Sunday, March 1, 2009

The Old Firm XVI: A SteamPunk Tale

John grasped the pole tightly as Rebecca maneuvered the constables steamer among the lorries and foot traffic racing towards the train station slowly looming closer a column of smoke rising thick and black into the granite sky of Aberdeen. Stefania clung to MAureen as they were whipped about, violently wrenched as Rebecca jerked the steering rods to avoid a pile up never cutting back on the steamers speed.

"I do not understand why that," Stefania paused as she let out a gasp as the steamer turned and ran over an apple cart sending the ripe red fruit tumbling the spring scent of apples filling the air, "She caught hold the pole, 'Why that constable didn't want to help us."

John grinned. 'Unfortunately m'dear, our work is a bit on the shady side, oh don't worry, we're completely legal, we do answer to his majesty after all, but well, it is best that we do not maintain relations with the local constables."

"I...I do not understand."

Maureen grinned. 'The constables due to low pay have a tendency to be involved with those we often must arrest."

Stefania's lips formed a silent o of understanding.

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Master M grinned as the chromed splendor of Wallace's Chariot pulled out of its siding onto the main track. The smoking ruins of lorries and pods lay behind him their boilers popping rivets from the heat as plumes of smoke boiled into the sky.

"Wireless for you sir," a black clad minion said softly his partner carrying a large antenna strapped to his back.

Master M took the receiver and placed the headphones over his ears. "All is according to plan," he said into the receiver.

"Good, we've had some trouble on our side, a Steede and Miss Peele have set back some of our plans here in Britannia," the cultured voice on the other end said. "Bloody dreadful business, lost some good operators because of them."

"Will you be able to meet me at the border?" Master M asked. "We have the the cargo loaded it's lead shields intact."

"Our men will be there, the Duke has moved his personal regiment north to facilitate your needs. "

"Be a bit hard to hide his involvement with them mucking about," Master M growled frowning at the thought of Whitehall being involved.

"We are dealing with fissionables, " the cultured voice replied. "The Duke will not take any chances. He's already upset over the attraction your actions have drawn with the explosions and what not."

"The Duke needs to follow orders," spat Master M. "His buffoonery is troubling and will result in open warfare. Need I remind you that was the one outcome we agreed to prevent at any cost?"

"Events have made that outcome the more desirable since we last spoke."

"More desirable? You think removing the Marshall and his staff will throw the border in disarray?" Master M spoke with disbelief. "The crown here has had their lackey's on us from the beginning you imbecile!"

"Care there old boy, lest you forget, we have all your remaining elixir and have no qualms with destroying it," the voice said in cold tones.

"I haven't forgotten," Master M hissed. "And you will pay one day for your arrogance," he ripped the headphones from his head and tossed down the receiver. "Everyone on board, we're making a run for the boarder.

To Be Continued......