Videoville

by Christopher East

Release: December 2014
Format: Short Story
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Adults
Content: Definite Time Travel
Original Language: English

In late 1986, geek Tim Stanek (he prefers the term “nerd”) and his high-school buddy Louis are approached one night by an unheard-of sort of person: a sensitive and inclusive football jock who asks them to come with him on a mission that needs their particular kind of resourcefulness.

— Michael Main

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DEBUT

“Videoville,” in Asimov’s Science Fiction, December 2014.

VARIANTS

1 English variant

TAGS(SPOILERS!)

Time Periods

Circa AD 1970 to 1999: The story takes place during winter break of 1986–87.
Circa AD 2000 to 2099: Nolan comes from twenty-five years in the future.

Themes

Incorporeal Traveler: Because he sometimes flits in-and-out and because he doesn’t show up on film, we believe that Nolan is a projection into people’s minds, rather than a corporeal being. Even so, the situation isn’t entirely clear. For example, the note that’s left for Stanek at the end seems substantial.
Save “Lois”!: In this case, save Nolan’s sister.

Groupings

Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine (periodical): December 2014

TIME TRAVEL ITINERARY (SPOILERS!)

From unspecified place, circa 2011 ⋙ to a pizzeria in western New York near Lake Ontario, 20 December 1986. Note: probably a projection of 43-year-year-old Nolan as his 18-year-old self.