Five was looking at his father, Reginald, with a clench jaw. The two were staring at each other. He was clenching a knife in his hand. Reginald took a drink from his glass before he took a bite of his food. Five stabbed the dining table with the knife. He looked fairly agitated. Everyone looked up from their food and their gaze rested on him.

Reginald looked up from his food and asked, “Number Five?” “I have a question.” Five said. “Knowledge is an admirable goal, but you know the rules. No talking during mealtimes.” Reginald pointed to the record player behind him, “You are interrupting Herr Carlson.” Everyone went back to looking down at their food and eating, besides Vanya, Five, and Reginald. Five pushed his plate away from himself. “I want to time travel.” He said, clearly irritated. Reginald spoke firmly, “No.” Five protested, “But I’m ready.” He continued, “I’ve been practicing my spatial jumps, just like you said.” He then teleported next to Reginald. “See?” He said.

“A spatial jump is trivial when compared with the unknowns of time travel. One is like sliding along the ice, the other is akin to descending blindly into the depths of the freezing water and reappearing as an acorn.” Reginald shot back, not bothering to look at his 5th adopted son. “Well, I don’t get it.” Five said. “Hence the reason you are not ready.” Reginald responded blandly.

Vanya, who was at the end of the table, shook her head as if to say not to push their father any further. Five looked from Vanya to their father. “Well, I’m not afraid.” He said stubbornly. “Fear isn’t the issue.” Reginald explained, “The effects it might have on your body, even on your mind, are far too unpredictable. Now, I forbid you to talk about this anymore.” Vanya looked from Reginald to Five and then back to their father. Five then stormed off somewhere. “Number Five!” Everyone looked up from their food and towards where Five left. “You haven’t been excused yet!” Reginald called out. “Come back here!”

Do you, Number Eight, go after him?