Time Sands Still

A David Sands Competition story by Melissa Valentine

An entry in The Sands of Time Writing Competition

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Time Sands Still by Melissa Valentine

“You forgot sunscreen. You have died of sunburn” the sterile Earth Path computer voice calmly told Ren.

“Gah! This game is impossible to win” they groaned.

“Are you still trying to survive life on Earth in that vid game?” Seth asked.

Ren had been trying to work their way through the reading list of historic texts from 2025 to prepare for camp, but had needed a break. They thought the game Earth Path would be an easy distraction, but how could anyone who lives underground on Mars remember to pack sunscreen, or bring the portable satellite dish - shaped rain protection called an umbrella when they went out?!

“Leave them alone Seth” Inaya signed. “You have no circuits to stand on since you never beat the game anyway.”

“Wow, making bionic foot jokes now are you Inaya?” Seth laughed. “You sure do put your best foot forward.”

“That was one of your worst foot jokes so far.” Zoe said, as she walked in the room.

Ren watched the rest of the group get comfortable in their favorite spots around the room. Seth was tall and thin with unruly brown hair. He was in possession of one bionic foot, the product of an accident that he never talked about, and an unlimited supply of terrible puns. Well, to be fair he thought they were fantastic and everyone else just thought they were fantastically terrible. Inaya sat in a chair next to the window and fiddled with her hijab. Her hands never stopped moving, even when she wasn’t signing. Ren had a sudden thought, which happened more times than they could keep track of, but how was Mars sign language different from Earth’s? Were there different signs in the various old languages? The books about Earth explained that the language they all spoke now was mainly English, but it said nothing about sign language. Ren tried to make a mental note to look it up. Meanwhile, Zoe had settled into a bean bag chair on the floor. Her blonde curls were swept back from her face with a rainbow clip and she was reading a book like always. This one was about intertidal habitats of North America.

“I’m here! I’m not late, am I?” Rui panted as he ran into the room.

“No, the counselor isn’t here yet.” Zoe answered without even looking up from her book.

Rui was the last of the group and he sat down in a chair to catch his breath. His black hair was cut close to his head and his brown skin glistened a bit. He was always running everywhere, but really that was because he got caught up watching history holos and was always leaving too late to get to his destination on time.

They were waiting for the counselor from Camp Suna. This group of teenagers was one of a few groups that were going to spend two weeks on Earth exploring the ruins of Washington DC and visiting different Terran habitats.

Ren and their friends are residents of Mars Colony Ammos. The colony is entirely underground, but well, all Mars Colonies are. The first Mars Colony, Alpha, was finished in 2102. By the time humans had used up Earth’s resources and Climate Change had ravaged the world, there were enough colonies on Mars to house the surviving populations. In 2205 the last humans moved to Mars. That was 120 years ago. This will be the first time that anyone other than scientists will get to go back to Earth. This summer camp is the first venture in Terran tourism. The group honestly didn’t care about being first, they were just psyched to go. Ok, well maybe Rui was more excited about the historical significance, seeing as he dreams of being an Historian. But, you have to know that Historians are a crazy bunch. Can’t take them anywhere.

Finally the counselor walked in and took a seat.

“Hi everyone, I’m David and I will be your camp counselor.”

“Let’s go through the list. When I call your name please tell us one thing you are looking forward to the most about camp and one thing you are worried about or one question you have.”

“Inaya?” He said.

Everyone started talking at once trying to explain who Inaya was and that she couldn’t hear him. To his credit he immediately started signing and apologized for not asking his question in both languages.

“It’s ok. Thank you.” Inaya started.

“I am most excited to take pictures of Earth. I was wondering how the temperatures will be different from here? Well, I guess from inside our colony, not Mars conditions, since we never go outside.”

“Good question.” David signed. His signing wasn’t bad, but it could use some work.

“Temperatures will be warmer than here, however any storms can bring drastically different conditions. We’ve chosen this time of year to go mostly based on the weather. Terrans used to call it the season of Spring. Temperatures would warm up gradually, but it wouldn’t be too hot. We’re hoping not to see any storms and it’s too late in the year for snow. Not that Earth really gets snow any more.”

“Whoa, snow would be so cool! I watched a holo about that” Ren said excitedly.

“Well, snow is rarely seen. Sorry to disappoint.” David replied. “And you are?” he asked.

“Harena, but everyone calls me Ren.” they answered.

The rest of the group answered David’s ice breaker questions and then went over the packing list in detail.

“Make sure you’re ready to go at 07:30 tomorrow. I will see you on the shuttle transport then. You’ll have a chance to get settled on board and meet the other campers. Try to get some sleep tonight and I’ll see you in the morning.” David instructed.

The shuttle launch the following day was delayed by a particularly strong Martian sand storm. It did give Ren enough time to run back to their room to grab the sunglasses that they had forgotten. Another item none of the campers had ever used. The trip to Earth was supposed to take 20 hours. After boarding, Ren’s group dropped their stuff off in their sleeping quarters and then headed to the common room for the meeting and group mixer.

As Rui closed the door, Zoe stopped in place almost causing a pile up worthy of a try-not-to-laugh holo.

“No, it can’t be.” Zoe said, staring at the group coming out of another sleeping unit.

“Well if it isn’t the losers from Ammos.” sneered a tall girl, smirking at her group mates.

“Wow, they really must have been desperate for campers to let you all sign up.” a boy added.

“Ada, Xander, can’t say it’s good to see you.” Seth replied.

“Come on, let's just go to the meeting.” Inaya signed.

Zoe turned and headed away while their group muttered to each other. Ada and Xander were from Colony Areia. The Ammos group had gone head to head with them at this year’s trivia competition. Unfortunately their trash talk was backed up by a strong team and Areia had come out on top. Their trash talk had been particularly hateful, but was never said in front of an adult or official, so the Ammos team hadn’t said anything.

“Let’s just ignore them and hopefully we don’t have to spend any time with them.” Zoe said.

The meeting room was at the center of the ship with seats facing a large screen. David was sitting with other adults facing the groups as they entered. Once everyone had filled in the seats a tall black woman addressed the group.

“Welcome. You are the inaugural group of civilians traveling to Earth, since humans abandoned the planet 120 years ago.” she said.

The campers all started clapping and cheering.

“I am Dr. Pamela Baker, the director of the Terran Tourism Department. You have already met your counselors, David, Molly, Sean, Rebecca, and Sarah. They are here to keep you safe and to make sure you have a great time.”

“Now, let’s go over the itinerary.” Dr. Banks continued. “We will be landing in the heart of Washington DC, the former capital of the United States. The area of our landing used to be called The National Mall. On one end was the Capital Building and it was surrounded by museums and monuments. On our first day we will explore the Capital ruins and you will be able to step inside the Natural History Museum because it is still standing. We will then visit the ruins of the White House, the former home and office of the President. On our subsequent days we will travel to other locations that have been scoped out by professionals. Our destinations will depend on the weather, but we will spend time on the beach, visit a coniferous forest, walk down Broadway in New York City, and visit Yellowstone National Park.”

“Wait, isn’t that the one that has a huge underground volcano that is going to explode any minute? Ren whispers to Zoe.

“It exploded in 2067 and they think it will be millions of years before it happens again.” Zoe whispered back.

Meanwhile Dr. Baker had moved on to talk safety.

“And finally, you will all be issued a com device. If you get separated from your group you can speak through the com to your group members and your counselor. There is a button to connect you to the ship as well, but that is only to be used in emergencies. Does anyone have any questions?”

No one moved.

“Ok then, grab some food and introduce yourselves to each other. You will then have a time to rest in your bunk rooms and we will see you back here at 09:30 local time tomorrow.”

“Wow, I’m really glad I grabbed these sunglasses.” Ren said after everyone had exited the ship. They had endured a slightly bumpy landing, but no one minded because they were too excited to have arrived on Earth. The groups gathered together as the ship took off to wait above them until their tours were finished. To their right were the crumpled remains of the Capital Building. White stones jutted at odd angles and they could see what used to be a column lying in pieces across the ground. To their left was a forest with small trees with more building ruins running along each side.

“Wow, that piece over there must be part of the dome.” Rui exclaimed.

“You are correct,” said David. “That is actually the second dome the building had. The first was much lower and wooden. It was removed in 1856 and this one was made of cast iron and finished in 1866.”

“Are those the steps where presidents were inaugurated?” Rui asked.

“That is the general area, though they would build a temporary stage for the event.” David answered.

“Pretty great view for the President then.” Seth observed.

“Actually, this used to be a flat grassy park, with trees only lining the sides. You would have been able to see all the way to the Washington Monument, though there isn’t anything left of it now.” David explained.

The group spent the next hour exploring the ruins as close as David would let them go.

“Let’s take a group picture.” Inaya suggested.

“They can put it in the brochure and title it ‘Visiting Washington is a Capital idea’.” Seth said.

The whole group groaned.

Finally it was time to head to the Natural History Museum.

“Once we get inside, please stick together with the group. The entrance is called the rotunda and the exhibits branch out from there in separate rooms. We can visit the exhibits that are in secured areas of the building, but please do not wander off alone. ” David reminded them.

Just as they stepped inside Dr. Baker called all of the counselors over to her. She had a worried look on her face. After a few minutes of just standing around while the adults had a whispered conversation, she told the groups they could explore the first and second floor of the museum in their groups without the adults, as long as they took the map device from the counselors. Seth jumped at the chance to get his hands on a new piece of tech and quickly took one from David.

“I wonder what that is about.” Inaya signed.

“I don’t know what they’re saying, but at least we don’t have to wait around anymore.” Seth responded.

“Better be careful, losers. If you stand here too long they’ll realize you can’t follow a map and make you wait here for the grownups.” Ada sneered as her group walked by.

“Oh you’re going to need better insults. Next time I’m..” Seth ground out, as he started getting heated.

“Just ignore them. It’s not worth it.” Zoe said, pulling him back to their group

“Where to first?” Ren asked.

“Let’s look at the Ancient Egypt room!” Rui exclaimed.

“I really want to see the Oceans exhibit.” Zoe countered.

“There’s the gem room.” Inaya suggested.

“I don’t care what we see first, just so long as it’s far away from the Areia group.” Seth muttered.

“Well they went to the right, so let’s go left to the insect collection.” Ren suggested.

The group agreed that it was as good a place to start as any.

After fifteen minutes of exploring the insect exhibit, the Ammos group spilled back into the main rotunda area.

“Can you imagine those things just flying at your head?” Ren exclaimed.

“The iridescent wings were so beautiful. I hope I was able to capture them in the pictures.” Inaya signed.

Seth was pulling up the map when they noticed the Areia group slinking out of an unmarked hallway to their right.

“Hmm, that’s not the room they went in before.” Zoe noted.

“That door doesn’t appear on our map.” Seth told the group.

The five of them walked over to inspect the door and then they all crowded around Seth to try to get a look at the map.

“Can’t find your way already? See we knew your group couldn’t handle being alone.” Xander sneered as they walked past.

“Hey, my map reading skills are off the charts.” Seth responded.

Ada just rolled her eyes as her group walked past.

“Hey, what is down that hallway?” Ren asked Ada.

“Just a stupid glass jar. But if you want to waste your time, by all means, wander down that hallway. At least in there you can’t get lost” Ada laughed over her shoulder as her group continued on.

“Do you think she is telling the truth?” Inaya signed. “I don’t trust them.”

“Yeah, I feel like they are up to no good.” Ren agreed. “Should we go check it out?”

“Can’t hurt.” Rui said.

Little did they know how important it would be that they went through that door.

Ren opened the unmarked door and the group filed into a narrow hallway. The hall was lined with doors that were all closed. At the far end sat a small object on a pedestal.

“Guys, it’s an hourglass!” Rui exclaimed as he rushed towards it.

“It looks really old. Look at all the intricate scroll work.” Ren observed as Inaya took pictures of it.

The glass container was topped with a metal disk decorated with small scrolls. There were three twisted columns that ran the length of the glass and it was sitting on a metal base that flared out at the bottom.

“The sign says it is believed to be the oldest surviving hourglass, estimated to have been made some time between 1450-1500. It was on loan from the British Museum. I wonder how it ended up in this hidden hallway?” Rui said.

“Ok, we came down the hallway, can we go see the Oceans exhibit now?” Zoe said, not wanting to lose any more time.

The group headed back out the door as Rui kept talking about the hourglass.

“Did you know that it was probably the Egyptians that had the first time keeping device? It was called a water clock and it used water instead of sand. I wonder if the Egyptian exhibit has one.” Rui chattered excitedly.

Once they stepped into the rotunda again and closed the door, the group gathered around Seth and the map.

“Hmm, that door still doesn’t show up here. I thought it might change after we went in, but I guess it’s not autoupdating.” Seth said.

“Can’t find your way already? See we knew your group couldn’t handle being alone.” Xander sneered as the Areia group walked past.

The Ammos group froze and looked around. The Areia group was walking away again and the adults were nowhere to be seen.

“Didn’t we already have this conversation?” Ren whispered to Zoe.

“Tell a map joke, but a different one than last time.” Zoe said to Seth.

“Now you want me to tell a joke?!” Seth exclaimed, flabbergasted. No one ever appreciated his humor.

“Yes!” hissed Zoe.

“My map skills took up yoga. They know how to be flexible.” Seth responded.

Ada just rolled her eyes as her group walked past.

“Just a stupid glass jar. But if you want to waste your time, by all means, wander down that hallway. At least in there you can’t get lost” Ada laughed.

The Ammos group stood shocked, stuck in place as they watched the Areia group walk away.

“I didn’t ask her the question again, but she still answered it.” Ren finally said.

“And it didn’t matter what joke Seth told, it still got the same reaction.” Inaya added.

“Are they playing a joke on us?” Rui asked.

“I think the only way to test it is to go back in and see what happens when we come out again.” Zoe said.

The group went back through the door and then argued about how long they had to wait before exiting. Finally Zoe threw open the door and almost walked into the back of Xaden as the Areia group was leaving.

As Inaya closed the door, Xaden turned around and looked at them.

Xanden repeated the same insult.

“My map gives me a lot of latitude on what direction I go.” Seth said.

Ada rolled her eyes again and then said the same things about the glass jar.

The Ammos group waited until they were out of hearing range and they looked at each other, still a little shocked.

“So, that time we actually ran into them a few seconds earlier than last time.” Zoe observed.

“We keep reliving the same conversation, and it doesn’t matter what we say or do. We weren’t even looking at the map that time!” Ren added.

“Guys, do you think it’s time to tell David and Dr. Baker?” Inaya asked.

“But wait, where did they go?” Rui asked.

The adults had been speaking in the rotunda near the front door, but now they were nowhere to be seen.

“Um, David, can we talk to you for a minute?” Seth said into his com unit.

There was no response.

“Yo David!” Ren said. The whole group stared at them with incredulous looks on their faces.

“What? I didn’t think they’d answer anyway.” Ren said, shrugging.

“Ok, so the adults have disappeared, and we can’t use our coms. What next?” Inaya signed.

“Oh, I’ll try calling the ship. Maybe they know what happened or that David is out of range or something.” Seth suggested.

That call resulted in only silence as well and the group tried not to panic.

“Did anyone notice that the doors inside that hallway were labeled with the exhibit names? There was an Egypt one, an Oceans one, and a Gem one even though that exhibit is upstairs.” Rui said.

“We are in a bit of a situation here and you want to go to more exhibits?!” Zoe said incredulously.

“I’m just wondering if we need to search for the chaperones we might be able to take a short cut through those doors. Even split up and each go look for them in a different exhibit.” Rui explained.

“We’re supposed to stick together, but I like the idea of the short cut.” Ren answered.

The group agreed to try the Egypt exhibit door first and to stick together. When Zoe opened the door, it was pitch black beyond the threshold.

“Maybe we need to close the door before lights come on?” Seth suggested.

Ren closed the door and the whole building seemed to tilt for a second. Then they were all blinded by bright sunlight.

“Um guys, I don’t think we’re in the museum any more.” Rui said stunned.

The whole group just nodded as they took in the view of a pyramid in the middle of the desert being constructed by actual humans.

No one said anything for a few minutes, as if their brains were catching up with what they were seeing.

“Map, can you show us our current location? Seth asked. “This shows us in Egypt. Like the actual country.” Seth looked up, shocked.

“Oh my gosh, I think this is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Or well it will be when it’s done!” Rui exclaimed.

“I sphinx you’re onto something!” Seth joked, but Rui was too excited to even roll his eyes.

As Rui continued to list facts about the construction, Zoe suddenly whipped around, and then let out a relieved sigh.

“What was that about?” Ren asked.

“I think that door brought us here. I was afraid it was gone and we’d be stuck here, but look, the door is still there.” Zoe answered. “I think it’s some kind of portal.”

“I think we must have traveled through time too, because there are people here, and the pyramid isn’t finished. I thought we’d be seeing a ruin. This is not a ruin.” Inaya signed rapidly.

“Look! I think they are using drills and tools to shape the rock!” Rui exclaimed. He started to walk towards the workers but Seth grabbed him.

“We have to stay together, and I really don’t think you should talk to anyone. We’ll probably freak them out and I really don’t want to have to run for our lives.” Seth said.

“I think we should go back through the door now.” Inaya suggested.

They took one last look at the pyramid before closing the door. That was when Ren almost backed into Xander in the museum hallway.

“This is boring, let’s get out of here.” Ada complained to her group.

The Areia group didn’t notice Ren or the rest of the Ammos group though. Seth followed Xanden out to the rotunda and that was when Xaden started the conversation again.

“I think your map is the problem. It’s in de-Nile that you have the brains to use it.” Seth responded.

“See, I used an Egypt joke since we just got back from there.” Seth whispered to Zoe.

“Yeah we get it Seth, I don’t think that they care.” she responded.

They waited again and then debriefed.

“So we continue to arrive back earlier and earlier every time we use that door and we still have the same conversation.” Ren summarized.

“It didn’t seem like they could see us when we were in the hallway though.” Inaya observed.

“Do you think they did something to change time?” Ren asked.

“I think we need to see everything they did in that hallway to know for sure.” said Zoe.

“That means we need to go through more doors.” Seth said.

They turned and headed back into the hallway and Zoe started to open the Oceans door.

“Are you sure we won’t end up actually in the ocean?” Rui asked nervously. “I can’t swim.” he added.

“The exhibit isn’t only depicting underwater habitats. I read all about it before we left home. You got to see ancient Egypt. I want to see the ocean.” Zoe replied.

This time as soon as they closed the door Ren noticed a gentle breeze and a wooshing noise.

“The water is moving!” Ren exclaimed.

“This must be a beach! Oh look at the birds running away from the water. I think they are trying to eat crabs that are in the sand.” Zoe was just as excited as Rui had been.

“There had to be sand.” Rui grumbled. “We have enough of that at home.”

“How do beaches greet each other? With a Sand-shake” Seth said. This time Zoe actually laughed.

“Seth, where are we on the map?” Inaya asked.

“It says North Carolina. It looks like one of those barrier islands called the Outer Banks.” Seth replied.

“We definitely went back in time because this beach doesn’t exist any more. Erosion tore it all away before humans even abandoned Earth entirely.” Zoe explained.

“Guys I think we need to stay here a little longer if we’re going to see the Areia group the whole time they are in the hallway.” Ren suggested.

“Do you think it is safe to walk away from the door? There are no people around.” Inaya asked

“I’ll stay by the door. I really hate sand.” Rui offered.

Zoe and Ren immediately took off their shoes and started walking toward the water. Inaya tried to take pictures of the birds without scaring them away, and Seth started building a sand castle. After about 30 minutes the group decided it was enough time and Zoe reluctantly led the group back through the door. At first, the hallway was deserted, but then the door from the rotunda opened and Ada led her group into the hallway.

“This isn’t even on this worthless map.” complained a short boy with a blonde buzz cut.

“The doors are locked.” Ada said as she tried to open the one the Ammos group had taken to Egypt.

That was interesting, Ren thought. It seemed that these doors hadn’t become portals yet.

“There is something down here.” Xaden said. He picked up the hourglass and Ren could see the scrollwork on the other end as he flipped it around.

“Don’t touch anything, moron.” the short boy admonished as he grabbed the hourglass and dropped it back in the base, not very gently.

“This is boring, let’s get out of here.” Ada complained to her group just like last time.

Seth led his group out of the door to have the same conversation again.

“I think this map is charting unknown waters” was his beach themed joke this time.

As soon as the other group walked away Ren turned to their friends.

“I think they did something to the hourglass. Did you notice that they couldn’t open the doors before then?” Ren said.

“I can’t believe they touched it!” Rui groaned.

“Let’s go look.” Zoe suggested.

When they reached the hourglass Rui finished reading the informational sign while Ren studied the hourglass.

“It says ‘The present is a point in time between the past and the future’.” Rui mentioned.

“Not sure that is any help, but look, it’s a little crooked and off center. I didn’t notice the first time because we were so focused on the decorations.” Ren said.

“Yes, the sand isn’t moving from the top to the bottom.” Inaya observed.

“I think we need to fix it. Then maybe time will be fixed.” Ren suggested.

“But fix it how? What if we make it worse?” Seth said.

“Xaden picked it up and flipped it over. That made the sand start running through it. I think we should flip it back, so that sand goes to where it started.” Ren suggested.

“You really noticed a lot of details.” Inaya complimented.

“Might as well try that.” Zoe agreed.

Ren carefully picked up the hourglass and turned it back the way that it had been. They held it in their hands until the last sand grain had fallen into the bottom chamber. Then, Ren carefully pleased it back on the base so it was standing straight up and down.

“All we can do now is go back out the door.” Seth said.

The group walked to the end of the hall, took a collective breath and opened the door.

The first thing they noticed was the low hum of the adults in conversation by the door.

“They’re back!” Rui exclaimed.

“I’m actually glad to see adults for the first time like, ever.” Zoe said.

“Seth, bring the map back over here.” David called out. “Did it work ok?” he asked.

“Maps are like friends, they always point you in the right direction.” Seth managed to get in one more map joke.

“Okay.” David said slowly. He obviously wasn’t used to Seth’s puns.

“I’m sorry to tell you this, but we have to return to the ship.” David said. “There is a dangerous storm approaching and if we don’t leave now we may not be able to fly again for a long time.” David said. “I’m very sorry you weren’t able to visit other places, but safety comes first I’m afraid.”

The group looked at each other and tried not to smile.

“I guess we’ll just have to come back another time.” Ren said.

“Thanks for being so understanding. Please head outside and Dr. Baker will take you to the ship. I’m going to help find the other groups. Make sure you don’t get distracted and go to another exhibit.” David told them.

“We won’t. Time doesn’t sand still for anyone after all.” Seth said as David rushed away.

This time the group couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing.

“I guess we can’t tell anyone what happened, can we?” Rui asked.

“Who would believe us anyway.” Zoe said.

“Hopefully we can share my pictures at least.” Inaya said.

Ren took one last look at the museum as they walked out the front door. It didn’t go as planned, but at least no one died because they forgot sunscreen.

About Melissa Valentine:

Melissa is a high school science teacher who loves to share science puns with her students. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, their 12 year old, their sweet but not too bright dog, and a cat that is going to live forever. Melissa loves to read and has laughed out loud in public way too many times while reading the Chronicles of St. Mary's series. She enjoyed inserting as many "sand" references as possible in this short story. Hope you enjoy it!

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