The Room With Views: The Will Traveller Chronicals

By Robert James

In a world where everyone is being watched by someone almost all the time, the Will Traveller replaces supervising technician Rob Redone, one of those in charge of all this watching. Though apparently ordered and quite prosperous, it doesn’t take the Will Traveller long to find the rot in this squeaky clean society. It’s not really so surprising to find that few, if any, know the real truth, especially when it finally becomes clear. Perhaps the only thing to be expected on this sometimes slightly dark journey is the unexpected. Though the going gets pretty tough as the reality becomes clear, the Will Traveller has his amazing bag of ‘tricks’ and a bevy of beautiful ladies to help him take on the terrifying enemy of the people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert James
• Release date: Jan 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301030101

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

The Room With Views

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

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

If there is any kind of message to be learned from this Will Traveller journey, it must be don’t believe a thing you see, or hear! While it is true to say that I never have much of an idea of what is going to happen next, on any of these exciting and fascinating ‘journeys’, this particular Will Traveller Chronicle really does have more twists and turns than any of them so far. And many of weird and often scary situations I get into are not, by any means, my choice!

Perhaps it may seem odd. A writer denying responsibility for what he writes. But the honest truth is, I don’t plan any of my Will Traveller’s ‘journeys’, they, quite literally, just happen. Nor do I have the faintest idea who does, if anyone. One thing I do know, is that each and every ‘journey’ has had more and more excitement, plenty of erotic encounters, which really helps to make all the Will Traveller’s seemingly impossible missions more enjoyable, and quite a few nasty surprises, as I do battle to achieve the will of the people.

The Nation of Paramount, with its enormous cities and modern way of life, seemed to me to be very much like the world that you and I live in today, at first. But it didn’t take too long to find out that all was not quite as it seems. That, in itself, is just about normal for a Will Traveller ‘journey’. What is not so usual, for these often times nerve testing adventures, is the darkness of this particular ‘journey’s’ secret. I can honestly say writing of it has had my heart racing, my hands clammy and my really mouth dry. To me it was real!

The truth is, I have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing and writing about every one of my Will Traveller ‘journeys’, I sure couldn’t pick a favourite. But, this has definitely been one of the wildest ‘rides’ to date. If you’re a reader who likes to figure out the ending, before you finish reading a book, best you go straight to the last pages. I really doubt that there is any other way to figure it. I can tell you I sure didn’t, and I created the story. Or did I?

Warm regards

Dr. Robert

Chapter One

Good morning Robert Said a bright, cheery girl’s voice. I looked out through two slits in some kind of helmet that totally covered my head. On my back, not able to turn, all I could see was a dimly lit hospital ward roof, till the cheery voiced girl pulled open the curtains, then it became a bright white roof, very bright!

Like to sit up now Robert? The bright voice became a pretty, smiling nurse. She was standing beside my bed. I tried to say yes please, but my mouth was blocked, I couldn’t nod, so I gave her thumbs up sign. Seems it meant something different around here.

Why Robert! The blue and white clad nurse said, sounding surprised, but still smiling.

You must be feeling better. Now sit up, so I can bring your bed up She ordered, voice more stern, but eyes twinkling mischievously. Using my arms to push myself up, I was able to sit up and turn my body. This was one very impressive looking hospital room. Super high-tech equipment which I did not recognize, lined the walls of the single bed ward.

There, now you’re all set My pretty nurse told me, when she had me settled. Quite naturally, I wanted to know what was going on, but, unable to speak and unwilling to risk any more hand signals, I watched her well filled uniform leave and waited. With the room now too bright, I closed my eyes and must have drifted off. I woke with a start, when a blinding white light went off right in my face.

Sorry to startle you Robert A deep well modulated voice said I didn’t realize you were still asleep The white light went out, revealing a tall well groomed man in his forties, the white coat and a case file indicated he was a doctor. Today’s the big day Robert He enthused In an hour or so we’ll have this D.R.F. unit off and you’ll get to meet the new you He smiled down at me How do you feel? He asked.

How on earth was I to answer? I risked a thumb and first finger in a circle, as an O.K.

You have zero pain, that’s great He was pleased, but he was also puzzled. He stood reading the file for a few minutes, then his medical team came into the ward. Three men and a woman, all smartly dressed under their white jackets.

They were all in their late twenties and all carrying clipboards. The five of them gathered around my bed.

We are going to shift you to the post cast removal unit over there The tall doctor told me, pointing at what looked like a space-age electric chair. For the next fifteen minutes I was gently moved from bed to chair and connected up to a dozen or so different pieces of equipment. By the time they were all finished and ready to ‘execute the procedure’, a poor choice of words from my point of view, I had some idea of what was happening. I had managed to learn, from their exchanges, that I had been the victim of an accident, one from which I was very lucky to have survived. Apparently, I was the only one in ‘the unit’ who had.

After a half an hour of sitting in silence, feeling slightly nauseous, just watching two of the younger medical people writing, the doctor and the other two finally returned.

The moment of truth has arrived Mr. Redone He smiled reassuringly, perhaps for himself and his team as much for me. Then, they started to take off the helmet.

That’s amazing Breathed one of the young men, clearly awed.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen better The tall doctor tried to keep his surprise hidden.

There is not one visible sign The female doctor added, as she lifted a large shaving mirror so that I could see for myself. Boy! That was some ‘facelift’. What I saw was, well, me! At least, me as I was, oh, maybe thirty years ago!

I couldn’t really see what was so amazing. I’d have preferred them to pin back the dumbo ears and, at least, straighten up the old nose.

The lady doctor brought the mirror closer, as all five of them leaned forward, examining my face as though it were some kind of specimen. Which I suppose it was, for them.

Not a sign Liz, you’re right The tall doctor confirmed Though, I would have done the formation differently He added We used to really try to, at the very least, keep enough of the original to make them feel they’re still themselves He added as if I wasn’t there.

I know Professor One of the young men commiserated respectfully But were you ever able to get this sort of result before D.F.R. technology? He asked the tall professor.

The professor looked from him then back to stare at me

No, never He agreed, then he asked me What do you think of your new face Robert? He was smiling confidently, but seemed concerned to see my reaction. I screwed up my face, opened and closed my mouth, took a deep breath and took theirs away with my very first words

I can’t see any difference from my old face I replied, thick lipped, almost slurring ’cept it’s thirty years younger I added.

Surprise soon turned to avid curiosity

Robert, I’m sorry? The professor began slowly You were three years old thirty years ago, and, well, you never looked like you do now He paused, waiting. I looked at all five of them steadily, their joy at their success now replaced by some very real confusion, maybe even concern.

Professor, Doctors My voice was deeper than I remembered it I have no idea what I looked like before, or how I got here, or who any of you are I told them quietly, as their concern became alarm I know my name is Robert, I’m in hospital and you good folks have fixed up my face, and that’s it They all stared at me in complete silence for a full minute.

Amnesia? One of the young men finally said.

It would seem so Phil The professor replied to him, still looking at me Only a temporary state Robert He reassured me We’ll have the old memory back in no time The Professor said, but he didn’t sound 100% convincing.

Going into a huddle, the professor and his four doctors moved out of the ward as though stuck together. Though I couldn’t hear what they said, their tones told me they had a lot of questions that needed some answers. Another half hour passed in silent solitude, then my next visitors arrived. He was just average height, in his late forties and looked like he once did body building. Expensive suit, powerful, squarish face, he seemed happy, but he seemed to feel unsure, which was not something this man felt too often.

Robert? He said from the door, his companion rushed over.

Robert, oh Darling. Thank God you’re alright…. Her voice trailed off as she got to beside my bed and looked closely at me. Robert? She queried, there was expectation, then concern, at my obvious failure to recognize her. She took a step back.

You don’t know who we are? The big man stepped forward to stand beside the early twenties, blonde, blue eyed woman. They looked at me questioningly as I sat there on the bed.

No, I’m sorry I said to both of them The Professor said it was a temporary condition I added, smiling up at them.

That bloody machine of theirs must have messed up your memory or something The well built man was back in charge, where he obviously was used to being.

It’s kinda weird Robert The woman was torn between coming over to me and staying put We’ve been together for two years and I knew you might look a bit different but…

A bit different The man cut in I would never have recognized you, if they didn’t tell me that you are you He told me and the woman nodded her agreement.

Perhaps, if you tell me what I should already know, I might get it back I suggested to them.

I need to be alone for a moment The woman was nearly in tears, she left the ward hurriedly.

Robin will be O.K. in a while Robert The authoritative man assured me, pulling up a chair so he could sit beside my bed I mean, we thought you were all dead, even two weeks ago they weren’t sure you’d pull through He told me.

There was a great sadness in his powerful but quiet voice when I asked him how many others had died in that explosion..

All of ‘em, Robert every single one of them The man replied.

I’m sorry, but I don’t know how many that was I paused Or for that matter who you are I told the big man truthfully.

I’m Bill Faraday, your immediate superior at CO16 He answered Mean anything? He asked, eyes searching mine. Seeing my blank look, he went on And the lady is Robin, she’s been your Lill for a couple of years now. You’ve worked for me for just on four years, since I got you from the CO12 unit, to re-coordinate our unit He paused again "Still nothing?’ I shook my head.

What does CO stand for? I asked. Annoyance flashed across his face for a moment, then he remembered the situation and smiled perhaps a little embarrassed.

Community Observation He said proudly We keep an eye on things He added Make sure everyone behaves, you know?

Bill I said earnestly This is probably as hard on you as it is on me I told him But I’m as blank as an empty school-board. Why don’t we start with who I am, what I do, where I do it and maybe then I’ll pick up on it I suggested to him smiling. The burly, slightly greying Bill looked at me silently for a good minute. It seemed that he was trying to decide if of all this was actually real.

Lift up your right arm and pull the sleeve up He said quietly but with intensity. I did as he ordered and, lo and behold, I had a ‘badge’ imprinted on the skin of my armpit. Bill took out a small rubber stamp, with a shiny silver handle, and placed it on the badge. Immediately a look of relief swept across his face.

Yep, you’re Robert Redone, senior observer at unit CO16 He looked up at me smiling but apologetic Sorry Robert but, well, you know, these medical people do stuff-up sometimes, you know? His voice became almost conspiratorial. We don’t want to be telling the wrong people the right things do we? He laughed.

So, now that I’m cleared I looked straight at him How about you tell me everything Bill I asked I’ll stop you when I catch on I promised him.

Bill Faraday looked uncomfortable about that idea, but was about to agree, when he had a bright idea.

Now I know you won’t remember your code, so I’ll put in mine, and you can read your whole file He smiled triumphantly Of course it’s illegal His voice lowered But we can’t be keeping secrets from us C.O.’s, can we Robert? He chuckled confidentially, as he put a laptop computer on the table by the bed, typed in some information, and then handed the featherweight keyboard and screen to me There you go my lad Although Bill obviously liked me, and liked being my boss. He was clearly not too comfortable with the idea of telling me about me, the well built man was only too pleased to have avoided it. He stood up and smiled down at me, about to leave.

I’ll keep everyone away for the rest of the day He told me All except Robin, that is, but she might need the day too.

This ought to fix me up I replied, holding up the light laptop.

I’m sure it will Robert, I’m sure it will He answered, then, with a last smile, he left, still a clearly confused man. The first screens held all the basics. Robert Redone, Senior Observer GS11. Thirty three yrs old, well educated, excellent work record. Two brothers and a sister, all younger, the youngest two still at home, with my comfortably retired parents. I wondered what meeting them would be like. After the basics, my file became more like a biography, written telegraphic style.

High C.C.R. skills noted by teachers at age twelve. Later pages told me that stood for comprehension, consideration and reaction. I had been moved to a special school at eighteen and graduated, at twenty two, as an observation specialist. My first and only job had been as a government service observer, in the community observation service. I was considered as an irresponsible lad-about-town, till I got involved on a steady basis with Robin, my live-in-lady-love. She was the daughter of a very senior Administrator and she herself had proven a ‘chip off the old block’. She was already highly ranked for her age. Since our relationship began, it was considered that I had changed.

Though a little slow at making Senior Observer, apparently due to my private ‘instability’, I’d been promoted soon after Robin and I began living together and according to the file ‘Given additional duties’ had ‘proved well up to them and easily capable of handling more authority’. Given that this was a file to which only I and my superiors had access to, I presumed that the last bit was a "carrot-on-a-stick,’ to encourage me to keep doing my job, with an eye to a promotion. The ensuite mirror showed me that, like my face, I was as I looked at thirty. Average height and build, well tanned, neat brown hair and those ears! The only problem was that, understandably, the file said nothing about what I did. What was an Observation Specialist? What did the Department Of Community Observation do? Where was I? Given that I would know all that, if I really was Robert Redone, none of those questions were answered.

After some hours of discovering ‘me’, Robin appeared at the door Please come in Robin I invited softly.

Robert? Robin’s voice was child-like, questioning. She stayed by the door.

I’m me Robin I said gently I know who I am, who you are, who Bill is. I know about us and how we feel about each other, I just don’t actually remember any of it, yet I said, as persuasively as I could. She took a hesitant stop into the ward.

It’s just that, oh God, I thought you were dead She started Daddy wanted me to move all my stuff home. Of course, because I’m staying there, the press are hanging around wanting to know about you, and you know how Daddy hates them!

She was almost babbling as she took faltering step toward my bed, adding Then they said you’d live but would look very different, maybe even act a bit different. I was ready for that, but, when you looked at me and didn’t know who I was She flung herself at me, openly crying. I can’t believe I just ran out like that, I’m so sorry Robert She sobbed into my neck. I sat Robin beside me and cupped her finely crafted face in my right hand, fending off her attempt to rub her teary eyes with my left.

You don’t want to do that I said gently It’s me who should be sorry Robin I added, looking into her huge blue eyes, they made her face look doll-like You’ve been through a hell none of us are trained for, professionally or privately I told her and saw a warming curiosity replacing the uncertainty

What we, you and I, have to do now, is fill in the gaps and continue our lives I told her. She turned her body to face me, eyes scanning every feature of my face. I looked her up and down quite blatantly; any man would have loved what I saw. Her open black satin jacket revealed a lacy white button up shirt, and it did just what any man would want it to, in all the right places. As I looked back up to see her saucer sized clear blue eyes watching me, she smiled shyly.

Do you like what you see? Robin asked, softly seductive

Of course, who wouldn’t I answered, then asked "But what

about me?" I asked my beautiful live-in-lover.

Robin, tears now dabbed away, seemed to take forever to reply.

I think I can get used to this handsome new face of yours She was teasing And your body is just as good, full recovery they told me Her right hand ran slowly down my pyjama clad chest and her left ran up the sheets still over my legs I’m not used to seeing you in pyjamas either She whispered in a silken voice, turning her face to kiss me. Our clinch started to get a little too warm for a ward in a public hospital. I pulled back gently and reluctantly. Maybe we had better continue this when we get home my love I told her obviously surprised face. Robin’s eyes were already clouded with lust.

Why? She breathed back huskily

Well this is a hospital Robin, anyone could just walk in I replied.

Suddenly, she got up, put her jacket on the chair and walked over to the door, closing it.

No-one will come in now darling She almost purred, as she hung a towel over a small camera on the wall No point in giving your pals a private show She murmured, then turned to face me There is only one way I’ll really know I’ve got my Robert back Robin said softly, her voice alone was sheer eroticism, even if her actions had left me in doubt as to what was coming, which they didn’t. Somehow, her smart, feminine, business lady outfit became sensuous, the shirt, unbuttoned slowly from the bottom, already out of the skirt which just seemed to slide off her hips by itself. Robert Redone had him a whole lot of woman to settle down with.

By the time she was back by my bed, the fully opened shirt revealed half-melon breasts in a lacy black bra and lacy black knickers to match. I sat up to reach out for her and she stepped back. I want you to remember everything she teased softly, reaching back under her shirt to undo her bra. Robin stepped back beside my bed as she slowly slid her shirt and bra off. Her body was as perfect as her face, and this time, when I reached out for her she came to me, putting her hands on both my hips and pulling off my pyjama pants. Our intense lovemaking was excitingly new, yet somehow strangely familiar. Laying there later, this truly beautiful, now totally convinced woman, asleep in my arms, her soft warmth tight against me, I was totally satisfied, in a physical sense, yet really anxious to know just what this was all about.

But Robin was not going to tell me anything for a while and I knew no-one else was coming, so I drifted off into a deep sleep. A discreet phone buzz woke us both. Robin picked it up.

Yes please She said sleepily, but with some enthusiasm, after listening for a moment. That will be just fine, thank you She said finally and hug up We had better get decent my darling She told me, giving me a final cuddle Dinner will be here in about twenty minutes O.K. She got up unhurriedly, enjoying me watching her naked body crawl off the bed and get dressed, just as erotically as she had undressed. Skirt and jacket in hand, Robin disappeared into the ensuite. With my pyjamas back on, I donned a red dressing gown hanging beside the bed and waited.

Fifteen minutes later, Robin emerged, looking exactly as she had when she arrived, a cool, chic, professional woman. Our dinner arrived, right on cue, and we got stuck into an excellent roast meal.

You know it’s so strange I started carefully I remember so much already, especially the good parts We grinned knowingly at each other But, for the life of me, I can’t remember what I do for a living, or what happened I said. She stopped, fork in the air.

You mean you really don’t know what you do? Robin was almost incredulous I can understand that you wouldn’t remember the accident, that was a traumatic one off, but you’ve been sitting there watching everything for eleven years? Robin told me.

I put down my knife and fork and reached over to hold her hand with both of mine.

Robin, is this all really weird for you I asked her How do you think it is for me? I added You’re really going to make this easier if we sit down, after dinner, and you let me pepper you with stupid questions, till I get it all back together O.K.? I told Robin. She nodded and we continued enjoying our evening meal just keeping our conversation to small talk.

O.k. now, I sit and watch what? I asked Robin after dinner, as we sat on the two seater lounge by the high-tech ward’s double windows, looking out over a glittering city.

Your community observation unit keeps an eye on section sixteen She answered simply.

Section sixteen of what my love? I asked, feeling pretty stupid.

The city silly, what else Robin still couldn’t quite get it, and I was not too surprised about that. I’m not sure I did!

Ok, let’s try that again I said, a smile hiding my growing frustration I know my birthplace and home is Hammon Island, and that it’s near here, but where is here, what’s that called I asked her, pointing at the forest of skyscrapers lighting up the night sky. As she began to see my plight, a sympathetic and loving look came over the beautiful young woman’s face.

Oh Robert, you poor darling She leaned over to me and said into my ear You just ask me anything you want to know O.K.? Then you can tell me exactly what you want me to do for you Robin added, in that already familiar husky tone.

All right Robin I said firmly, as I gently pushed her back Let’s get to it woman. Morleytown, the city we were in, was Paramount’s biggest by far, at twenty million, it was easily the world’s biggest, but no one in Paramount cared much about the rest of the world since the war ended, twenty years ago. The massive city was divided into twenty sections, the inner city’s