. Everyone knows you're the guy. Knowledge is power. The guy who, in this time, is calling himself Niall ... he called you the world's most 'dangerous or secretly powerful man,' because of all the stuff you seem to know."

Trajen smiled. "You are toying with me, Mr. Nevada. You are saying what I wish to hear."

"No, I'm just telling you that you're motivated enough to be that guy in the future. It sounds like you're already starting to build your name in this time period, too. The Oracle wanted you to meet me, after all. Look, I'm kind of jazzed about having gone through time. I know I shouldn't be saying all this stuff to you, but you're going to find out anyway. So ... yeah. Let's keep it between us."

"That would be best. For now, it would be best to remain focused - Kerii Mae Clark's home isn't too terribly far." Trajen pronounced her name, 'Kee-ree May' each time he'd said it.

Reno followed Trajen off the train and fell into step with him. He looked around, taking in the sights of San Francisco. Horses, carriages, and there were even a few bicycles, but in the three mile walk from the train station, Reno only saw one motorcar.

Oddly enough, the automobile looked nothing like a car. It had bicycle-like tires, was completely open, with no top, and it appeared to travel horribly slow - likely less than twelve miles an hour, judging at a glance. It was steam powered, and noisy.

Reno sighed. "God, I can't wait to get back to my time. We only _just_got the first floating cars. I really want to drive one of those."

Trajen cut his eyes towards Reno, brows furrowed. "Such a fantastic invention sounds as though it would be something out of the next Jules Verne novel. Perhaps you should give him the idea."

"What? You think I should?"

Trajen shook his head with a soft laugh. "No. No, you should not give Jules Verne any ideas. Humor my attempt at frivolity, if you would. People are already trying to invent the contraptions from his stories. Do yourself a favor and stay away from fiction writers, like Verne and Wells. They have a bevy of ideas and do not need any from you."

"That's no fun."

"Neither is the wrath of a Justiciar," said Trajen.

They soon arrived at a home overlooking a beautiful hillside. Trajen wrapped on the door.

Several moments later, a young woman opened the door. She appeared around seventeen years old.

Kerii wore a blue gown to her ankles. She had lengthy reddish-auburn hair with sausage-like curls, which spilled down around her shoulders. Her eyes were green like a summer meadow; her teeth were white like clouds when she smiled.

Little crystal raindrops dangled from each ear. She had smooth, ivory white skin. The sleek contours of her shapely hips and voluptuous bust was accented by the design of her gown.

"Trajen! I haven't seen you since I left New York!"

She guided them inside and shut the door. Once inside, she turned and hugged Trajen. "You came all this way to visit me, my dear? I am delighted. Ah, and who is your friend?"

Trajen returned the hug. They kissed one another on the side of the face. He gestured towards Reno. "This is Nathan."

Reno grinned at Trajen. "Lucky man."

Trajen laughed softly. "No, no, Nathan. I have never had the privilege with Ms. Clark."

Kerii grinned at Trajen. "The offer stands, of course."

"I am honored." Trajen seemed almost flustered, an expression his future-self never portrayed.

"Please," she said with a gesture of her manicured hand, "follow me to the living area. I have comfortable chairs - I would be delighted to serve you gentlemen freshly made lemonade. I put it together less than an hour ago."

"That would be delightful, Ms. Clark."

Kerii grinned. "Please, you know I prefer you to call me by my first name."

Reno offered his hand. "Kerii," he said, pronouncing her name, 'kee ree' as Trajen had done, earlier, on the train. "I'm Nathan."

"Oh good. A proper man, who knows how to properly introduce himself to a lady. The pleasure is, most assuredly, all mine."

Trajen smiled. "He knows what you are, Ms. Clark."

Kerii grinned at Reno. "Do you now, Nathan dear?"

"I was actually looking for another succubus - a friend of mine. Her name is Karla, but I think she's currently going by another name. It starts with a 'K' and I recall that her father's name is Azazel."

Kerii's smile faded. She nodded in silence, gesturing both men into her living room. "Excuse me. I will fetch the lemonade, gentlemen." She returned to the kitchen.

Trajen furrowed a brow at Reno. "Her left eye twitched when you said 'Azazel.' I've heard of an incubus by that name, but very few speak of him."

"Oh. He's Karla's dad."

"I see."

Reno sat down on a sofa and folded his hands. He fidgeted, twiddling his thumbs in a slow rotation, one around the other. "I hope I didn't offend her."

"I'm not sure that you did," said Trajen. "She seemed more alarmed or, possibly, afraid."

"So ... you two seemed awfully familiar. You really haven't ... with her?"

Trajen shook his head. "No. While I would be delighted to consider it, it is in my best interest to keep my nose clean."

"Why do you say that?"

Trajen lifted his left hand and pointed to an empty finger. "Despite the lack of a ring, I am married."

Reno blinked. "Seriously?"

"Yes, quite seriously. Am I not in the future?"

"You never mentioned it, and I've never seen you with a woman."

"Ah."

"Is it because she ages and you do not?"

Trajen looked towards the kitchen, then back to Reno. He spoke with a soft voice. "That is something best left between the two of us, please. No one, and I truly mean no one knows, except for my wife."

"Oh. Damn. Sorry, man. I promise it it'll stay between us."

"I appreciate it. I may have misjudged you - I've not made such information available regarding myself in that capacity."

"Yeah? Wait until the quake in 1906. Then you'll really see that I wasn't kidding around."

"Understood."

Kerii returned to the living room with a tray and ornate glasses. "Where are you gentlemen staying this evening?"

"We haven't made plans," said Trajen.

Kerii nodded. "Allow me to offer my guest rooms."

"I wouldn't want to..."

Reno reached over and put his hand on Trajen's wrist. He smiled at Kerii and said, "You are gracious to offer such hospitality. I humbly accept."

Trajen arched his brows, looking over at Reno, amused by the way he spoke. A grin tugged at The corner of Trajen's mouth.

Reno smiled as well, but he reserved the expression for Kerii. "I hope I didn't offend you earlier."

"No, my dear. You did not offend me." She set the tray down and served each of them a glass. "In Georgia where I used to live, we preferred our tea and lemonade very sweet."

"That's the only way it should be," said Reno with a grin. He took a sip and offered a nod of approval. "Perfect."

Kerii approached Trajen and, in a soft voice, said, "Might I have a moment?" She side-nodded towards the kitchen. She cut her gaze back to Reno. "Please excuse us for just a moment."

Trajen stood up, took a sip from his cup, and set it down on the tray at the center of the coffee table. He followed Kerii out of the room.

Reno watched them walk away. He wanted to listen but decided it was best to show respect towards the only two people willing to help him thus far.

A moment later, Trajen returned to the living room, finished his lemonade and offered his hand to Reno. "Nathan, it was a pleasure to meet you. I have a feeling I will meet you again quite soon. For now, I have business matters, which need my attention. Again, it was a pleasure."

Reno took Trajen's hand and pulled him into a one-armed half-hug. "This is how friends get along in the future," he said in a soft tone. "It's how you shook my hand the first time I met you in 2022. I never understood why, but now I do."

Trajen smirked. He stepped back and nodded. "Were we always so friendly?"

"No, just the once. And now you know you can trust the information coming from the oracle who told you about me. I know their prophecies aren't always accurate."

"Yes, you're most certainly correct - I now know the oracle's information to be genuine. I'll make sure I do not return to California until after 1907. If your information was accurate, I'll know I can trust you."

"Right on."

Trajen chuckled and shook his head. "Such a whimsical, nonsensical expression."

"Pretty much."

"Ah, you have more nonsensical expressions. Very well, then. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I will likely see you again before you depart for your true home."

"Good luck. You should probably know the race thing gets a little worse before it gets better. Try and stay north or west until that crap blows over."

"When, do you suppose, would be just such a time?"

"I think blacks and whites start to have a sort of camaraderie when they fight side-by-side in the Vietnam War. From that point onward, it seems like things continue to get better and better, little by little. I hate to say it, but it happens in both directions. I've met black people who treat white people like crap."

"Mm. I've always said it makes more sense to be classist than racist. The rich and the destitute have less in common than two people of differing pigmentation in their skin."

"Then you're way ahead of your time, Trajen. Don't stop being you."

"I ... very well, then. Farewell, Mr. Nevada." Trajen left the living room.

A few moments later, Kerii shut the door in the next room. She returned to the living room and smiled at Reno. "He called you Mr. Nevada?"

"Good hearing. It was an alias. I feel like I can trust you enough to tell you my real name." Reno licked his lips and smiled. "I'm Nathanial Carrington. It's a pleasure to meet you." He offered his hand to her.

She curtsied. "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Carrington. I must confess, I do not know the location of my father."

"Your father?"

"Azazel."

"Oh. Wait, you and Karla are siblings?"

"I have an older sister named Keturah. She appears a touch younger than I; as the voice of maturity and reason, we tell other people that I am the eldest sister. However, I rarely see her."

"When is the last time you saw her?"

"She came to California during the gold rush a few years ago."

"You mean, in 1849?"

"Yes. You know your history. Very good."

"San Fran named its football team the 49'ers."

"Excuse me?"

Reno shook his head and offered an awkward smile. "Never, uh ... never mind. Anyhow, do you know where Keturah is, now?" He seemed to remember Karla mentioning her past name. It sounded familiar to hear it from Kerii. "I was hoping to catch up with her some time."

"Mm, I have not seen her in seven years. I confess it wounds me; I have not long left to live."

"Wait, you're going to die soon?"

Kerii smiled. "From old age, my dear. I'm a centenarian. I imagine I won't make it to the twentieth century."

Reno frowned. Off the top of his head, he couldn't recall whether or not Karla mentioned having a sister. "Yeah. I get you - you're over a hundred." If Karla ever talked about a sister, it wasn't a conversation that Reno was privy to.

"Indeed I am. I will reach out to my contacts and attempt to find her for you. But first, what brings you to San Francisco?"

"I'm looking for Neill Kincade and his family."

"Oh? They are a rather prestigious and wealthy family. Influence, power ... what is your business with them, if I may be so bold as to ask?"

"They're friends."

"Well, first you'll need to ask an audience with them. That takes at least several days. Come to town with me and we will send a telegram. Do you know the address?"

"Actually, I think the mansion is built in 1907, after the quake."

"Ah, you are a seer. Very well, I know people who know people. We will find someone close to the Kincade family and being you together with one of their members."

Reno smiled. "I appreciate your help."

"You are a friend of Trajen. More to the point, your friendship with my sister is a mystery I look forward to exploring. She isn't known to have 'friends' so, with all due respect, my curiosity is piqued. Also," she trailed off with a smile.

"Yeah?"

"You are fascinating. You speak strangely. You wear a fashion that is unknown to me. You initially appear ignorant, and yet you know things; your eyes shine with a knowledge beyond the understanding of most I've met."

"You are a very blunt girl."

"Girl," she said with a soft giggle. "Knowing my age, you would still refer to me in such a way? You are charming." She lowered her gaze, looking over him. "And yes, I am concise - is your heart taken, Nathan?"

"It is, but it's really complicated. Long story short, I'm trying to get back to her; she is out of my reach for a while."

"You have the eyes of a man who understands love but has not yet immersed yourself in the depths of love's truest sense. So, what drives you, I wonder?"

"Right now? Getting home to my old life drives me. Two years ago, work was my driving force. My motivation changes depending on what I need to be in life."

"Ah, you are an adaptable man. How delightful."

"What does that mean?"

She smiled. "It means we can help one another. Do you know your way around San Francisco?"

"I have an idea of the general layout."

"Wonderful. Do you think, if you strolled about, you would find your way back here? I will find a way to correspond with the Kincade family, however the people with whom I have built rapport will be uncomfortable meeting someone new. That is, to say, at least until they have observed you for a time. Stroll through the city and return in a few hours. Would that be agreeable to you?"

A slow smile found its way across Reno's face. "Yeah. Yeah, that works just great. You go and work your magic, I'll nose around the city and get the lay of the land."

"Your concept of English is rather ... interesting. I am sure Neill's wife will find your speech pattern quite peculiar."

"Oh yeah, you think so?"

"I have met her once. She judged me for my poor execution of eloquence and how I carry myself. I admit, I appreciate her candor. Mrs. Kincade is honest above all else, always. Even when she is manipulating someone."

"Karla one referre to her as a master of subterfuge."

Kerii nodded, causing her curls to bounce. "That would be an accurate assessment. I can only assume my sister meets Mrs. Kincade one day in the future."

Reno rubbed his chin. "Alright. If you help me, I'll make it worth your while. I don't have much in the way of money, but..."

"Money is of little consequence, Nathan. My suitors see to it that I am well kept." She stood adjacent to the doorframe, leading out to the foyer. "I look forward to your return, my dear."

Reno finished his lemonade, stood up and approached her. He offered her a smile and stepped through the archway, into the foyer. He waited by the door.

She opened it and curtsied.

"Thanks again. I really appreciate the help."

"Be well, Nathan. I will return by vespers."

Reno opened his mouth but the confused look on his face said it all.

Kerii smiled. "Return by twilight. I will light a candle in the window adjacent the front door. If you see it, know that I have returned home."

He smiled again. "See you then." He went through the door.

"See if you cannot procure a proper suit, Nathan. When in Rome, do as the Romans."

Reno glanced back at her and nodded. "I'll see what I can afford." He started walking.