In 1994, the Justice Department sends George Spota to the Senate Appropriations Committee for approval on a secret project: the establishment of the Time Enforcement Commission (TEC) with the sole purpose of policing time travel. While initially dismissive, Spota convinces them of both the viability and danger of the technology, showing them evidence that changes (ripples) have already begun manifesting, evidenced by arms trafficking shipments paid in gold bullion stolen from the Confederate Army. Senator Aaron McComb volunteers to chair the oversight committee and Eugene Matuzak is nominated as the TEC's first commissioner. Later that day, DC Metro Police officer Max Walker is offered a position with the TEC but debates whether to accept it. That night, he receives an emergency call and is ambushed while leaving home; he and his wife, Melissa, are viciously attacked by unknown assailants. Max witnesses the house explode, killing Melissa inside.