Date: 06/11/2024, Time period: Current day
From afar, the mansion that sits in the middle of an overgrown plot of land in the midst of the green rolling hills of the Kent countryside seems to have retained some of its former impressive opulence, this impression is quickly dispelled upon closer inspection and what remains is a crumbling building probably partially held together by the ivy vines that cover a good part of its walls.
While the mansion itself is probably beyond saving, upon inspection, the surprisingly vast basement is well preserved and as you explore it, you find out it holds a workshop at the center of which stands an odd machine. It is clearly meant to be steam-powered and is covered with gears and pipes, all in oddly pristine copper. For some reason, at one end of the machine is what can best be described as a cabin with two plush seats and large windows. Even more surprising is the fact that a large, ornate clock adorns the outside of the machine.
Inside the cabin, on a console between the two seats is a bewildering array of levers and dials. However, an envelope, prominently placed on one of the two seats, catches your eye. Once opened, it reveals a pristine letter penned in old cursive handwriting. It reads:
"If my calculations are correct, then you who are now reading this letter should be my great-grandson. We've never met, of course, but nevertheless, I bestow upon you my time machine. My son and grandson were useless and naïve but I believe you will be able to make the most of this gift. I myself have used it often and it has let me see incredible sights but now that I have found a place and time where I feel happy and at ease, I have no more use for it and I sent it to the time where I estimate you'll be likely to find it. It probably looks ancient to you but through my travels, I've made improvements to it and it should run without a hitch. For instance, I picked up a nifty invention that renders the machine invisible to all but its passengers, so you needn't worry where you leave it. Under the left seat, you will find a binder with my notes on how to operate it. Good luck! Yours truly, Alfred Clockwell."
Well damn...
After quickly perusing the notes, it turns out the operation of the machine isn't as complicated as it looks at first. Set the date and coordinates and turn the large crank. At least that's all the instructions basically say.
