Times Escape : Book One in the Adventures of Bobby Regal Space Commander

by Michael Berg

  “I suppose it is time. I am off to town now and expect I will only need an hour or two before I return. I can assist you with any preparations for your client then if you like.”

  “I am sure Valeena has all she needs to accommodate our new guest.”

  “Will I be able to meet this person?”

  “Unlikely Bobby. Most of clients arrive here and stay in secret. It is best we keep them confidential. I will ask if they want to have casual acquaintance, though normally, they are very specific about what they want and how they spend their precious time.”

  His suspicions were rising – both women were deliberately amiss with authenticity in their words and posture. They might have been erroneously confident he would not notice the way their bodies spoke contrary to their minds.

  “If there is no need for them to remain secretive, I would like some casual conversation over dinner. Perhaps they might be persuaded to join us given I am a person of sound repute without any cause for them to be apprehensive.”

  “Of truth you speak Bobby, but there may be an issue, though I will certainly pass on your kind invitation.”

  “Then good, I am off now.”

  “Take care Bobby. Valeena and I like your specialties.”

  “My specialties? I know of my position, my command, and stewardship. These are my specialities along...”

  “Not so much your personal efficacy in respect to your job. We like who you are and your character strengths of will.”

  “Then it is settled. I will return to offer you whatever it is you find intriguing.”

  “You have given us so much Bobby. Please come back and allow us to continue our adventure. There are surprises in store for all of us.”

  “At your beckoning, I will Beth.”

  The snow was forming a solid pack as the freezing day bound it into a base slowing life and calling the onset of winter. There was no evidence any longer of the temperate atmosphere Bobby had arrived to – both the air outside and the feeling inside were changing to a coldness contrasting to the warm welcome in their bed chambers he had received. Despite their further offerings of pleasure, Bobby felt the women now possessed less inclination for purpose being loosened to seeking only distracted pleasure. He saw them undo their decorum striving to answer the questions of the primal self, giving away their learning, thrusting to temptation, and seeking moments of hedonistic extempore expressions of love in its many forms from the flesh to the table.

  The snow he had cleared looked as if it had frozen solid as a lump just beside the open shed doors. Bobby gave his car a few minutes to warm up – the mechanics like a person, always worked more efficiently and smoothly when well lubricated and heated to just the right temperature. When all gauges reached nominal operating parameters, Bobby engaged the gears and the car slid silently out of the shed to hover over the snow. It was a remarkable sight even after nearly two decades of hover car technology being available. The vehicle was still dusty but this did nothing to curb its magnificence.

  He engaged drive and was soon speeding out across the landscape following the road marked by farm fence posts either side. Snow was piled high in gullies and on bends where in places it reached ten feet deep. Bobby’s Cadillac was equipped for such travel, so it took these undulations in the same way as if it was travelling the bare surface of any road. Automatic levelling and navigation ensured his ride was smooth where he could take time to notice his surroundings.

  Every hill, every tree, every stone, and every patch of earth was white. Snow abounded and the further Booby drove on, the more he realised just how much had fallen. Given the bordello was in the bottom of a valley where some shielding from the worst of the weather was offered, he saw a much greater accumulation of snow at the crests of hills and upon the ranges distant. He was no longer in late summer - it was the beginning of winter brought on by only one thing he could consider. Though this was still his theory, the more he thought and drove recalling the events so far at the bordello, particularly the costume play of the two women, the more he resolved of his having travelled in time. When he was, he was unsure. All he knew was the seasons had changed.

  For the next eleven miles, Bobby rode on as his car did all the driving. He was always at the ready to take control as he was a master of control, though not a control freak. He knew when to relinquish and when to take charge. Outcomes were always based on the best intentions, empathetic to all concerned – Bobby was at the top of his game and at the top of fame, but he never allowed any of this to go to his head in satiation of some egotistical hunger.

  At last the outer buildings surrounding a small town came into view. They too were snow bound and appeared almost deserted without any hint of activity or technology present. Such were the times of past where human beings were less in populace and remote locations appeared almost deserted, and such was the time now, though Bobby did not know as yet precisely when now was. When after a slow approach for half a minute, Bobby saw a lone person walking around to the front of a wooden house, he decided to park his car and ask them where he might find a charging station.

  After leaving his car behind an old wall, Bobby made the rest of the way on foot. It was only when he brought the car to a stop, did he realise exhibition of such a technological marvel in a place he knew was out of time, could raise suspicions. He was glad to have done so, as this person whom he soon caught up with, gave him a look expressing bewilderment.

  As Bobby’s eyes met the eyes of this woman who appeared to be in her late twenties, he recognised how out of place he suddenly was dressed in his casual outfit Valeena had washed for him. She stood for a moment looking Bobby up and down before she gave a slight gesture of acceptance allowing him to speak.

  “Good morning. Please excuse my mode of dress. I was quite taken with struggling to find clothes this morning and it appears as though I am out of sorts.” Bobby recognised her period dress as being about the same time as the clothes Valeena and Beth had worn at the bordello.

  “I must say sir, I agree with you. Of what kind are those clothes you wear? The must be frightful in this cold weather.”

  “I am sorry to bother you kind lady. I assure you...”

  “Kind lady. Well, I have not heard such a thing in reference to my presence often in my memory. I think I like you dear sir. My name is Miss Candice...and you.”

  “I am Mister Bobby Regal, space command...um, I am travelling through this town and wonder if there are facilities I might be able to use.” He admired her tall figure – slender yet strong, noticeable despite her style of dress. Her face held high, she sparkled in her green eyes and Bobby was taken with her in an instant.

  “And what type of facility do you require Mister Bobby?” She looked him keenly in the eyes looking for answers from a man who seemed exciting. Jonstown was seldom busy so the appearance of a stranger during the even quieter winter months was something to notice.

  “I wonder if there are any street lamps here in this town. I am a man who makes them...”

  “Oh I see, one of those new inventor types. It seems as though your kind are popping up everywhere these days. We do have street lamps, but you will find they are of ages past and run on oils. Do you have something you can replace them with? I have seen Mister Weston who lights the lamps each evening, and I must say he is looking tired these days. Perhaps you have some of those new electric lights people have rumoured.”

  “Indeed I do have some electric lights...” Bobby trailed off. He was speaking the truth given his car was equipped with several electrical lights, but within this woman’s eyes there lingered character he could tell was not prone to easy deception by some rash deceit or lie. “They are not with me on this day, but I am here to see what the requirements of this fair town would be should the installation of such lights take place.”

  “Then I welcome you Mister Bobby, and I am sure Mister Weston would feel likewise.”

  “Would he not lose his job with the installation of electric street lamps?�
��

  “Not likely. He is our local grocer. His role lighting our street lamps is a voluntary one.”

  “Then I am sure your Mister Weston may well welcome my presence then. Is there any way I might be able to speak with him?”

  “You might, but on such a cold winter’s day, he rarely opens his store unless it is of urgent need. He is more likely to be sitting by his fire going through his own inventions for the electric lamp.”

  “I see. Then perhaps if you could show me the way, I might just pay him a visit to discuss his inventions.”

  “I am sure he would welcome you, but first I must ask you to accompany me to our local coffee house. It is still early, I would like to share a cup with you and I am sure Mister Weston would still be at breakfast. He is one to take rest after rising early to extinguish the street lamps, and so he sleeps most days until ten. Anyway, we must first find you a coat.”

  “Then I am at your leave Miss Candice.” Bobby held out his arm in regal style for Miss Candice to hook her own through. She led the way as Bobby knew not of the coffee house’s location.

  At towns centre, Christmas decorations adorned each pole, the windows of shops, and a large decorated tree stood in the town square. Bobby estimated a population of a few hundred for this small quaint community, judged on the buildings located around the square. A town hall, a library, a police station, joinery, a saddler, and Mister Weston’s grocery store, along with a few other buildings lined the four sides of the square featuring a park and a monument to someone Bobby could not determine.

  “Of who is the statue Miss Candice?”

  “It is of our founding father to this town, a man of name very similar to your own. Here, let us walk over and I will show you.”

  “Mister Robert Royal – early pioneer and founder of Jonstown. Indeed Miss Candice, his name is almost identical. Even his appearance bears likeness to me.”

  “And as such Mister Regal, I feel in you I can trust. I would almost go as far to say you could well be the grandson of our respected founding father.”

  “Or perhaps...never mind. Shall we find this coffee house? I cannot see it from this square.”

  “It is just off to the right and down the lane. Allow me to show you.”

  An old wooden house smelling of the coffee ground into its boards enriched the cold air with a warmth Bobby could not deny as they turned down the lane to the right side of the square. It was earthy and clean yet smoky and mixed with damp wood, but the smell was unmistakeable.

  “After you Miss Candice,” Bobby said showing her his open arm in a gesture of etiquette.

  “Thank you fine sir Mister Bobby. Can I call you Mister Bobby?”

  “Of course Miss Candice.”

  “Good morning Miss Candice. Shall I prepare your usual?”

  “Not today thanks you kind Mister Wills. I am thinking a change will fare me well. Please make me a double strength coffee today. I feel I will to need it.”

  “Of course and for your friend mister...”

  “Oh please forgive me. This is Mister Bobby Regal. Mister Bobby, this is Mister Wills. He is the owner of this fine coffee house.”

  “Pleased to meet you sir.”

  “Pleased to meet you Mister Wills. Perhaps it is best you make an entire pot of coffee so the lovely Miss Candice and I may share.”

  “Yes Mister Wills, a pot will suffice. Mister Bobby and I shall take seat by the window. I say, do you have a spare coast Mister Bobby can borrow? I found him out in the cold with barely a thread to keep him warm.”

  “Indeed I do Miss Candice. I will be with you shortly with the coffee and a coat,” Mister Wills replied giving Miss Candice a slight wink as if he was hinting she may have found herself a beau.

  “Come and sit Mister Bobby. I would like to know more about you and of your electric street lamps.”

  “By all means Miss Candice.” As they sat on the worn wooden and leather chairs at the table beside the window looking out to the snowy lane beyond, Bobby could sense an element of the time he was within, but he needed to confirm this place to ensure he did not speak out of accord and raise suspicions amongst a country folk who were sure to react to a stranger they could perceive as a threat. As he sat, his eyes moved to the newspaper and magazine stand on the wall halfway along. He strained to see the printed date atop the folded paper, not wanting to bide ill manners in company of Miss Candice by actually going to the stand.

  “What are you trying to see Mister Bobby? Those papers are last week’s news. Surely a man of your stature would be up to date with current events.”

  “Indeed Miss Candice. It was something catching my eye.”

  “I was hoping the something may well be me. It is seldom we see visitors in our small town.”

  “You have certainly caught my eye Miss Candice.”

  “Then think nothing of the news Mister Bobby. Anyway, soon it will be the new year of eighteen eighty one and I am sure this new year will bring us many fineries...like your electric street lamps.”

  “I am sure they are fine Miss Candice, otherwise I would not travel and stake my reputation. I am never a man of ill tidings or one regarded as a cheap con.”

  “Then my pleasure being in your company does grow. Something told me you were a man of decent morals. Anyway, your resemblance to our respected elder is uncanny, and as such, you surely could only be a man of similar character.”

  Bobby’s thoughts were now confirmed. Valeena and Beth had taken him back in time and he knew when he was finding himself. They had travelled back just over eighty years to the period of Earth’s history immediately prior to the explosion of electrical technology leading to the birth of the space race at the beginning of the twentieth century.

  “Your words are too kind Miss Candice. I only hope I can live up to your expectations however great they may be.”

  “I am certain you will Mister Bobby. In fact, something tells me there is much more to you than meets the eye, and of this, I am determined to know. Sit here beside me so we can both view the world outside as we converse and get to know one another.”

  “How is it you find yourself in this town Miss Candice? Someone of your refinement is often a rarity in the more remote parts.”

  “My life has always been here. Perhaps my cordiality is to the credit of my parents who did such a fine job raising me, and at building their lives within this town.”

  “So your history here is of length?”

  “It most certainly is. My great grandparents were amongst the first to establish business here after our celebrated founder set up roots to begin this town.”

  “Then your parents and you must be counted amongst the revered.”

  “As I no doubt think you are revered in your own town Mister Bobby.”

  “Such accolades must indeed by earned for notoriety in my home Miss Candice. I travel here from the big city where I am merely one amongst the many.”

  “I find such things hard to believe Mister Bobby. Surely a man of your stature is regarded well amongst your peers and by the community at large. Why, your electric street lamps are probably on almost every street corner, and so to be a man who gives light where previously there was darkness, the many must look to you as somewhat of a guide.”

  “Perhaps only for them to see their way through darkness Miss Candice.” Bobby looked into her eyes studying the wisdom behind their fleeting glances - her integrity alluded to a deeper knowing, and her words were true beyond anything she conceived, and her words were far more accurate than she knew.

  Chapter 9

  An hour or more passed by as they sat drinking from the pot provided by Mister Wills, and then from another after they had requested a refill. Miss Candice and Bobby felt an inclination of agreeable nature towards each other – she took to him seeking to know more of this man mysterious, and he sought her confidence as someone whom he could trust. When it was of the hour for the waking time for Mister Weston and with reasonable consideration allowing him time aft
er for reception of a visitor, they set off along the entire length of snow covered main street to arrive out front of his small wooden house with attached workshop at the edge of town. Mister Weston never opened his grocery store prior to midday, and was most unlikely to even contemplate such an opening on this cold, grey morning.

  “Your steps are so sure through this deep snow Miss Candice. I applaud your tenacity of decorum.”

  “It is without thought in fact Mister Bobby. My manner has bequeathed me the second nature if you may call it so, where I find sureness without so much as trying. One could speculate on the natural attraction I seem to have for such fortune.”

  “Then indeed, I hold fine company. Here, allow me to clear the gateway of snow for you.”

  “Thank you Mister Bobby. I hope Mister Weston is not too surprised to have a visitor on this day.”

  “Do you think he might be unable to speak with us?”

  “One can never tell despite the cordiality one expresses at social gatherings and during the conduct of business. I expect him to live up to his normal hospitable nature though.”

  “Then with confidence we must proceed, for any decent conversation is always held with a foundation of learned wisdom free of the fallacies of ego.”

  “Of course Mister Bobby. I would never have it any other way. To permit the ego sense in domination or submission, rallies against successful outcomes.”

  “Never a more true word spoken Miss Candice. Would you like me to knock, or shall...?”

  “Please knock for me Mister Bobby. The coldness would surely rasp my knuckles.”

  “Of course.” Bobby knocked moderately a few times and then a few times more.