Rob and his Little Black Notebook

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.

******************************************************************

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......

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Old Firm XV: A Steampunk Tale

Master M looked around as his men dragged the officers and staff before him, many bleeding from wounds to body and limb. He looked down upon them as they glared defiantly at him, some cursing in their native gaelic or heavily accented Britannian. He looked to his men. "Execute the traitors." Cries were cut short as shots rang out until the echo of their thunder faded. The blank eyes of the General stared out at him and Master M. smiled. To the rails!" he ordered as several trams pulled up his men kicking their lifeless drivers from the seats. "We have a border to cross."

Rebecca watched as the trams slowly glided don their tracks. "Maureen, get out the transponder and blast the emergency code, we need resources." She turned to Stefania. "If he hasn't come to in a few minutes I need you to start slapping his face, both cheeks hard." Stefania gasped her hand going to her lips as he looked from Rebecca to John and back.

"We don't have a lot of time. None of this is making any sense she indicated the dead men and the crashed airship with a sweep of her arm. It's more than a double cross but there is no reasoning behind it," she growled as she hiked her skirt and climbed the pile of rubble.

Maureen folded the tiny transmitter. "It's ok, she can be a bit blunt at times," indicating Rebecca, "but she knows her stuff, her and John go back a bit, served in intelligence together." She smiled at Stefania.

"This is all," Stefania paused her Italian accent even more pronounced, "hard to understand. I never expected anything like this."

Maureen grinned. "John has a very bad habit of leaving out large bits of information when he hires someone."

Stefania nodded. " I was looking for adventure but this, this I never expected."

A groan interrupted and both turned towards its source. John stirred his hand going to his head his fingers coming back spotted red. 'Bloody hell that hurts. I need a bloody drink."

"Then get off your arse so we can hop on down to the pub you cheap bastard." Rebecca growled from the rubble.

John opened his eyes and looked up. "Someone tell the pipers they can stop practicing," he groaned as he slowly rose on unsteady feet.

"A whistle pierced the air and all four turned to see a constables steamer racing towards them. "Ah good a ride." John smiled.

"Just a short one," Rebecca said as she hopped down off the rubble her skirts swirling about her ankles.

"Short one?" John looked at Maureen and Stefania.

"We are chasing after Master M still," Maureen answered.

"Ah yes that blackguard," John said shaking his head then wincing. "Where did he run off too now?"

"The trams he commandeered appeared to be heading towards the rail station."

"Really? Whatever for? He has a perfectly good airship..." John stopped seeing the twisted remains on the granite airfield. "Oh my, that isn't good."

"None of this is making any sense to any of us." Rebecca said.

"King and Country lass," John answered as he wobbled towards her, Stefania quickly catching up and placing a steadying arm on his shoulder.

Rebecca snorted as the constables steamer pulled up.