Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Chase of the Saltire Conclusion


The thrum of the twelve Rolls Royce twin turbo props made the bridge of the airship Tesla vibrate with power. Master M swiveled his command chair and examined the cards of data being spat out by the Babbage Machine he had installed after procuring the Tesla.

“Yes, The Saltire is nearing landfall,” his narrow fingers clutched a card, “finally I will be rid of McBride and his pesky women!”

Master M rose and reached for his cane shuffling towards the dual wheels that steered the Tesla. “Bring us about and prepare the men for action!” His voice carried through out the airship.

Grant stood at his post at the main gangplank of The Saltire. “Who gets to be the first one out? Big Mikey? You would think so, we could cover three men behind him,” Grant groused as the airship descended towards the open field.

John and Rebecca waited at the edge of the field as the airship descended. The winds whipped John’s Hunter tweed kilt about his legs as the roar of the airships engines grew closer.

“Maureen is keeping an eye on our shadow’s,” rebecca said as tiny figured leaped from the descending gangplank a hemp line trailing him as he began to secure the airship for landing.

“Where is Stefania? I didn’t see her at breakfast,” John said as he adjusted his waistcoat.

“She went out with Jock for a spot of fishing, seems she’s taken to it like…” Rebecca paused.

“Like a fish to water?” John grinned. ‘Jock has that effect on people.”

Rebecca swatted his shoulder playfully and collected her folio. “Looks like our man grant was the first one out.”

“Yes, I do recognize that rubber chicken sporran of his and is that kilt leather?”

‘Oh my well that answers that question!”

“The winds are a bit...breezy today,” John agreed as they approached the gangplank.

Grant stood at attention as aAnache and Big Mikey descended the gangplank. “Welcoming committee to greet us Captain,” he said loud enough to be heard over the throb of the motors.

“Thank you Grant, I can see that,” Panache acknowledged. “Big Mikey, can you have the galley send down a light snack? I think our discussions will take some time, oh, and include plenty of liquid refreshment, talking is such thirsty work.”

“Aye Captain,” Big Mikey snapped off a smart salute and hurried back into the belly of The Saltire.

Steede peered down from his vantage point in a tall pine his magnifier showing the scene in crystal clarity. “Miss Peele, care to join me for a spot of bird watching?”

“The birds you like to watch are not to my tastes,” she replied as she sat behind the wheel of the horseless steamer they had procured.

“Oh I don’t know, there is enough variety for all tastes!” Steede called back down.

“Focus on the mission Steede!” Peele replied as she adjusted her heavy leather overcoat.
Panache stepped onto Alban soil and extended his hand in greeting. ‘Captain Panache of the airship Saltire”, he announced.

“John McBride, Alban Ministry of Aeronautics,” as he took Panache’s hand. ‘What brings you to our fair country?”

“A small matter really, we as descendants of Albans wish to tour the homeland in our airship,” Panache smiled as he led them to a table Big Mikey had set up. Food and drink covered the table which was protected from the winds by a temporary barrier Grant had erected.

“Why not just go through the Ministry of Border Relations then?” John asked as he sampled some caviar. ‘My, this is quite good.”

Panache smiled. “We do try to maintain the basic necessities even when away from more...civilized settings.”

Rebecca stepped forward. “This is just a formality, but with all the trouble between Britannia and her colonies, we do require assurances about your presence.” She gave Panache a smile.

“Of course, we have no interest in being embroiled in matters that do not concern us, we just want to travel the world.” Panache grinned as he settled in his chair gin and tonic in hand.

“Master M! Radar has spotted out target! “ came the shout of a black clad minion.

Master M grinned. “Good, begin our descent. Turrets! Prime for operation!”

Hydraulics hummed as four turrets turned as The Tesla descended through the sparse cloud cover rapidly descending towards the ground.

“Captain!” Ensign mender’s shout came from an open porthole of The Saltire. “We have unknown contact!” he pointed towards a dark shape descending rapidly.

Bloody hell!’ John exclaimed as he grabbed Rebecca and moved her away from the table.

“Quick! All crew aboard!” Ordered Panche as Big Mikey quickly gathered the food and drink up and folded the table and chairs. “Grant! Cut us loose!”

Grant began to release the landing anchor when shouts drew his attention to the sky and the approaching airship. Bright flashes spouted from the airship as it approached the rapidly buzz of weapons fire crashing through the air. Swearing, Grant drew his dirk and began to saw away. With a snap the hemp broke loose and Grant grabbed the end and made a leap for the rising gang plank his boots barely gripping as The Saltire began to rise. Panting he turned to face the approaching airship and let out a gasp, the fiery trail of an ariel torpedo was tracing a path directly towards The Saltire.

“Damn you!” Grant shouted as he cranked the gangplank up as The Saltire began to rise. The strain of the engines against the prevalent winds made the airships entire frame shake violently.

“Come on! Up dammit!” Grant swore up and down as the gangplank retracted into its slot and the arial torpedo sped closer. “I’m too good looking to die!” Grant screamed as the crank whirred.

On the bridge Captain Panache gripped the steering wheel straining against the pull of the engines and the push of the winds. Rebecca had strapped herself into a spare seat while James clung to a strap by the far wall.

“Just here to visit?” James said to Panache as The Saltire groaned in protest as it began to rise slowly skyward the arial torpedo driving towards the airships heart.

“I assure you, this has nothing to do with us,” Panache spoke through gritted teeth.

“Gangplank is up captain!” Big Mikey called out from his station. ‘Grant got it up!”

“Good! Full engine thrust now!” Panache ordered as he spun the wheel hard.

Grant scrambled back from the locked gangplank towards his duty station. The explosion threw Grant hard into the wall shoulder crunching hard against the riveted metal.

“Damage report!” Panache called out as he steadied The Saltire.

“Sensors down captain! Ensign Mender called out. No hull leaks so far!”

“Crew status?” Panache asked as he turned The Saltire about and heading towards the coast.

“No word from Grant,” came the response. “Get someone down in the cargo hold to check for damage! Panache ordered.

Grant rolled onto his back panting and gasping. The his of escaping air could be heard over the throb of the engines. Grant turned his head and let loose with a string of oaths. “That’s my best sporran! He raged as he took in the scene before him. The explosion had punctured the hull and his rubber chicken sporran had snapped loose. Sucked into the gap and filling the puncture, the chicken head stared back at him, beak open in a silent scream.
“Grant! Big Mkey called out as he rambled around the corner. ‘You ok? You didn’t respond to the crew call in!”

“Look what they did! My best Sporran! Grant was red with rage. “They all will pay! That cost me a years wages!” He shoved past Big Mikey and raced towards his quarters leaving Big Mikey standing there perplexed.

“Premature detonation!” announced the radar operator to master M.

“Blast government contracts, “ Master M rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Full power to the engines! I want that airship brought down at all costs!”

Jock and Stefania stood on the bank, their poles in hand, staring up at the commotion taking place in the windy sky. Across the from them stood Steede and Peele, glasses and bird guides in hand.

“This is not good,” Jock said as he began to pack up the fishing gear. “This is definitely not part of the plan.”

Stefania gathered her skirts in her hand as she hurried off towards the steamer with Jock keeping pace behind her. “We must hurry!” she called out her Italian accent coming to the for when she was excited.

“Yes, yes, all in due hasre,” Jock said as he carefully packed away the poles and gear. “Oh my, they packed the ‘92 bottling? I really must have a word with my butler, I specifically requested the ’79!”

“Get in! Stefania called out as the steamers boiler reached full boil, belching gouts of thick black smoke from its stack.

“Tally ho!” Jock cried out as he grabbed a hand rail as Stefania released the brakes and the steamer leaped forward throwing dirt and grass in its wake as she steered it down the rough track towards the airships. “I say, this reminds me of India!” Jock called out over the wind as Stefania careened between ruts and rocks, barely missing tree’s as Jock clung to the hand rail whooping with enthusiasm .

“Well, this is quite a pickle. Didn’t see this happening,” Steede said as he opened his bird guide. “Quite the extravaganza we’ve come across.”

“Shall we retire to the steamer?” Peele said with a twinkle, “this should make for an interesting day drive.”

“Allow me,” Steede grinned tipping his hat to her.

Grant ran past Ensign Mender and onto the bridge. He ignored the shouts from the bridge crew and Captain Panache as he went to the emergency locker and busted open the lock.

“Grant, what has gotten into you?” Captain Panache asked as he tried to keep The Saltire under control.

“They ruined my best sporran! I’m going to make them pay!” Grant cried as he brandished the double barrel flare pistol widely about the bridge.

Shouts went up as the double barrels crossed all upon the bridge followed by cries of “Are ye daft! This is an airship!”

Rebecca slid the brass knuckles from the special pocket in her skirts, sliding them over her fingers and began to inch closer towards Grant.

Grant ignored the outcry and raced off the bridge, past Big Mikey, and down back into the bowels of the airship.

“Was that a crewman?” James asked looked around.

“In a roundabout sort of way, yes,” Captain Panache replied as he strained to bring the wheel about. “I want the engines at full throttle!”

Master M grinned. His airships engines were steadily overtaking The Saltire. “Prepare the grappling hooks! I wan to board her!” his grin was cold as he gripped his cane and rose from his command chair. “I will have my revenge,” he hissed loudly.

ock let out a whoop as Stefania passed him the rifled Double Barrel Mach IV Elephant gun. “I say, this is a hand crafted Weber! Delightful craftsmanship!” jock’s face was alight with glee as his hands gripped the gun.

“Hold on! I’m going to swing us around!” Stefania called out as she gave the steamer’s wheel a hard spin and lifted the rear wheels up and around sending sprays of gravel forward.

Jock snapped the Weber to his shoulder, spotted, and gave the double triggers a delicate squeeze. The explosion of the rounds boomed across the land as the recoil slammed into Jock’s shoulder. The rear prop of The Tesla sputtered and blossomed into smoking flame.

“Drat,” Jock muttered as he ejected the spent shells and inserted two fresh rounds. “Bloody wind.”

Stefania didn’t say anything as she grabbed the shifter, popped the clutch and the steamer leaped forward its boiler screaming as id caromed down the road towards the field.

Grant connected the safety line to his utility belt and popped the hatch that allowed access to the top of The Saltire. Swearing violent oath’s he braced his feet firmly so he was immobile facing towards the now smoking Tesla. He opened the double barrel flare pistol and removed the standard emergency flares. Out of his hidden pocket beneath the apron of his kilt, he took out two special shells. Shells he had spent months crafting.

“That’s it, come closer, I’ll teach you a lesson you will never forget! NO ONE DESTROYS MY RUBBER CHICKEN SPORRAN AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!”

“Such heroics,” Master M chuckled. “A grand gesture but futile in the end. All forward turrets, Fire upon that man!”

With a hydraulic whir the main turrets trained their guns on Grant. Shells were rammed home and ballistics presented firing solutions.

Grant aimed the flare pistol and fired the first barrel. The recoil knocked him back his leather kilt fly up as he landed on his back his booted feet kicking in the air. The shell screamed forward a trail of white smoke following as it collided with the main turret pod and exploded. The Explosion ripped open the pod sending men and metal spewing out into the atmosphere as The Tesla rocked and dipped.

Jock steadied the Weber as Stefania floored the steamer racing along the meadow. He squeezed the triggers as he sighted the dipping Tesla. The first shell missed the forward engine assembly and exploded far forward in a dazzling explosion raining shrapnel on The Saltire.

Grant cried out and swatted at his body screaming, “I’m on your side! Not me them! Don’t let your jealousy of my good looks take over! Them! Not me!” He kept gesturing at The Tesla.

“Who is that up there?” Stefania asked. “It looks like a manic monkey.”

“Only a lunatic would go out on an airship like that under these conditions,” Jock said as he reloaded the Weber. Another explosion ripped through The Tesla as Grant’s second shot took out the remaining forward turret pod. “Though I must say whoever it is, is getting in some lucky shots.” Jock hefted the Weber to his shoulder again.

Captain Panache arms were vibrating with the strain of the engines. “Ensign Mender! Prepare the crew for boarding action! I’m swinging us around!”

“Aye aye Captain!” Ensign Mender snapped off a proper salute and rushed to his station followed by Big Mikey.
John looked at Rebecca and raised an eyebrow. “This should be interesting<“ he said in a low voice. Rebecca nodded and gripped her brass knuckles.

“Ram them!” Master M as The Tesla sputtered, it’s engines bean to seize up as cut oil and fuel lines choked the life from them. “I will not be robbed again!”

Captain Panache spun The Saltire around and the powerful engines propelled the airship forward as Ensign Mender extended the boarding ramp and Big Mikey operated the ramming spike.

“Oh my that does not look good,” Jock said as the two airships hurtled towards each other.

James!” Stefania cried out as she could only gaze upwards and observe as the ramming spike shattered the bridge of The Tesla anchoring The Saltire to the wounded airship.

“Forward men!” Captain Panache ordered as his crew raced across the gangplank in a swirl of pleats, making quick work of the resistance they met with on the other side. John and Rebecca followed cautiously, knowing the deviousness of Master M.

Grant leaped forward onto the bridge landing among the shattered bodies of the bridge crew. He looked around and spotted Master M crawling towards an open escape hatch. “Oh no you don’t, you’re going to pay for what you did.” Grant brushed his golden flowing locks back from his face.

Master M looked back and let out a cry as his nails scraped against the metal deck. “NO! Don’t touch me!”

“Don’t worry,” Grant grinned as he slowly raised the flare pistol. Master M whimpered as Grant’s finger began to squeeze the trigger. The bridge exploded as the access hatch was blown. The shockwave sent Master M flying into the escape pod and knock Grant onto his back again his kilt flying up.

Captain Panache raced onto the bridge his blade at the ready.

“Is that Grant?” Big Mikey peered into the smoky bridge as he knocked two skulls together.

“No time to waste! Grab Grant and lets get out of here!” Captain Panache ordered.

Ensign Mender lifted Grant in his arms and the crew of The Saltire hurried back to their airship.

Jock and Stefania were waiting at the edge of the meadow as The Saltire disengaged and gently pulled away to land a few hundred yards away as The Tesla Drifted out over the sea and exploded as it skimmed over the waves.



Epilogue

Grant lay upon the hospital bed as the nurses began to treat his wounds. Miss Peele had assumed the position of head nurse at the last minute while Steede was examining the records. Grant moaned and knocked back hands as they tried to undo his kilt.

“Leave it on! Don’t touch it!” he cried as the pain killers began to take effect.

“Now sir, we need to remove it, you have wounds under there!” a nurse pleaded with him.

Miss Peele knew there was a pocket underneath where grant kept valuables. Steede thought that was where the plans they were sent to find may be hidden. Or at least that is what they had been led to believe by Mother. Deftly she thrust her hand beneath the kilt and suddenly stopped.

“Oh my!”

Grant’s cries of joy could be heard across the ward as patients and staff looked towards the emergency room.


Master M slid the coins across the counter as the station agent handed him the ticket to France. “Have a good trip sir,” the agent said without feeling.

“Oh I will,” Master M said, “I will.”




The End

1 comment:

lyon de clarasvals said...

Great conclusion, now the sequel?