The Time Stone, Third Edition (Extended Version)

That night at the City Hall offices, Broad Staffnight and Elizabeth Peters addressed a crowd of city representatives, including Chief of Police Brent Hightower, in a private super emergency meeting.

“Damn it Broad, what happened today is inexcusable. You exposed our city, hell our world, to something that we may never live down” yells the Chief to nods from the fuming mayor and council.

“Mr. Chief and distinguished colleagues, what happened today is a mere oversight. We have had an unexpected intervention, and a variable not contemplated during our initial calculations. As a result we were taken by surprise. I assure you we will not let that happen again.” His eyes widened. “The U.S. government has expressed their intention to take complete control of the situation here in Chronix Bay, and institute martial law—all in the name of the national security” says Broad.

“After what has happened recently, I can’t say I blame them” says Liz.

“We will submit to it under one condition” says Broad.

“What condition is that?” asks Hightower.

“We will implement a new system, which is why it has been proclaimed and ordered by this council that Temporo, Inc.’s board of directors will govern the city when it comes to matters of extra jurisdictional affairs, and as this involves beings from another universe, this falls within that parameter.”

“And what about these two derelicts who beat you and stole the device, Prescott and Timewalker?” asks Cumberberry curiously, his face showing the strain of recent events. “They know how to use it as they have done so. They could be anywhere in time or space.”

“They will be found and dealt with” says Hightower. “There is a large reward for them, dead or alive, and it will remain so until they are in our hands.”

“And since I govern the board of directors all will answer to me with regard to this matter,” says Broad. “I now control the City of Chronix Bay.”

“So be it.” Chief Hightower nodded. Mark Cumberberry snorted quietly as he sipped his ever-present wine in the corner.