In the first book of The Midas Files, The Midas Protocol: Midas Files Book One, I explored the concept and rules of time travel with deliberate fuzziness. However, in Call of Minotaur: Midas Files Book Two, I can no longer afford that luxury. I need to establish clear mechanics for time travel not only in this installment but also for the remainder of the series, as there will be significant time travel elements in the second book. It’s both exhilarating and daunting to create my own unique interpretation of time travel. So, how does time travel function in my series?

Good question! I often think of time as a foggy room, where clarity is limited and visibility is obscured. In this metaphor, there is no distinct past or future—only a present coordinate that serves as a fixed point in time. All moments, whether they have already occurred or are yet to come, are intertwined and relevant to this single point. 

Imagine moving around in this foggy room; you can navigate back and forth, exploring different moments as if they were physical spaces. However, humans are naturally predisposed to experience time flowing in one direction—toward the future. 

This phenomenon can be likened to powerful currents in the fog, similar to jet streams that guide movement. In this context, humans exist within the future-forward jet stream, being carried onward despite the surrounding mist. This dynamic creates a fascinating interplay between our perception of time and the reality of its fluidity, emphasizing how our journey through life is influenced by both our current experiences and the potential paths that lie ahead.

It is possible to go backwards in time, but it is extremely difficult for humans due to our existence within the complex flow of the time jet stream. This phenomenon, akin to a powerful river, creates a natural progression that we are accustomed to following. 

Moving backwards in time is theoretically possible; however, it resembles the daunting challenge of fighting a raging current upstream. Just as a swimmer would struggle against the relentless force of water, attempting to navigate backwards in time presents significant obstacles, requiring immense effort, focus, and perhaps even a deeper understanding of the underlying fabric of time itself.

Now that we have developed this intriguing foggy room theory, the next aspect of my world-building involves exploring the existence of other civilizations that thrive outside this mysterious jet stream. These civilizations have not only managed to adapt to their unique environments but have also unlocked the secrets of time travel. 

They possess advanced technologies and knowledge that allow them to navigate the temporal landscape, altering the flow of time itself. As they explore different eras and events, they bring back insights and innovations that challenge our understanding of history and the universe. This dynamic interaction between time travelers and our world will add layers of complexity and fascination to the narrative.

There exists a powerful entity known as the Universal Civilization that meticulously regulates the flow of time throughout the cosmos. This organization ensures that there are consistent and uniform relations regarding who is permitted to travel through time, both to the past and the future. By maintaining these strict guidelines, they safeguard the delicate balance of time and its intricate connections to the Universal Order. 

Central to their operations is the concept of the Universal Meridian, a framework established by the Universal Civilization to orient all advanced civilizations in their understanding and interaction with time. This Meridian serves as a guiding principle, promoting a cohesive approach to temporal navigation that preserves the well-being of all civilizations involved. 

The rationale behind these regulations is profound; any manipulation of time by an individual or civilization could pose a significant threat to the existence of others. Such alterations might not only disrupt the continuity of specific timelines but could also endanger the stability of the entire Universe, leading to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, the Universal Civilization's vigilance is crucial in preventing such risks and ensuring that all civilizations can thrive within the established temporal framework.

Lastly, I have the intriguing notion of multiple or parallel universes, which exist in a time tangent where events have unfolded in entirely different ways. These universes may have variations of our own reality, with alternate histories and outcomes that diverge from what we know. 

The concept suggests that every decision or event could create a branching path, leading to new realities. The Universal Civilization, a mysterious and advanced society, is believed to guard the secrets of these parallel universes and possess the knowledge of how to access them. This opens up fascinating possibilities for exploration, understanding, and perhaps even interaction with these alternate dimensions.

With the concept of parallel universes, there exist Seven Universes that the Universal Council can access from the Prime Universe. These distinct realities sometimes experience events that merge with one another, leading to the phenomenon known as Mandela effects, where shared memories between different versions of reality can differ. Within these other Universes, every individual has alternate versions of themselves; however, just like the wave collapse properties in quantum physics, intelligent life manifests as a singular existence in one Universe, with the other versions acting as secondary waves that ripple through the multiverse. 

This intriguing idea suggests that in some mysterious manner, a soul—or a fundamental essence—plays a critical role in shaping a coherent experience that spans multiple worlds. Each of these lives, while unique in its own Universe, contributes to the collective understanding of existence, raising profound questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality itself.

This all sounds incredibly cool, but the devil is in the details. For instance, how do I navigate the paradox of encountering other versions of myself? It raises so many questions: What if I inadvertently alter the timeline of my grandfather, changing the course of my family history? The implications of such actions could be monumental, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond my immediate experience. 

There’s a lot to be worked out, for sure, and each scenario presents unique challenges to consider. Exploring how these intricacies impact the storyline in book two will undoubtedly add depth and excitement, making it a significant part of the overall adventure!

Now please note that this world-building framework for time travel and the multiverse will likely evolve as new ideas and concepts emerge, so I can't definitively say it is considered canon within the Midas Files universe at this moment. However, the beauty of a multiverse is that it allows for endless possibilities and interpretations. 

In another universe, who is to say what could be considered truth or canon? The fluidity of these narratives opens up exciting avenues for exploration and creativity, leaving room for different versions of reality to coexist and intertwine. Now then, I have powerful Time Streams to ride. Therefore, I'll catch you on the other side of the clock! Thank you for stepping into the world of the Midas Files. I'll see you next week on Bingham's Notebook.