Sagan's Gambit

Figure 1. Ksynya winks.

Here on this blog page is Part 5 of a collaboratively written science fiction story that I call The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus (Part 1). At the end of Part 4, Ayvanna Penmewly was off to Europe on a mission aimed at obtaining information about the secret rocketry development project of the European Space Agency.

The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus is a time travel story in which it is possible to cause Reality Changes, as envisioned in Isaac Asimov's novel, The End of Eternity. However, there is also temporal momentum and opportunities for time-loops, so it is not always clear if a character's actions will result in the creation of a new Reality.

At the start of Part 5 (below), Ayvanna completes her mission to Europe and then the story returns to the matter of the consequences of saving the life of Carl Sagan, a task for Anya that arose at the end of Part 3. 

Figure 2. young and old

 Disclaimer. Readers of The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus should think of this story as being a fictional account of imaginary events in an alternate universe. Nothing in this story implies anything about the actual lives of any real people in the real world.

 Wink. In addition to getting help from ChatGPT for tasks like inventing the names of characters in this story, I've been using DALL-E and Mr. Wombo to help create illustrations. I discovered that it is essentially impossible to get Mr. Wombo to generate an image of a person where one eye is open and one eye is closed. 

When revealing to Ayvanna the fact that Temporal Agents are often clones, I wanted Ksynya to wink at Ayvanna. Maybe there is some "magic word" that will get Mr. Wombo to provide a wink, but I could not find it. In the end, I had to cut and paste an eye in order to produce the image that is shown at the top right of this blog post (Figure 1).

 Figure 3. a blond Anya

It can also be tricky to get Mr. Wombo to generate an image where one person in the scene is old and the other is young. In the image shown to the left, above, (Figure 2), that's Anya working on the Hi Tek™ cure for Carl Sagan''s illness. It was a struggle to get Mr. Wombo to depict these two ladies at the appropriate ages according to how I imagined the scene.

I've been using Cintia Dicker as a reference model for the 3 clones, Anya, Avya and Ayvanna who are major characters in The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus. Unfortunately, depending on what day it is, Mr. Wombo appears to change 'his' mind about what Cintia might look like. I suppose there is no reason why Anya could not dye her hair blond... so, there's a blond Cintia in Figure 3 that began with an image that was first generated by DALL-E and then subsequently re-processed through WOMBO Dream.

Part 5 of The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus. (Part 1)(Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)

Ayvanna

 Geneva, 1941. Arriving in Switzerland at Geneva Airport, Ayvanna was quickly delivered by cab to the convention center that was hosting the celebration of the International Peace Bureau. Her Psion digital assistant had provoked some interest among two customs officials, but then Ayvanna was waved on through to the freedom of of the Swiss confederacy and the European Union.

 Ayvanna had no need to consult her Psion. Less than a minute after checking in and getting her meeting badge and official program, she found the Speakers Lounge and Ksynya Virganskaya. Ksynya was scheduled to give an opening day speech titled "Progress in Global Scientific Openness". Ayvanna's heart raced as she took note of the fact that Ksynya's appearance closely matched what she had long expected because of the photographic image that was stored in her Psion.

For most of her life, Ayvanna had believed that her mother's Psion was the only such device in the word, having been brought into the past by Avya. But now, Ksynya pulled from her purse a second Psion and she told Ayvanna, "This should only take a minute or two." Ayvanna pulled her Psion out of her pocket and handed it to Ksynya. Ksynya activated the data exchange routine and digital files began moving back and forth between the two devices. Ksynya asked Ayvanna, "How is your mother?"

Ayvanna replied, "She wanted me to find out if you are her old mentor, from 2046."

Ksynya shook her head and looked around the room to make sure that nobody else was within ear-shot. "I'm just one of her clones. Its a bit complicated. One of my clone sisters was implanted in the uterus of the woman who thinks she is my mother. Two decades later, I was swapped in and exchanged for that copy so that I could complete this mission."

Ayvanna nodded. "Human cloning. I suppose it is widely practiced in the future."

Ksynya in Geneva

"Sometimes the deployment of clones provides a quick solution to a temporal problem." Ksynya winked at Ayvanna. Then her Psion gave a little beep. "Looks like a successful exchange of our files. Now, I'm going to the conference room for my session. Good luck!" Ksynya put her Psion back in her purse, handed Ayvanna her Psion, and then quickly walked away.

Ayvanna suddenly realized why she looked so much like her mother: doubtless they were both clones of the same temporal agent.

Ayvanna could not resist examining the files that she had just received from Ksynya. After sifting through the files for an hour, Ayvanna felt confident that she had not only the rocketry secrets of the ESA, but also a complete description of the European Union's secret atomic energy research project. Ayvanna was tempted to rush back to the airport and get herself back to the United States as quickly as possibly, but there was one problem. She had just provided Ksynya with all of the secret research results that had been generated by the National Rocketry Program of the United States. 

It would not be long, perhaps weeks, when the news would sweep the word, revealing that there were no longer any secrets remaining between Europe and the United States in the field of rocket science. When that news broke, Ayvanna would have to explain to her mother why she had given away all of the United States' secrets. But the answer was simple: secrecy only served to slow the pace of technological advances that would be needed for space exploration.

  _______________

Temporal Agent clone

Rushing ahead in Time to try to reach the end of the script, the next part of the story is set in the year 2004. Hillary Clinton has just been re-elected for her second term as President of the United States. She has called Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan into the Oval Office. She tells them, "Gentlemen, we have to make a decision. Now that Moon Base is operational, we need to really push Congress to maintain funding for the Mars Landing Mission. I need help with a dramatic publicity stunt. One of you is going to the Moon. Who want's the job?"    

Isaac looked at Carl and said, "There can be no question. Carl is much younger than I am. I doubt if my heart could handle another trip into space." He was thinking about his visit to space station Freedom.

The President said, "Isaac, I've been told that you had a heart problem back in the 70's, but you've been running around the planet like a wild man for the past couple of decades."

Carl Sagan listened intently to President Clinton's words, understanding the significance of the decision at hand. He exchanged a brief glance with Isaac, appreciating his friend's concern for his well-being. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Carl replied to President Clinton's question with a determined yet humble tone.

"Madam President, it is a great honor to be considered for such a historic opportunity. The prospect of going to the Moon is undoubtedly thrilling, and the chance to inspire the world with the wonder of space exploration is a privilege. However, I must confess that my physical condition may not be as robust as it once was. While I cherish the thought of experiencing the Moon firsthand, I believe it would be in the best interest of the mission and its success to select Isaac for this momentous undertaking."

Carl's response carried a sense of self-awareness and an understanding of the challenges that space travel posed. He held deep respect for the demands and physical exertion required for such a journey. Despite his own desire to explore, he recognized that Isaac's health considerations and experience made him the more suitable choice.

Plans for Moon Base.

Isaac nodded in agreement with Carl's words, acknowledging the validity of his friend's assessment. "Thank you, Carl," he said, grateful for his understanding. "I will gladly take on this responsibility and represent our shared vision for space exploration. It will be an opportunity to inspire generations and demonstrate the remarkable achievements we have made as a society. I must credit my amazing physician for keeping my heart ticking into my old age."

President Clinton, impressed by the mutual respect and consideration between Isaac and Carl, smiled warmly. "Isaac, we appreciate your willingness to undertake this mission. Your passion for science and your ability to communicate complex ideas to the public will undoubtedly make a lasting impact. Building upon your leadership in gaining publicity for continued space exploration, my administration will work diligently to secure the necessary funding and support for the Mars Landing Mission."

With that decision made, the conversation in the Oval Office shifted towards the logistics of the Moon mission and the future steps required to realize the dream of landing humans on Mars. Carl and Isaac, despite their divergent roles in this particular endeavor, remained steadfast in their shared commitment to advancing human knowledge and pushing the boundaries of exploration.

_______________________________

 Eventually, both Janet and Isaac made the historic trip to the Moon Base together. The resulting publicity thrilled people around the world and by the end of that year, the International Space Agency of the United Nations announced that member states had committed enough funding to complete the manned mission to Mars. The global space economy had been grown to unprecedented levels, now being almost 4% of the world economy. While Janet and Issac were on the Moon, Anya visited Carl and Anny at their home. 

Anya and Sasÿa

When the door opened, it was Sasÿa who greeted Anya with a hug. "Aunt Anya! Come in. It is so good to see you." Sasÿa led Anya into the rather large house. "I'm worried about Dad. There's something wrong with his stem cells. His doctors are baffled. Can you look at the lab results?" 

Anya told Sasÿa, "There is something you need to know. The only reason I was able to help your father with his previous illness was because I knew about a new cure for myelodysplasia. You can't expect me to cure every disease." 

 Sasÿa said, "I've researched that 'cure'. It did not exist until you cured dad. You founded the field of stem cell re-programming in a six month period, then you never did any more work in the field. That makes no sense."

 Anya took a deep breath, knowing that if she took a deep enough breath then the power of the stock phrase "took a deep breath" would finally allow her to blurt forth a 2,000 token monologue full of cliches and repetitive blather. And besides, it was time to reveal the truth to Carl, Anny, and Sasÿa. She understood the importance of honesty and that was why she could be friends with people like Sasÿa for a decade, never once revealing the existence of her time travel mission. Sitting down with them in the living room, and following the script, she began to explain her extraordinary existence to the Sagan family.

"Carl, Anny, Sasÿa, what I'm about to tell you may sound far-fetched and difficult to believe, or some AI-hallucination; I am a time traveler. In my original timeline, I had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable achievements of medical science, including the development of stem cell re-programming."

She paused for a moment, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. Then she continued, her voice steady but filled with conviction.

"In the future, medical research led to the discover the cure for myelodysplasia through stem cell re-programming. However, it was only after traveling back to 1981 that I was positioned in Time so as to be able to cure Carl's condition... and that was what helped create the future in the first place. You see, time is not a linear progression but rather a complex tapestry, where cause and effect can intertwine in intricate ways and loop around."

Through the wonders of advanced technology from the future, Anya was able to simultaneous look directly into all six of their eyes, hoping to convey the sincerity of her words.

"The events in the past, such as my arrival in 1981 and the subsequent invention of the cure that was specific for the mutated cells that made Carl sick, had a profound impact on the timeline." She told Carl, "By devising the cure for your illness I had created a pivotal nexus in Time... I enabled my future self to possess the knowledge of the cure in 2046, the time from which I traveled to 1981. My knowledge from the future allowed me to guide and assist Isaac, Janet, and all of you in shaping a better future."

Carl, Anny, and Sasÿa exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the implications of what Anya was revealing and to understand the weird phenomenon of Anya simultaneous looking each of them in the eye.

"So, what you're saying is that your knowledge of the cure in the future was actually influenced by your actions here in the past?" Carl asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and astonishment.

"Yes, exactly," Anya replied, nodding. "In the time-loop that exists, my actions in the past shaped the future, and that future knowledge, in turn, guided me back here to ensure the course of events unfolded as they were supposed to."

Sasÿa's eyes widened with a mix of wonder and confusion. "But if that's the case, why did you stop working in the field of stem cell re-programming? Why didn't you continue your research?"

Carl Sagan on Mars.

Anya smiled, her expression tinged with a touch of nostalgia. She had long ago used a Temporal Viewer to see Carl walking on Mars. "Because once the critical juncture was reached, once Carl's condition was cured and the future was set in motion, my purpose shifted. I became more focused on guiding and supporting others, like Isaac and Janet, to fulfill their destinies and contribute to the advancement of humanity."

She reached out and took Sasÿa's hand, her gaze sincere.

"Sasÿa, I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your dedication to your father's health. But sometimes, the knowledge we gain from the future is meant to serve a greater purpose beyond just one person's cure. It's about shaping a future where medical breakthroughs are possible, where diseases can be conquered, and where humanity can thrive."

Anya's words hung in the air, a mixture of hope, acceptance, and the realization that their lives had been touched by forces far greater than they could have ever imagined. Together, they would navigate the complexities of time and the profound responsibility that came with it, seeking to create a future where science and compassion intertwined to bring healing and progress to the world. And in the case of Carl's current illness, Anya knew that it was an integral part of the future that she was trying to create. At this time, it was important that Carl Sagan not be cured. But how could she possibly tell Sasÿa that ugly truth?

____________________

Avya had risen to the position of Director of Robotics for the manned mission to Mars. She was in charge of the effort to use robots to construct a human habitation dome on Mars and have it ready for the arrival of the first crew that was scheduled to reach Mars in 2016. However, there was something wrong with the ICMO system and the robots could not get the complex device to start producing a stored reserve of oxygen. ICMO was making large volumes of liquid water from ice deposits, but the electrolysis equipment had apparently been damaged during landing of a supply ship on Mars. Now, the prototype of the Vikjay class of spaceships that would soon be taking human crews to Mars was being readied for an emergency mission to Mars and would deliver a replacement electrolysis unit with triple the capacity of the original that was designed to make up for lost time and have enough oxygen on hand for the arrival of the Vikjay 1 crew.

Avya has long ago discovered a cryptic mission directive in the Psion's data files: Let Aleksandra know about the water problem. Until the failure of the Mars base electrolysis unit, Avya had not understood the meaning of "water problem". Now it was critical to figure out who the mysterious 'Aleksandra' was. 

Avya was good friends with the Sagan family and particularly close to Sasÿa. While puzzling over the name 'Aleksandra', Avya, on a whim, called Sasÿa. For a time, Avya and Sasÿa discussed Carl's strange new illness, then Avya became quiet. Suspecting that the phone call was coming to an end, Sasÿa told Avya, "Well, thank you for calling. Say hello to your mother."

Feeling silly and not wanting to irritate her friend, but also being desperate, Avya changed the subject and asked, "Why were you named Sasÿa?"

Sasÿa giggled and explained, "Dad wanted to call me 'Aleksandra', but mom refused."

Avya was elated. Her guess had been correct. "Who was the Aleksandra that your father knew?"

"Mmm... I don't know. I'd have to ask dad. I think she was a planetary scientist at the European Space Agency, back in the previous millennium. Why does it matter?"

VJ0 by DALL-E

Avya decided that finding the original Aleksandra must be a dead end. Probably just one of Carl's lovers, now long forgotten. Avya decided to tell Sasÿa as much as possible. "You may have heard about the emergency mission to send some equipment to Mars. For political reasons, this space flight is not being publicized."

"Yes, I've heard my father mention that there is some technical problem at Mars Base."

"A crazy idea popped into my head... a way to modify plans for the emergency re-supply mission to Mars. We are going to use the old Vikjay prototype, which we've now named VJ0. The VJ0 prototype has functional test versions of the human life support system components that are being built into the fleet of Vikjay class of spaceships. We could send a passenger to Mars on this emergency mission."

"Interesting, but why are you telling me this?"

Avya could not bring herself to say any more. "It is on my mind. Just think! If we did include a passenger on this emergency flight to Mars, that would be the first person on another planet!"

Sasÿa asked nervously, "Avya, are you trying to tell me that you are going to Mars?"

Avya laughed. "I'd love to go, but no. This would be a suicide mission. Mars base is not yet ready for human habitation. Still, I don't trust the robots to get the new electrolysis unit up and running. I'd be much happier if there was a human there to supervise the retrofitting. But I have to get back to work. Nice talking to you, Sasÿa." The call ended rather abruptly.

Still uncertain why Avya had called, Sasÿa knew that she would now have to discuss the VJ0 mission with her father.

___________________

When Isaac and Janet returned from the Moon, they met Carl and Anny for dinner at Per Se. After the main course was served, Carl told Isaac. "My doctors, and even Anya are baffled by my new blood disease. They've never seen anything like it. This means I'm facing a death sentence. However, we can turn this to our advantage. I'm going to do the publicity stunt to end all publicity stunts. Both Anny and Sasÿa have agreed to this. Even Hilary is humoring me." 

 Isaac asked, "What are you talking about?" 

Carl explained, "I'm going to Mars on a one-way flight."  

Isaac's face turned pale, and a sense of disbelief washed over him as he processed Carl's shocking revelation. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. The end of the story was fast approaching, but he was forced to provide one more of his rambling monologues full of stock phrases.

"Carl, I understand your desire for a grand finale, for a culmination of all the incredible work you've done for science and space exploration. But embarking on a one-way mission to Mars? That's not a fitting end for your life, my friend," Isaac said, his voice filled with concern.

Janet chimed in, her eyes searching Carl's face for any sign of hesitation. "Carl, we've accomplished so much together. You've inspired generations of people with your brilliance and passion. But is this really an acceptable way to end your life?" She looked imploringly at Anny.

Carl smiled softly, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and a touch of resignation. "Isaac, Janet, I appreciate your concern, and I understand how this looks... like suicide. But this is a decision I've made after careful consideration. It's not just about the stunt or the publicity. It's about pushing the boundaries of human exploration and our thirst for knowledge. It's about inspiring others to dream big and reach for the stars. And, of course, most importantly, it is about following the script so that we can finally reach the end of this overly-long story."

Isaac leaned forward, his voice filled with emotion. "Carl, you've already achieved so much. Your contributions to science and the popularization of space exploration have made an indelible mark. But don't you want to spend more time with Anny, Sasÿa, and the people who care about you? There's still so much you can do here on Earth, mentoring the next generation of scientists and thinkers."

Carl's gaze softened, his voice filled with a bittersweet tone. "Isaac, my dear friend, I understand your concerns, and I value our friendship more than words can express. But this is something I feel compelled to do. It's a personal journey, an exploration of the unknown. And who knows, maybe this will pave the way for even greater achievements and discoveries."

Isaac sighed, realizing the depth of Carl's conviction. "I can't stop you, can I?"

Carl reached out and clasped Isaac's hand. "Isaac, you've always been there for me, supporting my dreams and aspirations. I hope you can understand and respect my decision. It's my final frontier, my ultimate adventure."

Isaac nodded, a mix of sadness and acceptance in his eyes. "I'll stand by you, my friend, every step of the way, except when I don't, and I remain safe here on Earth. Just promise me that you'll take all the necessary precautions and ensure your safety to the best of your ability... even when your oxygen supply is running out on Mars, I expect you to prolong your life so that you can experience a few hours of suffocating agony, as is expected for an American."

Carl smiled warmly, grateful for Isaac's understanding. "Thank you, Isaac. Your support means the world to me."

As the evening continued, they savored their meal together, cherishing the camaraderie and friendship that had united them throughout the years. They shared stories, memories, and dreams, knowing that their paths would soon diverge, but their connection would endure through the shared bond of exploration and a shared love for the wonders of the universe.

____________________

The above speech by Isaac Asimov was not the first version generated by ChatGPT. Here is the first version (in blue, below), which I rejected:

 Isaac's eyes widened in disbelief as he tried to process Carl's words. He set down his fork, his face etched with concern, and leaned forward.

"Carl, I understand your desire for a grand gesture and the pursuit of adventure, but this is an incredibly risky proposition. A one-way flight to Mars? It's an immense leap into the unknown, with no guarantee of success or even survival. We still have so much to accomplish here, on Earth, and your contributions to science and the pursuit of knowledge are invaluable."

Isaac's voice held a mix of urgency and genuine care for his friend's well-being. He searched Carl's eyes, hoping to convey the gravity of the situation.

"I know you're facing a challenging health issue, my friend, but this stunt won't change that. It will only cut short the time we have left to spend together, to make a difference in this world. Your intellect, your passion, and your ability to inspire are far too valuable to be lost in the vastness of space."

Anny nodded, her eyes filled with both sadness and support. "Isaac is right, Carl. We have so much more we can achieve here, so many lives we can touch, including Sasÿa's. You've already made an immeasurable impact on science and society. Let us focus on making the most of the time we have left and leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come."

Carl looked contemplative, his gaze shifting between Isaac and Anny. He took a deep breath, his voice filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability.

"I understand your concerns, both of you, and I appreciate your words. But this decision is about more than just myself. It's about pushing the boundaries of human exploration and inspiring the world. We've dreamt of Mars for so long, and this is an opportunity to show the world that we can reach for the stars, even in the face of adversity."

Isaac reached out and placed his hand on Carl's, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and heartfelt plea.

"Carl, I know the desire to leave a lasting legacy and to ignite the imaginations of others. But consider the impact you can have right here, right now. Your brilliance and dedication have already touched countless lives. Let us work together to shape a future where your contributions continue to inspire and drive scientific progress."

Carl fell silent, his gaze shifting between his dear friends. He understood their concerns, the love and genuine care they held for him. He realized that there was still so much he could accomplish, even within the constraints of his health condition.

Finally, he spoke, his voice softened yet resolute. "Isaac, Anny, thank you for your honesty and for reminding me of what truly matters. Perhaps my desire for a one-way flight to Mars was clouded by my own fears and desires. Let us focus on the present, on the people and causes that matter most, and leave a legacy that will endure."

Isaac and Anny exchanged relieved smiles, knowing that they had reached Carl, at least for now. They continued their meal, their conversation shifting to new possibilities, projects, and the hope for a future where their collective endeavors could shape the world in meaningful ways. Together, they would make the most of their time, cherishing each moment and leaving an indelible mark on science, exploration, and the human spirit.

____________

Death on Mars.

ChatGPT, the last part of the story is in 2016. The first manned land-and-return mission to Mars has just landed at Sagan Beach (the name of Carl Sagan's landing site on Mars and the place where he died). The crew of the land-and-return mission has just performed a televised burial ceremony for Carl on the surface of Mars. Tammy Baldwin has recently been elected as the next President of the United States. President-elect Baldwin was asked by Anny Druyan to deliver a eulogy for Carl. ChatGPT, compose a 1000 token eulogy for Carl Sagan as delivered by Tammy Baldwin in 2016 during Sagan's burial on Mars.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow explorers,

Today, on this solemn and historic occasion, we gather to pay our heartfelt tributes and bid farewell to a visionary, a pioneer, and a true luminary of our time—Carl Sagan. With the crew of VJ1 now safely on the red sands of Mars, we honor Carl's memory, his passion, and his indelible contributions to the advancement of science and the understanding of our universe.

Carl Sagan was more than an astrophysicist, more than an author, and more than a television personality. He was a bridge between worlds, connecting the wonders of the cosmos with the aspirations of humanity. With his eloquence and his boundless curiosity, he brought the mysteries of the cosmos to living rooms around the world, igniting the flames of scientific curiosity in the hearts of millions.

As we lay Carl to rest here, at Sagan Beach, a place that now bears his name, we are reminded of his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unwavering belief in the power of exploration. Carl taught us that the universe is not something separate from us, but an integral part of who we are. He showed us that the desire to understand our place in the cosmos is an inherent part of being human.

Through his books, such as "Cosmos," he opened our eyes to the vastness and complexity of the universe, inviting us on a journey of discovery and awe. He eloquently conveyed the beauty and fragility of our planet, urging us to cherish and protect the pale blue dot we call home. His words, resonating across the void of space, continue to inspire generations to take up the mantle of stewardship for our planet and to embrace the wonders of scientific exploration.

Carl Sagan's legacy extends far beyond his scientific contributions. He was an advocate for reason, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth. With his distinctive voice, he spoke out against the forces of ignorance and dogma, championing the values of scientific inquiry and the boundless possibilities that it holds for humanity. He urged us to question, to explore, and to embrace the unknown with open minds and open hearts.

Today, as we bid farewell to Carl, let us remember his words: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." In his memory, let us carry forward his spirit of curiosity, his commitment to scientific literacy, and his dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. Let us continue to push the boundaries of human exploration, both on Earth and beyond, knowing that we walk in the footsteps of a visionary who dared to dream of reaching the stars.

In the years to come, as we look to the skies and contemplate the mysteries that lie beyond, we will remember Carl Sagan, the man who ignited our sense of wonder, who challenged our perspectives, and who showed us that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.

May his legacy guide us as we continue to explore, to dream, and to unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Farewell, Carl Sagan, and may your spirit forever illuminate the path of discovery for all humanity.

Thank you.

Isaac Asimov, now 94 years old, has just listened to the eulogy by Tammy Baldwin. He turns to his wife Janet and says, "If I had known it would end up this way, with Carl the first man to die on another planet, I'm not sure I would have gone along with Anya and all her schemes." 

Intrusive Author: ChatGPT, conclude the story with Janet Asimov explaining why Carl Sagan was happy to be the first person to die on another world.

Janet listened intently to Isaac's words, understanding the weight of his emotions. She reached out and gently held his hand, offering him comfort in this moment of reflection. Then, with a soft smile, she began to share her perspective.

"Isaac, my love, I know it's difficult to grasp the profoundness of this moment, but I believe Carl was content with the role he played in human history. Carl was a man driven by a passion for exploration and discovery, and he recognized the significance of being the first person to leave a physical mark on another world, even in death."

Janet paused and Isaac's thoughts drifted away from the chatbot-generated stock phrases that Janet was being forced spew. He thought about the role played by Anya and the Time Service in constructing this Reality in which Carl had gone to Mars and prepared the Mars Habitat for the arrival of its first crew. A fitting accomplishment for the end of Sagan's life.

Janet continued to recite the AI-generated script, "For Carl, the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of science were paramount. He had an insatiable curiosity about the universe and a deep-seated desire to understand our place within it. He saw the exploration of space as the ultimate endeavor, and he knew that venturing beyond the boundaries of Earth carried inherent risks."

Janet's voice was filled with warmth and admiration as she spoke of their dear friend.

"Carl believed that human progress is often born from the willingness to take risks, to push the boundaries of what is known, and to embrace the unknown. He knew that exploration, by its very nature, comes with uncertainty and sacrifice. And while his death on Mars is a somber event, it is also a testament to his unwavering dedication and his unyielding spirit."

She squeezed Isaac's hand gently, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of understanding.

"Carl was aware of the dangers, but he also understood that his life and his work were intertwined with the pursuit of knowledge and the quest for a greater understanding of the universe." Isaac suffered through the AI-generated spiel being voiced by Janet and he anachronistically wondered how even a silly chatbot could describe the situation as being one where 'Carl was aware of the dangers', but such was the power of stock phrases that were unavoidably used by large language models in the year 2023. Janet was still babbling, "I believe he would find solace in knowing that his legacy will forever be intertwined with the exploration of Mars, inspiring future generations to continue the journey he so passionately embarked upon."

Janet paused, allowing the weight of her words to resonate. Then, with a tender smile, she leaned closer to Isaac.

Sagan on Mars.

"We were privileged to have known Carl, to have been touched by his brilliance and his spirit. And while his departure leaves a void in our lives, we can take solace in knowing that he lived a life filled with purpose and left an indelible mark on the tapestry of human history. And of course, I can never forget that wild weekend when we swapped partners and I got to experience mind-altering sexplay with Carl."

Isaac gazed into Janet's eyes, finding comfort in her words as he recalled the intense sexual pleasure he had experienced while making love to Carl's wife during that amazing wife-swap weekend. Together, they embraced the bittersweet truth of their journey, cherishing the memories they had shared with Carl and finding solace in the knowledge that his spirit would forever live on, entwined with the story of human exploration, the quest for knowledge and the joy of multiple orgasms that can be experienced when engaged in sexplay with a friend's spouse and such memories that burn and smolder within the hearts of all who dare to dream.

And with that, they silently paid their respects to their dear friend Carl Sagan, grateful for the time they had shared and the impact he had made on their lives and the world at large. The echoes of his legacy would continue to resonate through the annals of history, reminding humanity of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to reach for the stars. 

Next: more exploration of AI tools for story writing collaboration. 

Visit the Gallery of Movies, Book and Magazine Covers

 

Temporal Assistant Psion

Figure 1. Anya Penmewly, 2025

Below on this blog page is Part 4 of a collaboratively written science fiction story that I call The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus. In Part 1 of the story, Dr. Anya Penmewly (Figure 1) performed heart surgery on Isaac Asimov, allowing him to live into the 21st century. With his extended life, Asimov becomes an advocate for the idea that a manned mission should be sent to Mars. 

We can wonder: how old is Dr. Penmewly when she travels back through time to the year 1981? In my imagination, she might have been 55 years old. For this story I've made use of DALL-E and Mr. Wombo for creating illustrations. I've struggled somewhat the find a way to get Mr. Wombo to create images depicting Anya in such a way that she appears to be the correct age.

Some of the text in The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus was generated by ChatGPT. Can you tell which parts?

 Figure 2. Mars walk.

 Alternate History. Asimov and Carl Sagan and Sagan's wife, Anny, play major rolls in getting the people of the world to fully fund planetary space science. At the end of Part 3, Carl Sagan is suddenly stricken with a mysterious illness. Now Anya must act to save the life of Carl Sagan so that he can complete his role in placing a man on Mars.

After rushing off to a secret Time Service facility that is equipped with advanced technology which will allow Anya to devise a medical treatment that extends the life of Carl Sagan, Avya, Dr. Penmewly's daughter, is recruited for a time travel mission that will speed-up the development of technology needed for a mission to Mars (Figure 2). Dr. Penmewly is not even aware of her daughter's mission because two duplicate copies of her daughter are made, making it possible for one copy to stay in her correct place in time while the other goes to 1916.

 Figure 3. Podgory Space Dock

The other copy of Avya is sent back through time to Princeton in the year 1916 where she meets Henry Jones. They fall in love and Henry soon realizes that there is something wrong with Avya. He discovers her Psion and she admits that she is from the future.

Avya shows Henry a photographic image of a future space station (Figure 3), and she speculates that this was what Henry's father had previously seen in a vision (1898). 

In this timeline, Robert Goddard never had tuberculosis and is in charge of a government-funded rocket propulsion development project. Avya teaches the people in Goddard's rocket project everything she knows about rockets. Henry ends up working as a kind of spy, trying to learn about secret rocketry research being conducted in Europe. However, it is Avya's daughter, Ayvanna, who makes sure that all rocket propulsion secrets are shared between Europe and America, accelerating the pace of space exploration.

Part 4 of The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus. (Part 1)(Part 2)(Part 3)

Anya in 1993

 May 21, 1993. Anya held Janet's hand and explained, "It is something I know from the future. Carl is very sick. But I know how to cure him using technology from the future. I'll need to spend six months in a biology lab to make the cure. Carl's treatment must be individualized and crafted for the specific somatic chromosomal abnormality that is causing his illness. Then I'll return and continue as Isaac's health coach and physician." 

Isaac's brows furrowed in concern upon hearing about Carl Sagan's illness. Who could have seen such a plot twist lurking in the unseen and mysterious future, forcing Isaac to spew one more overly-long monologue about his great friendship with Carl? Yes, he had developed a deep friendship with Carl over the years, their shared passion for science and exploration and multiple wives and a wide variety of sex partners forging a bond between them. Janet's eyes widened, mirroring Isaac's concern, as she processed the unexpected news.

"Carl is sick?" Isaac's eyes rolled up in their sockets and he began to stammer, like a positronic robot dealing with a conflict between the Three Laws of Robotics, "Processing...processing... processing... processing... processed." Isaac's eyes came back into focus and he said, "That's terrible!" Isaac resumed his delivery of his lines as specified in the script, his voice now tinged with worry. "We must do everything we can to help him. If you have knowledge of a cure from the future, Anya, then it's imperative that you use that knowledge to aid him. His contributions to science and his dedication to expanding our understanding of the universe are invaluable."

Janet, too, expressed her concern for Carl. "Anya, if there's something you can do to help him, we fully support your decision. Carl has been a dear friend to both of us, and his impact on science and education is immeasurable. Also, I can never forget the weekend when Isaac and Carl swapped wives and Carl gave me a half dozen electrifying orgasms. Please, take all the time you need to work on the cure. We will eagerly await your return, knowing that you're doing everything in your power to assist him."

Carl and Anny

Isaac reached out, placing a comforting hand on Anya's shoulder. "Anya, you have become an integral part of our lives. Your knowledge and care and your frequent uninhibited administration of pheromones to Janet and myself have been invaluable to both of us as we seek to keep having multiple orgasms each day into our twilight years. While we will miss your presence and particularly the presence of your incredible pleasure-producing tongue during this time, Carl's well-being is of utmost importance. We trust in your abilities and eagerly await your return to continue working together and providing us with much desired sexplay sessions."

Janet nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and concern. "Please keep us informed of his progress, Anya. If there's anything we can do to assist you or support Carl in any way, please don't hesitate to let us know."

Anya looked into the caring eyes of Isaac and Janet, appreciating their understanding and support. "Thank you both for your understanding. I will keep you updated on Carl's condition and my progress in developing the cure. Rest assured, I will return as soon as possible to resume my role as Isaac's health coach and physician. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and each other. It is up to the two of you to generate enough orgasms each day to compensate for the time that I will not be able to spend in bed with each of you during the next six months."

With a mixture of emotions, the trio continued their conversation, discussing their hopes for the future, the advancements in space exploration, and the ongoing collaboration among nations. They also had a long three-way sexplay session there on the living room floor. While Carl's illness weighed heavily on their hearts, their shared determination to re-unite in six months served as a guiding light in the face of uncertainty.

Avya in 1993

Janet, Isaac and Anya were laying in a tangle of limbs and other body parts in the middle of the living room floor when Anya's twelve year old daughter, Avya Isley Penmewly, got home from classes at Stuyvesant High School. Like both of her parents, Avya was a nerdy science student who had begun high school at an unusually early age. Avya chided Janet and her parents, "Is this all you do during the day when I'm at school?" Anya had allowed Avya to think of Isaac as her father.

Anya got off of the floor and strapped on the E-sized bra that she now wore, her breasts having grown larger during the time of her pregnancy with Avya and the years during which Anya had breast fed Avya. Anya told her daughter, "Today is a special day. I was having a long, and I do mean long..." She glanced at Isaac's erection, "goodby sexplay session Janet and Isaac before departing. For the next six months your father and Janet will take care of you."

Avya was dismayed. "What do you mean?"

"I have an emergency mission that will require all my attention for the next six months."

Fiction?

Avya was well aware that her mother was a Temporal Agent from the future. The secret of Anya's origins had been kept within the immediate circle of her friends and family, but Anya wrote and published science fiction stories about time travel, as if inviting someone to guess her secret identity as a Temporal Agent. Avya asked her mother, "This is part of your time travel mission? Why can't I go with you?"

Janet pulled on her panties and stood beside Avya, putting an arm around the young girl. "Don't worry darling, Isaac and I will be here for you while your mother is away."

Anya explained, "During my training for this mission, back when I was living in 2046, I was warned that I would have to save Carl Sagan's life, but due to the constraints on Temporal Paradox™, I did not know the details. That time has come." She looked at Janet's erect nipples and then watched Isaac rather comically trying to get his still semi-erect penis back into his pants. "Now that we all have come, I'll be on my way to a secret laboratory that has been established by the Temporal Service here in the 20th century just so that I can manufacture the gene-programmed stem cells that will save Carl's life."

With wonder in her voice, Avya said, "Gene-programmed cells? Oh, please take me along. I'd love to observe these advanced cell biology techniques from the future. After all, I'm trying to find a good idea for my next Science Olympiad project."

Anya sternly shook her head, "Due to mysterious temporal constrains, you must stay here. And I want you to be brave about this... I must leave today. Now, come with me to my room and help me finish packing."

Avya dutifully helped her mother finish packing her two large suitcases. Avya continued to argue her case that she should be allowed to go with her mother to the secret gene-programming laboratory. "Just think of all the other lives that could be saved by this advanced medical technology. You must allow me to learn these techniques."

Anya said firmly, "No, I was warned during my training that gene-programming technology cannot be used for any purpose other than saving Carl's life. If this technology was applied to others during this decade, it would dramatically alter Earth's historical timeline in unfavorable ways. And please do not forget; I know you have read the script for this story and and we both know that you will not be with me for the next six months. So stop providing logical reasons in support of your desire to be with me! In science fiction stories it is perfectly normal for twelve year old girls to be abandoned by their mother for extended periods of time."

Anya was in a hurry, trying to conform to the temporal constraints that were carefully described in the script, all in an attempt by the author of the story in order to keep the plot from bogging down in endless chatbot-generated blather. "Now, give me a hug and I'll be on my way. A cab is waiting for me." She handed Avya a small business card. "You can call me at this number. You'll get an automated answering service only, but then I'll call you back. Any time you want to talk, just call."

As specified in the script, Avya could no longer restrain her tears. Anya wiped the tears off of her daughter's pink cheeks, kissed the tip of her nose and then picked up her bags and departed. Avya looked out the window and watched the street until the cab carrying Anya pulled away and moved down the street. 

whimsical self-portrait of Ayllo
on a time travel mission

Avya went through the connecting door to her room and threw herself down on her bed. She picked up her Psion and recorded the phone number that had been given to her by her mother. Avya rolled off of the bed and slipped the Psion into her pocket. She opened up the top drawer of her big antique wooden dresser and placed the business card in the drawer. Then there was a strange sound and she looked across the room to where there was a tall woman who was dressed in a formal Temporal Service uniform. She said, "Hello, Avya, I'm Captain Ayllo."

Avya wiped her eyes to brush away her lingering tears. She had heard her mother speak of Captain Ayllo who had trained Anya for her time travel mission. Working under a contract that flirted with violations of child labor laws, Avya asked the obvious question as demanded by the script, "You are from the future?"

Captain Ayllo approached Avya and explained, "Your mother could not be told what I will now tell you. We must not allow her to know of your mission... that would only distract Anya from her important work." Ayllo was rather dismayed at the fragile appearance of the very young and vulnerable girl that stood before her. Using a Temporal Viewer could somehow never really prepare one for meeting someone in the flesh. Ayllo continued, "I must send you further back in time to complete your own time travel mission."

Captain Ayllo

Avya laughed rather wildly and then asked, "Are you joking?"

"No, you have an important mission in 1916. Exactly 100 years before our goal of getting the first crew landed on Mars."

"Mother has told me about that!" Avya explained excitedly, "I've been studying robotics... I'm going to help get people to Mars by 2015!"

"Yes, that is part of our plan." Captain Ayllo held out towards Avya one of the newer Psion models. "Here, let's trade. I've stored in this device information that will be important for your mission in the past." Avya wordlessly pulled her Psion out of her pocket and exchanged it for the modified one that Temporal Agent Ayllo has brought to 1993 from the future.

Captain Ayllo spoke rapidly, "Now, listen carefully. I have only a few minutes before our Temporal Window closes. Using the Time Travel Machine, we can make copies of people. Avya, in just a moment, I will duplicate you. One copy of you will go to 1916. The other copy will remain here to complete your important work in the 21st century. Are you ready to begin?"

Her heart racing, Avya nodded. To the original copy of Avya, it appeared that Captain Ayllo simply vanished. Just then, Janet knocked, opened the door, looked in from the hallway and asked, "Were you speaking to someone?"

Avya ran to Janet and threw her arms around her. She asked, "Why did I have to stay here?" This copy of Avya wished that it was she who could have been sent into the past on an exciting time travel mission. But no... she would remain here, stuck in Time, and have to keep secret her contact with Captain Ayllo and knowledge that a copy of herself had been sent into the past.

Janet patted the girl's head and told her, "Your mother leaving us for six months was a sudden surprise for all of us. I suggest that we all go out and do something fun. Is there a movie you would like to see?" Janet knew that there was.

Avya had not yet seen Back to the Future Part V. She leaned back from Janet and said, "Could we see Back to the Future?"

Isaac was there behind Janet. He said, "I've been wanting to see that myself." So that evening they all went to the Lincoln Plaza Cinemas and saw Back to the Future Part V. Avya could not stop thinking about the amazing idea that a copy of herself had been sent into the past. She wondered if she could find historical records of that copy in the library.

 _______________

 The duplicated copy of Avya arrived in 1916. It seemed as if the world had blinked out and then returned, with everything changed. Then she heard crickets chirping and she realized that she was standing in the middle of a grassy lawn behind a big old-fashioned house. The glow of yellow light coming through several of the windows was all that illuminated the yard. Avya could well believe that she was in 1916. The sky was cloudy and almost black. In the distance, two dogs barked back and forth to each-other. Avya still held the Psion. She opened it, activated the screen and saw a short message: Go into the house and find your mission collaborator, I. Jones.

Her heart racing with excitement, Avya went onto the back porch. Her feet were now wet with dew and she wished she had been wearing shoes when Captain Ayllo sent her into the past. 

Avya turned off her Psion, put it into her pocket and rapped her knuckles on the back door of the house. After about ten seconds, she heard foot falls then the door opened. A middle aged man looked at her and he seemed to have trouble focusing his eyes. He rubbed one eye with the back of a hand and Avya could see that he held a pen in his other hand. Finally he asked, "Is there some problem, miss?"

Avya was amused by the man's thick Scottish accent. Suddenly she felt like she should not lie to this gentleman. "I need help. I'm lost." 

Just then, she noticed a boy enter into the kitchen behind his father. He asked, "Who is..." At the sight of Avya, the boy fell silent. 

The man said, "Maybe we need to perform introductions. I'm Henry." He looked at his son who was staring at Avya, a sly grin growing on his lips. Avya was staring at Indy, and she felt a shiver go up her spine. The man tried to catch the attention of his son by clearing his throat and then when Indy finally looked at his father, Henry nodded towards Avya.

The boy looked back and forth between his father and the cute girl and finally said, "Oh, I'm He... Indy."

Avya put out her hand and said, "Hello, Henry. My name is Avya Isley Penmewly."

Henry skeptically raised an eyebrow but took her hand in his and said, "What a charming name. Please come in."

Avya finally came through the doorway and Henry closed the back door. Indy asked, "Where are your shoes? How did you get into our back yard?"

Avya meets Indy

Henry scowled at his son and then told Avya, "Forgive my son, he has no mother so he has no manners. Let's go into the parlor and you can take a seat... rest your feet" He led Avya into the parlor. "You look like you came from a distant land and I can't quite place your accent."

Avya sat on the velvet upholsterer couch and then Henry and Indy settled into chairs. Avya wished she could tell the truth, but she did not dare. Avya started lying, "I've been raised out of the country... my dad is a writer and we've traveled all over the world. Then he got into trouble in Spain. He told me to come here and find his cousin."

Indy asked, "What kind of a name is Penmewly? There is nobody with that name around here."

Avya smiled and replied, "You can blame my mother for my unusual name. Maybe we have been running from bill collectors my whole life... before we used the name 'Penmewly', our name was 'Jones'."

Henry said, "You don't look like you are related to me... your mother must be very beautiful."

"Yes, she is... or was. She was 45 when I was born..." Avya left that dangling as she thought about her mother, the Temporal Service Agent. Everything was happening so very fast to Avya and she could not yet think of herself as a Temporal Agent.

Indy was trying to put together the jumble of puzzle pieces that Avya was methodically spreading across the floor. "You just got to Princeton? Did you take the train down from New York. And you lost your shoes?"

Avya thought about her favorite movie and said, "Well, a bear ate my shoes, and yes, I know New York quite well. I do hope you can give me a place to stay... until I find my family."

Indy scoffed and began to say, "A bear? That's cr-"

Henry said, "We'll have to try to find your family. We've been living in Utah for the past several years, so there are many new people in town that I don't know. There could be a dozen different Jones families." He told Indy, "Take Avy to school in the morning. Ask Principle Thronklin to check the school system records." He told Avya, we'll solve this mystery... in time."

_______________________________

A week later, all efforts to find Avya's relatives had been abandoned. She had quickly made herself indispensable around the Jones house by cooking, cleaning and shopping. Avya was now enrolled at Princeton High School. The Jones house was on Park Place, half way between the high school and the University where Henry had an office, although he often worked in his home office.

For Avya, that week had been a whirlwind of learning the way of life and daily living in 1916. She had obtained useful hints from her Psion. Soon after arriving in 1916, Avya had decided that the Psion must have advanced computer technology from the future, most likely from the 21st century. She'd discovered how to switch the device's screen to a high resolution color mode. The vast memory of the device contained encyclopedic volumes of information about the world of 1916 and quite a large biographical file on Henry and his obsession: searching for the Holy Grail, a fabled lost artifact of the ancient world.

Among the many full color image files in the memory of the Psion was one labeled "Podgory Space Dock", showing a large orbital space station. While alone, Avya often stared at the image, trying to imagine how far in the future it would be until such a station could be built in Earth orbit. She wondered: and what is a Podgory?" Even more perplexing was the text paragraph under the image that said:

Get a cleaning job that will get you into the laboratory of Dr. Goddard. Find ways to share knowledge of rocketry with the staff in Goddard's laboratory. With your assistance, the pace of space exploration will be advanced, making it possible to send a manned mission to Mars by 2015. Also, show this image to Indy.

The Jones house.

The Psion contained seemingly endless files on rocketry, including electronic guidance systems. Avya knew little about electronics, but she began to learn from the Psion and its artificial intelligence teaching system. She began thinking in terms of several years that she imagined it might take her to accomplish her mission. However, it was only one week into her life in 1916 when Indy came into her bedroom late one night while she was using the Psion. She'd fallen asleep while reading about electronics. When Indy burst in to her room, she awoke and tried to hide the Psion under the covers. He demanded, "What is that?" For the past three days, Indy had taken to watching Avya through a secret peephole that allowed him to watch her undressing from up in the attic.

Avya had to show the advanced hand-held computer to Indy, but she put it into the primitive display mode that emulated an actual 1993 Psion. For her part, Avya forced Indy to admit that he had been spying on her. Indy told her, "Of course I've been watching you. Dad has not been able to discover anything about you. Were you sent here to spy on him? Discover what he knows about the Grail?"

Avya chuckled nervously, "I can't take you seriously... or your father. Who spends their life trying to prove that a fable is real?"

Indy was trying to figure out how to use the Psion, but he was pretty much just randomly pushing buttons. "Where did you get this? I've never seen anything like it."

Avya decided to give the answer that was true for her original Psion. "It was a gift from my father."

"Your father. The mysterious writer." He gave up trying to understand the purpose of the Psion. He looked at Avya, which had become his favorite avocation. Indy was completely infatuated with her. "What has he published?"

"He was born in Russia... so nothing you would have heard of... things like his Foundation books." Avya enjoyed the way that Indy watched her. She admitted to herself: And I like looking at him... hearing his stories about Utah... his dreams for the future.

"His books might be in the library at the University."

"No." She said it with complete confidence.

"How do you know? They have a million books."

"Well, take me there, we can find out." She would have to start learning her way around the University in order to accomplish her mission.

"Fine. We'll go tomorrow."

"After school?"

"First thing. The library opens at seven." He seemed in no hurry to go back to his room. 

Avya leaned her head close to Indy and she was now quietly whispering, "Indy, I want to show you something, but you have to promise not to tell anyone. Not even your father."

"Fine."

Avya the rocket scientist.

Avya held the Psion so that he could not see how she used the controls. She switched into the high resolution mode and brought up the image of the Podgory space station and then turned the screen towards Indy. It took a minute for him to understand what he was seeing. He asked, "Why are you showing this to me?"

Trying to be as quiet as possible Avya restrained herself from blurting out: it is in the script! Insted, she calmly said, "I have a crazy idea. I think you have seen this before."

"I have, but how do you know?"

Avya admitted, "When I clean you father's office I read his books and writings. I saw something like this in his Grail diary."

Indy explained, "It is a vision he had... not long before I was born. That vision is what drives him to search for the Grail. But you are telling me that he never saw a cup... he saw this space station?"

"I think he did."

"This makes no sense. I have to show this to dad."

"You promised to keep this secret."

For a long minute Indy looked at Avya, her face glowing in the light that was emitted by the Psion. Indy asked, "Does this have a battery in it?"

Avya rolled out of her bed and pulled a box out from under the bed. She opened the box and took out a power cord. This had been her first electronics project. Making a power cable that could re-charge the battery in the Psion. She'd followed instructions that were in a file in the top directory of the device. "You can't tell anyone anything about any of this. Just keep telling people that I'm your cousin from Europe."

"That's wearing thin. You know too much. Everyone thinks you are a genius... including me. I don't believe you are sixteen."

"How old do you think I am?"

Indy took that opportunity to feel her breasts through the fabric of her silk pajamas. "You're just a kid. I'll guess that you are only twelve."

Avya had enjoyed the gentle touch of his finger tips on her stiff nipples. "Before I came here to Princeton, I was already in high school. If I'd given my real age, they might have sent me back to seventh grade." A glance at his pajamas proved that Indy was also erect. She said, "Just tell me that you'll keep my secrets... like you promised."

"It is going to cost you."

"Cost what?"

"I'll think of something." He slowly leaned closer to Avya. He brushed his lips against her cheek and the went back to his room.

Science nerd Avya.

The next day, of course they failed to find any of the three books called Foundation, Foundation and Empire or Second Foundation. When a librarian had asked for the name of the author, Avya, who was intent on having to keep track of as few lies as possible, replied, "The were published under the name 'Isaac Asimov'."

The librarian had never heard of a writer named 'Asimov' and none could be found in the library's catalog of books. The librarian was only able to tell Indy that the name "Podgory" was of polish origin.

Avya asked Indy to show her the building where Dr. Goddard had his laboratory. When they were standing in front of the building, Indy said, "Rockets and your Podgory space station."

Avya nodded. "Eventually, rockets will take people into orbit... and beyond." She almost mentioned the name 'Grissom', the first man to stand on the surface of the Moon, since he had been born in Indiana. She asked Indy, "Why does everyone call you Indy?"

He answered her question with a question, "Why do you suppose?" He had his own personal question for her, "Are you from the future?"

She giggled. "Time travel? Have you read The Time Machine?"

"Yes, I have."

"If I was from the future, do you think I'd tell you?"

"I don't know. I want to know everything about you." He put his arms around her, pulled her close and kissed the tip of her nose.

It was a chilly fall morning and she enjoyed feeling the warmth of his body against her. Avya surprised herself by pressing her lips against his. For a minute they kissed, then pulled apart and began walking back home, holding hands. When they reached Park Place, she asked, "If I wanted to get a job at the University, how would I do it?

"A job?"

"Sweeping floors... washing dishes... doing laundry... if I worked for the University then I'd get paid."

Indy led Avya into the house and said, "Here, you are family. You can't really expect dad to pay you... although it is nice to have you around helping with chores... even if Mrs. Wick now has nothing to do." Mrs. Wick was the cleaning lady who came to the house three times a week.

Avya made a quick lunch and said, "We can go to our afternoon classes. I don't want to miss my calculus class."

Avya in 1932

Indy commented, "You're the only girl in that class. You are younger that all the guys. I heard you got the top score on an exam, just two days after you began attending the class."

Avya shrugged. "Math is easy for me. I've already taken a calculus class... back home."

"Where is 'back home'?"

"New York."

"Where in New York?"

"Does it really matter?"

"Or should I ask: when in New York? 1960? 1970? 1980? 1990? Are you from the next century?"

"You should not ask. Its not polite to concern yourself with a woman's secrets."

Indy laughed and again put his arms around Avya. "I'm going to find out everything about you... eventually. You might as well tell me now."

She leaned against him and muttered, "I wish I could tell you everything you want to know... but..."

He said, "You can trust me. We're going to be a team."

She ran out of the house and headed for school. When he caught up with Avya, Indy took hold of her hand and asked, "What is the name of the game you are playing?"

She replied, "That's the problem... I'm not sure that it is a team sport. I was told to show you that image of the Podgory space station, but nothing more."

Indy mused, "Podgory is a Russian name of Polish origin." He wondered why Avya we so reluctant to tell him her secrets. What can she be hiding? "In the future, does Russia develop rockets that can reach outer space?"

Ksynya Virganskaya

Avya was thinking about the future as she knew it, with the first orbital sputnik being sent up in 1954. But what if her presence in her own past changed things? Could her actions cause a huge space station to be built by Russians at some time in the far future? Or would her act of providing help to Goddard prevent Russians from building the Podgory space station? Avya squeezed Indy's hand and told him, "I've only known you for a week. For now, the game we are playing 'wait and see'. I have to find out if I can really trust you." She kissed his cheek and ran off to her math class.

That evening, Avya was browsing through the numerous files in her Psion when she came across an image of a mysterious woman. The caption for the image was 'Ksynya Virganskaya'." The accompanying text was:

 Assign Ayvanna the task of approaching Ksynya at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the International Peace Bureau. She will have access to Russian autonomous vehicle computer code.

Avya was perplexed. The image of Ksynya looked like a young, glittering and self-indulgent version of a woman who Avya had briefly met a week previously: Captain Ayllo of the Temporal Service. 

In what would be their pattern for the next five years, Indy quietly came into Avya's bedroom. They kissed rather passionately and then glancing at the image of Ksynya, he asked, "Who is she?"

"I don't know. I only just found her image. What is the International Peace Bureau?" The next day, the librarian at their school was able to answer that question. 

______________________________________________

Avya on her wedding night.

 October 1921. Through the years, Avya and Indy grew quite close and eventually they were married. Their first child, Ayvanna, was born in 1921. Occasionally, they went with Indy's father on trips to Europe and the Middle East, but mostly they remained in Princeton where Avya became an indispensable part of the rocketry research and development process in the United States. 

Avya's knowledge of rockets, jet air craft, atomic energy, computers and other technologies from the future allowed the U.S. military to dominate the world and enforce a lasting peace. In Avya's Reality, the new timeline for Earth did not include any major wars after the Great War.

Watching her daughter grow through the years, Avya could not understand why Ayvanna did not seem to have any of Indy's distinctive facial features. She recalled sometimes hearing Janet comment on the fact that she looked nothing like her father, Isaac. Avya had once asked her mother, "Is Isaac really my father?" Anya had replied, "Such a silly question. He's the only man I've ever had sex with since the day I met him... there in 2046." Anya had seemed to slip off into reminiscences of past times. Avya let the matter go. Only later would Avya understand that the Temporal Service, having found a talented Temporal Agent, often made use of clones of that agent.

_____________________________________________

Ayvanna in 1941

 September 1941. It was not until 1941 that Avya's daughter, Ayvanna, was allowed to meet Ksynya. By then, Ayvanna had done her senior research project in the Princeton Robotics Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Alonzo Church. She had met Alan Turing during the time that he was visiting Princeton and collaborating with Church on development of CORGY, a computerized rocket guidance system. By this time, Avya was a senior rocket scientist in the NRP (National Rocketry Program) which was headed by Dr. Goddard.

The evening before her flight to Switzerland, Ayvanna, her younger sister, Alyssa, her mother Avya and her father, Indy, lingered over dinner. Unlike Ayvanna who was very similar in appearance to her mother, Alyssa had many of her father's features and could easily be credited as being Indy's daughter.

Ayvanna had been trained for this mission to Europe through the course of her entire life. After Goddard's famous speech before the League of Nations in 1925 and the public release of the details for the RAX rocket guidance system, the European Space Agency had formed and began development of its rocketry facility on Usedom island. Ksynya had grown up in Peenemünde, the daughter of one of the Russian rocket engineers who worked in collaboration with Wernher von Braun at the Usedom rocket base.

Avya in 1941

Ayvanna was well-acquainted with all aspects of Ksynya's life and her work with International Peace Bureau. Working as Avya's personal intelligence agent, Indy has been able to confirm that there was a secret autonomous vehicle project at the Usedom rocket base. Based on evidence gathered by Indy during his frequent visits to Germany during the 1930s, the autonomous vehicle project was somehow linked to the secret European atomic energy project.

Over dessert, Ayvanna commented, "I wish we knew something about the European atomics research. Or even this country's secret project at White Sands Missile Base." In fact, Ayvanna was something of an expert on that topic, but in the current atmosphere of paranoia over atomic secrets, she had no desire to make that public knowledge.

Indy's investigations indicated that an atomic weapon would soon be tested at White Sands. Alyssa reminded everyone, "Someone in Washington must know that the Europeans have an atomic bomb. I suppose I should rest more comfortably knowing that my school has been stocked with medical supplies and food in case of an atomic attack."

Avya reminded Ayvanna, "When you contact Ksynya, don't say anything about atomics. We have to keep our eye on the ball. Your trip to Europe has always been about the development of the robotic systems that will be needed for space exploration."

Ayvanna in Geneva, 1941.

Indy shook his head sadly. "It is hard to maintain focus on that long-range goal when the whole world is fired-up over the applications of atomic energy."

Ayvanna asked her mother, "What should I do if Ksynya wants to talk about atomic energy?"

Avya sighed and placed a hand on top on one of her daughter's hands. "I don't know. This is all in your hands now." Avya had pretty much given up wondering if her actions could change the future. Although she had never paid much attention while in her world history courses, as far as she could tell, the world's timeline of historical events continued to unfold exactly as it had in her Reality. Still, there were many unknowns. Would she live long enough to meet her future self, maybe even witness her own birth? All such mysteries seemed trivial now that Ayvanna was going off to Europe.

For the past five years, Ayvanna had carried the Psion, ever since she had discovered how to decrypt some files in the device's memory, revealing that Captain Ayllo had long ago foreseen the time when Avya would transfer the Psion to her daughter. Those encrypted files held a message just for Ayvanna, providing details on exactly how and when to approach Ksynya during the Golden Jubilee celebration of the International Peace Bureau. Those instructions made her mission seem quite simple, but Ayvanna's parents were worried and full of doubts.

Next: Part 5 of The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus.

Visit the Gallery of Movies, Book and Magazine Covers