The Moon Is Missing

By Neil Dabb

Amy Hayden needed a break when a mysterious stranger won the writing contest that her father had set up. When that stranger turns out to be a time traveler sent to save her from a grizzly death she finds herself whisked away to an adventure in caverns beneath the surface of the moon. Now they must stop an explosion that will destroy the moon and create a temporal rift that will eventually engulf the galaxy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Neil Dabb
• Release date: Dec 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005343620

Neil Dabb

Neil grew up in Smithfield, Utah, and currently holds a General Class license amateur radio license. He was a material handler for over 10 years while obtaining a BA from Utah State University. He has been a freelance writer for most of that time and has been published in a variety of magazines over the years.Neil worked for Utah State University for twelve years with the Junior Engineering program. He enjoys writing, Frisbee (disc) golf and bonfires. He is the father of five children and lives in Logan Utah.

Book preview

The Moon is Missing.

by

Neil Dabb

Copyright 2020 Neil Dabb

Smashwords Edition

*****

Chapter 1

CC Martin, the middle age owner of the tavern on Tortuga, had recently lost the tiny time-ship he used for emergencies and special guests. He hoped his friend from another planet where time travel was the norm could help him replace it. CC smiled as he crossed The Dead Man's Tavern toward his friend, The Historian.

I've been hoping you would show up, CC said as he placed the steaming mug of The Historian's favorite beverage on the polished stone booth table in front of him.

I've been busy, the small dark-skinned humanoid wearing wire-rimmed glasses and surrounded by comm pads said.

CC waited till The Historian finally looked up and took a draw from his drink. I need a new ship.

I need a lot of things, The Historian muttered. What happened to your old one?

I used it to stop a subspace storm.

The Historian smiled briefly then went back to his comm pads.

Can you take me to see your ship-builder friend on your homeworld? CC asked.

Not for a while.

CC exhaled. You have a time-ship.

And you know it's not that easy. The Historian looked up at his friend.

The sounds of the bar closed in again as the two regarded each other. CC knew that there was a set of unwritten time laws that his friend had never told him about, but that were strictly adhered to. His request had nothing to do with time travel, but obviously his friends current project did.

I've got to figure out how to prevent a temporal disaster, The Historian said as if he'd read CC's thoughts. If you leave me alone for a bit, I'll take you with me and if we survive, when we're done I'll get you another ship.

Done. CC knew The Historian well enough to know that the trip would be as interesting as the process of getting him a new ship.

A day later CC left the tavern in the capable hands of his assistant, Albino, then they boarded The Historian's wooden time-ship.

Where and when are we going? CC asked as he moved to the seat next to The Historian, who was sitting at the polished wood helm.

Early twenty-first century. I need to see how a contest entry I made did, then we'll see if we can put things right.

CC waited for a reply, but he knew from experience that he would have to wait until his friend was ready to speak. Any suggestions for killing time?

There are some good books in the library.

Anything in particular?

"Look at 'The Lomokome Papers' by Herman Wouk."

CC passed several metal hatches as he moved toward the library. He had not been there in some time, but looked forward to the change of scenery.

CC opened the large wooden door revealing the library. At the near end of the ancient-looking room was a table and several leather easy chairs. At the far end, there appeared to be row on row of bookshelves filled with books. He knew this was an illusion projected onto a clear panel. He rubbed his nose as he thought of the last time he'd been here. CC found the book The Historian had told him about on the table. While The Historian's ship was a time-ship, it still took 'time' to get from one time to another. CC settled in for however long the journey lasted.

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Amy Hayden was not getting any younger. Her father had died over twenty years before and while she had insisted on keeping the writing contest her father had started alive, it was getting harder and harder to keep it upbeat and new. As the forty-year old blonde bombshell prepared to greet the members of this year's committee and announce the winners, she forced herself to smile. Two of the winning entries had stirred up ideas that were both exciting and frightening at the same time.

As she left her room she tugged the back of her short red dress down and straightened her shoulders. She knew that at least one of the winners would be there. He had arrived early. The other had not arrived yet, but promised to visit with her after the ceremony. She had reserved the best suite in the hotel for him. If he showed up, it would make her day. If not, she would meet with the winners in attendance and deal with her doubts about the other one later.

As she approached the front desk, she realized how badly she needed a diversion from the contest, and the management of the hotel. She looked down at her dress. It would be far more dressy than needed for the conference sessions, but on the other hand, it would save her two trips back to her room during the day. She smiled. It was also better for any flirting she might want to do, especially with the man that she had reserved