Chapter 3
“I heard your day was boring,” May deadpanned as she continued serving behind the bar. Coulson was sat on a bar stool nursing a beer. May had heard the story at lunchtime but wanted to hear what actually happened from Coulson.
“Yeah. Ward decided he had a death wish and tackled someone off a horse while two people were shooting at him.”
“He does remember that if he dies in here he dies in real life?”
“Yeah, I think so. I don’t think being in this environment is good for him. He seems to be acting differently. He normally takes risks but nothing like that. Has Skye been acting normally?”
“You mean apart from wanting to kill Ward after she heard what happened? She seems normal but we’ve both been busy here: I haven’t really had time to talk to her much.”
“Maybe we should keep an eye on them. I know it was tough the last time they were in here. It’s bound to be difficult. Also I know they didn’t tell us everything that happened the last time.”
“I know. Maybe we should talk to them later on, once the bar is closed.”
“Good idea. Plus we may be able to stop Skye killing Ward for a little while then.”
Coulson watched as May moved away to continue serving customers. Being the only bar in the town it was constantly busy and with only May and Skye to serve they were kept extremely busy. He knew that they were only stepping into the people’s lives, hopefully for only a short period of time, but he wondered if he could do anything to help them. This was no life for anyone; the women were constantly rushed off their feet being hassled by drunken men. May was hassled less being behind the bar, plus her demeanour stopped most guys. However, Skye had it worse as she was walking around the punters. She was trying to pick up glasses and serve people sat at tables away from the bar. She was constantly squeezed as she wandered around and one guy even slapped her. He was about to go to her aid when she turned around and smacked him in the face. Judging by the amount of blood pouring from it, it looked like she had broken his nose. Looks like Ward had taught her well. Catching her eye he grinned with pride at her. He was proud at how she was developing; her and Ward made a good paring.
“I may end up committing murder before we leave here,” muttered Ward, sitting beside Coulson.
Seeing him sit down May poured him a shot of vodka before giving him a beer.
“I take it you saw what just happened with Skye. You should be proud she just broke that guys nose.”
“I know and I am proud. I know she can take care of herself. But she shouldn’t have to deal with that, people should just keep their hands to themselves. I know things were different in these times but there is no need to harass people.”
Coulson looked at the specialist carefully. It was clear how much it was annoying him and how he wished he could do something to change the situation. It made him wonder exactly what had occurred the last time they were in the machine.
“Did something like this happen last time?” He questioned, knowing Ward would know what he was talking about but not give anything away to anybody who was listening.
“Not exactly: it wasn’t as bad. People weren’t invading her personal space. But women were considered inferior. There was a heat wave while we were there, the men could wear looser clothing and were relatively comfortable, whereas the women were expected to still wear long dresses that were close fitting. One woman passed out due to the heat. How was that fair?” Ward commented bitterly.
Coulson was startled at Ward’s feelings on the subject. It was clearly something that had bothered him. He had considered how being out of place would have affected the pair but never the circumstances of the time period. It was clear that being in the machine had a bigger effect on Ward than he had let on or Coulson had realised. They definitely needed to have another conversation. They had no idea how long they were going to be stuck here for so they needed to ensure all of the team was mentally stable. Or as best they could be in this situation.
“I actually have an idea that may help with this situation.” Coulson commented.
Ward waved a hand, indicating for him to continue.
“I was thinking how rushed the ladies are. Also, we will ultimately get out of here, but the people whose lives we are living will still live like this. It’s a hard life for them but I think we can help them. It will give us some help initially but help them in the long run. I was thinking of hiring another server for the bar and a guy to help tidy and make sure there is no trouble.”
“You want to hire a bouncer, before bouncers have been invented?”
“Well it would make a difference. It may stop the men harassing Skye. Plus I don’t know if you have noticed a lot of men are out of work currently. So they come in here and drink instead. By doing that not only do we help out the ladies we can also help out the town. I was thinking about getting more people to help in the Sheriff’s office as well.”
“That’s a good idea. I know it’s possible to change things in this time period as we did the last time. It would be good to help people here. It feels wrong taking over people. They don’t remember what happened while we control them and I feel that in some way that’s our fault.”
How had they changed the past the last time they were in the machine? If Skye and Ward had managed to change something last time it explained how they knew that they were actually being sent back into the past. Though why they hadn’t told them after they had got out of the machine Coulson didn’t know. It was something they could talk about later.
“Anyway we can mention it to the ladies later. I wanted to catch up after the bar closes anyway. We can bring up the idea then.” Coulson explained.
“Ok. I’m going to go and see what food we have. They’ll be hungry when they have finished. I’ll go and make something for them to eat.”
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Ward stood in the kitchen stirring the pot of beans and chicken. It was a simple dish but filling. He hoped it would be comforting after working all day. Hearing the clattering of shoes on the stairs he grabbed dishes and began ladling out the dish.
“Smells good.” Smiled Skye tiredly.
She looked tired as she threw what ever she was carrying down to one side and slumped in a chair.
“I’m so ready for food.” She commented.
Ward smiled as he finished dishing up the food giving her a large portion. Silence descended as they all tucked in. It was nice to just sit all together not having to worry about saying something wrong or something that would be out of place in this era. They talked about random things, just enjoying each other’s company. Once done Coulson brought up the topic he and Ward had discussed earlier. As expected Skye and May both agreed it was a good plan.
“Well we were also wondering how you were both doing?” Continued Coulson.
“Fine.” Replied Skye quickly.
Ward couldn’t reply as easily. He had been thinking about something since earlier on.
“I think this time I have memories of the person I’ve taken over.” He blurted out before he could change his mind. Seeing the puzzled looks on the other’s faces he continued.
“It’s a bit like déjà vu. I knew where this place was and my desk at the office felt like mine, though I know I never seen it before. It wasn’t like this last time.”
“I’ve felt small things but I thought it was just me.” Skye interjected.
“I haven’t felt anything,” mentioned Coulson. Seeing May shake her head he continued,
“maybe it’s something to do with you having been in the machine before?”
“Maybe.” Replied Ward. It would explain it but he didn’t think it was the answer. Something felt different this time. Glancing at Skye he saw she was fiddling with what she had brought up from the bar. Seeing his look she spoke.
“Somebody left it behind in the bar. I brought it up here out of the way until someone claims it. Its just there is something in the pocket. I was hoping it would tell us whose it is.”
She pulled out a piece of paper before staring at it.
“Skye? Skye what is it?”
She held up the paper so they could all see it. On it was written a series of words that at first didn’t make sense. But on a second glance Ward realised he recognised them. But that was impossible. It couldn’t be here. There was no way it could be in this era. On the paper was written a web address.
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