Amy and The Historian.

By Neil Dabb

These are the adventures of Amy Hayden, a casino owner and The Historian, a time traveler from the distant future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Neil Dabb
• Release date: Jan 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005254940

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

Boxed Set

Book 1

The Moon Is Missing.

Book 2

Brave New World

Book 3

The Dark Ruby Raven or

When the Circus Comes to Town.

Copyright 2021 Neil Dabb

Smashwords Edition

Discover other titles by Neil Dabb at Smashwords.com

These are the adventures of Amy Hayden, a casino owner and The Historian, a time traveler from the distant future.

If you like one or all of these books, please feel free to leave a review!

Neil Dabb

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.

同时

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 the best suite for.

同时

CC was amazed at how fast the trip to ancient Earth had been. He was also amazed at how fast a read the book The Historian had suggested was. The ship had barely landed when CC put the book down.

You ready to go?

If you'll tell me what you have in mind, CC said.

You always tell me you want to know what I do with all of the information I gather, well, this is your chance.

CC scrambled to follow as The Historian moved from his ship, then he gasped and struggled to adjust to the blistering heat of the north Nevada desert during late August. The Historian pressed a button on a remote then slipped it into his pocket as his ship disappeared into the waves of heated air.

Let's get inside, The Historian said. It'll be a lot cooler in the casino.

CC turned to face Main Street Jackpot, Nevada, USA. It was a small town with half a dozen casinos, and appropriate housing beyond. The Historian headed for one of the casinos with a sign that read, 'Cactus Pete's'.

And what are we doing here? CC asked.

I told you, I have some prize money to pick up, and there may be someone here who can help us prevent the disaster.

CC was stunned as he followed his friend into the early twenty-first century casino. The gust of cool air after passing through the sliding doors, snapped CC back to the task at hand as a woman with blonde hair wearing a short red dress approached The Historian.

You made it! she said giving him a hug and a peck on the cheek.

Wouldn't have missed it. The Historian smiled as she turned toward CC.

And who is this handsome young gentleman?

CC, CC said.

Just CC? Amy took his hand.

Where he comes from last names just get you in trouble, The Historian said trying to distract Amy.

And what do you do there? She continued to hold CC's hand.

I tend bar.

Interesting. Amy nodded and smiled. The standard attire must be universal. She released his hand and turned toward the main desk. I've reserved a complimentary suite for you. The award ceremony is at seven.

CC followed the others as The Historian spoke again.

And after the ceremony?

I'm looking forward to taking you up on that offer, Amy said with a smile and a nearly imperceptible wink.

Till then, The Historian said as Amy nodded to the man behind the front desk.

A moment later they were on the elevator moving up into the building.

Can I ask you what offer you were referring to? CC asked.

Don't worry, you're invited.

That could be awkward if I don't know what I'm getting into.

It will be a friendly game, and the topics discussed will be of interest to you.

CC rolled his eyes. He'd heard that before. As the elevator doors slid open CC followed his friend to the end of the hall, where a magnetic strip on a card gave them access to very opulent quarters.

Amy out-did herself this time, The Historian said smiling.

CC looked around the room and mused at how hotel rooms had not changed much in the centuries that had passed. The dark wood decor could almost pass for his quarters on The Historian's ship. You've obviously been here before.

Yes, and there's a small time eddy near here that occasionally starts different time-lines. The Historian hesitated. But that’s not the disaster we came to fix.

You mean you come here to get stories from other time lines?

The Historian nodded. Sometimes. This time we're here to prevent a disaster. The Historian hesitated. And it won't be easy.

同时

Danny Candilon was the son of one of the first astronauts to land on the moon. Unfortunately he couldn’t tell anyone. The public records were sparse and upon his father's return, his family had been whisked away to a new area and a new life. Within a few years NASA revisited the moon, and then a generation of youth came up that considered the moon and the moon landings myths. Danny hoped that the story he'd written would re-kindle interest in their nearest neighbor.

Danny had arrived at the casino early, and checked into the standard room that Amy had reserved for the winners of the contest. He had come to reveal the truth about his father to someone who might believe him. He looked at the tuxedo he'd rented for the ceremony hanging in the closet. It would cover his stout frame, and even make him look professional. He would make sure he got his money's worth, he thought as he moved to finish unpacking. After a short nap he donned the Tuxedo, and left his room.

同时

CC again mused at how little things had changed over the centuries as the awards ceremony came to a close. Exotic food and entertainment were still the norm in his century for such gatherings. After the ceremony CC wasn't sure what to expect when he followed The Historian from the large opulent (for the time) ballroom, through the main casino floor, to the private room that Amy had directed them to. What he found was very intriguing.

Amy had changed her red dress, which CC had learned was extremely dressy for the time, for red dress pants and a halter-top. Danny was still in his Tuxedo, surrounded by two scantily clad women. One appeared to be a waitress, taking drink orders as the others took their place around the gaming table. The other woman reminded CC of Penny, his lover from the future. The Historian had slipped off the tie and sports coat he'd worn to the ceremony, but CC was still wearing the bow tie and pleated shirt he'd worn since he arrived on Earth. So far it had served him well.

CC focussed his attention on the woman that reminded him of Penny. Her attire had been identical to that of the waitress until she took off her apron, then sat down and handed the apron and her headpiece to the other waitress. CC finally realized that she was being treated like one of the guests. When the woman noticed his stare, she spoke.

I work for the casino, but they have a contest category for the employees, and this year Amy decided that the winner of that category should be a part of this little gathering as well.

Sorry, I didn't mean to stare, it's just that you remind me of a woman I know. CC tried to look away.

And know very well, she said. By the look in your eye you are lovers.

CC looked away, and The Historian smiled.

I'll tell you the rest of her story after we get back, The Historian whispered.

Amy stood at the end of the table. Now that the official festivities are dispensed with, let's start the game. She pulled a deck of cards from under the table and began sliding around trays of poker chips. Dealer calls the game, and the first hand is Texas Hold'em.

Chapter 2

CC was losing, but he'd played in such games before and knew how to make the chips Amy had passed out last. He smiled. Maybe the next hand would be the turning point.

What if the stories were real? Danny said as he turned over his cards to fold.

Then they’d be called memoirs, Samantha quipped. I use snippets from real life a lot of the time, it's just how I string them together that make it fiction.

Or is it? Danny queried. How do you know that the stories aren't real?

And how would the writers learn about those places? The Historian said showing no emotion.

CC knew better than to evaluate The Historian by body language, especially while playing cards. CC smiled. No one has been there to check it out in most cases.

They make it up, Amy said. That's why it's called fiction.

Do they? Danny queried. The stories my uncle and father told from the navy sounded a lot like fiction at the time, but later we learned that some of those stories were true.

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, Samantha mused.

And the rest fall into the category of folklore, Amy said. It's a matter of wanting to top the last person's story.

Perhaps, but how can you prove it unless you go there? The Historian said.

The room was silent as Samantha dealt each player five cards. She had been calling five-card draw, nothing wild all night, so she didn't have to say a word as each player picked up their cards. Have any of you considered telepathy?

You mean when the characters are speaking to you it's telepathy? CC said.

Or the thoughts of people from an alternate time line, The Historian mused.

Something about the way Samantha said the word telepathy had triggered a warning in CC’s head. He'd made the mistake of playing cards with a telepath once before. Maybe that was why she was winning so often. He knew he would be folding this hand.

Samantha nodded.

Two. Amy tossed in two white chips. I can see that as more likely than all these writers having a mysterious uncle that claims to have visited the moon.

Danny bristled as he put his cards face down on the table and held up his hand to fold.

CC briefly wondered if Danny suspected Samatha as well and that was why he was constantly folding. CC focussed his attention on the conversation as it moved on.

The Historian dropped three chips onto the pile on the table.

Does it really matter? CC said tossing in his cards.

There was another stretch of silence as Amy resorted her cards and then put another chip into the center of the table, then laid down two cards.

It might if you happened to get caught in a different time line, The Historian said.

That would mean that time travel is possible, Amy said.

How do we know it isn't? Samatha said as she dealt Amy two cards.

The Historian took three cards as Amy spoke.

We haven't seen time ships from the future, Amy said. You can't tell me we wouldn't have seen them if they existed.

CC smiled, wondering how his friend would handle