Free Steampunk Time: Cape High Book Seven (Cape High Series 7) by R.J. Ross Page B

you're still suggesting she's that easily distracted."
    "It's because I had a child with her that I know these things," Superior says dryly.  "Why do you think I wasn't bothered by you running her off when you were fifteen?"
    Nico just looks at him.  "Fine," he says.  "We can at least talk to Noelle and ask about the other me."
    "And you expect me to distract her, is that it?" Superior asks.
    "For the first time since we came, you're actually going to prove to be a benefit, Father," Nico says, clapping him on the shoulder twice before shoving him into the light.  The hint of surprise on Superior's face is enough to make Nico fight back a laugh.
    "Who are you?" Sparky demands while going on guard.  Her hands come up in fists and her eyes start sparking in a dangerous manner.
    "I'm--" Superior says, looking around for a second, "I think this might be an alternate universe," he says.  "Are you Sparktastic?"
    He's going to have to remember that line, Nico thinks, racing as fast as possible past the two and grabbing Noelle--the only problem is Jack's boy sees her disappear and grabs blindly, getting a hold of Nico's shirt.  He's got one hell of a good grip, Nico thinks as he pulls to a stop a few blocks away.  The boy drops to the ground, and then jumps up, his hands in fists for all of a second.  "Technico?" he says blankly.
    "This isn't Grandpa--this is Grandpa--um--I mean--Darn it, Grandpa, I was about to get a shower!" Noelle complains.  "Do you have any clue how long I've gone without?  Because I don't, and it scares me."
    "You can answer some questions first," Nico says, wondering why he feels the strange urge to hug her.  Well, she is his granddaughter, after all.  "You look a lot like Zoe in the face," he says, distracted.  "I guess the curls and the outfit threw me off.  Anyway, is the guy that took you from the Hall really me?"
    "I am," someone says from behind them.  Nico turns, looking at himself blankly.  Longer hair, sure, but everything else looks the same, save for their clothes.  Future Technico is wearing a dark blue super uniform that’s somewhat like the one he has back home.  "I'd shake your hand but I'm not sure touching is a smart idea, considering."
    "Granted," Nico says.  "Look, this is downright cliche, so I think we should cut it as short as possible.  What are you here for?"
    "Personal reasons," Technico says.  "I'm here to build the Cape Cells and find out what sort of destruction these two can do before I put inhibitors on them for school."
    "Makes sense," Nico says.
    "Nico--don't let Superior out of your sight," Technico says.  "It's for his sake as much as yours."
    "Does something happen while we're in this time?" Nico asks.  "He kills Mimic, doesn't he?"  Then he stops, realizing, "No, that's not possible--Morgan's still alive in my time."
    "Do you know where he is now?"
    "He's convincing Sparky he's from an alternate dimension."
    "Go make sure of that fact," Technico says.  "Come on, kids--"
    "We're going with this one," Noelle says, grabbing Nico's hand , “and getting our showers and checking in on Tatia!" she declares.  "Let's go, Jason, Grandpa Nico."
    "Be back to the campsite in an hour," Technico says, giving in easily.  "We're going to start your training."
    Nico looks at the Technico from the future, wondering if everyone finds him as irritating as he finds the guy in front of him.  "What happens while we're in this time?" he demands.
    "You mean what happened.  It won't happen this time around, not if I have a say in it."  Then he's gone, leaving Nico standing there with two kids.  Nico looks at Noelle, and then studies Jason curiously before getting out his cell.  He scans the boy with a curious expression, looking at the readout.
    "You already did that," Jason says, giving him an irritated look.
    "The other me did it," Nico says, not surprised, "interesting.  I'm not surprised, actually--what's your mom's name?"
    "Mom's name is Aubrey," Jason