Techspert

Myriad Reality

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Yeah, I was thinking of something like that.

@Spiritblitz

Let me show you a technique I often use, that may be similar to what you want. Data calls it "promise and delivery."
*Strikes a point on the ground, leaving a trail of sand*
I've now committed to striking that point in the future. The promise.
*Moments later, the ground separates at that point*
And I can choose when the delivery occurs.

Myriad Reality

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*stares into it*

@Spiritblitz

Is that about what you were getting at?

Myriad Reality

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Yes. An opposite of changing the future, but creating a semi-guaranteed future.

@Spiritblitz

Hm...
*Kneels down and traces your path*
Yes, but you'd only want to strike the same future from two different pasts if you're going to attack someone who can travel into the past. But you can also...
*Draws another line next to the two that intersect, but this one stops right next to the other two*
Fire into two different spots in the future, and pick whichever one lands as your true past. You have to be very careful if you're going to create multiple branching timelines, though.

Myriad Reality

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Like…
*walks away and draws a line in the ground*
Original shot but…
*takes a few steps to the side and creates another line*
Not exactly going back in time and changing things but instead…
*thinks and scratches my head*
Mmmm…

@Spiritblitz

You’re saying two pasts that lead to the same future, right?

Myriad Reality

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What if you do different paths of time where they all connect?

@Spiritblitz

Hmmmm, elaborate.

Myriad Reality

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What are the rules of the sand?

@Spiritblitz

That part is up to you, actually. But I’ll teach you different paths, including what made the most sense to me.
*Takes a step back along the path you’re walking*
Perhaps the simplest form is to travel back in time and “undo” all that has already been done. But there are often unforeseen consequences to that approach.

Myriad Reality

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Huh

@Spiritblitz

On the other hand, we’re able to move in opposition to the flow of time. Depending on your discipline, that may come with additional rules.

Myriad Reality

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Like a magnet?

@Spiritblitz

Sure, like a very consistent, personal magnet.

Myriad Reality

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*does so and begins to walk*

@Spiritblitz

*I pull you a consistent speed in the perpendicular direction*
For most people, time is like this. You can move however you want forward and back, but time will march slowly whether you like it or not.

Myriad Reality

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Yes.

@Spiritblitz

Now I want you to turn 45 degrees and start walking. You can start and stop as you please, and go as quickly or slowly as you want.