“Before we start working that out, lets have some lunch!” Said Sam, starting to open and shut cupboards. “I’ve come across this AMAZING human delicacy called PEETZA - have you come across it?”
Everyone smiled and nodded politely, sitting back and watching while Sam made some dough and quickly shaped pizza bases and topped them with a range of delicious options.
Everyone sat back in their seats. Tom was a bit embarrassed, but needed the toilet, so asked Sal where the bathroom was. Was there even a bathroom? Did Alien’s need to wee? Sal pointed to a door in the corner of the room. Tom as relieved to see a bathroom that had a bit more shiny metal than usual, and a few extra buttons he was too nervous to press,but seemed otherwise to function in the same way as any bathroom he was used to. As he came back from the bathroom he noticed the entrance to another area of the cabin that wasn’t visible from the main room. Tom couldn’t stop his curiosity and snuck his head around the corner. All he could see was a collection of shiny screens and projected maps seeming to show the cosmos in all it’s glory. As he edged forward he reached his hand out to touch the projection of the stars. The map seemed to grow and pulsate. It was almost impossible to focus in on any details. As he concentrated on a small part the stars seemed to evolve and move. Tom was transfixed.
“Beautiful isn’t it” sad Sal, taking Tom by surprise.
“Oh, yes, sorry!” Replied Tom, conscious that he probably wasn’t supposed to be there.
“The time computer shows all parts of the universe and time. It takes some practice to get used to it. We are taught from a young age on our planet to understand and see the details. It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to newbies”
Tom spotted an area of the map that seemed to be changing colours rapidly, moving through greens to reds and purples, and sending out ripples of colour and lights to other areas of the map. Tom pointed at the anomaly. “What’s that?”.
Sam frowned slightly and sighed. “That’s the signal that we picked up to indicate that there was a problem with the timeline in that area, and that part of time. The computer is essentially glitching because it detects that that that point in time is potentially disrupted. There are too many variable outcomes based around that point in time, and that creates instability. That was the signal that we picked up.”
The computer projection had a hypnotic beauty, but Tom had started feeling a little sick and was swaying on his feet. Sal noticed Tom’s condition and gently put a hand on his shoulder to lead him out of the room. ” A bit of food will see you right in no time” and directed Tom back to the main group.
Tom joined Delyth, Mo and Mali who were sitting together, watching the Pizza preparation with hunger in their eyes. After a slightly uncomfortable silence Mo turned to Mali. “So, what brings you to this “History club” then? I can tell why she is here”, looking at Delyth who had her head back in a book, “but you don’t strike me as the history type”.
“Got thrown out of every other holiday club in Cardiff”, said Mali with a straight face. Mo’s eyes widened, and he appeared to be working out whether he was terrified or impressed. “What did you do?”
”Various things”, said Mali. “Never anything that hurt anyone. Although I suppose changing the labels on the chemicals in science club was probably a little bit dangerous… How was I to know that those combinations could cause an explosion….”.
“Your parents must have gone mad!” Exclaimed Mo.
“Not really” replied Mali. “No parents. I live with my nan. She does her best, but she’s getting quite old now, and prefers a quiet life. It can be a bit boring at home, so…”
”You look for excitement elsewhere?” Said Mo, looking at Mali questioningly.
”Something like that” said Mali with a wry smile. “So” said Mali, clearly wanting to change the subject, “You’re not here by choice either are you?”.
Mo looked at his knee with a slight grimace. “No. Injured my knee in a sliding tackle. My Dad is gutted. He had my next 10 years planned out with hopes to win the European championships for Wales one day. This might heal, but the doctors weren’t optimistic. I’m not good at anything else. I think my parents sent me here in some hope to improve my school work”.
“Must have been a lot of pressure on you, living up to everyone else’s dreams” reflected Mali. “Maybe i should be grateful that no-one expects much of me.”.
Mo looked at her thoughtfully, but then was interrupted by the most delicious looking Pizza being placed on the table. There were all kinds of options with a salad that even the assorted 11 and 12 year olds seemed to find appealing! Tom was still looking a little green, resulting in some curious looks from the rest of the group. Sal had been right thought, and the first bite of pizza helped settle his stomach and the room was no longer spinning. Quickly the room was filled with the sounds of contented munching while Sam stood back, watching with some pride.
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