Nepenthe

“One question Harrison,” Joe West said peaceably. “I don't doubt for a second anything you've said about that night. What have you been doing since then?”

“I stopped following the pages like a script and started seeing them more as guideposts and mile-markers. I try not to even look at or read the records until we're dealing with a creep that might be mentioned in them. I eventually realized this ship might have belonged to the original man in yellow, who I call the Reverse Flash. I stole his suit when I searched his ship. It wasn't until Joe actually answered the question for me that I put most of it together.”

Every eye in the room turned to Detective West.

“What you told me about Tess, that was real?”

“That after her death I decided to start over? Eventually taking it upon myself to fulfill Thawne's role, based on these future records? And I just realized I didn't tell you about that. But yes Joe, I was more or less hunting the Man in Yellow. I'm starting to think he was following a script of his own; and must have returned to his own time.”

Detective Thawne spoke. “Time for the obvious question, who the hell were you talking to?!”

There is a scene I've written a couple of times Gideon and Harrison Wells in the time-vault. I just found a different version of that scene that is a million times more thought out and polished. It opens with something I'm familiar with but ends on a hilarious and powerful note I never read before.

“Dr. Wells. I realize this won't make what you're going through any easier but you did the right thing.”

“Funny. I always thought NOT committing murder was generally considered 'the right thing'.”

“Yes, this is true. However Nora Allen's murder under quote 'impossible' circumstances is not only a fixed point in time, it is the beginning of the Flash's story. A history and a legacy I am certain should not be – as people in this time are apparently fond of say – 'screwed with'.”

“In other words Gideon, Barry Allen will become the hero you spoke of. And defending his 'impossible' account of tonight events is a significant part of his formative years. Is that what you are saying.” Gideon made no reply. “That one I insist you answer.” Harrison said sharply.

“You are correct Dr. Wells.” She hesitated. “Should I provide you with a mild sedative? I believe they once considered whiskey to be quite soothing to the nerves.”

“No, I will be alright Gideon. Although I admit I am having an 'all great Neptune's ocean' moment about the whole thing.”

“Nepenthe rather than Lethe Dr. Wells.”

Wells looks cross-eyed for a second as he searches his college English lexicon. “Sooth the pain rather than forget it.”

“Indeed Doctor. You have roughly 15 years in which to begin to do so.” Harrison's eyes widened. “I do not mean to suggest you have 15 years to live. According to my current records your life's work will come to fruition in approximately 15 years. You will change the world forever. Barry Allen will be one of the first to need your help.”

“I'll have to wait at least 15 years to tell him any of this? That seems... agonizing.”

“Indeed so Doctor Wells. And yes it is 'agonizing. I am tempted to reveal to you one other facet of our future together.”

“Please, nothing more from the future for tonight. In fact, nothing from your recorded history unless we deviate from it. Agreed?"

“Most readily, Dr. Wells.”