Stauch caught Schrader's attention. "Lieutenant", he began, "I recall that you said we also died shortly after our time travelling adventure."
"Ya sure did", Schrader replied agreeably, "'cept that wasn't till after y'all went back to yer normal time."
"How long were we missing?", the sergeant queried.
Schrader considered that for a moment. "I ain't real sure, Sarge", he admitted, "more 'n a week, less 'n a month, I reckon."
"And what occurred upon our return?", Stauch prompted.
"Well, ya' transmitted yer report to Space Fleet", the pilot remarked, "and then y'all got sucked up in that black hole."
Stauch wondered at their chances of thwarting their supposed fates. "Was it the future we went to, or the past?"
Schrader thought for a moment. "Seems ta' me it was both", he replied, "first to the past, then to the future...or was it future first...?"
Stauch left the lieutenant to his ruminations. Once they figured out where or more to the point, when they were, they'd have a better understanding of what lay ahead. He returned his attention to the
commander who was still peering over the science officer's shoulder.
"I'd have to agree with Lt. Schrader's analysis, commander", Schultz remarked quietly, "there really is no other explanation. Your planet is for all intents and purposes, approximately 1,200 years
younger than when you last visited it."
Reed turned to Lt. Scott, who nodded his agreement. "That would explain the lack of radio transmissions in this portion of the galaxy."
