Tempus Fugit: The Tic-Tac of Ethics
When the world had evolved to a significant phase of technocratic advancement where humanity commanded the power to bend time, a civilian scientist named Lucy Sullivan found herself precariously positioned at the forefront of an epochal discovery. While vast portions of the hemisphere were already accustomed to technological supremacy and regulated enrichments, the very notion of time-travel, bore consequences of an unimaginable extent. Henceforth, the story charts the pioneering journey of Lucy, as she juggles between her duel roles of a responsible scientist and an unflinching individual struggling with her personal desires.
Navigating through the complex dynamics of her position, she found herself on the precipice of ethical ambiguity. Over years, Lucy had successfully built a technology that could allow an individual to travel back in time. However, it was binding on her part to prove that such a revelation would not destabilize the existing world order.
Meanwhile, Lucy battled heartbreaks in her personal sphere. She had lost her loving partner, Jake, in a fatal car accident, which had shattered her. In him, she had not only lost a doting partner but also a supportive companion. Transparent and sincere, their bond was untarnished by the hardships of life. But that was a thing of the past. Now, as she worked alongside her team day in and day out, her heart yearned for Jake.
The technology of time travel, ironically, presented her a surreal chance to soothe her personal agony. As a scientist, she was well aware of the repercussions this would bring, but as a grieving lover, she felt uncontrollably drawn towards the alluring possibility of seeing Jake again. It was at this crossroad, that Lucy's conscience and desire entangled in an intense tussle.
She confessed her intentions to her team. There was perplexity in their eyes, but very surprisingly, sympathy wasn't lacking. They were a team, a family who saw Lucy in despair after Jake's accident and they too cherished the idea of undoing that fatal incident.
Friction grew between them and the Research Board as Lucy's intentions became more transparent, but they remained unfazed. They began to operate secretly, running tests and laying the groundwork for Lucy's perilous journey back in time. The countdown went on, amid clouds of fear and excitement. Thanks to their dedication, the fateful night arrived quicker than expected.
As the machine whirred into life, illuminating the dark room with an ethereal glow, Lucy trepidly stepped into it. Holding on tightly to a pendant Jake had gifted, she closed her eyes and gave the signal. The room blurred into streaks of light as she was plunged into past memories.
Lucy found herself back in the timeline where Jake was alive. Seeing him alive, hearing his voice filled her with warmth. Though she had very little time, just enough to prevent the accident, she let herself drown for a few moments in the hearty laughter they always shared.
Mustering her courage, she managed to delay Jake's departure, thus preventing his accident. As she returned to the present timeline, she found her world untouched by the catastrophic consequences she had always feared. Jake was alive, the world was the same, and their love story hadn't ended tragically.
She confessed everything to Jake who was astonished, but being the companion he was; he understood her dilemma and accepted the reality. While she always remained under the scanner of the Research board and ethical debates, she had managed to re-define time for herself. But what remained undeniable to her was that by playing the game with time; she had gambled with the ethics of her professional lineage, thereby drawing a line of questioning on the standing of ethically responsible Science.