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Charlie massaged his temples, eyes squeezed tight against the mild but growing headache he felt behind his eyes. From behind him, the low thrumming of the time portal apparatus’ power generator slowly grew in intensity. Normally it was an exciting sound, full of promise and hope. Now it amplified the pounding in his skull. He couldn’t get his mind off of Sandra’s words.
A low tone sounded, signaling the devices’ readiness. He turned and faced it; the field of effect was centered on the device itself, since he had to bring it back to his original present with him. He couldn’t leave it back in 1940. His lips compressed into a hard line and he did his best to shut Sandra out of his thoughts as he stepped forward, possessions slung over his shoulder. It was time.