Concurrence

© Mark Willis 2024

Ripples of smoke, weaved through rafter and beam in an eternal dance, driven by the heat of the tavern’s hearth. The wood supporting the roof kept the taverns occupants as dry and warm as they had for hundreds of years, and would for at least a hundred more.

Resolve Wilkins seemed comfortable. This was a frequent venue of his first steps into manhood. The warmth of the fire, the company of good friends, made this a special place to gather and celebrate the minutia of life.

Tonight’s vibe was so very different of course. No mobile phones adorning every table, the sense of community born of a different time. Casual friends passing and clapping shoulders adding to the churning reverie, slopping ale, and the puffing of pipes, no different to most nights.

Having grown up when smoking indoors was often outlawed, his normally smoke free lungs longed for clean air. As always, time and place determined the rules of social grace.

The city bells struck eight and the evening darkened, the streets of Ghent were bathed in the bright white glow of electric lamps, having replaced most of the former street lanterns. It wasn’t the newly crowned “City of Lights” but it was transitioning into his home. With certainty, the tavern door pushed open as the hour bells continued. Arriving on time, the elder and well-presented gentlemen entered while glancing about the tavern. His movements were careful, a deliberate steadying of one leg before the other could be moved, the stiffness of a man in his 70’s. His next decade would wear down that mobility further, though respect for someone else’s time would never wain.

Though the younger man well knew Mr Solvay by sight, it was technically their first meeting. Mr Solvay judged each of the clientele of the ‘De Roode Leeuw’ methodically searching for the man who had intrigued him enough to chance this meeting. Resolve was only 28, still of slight build and with a head of auburn hair, he dressed suitably for the time. As their eye’s connected, Mr Wilkins rose from his seat and performed a respectful nod, indicating they were the two planned to meet.

With only the slightest hesitation, he assessed the younger man, approaching cautiously. Resolve had chosen a table for the privacy, tucked into the back corner of the tavern. Mr Solvay paused upon reaching the table awaiting an introduction.

“Mr Solvay, it is my great honour to greet you. My name is Resolve Wilkins. May I express my gratitude in your accepting my invitation to meet and speak.” It was then that Resolve offered his hand in greeting.

He remained an impressive 72-year-old. Neatly groomed white hair, moustache and beard made an experienced contrast to the youthfully confident stranger. Resolve had written with promises that would change the world. He reached forward and the two men clasped hands.

Mr Solvay, gauged Resolves eyes for intent as he spoke, “You included a quote of mine in your letter, which intrigued me.”

Resolve closed his eyes a moment recalling the words, “Society is obligated to strive for social justice or else it will die.” Mr Wilkins recited. “I also know to whom you attribute the original thought, and when you began to feel that way.”

Crinkling his eyes Mr Solvay asked sceptically “Do you indeed?”

Earnestly, Resolve continued, “I am here because I whole heartedly agree. Further, I am inspired by your foresight. I appreciate that your sentiment is just as important today, as it was when I was born.” Resolve’s odd phrasing was noticed but unremarked, “I am deeply frustrated at how easily people are attracted to greed over knowledge, and a flourishing civilisation.”

Slightly waving an arm to the chair upon which My Solvay’s hands rested. “If you would be so kind to join me, at the very least, I will promise an entertaining tale and our discussion might inspire an idea or two.” Resolves smile was genuine and warm as he waited.

It was almost like cheating for Mr Wilkins, he knew more about Mr Solvay than he ever should have been able to. He knew their shared passions, enjoyed their spirited contentions. He knew that Solvay believed in bettering the world, and sought out connection with those who felt the same.

That’s not to say Mr Solvay was naive, an extremely rich industrialist and businessman, wise enough to keep all his guards and wits about him. Two of his body men had arrived ten minutes before their employer. They were comfortably close should this stranger overstep, or present a danger. A third had entered with Mr Solvay and now lingered at the bar.

Every time Resolve had to meet his friend again, each first time was difficult. Starting every conversation from scratch and building their rapport afresh. Mr Wilkins waited for Mr Solvay to reach for his chair before settling back into his own.

Once seated, if not comfortable, the older man began “Your introductory letter was an oddity. You allude to ideas you wish to discuss. Opportunities for the betterment of not only the people of today, but those hundreds of years hence. I can respect enthusiasm, and I’ll admit to a modicum of curiosity; But I won’t abide a charlatan.”

With a quick finger raise and gesture, Mr Wilkins indicated that the barman to his left could deliver the awaiting tankards of ale, and deftly deposited the coins into the barman’s hands. They were gone as quickly as they arrived.

“A little presumptuous, but at least we have a similar taste.” Mr Solvay added.

Resolve demurred “I find a gentlemanly drink can equally help a new friendship as well as grease a challenging conversation, and if there was ever a time both were needed, tonight is the night.

Mr Solvay’s eyes narrowed sensing snake oil in the air. “Perhaps then it would be most wise to maintain clarity of mind?”

A cheeky smile spilt freely onto Mr Wilkins face, he genuinely enjoyed his company “You have more than enough wit for the likes of me, and I promise that it will help. Your three associates will make sure I behave as we get re-acquainted.” Resolve raised a small gesture for a toast with his own tankard, “À votre santé!”

To which Mr Solvay clinked mugs, repeating the cheers before taking his first sip, though a puzzled squint still assessed the younger man.

Despite how well practised his introduction was, Resolve looked uncertain and a little sad as he began. “We meet here in the year 1910, with an industrialised world advancing in a thousand different ways. Despite those marvels that we can witness with our own eyes, I have asked you here to tell you a story that belies belief. It will be as strange as it is honest. This I will swear to, but we are going to have to rip the band-aid off.” The look on Mr Solvay’s face implied he didn’t understand the reference.

“Unfortunately, they won’t be invented for another decade, so I beg your indulgence to please listen to my story for a short while. I respect you too much to waste your time.”

As Mr Solvay’s furrowed brow tried to parse this strange young man’s words, he fell back into an adage passed down to him “I must not trust a man who tells me that I should trust him?”

Mr Wilkins grimaced into an empathetic smile. “I know. One of your uncles’ lessons when you first began working, and he is right of course.”

Mr Solvay sat back in his chair and asked, “How would you…?”

“I know a great many things about you. It pains me how unfair that is.” Resolve swirled his drink gently, the foam of the beer lapped the sides of the mug ending up back where it started again and again, but never quite the same.

“Only experience can build trust. Please understand, that I will always be respectful with you. You of course can and should be as incredulous as you like, I won’t be offended.” Resolve let a wide grin spill forth as he nodded once to emphasise the sincerity of the offer.

Pausing, he took a full sip from the tankard before asking. “May I call you Ernest?”

The older man still looked quite puzzled, but nodded slightly.

“Then please call me Resolve. Yes, that is genuinely my name and is important to our story. I was born in the border town of Erquennes, part of Honnelles to as loving a ma-ma as a son could ask for. The less said about my father the better. My ma-ma was someone who made me feel like a better man than I deserved. I was, and remain, a modest student on my best day, I’m not gifted at art, science or music, but I was loved, and taught that I should give things my best effort. Always help others when I can.”

Looking past Mr Solvay and into the fire hearth set into the wall opposite the bar, Resolve paused for a moment. “It was set in stone from the start you see. She called me ‘Resolve’ because she was determined to give me the best start she could, and to make sure I never forgot to do my best.” Pausing to let that be digested. “She also wanted me to be unique. Resolve isn’t a common name in any part of the world, but that made her love it and me even more.”

“Growing up, I thought I was the only Resolve in the world, let alone Resolve Wilkins.”

Looking into Ernest’s eye’s they seemed to wonder why he was being told such things. Resolve summed up the first explanation “My point being, my mother wanted me to be a good man above everything else. I believe we have something in common here.”

“Let us hope.” Mr Solvay answered carefully.

With a laugh Resolve held up his hands in the suggestion of a surrender, before confessing “I wasn’t anything special though, I lived in a small village with a difficult history, and my opportunities were limited. I have been profoundly saddened that someone better isn’t sitting before you, but I think we have reached the point where we, knowing our path… We can take our hands off the reigns and let whatever will be, be.”

Resolve began laughing sympathetically at his perplexed guest, poor Mr Solvay was doing his best to follow what was getting close to rambling, and things were only going to ramp up from here.

Gesturing to both drinks and taking a sip from his own, Resolve said, “You are going to want to hit the gas on that beer though.” With a crinkled brow Ernest asked “Hit the gas?”, Resolve apologised with his eyes, “I just mean you are going to want a little buzz for what I am going to tell you. Trust me, it usually helps.”

From an adjacent chair, Resolve produced a red leather-bound book and placed it on his own side of the table. The title written in white simply ‘For inspiration.’ Still touching the leather, Resolve explained. “I’ve collected a breadth of learnings for you. I hope you will take it with you when you leave. Contained within are approaches, theories, suggestions that the many ‘creatives’ we have worked with believe can have a profound, and beneficial impact on society.”

Pausing to emphasise the moment “You are the man best suited to whom I can entrust it and make best use.” With eyes beaming with pride, he finished his explanation. “Ernest, even if you walked away this moment, to never see me again, you will be responsible for helping to encourage the greatest minds of their times. Advancing the studies of Chemistry, Physics, Environmentalism, Medicine, Sociology and Economics just a little further than they would have on their own.”

With a scoff “What is this flattery? Shall we also turn lead into gold?” A release of mockery and incredulity swept across Mr Solvay’s face.

Resolve happily joined Ernest’s laugh “No. Not that one, though there will be transformations un-dreamt of. At this point I really need to temper expectations.”

A tightness in Resolves voice crept in, with a slight crack of sadness as he began, “As I have said, I am not a brilliant man, if we lived in a different universe someone much more wise, and learned might be sitting where I sit.” Wistfully Resolve finished with, “Instead, only a freak occurrence, which I now know could have only happened to me, has finally led us here on this night.”

Mr Solvay looked over the younger man. There was a look of pain and frustration as he searched for the words. Perhaps a desire to do more, but a sense of finality. A decision had been made to make the best of the situation.

“Young Sir, I do not wish to presume too much; A difficult proposition to be sure given how little I’ve understood of what has been said thus far.” Pausing, then encouraging in exactly the sort of way Resolve would have expected him too. “I think I can see some of that passion and kindness in your eyes, and perhaps a mind troubled by difficult decisions, though perhaps you put too much on your shoulders?”

A smile broke free on Resolve’s face. A reminder of lost friendships, before Ernest’s thoughts headed in the wrong direction. “I’m not sure I’m the right man for book publishing though, perhaps I might be able to arrange an introduction if that would help.”

Resolve quickly jumped back in. “I won’t describe it as my book Mr Solvay; I’m just a vessel into which hundreds of much better minds have been poured.”

“Then I am perplexed Mr Wilkins, you speak of writing a book filled with world shaping ideas with the pride of one finding a stone while strolling a hillside trail. Is it arrogance masquerading as humility?” Ernest stopped and seemed to be considering what he was supposed to be understanding.

Perhaps sensing the moment, Resolve spoke gently, “It’s not modesty my good friend, and I apologise for the confusion, I will explain.” Resolve then seemed to baulk perhaps realising good friend was too soon, but persisted “The knowledge found within was never mine to begin with. I am nervous but hopeful that I have collected the concepts correctly.” Taking an embarrassed sip, from his tankard, subconsciously in sympathy Ernest mirrored the action.

“To explain, the story I am about to tell you is one that would have the recently departed Jules Verne scratching his head, and yet it is all true. All I can ask is that you listen to my story; If it feels like nonsense, just remember, so that when you first read the book which I will leave you, you will have the context needed to make the best use of it.”

“I grew up on the border of France and Belgium. My mother had married an Englishman who left us before I had even started school. All I got from him was my surname. When I was 18, I attended University in Ghent and then after my graduation I took some time to travel a little and one late afternoon I found myself exploring part of the Alabaster Coast, the cliffs around Saint-Valery-en-Caux if you know them. A storm had rolled in quicker and stronger than I thought possible. I hurried back to my auto-mobile.” A young man with a car created a look of surprise across Ernest’s face, but Resolve continued “And I fell into a crack between the rocks, and down I plunged.”

Gesturing his arms widely Resolve began his story “It’s 1910, Mr Solvay, by any measurement, you are a successful businessman and philanthropist. You’ve been considering, and are already planning a conference for the leading Physicists of this time to assemble next year in person to discuss, debate and propel the sciences into new and better directions.”

“Personally, these conferences you are planning will be your great legacy. The idea to bring Max Planck and Madame Curie, Poincaré, Lorentz and so many others together at the same time is brilliant. I was so impressed with your foresight. To be able to meet them all, for them all to be in one place to debate the fundamental aspects of our universe. It’s an incredible notion.”

With concern and irritation, Mr Solvay interrupted. “We are still planning who might be able to attend. How do you know any of this?

“And so, we arrive at our last great locus point.” Resolve began, with a weak and wry smile. What I am about to say will be difficult to believe and some even hard to hear, but it is all important.”

With a deep breath the younger man began, “We live in a time of great change. Electric lights, the Wright Brothers first powered flights happened just 7 years ago, I think we both know the technological advancements that will continue over the next century will stagger the mind.” Mr Solvay nodded a general agreement, a furrowed brow still waited for an answer on how Resolve knew about the conference.

With sincere eyes locked together. Resolve continued, “For me, I’m not imagining the possibilities; I say this as someone for whom it was already history by the time I was born. I won’t be born for another 90 years, in the year 2000. I will live an utterly ordinary life until I find myself on that cliff, in that storm and I fall through a cleft in the rocks, which somehow transported me back from 2023 to 1905.

During the silence, Mr Wilkins stopped to take a large finishing swig from his tankard, signalling the barman to bring two fresh beers which were placed in front of Resolve as he paid. Mr Solvay pondered how to the respond to the absurdity he was hearing.

“What is this jest? What would be the point of such a contrivance?” pausing as if his mind scrambled to answer his own questions. “What game could you be playing? You know the future so want me provide you capital to invest? There must be a dozen less ridiculous scenario’s you could have laid out. Your uncle knows a Minister, You’ve discovered a vein of iron… but this?”

With quiet confidence, Resolve answered, “But none of that would be true, and everything relies upon a trust that we must build. For the moment I just need you to listen. You can scoff at my fanciful story, and label me a madman for now. I just ask for your indulgence to listen.” Resolve knew the man well enough that he knew which buttons to push at.

A tiny variable such as a patron in the bar stumbling at the wrong time, or laughing could be just enough to divert Ernest’s attention from a critical point. And yet, Resolve knew that even the possibility of exploring something new and enticing should carry them through the difficult beginnings.

“The next century is going to be a tipping point for all the people that call this planet home. There will be marvels, accomplishments you would think could only be stories. And there will be moments of shared joy and desolate horror.”

“In an ideal world, together, we would all work as one to prevent much of the pain, and suffering. Unfortunately, too often selfishness and prejudice undermine the better angels.”

“Instead, you and I have tried to nudge here and there to make the world a kinder place, a smarter place. Time and time again we have explored what we can do. Now, I believe we have reached the limits of what is reasonable and must put our plan into action.” Then wryly “Once more unto the breach.” quoting Shakespeare.

Clearly frustrated now, Mr Solvay leaned forward and demanded “Of what do you speak? I’m certain we have never met. Certainly, I would remember a fellow as strange as yourself.”

Risking provoking anger, Resolve chose to change the subject fast enough to keep the story flowing “As I mentioned, I was born in the year 2000. A number given more significance than deserved, but as good a turning point in human history as any other. It is a time of great change. Of course, what year isn’t? Each builds off what came before.”

“Many of the concepts I will discuss I have written out in your gift, but I will begin with mechanical devices that we call computers. In the 21st century information can be shared and accessed with such ease that we often take it for granted, are simply unconcerned by how much brilliance went into building and supporting it. Like the leaps from harnessing electricity, turning words into telegraphs, or Mr Bell’s telephonic device, they all build upon what came before.”

Seemingly grasping the idea, Mr Solvay asked. “Then you are condensing the many creations needed for such a world? Jumping to the end to say that information is freely shared and available?”

Resolve openly admired his friend’s capacity to contextualise radical concepts, so nodding with pride he said “Putting aside some peoples propensity towards secrecy for profit, that is exactly the line I had hoped to draw.”

“When I was born, the sharing of information this way was new, but the technology was impatient and improved incrementally. We can read this information on screens.” As Ernest formed a furrowed brow, Resolve explained. “Try to imagine darkened glass onto which the words and images are projected, so the ‘glass’ can change to show anything that we wish, words or coloured images, voice and music. Just like these new motion pictures. We can instantly pull up information from the irrationally inane to the most profound scientific curiosities.”

Mr Solvay had lent forward and was listening intently, seemingly trying to visualise such a concept. Not as someone who believed what he was hearing, but as someone with a curious mind enticed by new ideas. As Resolve paused to sip at his draught, he let the words settle for a moment, Mr Solvay considered “If I understand, then such a technology would render my conference obsolete, by allowing information to be shared with immediate efficiency?”

Placing his tankard back on the table, Resolve disagreed “There is always space for the spontaneous creation of thought through the lively discussion of great minds. Your first conference will bring together many of the greatest minds of their generations to ponder and debate, but that never ends. Every time they uncover one marvel, a dozen more questions arise. Your contribution in facilitating a world of scientific collaboration is an honour you should wear with pride.”

With reflected pride Resolve confided “Even with those modern marvels, your conferences continue into the 21st century. It’s why I’ve come to speak with you.”

A burst of laughter and cheer from another table slightly undercut the genuine admiration that Resolve was trying to express, but Ernest listened to the words without acceptance or judgement.

Resolve flinched at the next round of laughter. They weren’t laughing at him, but he reacted as if they could have been. “With all the knowledge in the world at my fingertips, I was a curious, but superficial thinker.”

“I could literally type ‘History of Flight’ into the computer and read thousands of pages on each advancement, I could watch video summaries, watch movies that showed how air pressure worked when travelling over the wing of a plane or a bird. Learnt about propellers or jet engines that can fly faster than the speed of sound. I could learn about the speed of sound, how it works, the speed of light in a vacuum…. And often I did. But I didn’t always understand the concepts, I knew enough to know in that moment that there are laws of physics that explain why birds and planes can fly. But I didn’t retain or learn it deeply, I would quickly move onto the next distraction.”

“And that’s why I normally apologise now, I ‘knew’ I was the wrong person to be here. A 21st century physicist could revolutionise the sciences, explain wonders that will take a hundred years to unravel, and here I sit humiliated by my own limitations.”

A look of sympathy settled on Mr Solvay’s face, but he remained silent.

“My life was average, I wasn’t ‘the guy’ at anything, only privileged enough to be able to explore the world for a little while. That’s how I ended up on that cliff. After completing my degree in Accounting, I was just going to travel for a few months before getting work.”

“While I was visiting the French Coast, where some of my mother’s ancestors had lived, I walked atop cliffs admiring the sea. Which was beautiful, however a storm was gathering in strength. I had misjudged the ferocity badly, and should have turned back earlier. When I did, I was incautious, rushed and I fell into a crevasse between the cliff stone. I fell for long enough that I knew I would die.”

“And yet, when I regained my awareness, I was unharmed. I was me. Only naked, my keys, my phone, my wallet were all gone and I was standing in a sea cave with the sun setting in front of me. I had no idea what could have happened between when I fell and when I came back to reality. I was scared and confused, but not yet aware of exactly how much trouble I was in.”

“Carefully, I crept up the cliff path, dashed from bush to bush, but I needn’t have bothered, there was no one to be seen. Eventually I found an unattended shack, it housed spare wet weather gear that let me go into the nearest town. Quickly enough I realise that something impossible has happened and the year is 1905. That was when I truly panicked, I didn’t know anyone, have anything, and not knowing what to do, I stole, and made my way back to Belgium, eventually travelling to Couillet.”

“Your business is well known around Belgium and the world, so I looked for work at your factory. With my advanced education I hoped I could at least be useful with the book-keeping and maybe some optimisations, I got to know more people and made the most of my life.”

“This wasn’t my Belgium though, and when… and when a time of great trouble began. Many young and older men volunteered to do their part as quickly as they could. There was honour and need, and a chance to make a difference to the world. This was exactly the sort of thing my mother had instilled in me. To stick up for the good guys and fight for the freedom of the world. I was more terrified than most, but I made my way into France to do what I could. See I knew things about what it would be like, the parts recruitment doesn’t include when promoting duty and honour. And yet, there was this little voice in the back of my mind that told me maybe this was why I was here. Maybe I could contribute something. I could save lives somehow! but again… what did I actually know with any certainty?”

“So I joined this great adventure, and it was as horrific as I could have ever imagined. I lived long enough to see friends torn to shreds, for others to die slowly in the mud, or with poison in their lungs. To live with the cold, misery and psychological damage that no one should ever know. I thought, if only I was smarter, or better studied; Which was ridiculous. The size and scale of it all, made me feel completely pointless.”

“That all ended when my company was ordered to charge up some damn hill, an exploding shell opened my stomach, and my guts spilt forth. I died in pain, my mind screaming ‘How could I be dying then? There? Like that?’ Resolve seemed lost as if recalling that feeling of laying, dying once again.

Mr Solvay opened his mouth to maybe comfort, but nothing came out. What could he say to a stranger, rambling about an event that hasn’t happened, that would be torturous, but was impossible. In his own wisdom, he seemed to wait to see how Mr Wilkins would talk his way out of his predicament.

“Here is where things get weird.” Trying to reclaim some levity, and courage in his voice Resolve continued “A bunch of years go by and suddenly it is the year 2000 once again, and I am born to my mother, raised and loved, I approach my studies in the same sparing ways. Maybe I did some things a little different, the world was essentially the same. I had the same opportunities, so I got my degree once again, went exploring and once more, found myself on that cliff side, in that same storm, and fell down that same ‘rabbit hole’.

“Only this time, I’m standing in that cave, naked and afraid, but it’s not the first time. I’ve been here before. I remember!”

With a deep and thoughtful breath, “The way I rationalise it. I’m in the same body, but a second consciousness has travelled back, and that second life is the product of the world I was previously born into and lived through.”

“I didn’t do anything of historical significance in my first life. Maybe I saved some one on our side, or killed someone on theirs, or I made your Solvay Company a little bit better and that made small unremarkable, but real change to the world.

I can remember all of the things that happened in my previous life. Working for Solvay, making friends, enlisting… dying! and then growing up again” All of those events happened and each of those changes led to the reborn Resolve Wilkins who once again found his way to the cliff top and fell through.”

My Solvay was clearly confused, “You are telling me that for a second time you are back in 1905, naked, nothing to your name, but you already have the memories of the things you will do over the coming years?”

Brightening, Resolve answered, “That’s close. I’m saying I know all the things I did in my previous life. All those events that created the ‘we’ that is standing in that cave. They are my history. Those events happened, they had to have, so the universe could create this second me.”

“Now why I remember them, that’s taken me a long time to maybe figure out, but that’s going to need some food to soak up some of what we’ve been drinking. I want you to remember all of this.”

A smiling Resolve waived for the pre-arranged meals to be served. Roast pork, potato, corn and green beans, though the corn was absent from the plate placed in front of Ernest, swapped for some pumpkin. In slow considerate words “You know I don’t enjoy corn then?” Mr Solvay asked uncomfortably, “That’s a little personal…” Resolve shrugged and started cutting the meat into small bites to chew on between story moments.

After swallowing, with a look of appreciation for the flavourful pork, he began the next phase of the story “This second life was a little easier than the first, I knew where to find clothing, I went directly to speak with your foreman, Mr Langiers, and was able to set up my accommodations and get some money coming in again. Which was fine, but I was back at the beginning. I was once again a 23-year-old in 1905, flung back over a hundred years, because I had made the same mistake of falling through the cleft.”

“And what does one do with a second chance?” Ernest asked wistfully.

Pausing to chew on the cob, Resolve confessed “That was the question for which I had no answer. I still had a desire to help, but little idea on what I could do. Lacking an obvious direction, I settled into the comfort of what I knew. I continued to work at the factory while I could.”

Placing his cutlery down on his plate. Guilt and shame battled over Mr Wilkins face. “I knew the trouble that was coming and I considered re-enlisting or enlisting, however you look at it.” Struggling for the words that could justify his actions, he tried again.

“That desire to help, to do the right thing was still in me, but I’d watched my friends suffer and die. I’d lived and died in the mud and the misery and horror of war. My bravery faltered, perhaps to protect my sanity, but I still took the coward’s path.” Teary eyed, with a crack in his voice, gave a glimpse of the inner turmoil and shame. “I planned it all out. Years before. I conflated an injury that would keep me from enlisting. I knew the outcome would be greatly the same, and maybe I could better serve you here in Belgium, keeping the company running. Any justification would do, as long as I didn’t have to go back there.”

“Despite my disgrace, things happened just as they should have, the world still suffered through the horrors, but I lived. I thought on that a lot as I cried in my bed at night.”

As if standing up for another man, Resolve found a strength in his voice “Of course, I was a much younger man then. With the wisdom I have today, I now know that no one person could have stopped events from exploding. One excuse or another would have lit the fuse on so many atrocities.”

“And it created so many entities that have shaped the world that I come from. Incredible new countries, The United Nations, NATO, the European Union… the Geneva Convention! Who knows what could have replaced them if events didn’t proceed as I’ve always known them to have. I think about a Soviet Russia with ambition and a teeming population who had lived and bred for a century…”

“I pray that when you fully understand the choices I’ve made, you can spare some consideration, that some bad things were always going to happen. The ways we invent to kill each other are inevitable. At least I know in this time line there is progress in both incredible and terrible ways. But overall, it’s been mostly positive.” Resolve placed a hand on the middle of the table, a gesture seemingly asking for trust or forgiveness, but Mr Solvay didn’t seem to comprehend the emotion.

Ernest opened his mouth, then closed it again, perhaps unsure how to proceed. “If there comes a time that I do understand, then I promise to think back upon this moment with kindness.”

Blinking tears from his eye’s Resolve took some deep breaths to regain his composure, the older man’s words had more meaning than he knew “There was one big change from my decision to stay behind, I had the privilege of meeting you once. You were visiting the factory and Mr Langiers invited me to join your meeting. We talked about how we would deal with supply issues, with labour shortages. I had already been thinking on the matters, as I knew they were coming, and you seemed quite pleased with the recommendations.”

“For myself, I was impressed with your practicalities, with your flexibility and willingness to listen to a stranger. I had always hoped to meet you again. Perhaps to talk of lighter things, but the opportunity never appeared again. You were off providing Belgium one great service after another.”

Resolve continued a little too bluntly “It was only after your death.” Mr Solvay’s meticulously tended eye brows shot up at the news “Apologies Sir, but it happens to all of us. When new blood was needed to keep things running. I became a small but involved participant in the 1968 Solvay Conference.”

Some quick maths ran across Solvay’s thoughtful eyes, then he laughed. “You are suggesting I live to be almost 140 years old?” With a cheeky smile Resolve admitted, “Well, no… But there is no harm in giving you something to aim for. I’m sure it is obvious, that I am avoiding telling you the specifics of what is to come. Just live every day my friend.”

Having finished his meal as he listened, Ernest pushed his plate back and contentedly promised. “Then I will enjoy as many more good meals, drinks… and stories as I can” reaching for his third beer.

Resolve seemed pleased, his own plate was almost empty, and his companion was amiable, ready to continue. “In spite of your loss, being a part of the conference was an honour I couldn’t fully appreciate till it was over.” Resolve couldn’t help but throw up his arms in excitement. “When I come from, there is a photo called ‘the most intelligent photo even taken’ and it contains some of the worlds sharpest minds… and I was there. It was the most inspiring moment of my life.” Just helping with the books and organising as needed, but I was there, standing behind the photographer, present with many of the greatest minds of our time.”

With the slightest blushing of his cheeks, likely a combination of beer and excitement, Resolve exclaimed “That first time, I only got to talk to them a little, I could barely form a sentence.” Then rushing “But what do I say to men and women such as these? Could I start a discussion on time dilation over scones with Einstein, could I bring up the bending of light in deep field astronomy, black holes, the creation of new elements by smashing atoms together at mind boggling speeds. I wouldn’t have felt confident explaining any of that to one of my friends. If a genius asked a follow up question, then I would have died of not being able to form a thought.”

“Over much later lifetimes, I’ve found the courage to speak with Neils Bohr, Rutherford, Madame Curie. To stand in front of greatness and be completely unworthy of their time, honoured to listen, and make some small encouragements.” Looking unapologetic Resolve blurted “Such as suggesting ways to make Madame Curie’s lab a little safer.”

“Even just to experience it, do you know how hard it is to stand on front of Poincaré, to tell him you are interested in his dark matter theory? Explain that we ‘could’ have a super collider that can smash atoms together creating elements that exist for fractions of a second so we can gain a single new insight. When asked how one might achieve such a thing, the best answer I had was ‘Lots of land… and magnets…’” an exasperated Resolve admitted, “It’s both frustrating and mortifying.”

With thoughts still racing, Resolve’s words poured forth. “What if I misstated something and discouraged an idea? or accidentally encouraged something, that would waste their time, while other ideas went unexplored? There I am, with awareness of theories a hundred years ahead, but without the sense to know which bits I should tell them, what they already knew, and what I am guessing at.”

“So, at first I mostly bit my tongue and kept quiet about futuristic thinking, but for one lapse in judgement during my second life.” He was almost pleading for understanding “I just couldn’t help myself! I was standing in the breakfast line next to Herr Einstein, I’d just seen the Oppenheimer movie before I was transported back and the words just came out. I said that if he should ever meet a man named Oppenheimer” with a shake of his head, he sidetracked for Mr Solvay “Who is currently a six-year-old by the way.” Then returning to his thought, “he should tell him ‘Implosion’. I was certain that he thought me an oddity, as he simply moved down the buffet line to assemble his breakfast, and we never spoke again during that life.”

“After the conference, I went back to the company and worked there another few years before I was hit by a car while crossing the street and killed.”

Mr Solvay looked shocked at the sudden ending of that story, but seemed certain that they were not done. “I hope it was quick at least?” Resolve forced a laugh, “I’ve had worse, and yet again I was born in the year 2000 and everything proceeded as normal until my final year of High School.”

Shifting awkwardly in his seat Resolve started, “You see, my physics teacher was a fan of yours.” Mr Solvay was caught by surprise, “A fan? I’ve never been much of an athlete. A fan of what?”

Resolve looked apologetic, “Sorry, the terminology changes over the years, I could be a fan of Beethoven’s music, or of Da Vinci’s art, or of your contributions to the world around you.”

“That’s silly, I’m just a businessman.”

Resolve answered “Sadly, we have fans of businessmen and greed as well. Popularity and notoriety are the price of a world, that can know what anyone is doing at any time.”

As Ernest seemed to reflect on such visibility, Resolve surprised him once again. “So, this fan, has read and learnt a lot about you, your conferences and the changes in thinking that resulted. But then he tells me, ‘Did you know Mr Wilkins, that there was another Resolve Wilkins who helped organise one of the conferences?’ I was shocked. Like I said, my name is unique as far as I knew and to find out someone back in the 1900’s had it as well, and lived in a similar part of the world was intriguing.”

“I asked my mother if she knew of this other Resolve Wilkins and she swears she hasn’t, she just liked the name. So I’m left with this weirdly specific coincidence. Anyway, I do a bit of looking into you to try and learn about my name ‘twin’ and I learn about the cool things you’ve done, who you did them with and that leads me down conference rabbit holes.” With a smirk, “I know you’ve read Wonderland. So, watching ‘movies’ of physics and chemistry and philanthropy became part of my learning routine.

With a touch of shame showing, Resolve once again states “But it’s all superficial, interesting in the moment, but not deep learning, and not useful. I’m learning random things just for fun, except for my accounting which I complete at University again and soon enough, I’m back on the cliff in the storm.”

“Once more I fall, for the third time, I’m naked in a cave but with more sets of memories, my time in the 2000’s, and my last life in the 1900’s.” Slapping his hands together, and drawing looks from around the room, “Bam!, the two lives come crashing together, I realise that I am the guy that was in the history book and I’m back at ground zero, starting from scratch once again, but with the start of three lives worth of memories.”

“In between the adrenaline, I’m shaking and then panicking. Collapsing onto the cavern floor my mental breakdown begins. Someone watching would judge me, think me soft, but I didn’t know what else to do, I’m trapped in something I can neither understand or control. I am a hamster running inside a wheel; I know that reference is too early, but you will get the concept. I’m not going anywhere, just running in place while repeating the same moments.” Ernest snorted gently as Resolve mimicked running in place with his fingers on the table.

“I’m laid out on the floor, rocks scratching as they push into my bare skin, heart racing, struggling for breath, mind swimming, all these lives try to coalesce. Only there is a variance, a discrepancy that won’t reconcile. See, the first time I grew up, before all this started, the bombing of Hiroshima was on the 14th of August. August 14th was my deadbeat Dad’s birthday, so it was just one of those weird connected facts that some people know.”

“Only this time I cannot tell you exactly what date the bombing was, because it didn’t happen on my Dad’s Birthday. From my latest life, I think that Victory was declared around the 14th, but not on it. I remember thinking ‘Good! He shouldn’t have anything to do with victory’. With a moment to think, logically, the bombing must have happened sooner to force the surrender.” With that Resolve’s face lit up.

Rocking back in his chair with his hands held out, a close enough observation would see goose pimples and hairs standing up on the back of his neck, such was the excitement. “Don’t you see? Like a bolt of lightning. Cause and effect; I watched a movie, found myself in line next to Einstein, mention ‘implosion’ and they get the bomb built maybe a week earlier. That ends a war a week earlier and saving who knows how many lives?” He paused giving Mr Solvay a chance to consider that line of thinking.

“Except that was my second lifetime. I’m giddy that I saved lives by changing the time line, and euphoric at the possibilities. Then comes the realisation. I have to do the same thing every time or else events will proceed on their original course, the same as before all this started. I’ve effectively undone the change by being back here once again, I’d have to engineer the same conversations to save those lives again.”

“Instead, I turn tail; I don’t rush back to Couillet. I worked a farm in France for food and lodging as I tried to imagine what I should be doing, the options seemed endless. I had no one to talk to about this. Which wasn’t quite true, I’ve met you once. Maybe I could ingratiate myself at the factory again, then with you, and finally each physicist till someone takes me seriously. That would take years and I was psychologically struggling now.

“See the real problem is; While growing up I have access to all the worlds knowledge, but not the awareness of what I will need. I can’t study, or prepare for being transported back. I unknowingly waste that potential again and again. It’s only when I appear in that cave in 1905, that I realise I am once more woefully unprepared for the opportunity before me. Geopolitics, physics, human rights, economics, all I have are the roughest of sketches in my mind. Those few events, maybe a year that something happens, the name of someone involved, but that rough sketch is almost worse than knowing nothing. The information I have feels more like an uneducated guess, than a way forward, so what good is it?”

Placing both hands flat on the table, Resolve met Ernest’s gaze “Over time, I’ve learnt that the only lodestone I have in this world is you, my dear friend. The only chance I have to do something with this opportunity is through the most connected and yes, wealthy man that I have an opportunity and path to meet.”

Mr Solvay breathed out dejectedly, “And so that’s why we are here. You think I can introduce you to very important people who will listen to what we shall charitably call, an incredulous tale.”

With a wry smile Resolve didn’t argue the point, “A completely reasonable assessment. You’ve come to that conclusion scores of times that we’ve talked like this. I regret what it looks like, but I am here to help you.” A doubtful Mr Solvay seemed to be considering his departure, so Mr Wilkins forged ahead.

“For that moment, I didn’t go to you, I spent my third life firstly in France working on a farm, but quickly moved down to Spain so I could safely wallow in self-pity over this trap I find myself in. Pondering what I could do to extricate myself. Was this an opportunity? or a Sisyphean hell? Should I encourage my future self to study chemistry and physics or forbid myself to ever set foot in France. Something was happening to me, that may have never happened to another person in the past or the future.” With a crack in his voice, “I wish I was stronger, but I spiralled into anxiety and depression.”

“At the time I spoke the barest of Spanish, I’m fluent now of course, but I have never felt so isolated and alone.” Looking ashamed and embarrassed Resolve dragged a finger through some spillage or condensation from the beers. “I spent months making written notes of what little I could remember, voting rights, border changes, ethnic cleansing, additions to the periodic table, physics discoveries and disappointments.”

Resolve pointed to the left side of the table, “and all the while on the other side” dragging a finger to the right “Was my collection of writings on what could change if I discussed any of this with anyone. What dangers does accelerating human achievement unleash? To put it frankly, what was I going to fuck up?

Plainly, Resolve explained “I was lost, so I drank a lot, I felt like I was drowning with indecision. I wasn’t smart enough to be capable; I was clearly the wrong guy. So why was I bothering to try and make something from nothing. After years of going back and forth, I decided to end it all and warn myself. All I had to do was get myself a message, or three to stay the hell out of France and it would all be over and I would never know this pain.

I arranged a letter to be delivered in 2020 to my university address. I just told the Brussels Post office I thought it would be fun to talk to someone in 100 years. I carved into a rock that I knew child me would visit, and I destroyed the records that showed my family coming from the Normandy Region in France. Between all of that, I figured I was ready to take myself to the same bluffs that transported me back. This time to end it all, and I enthusiastically threw myself over the cliffs and into the sea. I would be born one last time in 2000 and would finally be around to see what happens in 2024.

“Except none of the messages made their way to me. When I re-emerged in the cave for the fourth time, I could remember my plans, my death. As my fourth 21st century life coalesced I’d been sabotaged, I never received the letter, that rock, I had carved “Resolve, visit Italy!” and growing up I climbed it dozens of times, the message was gone. Chipped away till nothing remained. Most concerningly, the family records my mother had shown me, which inspired me to back pack into France had been recreated!” Mr Wilkins voice carried a remnant from that initial trauma. Remaining calm and patient, while Mr Solvay processed the meaning.

“Wait.” Ernest lent forward and clasped his hands together. He seemed to forget for a moment how ludicrous this story was, for a moment it was a puzzle to solve. “You take steps to make sure you never set foot upon that cliff and all of your attempts run afoul. I can imagine the letter being lost or forgotten over 100 years, but the others have a sense of deliberation, but that would mean…”

Resolve was silent for a long while, but lent forwards, forearms resting on the table with hands balled as he waited.

Finally, after a thorough face journey, Mr Solvay spoke, “That someone is doing this to you? They have to power to make it happen? And they are determined that you keep coming back.”

Resolve moved his hands, with palms dramatically opening wide, yet he remained silent.

Ernest continued. “Why would you be at the centre of this?” His genuine interest switched tone to that of resignation “A massive conspiracy and fantastical story revolving around you, for which you have no proof.” With a sign of frustration, he pulled a pocket watch. “Mr Wilkins, I will say it was an engaging tale. If you write it down, perhaps some may read it, and I wish you all the best with any further stories.”

As Ernest called for his jacket, diligently held by the man by the bar, Resolve enthusiastically tapped on the book to his left. “You are wrong Sir. That’s what took me so long to realise, it’s always been about you!”

“We’ve talked of this in our many lives, and your scepticism is always admirable and necessary. I’m not going to bore you with every one of those lives. Just to say that we became strong and determined allies in almost all of them.”

“Tonight is not about that friendship. Although, my meeting you is at the heart of it all. Tonight, I think will bring all of this to a finale. It’s taken me a lot of lives to finally figure out why it had to play out this way.”

Mr Solvay was still turned in his chair readying to stand, stopping his body man with another wave of his hand.

“As I said to you, I’m no one special. I’m just a vessel for greater minds to pour their gifts into. My frustration at not being smarter made me feel worthless, wasted. I kept being sent back at a time of great challenge for the world, without the tools to fix what I needed. So I did what I could, I latched onto your company more and more to assist not just you, but your efforts to help the Belgian people endure the coming turmoil.”

“We have had so many private chats by fires, walked through different woods. We’ve discussed economics, biology, chemistry, medicine, technology and a hundred other ideas. We’ve attempted to advance the progress of civilisation in each of those fields through trial and error. Your contacts have allowed us to speak with Government and Business leaders. We’ve tried to encourage earlier women’s rights, the undoing of systemic racial issues, protecting worker rights, stopping the destruction of the middle class that begins in the 1980’s.”

“It hasn’t been easy. Trying to change the minds of a planet means overcoming an incomprehensible amount of inertia. Each time we try to tweak some levers, I grow up in that new world and learn the changes. Once I am transported back, we discuss differences, both positive and negative, we discuss the ethics, the winners and the losers and I am profoundly grateful for your experience and guidance. I really don’t know how I would have survived any of this without you.”

“After you die, I grieve each time.” This time Resolve reached out a hand and finally rested it on his friend’s hand for a moment. When released, Ernest turned back in his seat to face Resolve, “After; I do my best to protect and propel your legacy further. I talk with the scientists, community leaders, politicians. I learn a little better how to navigate my way through the world to try and achieve our latest aims.”

Taking a breath, showing the emotion he was feeling, Resolve slowly looked around the room.

“What I didn’t expect is that I would come to understand this world, our weakness, our challenges and our potential, more with every life. When I was careful, and looked after my health, I would sometimes live till the 1950’s or 60’s and see the ‘good times’ first hand. When a family could survive on one income, rights were expanding, when education was admired, and authoritarianism was reviled across the civilised globe.”

“Which is how we find ourselves here tonight. I’ve lived somewhere over a hundred lives, technically we all have. It’s taken all that time, for me to finally become what you need me to be. I have the privilege of receiving your wisdom over scores of lives. I have personally watched our great civilisation grow and change, both naturally and with our guidance. I feel comfortable with what we can realistically achieve and why we should.”

“I wasn’t focused on what was happening, that each new life added to those that came before.” From the red book, Resolve lifted the cover and retrieved 10 loose leaf pages from the top of the book and laid one out in front of Mr Solvay.

The page was a rough sketch of a human face, mostly outline; Hints of eyes and nose with some lines or shapes below. Resolve then took a second leaf of paper and placed it roughly over the first. This page had some more shapes and lines and a fuzzy bush over it. Again and again, he quickly placed the next page on top of the last, until all ten sat loosely in a pile.

“When I first came back, I had one life-times worth of memories, it wasn’t enough to be useful to anyone. But I had my book keeping skills, a progressive ideology and I found a mentor who wanted to see progress and equality spread throughout the world.”

“Leaning forward, he squared the corners on top of each other, lining up each page and then pushing down, an inexact image of Ernest Solvay appeared, the bushes or clouds became a moustache, beard or eyebrows. Squiggles became ears, and the shapes below the face formed a single word.”

Concurrence.

“As a 20-year-old in the future, I have watched those science talks and lectures over a hundred times. I’ve completed all of my classes with varying levels of success, retaining different facts in each life, but adding them to the pile.”

“I was slow to appreciate it, but it all builds and coalesces when I end up back in the cavern. That repetition of learning random history and facts, of living through big parts of the 20th century, visiting different continents. It’s all been collecting and reinforcing in here.” Resolve tapped the side of his head. “My mother has raised me, and nurtured me a hundred times, always with kindness, respect, and an innate desire to do the right thing. Helping everyone you can lives at the heart of her love.”

“For almost as many times I have been friends with you, you showed me what decency and hard work look like, being respectful of everyone around you and trying to lift everyone up. I come from a time where being rich, means being the most selfish and mean person you can be.”

“All of those talks have finally given me the insights on how we need to nudge humanity towards being kinder and fairer. We can’t fix it all. I have the wisdom now to know that some tragedies are needed, to demand the kind of change that words alone cannot.”

With a deflating sigh, “If I’m right, then this will be the last time we do this, because together, we have developed this blueprint for a better future and I don’t think there is anything more we can learn or do.” This time Resolve looked at the red leather-bound book, but didn’t touch it. It wasn’t his any longer.

“I believe this is our last lifetime to spend together. That pain already tears at my heart, so I will spend every day with you that you will have me. Which means I will be close by.” Producing a small piece of card and placing it on the table. “This is the address where I am staying. Take the book, read the book, and when you are ready to get to work, I’ll be right there alongside you.”

Mr Solvay’s expression was confused, but intrigued. He eyed this strange young man who seemed so invested in the story he was telling. “Assuming… a lot; Then why do you think you are the one talking with me?”

Resolve seemed embarrassed that he’d forgotten to answer it earlier. “Because I’m not special. I don’t think I know best. I’m just open to any good idea that might help. That’s it, I think. I believe what was most important was a gentle touch, and patient planning. Someone who would align with your beliefs, and be curious enough to continue learning.”

“Someone with more knowledge, and confidence might have gone harder, made more changes on their own without your mentor-ship. It’s just my guess, but we can speculate another day.” Resolve smiled as he stood up and reached out to shake Mr Solvay’s hand. As their hands gripped Resolve seemed pleased as he said “It is so good to see you again.” And then he left the tavern. The book, loose leaf’s of paper and the address card remaining on the table.

Mr Solvay stiffly reached over, pulling the tome into a reading position. Flicking through the book, his eyes widened page by page before closing the cover and glancing around to see if anyone could see what was written within. The tavern had mostly emptied out as the men has talked. Waving to his helpers, one of the assistants collected the papers and card as another helped him back into his autumn coat. Despite an offer of assistance, Ernest chose to hold onto the book, as they made their way to the door and out into the night.

The presence watching from a darkened corner, studied the table for a few minutes more. The barman collected up the last two beer mugs with one hand, the dregs slopping lazily around. Swiftly, he wiped the table with the damp rag in his free hand.

Returning to the bar, the table was already cleaned and reset for tomorrow. Not a single sign remained of the most vital conversation and collaboration in human history.

The significance is in the moment, not the place. And now; The creation of the moment was complete.