Ramon shrugged. “So make multiple trips, or go back to the Ballena and get launch boats.”
Cisneros shook his head. “I won’t risk the launches to these seas.” He pointed out to the white-capped waves and the ship rocking well off shore. “The Calamar may have enough fuel for one more trip after this one. There’s no way I can get everyone.
Fatemeh brought Cisneros and Ramon into a close huddle. “Can’t you make fuel aboard the Ballena? You have the lab.”
The captain shrugged. “It’s a matter of time and raw materials. I have a batch in process, but it’ll take at least three more days. Once the new batch is gone, I’ll have exhausted my raw materials.”
“Can you get more in Tokyo?” asked Ramon. “I want to return, tell them what’s happened.”
Cisneros rubbed his chin, then nodded. “I can. It’s a two-day trip, though.”
“That’s fine.” Ramon looked back to those nearby. Apodaca and Rodriguez craned their necks trying to hear what the three discussed in secret. “Mendeleev should accompany us as well as Hoshi. If they’ll listen to reason, maybe we can present our case to the Russian ambassador. Besides, it’s either three days waiting for you to make fuel or a four-day round trip. It doesn’t seem like much difference either way.”
Cisneros nodded. “That makes sense. Who else should I take? Fatemeh, I presume?”
Ramon nodded, but Fatemeh interrupted. “Some people are wounded,” she said. “You should take Shinriki, Ipokash and Resak back to their village.”
“Sakhalin Island’s far side is out of the way.” Cisneros folded his arms. “And that makes six people.”
“They’ll be better off on the Ballena than staying out here in the weather,” argued Fatemeh. “Someone can sit on the Calamar’s floor until you get back to the ship.” She lifted her chin, toward the Ballena.
“Corazón,” Ramon grabbed Fatemeh’s hands. “I need you. Why should you have to wait while I go?”
“These people need me and this is a job you can do yourself.”
“What about my crewmen?” Cisneros cast a glance toward Apodaca and Rodriguez who now looked glum and muttered among themselves as though they’d heard the plans.
“I’m impetuous, but I’m not stupid,” said Fatemeh. “They’re my insurance we’ll be here when you return. Aside from Shinriki, most suffer superficial wounds. I should stay and help, but most will be better in three or four days.”
Ramon glanced around at the wild terrain and the dark grey clouds lingering above. “Will you be okay out here? It feels like you could get snow.”
Fatemeh stepped over to Imagawa. She spoke a few halting Japanese words. Imagawa nodded and spoke. Fatemeh returned to the men. “She’s prepared to stay. Her men have camped in worse conditions than the Russian wilds in autumn.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Ramon.
“They need me,” said Fatemeh. “I think I can help Imagawa.”
Ramon cast a dubious glance her way, then nodded. “I’ll miss you, corazón.”
“It’s not the first time we’ve been apart.”
“Just the first time since we’ve been married.” He brought her close and kissed her. They parted and Fatemeh helped Ramon pack, then watched as the six people clambered aboard the submersible.
Captain Cisneros waited until the others boarded before he climbed the ladder. He waved and closed the hatch. A few minutes later, the Calamar chugged and churned, then rolled into the water. A short distance out, it began bobbing with the waves, then disappeared below.
* * *
Imagawa watched as Captain Cisneros’s strange submersible boat disappeared under the waves and she thought this new world might be stranger than she first imagined. She returned to her lean-to and decided the men would need to build better shelter if they were to wait four days in this wild place. Before doing so, she sat down to meditate on the last few days.
She thought about flying in the airship she called The Brazen Shark. She had freedom and power unlike any she had ever known. What’s more, she had succeeded in her goal. She set Japan on a course for war with Russia. If that course continued, there would be a place for her in the new society, she could achieve her old station after all.
If Hoshi and this Morales succeeded in stopping the war, promise remained. Fatemeh suggested she could carve a path for herself in this new society. She considered what the path might be. She liked nothing more than a sword in her hand, and how it became an extension of her arm, which forced her to focus. Perhaps she could open a dojo and teach girls swordsmanship. She liked the future such a generation might bring.
Prison time did not frighten her. If the Japanese deemed she must be executed for her acts, so be it. She had been prepared to die. Fatemeh may have done her no favor sparing her life. The strange woman may have accomplished nothing more than delaying her fate, but Imagawa conceded value existed in having options.
A man yelled out. Imagawa grabbed her katana and ran from the lean-to as Kanbei withdrew his sword from Rodriguez’s chest. The sailor looked down at the seeping wound in disbelief before his knees gave way and he crumpled to the ground.
“What are you doing?” Fatemeh’s voice trembled with hurt and rage as she started toward the fallen man. As she passed Nanbu, he snatched her around the waist and pulled her toward him with one arm. The other hand withdrew a revolver from his kimono.
“Miss Fatemeh!” Apodaca looked from his fallen comrade to Fatemeh and rushed toward her, drawing his own revolver.
Nanbu fired. The bullet struck Apodaca between the eyes, whipping him backward onto the hard ground.
Fatemeh struggled in Nanbu’s grip, but stopped when she felt the hot barrel of his pistol near her forehead.
“Let her go!” called Imagawa.
“No,” growled Nanbu. “You are welcome to wait here for the imperialists to return, Imagawa, but we are leaving.”
Imagawa barred her teeth. “Go if you must, but leave Mrs. Morales behind.”
“We travel through rough terrain without a guide. We need a healer,” he said.
Imagawa took a step forward and lifted her katana, but Nanbu pushed his pistol barrel into Fatemeh’s head for emphasis and she bit down a yelp at the seering heat. “I don’t intend to fight you with a sword,” said Nanbu. “You’re deranged. All the men see it. We will wait, watch, and see what happens in Japan.”
“It’s okay,” croaked Fatemeh. “I’ll go with them. I’ll find my way back, I promise.”
“I fear it’s a promise you won’t keep.”
Imagawa considered a direct confrontation, but calculated no way to win. That didn’t mean she couldn’t help. For now, she would let them go, no matter how painful. Nanbu didn’t give her tracking skills enough credit.
Chapter Sixteen
The Meiji Emperor
Ramon found Dmitri Mendeleev by the Ballena’s forward rail. The wind blew through the scientist’s shaggy, gray beard and hair. Ramon cleared his throat and Mendeleev turned and gazed at him through half-lidded eyes. “You’ve repaired your glasses.”
Ramon snorted a half-laugh. As before, Legion adjusted his brain chemistry so he understood despite the language barrier. “Captain Cisneros has some good mechanics aboard the ship. They fixed them up for me.” He stepped forward to stand next to the scientist. “May I ask what you’re thinking about?”
This time the scientist snorted. “We’ll be in Tokyo tomorrow. What do you think I’m considering? Will they execute me because I conspired with the pirates who attacked Hokkaido or will they execute me because they see me as a Russian who attacked them?”
“Rebel samurai held you captive. They have no reason to execute you at all.” Ramon placed his hands on the rail and looked out at the vast ocean.
“Perhaps they will just make me a prisoner,” mused Mendeleev. “I’m getting rather used to that.”
Ramon turned and narrowed his gaze, trying to understand what the scientist meant.
Whether Legion translated the idea to Mendeleev or the scientist just wanted to talk, he continued. “Before the samurai, Legion and his dreams of world unity held me captive.”
Legion’s surprise blossomed clear in Ramon’s thoughts. He echoed the alien’s question. “You saw yourself as Legion’s prisoner?”
“Wasn’t I?” Mendeleev shrugged, eyes forward. “Legion dictated everything I did. I insisted on taking the airship to Poronaysk so I could conduct experiments on air density and hydrogen. It gave me a chance to fly in the airships I designed. I hadn’t been allowed to do that during Legion’s regime.”
“What about the dream of world unity?” Ramon detected hurt in Legion’s silent query.
“It is a nice dream,” agreed Mendeleev, “but unity means little if people are not free to dream their own dreams and pursue their own goals.”
“I would have granted freedom, once unity had been achieved and the chance of humans destroying one another had been eliminated.”
“Czars and emperors everywhere have long made the same promise.” Mendeleev shook his head and closed his eyes.
Ramon considered Legion’s words and remembered his days as Socorro County Sheriff. Miners, farmers, and ranchers, all had their own uses for the land. Ramon didn’t believe those conflicts would end unless Legion controlled the people forever. “I think you’ve had it backwards, Legion. You thought unity would bring peace, but I think humans have to find peace first on their own, then unity has a chance to follow. That’s what I tried to convey in Sausalito.” That seemed ages ago, but it had occurred right before he returned to New Mexico and married Fatemeh.
“Indeed, I left and then Imagawa stole an airship and you implored me for help again.”
Ramon and Mendeleev looked at each other. “Thank you for your help. I’m not sure if we could have stopped her otherwise.” Ramon shivered and folded his arms. “I’m worried because Imagawa said she had completed her mission. Russia and Japan may yet go to war.”
“Do you think I should have intervened more?”
“It could have saved much trouble, yes,” conceded Mendeleev, who had been silent, “but now there is an opportunity for Russia and Japan to talk and work out differences, perhaps come to a stronger agreement than we would have if you just told Imagawa what to do.”
Legion remained silent for a long time. Ramon thought the alien had left, although where he’d go, he had no idea. “The universe is infinite,” said Legion at last. “I have never lost my capacity to learn. Everywhere I go, I discover new things. I should know intelligent beings have the capacity to learn as I do.”
“A good teacher guides, but does not provide the answers,” said Mendeleev.
“In answer to your question, Ramon Morales, I have many places yet to go. I am not bound to your world, but the truth is, I am somewhat lonesome. I see potential in humans to become like me, if they survive long enough. May I remain and observe a little longer?”
Ramon lifted his eyebrows. “Do we have a choice?”
“I grant you one.”
“Then remain,” said Mendeleev, “and we will try not to call on you too soon this time.”
Ramon’s head spun and he grabbed the ship’s rail to steady himself. As he recovered, he considered Legion’s comment about being lonesome. Just then, it struck him the swarm usually referred to itself as “we.” When had it started referring to itself in the singular? He filed the thought away and would consider it again later.
He looked over to Mendeleev. “The Japanese are good people. I will do everything in my power to keep them from executing or imprisoning you.”
This time Mendeleev’s brow knitted. He nodded as though he understood some, but not all Ramon said, then he spoke a few words in Russian. Ramon caught the gist of the scientist’s meaning and thought he understood one or two words. He believed he could learn the language in a few days if he applied himself. He wondered if Legion had done something to him or if the understanding was a side effect of Legion’s earlier translations.
The two looked at each other for a moment, then Mendeleev patted Ramon on the shoulder and walked away, beckoning for him to follow. The scientist led him below decks and knocked on a door. The Ainu woman, Ipokash, answered. Mendeleev spoke to her. She looked back at the bed, where Shinriki lay with a cloth on his forehead, his eyes closed, then stepped into the hall, pulling the door closed behind her.
Ramon turned around and knocked on Hoshi’s door. The farmer answered and bowed. “I want to assure Professor Mendeleev I will do everything possible to return him home.”
Hoshi pursed his lips. “The Japanese Lords may have a different opinion.”
“I’ve met two of them. They are good men as you are. Please tell him.”
Hoshi spoke the words in Japanese and Ipokash translated them into Russian. Mendeleev smiled, patted Ramon on the shoulder and said, “Spasibo.” The gratitude on the scientist’s face clarified the word’s meaning for Ramon.
* * *
Upon arrival in Tokyo, Captain Cisneros summoned a dock worker and gave him a message for Katsu Kaishū. He then gave a list of chemicals to Boatswain Balderas. “I want everything you can manage aboard by lunchtime.”
Balderas grinned. “Getting ready for a round-the-world voyage?”
“Just about,” said the captain.
By mid-morning, Lord Katsu’s mechanical man rolled across the gang plank and handed a letter to the boatswain, who carried it to the captain. Cisneros read it, nodded and looked up. “Round up Morales, Masuda, and Mendeleev. Lord Katsu has agreed to see them.”
Fifteen minutes later, the captain strode to the deck and found the men gathered around Lord Katsu’s automaton. The mechanical man rolled across the gang plank and led them to a coach with no horses. All marveled at the sight except for Ramon, who cringed. The mechanical man opened the coach door and the four men climbed aboard.
The automaton closed the door, then grabbed the shaft and ran through the streets. Cisneros studied the men in the coach. Ramon gazed out at the streets. Mendeleev sat deep in thought—whether contemplating the mechanical man or concerned about his own fate in the hands of the Japanese, Cisneros could not tell. Like Ramon, Hoshi stared outside, but with less longing and more wonder.
They soon rolled up to the Tokyo Prefectural Offices where two guards met them, issued curt orders in Japanese, then made a smart about-face and marched forward. Hoshi, Mendeleev, Ramon, and Cisneros followed them inside, down a hall, and into a room with a long table. Cisneros recognized Katsu Kaishū, but not the other man.
Ramon bowed. “Lord Ōkubo. It is a pleasure to see you again.”
Cisneros swallowed as he recognized the Lord of Home Affairs’ name.
Lord Katsu invited them to sit, then began. “We stand at the brink of war. As you know, a Russian airship attacked Sapporo and Wakkanai. Lord Ōkubo tells me you have reason to suspect pirates controlled the ship.”
Ramon held out his hand to Mendeleev. “This man is Dmitri Mendeleev. He’s a Russian scientist from the airship in question. He can confirm a samurai named Imagawa Masako hijacked the ship.”
Lord Katsu barred his teeth and both Cisneros and Hoshi shot Ramon a warning glance. “Prince Yamagata convinced the emperor to order an attack on Russia before either Lord Ōkubo or I could investigate further. The airship Bashō was lost with all hands during the attack.”
Cisneros gasped and leaned forward. “Captain Sanada?” he whispered, but realized his place.
Katsu’s gaze softened. He cleared his throat. “Captain Sanada is believed dead. Bashō’s sister ship, the Bonchō shot down a Russian airship leaving Sakhalin Island.”
“We know.” Ramon pointed from Mendeleev to himself. “We were aboard when it happened. What we want to know is whether or not we can stop a full-scale war.”
“Perhaps you can, if you can maintain your manners, Mr. Morales.” Lord Ōkubo leaned forward.
Ramon’s jaw tensed for a moment, then he relaxed, put his
hands together and made a respectful bow. Cisneros forced himself to stifle a laugh. The gesture reminded him of Fatemeh, but it also proved just the thing to placate the two lords.
“The emperor will grant you an audience and listen to your story, then decide what to do,” explained Lord Ōkubo. “You will bow low in his presence and will not speak unless invited to. Am I understood?”
Ramon swallowed, then nodded. “Yes, sir. Absolutely.”
Cisneros turned to Lord Katsu. “Has the emperor requested my testimony?”
Katsu and Ōkubo exchanged glances, then Katsu shook his head. “No, but you may attend.”
“Thank you, but I hoped to get underway as soon as possible. We required minimal provisions and my crewmen stayed behind in Russia guarding Imagawa and her men.”
Katsu half rose. “She still lives?”
“You left her behind?” Ōkubo narrowed his gaze.
“I beg your pardon, my lords,” interjected Hoshi. “Many factors contributed to the captain’s decision. The captain acted in the interests of international peace and goodwill. Also, Imagawa requests a trial for her and her men, rather than summary execution.”
“Of course, of course.” Ōkubo granted permission as though it should have been obvious.
“Hurry and get her.” Katsu leaned forward. “Bring her back as soon as possible.”
“Unless there is anything else, I will make a request for an imperial audience.” Ōkubo stood and left the chamber.
“I also have business to attend to,” said Lord Katsu. “I suspect the audience will happen within the hour, but if it will take more time, I will arrange quarters for you.”
Once Katsu left the room, Ramon looked at Hoshi. “I don’t remember Imagawa requesting a trial.”
Hoshi sighed. “I know you of all people understand love, Mr. Morales. I had to assure she had a chance to make a new start.”
Cisneros faced Ramon. “I’ll be back with Fatemeh as soon as I can.”
Ramon stood and shook the captain’s hand. “I know. Godspeed, my friend.”
Hoshi also stood.
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