It was finally time. Nobody would laugh at Dr. Raymond’s theory of multiple realities ever again after this experiment.
Building the reality shift machine hadn’t been easy. The machine was originally planned to be a humongous portal that’d let you walk into a new reality with the same ease as walking through an open door, but building a interdimensional teleporter wasn’t feasible with the scientist’s current funds. After all, he had been expelled from the scientific community the moment his theory was published. But that didn’t stop him, no. He’d uncover the secrets of interdimensional travel even if he had to finish his research from the solitude of his own attic... which was exactly what he did.
So yeah, it may not look like the majestic portal that he had dreamed of, but this was the next best thing.
“I present to the world... The reality shift helmet!” Proclaimed Dr. Raymond to no one in particular as he held the rusty-looking thing. The machine looked like a pair of goggles with a bunch of wires sticking out from the back of it all the way to a heavy desktop computer. Of course, if this thing really did work, version 2.0 would be wireless.
Its operations were so simple even a kid could make it work. First, the helmet analyzes Dr. Raymond’s brainwaves through its electrodes. Second, the computer searches for a second brainwave across multiple realities. Third, if there’s a match that undoubtedly means that there’s another Dr. Raymond in another reality with the exact same helmet who’s looking for more Dr. Raymonds (it couldn’t be anyone else, nobody is as brilliant as himself to have such a fantastic idea). And finally, fourth: the helmet would give the scientist’s neurons a very slow and gentle electroshock massage until the brainwaves completely matched each other’s, Dr. Raymond A becoming Dr. Raymond B and viceversa. And all that at the press of a single button!
True, it wasn’t actual teleportation. No physical matter would be moved. But mind swapping with another version of yourself would let you experience the other you’s world while your other self explores yours and is equally amazed. It’s a win-win situation!
Unless the electrodes end up frying your brain instead, but that’s a risk worth taking for the future of science, right?
Just as Dr. Raymond was about to take the helmet for a test ride, the phone rang.
“Damn, always at the best moment...” He sighed.
When he picked up the receiver he was met with the voice of his younger brother. Apparently his brother was going to travel to a spa resort with his wife.
“So... If you don’t mind I’d like you to take care of Jerry for the weekend...” His brother said at the other side of the line. “...You being, you know, unemployed and living alone and all...”
“I’m not unemployed! I’m a bona-fide scientist!”
“Sure, sure... Anyway, I’ve already told Jerry and he’s on his way. He says he loves spending time with his lovely uncle. Make sure he doesn’t get TOO wild, hahaha...”
“What?! But I haven’t agreed yet to... Hello?...” Dr. Raymond’s brother had already hung up.
Dr. Raymond had no time to play babysitter, much less to a problematic 18-year-old. Jerry’s not a kid anymore, he already has a big bush of hair you-know-where, damn it! And his brother knew how much of an alpha teenager Jerry was around the fifty year old scientist.
That spoiled brat didn’t think of Dr. Raymond as a true scientist, he just thought of him as an old fat nut. Which... yeah, it may be true that Dr. Raymond was past his prime with his balding head, and he really had let himself go over the years, obtaining a giant hairy gut in the process... but he definitely wasn’t crazy!
Damn it! Dr. Raymond had been just about to go to another reality, probably a much better reality where he can finally stop being a virgin wanker and finally get laid... Uh... Not like he actually built the reality shift helmet for that purpose or anything... It was strictly for science... Right?
That’s when an idea struck Dr. Raymond’s mind. He had a motherfucking reality shift helmet! He could put the helmet on, swap with another version of himself, explore the wonders of the mysterious new reality and let the other Dr. Raymond take care of Jerry. Who knows, maybe they get along and everything...
Wait, no, that’d be too risky. There are infinite alternate realities, and they aren’t gonna run away soon. He should be patient, keep the helmet a secret for the weekend, and experiment on Monday...
Or maybe he should tell Jerry about the machine, just to show him that he’s not an old geezer after all...
Ultimately, the scientist decided to...