After two years, Alex had finished building the sewer system, connecting it to Rome’s aqueducts. People loved watching their poo poo disappear down through the latrines, and praised the emperor for his generosity. The time machine was nearly ready. It had not been easy due to the lack of technology and materials. He had had to make a steam engine to make electricity first. The machines to make the computer chips were the hardest to make.

  The emperor’s scientific advisors watched everything with interest. Alex was careful not to tell them too much: if the Romans had steam engine technology in 184 A.D, then that could change history forever. Alex was pretty sure he could not change the future because it had already happened, but he still had to be careful.

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  Several weeks later, Alex was ready to head home. Finally, after being stuck in Rome, and living in the massive Palace of Domitian, he was desperate to go home. The emperor had lined up his legions, making a path for him to walk down to the portal. The emperor walked at his side. As Alex was about to step forward into the portal, he turned around and looked at Rome once again.

  He turned around and waved at the guards, “Thanks for helping me.”

  The legions said nothing.

  Then, Alex looked at the emperor and held out his hand, “I guess we won’t meet again. Farewell Commodus. You know, the history books always say you’re a bad emperor. But I think you’re pretty cool.”

  The emperor took his hand in a forearm clasp, “Perhaps, the history books might be accurate.”

  Alex looked at him with a confused face, “Whaaaatt? Bro, are you serious right?” Alex tried to pull away.

  The emperor did not let go. “Seize him!”