[WP]”Tomorrow is a brand new day.” [Link to post.]
"Good morning, let's get right to business," Lawrence said. The greying commander spoke to his small team of physicists and other assorted scientists gathered in the briefing room. "Last night's votes have been tallied, though I haven't checked the results yet. Before I reveal the vote, I'd like to take a moment to say a few words." Lawrence stood from his seat, then paced around the room.
"The things we've accomplished in this room are nothing short of miraculous, and I could not imagine a better crew to work with every day. No matter what result the votes dictate, I cannot express how honored I am to have worked with you up until today. If tomorrow comes, and we're still here, I could not think of a more fulfilling way to live my life," he said. The team of lab coats applauded and cheered for him. He continued after they quieted.
"Of course that brings up the question of, what if we're not here tomorrow?" Tension stiffened the air in the room. "There's no way of knowing how things will turn out, but I know we'll all be eager to keep in touch if we can." A young man with pale skin and a red beard raised his hand.
"What's on your mind, Floyd?" Lawrence asked.
"Assuming the vote goes a certain way,... uh *when*?" he asked.
"Today, as soon as possible; it's why we started early this morning. We all agreed to go by the vote, and I don't want a chance for anyone to develop misgivings. Of course, after the vote everyone has the day off today. Enjoy it with your friends and families." Lawrence walked back to his seat, then reached into the pocket of his white lab coat before he sat down.
"I have the results." The older man pulled a small white envelope from his pocket. As he sat down he opened the envelope then grabbed the folded piece of paper within. He looked at the note first, a slight sigh escaped his mouth; then he handed the paper to the red headed man to his left.
"5 to 2 in favor of. That settles it folks," Lawrence said. He stood again, then walked to a small locker protected by several different biometric locks. After giving his voice, thumbprint, and retina scan the locker beeped. It opened, and he reached inside to pull out a small black box with a red button on it. He walked back to the table while cradling the black box.
"Is everyone ready?" He asked. The six other scientists in the room each gave some form of silent affirmation. Lawrence inserted a key into one side of the box causing the red button to glow.
"It is with great sadness, pleasure, and honor that I fulfill the solemn duty of a Clockwatcher. No one knows when the Loop began, but we do know the first Clockwatcher that invented the first time-shelter. His name was Jasper Freeman," Lawrence said. "If he had not created the Clockwatchers, I would not be here today to end the Loop for good." Lawrence looked around the table at the faces of his co-workers, and friends. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I do know one thing. Tomorrow is a brand new day for everyone in the world, not just us." He pressed the button.
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