Daryl spoke to his time chamber, Sally, operated by an artificial intelligence.


    “All right, Sally, let’s jump ahead 200 years.”


    “Daryl, I must warn you of the risks. If for any reason I’m damaged or destroyed …”


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    “Yes, Sally, I’m well aware. That’s why we’re fortified and deep underground.”


    “There’s another high risk of a free-floating consciousness. You could become aware of …”


    “Again, Sally, I’m aware of any potential anomaly. Remember, I invented this thing. Let’s fire it up!”


    Time within the chamber froze, yet, Daryl’s disassociated consciousness perceived the passage of time, second by second, for 200 years.