Sometimes, the people we love die too soon. Our grandparents, parents, friends, lovers, and children all leave us too early. Would there ever be a time that wasn't? Oftentimes, there are so many lessons that we wish they could still teach us or stories that we wish they could tell us just one more time. There are countless words that we wish we could tell them. Our ears yearn to hear their precious words again but now, they only ring in our memory. Sometimes you accomplish something and just wish that those who have gone before could be there. To celebrate the beauty of its discovery and to see what you have accomplished. It truly can be difficult. The sorrow of the loss can be crippling and its painful reminders can stop us in our tracks. Our hearts ache from the pain of those thoughts and feelings that well up. 

You wish your grandmother, that woman who played cards with you and gave you cookies and milk, could meet your wife. That she could meet your kids and see how you've grown. To see you as an adult with a job and a home. You just wish for a few moments, just a few, that you could see her and speak to her again.

For you, it may not be a grandmother but we all have someone that we wish we could have those few moments with.... You would give up anything for those little moments.

Many of our great minds have attempted to bring back those who have gone before us. Some have thought of the possibilities of time travel... while others have thought up more practical means of memory manipulation.

As you get ready to travel to our next destination, ask yourself this, who would you wish to have those few more moments with? 

The world you are traveling to next, is a world full of discovery. Disease and early death have virtually been eliminated. While this world may be more advanced than our own it could be one that we emulate some day. You are now on your way to watch another discovery be made at Whitlock Labs. Whitlock Labs is where we will meet our character of interest, Dr. Octavia Whitlock. She is developing “Inhabit.” A technology that allows you to relive any memory of your choosing. We join Dr. Whitlock and her intern, Amelia Laurier as they begin the actual testing.

“But doctor, are you sure about this?” Amelia questioned with concern

“Yes, Amelia.” The doctor responded with a huff, "How many times do I have to tell you?"

“But you know the risks.” Amelia sighed

“Yes, I do Amelia and that’s why I am personally doing this and not using a test subject. I know it is dangerous.” She said with a hint of anger

“I’m sorry, I just don’t want you to…” She trailed off as the doctor began to speak.

“Listen Amelia, the potential that this technology can change the world, is too great not to risk my life. If people were able to look into each other’s minds.. If they were able to relive memories, to feel their emotions, to understand them… to truly be able to understand each other.. I truly believe we could achieve world peace.” The doctor spoke optimistically

“I know that doctor…” Amelia sunk down and responded.

“Then we have no time to waste. Is everything ready?” Octavia said, waving her arms.

The robotic assistants were beginning to plug different wires into the plethora of machines in the test area. They held a large monitoring sheet above the doctor..

“This may be cold, doctor.” A synthesized voice said as it placed the vital sign monitor on her chest. The assistant pressed the monitor down all the way, ensuring it would monitor all of her vital signs. “Your vitals are all reading in the acceptable levels, doctor. You may proceed.” 

“I’m ready, Amelia, start it.” She said as she breathed softly. 

Amelia started the process of switching the doctor into a REM cycle. They had devised that the dream state held the most logical chance to relive memories. So little of the population remembers their dreams and sometimes they can be very vivid. Those with more active REM cycles were able to remember more of what they had experienced. Dreams can be very real at times and their time properties could allow memories to be experienced in only seconds. Whitlock surmised that this time distortion could be utilized for more than just memory but for study and scientific discovery.

The doctor’s body went limp and Amelia softly spoke, “Please work.”

A few moments had passed.

“Can you hear me doctor?” Amelia asked

“Yes, yes I can Amelia. Phase one is complete, we have established communication. Now it is time for the memory.” She breathed

“Okay, let’s start off with something simple, think of a place you have been to, Octavia.” Amelia spoke more confidently

Octavia began thinking of a place and as she did, cedar trees began to shoot up all around her. The sky shone brilliantly with the moon and stars. It was beautiful. The crackling of a fire could be heard and its warmth could be felt. A waterfall could be heard in the distance, along with the hooting of an owl. The smells…the smells were a foundation of this memory.

“The cedars smell so good, Amelia.” She said through a smile. “I can’t believe I can smell them so clearly.”

“Are you noticing anything else?” Amelia asked 

“The sounds of the wind…” she said and she sounded choked up.

“Are you okay?!” Amelia cried out over the radio

“Yes, Amelia. I am just overwhelmed with how realistic and stunning this all is.” She said as she began to tell Amelia what else she noticed.

“I can even feel the warmth of the fire. This truly is incredible, Amelia.” The doctor smiled as tears slowly fell down her cheeks. “It’s incredible.”

She stared up at the sky and almost felt lost in the moment.

"Are you able to see the stars through my eyes, Amelia? Aren't they beautiful?"

"Ya, they are… they actually match up pretty close to the star charts for that day." Amelia said, "There may be some slight distortion in the memory."

She heard footsteps coming up from behind her. “Who’s there?” She noticed a young man walking towards her from the campsite.

"Whats going on, Octavia?" Ameila asked

Octavia sobbed as the person grew ever closer.

The young man stood before her and said softly, "Mom?"