The Columbus Paradox

2130

Eve sat alone in a dimly-lit room, finalizing the paperwork for her latest debriefing. Her task had been a simple one: cover up an atrocity in history to preserve the timeline.

She just couldn't shake the feeling something about this mission wasn't right. She had already spent hours analyzing the case, searching for the missing information that would set her mind at ease, but the gnawing pit in her stomach wouldn't go away.

In three years of working for The Agency, dozens of cases just like this one had crossed Eve’s desk. A series of illegal surveillance operations conducted by a government agency in the early 2000s had egregiously violated the privacy of millions of citizens. Over 100 years later, The Agency discovered the surveillance would have prevented a major terrorist attack, if only the unauthorized activity had remained a secret.

According to the brief in Eve’s paperwork, someone had leaked the surveillance, leading to a media frenzy. The resulting uproar prompted an anarchist group to plant explosives, destroying the entire Island of San Salvador and causing a tsunami that wiped out most of the Bahamas. To prevent the terrorism and establish a more secure timeline, The Agency sent an agent back in time to keep the surveillance secret and cover up the illegal activity.

The problem was, Eve could find no evidence to support that claim.

She had been searching for hours.

She found the original case file. The government agency had been spying on the Indigenous populations across the Americas and there was a concerning link between any Indigenous activist with ties to the Bahamas and disproportionately hard criminal charges for minor infractions.

All agents went through special programming during their training and initiation into The Agency so Eve understood the fallacies of previous governments in history. She wasn't particularly surprised they would have sanctioned clearly racist surveillance operations and follow up protocols to contain the situation.

Given the point in history when the operation was revealed, with the mass population starting to unite against the government for individual liberties and historical reparations, it was not surprising that an operation of this magnitude would lead to extreme civil unrest. A terrorist attack was entirely plausible.

But she could find no record, not in any timeline archive, of the attack.

Every piece of evidence merely described a group of indigenous people staging a peaceful protest at a historical site on San Salvador Island that they believed was unjustly taken from their people during the Spanish Conquest.

Why would The Agency have sent an operative back in time to keep the surveillance a secret if the worst outcome was a peaceful protest?

The deeper Eve dug, the more obvious it became the atrocity that should have been prevented was the Spanish Conquest of the Americas. Columbus' "discovery" of San Salvador Island in 1492 marked the beginning of the violent and devastating colonization of the Americas, leading to the subjugation, displacement, and genocide of countless indigenous peoples. Surely, if any wrong needed righting, it was this one.

Fueled by a righteous anger and fuzzy from lack of sleep, Eve made a bold decision. She wasn't going to wait for The Agency to explain this away. It was time to put her training to the test. She would use the Temporal Bubble to travel back in time to 1470, San Salvador, Bahamas. She would help the local population keep their freedom. She would make sure Columbus never set foot in the Bahamas, or any of the other Americas.

***

1470

As Eve stepped out of the Temporal Bubble, she found herself in the midst of a bustling Lucayan village. Her eyes darted around as she surveyed the people busy at their chores. Although her extensive training in ancient history and linguistics allowed her to communicate effectively with the Lucayan people, she hadn’t taken the time to dress appropriately for the time before her impulsive time jump.

Warriors surrounded her the moment she was spotted. They bodily carried her to a nearby camp, and threw her unceremoniously into an empty hut, leaving her alone except for the single sturdy guard blocking the only exit.

Eve's eyes scanned the room, taking in the bare walls and simple furnishings. The building was devoid of any ornamentation, its simplicity belying its true purpose. It was likely a structure meant for community meetings or to greet outsiders. Despite the Lucayans' reputation for decorative flair, this building was plain, with no indication of their wealth or weaponry. They purposefully designed the structure to reveal nothing to potential foes.

Eve didn't have to wait long before the Chief, or Caciques, entered, followed by an impressive show of force. All the important members of the village were included here, clad in the signals of their status. Next to the Caciques was a young man, near to her in age, that was likely his son. Holding a decorative spear that was clearly functional, he stood protectively close to his leader. An elder woman was beautifully adorned with feathers and shells, suggesting her position as the Bohiques, or shaman. Several other men and women followed, each wearing samples of their trades: beaded clothing and handcrafted jewellery, carved belts and hand-stitched moccasins, woven bags and the most intricately designed baby carrier Eve had ever seen.

Pulling her attention to him, the Caciques spoke, his voice cold and suspicious. "Who are you, and what do you want?"

She took a deep breath before answering. "My name is Eve, and I come from a faraway place. I'm here to help you."

The Chief grunted, keeping his face neutral. "Help us how?"

Eve looked out at the group of Lucayans before her, their faces skeptical and bordering on aggressive. Time was running out, and she needed to convince them of the truth before it was too late. She took a deep breath and chose her words carefully, knowing every syllable counted.

"I have traveled through time to get here, to this moment in history," she said, her eyes locking onto theirs. "In the future, your people face great danger. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. But I also know how to prevent it."

Muffled snorts and chortles rose from the crowd, and Eve pressed on, her voice steady and unwavering. "I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's true. I can show you. I have knowledge that can help keep your people safe and free."

As she spoke, she saw a glimmer of interest in their eyes, a spark of curiosity that grew with each passing moment.

The Chief and his leaders remained tightly controlled, but Eve noticed that some people in the back were less reserved. She needed the Chief's attention, and for now, he seemed to listen.

The Caciques raised an eyebrow toward his entourage; his son replied with a barely perceptible nod. Taking this as a sign to continue, Eve built her case.

"Have you ever experienced a dream that felt so real it was like living in a different reality?" she asked. "Well, I can travel through time and visit different periods in history, just like how you can move through experiences in your dreams. And just as dreams sometimes give us insights into things that are yet to come, I have seen events that will happen in the future. Events that will lead to the subjugation and devastation of your people, unless you’re brave enough to learn from my history and create a different future."

The Chief's expression never wavered, but he interrupted her. "How do you do this dream journey through time?"

Eve explained, "I use something called a Temporal Bubble. It's like a protective bubble that allows me to pass through time without affecting the people or events around me. It's like a dream journey, where I can see and experience distinct moments in history without actually changing them. I can observe and learn from the past to better prepare for the future. Only this time, after I travelled here in my Bubble, I left it in order to be here in your time, with you."

The Chief looked over to his son. "Naboria Mayá. You will be responsible for the safety of our village in years to come. This decision should be yours. Will you trust this time traveller?"

Naboria Mayá stepped forward, his eyes locked on Eve's. "I have no reason not to trust her, Father. And if she is right, then we cannot ignore this warning."

The Chief's expression softened slightly at his son's words. "Very well. But if you are truly here to help us," he directed his statement to Eve, "you must prove it. You must demonstrate your knowledge and abilities. For now, we will allow you to stay in our village, under guard, until we can determine whether you are a friend or a foe." Turning abruptly, he led the gathering out the door.

Eve's heart raced with determination as she saw this opportunity to prove herself to the Lucayans. She nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with hope, and made her way through the crowd with a sense of purpose. She pushed aside her fears and doubts, elbowing her way bravely to walk next to Naboria Mayá.

***

1492

Eve closed her eyes and let the memories flood back. She remembered the tense moment she arrived on San Salvador Island and the sea of spears pointed in her direction. The Lucayan people had encircled her, their eyes filled with suspicion and hostility. But Eve refused to back down. She told them her story of time travel, her voice steady and confident. Slowly, the spears lowered and the tension in the air dissipated. The Lucayans had listened to her story and seen the conviction in her eyes, and they had welcomed her with open arms.

Eve's immersion in the community went beyond just being an ally; she had become a member of their chiefdom. Now she watched as the Lucayan warriors lined up on the beach, their faces set in grim determination.

They had spent years training, following her every instruction with unwavering focus. With her guidance, they had built a fleet of warships that bobbed on the waves behind them, ready to defend their land and people. Eve had taught them the military tactics she from her training with The Agency, and they had practiced tirelessly until they had them down to a science. She had even shared with them the secrets of advanced technology, including firearms and navigation tools that would give them an edge in battle.

As she looked at them now, she knew they were a force to be reckoned with. They were ready for whatever the Spanish might throw at them.

Eve's chest tightened as she looked at Naboria Mayá, the man who held her heart and the father of their beloved son, Nitainos Mabodamaca. She felt the weight of their time together, the bonds of family and community woven deep within her soul. Her fingers twitched with the urge to reach out and touch him, but the looming threat of Columbus and his army pulled away her attention. The thought of everything they held dear being destroyed by these outsiders made her stomach churn with fear and anger.

Her hands shook as she sat cross-legged on the hard earthen floor, surrounded by the hushed silence of the Lucayan people. She could feel their expectant gazes upon her, seeking guidance and healing, but her heart felt heavy with the weight of her role as their spiritual leader. As she looked ahead to the dark clouds that gathered on the horizon, a sense of unease twisted in her gut. She forced herself to speak words of hope, her voice ringing out clear and strong, but the fear inside her would not be silenced.

***

Eve felt a mix of emotions as she sat on the beach with her husband and son, the sun warming her skin and the sound of the waves lulling her into a sense of peace. But in the back of her mind, she knew the moment they had been dreading for years was fast approaching. Weeks of waiting and watching had led to this: the sighting of Spanish ships on the horizon. Her heart raced with a mix of fear and determination as she looked to her family, knowing they were as prepared as they could be for the battle that lay ahead.

The ships loomed larger, the tension and anticipation in the air building. Eve's heart pounded in her chest as she glanced over at Mayá, seeing the matching mixture of fear and determination in his eyes. Mabodamaca, who had grown up hearing stories of the Spanish conquest, remained surprisingly calm, his gaze fixed on the approaching vessels.

Eve took a deep breath and stood up, facing her family. "This is it," she said, her voice steady. "We've prepared as best we can. Now we have to trust that we can beat them."

Mayá nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We will do whatever it takes to protect our people," he said firmly. "We will not let them destroy our home."

Mabodamaca, ever the practical one, spoke up. "We have the advantage of surprise, and our ships are faster and more maneuverable. We can outsmart them."

Eve's smile revealed her pride in the brave young warrior he had become.

"Exactly. We have to stay focused and work together."

As the Spanish vessels drew closer, Eve's heart raced. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and found comfort in all the knowledge and skills she had shared with the Lucayans. She pictured the ships in her mind, the cannons and muskets, the armored soldiers. She could hear the shouts and screams, the clash of steel on steel.

When she opened her eyes again, the Spanish were almost upon them. The warriors sprang into action, launching their war canoes and sailing out to meet the enemy. Eve stayed behind on the beach, watching anxiously as the battle began.

For hours, the sound of the battle echoed across the water. Eve could see flashes of light from the cannons and hear the distant cries of the warriors. She paced back and forth, her heart in her throat, waiting for news.

Finally, a canoe approached the shore. Naboria Mayá and Nitainos Mabodamaca were in the front, and Eve could see the triumph in their eyes. "We did it," Mayá said, as he climbed out of the boat. "We defeated them."

Eve's heart leapt with relief and joy as she threw her arms around her husband, holding him tight. She felt the tears wash over his shoulder as her son hugged her from the side. In that moment, they were a family, united in their victory.

As the sun set over the ocean, Eve felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that there were still many challenges ahead for them, but for now, they had emerged victorious. She breathed in the salty air, feeling the sand between her toes, and savored the moment of their hard-earned success.

***

1502

Eve's heart swelled with pride as she watched her son Nitainos Mabodamaca relinquish his warrior status to become the Cacique. She was grateful for the role she had played in preparing him for his new role.

When her son announced his decision to take Behique Yara as his husband, it triggered an uneasy turmoil in her gut. Though she respected Yara's abilities, the fire in his eyes made her uneasy. Eve had hoped that her son's calm and steady nature would balance out Yara's impulsiveness, but now she wondered if she had misjudged the situation.

There always seemed to be a flicker of impatience in Yara's eyes and a tenseness in his body language as they sat around the council fire. Eve's advancements to their community were not lost on him, and he saw their newfound strength as a reason to expand their domain and assert dominance over a larger area. Eve understood the impulse, but she also knew such ambitions could be dangerous if they led to conflict with other civilizations.

A decade after Eve had ensured the Lucayan people's safety from Spanish colonization, whispers of dissent had spread amongst some of the younger members.

Eve's stomach churned with anxiety as she listened to the younger members of the village. She could taste the bile in her throat as Yara openly used his skills of manipulation to influence community toward aggressive dominance. She knew her son was a fair and just leader, but Yara's ability to sway those around him was becoming more persuasive than justice and peace

As the whispers grew louder and more demanding, Behique Yara saw an opportunity to turn their restlessness and discontent into something more. He cultivated relationships with those who were most vocal in their dissatisfaction, promising them power, wealth, and status if they joined his cause.

At first, Yara worked behind the scenes, gathering support and building alliances with other chiefdoms and communities. He knew he couldn't openly challenge his husband, the Cacique, and risk splitting the village apart. Instead, he bided his time, waiting for the right moment to strike.

When the time finally came, Yara was ready. He had assembled a core group of loyal followers, as well as a network of contacts and allies that spanned the length and breadth of the Bahamas. He knew his plan was risky, but if he was successful, the rewards would be worth it to him.

Yara began by sending out small groups to attack travelling ships and coastal communities. These raids were initially minor and sporadic, designed to test the waters and gauge the response of the wider community. But as Yara's followers became bolder and more confident, the raids grew in size and frequency.

Soon, Yara's devotees were attacking ships and villages across the entire Bahamas, their power and influence spreading with each successful raid. They became known as the "pirate rebels, ", a fearsome and powerful force that struck fear into the hearts of all who encountered them.

An organized gang of pirates, led by Yara, had emerged from amongst the younger members of the Lucayans. He was on the cusp of achieving his dream of leading an imposing, dominant empire, one that would put the entire Bahamas under his control.

***

A gnawing sensation in the pit of her stomach made Eve physically ill as she watched her son's husband lead another brutal attack on a passing ship. Her heart pounded in her chest making it hard to breath as she struggled to reconcile the violent actions of the pirate rebels with the peaceful values of their community. The sound of the ship's hull splintering under the force of the attackers' blows filled her ears, and the acrid smell of burning wood and gunpowder filled her nose.

She turned to Mabodamaca and saw the conflict in his eyes. He looked even more miserable and heartbroken.

"This is madness, Yara," Mabodamaca said, when his husband had returned. "These people are not our enemies. We should work with them, not against them."

But Yara was unrelenting in his vision. "You don't understand," he said. "We need to show our strength, our power. We cannot allow anyone to stand in our way."

Eve's heart ached with sorrow as her mind turned to her son, who had been thrust into the center of a brewing conflict. The weight of her worry pressed down on her chest, and her fingers clenched tightly into fists to control a surge of anger

Yara was more interested in power and control than in the well-being of their people.

"I cannot be a part of this," Mabodamaca said, turning to walk away.

Yara's eyes narrowed. "Then you leave me no choice," he said. "You are either with us, or I banish you from our Island."

Eve’s heart sank as she observed the same emotions of helplessness and uncertainty mirrored on the faces of her husband and son.

The stood united before Yara, the man who had been her son's husband, but now seemed like a stranger. The air was thick with tension as they faced each other, the weight of the decision they had to make heavy on their shoulders.

"We cannot support your rebellion, Yara," Eve said firmly, her voice shaking with emotion. "Our values and beliefs are too different from yours."

Yara's eyes blazed with fury, but he remained silent, his anger palpable. Only the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the shuffling of warriors standing at Yara’s back broke through the silence.

Eve and her family knew they were no match for Yara's powerful pirate fleet. They had no choice but to abandon everything they had known and loved and flee for their lives. They hastily gathered their belongings, taking only what they could carry.

Eve stumbled through the thick underbrush, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to keep up with her husband and son. The oppressive heat of the jungle pressed down on her, making it difficult to breathe. The darkness of the forest was all-encompassing, and she felt as though she was wading through a black sea. Each step was a struggle, her legs heavy with exhaustion and her mind burdened with regret. She had hoped to change the course of history for the better when she arrived in this time and place, but now it seemed as though her actions had only made things worse. The weight of her failure settled heavily upon her shoulders, making each step more arduous than the last.

She had always believed that changing history would bring about a better world, but now she realized that human nature was unchangeable. The insight hit her hard, like a physical blow. The wind whispered through the surrounding trees, carrying the scent of saltwater from the nearby ocean. Waves crashing against the shore brought a sense of peace, but it was fleeting.

She could return to her original timeline. Make adjustments. Try again. But the thought of leaving everything she had known behind was too much to bear. Her heart ached with the pain of loss as she looked around at the darkened forest, trying to find a glimmer of hope in the darkness. Her husband and son were with her, but the road ahead would be difficult and uncertain.

As she took a deep breath, the salty breeze filling her lungs, she knew she had the strength to face whatever lay ahead. Her family was the only future she cared about.

***

2130

The Agency monitored the effects of Eve's actions, watching in awe as the altered timeline unfolded before them. The changes Eve orchestrated had completely rewritten the course of human history, creating a world that was unrecognizable from the one they knew.

European nations had failed to develop as the Eastern powers rapidly discovered and conquered more land, including North America, beginning on the West Coast of what became known as Nunangat. The policies of the Eastern powers were to live in harmony with those they met, rather than conquering them, creating a peaceful population of the earth almost entirely devoid of scientific advancements.

The Lucayan rebels had hit a ceiling in their growth due to the technology and knowledge brought by Eve. Since the advancements were developed in a bubble without a foundation of education and tools to support growth, their progress plateaued.

The pacifist nature of the global population prevented scientific and medical advancements, and though the earth was healthy, humans were fragile and frequently decimated by natural disasters and plague-like illnesses that spread with destructive speed.

As The Agency watched, they saw the devastating effects of Eve's tampering with the timeline. Humans became an extremely endangered species in this altered world, and the once-populous planet was a stark reminder of the dangers of interfering with the course of history.

The Agency had to prevent this timeline from taking root in their future.

Apex Shadow was appointed to travel back in time to 1470, moments before Eve's arrival from her original timeline. The second she appeared, without hesitation, Apex Shadow injected Eve with a lethal cocktail, effectively erasing her from existence in this timeline and preventing her from causing further trouble in her original timeline.

With her lifeless body in tow, he returned to The Agency in 2130, erasing all traces of Eve’s tampering with just a few moments’ adjustment.

Apex Shadow was the most enigmatic figure in The Agency, known for his expertise in problem-solving and getting the job done with ruthless efficiency. When he returned to The Agency with Eve's corpse, whispers circulated among the other operatives. What kind of person could carry out such a cold, calculated execution?

Who was Apex Shadow, really? Only one thing was certain: when it came to protecting the timeline, there was no one better.