John Watson was a homegrown self-professed mad scientist and full-time VR illusionist (where he earned his seven-figure income). He invented a trans-dimensional portal and invited his close friend and colleague, Jada Williams, a doctoral candidate in history.

“So, John, you mentioned you can travel to different realities.”

“That’s what I thought at first, but they’re all temporally offset.”

“Hmm ... Explain …”

“Each universe within the infinite multiverse has an entry point that exists at a different juncture along a timeline.”

“Hmm, so time travel?”

“Yes, just not within our own timeline, but very similar. I thought you’d be the most interested in this among our colleagues. And I trust that you’ll keep this confidential.”

Jada smiled and nodded. “How often have you tried it?”

“Several times, unfortunately.” John frowned.

“Why the disappointment?”

“Well, like you, Jada, I’ve always been fascinated by our history, so I wanted to meet ancient philosophers, prophets, and even those considered higher up.”

“And you communicated with them?”

“Yes, do you remember that AI-based universal language translator I programmed?”

“Oh right … So what’d you find out from them?”

“That they’re just like us, lost souls, scholars, thinkers, illusionists, mentalists, and magicians ...”

“So, nothing interesting?”

“Just a revelation about human nature.”

“That being?”

“The most convincing ones spurred religious followings.”

Jada chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” John raised an eyebrow.

“John the prophet …” She smiled. “I think you’ve discovered your calling.”