by Jim Proctor
* * * *
Angus was at the helm as they approached Sharpstown. Jazeen stood at the bow, leaning on the railing as she watched the town pass beneath. Up ahead, she saw the mall, and across the street and a few blocks up was her hotel. As the buildings gave way to trees, she saw the clearing that Angus had mentioned. A gravel road led up the hill, ending at the edge of the clearing. She wondered if some construction project had been planned and then abandoned after the area was cleared.
Angus appeared beside her, remote in his hand.
“This is where I’ll let you off, if it’s okay with you,” he said.
“It looks fine. I can walk down that road and be at my hotel in ten minutes,” she said.
Angus nodded. “Okay. Then I guess you had better toss a line over the side and get ready. I’ll join you as soon as I bring the ship to a halt.”
Jazeen turned and headed to the box containing the mid-ship mooring line. She felt the ship slow as they passed the tree line, and she dropped the line over the railing. Angus approached.
“It’s been wonderful having you around, Jaz. I’m sorry to part company now, but we each have our own adventures to pursue. I’ll see you in two weeks, and I’ll tell you all about my trip.”
Jazeen knelt and hugged Angus. “Thank you, once again, for your wonderful hospitality. You always make me feel at home when I visit.”
Angus patted her back. “To be honest, it feels most like home to me when you are there. I’ll miss you, Jaz.”
“I’ll miss you, too. See you in two weeks,” she said. She stood, gripped the rope, and climbed over the railing. She slid down the rope until her feet gently touched the ground. She gave a two-handed wave, and Angus began pulling the rope up.
A moment later, Jazeen heard the propellers spin up, followed by the thrum as they bit into the air. The airship moved away, slowly at first, steadily picking up speed and gaining altitude. She waved again, even though she knew Angus would be looking forward.
As the airship passed over the trees, she began walking toward the gravel road. As she had expected, it took roughly ten minutes to reach the hotel. Having piloted the airship for most of the trip, her back and legs were tired, and she was glad the walk wasn’t any longer.
In her room, she took the book out of her purse and tossed it onto the bed. Picking up her tablet, she pressed the power button and laid it by the book, piled the pillows against the headboard, and climbed into bed. When her tablet had finished booting, she checked her messages. There was one from her new boss—she was to be at the drugstore at nine o’clock on Monday morning to finalize her paperwork and receive training before the store opened. She was disappointed there was no message from Terrin, not that she wanted him back. She just thought he might try to patch things up.
Putting the tablet aside, she opened the book and picked up where she had left off. She was sure Jason was about to ask Kerry to marry him, and she was dying to know what her answer would be.
When Jazeen emerged from her book world, she looked at the clock—three seventeen. She quickly looked to the window and saw daylight leaking in around the curtains. She had been so engrossed in the story, she was relieved it wasn’t after three in the morning. She had read through lunch, at any rate, and now noticed her stomach grumbling.
* * * *
The sun was low in the sky behind the airship when Angus reached the coast of the Great Ocean. Below was an airship port he frequented. Some of his favorite stores were there, and the port master was a friend. On the data display on the console, he flicked to a new page and tapped an icon to request clearance to land. The sky was clear, no other airships were currently awaiting a mooring birth, and his clearance was quickly returned. Beginning his descent, he steered for platform eleven.
With practiced skill, he let his ship settle onto the mooring platform. After shutting down the drive system and reducing the balloon pressure, he walked around the deck casually throwing lines over the side. Once they were all cast, he extended the gangplank and walked down to the platform. The port master approached as he was tying off the first line.
“Welcome back, Angus. It’s good to see you,” he said.
Angus smiled. “Rupert, my friend. It’s always nice to see you. How’s business?”
“There’s been an increase in airship traffic from Terrania, so business has been good. Are you staying a while, or just here for groceries?” Rupert asked.
“I won’t be long. I need to pick up some bottled water and a few groceries. Mostly, though, I’m here for fresh bait,” he said with a smile.
“Ah, yes, your annual fishing trip. I should have remembered. Well, I won’t keep you,” Rupert said.
“I could use a bit of helium. Can you send your man over?” Angus asked.
“Sure thing. By the time you finish tying off your lines, he’ll be here.”
“Hey, how is your new assistant working out?” Angus asked.
The port master frowned. “Not very well. He’s young and full of fanciful ideas. He spends too much time daydreaming about owning his own airship someday and doesn’t keep his mind on his work.”
“That’s a shame,” Angus said. “I was hoping you could join me and do some fishing. Last year, you said you were training a new assistant and would go with me on my next trip.”
Rupert rubbed his chin thoughtfully and turned to look at the tower. “It’s tempting. I know I keep saying I’ll go next year. It’s just… well, like I said, the new kid isn’t working out so well.”
Angus nodded. “I understand. Hey, how ‘bout I bring you some fresh fish on my way back?”
Rupert smiled. “I’d like that. That is, if that kitten of yours doesn’t eat it all before you get here.”
Angus laughed. “I’ll put some away for you where she can’t get at it. Still, if we had two lines in the water, we’d catch more fish. Then there’d be enough for Fluffy and you, too.”
Rupert looked toward the tower again. “I don’t know.”
Angus wore a knowing grin as he waited for the man to answer.
“Oh hell, Angus. It would serve some of these balloon jockeys right if the port descended into chaos for a week. Count me in. You tie off, and I’ll send my technician down to take care of your helium supply. I’ll let the kid know he’s in charge for a week, then I’ll run home and pack my fishing gear.”
Angus smiled. “Glad to hear it. As soon as I get things settled here, I’ll visit the shops for supplies. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Oh, and I suggest you wait for me here on the platform. My critters might not take too kindly to you letting yourself aboard while I’m gone.”
Rupert smiled. “If I get back first, I’ll wait right here.” He turned and hurried off toward the tower as Angus went back to tying off his mooring lines.
As promised, the technician arrived as Angus came around the ship from securing the last line.
“Are you Captain Beaph?” the young man asked.
“I am. Are you here to run the helium transfer?” Angus asked.
“Yes, sir. I’ll hook up the line. How much helium do you need?”
“My storage tank is down to three thousand kpa. I’d like it topped off to seventeen thousand,” Angus said.
“Yes, sir. I’ll get right on it. And will you be needing any diesel?” the man asked.
“I’m fine on fuel,” Angus said with a smile. All the years he’d been coming in here, never buying a drop of fuel, and the young dock hands never seemed to catch on. “I’ll leave you to your work. I’ve got some shopping to do. Whatever you do, don’t go poking around on my ship. Stay on the platform, if you know what’s good for you.”
“Yes, sir,” the young man said.
“Good lad. I’ll be back in a bit,” Angus said. He turned and headed toward the shopping district.
* * * *
Angus stepped out of the grocery store, having ordered food and water for the trip, including prompt delivery to platform eleven. In the tackle shop, he purchase
d fresh bait, once again arranging delivery. With his supplies taken care of, he began his journey back to his ship. His annoyance grew as he was bumped and jostled. Being only a meter tall was almost like being invisible in the crowded market lanes. He dodged aside just in time to avoid being run into by a tall man carrying several boxes, finding himself pressed against the window of a women’s clothing store.
The mannequin in the window wore a dark brown leather jacket he was sure Jazeen would love. Stepping inside, he approached the sales counter. When the clerk failed to address him, he raised a hand over his head and waved it. He sighed, and then coughed once pointedly.
A young lady leaned over the counter and looked down at him. “I’m sorry, sir. Can I help you?”
“I’d like that jacket in the window, the leather one,” he said.
“Well, sir… um… that is a lady’s jacket,” she said.
Narrowing his eyes, he said, “Well, that’s a good thing since I’m buying it for a young lady.”
“Yes, sir. Of course. I’m sorry,” the woman said as she stepped out from behind the counter. “What size would you like it in?”
Angus thought for a moment, and then eyed the clerk up and down. “She’s about your size.”
“Let me step into the stockroom and see if we have it in her size,” she said before hurrying through a doorway.
Angus walked around the shop, wondering if anything else might suit Jazeen. A pair of leather boots caught his eye, but he had no idea what size she wore. The clerk returned with a jacket draped over her arm.
“You’re in luck. We have my… her size,” she said.
“Try it on,” he said.
“Oh, yes, of course,” she said. She slipped the jacket on and zipped it up.
Angus twirled his finger around. The clerk looked puzzled for a moment, and then turned slowly.
Angus smiled. “I’ll take it. Hey, do you have airship pilot insignias?”
“No, sir. I’m sorry. There’s a shop down the lane a bit that sells them, though. It’s three or four shops that way,” she said as she pointed.
“Thank you. I’ll go there next. If you would be so kind, please wrap the jacket up for me before you bag it,” he said.
“Certainly,” the clerk said. She unzipped the jacket and slipped it off. Stepping behind the counter, she carefully folded it and wrapped it in several layers of pink tissue paper, then slipped it into a shopping bag.
Angus handed her his payment chip and waited as she processed the transaction, realizing he hadn’t even asked her the price. He didn’t care. He wasn’t leaving this shop without Jaz’s jacket.
With the bag in hand, he headed off in search of the insignias. The shop, Captain Perkins’ Uniforms, was six doors down. Stepping inside, he walked around the shop examining the goods.
“Can I help you?” came a voice from behind him.
Angus turned around. “I’d like to buy a pair of airship pilot’s lapel pins. Do you have them?”
The man smiled. “Oh, yes. Would you like them in bronze, gold, or platinum?”
“She’s a new pilot, but she catches on quickly. I’ll take them in gold,” Angus said.
The man nodded. “Would you like them boxed?”
“Yes, but not one of those polymer boxes. Do you have a nice presentation-quality box?” Angus asked.
“I have a very nice cedar box with a black velvet-covered insert to mount the pins on. Would that do?”
“That sounds perfect,” Angus said.
The man walked to a glass display case and pulled a ring of keys from his pocket. After trying a few, he found the right one and unlocked the sliding glass panel. From the bottom shelf, he retrieved the box. Next, he picked up a cloth-covered tray, set it on top of the display case, and carefully selected a pair of gold airship pins. After a moment of fiddling, he turned around and held the box out for Angus to examine. Two gold airships were mounted on the insert, and he caught the scent of fresh cedar.
“That’s exactly what I’m looking for. Thank you,” he said.
* * * *
As Angus approached platform eleven, the first thing he noticed was that his purchases had been delivered as promised. A pile of boxes stood next to the gangplank. The second thing he noticed was the helium technician standing with his back pressed against the wheelhouse with Fluffy sitting patiently in front of him. The kid moved a little, and Fluffy hissed.
Rupert approached with a tackle box in one hand, and two fishing poles in the other. A young man followed him carrying two small suitcases.
“I brought us some help to get things aboard,” Rupert said.
Angus smiled and pointed up to the kid on deck. Rupert looked up and roared with laughter.
“I’m sure I told you not to go snooping around my ship!” Angus yelled.
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir. I just… I mean… I…”
“Would you like to come down?” Angus asked.
“Yes, sir. If you’d be so kind,” the technician said.
“All right, Fluffy. You’ve had your fun. You go back inside now,” Angus said.
To the young man’s surprise, the big cat stood and walked away. He didn’t move.
“Are you waiting for an invitation?” Rupert asked.
“Well, the door is still open,” the young man said.
“She won’t bother you. You just get down off my ship now, or I’ll call her back,” Angus said.
The young man looked toward the open door. Walking cautiously along the deck, he reached the gangplank and broke into a sprint.
“You go on my ship without permission again, and I’ll tell her she can eat you. You got that?”
“Yes, sir!” the kid said as he ran past and kept going without breaking stride.
“I don’t think he’ll set foot on anyone’s airship again,” Rupert said.
Angus nodded. “Good.”
Heading up the gangplank, Rupert turned to his assistant and asked, “Well, are you going to stand there, or are you going to bring my suitcases aboard?”
The man dropped the suitcases and ran off.
Angus chuckled. “You’d think those two had never seen a cat before.”
Rupert shook his head as he came back down the gangplank to pick up his suitcases. As he tried to tuck a suitcase under one arm, Angus took it. The port master tucked his fishing poles under his arm and picked up the other case.
“Follow me,” Angus said. “I’ll show you which cabin is yours.”
Rupert followed him up onto the deck, into the wheelhouse, and then down the steps.
“You can use this cabin,” Angus said, setting the suitcase on the floor outside the first door on the left. Pointing to the second door, he said, “And that’s the head. This first door on the right is the galley. Stow your gear, and then we’ll bring the supplies aboard.”
Rupert pointed to the second door on the right. “Is that your cabin?” he asked.
“No, mine’s upstairs behind the wheelhouse. That cabin belongs to a friend of mine. Stow your gear, and then come to my cabin. I have something to show you.”
Several minutes later, Rupert appeared in the doorway of Angus' cabin. Angus was straightening a leather jacket on a hangar.
“What do you think?” Angus asked.
“It’s a nice jacket. Who’s it for?”
“It’s for my new friend,” Angus said. “She’s proving to be a natural airship pilot.”
Rupert smiled. “A new lady friend. I’m happy for you.”
“Don’t go getting any ideas, Rupert. She’s eighteen years old, and I’m… well, I was born before dirt was invented.”
Rupert raised his eyebrows.
“All right, dirt had already been invented. Still, I’m way too old for her. She’s a friend, that’s all.”
“I think she’ll love the jacket,” Rupert said. “It’s beautiful. The black lapels are a nice contrast against the brown leather. It’s very attractive. I don’t think I’ve seen another qu
ite like it.”
“Oh, and I got her these, too,” the little man said as he pulled the box from his jacket pocket and opened it.
“Very nice. Gold, too. She’s already up to second class.”
“She will be, soon,” Angus said. “Like I said, she’s a natural.”
“Has she had any formal training?” Rupert asked. “Any certifications?”
“Now, as a port master, you know very well that any licensed airship captain can award pilot status to anyone he trains when he feels she’s ready.”
Rupert nodded. “Yes, I know the regulations. If you say she’s a good pilot, that’s good enough for me. Now, let’s get the supplies aboard. I want to get out of this port before the apocalypse begins.”
It took several trips, with Rupert doing most of the work, to get everything aboard and secured. Then Rupert untied the mooring lines as Angus pulled them aboard and stowed them.
When Rupert climbed back onto the deck, Angus retracted the gangplank.
“Let’s go,” Angus said as he led the way into the wheelhouse.
Rupert smiled. “Let’s go fishing.”
As the airship rose and began to accelerate, Angus said, “We’ll reach the fishing grounds tomorrow afternoon.”
Chapter 13
Jazeen opened her locker and grabbed her lunch, such as it was. After years of buying lunches in the school cafeteria, she hadn’t thought about packing a lunch until this morning. She had considered going to the food court, but decided against it, worrying she might get stuck in a long line and not get back on time. That wasn’t something she wanted to do on her first day. She had hastily grabbed whatever she could and threw it into a small shopping bag. An orange, two granola bars, and a bottle of soda.
As she prepared to close the locker door, her tablet chimed. Putting her lunch bag on the table, she retrieved her tablet, closed the locker, and dropped into a chair. She had spent the morning standing behind a checkout terminal, and her legs ached.