"I'm Jim Kenley. That's Bob. Say--any of you folks phone Bob's outfit
he got hurt or something?"
"No." The figure came nearer, growing in perspective. "I believe it is
time to inform you it would be somewhat difficult to notify anyone in
your period of time what happened. You are now existing in the year
3300."
The pit of Bob's stomach grew chill. Somehow, he had felt from the
moment of awakening, that he had left either his space, or his time
zone. It fit too well with that presentment, and the brief glimpse of
their kidnapers. And as his alert mind began to grasp their situation,
Bob went through panic. There were so many things he wanted to
complete, to eat, to see. There was a girl, not disturbing him yet, but
nevertheless in the background. There was his whole world, the one he
knew, and that was the world in which he wanted to live, and die. Bob's
curiosity wasn't to explore space. He wanted to better fellow men, and
gain information for them. He wondered if Jim could get the staggering
impact of this calm announcement of their fate.
Jim's reaction was typical. "Baloney. You gotta damned good act,
brother. And I don't know why you're rehearsing on us." Jim sprang out
of bed. "Come on, Bob. Let's get out of this booby hatch." In tight
fitting pajamas of strange fabric, he started around his bed. He struck
an object, bounded back. Whatever it was, Bob couldn't see it. As for
Jim, swearing, fists doubled, he charged. This time he went back and
struck the floor, turning a complete somersault.
The man on the screen chuckled. "Some take it easy. Some don't.
Winslow, I perceive you understand more readily, till you get a more
complete explanation. Good. Rest assured you shall get it. Now, if you
and your companion walk directly to this screen, I promise you entry to
your future quarters. Go there, put on clothing you will find, and wait
your summons to food."