Part 04
Chapter 16: Return
Returning to base to send Val on her way, Cole discusses Adam, aliens, and Chan’s objectives.
“On the one hand, if the mission is successful, then you wouldn’t have left any evidence of your presence there. On the other hand though, if you never make it, then there won’t be any record of you either. While Chan and I were going through possible scenarios, I tried to include one where there were no aliens at all, but that the alien crash was actually our ship.”
http://www.caughtsomewhereintime.com/part04/chapter16/
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Chapter 17: Effect
What does Novikov’s Effect really do, and how can Val keep it under control so far in the past?
“Free will is a concept based solely on our lack of knowledge about the future. If we had knowledge of the future, then maybe our free will would seem compromised, but we would still make the same choices regardless of our knowledge. Maybe even because of our knowledge.”
http://www.caughtsomewhereintime.com/part04/chapter17/
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Chapter 18: Intermission
Cole and Val find that they have some free time together, and use it to get to know each other.
“I was told that you packed for the mission before you left for Mars, so it looks like you’ve got a bit of downtime right now.” Arthur smiled at them both. “I’ll come and find you when he’s done making the transfer and everything is fully functional with the addition.”
http://www.caughtsomewhereintime.com/part04/chapter18/
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Chapter 19: Intimate
The happy couple finds even more happiness in being a couple.
The way her eyes looked at him, Cole could tell that it wasn’t fear in them. “Let’s go back to my place instead.” He couldn’t speak. He just smiled, and nodded slightly. She took his hand and led him through the door that led into her hall.
http://www.caughtsomewhereintime.com/part04/chapter19/
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Chapter 20: Departure
Val says goodbye to Cole, and journeys into the past alone.
When they looked down into the bay where nearly invisible ship was sitting, Arthur and Daniel were passing the last bit of Val’s luggage between them and apparently up into the ship.
