Jenna's Farewell and Reflection

Jenna Morrison, a PhD student in genetics, visits her sister Amber, a single mother struggling after her partner's disappearance. As Jenna leaves, she reflects on her own life, her relationship with her fiancé Nathan Wexler, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family aspirations. Inspired by Amber's resilience, Jenna contemplates her future, unaware of the impending upheaval that will soon engulf her life.

Nathan's Mysterious Breakthrough

Nathan Wexler, a brilliant physicist, has made a significant breakthrough involving the theoretical application of dark energy, potentially allowing for time travel, albeit only for a fraction of a second. This discovery, while seemingly impractical, excites Nathan due to its potential to revolutionize physics. He eagerly anticipates sharing his findings with his colleague, Dan Walsh, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

Intruders and Abduction

Upon Jenna's return home, she and Nathan are confronted by three intruders demanding they accompany them. The men, aware of Nathan's recent discovery, dismantle his computer and confiscate their phones, indicating a well-planned operation. Despite Nathan's protests, they are forced to comply, leaving Jenna bewildered and terrified about the motives behind their abduction.

Escape and Tragedy

During their transport, the vehicle carrying Jenna and Nathan is ambushed. In the chaos, Jenna manages to escape, but Nathan is tragically killed by one of the intruders. Devastated, Jenna flees into the night, determined to uncover the truth behind the attack and Nathan's death. She realizes that Nathan's discovery is at the heart of the conflict and vows to find out why it was worth killing for.

A Desperate Search for Answers

Now a fugitive, Jenna decides against going to the police, fearing they might be compromised. Instead, she seeks the help of Aaron Blake, a former Army Ranger turned private investigator. Jenna recounts her harrowing experience, and Blake, intrigued by the complexity and danger of the situation, agrees to help. Together, they begin to piece together the mystery surrounding Nathan's discovery and the powerful forces at play.

A New Ally: Aaron Blake

Aaron Blake uses his military training and connections to gather information and protect Jenna. They visit Greg Soyer, a trusted friend and computer expert, to unlock Nathan's encrypted files. Blake's strategic thinking and resourcefulness help them stay one step ahead of their pursuers. As they delve deeper, they realize the stakes are higher than they imagined, with multiple factions vying for control of Nathan's discovery.

Unraveling Nathan's Discovery

With the help of Dan Walsh, Jenna and Blake begin to understand the significance of Nathan's work. Nathan's theory suggests the possibility of sending matter back in time, albeit for a mere fraction of a second. While seemingly impractical, the discovery could have profound theoretical implications, challenging the very nature of time and reality. As they race to uncover the truth, they must navigate a web of intrigue and deception, determined to honor Nathan's legacy.

A Betrayal Unveiled

Aaron Blake, Jenna, and Dan are taken to Cheyenne Mountain after being betrayed by Greg Soyer, who tranquilizes Blake. Soyer, under duress, claims he acted in Blake's best interest, believing Edgar Knight's threat was imminent. Lee Cargill, head of Q5, explains Knight's dangerous ambitions and the necessity of their capture. Despite the betrayal, Blake agrees to hear Cargill's side, realizing the complexity of their situation and the potential threat Knight poses to the world.

Knight's Ruthless Ambitions

Edgar Knight, a brilliant but unstable scientist, aims to use time travel technology to establish a global government, believing his rationality justifies his actions. He plans to eliminate terrorism and control population growth through sterilization. Knight's followers are zealous, convinced of his vision's necessity. Cargill reveals Knight's plans to duplicate and teleport humans, raising ethical concerns about identity and existence. The stakes are high, as Knight's ambitions threaten global stability.

A Desperate Bargain

Captured by Knight, Jenna and Blake face a dire situation. Knight demands Nathan Wexler's breakthrough, but Jenna negotiates a deal: Blake and Wexler receive a head start to escape, in exchange for the file. Knight agrees, confident in his security. Jenna's gamble is driven by love and a slim hope that Blake can outsmart Knight's forces. The tension mounts as Blake and Wexler attempt to navigate the heavily guarded island, relying on Blake's resourcefulness.

Duplicity and Destruction

Jenna and Blake's plan to destroy Knight's operation comes to fruition. Blake sacrifices himself to teleport Wexler to safety, triggering an explosion that devastates Knight's headquarters. Jenna, a duplicate, detonates an explosive device, ensuring Knight's demise. The ethical implications of human duplication and the loss of Knight's Brain Trust weigh heavily on the survivors. Cargill's team moves to contain the fallout, capturing Knight's remaining followers and securing the technology.

A New Beginning

Nathan Wexler reunites with Jenna at Cheyenne Mountain, grappling with the loss of their duplicates. They reflect on the ethical dilemmas posed by time travel and duplication. Cargill offers Wexler a position to further explore the technology's potential, including interstellar travel. Jenna and Wexler, now free from Knight's threat, plan their future together, contemplating marriage and a new life. The story ends with hope for humanity's future, as they consider the possibilities of exploring the stars.

Characters

Jenna Morrison

Jenna is a PhD student in genetics, engaged to Nathan Wexler. Her life is turned upside down after Nathan's murder. Despite her grief, she is determined to uncover the truth behind his death and the significance of his discovery. Jenna's intelligence and resilience drive her to seek justice, even as she navigates a world of danger and deception.

Nathan Wexler

Nathan is a young, accomplished physicist whose recent discovery about time travel sets off a chain of events leading to his murder. His work, though theoretical, has the potential to revolutionize physics. Nathan's passion for his research and his love for Jenna are central to his character, making his loss all the more tragic.

Aaron Blake

A former Army Ranger, Aaron Blake is now a private investigator. His military training and strategic thinking make him an invaluable ally to Jenna. Blake's determination to uncover the truth and protect Jenna drives the narrative forward. His skills and connections help them navigate the dangerous world they find themselves in.

Dan Walsh

Dan is a colleague and friend of Nathan's, who becomes involved in the investigation after receiving Nathan's final email. His expertise in physics helps Jenna and Blake understand the implications of Nathan's discovery. Dan's loyalty and intelligence make him a crucial part of their quest for answers.

Greg Soyer

Greg is a former military colleague of Blake's and a computer expert. He helps unlock Nathan's encrypted files, providing crucial information about the discovery. Greg's skills and discretion make him a valuable asset in their investigation, as they work to stay ahead of their pursuers.

Lee Cargill

Lee Cargill, head of Q5, is a man burdened by the ethical implications of time travel. His willingness to use human duplication as a last resort highlights the difficult choices he faces. Cargill's leadership is crucial in the fight against Knight, and his vision for the future offers a path forward.

Edgar Knight

Edgar Knight, a genius with delusions of grandeur, seeks to control the world through time travel technology. His willingness to make ruthless decisions in pursuit of his goals makes him a formidable antagonist. Knight's downfall is a result of his underestimation of his opponents and the ethical boundaries he crosses.

Plot Devices

Time Travel Theory

Nathan's discovery involves the theoretical application of dark energy to send matter back in time, but only for a fraction of a second. This concept challenges the nature of time and reality, raising questions about the implications of even the smallest temporal shifts. The theory serves as the catalyst for the story's conflict, driving the characters to uncover its significance.

Intrigue and Deception

The narrative is driven by the mystery of who is after Nathan's discovery and why. Jenna and Blake must navigate a web of intrigue, with multiple factions vying for control. The constant threat of deception and betrayal heightens the tension, as they struggle to discern friend from foe.

Human Duplication

The ability to duplicate humans raises profound ethical questions about identity, existence, and the nature of consciousness. The story explores the implications of having multiple versions of a person, challenging the characters to confront their beliefs about self and morality.

Sacrifice and Redemption

The characters' willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good is a central theme. Blake's selflessness and Jenna's ultimate decision to destroy Knight highlight the personal costs of their mission. Their actions pave the way for a new beginning, offering hope for a future where technology is used responsibly.

Analysis

"Split Second" by Douglas E. Richards delves into the ethical implications of time travel and human duplication, challenging readers to consider the nature of identity and the moral responsibilities of scientific discovery. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the quest for justice, as characters navigate a world of intrigue and danger. Through Jenna's determination and Blake's selflessness, the story highlights the power of human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Ultimately, the book offers a hopeful vision for the future, where technology is harnessed for the greater good, and humanity's potential is boundless.

Last updated: February 8, 2025