Return to Nightmare O: The Will Traveller Chronicals

By Robert James

In this first book of the epic Will Traveller Chronicals, the Will Traveller ‘drops in’ on the State of Georgetown as the long foretold of ‘Lion Man’, where author George Orwell’s book “Big Brother 1984” is believed to be a Bible! With their lethal, though futile, attempts to eradicate what they see as a threat to their absolute power, the Directors force the Lion Man and his tiny band of newly converted freedom fighters to attack the State’s main citadel of power, Orwell Towers. As the struggle for Orwell Towers and, ultimately, the State, unfolds, an intrigue-filled, often fantastic story – which is constantly turning unexpected corners – unravels itself, on its way to a very surprising and highly emotional climax.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert James
• Release date: Jan 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301646029

Robert James

Dr. Robert's life story reads very much like some of his novels. A rock 'n roll run-a-way at thirteen, he has travelled the world extensively in many professions. Blessed with many talents, Dr. Robert spent just over two decades as a performer in the music industry, before becoming an entrepreneur and creator of both audio and video productions. He holds a Bachelors in A/V and a Masters in Science Business Administration. After a major heart attack in 1998, Dr. Robert ceased his business activities, began his current career as a novelist, and also began his Doctorate in Philosophy, which he graduated in 2005 at sixty years of age. Additionally, he holds a 16 year US patent for an 'improved computer game controller', which is soon to be launched. Having started out writing a post-apocalyptic situation comedy series for television, he is now well past his millionth word of fiction.

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By Dr. Robert James

Return to Nightmare O

Copyright © Dr Robert James 2010

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover Image by Kate Andersen

Table Of Contents

Acknowledgements

Author’s Preface

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Georgetown: 20 Years Later

About The Author

Discover Other Works By Dr Robert James

Acknowledgements

I wish to express my sincerest thanks to Katie James-Herbert for her tireless support and effort, to Gary Williams for preparing this book for publication, to Kate Andersen for her magnificent cover artwork and to Melanie Tyrer for her help in editing this book. This book would not have come into existence without their expertise and support.

Author’s Preface

When I first enjoyed this ‘journey’ in my mind, as I was actually writing about it! I had no idea that it was just the first of many such ‘travels’ that lay ahead for me. Given what we have all been taught about writing, it may be difficult to believe that I don’t have a clue as to where my adventure is taking place, as I write about it. Nor do I have the faintest idea of when these events actually occurred, if they really did. But it all seem totally real to me, and that is the truth.

As to the exact nature of my many exciting experiences, while on this very realistic ‘journey’, now that, dear reader, is something that you will have to decide for yourself. Do I actually travel in time and space while I am writing? Are these exploits really occurring in some other dimension? Or is it just a matter of a writer’s vivid imagination?

To tell you the honest truth, I really don’t know.

However, there are two things that I do know. The first is that I have no preordained idea of what is going to happen next, nor how things are eventually going to turn out. And the second thing I’m certain of, is that experiencing and writing about this and my many other Will Traveller adventures, definitely has to be one of the most enjoyable occupations that anyone could wish for. My greatest wish is that you will enjoy reading about my trials, triumphs and ‘travels’, in this Will Traveller Chronical, as much as I’ve enjoyed writing about them.

Warm regards

Dr. Robert

Chapter One

I was sitting in my bus seat, watching suburbia turn into a teeming metropolis. I had absolutely no idea of where I was, but this was a modern, prosperous looking place. Even the bus I was on was pretty luxurious. Really nice seating, very comfortable, with an incredibly smooth ride. Either this place had brilliant road surfaces, or our ten metre long bus had got the best suspension I’ve ever come across. I looked around at my fellow passengers. A pretty non-descript lot really, except for four teenagers. They were having a humorous and animated discussion, until one of them noticed me.

She leant in close, bringing the other two girls and the guy into a tight head circle, as, one by one, the other fifteen passengers turned back to look at me. No-one smiled, obviously they were concerned. Now, my tendency to wear bright red clothes has been known to cause an odd look or two, and, a long ponytail, at an age of fifty plus, can also get you a strange look once in a while. But this seemed to be something slightly more aggressive than simply the ‘Who's that freak?’ kind of attention. About the last thing I expected was for the rather attractive teenager who had first noticed me, to get up and move slowly down the aisle towards me, her large green eyes fixed on mine.

Hello, I’m Alice. Who are you? The soft tailored pants and quite brief vest top left no doubt as to her feminine charms. There was a curious smile on her pretty face.

I’m Robert, I said, sticking out my hand to shake hers. You’d have thought I waved a scorpion at her, the way she re-coiled in horror, eyes fixed on my out-stretched hand. I’m sorry. I mumbled, Just being friendly you know? I meant no harm. The teenager sat down heavily in the seat across the aisle, a look of relief washing over her face, the half smile slowly finding its way back onto her attractive features.

Excuse the over-reaction then Her voice was lightly accented. We’re not too used to outsiders around here, you’re all supposed to be wicked you know Was she teasing me, this spunky young woman?

I’m not too sure what you mean by outsider Alice I smiled at the attractive girl In fact, I’m not sure where ‘round here is? I told her truthfully. Again I’d blown it! The girl stood up angrily.

Don’t be so stupid, Robert, she shrugged and rejoined her friends. By this time, everyone on the bus was openly staring at me. Within a few moments, a man wearing a sort of uniform stood up, spoke briefly to the driver, who was similarly attired.

He went over to talk to the girl for a few moments, then made his way on down to the back of the bus where I was sitting.

Excuse me Sir he said politely, his eyes fixed on my face, his right hand resting lightly on the butt of his belt-holstered pistol. Young Alice tells me you don’t know where you are. He chuckled mirthlessly. Not really the smartest of jokes to play, considering all the narco problems we’ve been having, is it? The fortyish face was clearly alert yet not unfriendly. Remembering not to offer my hand, I looked back at the chap squarely.

It’s not a joke Sir, and I’m not a narco problem. I replied quietly Though you and the lass seem to find it hard to believe, I don’t have a clue where ‘round here is.

The man stood looking down at me, I could almost hear him thinking. Suddenly, he sat down in the seat that Alice had so recently, albeit briefly, occupied. His studious, examining look-over ended on my hands.

Well, you’re obviously not a miner. The curious bus guard concluded. Those hands haven’t seen hard labour, that’s certain. Look, just who are you? There was something adding onto the inquisitiveness, was it fear?

My name is Robert...

I don’t mean that, The guard cut me off. I mean who are you? Where do you say you’re from? Clearly, he was becoming afraid, yet I’d not done or said anything to cause this.

Look my friend I tried to sound reasonable, but it came out a bit patronising. Judging by the way things seem to be, I doubt if you would either believe, or understand me, even if I tried to explain where I’m from, and, I honestly don’t know how I got here, so, can you just tell me where here is? Being a naturally tactile person, I reached over and gently gripped his shoulder, to emphasise my sincerity. The man almost went into shock. He froze, staring at my hand, his face ashen. The acrid stench of fear permeated the whole bus, my official interrogator obviously expected savagery or instant death. I withdrew my hand and stood up, looking around crossly,

Look, I don’t know why you’re all so afraid of me. Silence, just staring eyes, as the bus came to a smooth stop. I mean no-one any harm, okay? If someone will just tell me where I am, I’ll try to figure out what to do next.

Alice stood up and called out.

You trying to say that wasn’t some stupid joke, Robert?

At last! A breakthrough

That’s right Alice, no joke at all. I called back to her.

You’re saying you’re a drop-in, Sir? My rapidly recovering bus guard asked, his voice reverential A for-real drop-in, Sir?

Well, I’m not too sure what a ‘drop-in’ is, either I replied cautiously But it does appear that I have, in fact, dropped in somewhere I said, not expecting the reaction I got.

He’s a drop-in. The phrase leapt from passenger to passenger, like wild fire. Suddenly authoritative, the bus guard stood up and commanded,

All right now everybody, just leave this to me. Sitting back down, the still awe-struck guard looked at me and spoke quietly, with some respect.

Just give me a moment Sir. Fortunately, our Managing Directors have provided for every contingency, even drop-ins, though, I must say, you’re my first. He added.

Apart from the four teens, the rest of the passengers were now studiously ignoring us, but I could see the driver watching us, in his rear-vision mirror, as he spoke into a hand held phone.

Now Sir, um, Robert you said didn’t you? I nodded. Well, now, Robert, I’m sure you’ll understand that our Managers, and even some of the Director’s, will want to speak with you. You know, explain how things are here, see that you’re all set-up and comfortable, all that sort of thing, you know.

Yes of course. I agreed, glad to know the guessing games would soon be over. How do I get to them? I asked.

Oh don’t worry yourself about that, Robert. I’ll just re-direct the driver and we’ll be proud to take you there ourselves. He stood up and walked back down to the driver’s side. The two men talked for a couple of minutes, while Alice and her two equally attractive girlfriends showed un-apologetic interest in me.

Instinct alone kept me from joining the spunky foursome. There is something serious going on around here, best keep your wits about you, I thought, with unusual wisdom. After yet another call on his hand-held phone, the driver smoothly put the bus in motion. The guard made his way back down to me.

Right Ho, Robert, he called cheerily, as he approached. Everything is all organised, he sat down opposite me, lowering his voice as he continued. We’re to take you to a perimeter office, on South Six, the District Six Manager will interview you there, okay? His voice was casual and friendly.

Sounds fine to me, I responded.. How long will it take?

Oh minutes, merely a matter of minutes Robert, the smiling guard replied. Just sit back and relax.

My guard certainly didn’t accept his own invitation, however, nor did his right hand stray very far from his holster. After moving just a few blocks, the bus pulled over beside the curb, the driver stood, looked over at the guard and then me.

You should go with Bill, the driver My smiling escort informed me. I got up and walked down the aisle, stepping down to the kerb, as instructed by Bill, when I got there.

I won’t be long, Nate. The older man called softly to his colleague, as he followed me onto the footpath. Just follow me, er... Robert, if you wouldn’t mind. The driver, a smallish man somewhere in his sixties, led the way into a three story, grey office block.

The middle aged receptionist’s expression moving from boredom to interest, as we entered. That the drop-in, Bill? she asked, eyeing me as though I couldn’t see her.

Sure is, Maggie Bill replied.

Geez, he looks more like one of us, don’t he? the woman said.

I dunno Maggie, never seen one before, I suppose you have though? Bill queried.

Oh yeah, nearly a dozen, but none of ‘em looked like him though.

Bill led the way through a door that accessed a stairwell, however, instead of climbing up, as I would have expected, he started down the concrete staircase.

Uh, Bill, I ventured cautiously. Don’t people usually meet upstairs? I asked him Where I come from, folks only use their cellars to store things....or lock things up!

Those last three words released the old man’s fear, it was obvious he felt caught out. Like the bus guard Nate, old Bill expected imminent death. It was time to act. I grabbed Bill’s bony shoulder with my left hand and shoved my right hand’s, first finger knuckle firmly into his back.

Now Bill I began gently. You don’t really expect me to let you lock me up with a bunch of gawd-knows-whats do you? He shook his head mutely And you don’t want to die do you? Again, a mute shake Then let’s go back upstairs and get this all sorted out okay? I went to start us back up the staircase.

The old man turned slowly, looking at me curiously.

What d’ya mean sorted out? His puzzlement was obvious. They said bring you here, lock you in the cellar and get back on my route...that’s all the orders I got It was obviously the truth.

Who are they, Bill? I asked the now terrified bus driver Who gave you those orders?

The Director, of course He said, as if there could be no other.

And where do we find this Director Bill? I asked the driver. That one seemed to confuse the man.

What for? What do you want to find him for? It was plain the idea made no sense to the old man.

Because I want to talk to him, Bill, to find out where I am and go back to where I was, before I found myself sitting on your bus. I explained, as patiently as I could.

You saying someone put you there, Robert? His upturned face plainly displayed an almost religious awe.

I’m not sure if either of us could understand how I came to be on your bus old man I told him But I do know that I don’t want to be here. Now, let’s get out of this place and go find this Director of yours. I added. The bus driver’s thin face paled.

Oh no, we couldn’t do that, it’s against orders He told me flatly. Tightening my grip and lowering my voice, into what I hoped would be a venomous snarl, I growled into his ear.

Well, I’ve just changed your orders Bill, understand?

The poor old man’s body trembled from his nodding head to his toes. Whatever my predecessor pop-ins had done, it had certainly left a legacy of fear.

Now, Bill, where do we find this Director? It seemed wise to keep his perception of my savageness in place, so I maintained my venomous growl.

Honest, Robert, I don’t know, I mean, they’ve all got offices in ‘OT’ but exactly where you’d find the Section Six Director, who knows? Frightened as he was, I doubted Bill was lying.

Well, what about this District Six Manager that your bus guard spoke about? Old Bill laughed hollowly.

Ha, Nate’s not my bus guard, he’s a perimeter transport manager The bus driver replied Though he will likely make sub-district manager in the next year or two...

I’m not real interested in your pal Nate I snarled, cutting him off I want to know where this District Six Manager is, now!

He’d probably be in the District Offices, at the other end of South Six. Bill replied..

There’s no one I could talk to up there? I asked, pointing up the stairwell.

No Sir, Uh Robert, this is just a perimeter office, you know, what’s coming in from the bio fields, or the mines..... He began.

Yeah, yeah, sure I cut him off again. Believe it or not Bill, I don’t, in fact, have a clue what you’re on about I told him.

What I do want to do is go talk to someone in authority, and I want to do that right now! Do you understand me old man. I pressed the knuckle in a little harder for emphasis. Just then, Bill’s mobile phone buzzed, he went to respond, then remembered his circumstances and turned his head to look up at me questioningly.

Don’t touch it Bill I ordered I want them to come looking, so just don’t touch it, understand? The old man remained frozen. They’re gonna fine me if I don’t answer my phone, Robert He whined.

And what do you think I’ll do, if you do answer it Bill? I asked coldly. That made his mind up for him. We stood in the darkened stairwell, listening to the device’s impatient buzzing, until it fell silent.

What yer gonna do when they get here Robert? Bill asked, seeming relieved at the thought of company.

Well we won’t be here when they do Bill I replied I want to get a look at who comes, before I say hello I pushed him towards the door that led to the building’s lobby. We’ll just wait for them outside okay? Just at that moment, the receptionist’s phone rang stridently, and, seeing an opportunity to leave unnoticed, I slowly opened the door, easing Bill and myself out into the lobby.

No, Bill hasn’t come back up yet, we could hear her voice clearly, though we couldn’t see her. Of course, I’ll call the moment he gets back up here...right....thank you Sir.

By the time she’d hung up, we were almost out the front doors. Fortunately, when she stood up, she had her eyes fixed on the stairwell door, so she didn’t spot us. I motioned to Bill to head into the shrubbery, that surrounded the drab building, and we began moving slowly towards his bus. Suddenly, there was a tremendous explosion, both of us were knocked off our feet. When the dust and smoke had cleared, it was obvious that the blast had occurred in the lower part of the building we’d just left. I found Bill, semi conscious and bleeding slightly, from a gash over his eye. He sat up and stared uncomprehendingly at the smoke billowing out of the shattered entrance.

Then, the awful truth dawned on him.

Oh my George, Maggie! He went to rise but I held him down.

There wouldn’t be anything you could do for her, Bill, not after that I squatted down beside the old man, looking directly into his eyes. "You do