Big Ben

The clock tower in question was otherwise known as Big Ben.  It had been lifted from Earth to Kepler's Ring after the relocation of humanity.  Big Ben had always served as the universal keeper of time, no matter what time zone you lived in on Earth.  So, when it came to deciding how time would be kept on a giant ring in space, it made sense to use it.  Big Ben was built using a special material of clear crystal bricks.  This meant that you could easily see the inner workings of the gears, slowly turning inside the giant clock tower.  And at the top of the tower, a giant titanium bell that would ring twelve times at the start of each official new day.

According to legends, Newton was instrumental in the initial design of the clock tower.  Construction of the tower took place in New York City, and the tower was completed in 1805.  The building of the tower ended the long war between the Republic of Newton and the United States of America.  Newton would continue to consolidate his power all over the world, being named king, president, prime minister, and emperor of several different countries.

The only real challenge to Newton's dominance would come along in 1908, when Albert Einstein would create a weapon powerful enough to kill a God.  

[I'm not sure if all these dates and details are confusing you, My Friend.  And if things transpired a little differently in your world, you'll have to excuse my ignorance.  But these things are of public record in my world, and when something is written down as history, one dare not question its validity.]

Surrounding Big Ben was Central Park.  It was the only place like it on the whole Ring.  No roads, no mechanical horses, no factories, and no advanced technology allowed.  All technology was strictly prohibited.  A place to go if you hated people fiddling with tablets.  A place to go if you hated the robot companions.  A place where scientists like me would rarely be seen.

Another thing to note was the completely different dress code.  No brown suits or lab coats would be seen here.  Outside Central Park were private booths to change into the correct attire.  I now walked through the park in a sharp black suit with a neat bowtie.  I had a top hat and a cane to twirl.  And I must admit, I found the new attire to be quite handsome.

And Lady Freud was a stunning sight to see.  A black and red dress that only went down to the knees.  The pale white shoulders were barely covered by a strap.  And the middle part of her dress was tightly tied to accentuate her very large breast size.

Standing behind her to her right, was a woman in a maid's outfit.  That must be one of her many servants.  The woman had short blond hair, and while pretty, was outshone in all aspects compared to the Lady Freud.

[My Friend, I have come prepared today.  Last night I had been outwitted and outsmarted in all manner.  My brain had been on overload back then.  But not now.  I was completely calm, almost without any emotion in any part of my body.  My Friend, I had found the answer to my prayers, a concoction of chemicals that would knock out a real horse!]

So, while I was happy in my brain at the sight of Lady Freud, it was as if I were outside my body controlling a manikin.

"Lord Kepler."  Lady Freud made a curtsy.  The maid behind her did the same.  I made a short bow and gave a slight nod to the maid in attendance.  The made for her part gave a slight blush and covered her hand with a fan.

"It seems you have an admirer, Lord Kepler."  The maid was now completely behind her mistress.  I would have laughed, but I just placidly nodded my head.

"Her name is Trina.  She has been working for me for a couple years now.  But she gets flustered anytime she sees such a handsome man."

"I promise not to bite."  Trina came out from behind Lady Freud, but she was still waving her fan at one hundred kilometers per hour.

Lady Freud handed Trina a notebook and an old fashioned fountain pen.

"Trina will be keeping notes as we talk.  Come take my arm."

Without a step of hesitation, I gracefully hooked my arm around Lady Freud's.  From there, we started walking around the park. 

"Lord Kepler, I'm so happy you agreed to come out with me today.  A lot of men seem absolutely  intimidated by my overe."

"It's my pleasure as a fine gentleman to take such a fine lady out."

  "Lord Kepler, it's not just circumstance that brought us here together."  Lady Freud's hand squeezed mine tighter, and I felt her body come closer to mine.

"I would hope not."

"Well to be honest, it had to come sooner or later.  My parents have reminded me recently that I need to find a suitable husband, one with high standing in the scientific community."

"I see...."  I felt my consciousness drift further from my body.  Like a white light was becoming brighter.

"Well, I wouldn't mind marrying you, Lady Freud.  You have a fine bosom."

Lady Freud almost lost a step, which was unusual for a person with her level of composure.  Trina's face was now completely hidden, and I had no idea what she was thinking.

"I see you're a man of fine taste, Lord Kepler.  I can guarantee that if we wed, they will be of full use to you.  I just have one tiny concern."

"I'm all ears."

"Well, you seem to have seen in questionable parts of town.  Like the old district, where no one lives...."

I paused a second.  That was where I kept Tesla's Globe hidden.  How did she know I was going there?  I couldn't think clearly, so I ignored it for the moment.  A downside to being so overly drugged.

"Another concern is your relationship with William Einstein."

"Einstein, well, he's another High Lord."

"I'm aware, but his reputation....  Well, I don't know how to put it.  He doesn't admire my bosom like a man should."

"I'm not sure how a man couldn't admire your bosom."

"Well, I think that puts that issue at rest at least.  But what were you doing in Old Town?"

 "Research into the Athenites."  The lie slipped off my tongue easily.

"The Athenites?"  Lady Freud seemed surprised.

"Yes, it's a matter that I am looking into for the church, but to be honest, I have my own reasons to be curious about this faction."

"Interesting...."  Lady Freud looked interested.

But before our conversation could continue, I fell down and had a short nap.