Sexy Time Machine

Neil Ferguson looked at his colleague, his brow furrowed. "Did you say time machine?"

Mary Valentine let out a little chuckle. "Yes, that's exactly what I said."

"You mean a...a machine that can...can..." He sputtered but was unable to complete the thought. She did it for him.

"Yes, precisely. A machine that can move you through time. You know, as in H.G. Wells?"

Neil shook his head, his face scrunched in a show of disbelief.

"But that's just ridiculous. I mean, we all know that traveling into the future is theoretically possible. After all, everyone of us is constantly moving ahead into the future. But the past? No, that's just the stuff of fiction."

Mary sighed. She was used to her colleague's small mindedness, but it was always a disappointment just how limited he could be.

"I assure you, Neil, not only is it possible, it's actual. I've done it." She stepped back dramatically, arm raised, guiding his gaze to the large metal cube that occupied the front of her laboratory. "I've built a time machine."

He stared at the object. It was constructed of stainless steel, and its smooth sides reflected the harsh work lights, making it gleam brightly. Each face of the cube was four feet by four feet large. Neil turned back to Mary without bothering to hide his skepticism.

"And you just...go inside it? Sit inside and...travel in time?"

She nodded calmly. "Yes, that's right. Oh, but not just time. It has geographical navigation as well. I mean, otherwise you'd just end up in this dreary spot, right?"

"Right," he muttered tonelessly. Then he sighed loudly. "Come on, Mary. This is all very funny, but shall we get back to real work?"

She rolled her eyes at him. Must he always dismiss her so easily? Just because she was pretty didn't mean she wasn't a genius!

"This is not a joke. The science is sound. Look." Mary pointed toward the whiteboard on the side wall. Neil glanced at it with an annoyed expression, then his glance became a thoughtful stare as his face relaxed and the massive scribble of equations washed over him. He cocked an eyebrow and looked back at his colleague.

"Well that's actually...I mean...it's actually compelling!"

She smiled and gave him a look. "You see? I do know how to science, after all."

He nodded. "It's compelling, certainly. But still, it can't possibly be tru--"

Mary cut him off. "I've tried it. It works."

His eyebrows shot up. "You're telling me you've...traveled through time?"

She nodded. "That's right. Yesterday, I spent a lovely afternoon in Renaissance Italy."

Neil's jaw dropped open, and Mary couldn't help letting out a little giggle. Then she placed a comforting hand on his arm.

"Look, this is the sort of thing that is probably best served by a live demonstration. Why don't you try it out?"

His eyes widened. "Me? But...where would I go."

She smiled. "Anywhere you want! Go on, give it a try."

Neil looked so tentative and unsure that she gave his arm a squeeze.

"There's room for two if you'd want me to come along."

He gave a short nod. "Yes, I think I would like that actually."

"Excellent!" She beamed at him. "So, where shall we go?"