Chapter 20: Securing the Timeline
Chapter 20: Securing the Timeline
It was a grim return to their temporal hideout. The victory in Florence felt hollow; Seraphina had gotten away, and the plans of the Syndicate loomed larger than ever. The holographic projection from the artifact flickered to life, showing a web of timelines still destabilized by Syndicate interference.
Samara leaned against the console, her voice steady but tired. "We can't just keep playing catch-up. If we want to win this, we need to strengthen the timeline itself. Make it harder for the Syndicate to manipulate."
Eli nodded. "But how? They're always one step ahead. They have resources we can't match.
Graves crossed his arms, his tone pragmatic. "Then we change the game. We don't just fix the anomalies-they've already shown they can undo that. We anchor critical events, make them immutable. If the Syndicate tries to alter those, the timeline will reject their interference.
Samara rose, and she was already working it out. "Temporal anchors. it's a risky theory, but it might work. It would mean embedding the energy of stabilization into pivotal points in history. Moments that could hold against the tampering of the Syndicate."
Eli raised an eyebrow. "What if we get it wrong?"
Samara paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "If it does destabilize the anchor. it could shatter the timeline irreparably. It is the best hope, however."
Choosing the Anchor Points
By projecting the artifact, several critical junctures in history were identified where the influence of the Syndicate would have catastrophic ripples.
The Signing of the Magna Carta (1215): A cornerstone of modern democracy, its destabilization could lead to centuries of authoritarian rule.
The Fall of Constantinople (1453): A key event in the acceleration of the Renaissance, altering it could stifle technological and cultural progress.
The Apollo 11 Moon Landing (1969): A moment of unity for humankind, its erasure may snuff out hope of a future exploration.
Samara studied the points carefully. "These are some of the most important moments in history. If the Syndicate tampers with them, the consequences would be irreversible. We need to anchor these events before they do."
Eli frowned. "And what's stopping the Syndicate from targeting us while we're doing this?"
Graves smirked. "Let them try. They'll find we're not so easy to take down."
The First Anchor: Magna Carta
The first mission of the team was to lock the timeline at the drafting of the Magna Carta in 1215. Already, the operatives of the Syndicate had infiltrated the court of King John, sowing dissent among the ranks of the barons.
In disguise as travelers, the team infiltrated the negotiations. Samara posed as a scribe while Graves and Eli played mercenaries offering protection to the rebellious barons.
Eli watched the room, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "The Syndicate's influence is not so subtle. They've turned John's most loyal barons against the idea of the charter."
Samara whispered, "We need to stabilize this moment without drawing too much attention. If the charter doesn't get signed, democracy as we know it could collapse.
The team worked in stealth, intercepting communications from the Syndicate and planting subtle suggestions among the barons to regain the latter's trust in the negotiating process. Graves even orchestrated a mock skirmish to expose one of the Syndicate's agents in favor with the barons.
Finally, the ink was dry on the Magna Carta, the timestream stabilizing as the artifact pulsed softly within Samara's satchel.
A Warning from the Syndicate
As the team prepared to leave 1215, a figure emerged from the shadows: Seraphina Vale.
She started slow clapping, her face twisted in a mixture of laughter and disdain. "Impressive. Anchoring events—major gamble. But you are only delaying the inevitable. The Syndicate doesn't ever lose. We adapt."
Eli stepped forward, his sword out. "We won't let you rewrite the books."
Seraphina grinned. "History isn't some set line. History is a canvas. And we're the artists.
Before they could stop her, Seraphina activated some kind of temporal jump device and disappeared.
Samara blew out a sharp breath. "She's testing us-out to see how we work so she can counter it."
Graves grunted. "Let her watch. Next time, she won't get away.
A New Challenge
Back in their hideout, the artifact's projection showed that the timeline around the Magna Carta had stabilized, but the Syndicate had already begun targeting other anchor points.
Samara pointed at the map. "Constantinople is next. If they destabilize the fall, the Renaissance may never happen."
Eli glanced at the glowing orb. "We've proven we can do this, but Seraphina won't make it easy. We need to be faster, smarter.
Graves nodded. "And more ruthless. If we want to protect history, we can't keep playing defense. We need to hit them where it hurts."
Samara looked at the team, her eyes ablaze with determinism. "Then we move. No hesitation, no mistakes. We fortify the timeline, one anchor at a time.