“21 Minutes” is a 2008 science fiction short story by Rahul Jaisheel. It is about a researcher who travels back in time to discuss theories with a famous scientist.
Non-Spoiler Summary In A Nutshell:
Phillip Kantor works for Surge Research Laboratories and has come to visit Eric Goldberg, the scientist who wrote a ground-breaking paper on time travel some 12 years earlier. Because of the conditions of Phillip’s visit, Eric is skeptical of his motives, but they soon get into a lively debate about the possibilities of time travel as well as conspiracy theories about why some people are determined to not let time travel happen. How could they do that? Well, by deftly manipulating the time line for one. A deep and intriguing conversation follows, but Phillip is on a very tight time schedule (Ha – “time schedule” – no pun intended!), and Eric is about to find out why.
“Mr. Eric Goldberg?”
“Yes?”
“I’m Phillip Kantor, from Surge Research Laboratories. I would like to talk to you about this paper you wrote around twelve years ago,” he said while pulling out a bunch of papers from one of his inner coat pockets and handing them to Eric. It took a while for Eric to get over his surprise.
“It’s 10 O Clock at night Mr. Kantor. Perhaps we should discuss this in the morning.”
“I apologize Mr. Goldberg, but it is urgent. I would not bother you at this hour otherwise.”
My Two Cents:
• The good:
- I have read a lot of time travel stories, but this one had a unique enough take that I found it quite fresh and enjoyable!
- The conspiracy theories about suppressing the knowledge of time travel were totally cool – and something I could see really happening.
- The ending of “21 Minutes”, and the revelation of why Phillip was counting down the minutes, was very cool!
• The bad:
- For the most part this is a “thinking man’s” story. There is not a lot of action, mostly just conversation. I liked that, but some people may not.
Fact Sheet:
• Page Count: 8
• Word Count: 4,554
• “21 Minutes” garnered the following awards:
- This story was a prize wining entry in the 2008 Scifi Contest.
Where you can find “21 Minutes”:
- This short story first appeared 23 November 2008 on The Scientific Indian.
- You can still read a free online version of this story at The Scientific Indian web site.
Some Interesting Links:
- Special thanks to Tinkoo at Variety SF for pointing out this great story!
Craving More Stories?
If you enjoyed this story then you might also like Small Moments in Time, about a time traveling man working in turn-of-the-century Kansas, and the horrible secret he discovers there, by John G. Hemry.
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