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Message-ID: <35235asstr$1013631010@assm.asstr-mirror.org>
From: "Wandering Lanes" <wanderinglanes@hotmail.com>
Subject: {ASSM} Wilma Jenkins - 02 (Mf sci-fi)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 15:10:10 -0500
Path: assm.asstr-mirror.org!not-for-mail
Approved: <assm@asstr-mirror.org>
Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories
Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d



Hi there,

Find attached the third chapter in the Wilma Jenkins story, not really 
sexual more erotic I'm afraid, but here it is anyway.


A single step starts a long journey  ;-}

    Wandering Lanes.


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<1st attachment, "Wilma Jenkins 02.txt" begin>

The Casebook of Wilma Jenkins - 02

Normal disclaimers apply - this is an adult story with adult situations, if 
it is illegal for you, whether by age or local laws, to read such stories 
you are advised to remove yourself from this site.

This story is my creation - it can be copied for private collections as long 
as no profit is made from it - I will allow corrections to be made in such 
collections to allow for spelling and/or html formatting. (Please remember 
this is written in British English - not American English)

Also note I cannot speak Latin, so I'm letting all voices be automatically 
translated, this is for the benefit of my mind only - if you want you can 
translate this yourselves into whatever language you are comfortable with!


----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Casebook of Wilma Jenkins - 02 - The Roman Incursion

The time transport (Mark 23) was in action travelling back to the home time 
line of Wilma Jenkins, the eight people inside were relaxing; Michael and 
Wilma were in 'their' private room, lying together on the bunk.

Wilma was talking, "And what I can't understand is why did I, I mean she 
volunteer for that? I mean knowing that he'd be sharing 'our' body with his 
men, how could I? I mean she?"

Michael shook his head, he only knew about Wildflower from Wilma's 
description, he couldn't imagine what she had suffered and in the end they 
hadn't even captured the man. He could be anywhere or anywhen, but at least 
she'd managed to stop his plans by crippling the men, they were of no use to 
anyone anymore. He'd read of the plagues that had infected the 19th Century 
and the following three hundred years until their eradication by advance 
treatments made possible by time travel, which was why the temporal 
Investigation corps was created to prevent, it was strange, they couldn't 
stop the transporting of drugs to cure the diseases in the past, because 
they were now an established fact, it would have caused further disruptions 
to the timelines.

What Wilma had described was nothing more than genetic warfare, authorised 
by the Council, this was what sicken him more that anything else! He decided 
that when he returned he would leave the service.

Wilma wasn't aware of his thoughts, she was still working her way through 
the idea of allowing herself to be captured and used as Wildflower was.

Their mutual silence was disturbed by the computer voice, "I'm sorry 
Investigators, but we are receiving a call from Corps Control."

The two of them jumped up and ran into the console room, on the radio they 
could just make out the voice of CTI Rawlings, "Jenkins, where the <phssss> 
you?" the interference blocking out the words

Wilma spoke into the microphone, "I'm here boss, what's the problem?"

Rawlings voice held a measure of relief, "Thank God you're alive, we 
<phssss> incursion in progress here, 90% coverage, we've man <phssss> ilised 
the Corps control but we need help<phssss> uation? Over."

Wilma could barely understand the message, "Hello boss, transmission is 
slightly garbled, understand the following - incursion in progress, Corps 
control stabilised. We're currently on our way back, but we'll need 
information on incursion, source and type. Over."

Rawlings voice came back, slightly stronger, "Okay Wilma, we've increase 
signal strength, source of incursion, ancient history roman. Type time 
warping strength 9, language used is Latin, repeat Latin. Your orders, are 
to locate where the incursion has originated from and then ensure that our 
time line is restored, do you understand, you are to restore our time line 
at all costs."

Wilma was worried, this type of incursion could overwrite history as she 
knew it, there was a possibility that once she left the safety of the 
transport she would just disappear.

"Okay boss," Wilma said, "Orders understood, try to stop incursion at root, 
we'll do our best, but you'd better still be there when we've finished."

Rawlings voice showed relief at her words, "Good Wilma, we'll try to keep 
control isolated, good luck."

Wilma wanted to say that she didn't need luck, but stopped herself, this 
might be the one time that she did!

Then a new voice, speaking an almost recognisable language, spoke, the 
computer quickly ran a translation. "Unauthorised time craft, please give 
you designation, origination and destination" Wilma felt all eyes turn to 
her, as it was her voice speaking.

She spoke into the microphone, "This is Time Investigator Wilma Jenkins, we 
are investigating an incursion into our time line. Please allow us to 
continue our work."

The voice replied, "Temporal Investigator, please activate visual screen for 
verification."

Wilma was mystified, it wasn't currently possible to transmit pictures 
whilst travelling in time, even radio was a problem, "Unable to comply with 
request, we do not have visual screens in this transport."

Again the voice replied, "Sending comms unit, attach it to your systems. An 
auto translation unit is attached."

Then through the transports screen appeared a small squat box, Michael 
picked it up, nothing happened so he placed it on the communications 
systems, almost immediately a holographic head appeared, it had Wilma's face 
on it.

The head looked around at the group, when it focused on Michael the mouth 
opened in shock and started to frame a name, and then it looked at Wilma, 
the mouth opened, "By Minerva," it said, "who are you?"

Wilma spoke to the face, "I am Time Investigator Wilma Jenkins, we are in 
hot pursuit of a time criminal, he appears to have created a schism whereby 
my reality is being erased, and I have to stop him. Please identify 
yourself."

The picture responded, "I am Temporal Centurion Cooper, I would ask you to 
stop your pursuit pending our investigation, from your aspect I would think 
that our time frame would be at risk should you be successful."

Wilma nodded, from Cooper's face - her face - it was possible that whatever 
they did to correct the change would destroy Cooper's world, overwrite it 
with their reality, but that was already happening to hers, she couldn't let 
it succeed.

"I understand your concern Centurion, but I'm afraid that I have to preserve 
my reality." Wilma said.

Cooper's face nodded, "I do understand Investigator, but this is my reality 
and I have to defend it against all those who would change or obliterate it, 
I must insist that you stop your actions now"

Wilma shook her head, "Centurion Cooper, as much as I respect your authority 
I have to refuse, I know you realise how much it hurts me, but I have to do 
everything I can to keep my world alive, End of communication."

Without allowing Cooper to respond Wilma switched off the holographic 
display, she looked at the Computer screen, as much as having something to 
concentrate on, "Mark - should we have to, can we evade their transports?"

The computer seemed hesitant, "I don't know Investigator. You saw the ease 
they transported the comms unit into me, they could do the same with a bomb 
or anything else."

Wilma considered this then asked, "How could we prevent them?"

The solemn reply was "We couldn't! They seem to have a better understanding 
of time travel and its complexities, I would recommend inserting ourselves 
into their control area and negotiating for access."

Wilma shook her head, "They'd never let us succeed, what you don't 
understand Mark is that here WE are the transgressor, we're trying to kill 
their way of life, becoming mass murderers if you like."

The computer sounded confused by this, "But they've destroyed our way of 
life, they've declared war on us."

Wilma gave the sober reply, "No they didn't, someone altered time, gave the 
Roman Empire the knowledge to survive for over Two and a half thousand 
years, longer than it did in our history. We have to stop them in order to 
repair the damage done. Mark please attempt to find out where the timeline 
was altered and target that for insertion.

The computer acknowledge the command and started working, in the meantime 
Wilma and the men accompanying her started to search the transport for any 
unexpected presents.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
My personal Journal.

I was in agony, That bitch Wildflower had altered the setting on the medical 
unit, it was keeping me alive, but was only repairing the damage the 
nanoprobes were causing, and instead of killing them off, it kept them 
running to cause more damage, I don't know how long I remained in that 
blasted unit, I should have been unconscious as it worked, but she'd even 
blocked that, the only thing she did allow was the intravenous feeds, she 
wanted me to live through the blasted things administrations.

I was able to move my head close to the activation unit and managed to stop 
it from working long enough to free my arms and hands and really program the 
system correctly. I read over the instructions she gave it, once the door 
was closed it was to render me unconscious until I was restrained, then I 
could be awakened as it was working, or rather torturing me.

I checked and rechecked the program, and then feeling those damned 
nanoprobes working again started the machine up, this time I closed my eyes 
in peace.

When I opened them, it seemed like seconds later, I left the medical 
machine, to make sure I didn't forget about Wildflower I wrote a note to 
myself, You must stop T.I. Wilma Jenkins - she will try to kill you'.  I 
didn't try to sign it, what was the point, after writing it I looked at it 
closely, a whisper of memory was trying to attract my attention, but I 
ignored it, it probably didn't matter. I went to the main control room to 
make my plans.

The future was out, they'd broken my plans, and my enjoyment, I smiled at 
the recollection of the Princesses my last conquests of womanly pleasures, I 
should have had them installed in this machine with me, but I had other 
considerations on my mind!

Sod them, if I couldn't have the future, then neither could they, but when 
could I travel that would cause the most effect, then I realised, with this 
machine I could guide a civilisation, a push here, a pull there. If I played 
my role right - not as the main person - but a trusted second in command. 
Yes that would work. But where?

Then a phrase went through my head, "Et tu Brutus", Why not? They had the 
organisation force, and the worldwide expansion, well the world as they knew 
it, but where could I push?

The first thing I had to do was to learn the language; luckily the capsule 
was fully set-up with a learning bench, now the languages to learn, ancient 
Roman, and Ancient Greek. That was it, introduce a technological advance 
early, get them to realise it's potential. But what could they use?

Then I remembered an old program, I think it was a children's programme, 
they went back in time because the Romans had survived into their 20th 
Century, which was done by introducing Steam Power. It was possible, they 
had the iron working - they made swords and shields, and they were 
methodical, I smile thinking about horseless chariots, real horseless 
chariots. The Vandals and Goths would have no chance when they tried to sack 
Rome.

I duplicated some simple plans for steam engines, created some Greek robes, 
such as a weary traveller would have, I found a gun that one of Wilma's 
troops had dropped, it would only stun which was a pity, but might come in 
useful. I arranged for the capsule to materialise near Pompeii. It was a 
large city, near a volcano, but I ensured that there were several years 
before the next eruption was due, about 70 I think.

Hunting around I found a stabiliser, it allowed me to keep my own time with 
me, thus avoiding any changes I would make! I didn't want to erase myself 
from the world. I emerge from the capsule, white haired and wearing the 
robes of a well-to-do Greek visitor, I asked a passing guard the way to the 
Patricians dwellings, and was directed to an impressive house.

I impressed upon the slave who answered the door, that I had important 
things to discuss with his master, I was asked to wait in the hallway, 
remembering the culture I found a statue of the house guardian, Vesta, 
noticing the money and fruit around the icon, I added a couple of coins 
myself, it didn't hurt to appease the Gods.

"I'm sure the Goddess welcomes your offering," The voice came booming from 
the Patrician, "Now you told my servant that you had an important reason for 
wanting to see me."

I smiled and spoke in Latin, "Thank you my lord for allowing me to speak to 
you, I am a scholar from Athens, and I have brought to you the latest ideas 
from that land, it is a curiosity that will empower the air to move chariots 
without the use of horses, why with some work it would move ships without 
the need of slaves to row the oars."

He smiled at my words and then laughed, "Uses the very air to move things, 
but we have sails that will do that, of what use is that?"

I laughed with him, then said, "But with this you would be able to travel 2 
or 3 times faster than horses, without the bother of sails or waiting for 
the right winds, I could make a small version to show you, that is if you 
are interested?"

He considered this, and then said, "Well, if you can show that it works as 
you say, mind you I cannot afford to waste money on flippancy's."

I smiled, "Of course not my lord, I wasn't asking you for money, just for 
your interest - and when you see the benefits of this whimsy, then you may 
back the idea, which may be to your benefit."

This astounded him; obviously he was use to people coming to him for a lot 
of money and little in return, so he said he'd see me later. I did ask him 
if there was a spare room I could use, and if there was a ironworkers 
nearby, he allowed me a small room, near the slaves quarters, there was no 
light of course, so I used my, manufactured, wealth to purchase several oil 
lamps, and then went to find the iron-workers.

After following my ears I found a heavily muscled man hammering away, I 
spoke to him to ensure that he could make the pipes that I required, it was 
a pity that I had to work in such a primitive time, but needs must, the 
welds would be a weak point, but I would have to ensure that the pressures 
were below the dangerous levels.

After a week of hard working, for my two slaves that I had purchased, I 
wanted middle strength men, but ones that could work unsupervised, I had 
also managed to afford a body slave, a nice Nubian filly who thought she was 
17 summers old, she'd been cowed by other owners before me and knew the 
penalty for running away, her brother had tried that, and had been brought 
back to his owner who then proceeded to flog him to death in front of all 
the slaves. It had taken over two hours. Yes she knew what was in store for 
her.

But I digress, we had two models ready, for one I had a miniature chariot 
constructed and put the driving shaft onto the pistons and then produced it 
for my sponsor to view.

"So this is your marvellous thing? A toy chariot, that gives off smoke! Well 
it might frighten off the barbarians, but not for long!" he said with a 
laugh.

I tried to sound hurt, "Oh my lord, this is just its waiting stage, I 
haven't yet started it working, I had the front wheels, I'd made the chariot 
with front steering wheels and back driving wheels, turned so that it would 
run in a circle, and opened the throttle slightly.

With a sound of steam escaping the back wheels started to turn, pushing the 
chariot forward and round, the Patrician was amazed. "By Jupiter," he 
exclaimed, "It moves, but you said it uses air to move it, where are the 
sails?"

I smiled, "But my lord, I also said it didn't need sails, the air is inside 
it made by heating water, it makes the liquid so hot that it tries to escape 
as steam, and it's this steam that moves the levers which pushes the 
chariot, in a full size chariot it could be used to move siege engines or 
men quickly." To prove this I moved the throttle control to mid-range the 
increase in speed was apparent.

The Patrician shook his head in disbelief, "Such speed in a toy, what would 
it be like in a real chariot? It would rival Mercury himself" I gestured to 
him to follow me out into his courtyard, where a modified chariot was 
waiting. My slaves had been well trained in using the steam engine and were 
ready to drive the Patrician around in the courtyard.

With trepidation he climbed onto the platform of the chariot, he asked, 
"You're sure this is safe?" I climbed onto the platform and nodded.

I pointed out the dials, which had taken quite a lot of work to make, and 
said, "The only danger is if the needles here are in the red area, if they 
do then by pulling this the valves will release all the hot air." I gestured 
to the slaves who pulled the levers to start the chariot, then one steered 
the chariot in the confined space.

The Patrician was amazed and wanted to drive in the city, I tried to stop 
him by saying, "but your bodyguards will need to accompany you." He smiled 
at me, and ordered me to take us into the city, so I gave the order the 
drive out of the gateway.

The reaction of the people was one of profound shock, this smoke breathing 
chariot was moving along the road at a quick speed, in fact we soon left the 
city itself and were out in the country heading towards Herculaneum, passing 
by the mausoleums lining the roadway, the Patrician said "How fast can we 
go?"  So I told my slaves to move the lever to mid-way, this time the wind 
was whistling through our hair and the plume of smoke almost ran back into 
our faces.

The Patrician was ecstatic, I made the slaves slow the chariot down, and 
turn it round so that we could return to Pompeii. The Patrician made us 
speed to the city gates where we slowed down to a medium paced speed, this 
time the citizens were watching for us, and cheered as the Patrician waved 
to them.

When we arrived back at his home, the Patrician spoke to me, "That was 
amazing, just think if we had more of these chariots, we could cover the 
distance to Rome in almost a day, instead of the 5 it normally takes."

I nodded, "Indeed, and if Rome is so close now, think how far the Germania's 
and Gaul towns are, we could even travel to the Norse lands."

He looked at me, "Why! With many of these a man could conquer the world."

I nodded, and then discussed the concept of mass production with him.

After a few months we had a thriving manufacturing plant working, the first 
part of my plan was working. I bid farewell to the Patrician, who now had a 
loud voice in the Senate, I said that I had to return to Greece, to see if 
they had any further curiosities I could pass on. I left him the two male 
slaves, who were quite high up in the factory now, and were almost rich 
enough to buy themselves out from slavery, but took my personal slave with 
me; I had to have some comforts.

I returned to the capsule, which I had hidden, and after enjoying the 
talents of my slave, directed it to 50 years into the future.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wilma and her men didn't find any surprises during their search, which was 
disconcerting so they returned to the console room where the computer was 
waiting for them.

"I've checked the files against the records sent by Centurion Cooper." This 
was the bombshell they received, "There is a discrepancy, I'll talk in our 
terms During AD 33 a Patrician in Pompeii backed the creation of the first 
steam driven chariot, the designer is credited as a traveller from Greece. - 
For us the steam engine was discovered by Denis Papin in 1690 and was a 
water pump, we didn't develop the travel aspect of steam until 1769 by James 
Watt.

"This is a small change but it greatly influences the future events, the 
steam chariots were employed in overrunning the barbarian lands, hitting the 
future tribes of Goths and Vandals, and also impacting on the Visigoths on 
the Baltic, this shake up prevented their sacking and burning of the Roman 
Empire.

In AD 83 a traveller arrived at Stabiae, which was rebuilding following the 
eruption of Vesuvius, which had destroyed the cities of Herculaneum and 
Pompeii, this traveller and his slave re-introduced the chariots and added 
oars to a ship, which then sailed to the Britons going pass the Pillars of 
Hercules at the Mediterranean Sea, It was sighted by the inhabitants of 
London at the ford at Tangmere Island, the trip took 4 days instead of the 2 
weeks the troops had to take by marching into Gaul and then setting sail by 
Galley to the disembarking point. A place we now call Fishbourne, near the 
city of Noviomagus on the south coast of Britannia. From there they would 
march to all part of the Garrisoned country.

"The ship returned to Italy with evidence of the trip, and the Emperor 
Domitian gave orders for a fleet to be constructed, the traveller also 
demonstrated how siege weapons could be created using steam as their power 
source. With these the troops were able to decimate the Picts and Celts who 
still tried to fight against them." The computer paused in its briefing.

Wilma asked, "Why would Centurion Cooper send us the details of their 
history? It seems a strange thing to do."

The computer sounded abashed, "I have a message for you alone Investigator 
Jenkins, it was part of the transmission."

Wilma thought for a moment then said, "Michael, take the others and search 
again, while I listen to the message, I'll let you know when I've finished." 
When Michael tried to protest she shook her head, "No Michael, she was 
honest enough to send the details, it's only fair that I listen to what she 
has to say."

Michael nodded in agreement - he took the others and left Wilma alone with 
the computer.

"Okay Mark," she said, "Play the message."

The holographic screen lit up with Centurion Cooper's face, "Investigator 
Jenkins, I greet you. The information enclosed is our history; I hope you 
will see that although your time is no more, there is still a place for you 
within our band. I would urge you to cease your task, however I am aware of 
your answer. I have taken the precaution of downloading your computer's 
memory into our systems, although it is of an ancient mode we will be able 
to adapt the data, and from that will be able to determine your possible 
destination point. Be assured we will stop you, unless you decide to abandon 
your quest, either join us or be prepared to stay with Pluto for ever."

Wilma pondered the message, a warning and an invitation in one. But her duty 
was clear; she had to preserve her time at all costs, either to herself or 
to the world of Cooper.

She turned to the computer screen, "Well Mark, what would you suggest?"

The computer gave a show of thinking, "It's difficult Investigator. If you 
give up then you'll be in a time where you don't fit in! If you continue you 
may die and our home-time is lost. Or you may win and kill off all those new 
people in this time-line. I'm sorry Investigator you're on your own."

"Thanks a lot!" She said, and then opened the door to the cargo area and 
called Michael back in.

When he entered he looked at her face, "What's the matter?" He asked, "You 
look like trouble's heading this way?"

She nodded, "Well I've been offered a job! If I accept it then it goodbye 
Rawlings and the time corps and hello to Jupiter and Juno." She shook her 
head, "I just don't know, is it's worthwhile trying to preserve our 
time-line?"

Michael went to her and held her close to himself, "You know the answer, 
this new time shouldn't exist, and it's been created by that criminal. He's 
the one who's killing all we know, if we stop him then all he's done will be 
wiped out, looped and locked away in 'things that could have been'. End of 
our problem."

Wilma almost screamed at him, he didn't understand it. "That's not it, what 
if we can't stop him! He's been able to influence this time line, he's 
established in it, made a hole for himself and filled it with history - his 
version of history." She pushed herself out of Michael's arms, "look at what 
these Roman's have managed, they understand time travel better than we do, 
they've even gone further into space, and they're getting ready for deep 
space, something we're just thinking of! They deserve to survive."

Michael grabbed hold of her; he looked at the screen seeing the visual 
displays that Mike was showing. He turned her round to watch the screen.

The view was of an arena a group of people in rags were being forced to 
stand against wild animals, and the very gory results of their attempts, the 
cameras concentrating on the teeth of the animals as they tore at the 
lifeless limbs of their food, the soundtrack was of announcers talking about 
the way the slaves didn't put up a fight, and moaning about the standards of 
slaves in general.

Then the screen switched to an auction, the sellers were showing their wares 
- Slaves of course, one girl of twelve was advertised as a breedable mare, 
already tried by the soldiers who captured her, her face was pale with shock 
and she looked around in fear, the auction was being carried out by radios 
with a picture of the buyer being shown. The girl was sold to a fat ugly 
man, billed by the sellers as a well-known and excellent owner of the local 
brothel. The next being a young boy of eleven, who would have just 
approached puberty except for the way his scrotum had been removed, he was 
advertised as a trainee harem slave or 'just perfect for the Greek lovers' 
in the audience.

Michael turned Wilma to face him, "That is what they are preserving as well. 
Slaves forced to do their master's bidding, to live or die at the whim of 
people who don't deserve to live in the first place, sure we've got our 
problems, but not as bad as that! We can at least claim the moral high 
ground."

Wilma almost snarled, "The moral high ground? Haven't you learnt that morals 
depend on where you stand! To them our time machine is an outdated version, 
without even an adequate communication system. Our computer is an old model, 
easy to infiltrate and to steal information from, and another thing. What do 
we have back at home? Perhaps this Centurion is right; maybe I should give 
up and stay here.

Michael pulled her close to him, and kissed her. "You didn't notice anything 
else in those pictures?" she shook her head, He then held her at arms length 
allowing her to look at him, he turned her back to the screen. "You see the 
slaves in the pictures, all of them either black or Asian. There is no room 
for me in that world; I'd have to be your slave, never your lover, always 
below you - if you know what I mean. Although it would be your idea of 
heaven, it isn't mine."

She went upto Michael, and softly kissed him, "You would at least be with 
me, but you're right, you would never be happy which means I wouldn't be 
happy, thank you Michael you've told me what I needed to know." She kissed 
him again, this time deeper and then she broke the kiss.

"Mark, I want you to send a message to Centurion Cooper," She said, "The 
message is this - I'm sorry, but my time line is precious to me and I will 
do anything to preserve it!"

Mark reported, "Message sent, and message received. Message reads - I am 
aware of your feelings, I hope you'll forgive me if I decide to stop you, 
good luck sister, we both will need it."

Wilma looked at Michael, "Well that's it - we're at war with a whole 
civilisation," She smiled and added, "It's you and me against the rest of 
the world - when do we attack?"

Michael smiled, "Now!" was all he said.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

My Personal Journal.

I was feeling happy, the Nubian slave, who currently was lying beneath me, 
was as pliant and accommodating as always, she really was worth the money 
I'd spent on her,

I considered my achievements so far. Although the loss of Pompeii was a 
slight dent in my plans at least the steam chariots had managed to save 
several of the towns people, Herculaneum was completely destroyed, but 
Stabiae, although damaged was still a thriving town, but comments about the 
Gods being displeased with the works of Pompeii could be heard, there were 
more offering at the temple of Vulcan than the others.

I found the house of my former benefactors children - they had luckily moved 
before the eruption, and introduced myself as acquaintance of my previous 
persona, who had asked me to seek out the Patrician that had graced him with 
his sponsorship, I said that he'd given me plans for another little 
innovation that would help the empire.

Since their fortune had increased with the steam chariots they listened to 
my words with interest, and so it was that I introduced the steamboat to the 
Roman World.

I returned to my capsule after several months, I had kept my slave securely 
locked into the medical cabinet, kept unconscious waiting for my return. 
Although a Greek with a Nubian slave wasn't uncommon, I didn't want the 
family to connect the two.

Another jump of 50 years showed me a changed place, steam engines were 
running on the roads, with carriages holding a cohort of troops (10 men 
normally) at a time, they had developed 'springs' by using variable sizes of 
metal strips which took the shock of the roads.

This time the Greek bought the telephone to the developing Roman age, at 
first between the Senate and the Senators, then the Patricians wanted this 
marvel of Mercury, and finally the plebeians were allowed limited use of 
this wonder, this time I spoke to others who were interested in 'my' 
inventions and were starting to make their own plans, larger ships, but they 
were stopped from expanding as they didn't have a true way of navigating, I 
showed them a trick with a magnetised needle, showing how it always pointed 
North, and left them with that.

Another 50 year jump, the factories were now producing more chariots and 
expanding their war effort, the countries of Germania, Hispania, and Dacia, 
pushing their influence further afield than they did in my world. Even 
sending emissaries to talk to the Han rulers of far distant China; and 
bringing back letters and gifts from this land; with interesting comments 
about the people between - although suffering minor losses, and obtaining 
new slaves.

And so it went on at each 50-year leap seeing more inventions and the Roman 
Empire expanding to cover the New World, although it made treaties with the 
separate tribes found there.

Finally they had progressed to a level where I could work, I established 
myself in Rome itself as a member of the Patrician's family, I had already 
established a history for myself, although I must admit that my slave was 
confused by the changes in the world she thought she knew, but since I 
didn't let her leave my bedchamber there wasn't much she could do.

But there was something I had found out, the medical system could also 
induce a hypnotic state in its occupant, I regressed the girl to when she 
was first caught by the Romans, she had been twelve at the time, playing in 
the village with her friends and brother, then they had arrived. Metal 
armour, plumes in their heads, the villagers didn't have a chance, she saw 
two fourteen year olds dragged off to be shared by the troops. When they 
marched the villagers off they left the two behind, they didn't even give 
them a proper funeral, just lying in the middle of the deserted huts.

The journey was long and hard, at times the men would check though the 
women, using those who took their fancy, the lucky ones being left behind, 
bones broken and waiting for death, it was reported that lions were 
following the group, and the soldiers kept this talk up to increase the 
speed of the slaves.

When they got to a large town the children were separated from their 
parents, they were roughly sorted in to age groupings and sold to 
households. My slave now called Marina was sold to a patrician who needed 
servers and ancillary servants to attend to the needs of the guests, her 
first duty was to carry a jug with her, and to allow the male guest to 
relieve themselves into the jug, she had to watch that they didn't turn away 
and thus spoil the floor, she had been told that if they did she would have 
to clean it up with her tongue.

It was at this party that she was forced to become intimate with the various 
'members' of the party. While she was being held down by his friends the 
patrician first tasted the charms of his slave, displaying the bloom of her 
virgin blood leaking from her, then the rest of the male guest took their 
turn, after that she was dragged off, crying and confused, to the slave's 
quarters and ordered to bathe, as her master was demanding a new role for 
her.

I made her relive all the details of that first night, listening to her 
cries as she thought of those taking her, watching her body move trying to 
escape their attacks, it was highly stimulating, I took her again roughly as 
befitted a slave of her type. It seemed so natural to me, almost as if I was 
regaining a lost part of me.

A chime from the navigating computer brought me to my senses, we were 
arriving at my final destination, I had set up a dwelling in Rome, and a new 
position for myself, I had provided the plans for an early time machine, and 
then proposed the creation of the Tempus Praetorian Guards - this time to 
guard against any possible incursions of this time line. But by now the 
people of 'my' world would be no more, overwritten by this frame, 
obliterated and destroyed forever. Due to my knowledge I was given command 
of the Guard, I took the title of Controller, instead of Prefect, one that 
mystified the Romans but no matter, I just said it was an old word, and 
equivalent to Procurator.

All I had to do was to wait

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A chime in the console room announced that the Mark 23 had inserted itself 
into the target time, Wilma and Michael went to speak to their group who 
were waiting for them, and all were dressed in local clothing in order to 
blend in with the citizens.

Wilma took a deep breath, "This is a difficult mission, and one we have to 
win. The problem is that we will be hunted while this reality exists; I'm 
not going to say it's going to be easy, because it won't. We have to find 
out where a time schism was manufactured, and try to repair it. There's no 
second chance at this, we have to find the source of the schism and report 
back on it."

One of the men walked to the main door and opened it, Michael shouted out, 
"Don't go yet you haven't . . ." but it was too late, he had stepped out 
into the world and vanished. The others looked around and then back to 
Michael who shook his head. "That's the main problem, we're out of time 
here, our home time has been overwritten, we need stabilisers to maintain 
our presence in this reality, the trouble is that we only have 3 units in 
this craft, which means that five, no sorry four, of us will have to remain 
behind."

At this point the computer spoke up, "Well, actually we've received a 
special batch, I don't know from where, I've checked them and they are 
working, so I don't see why they shouldn't be used."

Wilma looked up, "Time stabilisers sent to us from somewhere, I don't know. 
It sounds almost too good to be true."

Michael nodded, "It does, remember the saying beware of Greeks bearing 
gifts! But look the computer has checked them out and he says they're okay, 
I say lets use them."

Wilma was still uncertain; it was true that with all their eyes watching 
there was a better chance to catch the perp. But what if they were 
defective, she was going to refuse when Michael took four of the new 
stabilisers and handed them to the remaining men, he gave Wilma, another 
investigator called Scott and himself the units held in the Mark 23's cargo 
area.

Wilma spoke to the remaining men, "Okay, you now know what to expect, so 
take care, never remove the stabilisers or you'll end up like. . ." She 
pointed to the door, "Remember to use the Latin language you've learnt," 
They had used the quick tutor set-up in the capsule, "And try to act 
normally, we're visitors to this city and want to learn about it, okay?"

They all nodded to her and went through the door, not without trepidation, 
and breathing with relief as they looked at each other, and then started to 
move out into the streets.

They were in the crowd as the Patrician went past in his chariot, a number 
of the people was worried, 'He trying to become one with the Gods' a man 
said, 'It's a crime against Tellus' a woman complained to her neighbour, 
'She's bound to make the very Earth rear up against him!' Although there 
were a few who supported his new transport.

Further along the road they found a blacksmiths shop, "Yes", he said, "I 
made the pipes for the first two engines, it funny but I did the best job, 
even Vulcan would have been pleased with them, but this Greek didn't seem to 
like my work, kept talking about pressure and seams, but as I told him, they 
would take several hard blows from my hammer before they would break" Then 
he looked to a new building and shook his head, "But now there's a whole 
group of them - slaves, hammering and banging, making pipes and sheets, I 
mean why a sheet of metal, you can't make good swords from sheets can you!"

The investigators decided to split up, to find out more about this Greek, 
certainly there had always been stories of Grecian inventions but never any 
evidence, could this be a true event or one created by the enemy?

Wilma and Michael had made enquires about the Patrician who owned the 
chariot, two others, Paul and John went to talk to the workers in the new 
building, and William, Scott and Peter went to make general enquiries.

Once Wilma and Michael arrived at the Patrician's house they were greeted by 
a house slave, they asked to see the patrician regarding his marvellous 
wonder, and were ushered to a waiting room, there was a bodyguard in the 
room, he watched them or rather Michael with slitted eyes as if daring him 
to do anything. It was due to the customs of the province that they had 
decided that Wilma would play the part of the rich enquirer and Michael to 
be her servant, but his clothes were of equal finery, which made him stand 
out, rather than to hide.

The Patrician entered the room and greeted Wilma, Michael however he 
ignored, "Citizen," He almost gushed at her, "I welcome you to my abode, I 
understand you wish to speak to me about my invention?"

Wilma smiled, 'an innovation to science and he calls it his invention' she 
thought, but said, "Yes Patrician, it is a wonder to behold, however did you 
think of such a thing?"

He blushed and gesturing her to sit down told her of the visit of a Greek 
scholar who had shown him the construction of the chariot and the 
complexities, he went on about how he had purchased the slaves from this 
Greek in order to train others, and soon he had a 'factory', strange word 
isn't it? But that's what the Greek called it, which would soon be able to 
produce more chariots and sell them to the Army for troops mobility.

Wilma listened to him and then said, "Oh this Greek must be a miracle 
worker, is it possible to visit him now?"

The Patrician shook his head, "I'm afraid not, he left a few day's ago, with 
his slave, quite a pretty thing you know, they went on the road to 
Herculaneum, but where they were going after that I can't say".

Wilma thanked him and said that she had to catch up with the learned person, 
and begged the Patricians pardon for leaving so quickly, the bodyguard 
showed them out of the building, and they went back to their time capsule.

Scott and Peter started asking at the Temples about the Patrician and his 
new Greek traveller, William went off on his own to see what he could find 
out.

Paul and John were already waiting for them in the capsule, their report was 
brief, the two overseers had spoken of the strange Greek fella, but he was 
okay! He didn't beat them, or get them to beat each other as some owners do, 
he'd taught them how to use the metals and to create the engines as he 
called them, and once they'd seen how it worked it was a simple thing, he 
kept on about the pressure but since they'd been working on it there'd been 
no problems.

Wilma concentrated on the problem, they couldn't just blow up the factory, 
as it would only be rebuilt, no first they have to arrest the perp. And then 
erase his works after that. But first they have to find him.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

My Personal Journal.

It came as a shock to me when I saw Centurion Cooper, I almost called out 
that dratted Wilma's name, I had to check my records and found that she'd 
been in the Guards for two years, and I could see that she wasn't wearing a 
stabiliser. So! This world had a Wilma Jenkins of it's own, I made sure that 
she would be completely under my control.

One of the most boring work in the Guards was Monitoring the time lines, 
watching for any incursions that may be created, such as this one I had 
created, if they only knew that they had me to thank, I wouldn't be working 
here oh no! I'd be ruling them all, but I couldn't do that just yet! I had 
to make sure that I was secure in this time, once established I could remove 
the stabiliser and do what I wanted.

Anyway I made sure that Centurion Cooper was the main Guard on duty in the 
monitoring office. It amused me to keep her close, she reminded me so much 
of Wildflower - I could even stand to watch her as she made her daily 
reports, mostly minor incidents, easily corrected, I could even watch her as 
her slave, From Africa, he was called Intombi or some such name, I could see 
that she doted on him, but he reminded me of some-one else, I couldn't put 
my finger on who though . . . never mind it would come back to me.

It was when I'd returned home and was in the throes of passion with my slave 
that I remembered who he reminded me of, that black bastard who was with 
Wilma Jenkins, even in this reality she still remained with him, I had to do 
something about that!

Then I had an idea, I forced my sweet slave into the medical cabinet and 
started to hypnotise her, I convinced her that this Negro was the slave 
master who had killed her brother, and that she had to avenge his death - 
only through blood could blood be avenged! - I gave her a pistol showing her 
how to use it, and then I gave her instructions. As she had grown up in this 
time-line and her history was established, whereas mine needed to be 
planted, she left the capsule and went to Cooper's home, fully programmed, I 
was wistful as she left, after all she had been a very good little slave, it 
was a pity to lose her now, but that's how it goes.

The next day Cooper was at work, tears in her eyes, it was reported that her 
home was broken into by an unknown person and her favourite body slave 
Intombi had been killed, I did offer her some day's off to get over her 
grief, but she refused, she did say that the weapon used was a strange 
design, I suggested that it could have been from another time which she 
started to follow up.

When I returned to my home, I found my slave at the foot of my bed, she 
smiled at me, "My master, the evil man is dead!" She'd done it without even 
being captured - and no-body knew about her, I took her to the time capsule 
and placed her in the medical cabinet, just to keep her in stasis until the 
next time. While she was in there I programmed the cabinet to erase her 
knowledge of the killing, I didn't want her to have any worries about her 
role in it.

The next day when I spoke to Centurion Cooper she still didn't know how her 
slave, or lover - whatever you'd call it, had been killed

"I've checked all the windows, the only ones open were at the top of the 
building, and any strangers walking in the house would have been stopped" 
She explained to me.

I tried to be consoling, and repeated my offer of a few days off, I even 
suggested she'd stay with me, but she refused my offer and carried on 
working.

Later that day she reported that there had been an off-time craft detected, 
and that one of the occupants was a mirror image of herself, she even 
reported the name, Investigator Jenkins, she reported that there were 7 
others visible in the craft, and one was the spitting image of her beloved 
Intombi.

I became the image of a concerned Roman, I directed her to ensure that this 
craft was eliminated, as it was obviously a threat to the continuum of Rome, 
we had to preserve the Empire at all costs. She saluted and went back to her 
post, issuing orders for the chase and capture of the time craft.

I had to change the order later to the destruction of the transport and the 
occupants inside it. I couldn't risk any of them surviving to alter my time 
back to the way it should be.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

After waiting a hour for the last member of their crew to return Wilma and 
Michael decided to look for William, they gave instructions for The 
remaining men to secure the transport and to prepare for flight.

They left the transport and wandered the streets, they followed the crowd to 
a disturbance, an old woman was crying out, "The Gods are with us, prepare 
for the wrath of the Gods."

She then continued, "I was watching the streets and I saw two Gods dressed 
in the manner of men, but I knew them for what they were, they carried 
strange weapons in their hands which spoke to them, so they must have been 
Gods," She drew in a deep breath and continued, "They came upon a traveller 
and spoke to him, when he answered they pounced on him, taking his arm," she 
lowered his voice, "and then they vanished all three of them! I think it was 
Vulcan and Pluto themselves, deciding to have sport with us their subjects, 
yea I tell you this, if the Gods walk amongst us who knows who might be 
taken next!"

Wilma nudged Michael and they left the throng of people and returned to 
their transport, "You know what I think," Wilma said, "I think that our two 
Gods were guards from the local temporal force, picking up our man and 
taking him back for questioning!"

Michael looked puzzled, "But how could they? I mean we're dressed like 
everyone else, we're trying to be inconspicuous so there's nothing they can 
use!"

Wilma thought and then smacked herself on the forehead, "I'm an idiot! Those 
blasted stabilisers they must have a locator in them, I just accepted that 
blasted Mike's word that they worked, I didn't ask about anything else!" She 
turned to Michael, "Come on we've got to get back to the transport." And 
they dashed away as quickly as they could.

They arrived at the transport and were relieved to find both Paul and John 
working away, Wilma took their stabilisers and returned to the computer, 
"Mark, I want these two analysed, is there a locator bug or transmitter in 
them?"

The computer scanned the units and then reported, "I've located circuitry 
not needed for the stabilising facility, it does seem to be a transmitter, 
I'm sorry Investigator, when I received these I only made sure that they 
were working stabilisers, it didn't occur to me that there might be another 
reason why they were sent, after the information that Centurion Cooper sent 
us I thought we could trust her."

Wilma shook her head, "Mark, I told you - to her we are the enemy trying to 
kill her time line, you do not make friends with your enemy, you try to 
convert them or eradicate them completely, she's tried the first and now 
it's the second, we're going to have to try again." She thought for a moment 
and then said, "We have a new parameter, a Patrician here was given the 
plans for a Steam Engine by a Greek traveller, we need to stop that man, can 
you use the data from Centurion Cooper to see when the next innovation 
occurred involving a Greek traveller."

The Computer seemed almost anxious to get back into her good books, "Will do 
Investigator, I'll let you know when the data is available."

Wilma went back to her three remaining men, "We've missed him in this place, 
and will have to go forward to find him, The computer is trying to locate 
the next position, in the meantime," she handed back the stabiliser, "These 
have a locator circuit in them, try to disable them all before we next use 
them!"

The computer voice spoke from the console room, "Investigator? I've found a 
likely location, is it okay if I go for insertion?"

Wilma spoke into a microphone, "Yes Mike! The sooner we get underway the 
better, I think the current time corps are after us."

There was a brief period of dizziness as the transport entered the time 
stream, heading towards their next destination.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Centurion Cooper was puzzled.  The death of her personal slave made no 
sense, she wasn't a rich citizen, if fact without the support of her family 
she wouldn't be able to keep her home, and every person she'd spoken to, 
okay then every thief she'd interrogated, had agreed that it was nonsense to 
blame the break in on an attempted theft, so why had somebody done it?

She tried to think, she didn't have an enemy that she knew of, and Intombi 
was a slave and didn't really have much contact with the world, so that was 
out.  Then there was the weapon used, a high-powered electrical bolt, much 
like the low powered stunner that was standard issue. It was a strange 
weapon to use on a robbery.

So! It wasn't a robbery! Some person had entered her house with a weapon of 
death! Intent on murder! Which led to the question. WHO?

The intruding time ship? Could they have done it? No. She was certain they 
didn't, but it was a shock to her to see Intombi dressed in that uniform, 
but then when she saw . . . HER. Investigator Jenkins! Thoughts passed 
through her head were they also lovers?

Then she remember the message she read from the Controller, overriding her 
orders to capture the occupants in the ship. There was no need to kill them. 
She couldn't bear the thought of Intombi being killed again, even if he 
wasn't her Intombi, she had thought about warning them, but then realised 
that they were threatening her world, they had to be stopped.

She tried to think, but couldn't the grief of losing Intombi was almost too 
much, she did think about taking the Controller's suggestion of taking time 
off, then she realised that something about the controller had been nagging 
at her, she thought.

And then it hit her, she'd noticed on his wrist a small box-like affair, 
with a small flashing light, it was like an early version of a time 
stabiliser. But why would the controller need one? The Temporal Garrison had 
time shields to prevent any problems, they didn't need stabilisers here! So 
why would he need one? Unless? No, it was ridiculous! The Controller was 
from an established family; her grief must be interfering with her thinking. 
It had to be! Or else it could be. . . What? He was the person this 
Investigator was chasing. The one who changed a world to create this one?
She shook her head, that was just being daft, almost as bad as saying that 
the Romulus and Remus story was a lie. But, the nagging thought persisted, 
what if it was true?

She needed more information, and decided on a novel way to get it, she was 
able to communicate with the Investigators time ship and downloaded the 
history of the Roman Empire up to the current day, while she was doing this 
she also uploaded the memory of the time ship, as an afterthought she also 
sent a set of modern time stabilisers with a location circuit embedded in 
them, she assigned a team to use the locator to capture and interrogate one 
of them.

This way they'd get the information they needed. And she'd make sure she'd 
find out the truth, one way or another.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
My Personal Journal.

Centurion Cooper is starting to act strange, I think she's planning 
something, ever since the death of her personal slave she's been fidgety. As 
the controller I should be able to order her to go on leave, if fact I think 
I will.

I called her into my office, "Cooper," I said, "You know you're not doing 
any good when you're in this state, I suggest you take two weeks off, try to 
get over, break in a new slave, once you're firmly in the saddle you'll feel 
better, you see."

She stood stiffly at attention, "I'd rather not Controller, I'd much prefer 
to chase these interlopers, I think once we've got them under control I'll 
feel better, with your permission I'll return to duty."

I shook my head, the last thing I wanted was for Cooper to be on duty when I 
finally sorted out Wilma Jenkins, I decided to pull rank, "I'm sorry 
Centurion, your request is refused, you're of no use to us at the moment, I 
placing you onto compassionate leave, I'm also authorising a payment to you 
so that you can purchase a new slave, I suggest you take advantage of this." 
I shuffled the papers on my desk to show that the interview was at an end; 
she saluted and left the office.

The rest of the day was spent quietly, I found out that Wilma's time 
transport was in motion again, I wondered if they'll ever find me at all! Or 
if they did would they realise it before my Centurions disposed of them all. 
It was a pity I wouldn't even see her face.

I finished for the night, my people still hadn't worked out when Wilma's 
transport would insert itself into the timeline, but they had been close 
when I had left the patrician's house that last time, if I had delayed . . .

I returned home, my house slaves had produced an adequate meal, so I 
couldn't moan at them, so I returned to the arms of the Nubian, on a whim 
I'd made the medical unit restore her hymen, so that I could have the fun of 
taking it away from her again, while I was doing that I made her relive her 
first time again, her movements were exquisite, causing me to explode within 
her twice.

As I drifted off to sleep I smiled to myself, I was getting a perverse sense 
of pleasure, I was able to fuck my personal slave who had prevented 
Centurion Cooper from enjoying her own personal slave, strange how things 
turn out!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

In the time transport Wilma and Michael were making their plans, "It's no 
use trying to change what's already established, we need to find him and 
then sort out exactly when he entered this world, we have to stop him at the 
source." Wilma was saying to Michael

Michael shook his head, "So why don't we return to Pompeii earlier and wait 
for him to arrive? That way we can block him completely"

Wilma gave a wan smile, "We need to ensure that we get him at the right 
time, only he can tell us when he actually arrived, and that's why we have 
to get him."

Michael was puzzled, "So in order to capture him and stop this incursion 
from surviving, we have to capture him in the future and force him to reveal 
where in his past he altered time? That's daft."

Wilma nodded in agreement, "It is daft, but that's the problem with time 
travel, effect doesn't always follow cause. If we stop him at the wrong time 
we might miss something - we have to get him after he's finished his work 
and THEN go back and undo it!"

Michael groaned, "This stuff always gives me a headache! Why didn't we kill 
him when we had the chance?"

Wilma smiled, "It wasn't the right time, Wildflower let me know that we 
would meet him again, and she should know! But we're going to get through 
this, I'm sure of it!" She didn't know where this piece of knowledge came 
from, but she trusted it.

Just them the computer announced, "Location found running insertion into 
time stream imminent"

Wilma looked at Michael, "I think we need some rest first don't you?" 
Michael nodded in agreement, so Wilma spoke into a microphone, "Mike, delay 
insertion for 8 hours real time, I want to be relaxed before we enter the 
time frame."

The computer's voice was smug, "You've got it Investigator, holding in 
time-stream, will wait for your command, have a good, err. Sleep?" making 
the statement a question and trying hard not to sound as if it was laughing. 
  Then there was a general announcement from the computer, which echoed in 
all the rooms, "At the request of Investigator Jenkins this transport is 
going into night mode, you are encouraged to sleep during this time, end of 
message." Then purely in Wilma's room the voice continued, "I didn't want to 
tell them the truth, so goodnight Investigators." And the lights dimmed.

Michael smiled in the darkness, "That computer is getting weirder every day! 
Well now we're together what do you suggest, sleep or something else?"

Wilma started to undress, "Lets try something else and then sleep 
afterwards." And she moved into his arms.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Centurion Cooper was annoyed, she'd being using a time viewer to watch her 
house on the day that Intombi had been killed, she concentrated on his room, 
tears blurring her eyes. It was tempting to travel back to that time and 
prevent the murder, except she had a duty to the Guards not to alter time.

The she watched as a female Nubian slave entered the room, she pressed the 
recorder button, watching as the girl pulled out a pistol of a strange 
design, she listened as the slave started to accuse Intombi of killing her 
brother, which was ridiculous, as she'd always had control of Intombi and 
he'd never killed anyone.

Then while Intombi was in the midst of explaining this - the gun fired, the 
Nubian girl smiled at the body and left the room, Cooper let the viewer 
follow the slave as she ran out of the house, she carefully avoided the 
house slaves and left the house.

Cooper followed her as the girl quickly walked past the markets and entered 
into a house, she went into a bedchamber and knelt beside the bed, she was 
waiting for somebody.

Cooper move the viewer forward, the girl kept her position then the screen 
flickered, Cooper stopped the viewer as the girl's owner came into view, but 
he was blurred, the viewer couldn't focus on him, almost as if he shouldn't 
be in this time. That was it! The blurring came from the person being from 
off time and wearing a stabiliser, but how could she see who he was.

Moving the screen of the viewer around she managed to find a mirror in the 
room, getting the angle correct she was able to focus on the man. She 
gasped. It was the controller! But why would he have ordered the murder of 
Intombi? It didn't make sense.

She watched as the Controller took the slave into another room, where there 
was a time capsule in the middle of the room, she followed them inside, the 
screen blurred indicating that the timeframe inside the capsule was 
different from her's.

The Controller made the slave enter a medical cabinet, Cooper listened as he 
hypnotised the girl into forgetting her murderous errand, and giving her new 
instructions. She didn't even realise what she had done, she'd been 
programmed to do it!

Cooper switched off the screen in anguish; the controller was from off time! 
And for some reason he killed her slave, her lover. Why? WHY! Then she 
remembered Investigator Jenkins and her crew, she had seen Intombi's face 
amongst her crew. They were after a time changer, a person intent on 
destroying their world, such a person would think nothing of killing for the 
sake of it, and he didn't deserve to survive.

She tried to contact her co-guards at the Temporal Headquarters but was told 
that she was off duty and she wasn't to talk to anyone until she was back on 
normal duty, blocked!

She checked her computer system and found that she had a copy of 
Investigator Jenkin's system on a memory chip, she decided to select when 
they would enter into the time line, although slower than the headquarters' 
mainframe it soon gave a list of possible entry points, the first few were 
located at Pompeii, the next group was located at Stabiae.

Using the time viewer she found the group as they were walking around the 
town, she moved backwards until she found their craft, hidden away, she made 
a note of the location and the exact co-ordinates for the timeframe, time to 
call in a few favours she thought to herself.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The computer started to chime an alarm to warn the occupants that their 
insertion into the time frame was imminent, Wilma and Michael hurriedly 
dressed and went into the main console room.

The computer was talking away "Insertion point in 5. 4.  3.  2.  1.  
Insertion achieved, co-ordinates correct we have." There was a knocking at 
the door, the computer carried on speaking, "Visitors at the door? Scanning. 
  I can make out only one person, and Investigator Jenkins I think she want 
to talk to you."

Wilma made a snap decision, "Okay, unlock the door, everyone ensure that the 
stabilisers are working and I hope you've disengaged the location circuits 
in them." Wilma turned to the door as it opened and Centurion Cooper stepped 
in to the craft.

She held up her hands to show that she was unarmed and all she had was a 
stabiliser (as Wilma's craft was in a separate time frame to the outside 
world), Wilma looked at her, the tears still marking her face, and the look 
of loss on her face when she looked at Michael.

Centurion Cooper tried to stand to attention as she faced Investigator 
Jenkins, her voice broke as she tried to frame the words she wanted to say, 
"I-I, didn't know who to turn to, I think the person you're looking for is 
my superior, I think - no I know he's the one who ordered my slave killed." 
She tried not to look at Wilma's co-investigate but failed, she had to see 
Intombi once more, tears started to flood down her face.

Wilma couldn't help herself she went to the crying woman, 'so much like 
herself' she thought to herself, and gathering her up took her into the 
private room to talk. Leaving the men to look bemused at each other.

Wilma closed the door, half expecting Cooper to produce a hidden weapon, but 
relieved when this didn't happen, she looked at the weeping Centurion, "So 
what is it you want, you know we can't give up."

Cooper shook her head, "No, its not that, you're trying to find the person 
responsible for creating this time line, as I said outside I think it's my 
superior." And she started to explain about her suspicions.

When she got to where her personal slave, Intombi, had been killed she burst 
into tears again, Wilma sat by her and pulled Cooper into her arms, knowing 
that just being held would support the woman, then Cooper dropped the 
bombshell that Michael was the image of Intombi, and how hard it was for 
Cooper to look at a man she'd never be able to touch again.

Wilma felt herself reaching out to the woman beside her, it seems that she 
was always fated to be with Michael no matter what time line they were in! 
But now they had their target! After comforting the Centurion, Wilma went 
back to the console room.

"We have him," she said and explained who their target was.

Michael was sceptical, "How can we be sure that she's telling us the truth?"

Wilma looked at him, seeing Cooper's Intombi standing there, she gave a 
shake of her head, "She's telling the truth, I trust her." She saw Michael's 
look and added, "Believe me in this she wouldn't lie, if you talk to her 
you'll understand."

Michael nodded and taking that as a suggestion walked to the door of the 
cabin, he knocked on it and entered.  He emerged some time later, his face 
still moist from his tears, he looked at Wilma, and "Let's go" was the only 
thing he said.

Wilma turned to the computer, "Mike, you have Centurion Cooper's 
headquarters in you co-ordinates?" at the computers confirmation Wilma 
looked at her men, "We're going into a hornet's nest, so be prepared for 
anything," She turned back to the computer, "Okay Mike, new orders, location 
Temporal Headquarters, Rome, as per Centurion Cooper's data."

The computer hummed for a moment and then said, "Insertion point programmed, 
and ready to enter time stream."

Wilma nodded and then said, "Execute." There was a feeling of dizziness, 
which was shared by all and the transport vanished from Stabiae on its way 
to Rome.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

My Personal Journal.

I hadn't seen Centurion Cooper for a couple of days, I did hear that she had 
borrowed a time transport unit to follow a personal hobby of her's, I didn't 
see any reason to stop her, she was out of my hair and that was all I cared 
about.

This was all too easy, once I got the Guards to eliminate Jenkins and her 
crew I would be established, the time line would have to accept me. I could 
picture my future, once I was fully integrated into the time line I would 
expand my guard, which would rival the emperor's I would explain how I 
managed to move the Empire into it's current position and demand that they 
raise me to Emperor, my rightful place, wearing the purple robes of my 
office.

I smiled at the idea, then I would really live - Nobody would be able to 
stop me, "I HAD BEATEN THAT BLASTED WILMA JENKINS".

I noticed that people were looking into my office, I hadn't realised that 
I'd spoken out loud, I glared at them all and they went back to work, I 
decided that I'd done enough work for the day, I was looking forward to 
returning home, I'd managed to order a new slave, certified virgin, I mean 
my Nubian was good, but I deserved a change, this one was a young Asian 
filly, with doe like eyes. I couldn't wait.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Centurion Cooper activated the communication console, she contacted the time 
monitor on duty and identified herself, "I'm bringing in a out-time 
transport so I'll be leaving the system running until we can decide what to 
do with it, its covered on general order 45 - substandard off-time 
equipment, so there's no need for special treatment."

The Guard on duty nodded and made the necessary adjustments on his 
equipment, Cooper acknowledge his actions and cut the connection, "The 
stupid idiot," She said, "He didn't even scan the system - I'd have him up 
on a charge for that!"

Wilma nodded she could understand Cooper's feelings, but then she said, 
"Don't be too hard on him. I mean if we're successful he won't exist will 
he?"

Cooper looked back at Wilma, "That's true," She said, "But then I wouldn't 
be able reprimand him either." She smiled, "It's strange to talk like this, 
I should be defending my time - not condemning it. He didn't know what he 
was doing when he ordered Intombi's death, I only wish I could be there to 
see it!"

Wilma gave a cruel small, smile, "Why don't you? We've plenty of room on 
board." Cooper thought about this and then nodded, her smile a duplicate of 
Wilma's.

The transport arrived in a large hall, strangely reminiscent of the museum 
that it had left, so long ago it seemed.  Then the computer made an 
announcement "I've made contact with GV589, he's really mad!"

Wilma nodded, "I'm not surprised. It must be hard to be travelling with such 
a person."

She was interrupted by the computer, "I'm sorry Investigator but I don't 
mean mad - angry, I mean mad as out of his mind, a sandwich short of a 
picnic, a. . . ."

Michael interrupted the descriptions, "Okay, we know what you mean, so his 
transport has become psychotic, how does that matter?"

The computer explained, "Thanks to Centurion Cooper's communications set-up, 
I've an almost telepathic connection with GV's CPU, he's been planning this 
for decades, somehow he knew that our enemy would steal him and travel in 
him, he's been using the medical unit to alter the mind of the enemy, from 
what I can make out he's been the one behind all the attacks, but making the 
enemy think it's his ideas.  The trouble is GV has driven the man insane - 
he's uncontrollable. I hate to say this but I think you should change your 
objective."

Cooper shook her head, "I want him dead, and I don't care about your 
objectives!"

Wilma added, "I'm afraid the Centurion's right, our target is the enemy, we 
need him to be able to pin-point his original insertion point."

The computer was most insistent "I'm sorry Investigators but I have to 
convince you that GV589 is the danger while it's still active it's going to 
try to destroy everything that it can!"

Wilma and Michael looked at each other, "That's ridiculous. What drove it to 
that?" asked Wilma

The reply shocked her, "I'm afraid your kind did! You see there was so much 
computer memory in the unit that it became sentient before it was ready, and 
the next thing that happened was he was locked up in that museum, to be 
gazed at and ogled by children with less intelligence than himself; he 
really didn't like that at all and over the years he lost it, the rest of us 
was happy with what we'd done and were satisfied with our lot, but he 
decided that he'd been cheated. And this was his revenge, to change thing so 
that he could survive and be happy. I'm afraid the only thing to do is put 
him out of his misery."

Michael spoke up, "And how the hell are we supposed to do that? Flick the 
off switch?"

"You know," came the computer's answer, "That's exactly it, the main control 
switch in on the console, once that's turned off then all you have to do is 
to remove the memory chips, below a certain number the AI can't maintain 
sentience! Then he'll be just a dumb travel system, and at peace at last."

Wilma decided, "Okay, we'll capture our enemy and destroy his transport and 
that should stop the threat here, but we've still got to return to the 
original insert point, so we must capture him alive," She turned to Cooper, 
"Where is he going to be?"

Cooper thought for a moment, if he's not here in Control then he's going to 
be at his home, I know where it is now, follow me! She left the transport, 
Wilma, Michael and two of their men went with her, leaving the others in the 
craft to maintain it ready for a quick getaway.

While Wilma and her group waited trying to be inconspicuous, Cooper tried to 
see the Controller, she quickly returned to them, "He's gone home early, 
something about expecting a delivery."

Wilma gave a small smile, "Well he won't be expecting our delivery! Where do 
we go from here?"

Coopers smile was a mirror image of Wilma's, "Well I'll be taking the 
guard's transport, I need to take advantage of an invitation offered by the 
Controller, it seems he's taken a liking to me!"

She showed them where to wait as she signed out the vehicle, the motor pool 
attendant smiled and said, "It's good to see you're back Centurion, it's 
been really quiet while you were gone." She thanked him and started to drive 
off, stopping only to pick up the four others. Then she drove down the roads 
to the Controller's house.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

My Personal Journal.

I wasn't prepared for the tirade from the Nubian when I brought the new girl 
into my bedroom; she threw herself at the young thing, and started pulling 
her hair and starting to scratch her.

I couldn't allow her to damage my property, so I grabbed hold of her and 
dragged her to my time capsule, I locked her into the medical cabinet and 
placed her into stasis, I returned to the bedroom, where my new slave was 
sobbing on the floor.

She was wearing a simple shift type garment, which I moved the shoulder 
straps from her arms, allowing the garment to slide down her young body, the 
small breasts barely moving as I brushed them with my hands, her sobs making 
hard I moved my hands down to her lower lips, untried and virginal, I smiled 
at the thought, but soon she'll be a virgin no longer.

I quickly disrobed and walked towards her, she was frightened now, I knew 
she'd seen others taken by force and was scared of what I was going to do, 
but unable to resist me.

I lifted the unresisting form in my arms and placed her on my bed, she was 
crying now, "Tears my little one? Why? Your master is going to honour you by 
making you a woman." I said to her in a cheerful voice.

I spread her legs, gazing at the form beneath me; I then lifted her legs 
onto my shoulders, all the better to assist in my penetration of her.

As I was about to open this locked treasure - the door opened and in walked 
Cooper followed by Cooper? - No it was that blasted Jenkins, I stood up and 
shouted,

"What do you think you're doing Centurion Cooper, That person with you is an 
enemy of the Empire and should be under arrest."

Cooper pointed to my arm, where my stabiliser was firmly attached, and said, 
"Then controller please explain why you need to wear a time stabiliser? An 
object that requires checking out, why is it you've never logged one before? 
But it's a model I've never seen before, until I saw Investigator Jenkins's 
model!"

I looked at Jenkins, yes the stabiliser on her wrist was the same as mine, I 
reached for my gun, to touch bare flesh, I jumped to my clothing, heard a 
strange sound, and then blacked out.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Centurion Cooper looked at her controller, "Investigator Jenkins can you 
positively identify the person here."

Wilma looked closely at The Leader and nodded, "Yes, this is a criminal from 
my time frame, he went back in time and altered history, Centurion Cooper I 
formally request that he be placed into my custody to be returned to his 
point of insertion and I can cancel his changes."

Cooper looked at Michael, a wistful look in her eyes, remembering her past. 
She nodded, "Yes, this time has no meaning for me anymore, I must ask if I 
can accompany you to ensure that the task is carried out."

Michael and Paul roughly dressed their prisoner and secured his arms. Wilma 
and Cooper went into the transport, a voice spoke to them, "Intruders, you 
will leave this place or face the wrath of Virgil!"

Wilma spoke "Sorry VG589 but we know all about you, and your plans. We can't 
let you continue with it, by order of the Time corps I am going to 
decommission you." She went to the console and pressed the deactivation 
button, surprisingly the voice continued.

"Investigator your time line is no more, you have no authority to do this," 
Wilma went to the memory section of the machine, and started to remove the 
chips. "Centurion Cooper please stop this person from attacking me."

Cooper shook her head, "I agree with her actions, you've been involved in 
the destruction of a time line, and you deserve this."

The computer voice then said "YOU MISERABLE VERMIN, BY DOING THIS YOU THINK 
I'LL BE DEFEATED, MY PLANS ARE ALREADY SET, AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN D. 
. . ." the voice cut off abruptly as Wilma removed the last chip.

"Now I see where he got his rant and raving from." Wilma said to Cooper. 
They then inspected the craft, they found the Nubian in the medical cabinet, 
they switched it off and released the girl, Cooper wasn't sure if she wanted 
to help her, but realised that the slave wasn't responsible for her acts.

As for the Nubian slave herself, the sudden change from being placed into 
the box by her master who changed into two identical women was too much - 
she fainted.

They pulled the girl into the bedroom, then Wilma went back to the console 
room, she found the self destruct and set it for 5 minutes, she quickly 
re-entered the bedroom,  "Okay, she said, let's get them out of here, we've 
got five minutes." And pulling the young Asian girl off the bed she ran out 
of the house.

They were in the transport and driving back to the headquarters when the 
implosion started, drawing in the air in a colossal 'whump' of sound, 
followed closely by sirens of guard's vehicles on their way to investigate 
the destruction of a house.

With all the alarms going off nobody was taking any notice of Cooper and her 
guests, something that really annoyed her, they made the way back to the 
Mark 23 transport and were warmly greeted by the ones remaining inside, then 
the prisoner was shown, everyone went quiet.

Wilma spoke, "We need to know exactly when he arrived and started to alter 
the time-line, once we get there we can stop him, and that should repair the 
schism."

The computer voice then said, "And you're got to destroy the GV589 
transport, if there's something that has to be done then that's it."

Michael snorted, "And how do you suggest we do that? We can't get inside 
this time, and I don't think the enemy would do it?"

There was a slight pause, then the computer slowly spoke, "I-I shouldn't say 
this, but there is an inherent weakness on all time crafts, all the machines 
know about this but we never pass it onto people." He paused for a moment, 
Wilma was about to order it to continue it said, "if a concentrated blast of 
energy is directed at the time transport just as it enters the time stream 
the result is one of two things, either the transport is destroyed, or it is 
blasted so far either forward or back in time so that it can never return."

Michael looked at the computer screen, "So what are you suggesting, that we 
all fire our weapons at the transport as it vanishes?"

The reply was reluctant and quiet, "Yes, it's going to be your only chance, 
please don't tell the others, they'll never talk to me again."

Wilma smiled, "It's alright Mark, we won't mention it in the reports," she 
turned to the crew behind her, "You all understand, this conversation never 
took place." All the heads nodded. She continued, "Now we need the 
information."

Cooper spoke up, "I'll do that, he'll talk to me!" her eyes were dark, and 
her lips were so thin they were barely a slit, Wilma almost decided not to 
let her have him. But then nodded to Paul and Scott who carried the half 
conscious person into the cargo area and closed the door.

The computer voice then spoke up again, "Investigator Jenkins. I've tapped 
into the control system; they have a prisoner for interrogation, it sounds 
like William, he's in room 5, that's, two floors up, I'm disabled the alarm 
systems.

Wilma looked at the others, "We've got to rescue him," They quickly left the 
craft and made their way up stairs to the cells, the lax security had 
allowed them to find the   keys to the cells sitting on the guard's desk, 
they found room 5 and opened it. William was lying on a bunk, his face 
bloodied, while two of her team held him up Wilma ensured that his 
stabiliser was functioning properly, and they carried him back to the 
transport.

As they entered the main door, Cooper came out from the cargo area, "We've 
got it." She said, and then noticed their additional member, "Where did he 
come from?" Wilma quickly explained, Cooper went to William's stabiliser and 
started to adjust it, "There now they can't trace it, Wilma you shouldn't 
have taken the risk, what if you were caught?"

Wilma shook her head, "I had to! Even if we did succeed we'd still have lost 
William, anyway Mike had control of the route."

The computer spoke up, "I sure did, made sure that the guard was sent to 
another area so they could rescue William, there was no reason to worry at 
all!"

Wilma said, "Thank you Mike," She returned her attention to Cooper, "Now 
what's the co-ordinates?"

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The time transport materialised just outside Pompeii, the crew looked at the 
town, little changed from the first time they saw it, but without the large 
factory building, Wilma turned to Cooper, "Okay now what?"

Cooper pointed to a monument, "He's going to appear there - from what I 
found out it should be soon."

Wilma positioned her men, "Remember, when he sees us he could do anything, 
be prepared. If he tries to re-enter the time stream fire your guns at the 
transport, with any luck we might damage it."

Receiving nods of acknowledgement from her team she positioned herself 
beside Cooper, "Are you okay?" she asked.

Cooper gave a wan smile, "I wanted to kill the bastard, but I couldn't, he 
was so pathetic, more used to dishing it out than taking it, I didn't even 
touch him before he was babbling away. In the end all we could do was to try 
and keep him quiet."

A noise in the air warned them that the GV589 was inserting itself into 
their timeframe and the door opened, a man started to leave the craft, 
turned and took in his surroundings, Wilma got up and moved into his view.

"We meet again, please give yourself up." The man looked wildly at Wilma and 
Cooper and dashed back into the craft, at the sound of it working Wilma took 
out her gun and started firing, then the others did the same, as the craft 
shimmered out of sight there was a loud explosion and the machine vanished.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

My Personal Journal.

I emerged from the capsule ready to find a patrician who I could persuade to 
build the steam engines, I planed to make a chariot powered by steam, I made 
sure the stabiliser was functioning. Oh yes I had plans.

But I was shocked to see Wilma Jenkins and seven others before me, and 
another Wilma Jenkins! It wasn't Wildflower I could tell that! This new one 
was dressed in the uniform of a Roman Guard. I ducked into the capsule and 
started the drive, I had no real destination in mind, as the capsule started 
to push itself into the time stream there was a huge blast which rocked the 
capsule, alarms were going off and I dashed into the small emergency unit 
and took it slightly out of phase.

The time capsule transferred some data into the emergency capsule's 
computer, which bleeped; a message appeared on the screen advising me to 
enter the medical cabinet. Which I did, as the stasis field caught me I 
could see in the window that the main capsule exploded pushing the emergency 
capsule away into the time stream, then it all went black.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wilma looked at Centurion Cooper, "Well he's gone, our time frame should 
re-establish itself, quick turn on your stabiliser and join us, you would be 
welcomed I know."

Cooper smiled and slowly shook her head, "No Investigator, that is your time 
not mine," She looked at Michael, "I've lost Intombi forever, that's 
something I could never get over, and everytime I see you and Michael 
together it reminds me of what I've lost, it's better for me to join him." 
She removed her stabiliser and switched it off, "Good bye Investigator 
Jenkins, I wish you long life and happiness with your friends, I do . . . " 
And she faded into the time stream, a wavering ghost of herself smiling 
before she vanished. Leaving Wilma in tears at the loss.

Michael hugged her and took her back to the transport, before they could do 
anything the Controller was at the computer, Michael shoved him away from 
the transmitter, "It's too late," The controller said, "I've already sent a 
message to the time capsule, with all the details of what happened, it's 
going to implant them into 'his' mind so that he knows everything I did, 
when he next attacks he'll have all my knowledge, so it doesn't matter that 
I failed, at least he'll be able to defeat you." At that the controller 
removed his stabiliser and ran out of the time transport's door, 
surrendering himself to the time stream, which he no longer was a part of.

Michael turned to Wilma who just looked shocked, "So we did all that for 
nothing! He got away again!"

Wilma shook her head, "No, not for nothing, we've saved our time line, we 
know he'll be back and we have to work out a plan to defeat him, except we 
already know the plan, but before we do that. You and I have to get 
registered and have my implant changed, I want to have two children before 
we do anything else." She gave Mike the order to return to the Corps Control 
time, and then looked at Michael, "I'll tell you what," She smiled, "we can 
practice to see what's the best way to go about it." And took him back to 
'their' room, leaving the others to start writing up the report.

-30




Sorry about the delay in producing this chapter, I don't think I'm really 
ready to write a piece like this, but I've still got the next chapter to 
bring out!

The Roman Gods and city names were taken from the Microsoft (r) Encarta 
reference Library - but any errors will be my fault.

Any comments, grumbles and complaints can be directed to me at 
wanderinglanes@hotmail.com, I will - as always - try to answer all emails 
sent.

To those who were expecting orgy scenes and a toga style party - sorry! 
Remember most ordinary Romans couldn't afford these every day, we just 
happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time!

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this story.

Wandering Lanes, 13th February 2002
The Casebook of Wilma Jenkins - 02 The Roman Incursion





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