The First State of Being

On August 20, 1999, Gibby tells Michael that Ridge is returning to the future but wants to say goodbye. Michael leaves Mr. Mosley a voicemail saying that he will miss lunch, then goes to Beejee’s apartment.

Ridge is panicking about the consequences awaiting him and his family in 2199. Gibby reminds him of his family’s love. Michael reminds him of the Conklin Principle and first state thinking. Ridge calms down, but informs them, coughing, that 1999 has made him sick. Michael and Gibby become nervous and shocked. Ridge attempts to activate the EGG. He begins to dematerialize, but quickly reappears. They are all confused.

In a flash forward to August 20, 2199, Ridge’s mother and siblings work to bring Ridge home since the STM short-circuited. They notice the signal from the EGG. Dr. Sabio still worries. Ridge’s impulsive trip remains a Sabio family secret.

Ridge panics. Gibby and Michael help him consider various reasons why his return might have failed. The best-case scenario is a (repairable) machine malfunction with the STM in 2199. They spend the rest of the afternoon trying unsuccessfully to send Ridge home. Ridge has caught Michael’s cold and, with no immunity, he is becoming increasingly sick.