Impossible Journey, A Tale of Times and Truth

Walt walks cautiously out to the edge of the small forest which hides their craft from view. He reaches the edge where he can see the road through the trees, and notices the imposing Independence Hall building in the distance, behind another clump of trees. “Wow,” he thinks to himself, “It’s just like on the postcard Aunt Susie sent when she toured the historical section of this city. But, that’s the real thing over there. Boy, I’d like to get a closer look.” But, suddenly, his thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps and voices. Peering out, he can see three men approaching in the distance. Listening carefully, he is able to make out the conversation:
"Wasn't that great though, what Franklin said yesterday? I mean that business about the sun being a rising sun!"
"Indeed! Franklin’s a real optimist, isn’t he?"
"I sure hope he’s right."
"Well, gentlemen, we can certainly trust in a higher source than Franklin. Why don’t you try praying to The Almighty and trusting in Him as does Washington?"
"Washington? He’s too old-fashioned. I’m a Deist like Franklin. I believe there’s a God, sure. He created this world, sure. But, ever since, He’s just been sitting back and leaving everything up to us. Why, He’s too busy with things up there to be concerned about things down here."
”And, where do you find that in the Bible?"
By now, the footsteps and voices have reached the tree behind which Walt crouches. Now they pass it. Curious to hear more of the conversation, Walt steps out stealthily onto the dusty road and creeps up quietly behind the three men. Being deeply involved in their conversation, they fail to notice him for the moment.
"Everyone knows," continues one man, "that the Bible was just written by men."
"I’m sorry to disagree, but it’s the only book which claims to be the Word of God."
"A claim easily enough made."
"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" urges the other man, "Let’s not argue! I mean, after all, we’re all striving for the same thing, aren’t we? And we all agree, at least, that if everything goes as planned, we’ve got a brilliant future ahead of us. Right? Isn’t that what Franklin meant by the rising sun?!"
At this point, a fallen twig breaks under Walt’s foot and one of the men turns and sees Walt following them. Trying to appear as natural as possible, Walt takes long strides in order to join himself to the three as quickly as possible. He also begins talking quickly, hoping thus to divert attention away from his strange attire. "Gentlemen, forgive me, but I happened to be going this way, and I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. What you say is very interesting. It’s certainly good to be optimistic but, have you considered the possibility that there could be problems with the new government as well--I mean, the chance that things won’t always be as great as you are expecting?"
"No, of course not!" replies the man who was talking just before Walt. "That’s one thing we all agree on--that with the new constitution and the institution of a Democratic form of government, the future will be wonderful. Why, what could possibly go wrong?"
"Well, civil war for one thing," ventures Walt.
"Civil war? Are you crazy?--In a country with such a birth of freedom as ours will have? It could never happen!"
"But it will happen--and more--riots, looting, crime and world wars"
"Hey! Who are you anyway? Where do you come from?"
Suddenly Walt is frightened and unsure of himself. "From a long way from here," he answers haltingly.
"That’s obvious," observes one man, turning to the others. "Just look at his clothes!"
Walt decides that it may be best to tell the truth, even if they won’t believe it. "I come from a long way from here both in space and time -- mainly in time. I come from your future. That’s how I know what’s going to happen."
"That’s ridiculous!"
"It certainly is! He’s obviously a hired spy sent by the British to beat down our moral while he finds out our secrets."
"But, we’ve got him now!”
They start to reach for Walt, who breaks into a run.
"After him!"
"Don’t let him get away!" And the chase is on!