The Travels of Jack Pynesapp - Book 2-5: Red and Jimmy - Chapter 5

This is 38 in a series of lblogs chronicling an expedition into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. To read the entire story (with notes) please see the JackPynesapp web site: [ click here ]

Travels of Jack Pynesapp

Book 2: Red and Jimmy

Chapter 5; 

So here's Grandma. But that still doesn't answer the question as to why they are here (either here in this story or here in L.A.)

"Grandma, what's going on?" Red asked, as Grandpa got up out of his chair.

"I'm sorry kids but I need to talk to Grandpa for a second, privately. Please, just a second."

She grabbed Jack's arm and lead him past the next table, leaving Jimmy and Red standing together and watching them go.

Jack and Marge were scanning the room and whispering back and forth excitedly. They were both frowning and they looked very concerned.

Jimmy had returned to his breakfast when the grandparents returned to the table. Before Red could say a word, Marge said; "Red, James, something very important has come up that Grandpa and I have to deal with immediately."

"What?" Protested Red.

"There's no time to explain right now," Grandpa said; "Marge and I have to run. Can you get me the box, Red?"

Jimmy pulled the suitcase from under the table and handed it to Red.

Grandma handed Jimmy two little boxes. "Here," she said, "these are a couple ports for you and Red. These are what they use to communicate here -- kind of like cell phones."

Jimmy opened one of the boxes and took out a small pendant and a pair of pea-sized things.

Red handed the box to Grandpa and closed the suit case. She then opened her little box.

"You hang the pendant around your neck and put the ear plugs in you ears." Grandma explained. "
They're made to allow all sounds to pass through so they don't effect your hearing. They little 'handles' allow you to pull then out anytime you like. "

Red and Jimmy examined the plugs and Grandma said;  "Please put them on now. We need to activate them quickly."

Grandpa looked around and then tucked the box into his backpack while Red and Jimmy hung the pendants and put the plugs into their ears. "Now what?" Red asked.

"Just listen." Grandpa said.

Red 'heard' a voice say; "Please say your name."

She said; "Red Vanderbilt."

Jimmy said; "James Vanderbilt." at the same time. They looked at each other."

Red 'heard'; "Hello Red Vanderbilt. Is this your port?"

Red and Jimmy both looked at Grandpa and he said; "Say 'yes'."

They both said; "Yes"

Then Grandma said; "You both want to be a member of a 'node' called Pynesapp 485."

Both Red and Jimmy seemed to answer Grandma, but really they were answering the questions by their nodes. "Yes." They said. And then; "Pynesapp 485."

The nodes said thank you and that they were now registered and ready to begin. "I am at your service." They said.

"You can introduce your ports to other names that you answer to. It will learn other things about you as well while you learn about it." Grandma said.

Grandpa added; "Right now it will answer only to the names it knows."

"So now if you want to talk to me or Grandpa, just say our names and, if we're available, it will connect us and we can just begin talking."

"Pretty slick." Grandpa said.

"Grandpa."; Red said and then paused, waiting for the port.

"You have to say 'Jack Pynesapp'." Grandpa explained. "But trust me for now that it works."

Grandma interrupted; "Now we have to leave." She took a box out of her purse -- similar to the one Grandpa put in his backpack -- and handed it to Red. "Here dear, take this back to your Dad for us."

"What's in it?" Jimmy asked.

"Money." Grandma whispered. "Money for this side. So keep it hidden and keep it safe."

"You can use some it if you need it while you're here, but don't use more than you absolutely need."

"Now we absolutely have to go." Grandma said as she hugged Red and Jimmy. "We probably won't be back before your train leaves."

"We can skip this one and take a later train." Red offered.

"No! No don't do that!" Grandpa insisted as he gave Red a long hug.  "James, please don't let her talk you into that. No matter what happens it's imperative that you are on the next train back home."

He hugged Jimmy and looked over his shoulder at Red; "Promise me, Red."

"I promise, Grandpa. If it's that important."

"Please trust us, it is." Grandma said as she took Jack's hand and pulled him away.

"Introduce yourselves to your ports and ask them whatever you want to know." Grandpa said.

"And call us." Grandma said over her shoulder. "We love you and be very careful"

And they disappeared out the door leaving Red and Jimmy standing over their unfinished breakfasts.

The Travels of Jack Pynesapp - Book 2: Red and Jimmy - Chapter 4

This is 37 in a series of lblogs chronicling an expedition into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. To read the entire story (with notes) please see the JackPynesapp web site: [ click here ]

Travels of Jack Pynesapp

Book 2: Red and Jimmy

Chapter 4; 

So what is grandpa doing in a book called "Red and Jimmy"? Apparently we can't get rid of the old coot. Maybe this is just a cameo.
But I needed something for Red and Jimmy to do in L.A. because they sure aren't there to play a gig. (Or are they? ) Frankly, I just panicked. 

"Hello James," Grandpa beamed as he shook Jimmy's hand, "so how did you like the express  trains?"

"Very impressive."  Jimmy admitted. "They really fly." Jimmy smiled. "Literally. we're told."

"Oh, Grandpa," Red interrupted, "it's so good to see you finally. I didn't sleep at all last night waiting for this."

"Yes, I'm so glad you decided to come."

"Where's Grandma? Where are you staying?  Why haven't you come back home? People are starting to wonder, you know. They're asking if you died or something."

"So many questions." Grandpa protested; "Well, Grandma had to run a little errand, she'll be here soon. She can't wait to see you, too." He continued; "So don't people know that we're in Florida?" Grandpa smiled slyly.

"Yeah, that's what we keep saying, but they're wondering about the house. And I guess a lot of them miss you guys and are genuinely worried, you know. You've been gone for three years. "

"Kinda mysterious Jack, you gotta admit." Jimmy added.

"But you guys are staying in the house, like we planned, right?"

"We stay there between semesters, you know, but we're both still in school and we're away most of the time."

"But JJ mows the grass and keeps an eye on the place while you're away. Right?"

"Yeah, Daddy does a great job. The place looks nice all the time."

"Well then?"

"We miss you and Grandma?" Red gives him another big hug and then says. "That's all, you know? When are you coming home?"

"Well that's why I wanted you to come out here. Sit down. We need to talk about things.

Red and Jimmy sat. Jimmy put the suitcase under the table and out of the way.

"Have you eaten? Are you hungry" Grandpa asked.

"Last night." Jimmy said.

"We ate in the dinning car. It was good and we met some interesting people."

Red briefly told Grandpa about  their conversation with Alice and Bill. 

"Yeah, they pretty much force you to meet people." Grandpa chuckled.  "It's cool once you get used to it. So you wouldn't mind some breakfast then? "

Grandpa waved for a waiter and they placed their orders. "It's on me." Grandpa smiled.

"That's good," Jimmy said, "we're running short on credits. Since our money isn't any good here."

"I would imagine, if you're having fancy dinners on trains." Grandpa said sternly.

"We just thought it would be fun to try." Red protested.

"I'm kidding guys." Grandpa laughed, "It's just fine. We'll add some more to your account."

"Thanks Grandpa." Red smiled.

"It's worth it just to see you." Then Grandpa leaned close to Red and whispered; "You brought the box, didn't you?"

Red smiled and whispered back; "Yes, it's in the suitcase. I'll get it." She began reaching under the table for the suitcase and Grandpa gently grabbed her arm and said softly; "Not now, Red. Just leave it there for now." He gave a quick scan of the room with his eyes -- not moving his head. "We'll deal with that later."

"So Jimmy, " Grandpa continued, "why do you say literally flying?  What have you figured out about that train? What did you mean when you said 'literally, we're told'?"

"Well Jack, we didn't have time to figure out too much, " Jimmy  said, "before we met a guy who was happy to tell us all about it."

"But only up to a point." Red added.

"Yeah, he started to tell us but then he kind of clammed up." Jimmy continued.

"He was sitting next to us -- in the seat across the isle -- when he overheard us talking about it and he introduced himself and he said something about the train flying and said it was riding on a gravity wave." Red said.

"What was his name?" Grandpa asked.

"Arthur." Jimmy said.

"Just Arthur?" Grandpa asked. "No last name."

"He didn't say." Red said. "He seemed anxious to tell us all about it and he suggested we move to the observation car"

"So we wouldn't disturb people around us." Jimmy continued.

"But once we got to the observation car, all he seemed to want to do was ask us all about ourselves." Red said.

The waiter arrived with their food. 

When the waiter left, Grandpa leaned in closer and said quietly; "So he didn't explain any more about this drive system."

"No,"  Red said as she took her first bite.

"He just wanted to know about us and he was starting to creep us out." Jimmy continued while Red was chewing.

"How much did you tell him? " Grandpa asked; concerned.

"Not much, like Jimmy said. " Red  swallowed and continued. "We made up some story about us being musicians and heading for a show in L.A."

"Yeah, Red started that one." Jimmy laughed. "I had all I could do to keep up my end."

"Did he buy it?"

"I don't think he was convinced, really." Red smiled.

"So we bailed on the whole thing and went back to our seats" Jimmy said.

"We just left him sitting there." Red added.

"Did he say anything when he came back to his seat?"

"He never came back." Red said.

"Never?"

"Red said she was awake all night and he never came back." Jimmy added.

"Where was he then, I wonder."

"It gets weirder. " Jimmy added.

Red took a sip of coffee and said; "When I was getting off the train this morning."

"I was digging for our luggage."

"A couple cars up I saw Arthur getting of the train. And he was with the two people we met in the dining car last night."

"Did they see you?"

"They all saw me. And they all waved and smiled. And then they turned and headed for the station."

"They looked like they were together. Like they knew each other." Jimmy added. "I was there by then and Red pointed them out to me."

"Interesting." Grandpa said thoughtfully.

Just then Grandma Pynesapp walked hurriedly up to the table. 

"Grandma" Red cried as she jumped up and gave her a big hug.

Marge Pynesapp was trying to catch her breath as she hugged Red; "Oh Red I'm so glad to see you. You look great. We've missed you so much."

As Marge gave Jimmy a big hug, she looked over at Jack and to him she said softly; "You and I need to talk - alone."

Train crossings

Press Release:

Rep.  Cliff Darlington (R- Marionette) introduced legislation in the Wisconsin Legislature calling for the repeal of right-of-way for trains at roadway intersections. He sites the danger posed by speeding trains to motorists and pedestrians as the main reason. "Too many of my constituents have been killed or injured by speeding trains,"  he says, "we need to stop this carnage."

Under the terms of the new law,
crossings signals like this
will no longer be needed.

He also points to the inconvenience and loss of productivity suffered by scores of motorists and commercial drivers who are required to yield as long trains pass. "This has given the railroad companies an unfair competitive advantage or far too long." He explained; "It's about time to level the playing field."

He claims broad support in the Republican led State Legislature and predicts easy passage. The Governor is expected to sign the bill if it arrives on his desk.

The Travels of Jack Pynesapp - Book 2: Red and Jimmy - Chapter 3

This is 36 in a series of blogs chronicling an expedition into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. To read the entire story (with notes) please see the JackPynesapp web site: [ click here ]

Travels of Jack Pynesapp

Book 2: Red and Jimmy

Chapter 3; 

"What do we do when he comes back?" Red asked as they settled back in their seats.

"He's a jerk -- we just ignore him."

"Easier said..."

"You'd rather explain why we can't invite him to our concert?"

"Well, no. I guess not."

"That was quick thinking, by the way."

"Thanks -- I guess." Red laughed. "Ended up -- kind of out of the frying pan..."

"I think I prefer the fire, in this case." Jimmy smiled.

"Why was he so interested in who we are?"

"I wonder. Do you think he's really who he says he is."

"Why don't you ask him when he gets back." Red smiled.

"I might just do that." Jimmy huffed.

Red put in her earbuds and smiled; "You just do that."

Jimmy put in his buds too and smiled; "Watch me."

They both reclined their seats. Red leaned over against Jimmy and they both switched on their music.
The train made a number of stops on it's way to the coast but these were so smooth that Red and Jimmy barely noticed any change in the motion and soon Jimmy was snoring quietly.  Red couldn't sleep because she was trying to think of a story to tell Arthur when he came back that would explain their other story. Even though Jimmy had said he would confront him, Red knew it would be up to her to take care of this. She leaned over and switched off Jimmy's music and then pulled a magazine out of her bag and began reading.   The train sped on through the night.


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

Red nodded in and out of sleep all night.  Arthur never returned to his seat.

The conductor announced that the train was approaching it's final stop and instructed all remaining passengers to collect their personal belongings and prepare to move to the exit doors when the train comes to a complete stop.

Jimmy stirred and Red kissed him on the cheek and said; "Wake up Ripp Van Winkle."

Jimmy opened his eyes, sat up and stretched, leaned over and kissed Red. "Good morning sunshine." He said as he looked over to Arthur's empty seat. "Did he ever come back?"

"Never."

"Never? How do  you know? Didn't you ever sleep?"

"No. I couldn't stop thinking about what we would tell him."

Jimmy yawned and scolded; "I told you I'd take care of that."

"I know." Red smiled. "And how exactly were you going to do that sound asleep?"

"Where's he been, I wonder."

"Not our problem." Red said as she stood up and started packing her stuff back in her bag.


Red stepped off the train onto the platform while Jimmy retrieved their bag. She looked up and down the sleek black train and along the platform to get her bearings. People were exiting each car from doors that happened about every 50 feet along the side of the train. These doors were pretty much the only way to tell where each car was along the otherwise smooth skin of train. Two doors to her right ( toward the front of the train) -- the first sleeping car, according to her calculations, she saw Arthur stepping off the train. He then turned around and helped a lady step down. Red recognized her; it was Alice from the dinning car the night before. And after her Bill stepped off.  Arthur looked Red's way and when their eyes met he smiled and gave a little wave. Bill and Alice followed his gaze and gave a small smile of recognition and then the three of them turned and walked away towards the station entrance.

"Wow, that was brutal. I had to wait while this lady tried to find one of her bags." .Jimmy said as he stepped off the train with their suitcase. "Finally her husband showed up with it and said she forgot it under her seat. The idiot."

Red was still watching Arthur and company. Jimmy looked too and asked; "Is that Arthur?"

"Yes, and he's with Alice and Bill. You know, from the dinning car?"

"You think they're together?"

"It sure looks like it doesn't it."

"Maybe they just met and just happen to be walking together. That's the way everyone is going, you know."

"Yeah maybe you're right."

They joined the procession of passengers walking towards the exit when Red said; "Notice something else?"

"What?"

"None of them have any luggage -- just briefcases."

"They travel light." Jimmy laughed.

"Maybe, but did Bill strike you as someone who would carry a briefcase?"

"Well, I guess not. Did they see you?"

"Yes, they all recognized me -- they smiled and waved and then all turned and walked away."

"Well there you go, Red. What's so unusual about any of that?"

"I guess you're right." Red admitted.

"I'm always right." Jimmy boasted.

"Oh yeah, I forgot."  Red gave him a playful shove, laughed, and then she said; "It just seems strange to me."

"Oh don't be so paranoid." Jimmy scolded.

That was the last they saw of Arthur, Alice and Bill. For now....

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

Red's phone rang. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and gave Jimmy a quick look as she answered; "Hello, this is Red."

She listens for a few seconds,  As she looks at Jimmy she speaks into the phone; "Okay, we'll be there in a couple minutes." and hangs up.

"Was that him?" Jimmy asks.

"Yeah, he's in a restaurant named "Sander's". He'll be at a table at the far end."

"Why so dramatic? Why didn't he just meet us at the train?"

"How do I know? Ask him yourself?"

It must have been a busy time for trains because there were people everywhere. The train station looked like a shopping mall. There were shops and carrels everywhere.  Red and Jimmy wound their way through the crowd.

"There." Red said finally as she pointed to a sign that read; "Sander's Restaurant" up ahead and to the left.

They walked in and a hostess asked; "Table for two?"

"We're meeting someone. He told us he was at a table near the back." Red said as she peered over the hostess' shoulder into the dim light.

"Yes, " She said, "the gentleman told me you'd be coming. Please follow me." and she began walking away.

He stood up from the table when he saw them coming. He waved. Red started running when he saw him.  "Grandpa!" she cried. They met and gave each other a big hug. "Red, I'm so glad you came." Jack whispered.

So that bit didn't answer any questions, did it? It just added more. Have I painted myself into a corner here? Where the heck did Grandpa come from -- and why? He just popped into my head when they got off the train. 
I just noticed that I need to be more careful about verb tense here. I haven't given it any thought before now but is it better (more powerful) to tell the story in past tense or present? Pick one and stick to it. I have been using past tense, simply because it feels easier to use the word 'said' instead of 'says' or 'is saying'. I think it sounds more normal. 

The Travels of Jack Pynesapp - Book 2: Red and Jimmy - Chapter 2; Arthur

This is 35 in a series of blogs chronicling an expedition into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. To read the entire story (with notes) please see the JackPynesapp web site: [ click here ]

Travels of Jack Pynesapp: 

Book 2: Red and Jimmy

Chapter 2; Arthur

 

"What was up with those two?" Red asked Jimmy after they had settled back in their seats.

"I know. You'd think they were married or something."

"She wouldn't let him finish a sentence."

"She wouldn't let him start one, you mean."

They both laughed as Red tucked her legs up under her and she kneeled on the seat and then leaned close to Jimmy and gave him a quick kiss.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Why does it have to be for anything? I just felt like kissing you. Okay?"

"Yeah, I mean -- well -- yes. It's great. Thanks."

"Thanks?" Red leaned back against the wall and gave Jimmy a look of mock indignation.

"You know what I mean."

She slid back over and hugged him around the neck. "We'll never be like that, will we?" She cooed.  

"Like what?"

"Like those two, I mean like -- I'll never be like that. You know, like an old married couple."

"They're not married."

"Yeah, but they act like they are - you even said." Red protested. "Well she acted like it, anyway. I feel sorry for him."

"Yeah, I know. But the good thing is that they're not married. If he's got any sense he'll stay away from that."

"But he looked pretty innocent -- babe in the woods, like. You know like he's never been anywhere or done anything but work his whole life."

"You believe that?"

"Yeah - well I think. Why wouldn't I?"

"Whole story seemed pretty weird, is all. Didn't it?"

"I can see it happening, though. You see his cloths?"

"What?"

"The cloths looked brand new -- still had the folds from the package. And those jeans were still stiff they were so new."

"You were checkin out his pants?" Jimmy laughed.

"Yeah," Red gave him a punch in the shoulder, "I was checking him out." She laughed, mockingly.
Jimmy reeled back and grabbed his shoulder in mock pain. Then he laughed and said; "you ever get like that, I'll just have to kick your butt."

"Like to see you try." She laughed as she leaned back and put up her dukes in mock defense. 
Then they noticed the little boy watching them over the seat in front of them. They both growled at him and laughed as his head disappeared behind the seat back.

Red un-tucked her legs and sat down in her seat. As she settled in, Jimmy leaned over to kiss her hair and at the last second she turned and kissed him on the mouth. Then she laughed and said; "If I ever act like that you'd better kick my butt."

Jimmy put his arm around her shoulders, they both put their feet up on the seat back in front of them as she snuggled within his arms. 

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

"How fast do you think we're going?" Red asked after a while.

"Well if it really only takes 14 hours to get to L.A. we must be averaging around 200 miles per hour."

"Averaging?"

"Yeah. So with all the stops, we must be going a lot faster than that, most of the time."

"Seems like we're hardly moving."

"It's pretty smooth."

"It's because we're basically flying, you know."

Jimmy and Red both looked at a middle-aged man who was sitting in the seat across the isle from them. He continued; "I don't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation but I couldn't help myself."

"So I see." Jimmy looked over at him and frowned.

"I mean, It just sounded like you were surprised at how smooth the ride is -- for a train."

Jimmy put his feed down and sat up in his seat. "What do you mean, flying?"

"Well not really flying, of course," the man laughed, "I mean we're still on the tracks -- sort of. "

"You mean it's mag-lev?"

"That's what they used to call it, I guess. The man said. "See, it's not really magnetism any more -- it used to be, you know -- but now it's a form of gravity wave thing."

"What do you mean gravity wave?" Jimmy asked.

"Say, my name is Arthur." The man laughed and reached his hand across the isle towards Jimmy;  "Arthur Hale". Jimmy just looked down at it and frowned.

Red reached over Jimmy's lap and smiled at Arthur. As she shook his hand she said;  "My name is Andrea and this is James. Glad to meet you, Arthur." She frowned at Jimmy.

 "Yes, well how is it that you don't know about this stuff? I thought the kids now days knew all about technology."

"We're not much in to science, you know. We're musicians."  Red lied.

"Hmm." Arthur looked at them suspiciously. "So you're not interested in this." He said; "Well -- again -- sorry to interrupt."

"No." Jimmy protested. "We are interested. It's just that we've never been on a train but now that we are, we're very curious about how it all works." He looked at Red and said "Right?"
Red nodded and smiled.


 "Well," Arthur said, "lets not bother these people. Maybe we can find a spot in the observation car.  I actually know a little about this stuff and I wouldn't mind telling you as much as you care to know -- probably more, once you get me going, I'm afraid."
"Great." Red said.

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

They walked through two more coach cars to get to the observation car. All the booths were full; people playing cards, eating, drinking, or just talking.  The fading evening light, tinted glass of the windows, and speed of the train meant nobody was really 'observing'.  They were able to find a curved lounge seat that was vacant and the three of them settled in.

"So, " began Arthur,  "how does one become a 'musician'?"

"I thought we were going to talk about gravity waves and the like." protested Jimmy.

Arthur smiled and said, "I was just being sociable. I'm just interested in people, You know."

"That's sweet." Red said to Arthur as she gave jimmy a little smile. "Well you know, we were both in music in school and we kinda got together and started playing gigs for friends -- weddings and such. Well,  people kinda thought we were really good, and word spread and pretty soon we nad all the work we could handle."

"Yeah, that's pretty much it." Jimmy added. "Now what are these gravity waves."

"So what kind of music to you play?"

"Rock" Jimmy said at the same time that Red said; "Folk."

Red blushed and Jimmy said; "Folk/Rock." And Red added; "Yeah,  a mix-up sort of thing. Kinda our own creation, you know. Like I said, people really like it."

Arthur looked at them but didn't say anything.

Red broke the silence and said; "So Arthur, what do  you do?"

Arthur smiled and said; "I'm a consultant."

"What do you 'consult'?" Jimmy said.

"I head up a small company that basically hires out to industries that need novel solutions to unique  problems."

"I could've gotten that off your business card." Jimmy scowled. "What do you really do?"

Arthur gave them another long look. Then he leaned towards them and said softly; "I'll tell you what I really do if you tell me what you REALLY do."

"Like we said, Musicians." Jimmy protested.  "We're heading to LA for a gig."

"And you've never taken a train before." Arthur said.

"No," Red insisted, "actually, to be honest we've never played outside Chicago -- until now."

"Hmm", Arthur smiled but he didn't say anything as he fixed his gaze on the two of them.

Finally Jimmy said, "So, you were going to tell us how this train moves."

"Oh," Arthur said, "like I said -  it's a form of Mag-lev."

"But you said 'gravity waves'. You said it wasn't anything like Mag-lev." Jimmy said.

"Oh, did I?" Arthur said.

"Yes, you did" Jimmy insisted. He looked at Red and said - not so softly; "Let's go back -- uh, Andrea -- to our seat. I think this guy's full of it. Or he just likes screwing with people."

"Wait a second, " Arthur said, "I'm sorry if I have offended you. You know, I normally fly but every now and then I take the train because it gives me time to relax while I travel (I travel a lot, as you can probably imagine.)"

"Yeah, so?" Jimmy looked back at Arthur. " And that gives you the right to jerk us around?"

"No, not at all. But one of the things I most like about the train is that it gives you the chance to meet people you're traveling with. You know, get to know them. I was just trying to learn more about your lives."

"I'd say that's none of your business." Jimmy said.

"Oh lighten up Jimmy." Red said. "Give him a break, okay."

"So, you prefer 'Jimmy'" Arthur asked Jimmy.

"No, my name is 'James'" Jimmy retorted.

"I just -- Andrea called you Jimmy and I just thought..."

"Well, you're wrong. Red's the only one who calls me Jimmy!"

"I see. So these are just your pet names for each other, I guess." Arthur smiled; "I understand."

"I doubt it." Jimmy said.

"But I do," Arthur insisted, "like I said, I'm interested in people. Especially interesting people." Arthur smiled knowingly. "So Andrea, is anyone but James allowed to call you 'Red' ?"

Red smiled and said; "No, Arthur, pretty much everyone calls me 'Red'. And it's okay if you do too."

"Well I can understand that." He looked at Jimmy. "I really can." And back to Red; "The name seems  very apropos."

"What?" Jimmy laughed, "Who uses the word 'apropos'?"

"Actually, pretty much everyone." Arthur countered. "It's a very common. Especially when it's apropos." Arthur quietly snickered at his own joke. 

Red was getting a little uneasy about how this conversation was going and she was thinking that Jimmy's idea of going back to their seats wasn't such a bad idea. This guy was getting a little too close for comfort.

Then she said; "Well Arthur, its been a pleasure to meet you but I think Jimmy's right; we should go back now."

Arthur sighed and said; "Okay Red, if you insist. But believe me that I'm sorry if I offended you. I tend to be a little to forward at times. It's just that in my line of work I don't have the luxury of beating around the bush. I have to be direct and to the point. Time is money, you know. Especially when the people you are talking to are paying you for advice."

"That's what I've been saying all along," Jimmy said, "get to the point. I'll bet your customers don't pay you to 'beat around the bush' prying into their personal lives."

"On the contrary, James. This sort of inquiry is critical to good consulting. After all, communication is most effective when the parties share a common understanding of each others background and level of understanding. You know the saying. 'know your audience.'?"

"But we're not your clients." Red said "All we want to know is how this train moves."

Jimmy added; "And you did offer to tell us. Remember? Isn't that why you brought us here?"

"Yes, that's true. And again I apologize for old habits. Please understand that in my line of work I am dealing with information that is mostly considered either proprietary or top secret by my customers. I have to be very careful about what I disclose and to whom."

"But we're not like foreign spy's or corporate snoops," Jimmy protested.

"But how do I know that? You haven't been honest with me so far."

"We've been honest." Red lied.

"Oh come on, " Arthur scoffed, "musicians? Really?"

At this Jimmy grabbed Red's hand and pulled her up and after him as he began to walk away.  Red  looked back and said; "Good bye, Arthur."

"I've got some time to spare, can I come and see your show?" Arthur called after them.

Jimmy turned and said; "You wouldn't like it." and kept walking out of the observation car.

After they had gone through the doors Arthur said to himself; "But you said 'people really like it'."

Okay, now I've done it. I have to figure out what sort of thing a "gravity wave" is and how do you make a train "fly" on one.  
And why are Red and Jimmy making up this story about being musicians? 
Thankfully the train doesn't reach L.A. for a few more hours so I have some time to think about these things. 

It's Okay

Trump is the 'bad boy' your teenage daughter started dating. You keep telling yourself; "Don't worry; it's just a passing phase."

She keeps telling herself; "Don't worry; I'm just having a little fun (and it will show them I'm sick their rules.)"

Then one day she tells you; "Me and Donny eloped last night, I'm pregnant so we'll need to live with you guys for a while. Okay?"

The Travels of Jack Pynesapp - Book 2: Red and Jimmy - Chapter 1; Night Train

This is 34 in a series of  chronicling an expedition into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. To read the entire story (with notes) please see the JackPynesapp web site: [ click here ]

Travels of Jack Pynesapp

Book 2: Red and Jimmy

Chapter 1; Night Train

"Dinner reservations?"
The voice filled a gap in the song that was playing in her earbuds and Red opened her eyes to see a man walking down the isle towards their seats.  She nudged Jimmy; sitting next to her. He reached up and pressed the pause button on the wire to his ear buds and looked at her;
"Huh?".
"Let's eat in the dinning car tonight."
"That's so expensive." He grunted.
"I know," She said,  "but I don't feel like a sandwich in the snack bar. And anyway, shouldn't we see if the food is a good as they say it is?" 
"Alright, but you pay."
She laughed and whispered; "Right." Then she touched the man on the arm as he was walking by her and she said; "We'll take six o'clock."
"I only have 5:30, 6:30,  and 7:00 reservations left."
"We'll take 5:30, "she said, "I'm starving." She looked at Jimmy; "Is that alright?"
"Fine." He sighed.
The man wrote something on a small piece of paper and handed it to Red. "Okay, you have a reservation for two at 5:30 in the dining car."
"Cool!" Red squeaked. The man walked on and continued calling; "Dinner reservations?"
The little boy, who was sitting with his mom in the seat in front of them was looking over the seat back at Red. He looked hungry. Red smiled at him and giggled. Then looked at Jimmy and said; "Isn't this exciting?"
Jimmy grunted.
"Won't this be fun?" She said. "I've heard the food is really good in the Dining car."
Jimmy smiled at her and said; "I know, you said that." Then he clicked off the pause, settled back in his seat and closed his eyes. "We'll see."
"I can't wait." She said to the little boy. He disappeared down behind his seat back.

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

When they entered the Dining car the attendant motioned to them to sit at the table he was standing next to.  There was already someone sitting in the booth, across from the seat where the attendant was pointing.  Jimmy gave Red a puzzled look. Red smiled back and nodded. She'd heard about this custom on trains; if there are only one or two in your party you will share a table with someone else.

So Jimmy and Red slid in the booth across from an older couple who looked up from their menus, smiled brightly,  and said; "Hi." As if they were-long lost friends.

It turns out that this couple weren't a couple after all. They were traveling alone and had been seated next to each other. They had only met at lunch -- when they had also been seated together -- so they already knew each others story.

The waiter was right there and handed each person a long narrow sheet of paper. "Please fill in the bottom with your car number and room number and sign your name. "

"We're in coach." Red said.

"Then just put your car number." The waiter smiled.

He collected the papers, took our drink orders, and walked away. 

"Meals are included with the rooms." The lady said. "I'm Alice and this is Bill. Bill and I met at lunch and now we've been seated together again. Isn't that lucky?"

Bill smiled at Alice and nodded. "What are the odds?" he said.

"Hi, I'm Andrea and this is James." Red smiled at Jimmy. "We already met, too."

"In high school." Jimmy added with a laugh.

"Are you married?" Alice asked.

"Two years." Red said.

"Is this your first train ride?"

"No, I wouldn't say that." Red laughed.

"Not exactly." Jimmy added.

"But it's our first time on this train." Red explained.  "This is our first time on the Coastal Express."

"It's Bill's first time as well." Alice said. She looked at him and asked; "Right?"

"That's right." He said  "I've always wanted to take the train but I've never had time to travel before now."

"Too busy." Alice added. "Bill's never traveled at all until now."

"Never been out of Seattle before now." Bill added.

"Your kidding, " Red said, "you've never been out of Washington state?"

Alice bubbled; "He's 72 years old and he's never even been out of Seattle - not just Washington state - Seattle. He's never been out of the city. Can you believe it?" 

"Why haven't you ever left Seattle?" Red asked.

"He said he was too busy with work and all, you know." Alice said.
Bill added; "When I retired I sold everything and bought a train ticket and I've been traveling ever since."

"Sold everything?" Jimmy asked. "Why, are you dying?'

Red turned to Jimmy and gave him her 'be nice' look. 

"No, no, no, nothing like that." Bill laughed. "I just retired and I wanted a change."

"He sold his house and all his possessions." Alice bubbled.  "He even gave away all his cloths and furniture - everything that he couldn't sell he gave away. Everything he couldn't give away he just left behind. Isn't that incredible?"

The waiter brought the drinks and waited for their food orders.

"You should have the steak." Alice suggested. "I've had it before and it's great."

"I take it this isn't your first time." Red as she ordered the steak.

"Oh good heavens no." Alice laughed.

Jimmy and Alice ordered the steak and Bill ordered the fish. "I'd like to try something different." He said apologetically. 

"Why am I not surprised." Red smiled.

The waiter left.

"So, Bill, " Red asked, "where have you're travels taken you so far?"

Bill paused a second, glanced at Alice and when she didn't say anything, he answered; "Well first thing, I flew out to New Jersey to see my Son and his family."

"It was his first ever time on an airplane." Alice chimed.

"Figures." Jimmy looked at Red, smiled and looked like 'what?'.

Bill continued; "Well, you know I just figured why not splurge and take a plane. I have tons of money now and I can afford some luxury."

"Well what did you think of flying?" Red asked.

"Have you ever flown?" Alice asked.

"Not here." Jimmy glanced at Red.

"So how was it?" Red persisted. She didn't want the conversation to take that turn.

"You see me here right -- on the train -- that should answer that."

"He said it was terrible." Alice said. "There were long delays. The plane was and hour late getting there. Once he got on the plane they had to wait another hour to take off."

"Some sort of mechanical problem." Bill interrupted. 

"You're kidding." Red looked at Bill -- hoping Alice would get the hint and shut up.

She didn't. "I know, " She continued, "and once he was on board, his seat was uncomfortable and he was wedged between two executive types who had had a little too much to drink."

"It was very uncomfortable." Bill added.

Alice continued; "He said they were vulgar and loud and kept harassing the stewardesses. Can you imagine?"

"I've heard stories like that about flying." Red said.

"Well, I'd never fly again." Bill said.

"Why would you?" Alice laughed. "Trains are faster, much more comfortable, have much better service."

"Faster?" Jimmy laughed. "Really?"

"Of course." Alice laughed. "I don't mean that trains go faster than planes. But don't forget that they have to take off and land, taxi to the terminal, sometimes wait -- like Bill said -- a long time to get access to the runways."

"And don't forget about delays for weather and all that." Bill added.

"Trains just stop, pick up and drop off and then they go again. No delays. It only takes a couple minutes and they're back on the way -- full speed ahead." Alice said.

"But there are a lot more planes." Jimmy said. "So the service has to be better."

"Not really," Bill said. "Take this Coastal Express service for instance. They run a train every two hours from New York and Los Angeles -- and back."

"And pretty much the same service between all the major cities." Alice interrupted.

"And, " Bill continued, "with all the stops it takes a bit longer over all, but even so 14 hours coast to coast isn't that bad."

"Once you eat, take a nap or - like on this overnight run -- you can get a bed and sleep off this great meal." Alice said.

"And when you wake up you have time for a cup of coffee and a roll and you're in LA." Bill said.

"All relaxed and ready for the new day. You can't say that about a plane.' Alice laughed.

"That's for sure -- that's for damn sure." Bill said.

"Bill!" Alice scolded.

Bill smiled sheepishly as the waiter arrived with their food. They began eating and the conversation took a temporary back seat to the yummy sounds of four travelers enjoying a good meal.