Welcome To Quantum Holidays

CHAPTER 10 (PART II): WELCOME TO QUANTUM HOLIDAYS

For lunch, the restaurant had been set up as a buffet. Buckle had packed his plate high and was slowly working through the mountain of mixed cuisine. Jack sat opposite him. He had eaten little in comparison and said little. Between mouthfuls, Buckle started to make conversation.

"It's kind of fascinating to see some of the world's richest and most powerful people all together in one room queuing up for a lunch buffet."

Buckle continued.

"I mean there you have the Spanish Prince, Felipe Aguirre, waiting patiently in line as Yevgeny Bazarov, the Ukrainian oligrach, stuffs his plate full of pork ribs."

Buckle pointed towards the buffet cart. A portly man was bent over unceremoniously shoveling food onto his plate and behind him stood an immaculately groomed young man trying not to notice.

"And look, there's Guillermo Juarez."

Sat in the corner of the room was a Latino looking man. The sunglasses he wore covered most of his face and he was accompanied by two large men.

"Who is he?"

"Well, if you are to believe the CIA, he runs the largest drug cartel operating out of Mexico. A very dangerous man, but also a very rich man. It seems Quantum Holidays do not discriminate."

Jack thought he saw Juarez staring at him through his sunglasses. He quickly turned around again to face Buckle.

"Now, this is interesting. You see who just sat down next to us?"

Buckle motioned with his head to the table to their right. Jack tried to act casual and looked over. There was an Asian couple, perhaps in their late fifties. They sat in silence as they began to eat their meal.

"What about them?"

"That's Wang Zhao Ming, one of the richest men in Taiwan. He owns Jade Dragon Airlines. One of Quantum Holidays main market rivals. I'm very surprised to see him here."

Jack stole another glance at Wang. He was quietly eating his food as if he was all alone in the room.

"Oh, and look who just walked in."

An elderly man had entered the restaurant. He was small and shrunken. His patchy hair clung to his head like white cotton.

"Harold Hemsworth," said Jack.

"You know him?"

"No, but my father worked for him before setting up Sinclair Enterprises. He said he learned everything he knows from that guy."

"Yeah, he used to be the wealthiest man in America. Not anymore mind. Long since retired, but still a very rich man."

Hemsworth stopped at the entrance and extended his shriveled hand. A tall, statuesque blonde took his arm and escorted him into the restaurant.

"And check out his wife. Shes young enough to be his granddaughter."

As they were shown to a table, Jack noted that the blonde was nearly twice the height of Hemsworth. She held his chair for him as he sat. Finally, Buckle turned to Jack and looked at him knowingly.

"And of course, last but not least, we have Jack Sinclair, son of Henry Sinclair."

Jack looked at him disapprovingly. Buckle smiled teasingly and continued to survey the restaurant.

"Yep, I've never seen so much money gathered all in one place before," said Buckle.

---

After lunch, the guests split up into their travel groups for the following day. Jack's were taken into a small conference room. They were sat round in a semi-circle. Looking around, Jack recognized some of the other people. There was Harold Hemsworth and his beautiful young wife and also the owner of Jade Dragon Airlines and his wife. Buckle had left Jack after lunch to join his group for the induction to his Inside The Oval Office trip.

A small, bearded Scotsman stood at the front and address the class. His purple polo shirt appeared to be two sizes too small and it made him look like a schoolboy on steroids.

"Good afternoon, my name is Gregory Lambert and I'll be your Handler on your trip with Quantum Holidays."

He smiled at the group, but it did not feel like a pleasant smile.

"Now I know that you've been given a lot of information to digest today. You're probably sick to death of hearing about what you can and can't do, but I'm going to need you to bear with me just a while longer, okay?

The group nodded obediently.

"In our session this afternoon, we are going to go over some of the ground rules and basics that you will need to know whilst you are traveling around. By the end of the session, I need to feel confident that you guys know what behavior is acceptable and what behavior is not. I need to know that you guys will be able to act in a conspicuous manner that will not make you stand out like a sore thumb amongst the natives."

Lambert leaned back and perched himself on the table behind him. He clasped his hands together and began to speak.

"Okay, so let's start off by going over some of the ground rules. If whilst traveling, you are talking to a member of the native population, do not discuss with them anything from the future. Do not talk about any events that are yet to happen. Do not speak of any inventions or advancements that have yet to occur. Maybe you make a reference to electricity whilst in Vienna and the next thing you know, the light bulb is invented by an Austrian man named Franz."

It was only after Lambert had laughed did the group realize it as meant to be a joke. Undeterred, he continued.

"Furthermore, you must be careful when revealing any information at all to a native. Just because what you say is relevant to the time, or is an even that has already occurred, that does not mean that particular individual you are speaking to is aware of it. By informing or educating a native you can affect their decisions and actions down the line. You mention communism to a barman in nineteen twenties New Orleans, who knows what happens? Maybe he takes up the socialist cause and turns America into Soviet Russia. Maybe he just votes for a different candidate at the next election. Either way, we do not take the risk."

He fell silent to let his words sink in. When he spoke again, he was louder as if someone had been arguing with him.

"In fact, any conversation with natives should be avoided where possible, and where it is unavoidable, it should be kept to a minimum. Quantum Holidays is ultimately about observation, not interaction. You would do well to remember that."

Lambert leaned lazily across the table and picked up a sheet. He spoke and gestured to the group as he read from it.

"Some fairly obvious ones now, but I'm obliged to remind you anyway. Do not hurt or injure any natives. From a punch in the face to a trip in the street, they can all have far-reaching consequences."

He looked around the group. As if he was checking to see if anyone looked like they might have such violent tendencies.

"I shouldn't have to say it, but I will anyway. Do not kill anyone. I don't care if you are doing it because you think you will be saving countless lives. Trust me, it doesn't work like that. The number of people who have tried to kill Hitler, you wouldn't believe. Looking at our trip itinerary though, I can't see anybody that someone would be tempted to kill anyway.

At the same time, do not try to save anyone from dying. Now, that includes any kind of warning, no matter how cryptic it may be. I understand the urge to save someone if you know they will die, but we have to let events unfold as they are meant to. Now, we will be visiting the Titanic on our trip, so remember, no mention of icebergs. Okay?"

Lambert put the sheet down and stood up. A wide dirty grin spread across his face as he address the group.

"And finally, please guys, do not have romantic relations with any of the native population. Now that shouldn't be an issue with you lot as this is the Honeymoon trip, but you never know."

After Lambert had finished his speech, he handed out a pamphlet to each of the guests. In it was a selection of phrases and words in the native language of the places they were visiting. Jack read over some of the Latin and mouthed the words as Lambert spoke.

"Now, I think it might be helpful if we go through a few together here but I'd also recommend you have a read through it on your own this evening."

Lambert went through the Latin phrases with the group, repeating the basics with them until they could recite them on their own. He then ran through the German phrases commonly spoken in Mozart's Vienna. This proved less difficult as most of the group were able to speak at least some German and a few were even fluent.

Lambert turned to the page on Elizabethan greeting etiquette. He asked the group who would like to start. No one volunteered so Lambert picked on Wang Zhao Ming. He asked the airline owner to pretend he was a peasant and to greet him as if he was part of the upper class. Wang Zhao Ming, who had remained quiet throughout their unexpected language lesson, looked at Lambert blankly. Only then did it dawn on Lambert that Wang did not speak a word of English and had not understood anything he had said all afternoon. Wang's wife interrupted on his behalf.

"Sorry, we do not speak English."

Lambert turned from the Chinese couple. He turned to the group. Jack slouched down in his chair to avoid being picked.

"You, Mr. Sinclair. Why don't you have a try?"

Jack looked down at the text of the pamphlet.

"Do I have to be present?"

"Yes, Mr. Sinclair. When you are in Elizabethan England, you will be passing yourself off as a peasant so it is important that you learn how to speak like one."

The whole group turned to face Jack as Lambert waited expectantly. He was sure he saw Mrs. Hemsworth smirk at him.

"My Lord?"

"Wrong, Mr. Sinclair. You see, when you are a peasant, if you are uncertain of my exact rank it is not wise to presume. Please, try again."

Slightly embarrassed and annoyed, Jack looked over the page again. He took his time and searched for the correct response.

"Sir?"

"Yes, that's correct, Mr. Sinclair. You'll make a fine peasant yet. Well done."

---

By the time Jack's group reached the Currency Exchange, a large queue had already formed. Above the counter was a large electronic board that listed all the monetary rates. At first glance, it could have been mistaken for any standard currency exchange shop like at an airport. But on closer exception, Jack saw that the names and currencies were unfamiliar. He searched the board for those that he would need on his trip. He found Ancient Rome, 1.00 US Dollar to 1.15 Denarius. Next was Shakespeare's England, 1.00 US Dollar to 0.44 Pence. Below that, the Titanic, 1.00 US Dollar to 0.95 Pence. Theree was Mozart's Vienna, 1.00 US Dollar to 0.40 Florin and finally Prohibition-era New Orleans, confusingly 1.00 US Dollar to 0.007 Dollar. Jack joined the queue and began working out how much he would need in each place.

The queue moved painfully slow as each new customer struggled to comprehend the system. By the time he had reached the front, Jack has become more impatient. He had given up trying to work out exactly how much he would need and decided to just get a thousand dollars worth of each to be safe. When he reached the teller he was met by a serious looking older man that was separated from him by a plastic window. The man spoke to him through a microphone.

"Yes sir, how can I help you?"

Jack leaned forward, not exactly sure where he should speak or how loud he should do so.

"Hi, I'd like to get a thousand US dollars worth each of Denarius for Ancient Rome, Florins for Mozart's Vienna, US Dollars for Prohibition-era New Orleans, Shillings for the Titanic, and also shillings for Shakespeare's England."

Without speaking a word, the cash teller turned to his keyboard and began to type away. After a few moments, he printed out a receipt, placed it in a tray that slipped beneath the window and then rotated it round to Jack's side.

"That will give you 46 Aureus 3 Denarius, 400 Florins, and 70 Dollars 64 Cents. For the Titanic, you get 8 Pounds 3 Shillings and 85 Pence, and for Shakespeare's England it's 2 Pounds, 6 Shillings, and 20 Pence."

Jack studied the conversions on the receipt as the teller spoke.

"That will be six thousand US Dollars please, sir?"

Jack went into his wallet and pulled out his bank card.

"That will be six thousand US dollars please, sir?"

Jack went into wallet and pulled out his bank card. He placed it on the tray and rotated it around for the teller. He took his exotic coins and headed to his room.

The room was small but comfortable. Jack kicked off his shoes and fell onto the bed. He took out his bag of coins and laid them out on the sheet. He looked at all the coins together. They glimmered like fish scales. He inspected each one carefully, studying the unfamiliar faces and engravings. He identified the bronzed faces of British kings and queens, and the dull silver of Roman emperors. He found it strange to see these ancient coins as new as the day they were made. He placed them back in the bag, careful not to mix his shillings with his florins or his Denarius with his cents.

Jack arrived late at the restaurant for dinner and as he was being seated, the last of the guests were leaving. The buffet had been taken away and Jack was given a menu from which he ordered. By the time he had finished, the staff was waiting to close for the night.

He passed through the main hall on his way back to his room. He stopped at the Excalibur sword where Stanley Mandeville had made his speech earlier that day. An artificial moonlight shone down on the blade of the sword. He stepped up to it and ran the palm of his hand along the cold metal. He let his grip rest on the hilt.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Jack let go of the sword and jumped backward. He turned to see who had spoken. The founder of Quantum Holidays stepped into the light. Jack greeted him.

"Mr. Mandeville."

"Please, call me Stan."

He greeted Jack warmly and shook his hand.

"Sorry, I didn't catch your name earlier?"

"Jack Sinclair."

"I don't suppose you're related to Henry Sinclair, are you?"

"Yes, he's my father."

Mandeville chuckled at the coincidence.

"Your father and I may not always see eye to eye, but the man's a fine businessman. Real old school American entrepreneur, you know. Ruthless, single-minded."

Mandeville sat on the step at the base of the sword and invited Jack to sit.

"So, what trip are you taking with us?"

"The Honeymoon package, although I'm not on my honeymoon."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Jack felt the need to explain himself.

"The wedding was canceled and I was stuck with the tickets."

"It's okay. There's no need to explain."

Both men fell into thought. Jack looked up at Mandeville. He had grown somber.

"You want to know why I really keep that sword up there. It's not to remind me that you can achieve whatever you want or that nothing is impossible. I keep it up there as a memento of the woman I love.

It was during our first expedition to Camelot. When Michel and I arrived, at first we just watched from a distance.. We dressed ourselves up as peasants to blend in with the crowd and do our utmost to catch glimpses of the fabled Knights of the Round Table.

But that wasn't enough to satisfy our curiosity and we soon grew impatient. We wanted to see more. So we created aliases. With Michel's accent, he was able to pass himself off as a nobleman from the continent, whilst I kept quiet and played the part of his servant. We presented ourselves in King Arthur's court. It was a bold move, stupid even, but amazingly they believed us and we were welcome with open arms.

We were invited to grand feasts and taken out on hunts. We stayed at Camelot for months and we slowly got to know intimately the characters and their stories. The very same which my mother had read at my bedside all those years ago. The legends of Gaiwain, Lancelot, and Arthur were stripped away as we became acquainted with the flawed, very real people they were. All accept Guinevere. Of all the Arthurian legends, she was the only thing that did not disappoint. Truly, she was as beautiful and as graceful as I had always imagined. In court, I stole glances whenever I could and I found every opportunity to speak to her. And as time passed, to my amazement, I began to sense in her the same interest for me that I held for her. I never understood why. I sometimes thought that maybe she could sense that I didn't quite belong there, that there was something alien about me. But if she knew, she never said anything.

One night Michel was out hunting with King Arthur and the knights up north, and they were not due to return until the next day. I convinced myself that this was my chance. On the evening, I drank heavily in the banquet hall. Most of the nobles were absent and Guinevere and I were able to talk freely. She excused herself and said goodnight whilst I stayed and drank alone. Later, instead of returning to my room, I sneaked to the Queen's Chamber. And there I found Guinevere, waiting for me.

We continued to meet when we could and I found myself wasting days waiting for the precious moments I would spend with her. I lost interest in everything else. When it was time for us to return to the present I revealed to Michel my affair and that I planned to stay behind to be with her. Well, Michel was furious with me. In all the years I have known him I have never seen him so angry.

He said I had to let her go. He said I was throwing away everything we had worked so hard to achieve. He was right, but I didn't want to listen. I argued with him saying that maybe I was always meant to go back in time and meet her. I even began to think that maybe I was the Sir Lancelot from the legend that betrayed King Arthur. But Michel was right, I had to let her go and eventually I saw how selfish I was being.

I went back through our affair and was erased each memory of our romance until it was like we had never met. Before we left, Lizarazu made me swear I would never come back to Camelot."

Mandeville broke off his speech. He looked up at the sword between them. He softly pressed his forefinger against the edge of the blade.

"After we returned I had this replcia of the Excalibur sword made, so even though she would never know I ever existed. I would never forget my Lady Guinevere."

"Do you ever wish you had stayed with her?" asked Jack.

"Sometimes on nights like tonight. I think of all the success and all the money, but I would give it all up to be with her again."

"So why don't you? Why don't you go back to he rand make things right?"

"Ah, but I am an old man now, or should I say, an even older man. In the years that have passed, I have aged whilst she has stayed the same in that moment in time. I would just be an old fool to her now."

His eyes rose to the stars that weren't there and a sad smile spread across his face. He savored the irony like an old wine. But the moment passed and he turned to Jack seriously.

"My time machine may allow us to travel through time, but the body still ages, Jack. Don't ever forget that. Seize the moments you are given because you will never have them again."

They both sat in silence, illuminated in the fake moonlight like actors on a stage. Suddenly, Mandeville's expression changed and he reverted to the warm and charming man from earlier.

"Anyway, you best go get some sleep. You've got a long day ahead of you tomorrow and time traveling can be tiring. Trust me."

Mandeville rose to his feet. He placed his hand on Jack's shoulder.

"Take care of yourself, Jack."

He watched as the old man tottered off into the darkness with his arms folded behind his back.