David Brin's precision short story about epilepsy, auras, altered states, and space travel
David Brin is a scientist and an excellent writer. This precision short story is part of the collection River of Time.
This story copyright © 1987 by David Brin.
“Folks!” the bodyguard announced. “In moments Lasselovsky will be here. You all know what that means.” From my regular booth by the window, I saw several customers abruptly leave. The brave, or curious, remained. “He’s the Oldtime spacer who returned, but didn’t hide, right?” Sam, our bartender, asked. “Yeah, so don?t bother him! If anyone here strongly resembles someone from his past, and triggers a deja-vu attack, we could find this building on another planet…” Deja vu. I suppose everyone’s felt this clue to Time’s true nature. Epileptics once dreaded it as an “aura,” foretelling seizures. And historically, people feared epilepsy, never suspecting grand mal hinted a door to the universe. Today only Oldspacers suffer lingering aura shock. I hear neuroconvulsive hyperdrive is perfected nowadays. Modern pilots needn’t endure terrifying seizures to attain that special mental state which propels a spaceship starward. To modern spacers, induced deja vu is a key. To Oldtimers, though, it’s pure terror. “...sudden recognition could trigger a jump seizure. So don’t approach him. If he feels safe, maybe he’ll mingle…” Talky bodyguard. Most Oldtimers retreated to cozy surroundiings and stayed put. Ex-crewmates avoid reunions. Stubborn Lasselovsky, though, keeps moving. He’s a free man, so the authorities send bodyguards ahead to warn people. Time’s funny. It flows, then surges like a convulsion. I sit and wait, feeling the years. Through the window, I see a familiar face. “Captain…?” I should have left before this. Already my hands are shaking. Still, it is nice to see, again, the stars.
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