“I never suspected you could be so gallant,” Daniel said.


    “Mate, look at me. I’m fat and ugly. How do you think I get women so easily? The answer’s simple—I’ve got money and I talk a lot. Sometimes just the talking’s enough to get them into bed.”


    “Alright, but now you’re working your charm on robots too,” Daniel replied, feeling odd even having this conversation.


    “So what? She might be a robot, but her mind’s programmed from a human one. A woman’s, specifically. At least that’s how I’d do it. So whatever works on women out there works on this robot gal too.”


    “So what now? My boy’s got himself a date?”


    “Of course. I’m not about to let the lady down. I’ve got a whole plan for her in my head.”


    “What’d she whisper in your ear?”


    “Something about that Jake guy. Said he killed her husband. Which is weird to bring up right then—like I care.”


    “Didn’t she mention something about a hunt?”


    “Yeah, probably the bear hunt. It was him. Didn’t you see her eyes when we mentioned his name? They went wide. And they said robots don’t have emotions.”


    “Could she be setting us up for some kind of game? You’ve played video games—every character you meet gives you a quest. Maybe it’s the same here.”


    “Dunno, I don’t play games. I’m just going with the flow. I don’t care who killed her husband. I just wanna see what’s… you know, down there.”


    “So far, everyone’s behaving well,” Daniel said, not bothering to ask what Jasper meant by “down there.” He knew full well. “Some try to act tough, but it doesn’t quite work. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few weeks they start getting aggressive. Hope that ban on using weapons against humans is legit.”


    “That’s all we need—robots pulling guns,” Jasper said, shaking his head. Then that familiar grin crept back. “Mate, in my thirty-two years, this is shaping up to be the most interesting thing I’ve ever done. These robots have some kind of history between them. It makes this place even better.”


    “So you don’t regret not picking the Middle Ages anymore?”


    “Well, it’d have been fun there too, but another time. I’m a serious man now—I’ve got a date.”


    Daniel laughed. Back when Jasper lived with them, he’d fallen hard for someone—maybe one of his first big loves. He’d brought the girl over a few times to what was then Daniel and Emma’s home. She was pretty, sure, but unbelievably rude—talking with her mouth full, yelling, raising her voice, getting aggressive, and eventually passing out drunk. The night they’d had sex in the next room, there’d been screams and thumps. Come morning, Jasper was the one battered, yet he’d swagger out bragging about how great the sex was. After the fourth night like that, Daniel couldn’t take it anymore and gave him an ultimatum. Jasper wasn’t happy—blamed it all on Emma and stormed out. Less than a week later, he was back apologizing. Emma welcomed him like a repentant kid crying at her door. He’d dumped that girl and vowed never to fall in love again. He’d stuck to it so far, though his constant flirting got him kicked out a second time. After that, he blamed Emma again—and he was right; she’d been behind both evictions. But she’d never admit it.


    The bar appeared before them like it’d popped out of nowhere. Straight out of a movie—stone base, wooden upper half, a few horses tied out front, dirt everywhere, and double swinging doors. It was three stories tall, taking up a good chunk of the town. The sign above was purple and simply read “Victoria’s Bar.”


    Neither said a word. Almost dazed, they moved as one, pushed through the not-so-tall doors, and it was like they’d truly stepped into a new world. Time spun backward, and nothing outside mattered. This wasn’t a movie. Barnes had invented a time machine—not like H.G. Wells’ version, but something different.


    It was noon, and the bar wasn’t packed, though the space was plenty big. The swinging doors creaked lightly, adding to the realism. The wooden floor inside was dirty with scattered sand. The walls were decked with artifacts—bear and deer heads, weapons that looked more like prototypes. One section had wanted posters plastered up. To the right of the entrance, two older men at the bar glanced their way before returning to their drinks. A few women in the back chattered in high-pitched voices, while a man shouted somewhere about killing boars.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    “Wow, mate, it’s like the movies,” Jasper said, pointing at the posters. “Those are the wanted ones.”


    The massive bar counter was rough-hewn wood, and though the creators had aimed for authenticity, it still smelled faintly of fresh varnish. The bartender was a short man with a huge mustache and beard, dressed in a vest and shirt, looking like the Germans you’d spot at Oktoberfest. Behind him, shelves held a mix of bottles—most empty, just there for show.


    “Those are our people,” Daniel said, nodding at some tables. None of them wore gloves.


    “And they’re already drinking. Not a bad idea, come to think of it… but check out that babe at the bar.”


    “Didn’t you have a date later?” Daniel knew him too well. He just liked to poke at him.


    “Mate, you gonna ruin my fun here too?”


    The woman at the bar had long black hair, skillfully braided from the crown of her head nearly to the end, with purple ribbons dangling from it that matched the purple streaks in her outfit. Her floor-length dress hugged her figure, lending her an air of elegance. The deep neckline stopped where her corset began. She wore short sleeves but had black gloves. One hand rested on the bar, the other hung loosely by her side. She watched them, waiting.


    “Hey, handsome,” she said, turning to Daniel first. “What brings you here?”


    Daniel froze. He didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t her closeness that threw him—it was the idea of flirting with a robot. Right then, he envied Jasper’s ability to roll with anything.


    “Uh, we’re visitors,” he stammered, at a loss.


    “My friend means we’re new here,” Jasper cut in, always ready to save him. “And you, miss—what’s your name?”


    She smirked at Jasper—more mocking than polite.


    “I’m Violet, mister. This bar’s mine. So are the rooms upstairs. But forgive me, I don’t go for the burly type.” She brushed Jasper off with a wave and grabbed Daniel by the collar, pulling close. “Tell me, pretty boy, you like it here?”


    Jasper stood stunned off to the side.


    “Yeah,” Daniel said, feeling like a kid about to taste someone else’s lips for the first time. “We’re looking for a place to stay.”


    Violet pushed him back, her laughter growing louder.


    “I’m messing with you. Welcome to my bar. We’ve got everything you need. Mr. Phil will quench your thirst for booze, and my girls”—her tone slowed as she tracked their gazes—“will take care of your other cravings.”


    Violet winked. Jasper stared like a starving man who hadn’t eaten in days.


    “Girls?” His eyes widened.


    “Yep, sweetie. Whatever kind you want.”


    “Actually, we’d like to see our rooms first,” Daniel said, unable to keep up with Jasper’s appetite.


    “You’re the better-looking one, but also the duller. Your rooms are on the second floor. Together?”


    The purple-clad woman sipped from a glass on the bar, setting it back down. Her lipstick left a mark on the rim.


    “In what sense together?” Daniel asked.


    “Do you sleep together?”


    “No, no,” Daniel said, glancing at Jasper briefly.


    “Pity. I’ve always wanted to bed two men at once.”


    “Still can, miss,” Jasper jumped in. “We won’t touch each other—just you.”


    Violet chuckled softly.


    “I cost more than my girls. A lot more. So you’d better settle for them.”


    “What if I ask you on a date?”


    “Another one?” Daniel grabbed his sleeve. Jasper shook him off.


    “Looks like your chubby friend doesn’t mess around. You’d have to work real hard to get me.”


    She leaned back fully against the counter now. She seemed about their age, with faint wrinkles starting to show—or rather, whoever built her had added them. Her eyes were a deep blue, almost purple. Daniel had never seen that shade before and wasn’t sure it even existed.


    “Boys, keys are in the doors. Since you’re not together, rooms 204 and 205 are yours. Any questions, find me here or in room 101.” She glanced at Jasper. “But if you come to me, bring lots of money and flowers.”


    “Flowers? This place is a desert. Where am I supposed to find flowers?”


    “Exactly. I love flowers. But I love money more.”


    Violet walked off to other guests. Jasper grabbed Daniel’s arm and shook it.


    “Man, she’s even fiercer. Gets my heart racing.”


    “Another crush in less than an hour. Forgot they’re robots?”


    “Doesn’t matter, mate. A week here won’t be enough.”


    Daniel was thinking the same.