Julius and the Titanic

JULIUS AND THE TITANIC

By

Barry Hunt

Smashwords edition

Copyright © 2012 Barry Hunt

ISBN – 978-1-4657-3974

This book is available in print at www.juliusandthetitanic.co.uk

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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 person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

CHAPTER ONE

JULIUS: AUGUST, THE PRESENT YEAR.

One moment the man was there and the next he was gone. Josh stopped in surprise and stared about him as the light in the clearing seemed to ripple. He turned round quickly to see if Vicky had seen the same thing but she was still stumbling around in the bushes behind him. Cautiously taking a few steps forward to where the man had been standing, Josh paused to look about. He shaded his eyes with his hand and peered into the trees on the other side of the glade.

Did you see that? he cried as he heard Vicky enter the clearing.

See what? asked Vicky, rubbing her leg which had just been stung by some nettles.

That man, said Josh, he was standing here a moment ago and then he just … he paused a moment, wondering what word he could use to describe what he had seen without sounding foolish. He just … well he sort of disappeared.

Don’t be stupid, people don’t just disappear, Vicky said irritably. It must have been a shadow or something. She licked her fingers and started to rub her leg again.

They were both a bit fed up. They had been in the forest for over an hour and Vicky was beginning to regret that she had ever suggested they go for a walk. She had only said it to get Josh out of the bad mood he had been in all day. Now she was bad-tempered herself and her arms were scratched by the bracken and her bare legs had been stung by nettles as she and Josh had clambered through the undergrowth.

It wasn’t a shadow, Josh insisted. I know what I saw.

Oh yeah, said Vicky, like the wolf you said you saw yesterday?

That was a wolf, Josh muttered. He bent down to pick up a stick and started whipping the long grass with it as he walked away.

In England? In the twenty-first century? snapped Vicky at his retreating back. Very likely, I’m sure.

It could have escaped from a zoo, he muttered just loudly enough for her to hear.

I told you, it was probably a large dog that had got lost or something.

I think I know the difference between a dog and a wolf, said Josh scathingly.

Huh, like you’re an expert.

Anyway, he said, giving up on his attempt to convince her, I know I just saw a man standing there a moment ago and now he’s gone. He turned round to face his sister.

It could have been someone out for a walk, she said.

He wasn’t walking. He was just standing there and then he sort of … Josh waved his hand vaguely in the air.

Yeah, vanished, just like people do all the time.

That’s right! Josh was getting more annoyed.

Vicky could see that there was no point in arguing with him in his present mood. As twins, she and Josh normally got along very well, generally better than most brothers and sisters. However, since they had moved down to the New Forest to live with their Aunt Minnie, Josh had become increasingly irritable.

We should be getting back, she said, making an effort now to be pleasant. It’s gone five already and Aunt Minnie will be wondering what’s happened to us. She turned and started walking away. Come on, I’ll race you! she shouted as she approached the edge of the clearing.

She broke into a brief run and then stopped when she realised he wasn’t following. Standing still, she became aware of the silence. Even the wind that had occasionally rustled the leaves had ceased. The air itself seemed heavier, almost thick. She turned to look where Josh had been standing, but he wasn’t there. She walked back into the sunlight and looked around.

OK, you can come out now, that’s enough. We need to be getting back.

She waited. The silence felt even more profound now. Josh!

There was no reply.

Josh, stop playing about, we need to get back.

Vicky frowned. She strode over to where he had been standing and looked around again. She couldn’t see him.

If you’re trying to frighten me, it isn’t working. I’m just getting annoyed. Now come out and let’s get back.

The silence still shrouded the clearing and Vicky suddenly felt a chill despite the warmth of the sun.

Josh! I’m not joking. Come out at once.

Silence.

Josh!

And then it happened.

The trees started to shimmer. She heard a rushing sound and for a moment she couldn’t breathe. She thought she felt a light touch on her shoulder as a cold wind blew around her. Everything turned a deep blue and then the forest clearing was empty.

Vicky had disappeared.

------------------------------------------

Her head was swirling and Vicky had the same feeling in the pit of her stomach that she had when she looked down at the beach from the top of the cliff path.

What happened? she managed to stutter. She was still in the clearing but it somehow seemed to be brighter, the colours more vivid. She closed her eyes.

Vicky? Are you there? Josh’s voice sounded weak and a little distant.

Just stay still for a moment and keep your eyes closed. It helps. This was a new voice that Vicky didn’t recognise.

Who’s that? Josh, who’s there? she said a little startled, but kept her eyes closed as the voice had suggested. She started to feel a little better; the swirling sensation slowed down and she began to get her balance back. She opened her eyes and the swirling started up once more. She closed them again quickly.

Keep your eyes closed. It’ll pass in a minute. That voice again.

Who’s that? Now it was Josh’s turn to ask.

Just give it a minute and then we can talk. The first time is always a little strange.

Josh felt a hand on his shoulder and opened his eyes in alarm as he took a step forward to shrug it off.

Feeling better?

Josh turned and saw the man who had been in the clearing. He was now standing only a few feet away, his hand still outstretched as if ready to catch Josh should he stumble.

Who are you? Josh asked. What happened?

I’m going to open my eyes now, said Vicky.

Josh ran over to where Vicky was standing and put his hand out to her as she opened her eyes slowly and blinked.

I’m alright now. It’s OK. What was that? Did I faint? Where did you go?

Instead of answering, Josh took Vicky by the elbow and turned her round slowly.

That’s the man I saw, he said as if it would explain everything and then realised he was still just as confused as she was. What happened?

The man was looking at them with an expression of mild concern that turned into relief when he saw they were able to stand up without falling over. He was about the same height as Josh but slightly built and with a little podginess about his middle as if he didn’t do any exercise. He seemed to be about forty or forty-five. His black hair was long and swept back from a high forehead with touches of white streaks at the side where it flowed around his ears.

Are you both alright now? the man asked, and they nodded. Good, it can make you a bit dizzy until you’re used to it. I’m sorry about that. You see you took me by surprise. I wasn’t quite sure what to do and I had to act quickly. He plunged his hands into the pockets of the long coat he was wearing.

Josh looked at him. I don’t understand.

Come on, Josh, let’s go home. I don’t like this, said Vicky quietly.

Ah, that might be a problem, said the man and turned away to peer through the trees as if he was searching for someone.

You can’t keep us here, said Josh, suddenly feeling anxious.

I didn’t mean that. The man smiled at them as if to reassure them and there was a slight twinkle in his eyes. Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything, but I think we should move out of here quickly.

Why? said Vicky. What’s going to happen?

It’s a little difficult to explain right now, but take it from me, we really should be leaving. He took a few steps toward the edge of the clearing and then turned as if prompting them to follow him.

Or what? said Josh nervously but standing his ground.

Now that’s what’s difficult to explain and we don’t have the time. But if you just come with me for a minute then you’ll be able to see for yourselves. That would probably be the best thing anyway. The man paused for a moment. Please? he added and there was something about the way he asked that was reassuring.

Josh and Vicky looked at each other. After a moment’s hesitation she nodded her head.

OK, but you go first and we’ll follow, said Josh. He was still a little suspicious, but the man really seemed to think it was important they should move out of the clearing.

That’s fine, whatever you like, the man said. We’re not going far, just over there. I’ll lead the way, but whatever happens, please keep very quiet. The man turned his back on them and set off walking quickly to the edge of the clearing before stepping into the shadows of the tree line.

We could make a run for it if you like, said Josh, glancing at Vicky.

Do you want to? asked Vicky.

Not really, Josh replied slowly, I’m sort of curious now.

Me too. Vicky looked at where the man had disappeared among the trees and then turned back to Josh. Let’s just go along with him for the moment.

The two of them walked cautiously forward, following the path the man had taken. In a moment, the shadow of the trees fell over them and they had left the clearing. They could see the man now, crouching behind a bush and peering into the open space they had just left. He beckoned them toward him and then put a finger to his lips. They crept forward until they were about ten feet away. Josh stopped and knelt behind a large shrub, facing the clearing. Vicky bent down beside him.

What now? he muttered, feeling a little foolish.

The man quickly put his finger to his lips again and then pointed it at the clearing. They both looked to where he was pointing and Josh gasped as Vicky clutched his arm.

There was the shadowy shape of a man moving around the edge of the clearing furthest from them. The shadow stopped for a moment and then stepped into the light. Vicky stifled a scream as she recognised the man on the other side of the clearing as the same man who was now crouching just ten feet away from them.

What … Josh gasped, but the man behind the bush waved his hand at them urgently, put his finger to his lips again and then pointed to the figure of himself that was standing thirty yards in front of them.

At that moment they could hear more figures approaching. There was the snap of a branch breaking underfoot and Josh saw himself run into the clearing. Several things then happened in quick succession. First, quite suddenly, the standing figure of the man just disappeared. Then Vicky saw herself break through the tree line, rubbing her leg as she did so.

Did you see that? cried the Josh in the clearing.

See what? asked the Vicky who was rubbing her leg.

That man, said Josh. He was standing here a moment ago and then he just … he just … well he sort of disappeared.

------------------------------------------

Behind the bush, Josh turned and looked at Vicky. She was grabbing his arm so tightly that her fingernails were leaving dents in his skin but he didn’t seem to notice. Together they turned back to look at the clearing. The other Josh and Vicky seemed to be arguing about something and then the other Vicky started to walk away. As she did so, there was a shimmer in the light and the other Josh vanished. The other Vicky turned back and walked to where he had been standing and looked around. There was another shimmer in the air and then she disappeared too. A ripple seemed to spread out from the clearing and swept over them. They both felt a little giddy for a moment and then it passed. They turned and looked at the man who was now standing and brushing off some dead leaves from his long coat.

It’s alright now, he said.

What was that all about? demanded Josh.

What just happened? said Vicky, standing up too and pulling Josh to his feet. She sounded scared.

That’s what I couldn’t tell you before, but now you’ve seen it for yourselves, the man said. We had to move fast or else it could have become very confusing. He smiled briefly to himself. Just imagine what you would have thought if you had actually met yourselves.

Was that us? Josh asked slowly.

Of course it was, the man said, still brushing the last twigs from the bottom of his coat, who else could it have been?

But how could that have been us? said Vicky, still sounding a little frightened and holding on to Josh. I mean, we were here, weren’t we? How could we have been there?

Was it hypnosis? asked Josh suspiciously. Did you hypnotise us for a moment? Are we still hypnotised?

No, said the man and gave a brief laugh, nothing like that. I can’t hypnotise people. If you really must know, it was a short time-shift.

A what? they both said together and stared at the man.

A time-shift, the man said. Look, if you keep asking me questions, this will take forever. I don’t suppose that would matter really, he gave another laugh and continued, but if you really want to know what happened it would be much simpler if you just let me tell you about it in my own way.

They both nodded.

Perhaps we should start properly then, said the man. I believe an introduction is the polite thing to do first. I am Julius, he paused expectantly.

How do you do, said Josh automatically and stretched out his hand toward the man. I am …

Josh, said Julius, and you are Vicky, I know. He smiled and paused a moment to look at their confused faces before adding, I do realise this must be very strange for you both, I’m sorry about that but it can’t be helped. I can explain everything if you want, but … he hesitated a moment before adding, if you prefer, you can leave now and I promise you will never see me again.

Although he couldn’t explain why, Josh no longer felt scared. He didn’t think this man was dangerous; the eyes were gentle and there was clearly a touch of humour behind them as if he found the situation rather amusing. Josh found himself smiling back. He realised that he wanted to know more about what had just happened to them. He looked at Vicky again. She was still a little wary, but a quick glance between them reassured him that she wanted to know what had happened as well.

We’ll stay, he said.

Good, said Julius, I was hoping you would say that. However, it’s not very comfortable here, is it? How about we go back to my caravan and I’ll make a cup of tea whilst we talk. It’s not far.

Perhaps we might, said Vicky, still feeling a little cautious, but we need to be getting back soon or we’ll be missed.

Of course, said Julius. You can leave whenever you want.

He smiled at them both again then turned away and started to walk through the trees. Vicky looked at Josh, nodded and they started to follow him. He didn’t walk fast, but they found it a little difficult to keep up with him as they stumbled together through the undergrowth. They walked in silence for a few minutes and then Vicky whispered, Are you sure about this?

Not completely, Josh whispered back, but I don’t think anything bad will happen. If it does I’m sure I can handle it. I want to find out more and, well, even though it’s all rather strange, there’s something about him, I mean, I don’t find him scary.

I know what you mean, said Vicky in a low voice. When he smiled at us it was like, she paused a moment and looked slightly uncertain, well it reminded me of dad.

Josh stopped and looked at Vicky. That’s it, you’re right. I couldn’t place it before but his smile was just like dad’s. He started walking again, looking at his feet as he carefully picked his way through the long grass.

Look, over there, Vicky whispered pointing through the trees.

Josh raised his head and looked at where Vicky was pointing. Tucked in amongst the trees and partly hidden by some bushes was a small gypsy caravan, the sort that they had both seen in books of fairytales when they were young. It was barrel-shaped and had a small ladder placed in front that led up to a wide door that appeared to be cut in two. The top half was opened outwards but the bottom half remained closed. In front of the caravan and surrounded by bricks and earth was a small fire that was smoking slightly.

Yes, we’re here now, Julius called back, quickening his stride. He ran the last few yards and then turned and stood on the steps, beckoning them forward. Josh and Vicky reached the caravan and saw that there were two stools by the side of the fire and several pots and jugs on the bricks. Julius gestured to the stools and they sat down.

This is rather quaint, said Vicky and then blushed as she wondered whether it was rude to say such a thing. Feeling a little embarrassed, she started to fiddle with the silver bracelet she was wearing.

Julius looked pleased. A humble place, but home. I’m glad you like it. He paused to grin at her and Vicky found herself smiling back. Now then, tea, Julius continued and picked up a jug, pouring the contents into a pan and placing it on a hook that dangled from a spit which was suspended over the fire. He settled himself down on one of the steps and looked at them.

You have both been very patient, and I must say that you are dealing with all of this far better than I could have expected. However, you must still be wondering what happened and now is the time for explanations, as I promised.

I know you told us your name, but, well, who exactly are you? said Josh.

Julius paused for a moment as if to gather his thoughts.

Well? said Josh as the silence grew. It’s a simple question.

The problem with simple questions, said Julius taking a deep breath, is that the answers are often a little more complicated. You see, the fact is I am a time-shifter.

Josh and Vicky quickly exchanged a glance. Vicky felt a laugh start in her throat but quickly turned it into a cough.

No that’s quite alright, said Julius not at all embarrassed, I understand completely. It does sound silly, I know, but you did ask and after all, that is the answer to your question. Now, if it had been me, I would probably have started differently.

And what would you have asked? said Josh.

I think I might have asked where I came from and when.

So, where are you from then? asked Vicky.

Well, said Julius, picking up an iron poker, I was born in England, but from the age of six I moved about quite a bit, so I suppose I come from a lot of places. As to time, it depends on which measurement you use and when you decide to start counting.

When were you born? said Josh, a little irritated that having prompted the question Julius was now making it complicated.

Well, counting back in your years if that’s what you want me to do, then I was born forty-three years ago.

And when have you just come from, then? asked Josh.

That would be a lot longer, said Julius, prodding at the fire with the poker.

I thought you were going to explain things, but all you’re doing is making it more confusing, said Vicky. Why don’t you just tell us what happened?

"What do you think happened?" asked Julius.

We don’t know, said Josh, that’s the point.

I’ve heard of déjà vu, said Vicky hesitantly. Is that something to do with it?

In a manner of speaking, that’s right, said Julius, brightening. He took the pan off the spit and poured the boiling water into a large teapot. Déjà vu means something which has already been seen. Sometimes, people get a feeling that what’s happening to them now is something that has already happened in the past. Sometimes, it can even be a place which looks familiar, even though you’ve never been there before. It’s as if you have jumped back in time and just caught up with it again. Well, you did jump back in time and for a short while you were in the past, but then you caught up with the present again. Time doesn’t stop, you know. Julius picked up the tea-pot and swirled the contents around. Milk and sugar?

But that’s ridiculous! said Vicky.

Is it? Can you think of a better explanation? replied Julius as he poured out three mugs of tea.

No, said Josh, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one.

That’s very true, Julius agreed, handing each of them a mug. I have often thought there is more than one explanation for things. However, I have seldom found that there is more than one good reason for them. He took a large gulp of tea from his mug and swallowed it. He seemed to be enjoying the conversation now and sat back on the step to make himself more comfortable.

Even if we were able to jump back in time, I still don’t see how we could have been in two places at once. That’s impossible! said Vicky. She was starting to think that she was being made a fool of and wanted to put an end to this nonsense.

Not at all impossible, said Julius and he took another sip from his mug of tea. You can move around in time like you can move around in space, but time and space are not the same thing. He paused to check that they were following him. You see, there is only one time but you can be anywhere in it, so if you go back in time that doesn’t mean space has to change.

I still don’t understand how we could be in two different places at the same time, said Vicky.

Because that’s how it works, said Julius. The space you occupy in this universe didn’t change, only time did. When you saw yourselves in the clearing, you were seeing the Josh and Vicky that had been there at that moment. The space you were occupying in the forest when you saw them was simply another space at the same time. Julius put down his mug on the step beside him. I could have moved us to a different space, I suppose, but there was no need.

My head hurts, said Vicky. That’s too many ‘spaces’ for me. She looked at Josh and saw that he appeared to be completely engrossed in what Julius had been telling them. What do you make of all this?

I’m not sure, said Josh. I mean, it makes sense in a way and it does explain what happened, even if it does sound impossible.

Vicky gave him a scathing look and put down the mug of tea on the ground beside her. She started fiddling with the silver bracelet around her wrist again. It was a habit she had developed whenever she wanted to think about things. Although Julius talked persuasively, she now had the feeling that he must be playing some sort of joke. He had sounded so matter of fact, even reasonable as he had explained what had happened that she had started to believe it. But then her own logic had clicked in and she realised how impossible it all was. She told herself that she was too sensible to believe what Julius had told them and she was a little surprised that Josh seemed to be taken in by it.

What I don’t understand though, Josh continued, is how it happened. I can’t see anything like a time machine around here. He took a deep breath. So how did you do it?

I don’t need a machine or anything like that, said Julius. That’s the stuff of science-fiction. This is different. You see, there are some people, and I am one of them, who are born with the ability to shift in time. I can’t tell you why it happens, it just does, he paused before adding, I’m sorry that I can’t explain it better.

Then perhaps you can explain what you are doing here now, said Josh. I mean, what are you doing in the middle of the New Forest, and why did you make Vicky and me move back in time?

Oh, that I can explain easily enough, said Julius smiling. "You see, I need your help to save the Titanic!"

------------------------------------------

There was a long pause as Vicky looked first at Julius and then at Josh.

That’s it, she said, standing up. "I’ve had enough. All this talk of moving about in time and stuff and now you come up with saving the Titanic!"

I’m sorry, said Julius and he chuckled, perhaps that was a little sudden, but I couldn’t resist it. My mother always said I had a tendency to be over-dramatic. He smiled at her apologetically.

Come on, Josh, let’s be getting back, said Vicky. She looked down at her brother but he remained where he was.

I think I would like to hear more if you don’t mind, he said and turned to Julius. "What do you mean, save the Titanic?"

Josh! said Vicky. She looked at him and pushed her chin forward, staring at him with wide eyes. It was a look Josh knew well.

Could you just wait here a minute, he said to Julius, I want a quick word with Vicky if you don’t mind. He put his mug down and stood up.

That’s alright, said Julius. Take all the time you want. I’ll just wait here and finish my tea.

Josh took Vicky by the elbow and together they walked a short way from the caravan before stopping just out of earshot from Julius.

What’s up with you? he demanded.

"With me? Vicky gasped in surprise. I’m not the one who thinks they just travelled back in time or whatever. What’s up with you?"

I told you, I’m not sure about it all, but I would like to find out more.

He called himself a time-shifter. He’s a nutter! Vicky was getting exasperated and couldn’t understand why Josh wanted to stay.

But what if it’s true? said Josh eagerly. Just imagine what it would be like to travel around in time.

True? said Vicky. Are you mad? Travel around in time? You’re as bad as he is, she nodded her head toward Julius.

Then how do you explain what just happened to us? Josh asked.

I don’t know, said Vicky in frustration. Perhaps we imagined it, perhaps this is just a dream and we’ll wake up soon, I don’t know.

Josh leant forward and pinched Vicky’s arm.

Ouch! she cried. What was that for?

Well, said Josh, are you dreaming now?

No, Vicky muttered, rubbing her arm. You didn’t need to do that.

I’m sorry, said Josh gently, but this isn’t a dream, Vicky, it’s actually happening and I want to find out why, don’t you?

Vicky turned away, still rubbing her arm. She waited a few moments before turning round again to face Josh.

OK, she muttered, I was beginning to understand what he said, but that doesn’t mean I believe it all. This has to be a joke. Time travel is impossible. She raised both hands and gave an exasperated shrug of her shoulders.

As he said, can you come up with a better explanation? Josh looked meaningfully at his sister. I can’t, and it does sort of make sense, doesn’t it? Just because we’ve been taught that time travel is impossible doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. People used to believe that the sun revolved around the earth but now we know they were wrong. Why can’t they be wrong about time travel?

Vicky wondered if it could be possible. She didn’t have a scientific mind, but she knew that science still had a lot of things to discover. What if Julius was the real thing? She could see that Josh desperately wanted to stay and more than wanting to leave, she didn’t want to upset him.

Alright, she said, what do you want to do?

I want to hear more, said Josh. I want to find out what happened. He smiled at his sister. I’m sorry I pinched you.

Vicky returned his smile. You really want to stay and hear more?

Yes, I do.

But what if he really is a nutter? What if he’s just having a joke on us?"

Then we can laugh about it later.

Alright, Vicky agreed a little reluctantly, but if he starts getting weird again then can we go?

Agreed, said Josh. Now let’s go back and finish our tea.

He turned and started to walk back to