The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures)

by Giles

  “What's this one then Sir?” Tash asked curiously. The man was hiding something.

  “Go on, open them!” Carstares chortled.

  Tash turned the envelope over and gasped at what she saw. “Is this...”

  “Yes it is, the personal seal of her Majesty Queen Victoria.” Carstares' sense of theater was rewarded by the audible gasps from around the table. He even fancied he heard one from the stoic Gopal who was refreshing his tea cup from the pot at the buffet.

  Jerard pushed his plate away and lay his envelope down in its place. It blended completely with the pristine white of the table linens all except for the red seal which looked quite a bit like a splatter of blood. He placed his hands in his lap and stared at the envelope as if it were a snake about to strike. Fear and horror rolled across his features before they settled into a neutral mask. The last missive he received from the crown had been his dishonorable discharge.

  Everyone seemed to notice Jerard's reaction except for Tash who was busy prying the seal of her envelope loose with her table knife. “Oh! I am so excited! I have never gotten a letter from the Queen before! Do you know what is says Colonel, Sir?”

  “Indeed I do. And Captain Phillips, I know what is in yours as well, please open it.” Carstares replied.

  “If it is all the same to you Sir I shall wait until later.”

  “And spoil the morning's fun? Pish posh! Open it man!” Carstares insisted.

  Jerard picked up the envelope but was forestalled by Tash's exclamation of “Oh...oh. OH!”

  It was Jon who finally tore her attention from the sheaf of papers she held. “Well????” He asked impatiently.

  “This is...this is most singular! On top here is a personal note from her majesty but these...” Tash waved the papers in the air. “seem to be Patents of Authority and this..!” She flourished a large parchment grandly emblazoned with the great seal of parliament “..this is a Letter of Commission from her majesty, as a special investigatory council. They are backdated to fifteen June, the day Mansfield showed up to my study in London. See... the Colonel, myself and the Captain are inscribed here as commissioners and the rest of the crew as duly sanction aides to the commission.” Tash handed the papers to Jerard and motioned for him to pass them around. Nichols began reading the Queens note of congratulations while Howell scrutinized the charter itself.

  Carstares smiled benignly enjoying the shocked but gratified looks on all present. All except one perhaps. Pointing to the man's note propped in front of him he said. “And now Phillips, your turn, open it.”

  Jerard sighed and pried loose the seal, uncomfortable with everyone's attention focused on himself. Something small dropped onto the table and quick as a wink Tash reached over and snatched it up. She opened her hand to find a small gold star lapel pin. Jerard had been reading the letter and did not even see her actions. When he had finished he looked at the table and around his plate.

  Tash handed it to him. “I believe you are looking for this?” She said eyes sparkling.

  “Yes.” Jerard said and sat tall in his chair after pinning it to his lapel.

  “It is a pretty thing and quite well made, but what exactly is it?” She asked curiously.

  “It appears to be a star.” Jon said ironically looking up from reading the Patents.

  Tash threw her napkin at the impudent man. “I can see that!”

  “Children...” Nichols said in a mock chiding tone. “Go on Captain tell her what it’s for or she will explode!”

  “Since her Majesty cannot acknowledge our...exploits...publicly she has asked that I wear her personal Favour in honor of our and the Soul of Discretion's achievement in rescuing and returning a British citizen. The letter also contains a royal apology for the way I was treated over the affair of the International Competition and...” Jerard hesitated, unsure of how he felt about this next bit of news.

  “Go on!” Tash exclaimed.

  Jerard sighed. “There is also a commission to re-enter her Majesty's air corps as an Air Commander. To oversee and create training and staffing programs for future air corps.”

  The room erupted in a cacophony of sound. Some of the voices raised in congratulations and some of them raised in objection. Tash sat silently, face visibly pale as she covered her mouth with her hand. Oh no! She thought, her mind in a panic. They can't do this to me! They can't have him back! Suddenly she realized just how much Jerard Phillips had come to mean to her personally. It was because of this revelation she had the courage to finally speak up. Getting to her feet she spoke over the others present. “Then Captain Phillips may I be the first to congratulate you. I understand how much your service to Queen and country means to you. I am gratified to know that your brilliance as a person and a commander had finally been recognized.” She held out a trembling hand to Jerard.

  Phillips too got to his feet, accepted and bowed over the offered hand. This was absolutely the last thing Phillips had expected of Tash. He rather expected her to remind him of his acceptance of her earlier offer and be...well...be belligerent. Be shouting ranting Tash! Be arrogant and dismissive of this great honor! The truth was he rather hoped this would be her reaction so he could continue on as the Captain of the Soul of Discretion. What the hell was he to do now? Was she rescinding her offer? Jerard realized her hand was trembling and cold. He straightened and looked into Tash's eyes. What he saw there shocked him to his soul. It was love, plain and simple and for once in his life Jerard reacted without thought of decorum. He pulled her to him, grabbed her around the waist and swung her in a circle laughing. “You silly girl!” He exclaimed. “I will never leave you until you put me aside under your own desire.” He set her back on her feet and was abashed at the round of applause. Jerard's face reddened and he stuttered. “I mean...I mean...I shall never leave the service of the Soul of Discretion unless you command it.” He executed a formal bow and stepped back a pace away from the woman who was staring at him with a shocked expression on her face. He was stunned at his own forward behavior and struggling to form appropriate words of apology.

  Jon clapped him roughly on the back. “We know what you meant mate!” He laughed. “Welcome to the family!” Jon turned to Carstares. “And you too! I only hope you gents have a clue as to what you are getting into.” Jon turned and winked at Nichols.

  “How could they?” He replied with a grin as wicked as the Chief Steward's.

  “Now have a good look at these papers.” Jon said emphatically. “There's no end date to this commission. I have heard of these 'Royal Commissions' but this is the first one I have ever seen and probably the first set ever issued without ending dates.

  “I don't understand what you are getting at Jon.” Nichols said and glanced around at the others in the room to see if they registered any further comprehension. He noted the Colonel had found something interesting on the ceiling and seemed to be trying not to smile.

  “Well to be blunt what we have here lady and gents is basically Letters of Marque.” Jon grinned.

  “But Letters of Marque were banned at the treaty of Versailles some fifteen years ago.” Tash said.

  “True but in a nutshell that is what this is. We have carte blanche under the permission of her Majesty Queen Victoria. She is the only authority we will ever have to answer to!”

  “So we are being recognized as modern day privateers...” Tash trailed off thoughtfully.

  “Oh no madam, we are Her Majesty’s Special Investigatory Commissioners... It says so right here!” Jon stated impudently, pointing at the Charter. “It also means we won't have to worry anymore about certain equipment aboard the Discretion.”

  “Precisely!” Carstares said as he touched his finger to the side of his nose.

  The door's bell took that moment to ring merrily. Gopal moved silently from the room to answer its call.

  “Oh my!" Carstares exclaimed. “Can it be eleven o'clock already?” He fished the watch out of his pocket and mumbled about cabbies being on time. “I must de
part my dear.” He said to the still flushed Tash. “I've a meeting with Mansfield.” He laid a finger against his nose again. “Can you imagine? He has traveled all the way up here to meet with me.”

  “Why Colonel Carstares! I believe you have come up in the world! Do give Lord Mansfield my kindest regards!” She replied with a very wicked grin.

  “Oh I shall my dear, indeed I shall!” Carstares bowed over her offered hand and gave it a little squeeze. “Shall we do dinner next week?”

  “Yes. I shall look forward to it.”

  “Good day all!” Carstares intoned into the room, and departed to a chorus of 'good day Colonel.”

  After Gopal had seen Carstares to his cab he returned with a packet of letters. “The post has come.” He announced and handed them to Tash. Who absently took them and addressed her officers. “Shall we retire to the drawing room gentlemen?”

  Nichols moved to her side and gave her a hug. “Would love to Tash but we need to be getting back to the ship. Most of the lads are arriving back after their holidays and we need to get a bit of work done. Perhaps you will join us?”

  “I would love to Lance but I am expecting a letter from Gyldenfeldt and I know it will require some immediate action.” She laughed as she flipped through the letters. “They always do...” She sighed. Suddenly Tash froze. All of the letters except one fluttered noiselessly to the floor as she ripped open the flimsy envelope, nearly tearing the enclosed letter.

  Nichols opened his mouth to speak but Gopal held up a finger asking him to silently wait. Moments passed before soft tears began to flow slowly down Tash's face. She looked up at the confused men and simply stated. “Yes, we have work to do. Please have the Discretion ready to depart tomorrow morning. Inform the crew that this will be an extended trip and expect to be gone for more than a month or so.”

  “What is it Tash?” Jerard said softly. “Where are we going?”

  “India.” Tash said and abruptly fled the room.

  “Gopal? What is going on?” Nichols inquired.

  “I thought Sir that would be plain. You are to prepare the airship to sail to India, tomorrow.” Gopal knelt down to retrieve the fallen mail. When he stood up he looked at Phillips, Nichols and Howell still standing there. “Well?” He asked, not really expecting an answer.

  “But...but….India? We can’t just go haring off to India...just like that!” Jerard said, finally finding his voice.

  Nichols took his arm and gently guided him towards the door. “Yes, yes we can.”

  Jon Howell moved to take Jerard’s other arm. “Better get used to it mate…”

  ~~~

  If you enjoyed this book please visit our website at www.starblower.com The adventures of the Crew of the Discretion will continue in:

  "The Legacy Signal"

  Table of Contents

  Preface

  A very special thank you

  Prologue

  Chapter One 10th June 1870

  3:30 pm The Broken Piston Tavern East End, London

  4:30 pm Starblower Residence London, England

  4:45 pm The Offices of Lovelace, Binder & Morcombe Knights Bridge, London

  Late Afternoon A Gentleman’s Club Edinburgh, Scotland

  Chapter Two 11th June 1870

  11:00 am The Soul of Discretion En Route to Beardmore's Factory & Testing Grounds

  Afternoon of the 11th June Beardmore's AirshipworksInchinnan,Scotland

  Afternoon 11th June A Gentleman’s Club Edinburgh Scotland

  Evening of the 11th June Stonehaven Eastern Scotland

  Chapter Three 12th of June 1870

  Approx 10:30 am Captain's Cabin Over the North Sea

  About 3:30 pm Discretion's Bridge Over the Norwegian coast

  4:30 pm Discretion's Cargo Bay Stokkavatnet Lake, Stavanger

  5:45 pm Municipal Gasworks Stavanger, Norway

  7:45 pm Discretion’s Bridge Municipal Gasworks

  9:00 pm Near the Gasworks Stavanger, Norway

  Chapter Four 13th of June 1870

  Approx 10:15 am On Board the Discretion En route to Aalborg, Denmark

  11:20 am Sankt Jakobs Gate District Copenhagen, Denmark

  About 11:30 am Aalborg, Northern Denmark

  Chapter Five 14th June 1870

  6:00 p.m. The Soul of Discretion Copenhagen, Denmark

  7:00 p.m. A Night at the Opera Copenhagen, Denmark

  11:30 pm Soul Of Discretion Copnehagen, Denmark

  Chapter Six 15th June 1870

  5:45 am Bridge of the Discretion Copenhagen

  6:20 am Valby Park Near Copenhagen

  About 8:30am Aboard the “Amerie” Somewhere over the Danish countryside

  About 8:30 am Aboard the Soul of Discretion Over Denmark

  Just after 9:00am The Gasworks Maribo, Denmark

  Approx 10:00 am Bridge of the Discretion Over Maribo, Southern Denmark

  Approx 10:05 am Aboard the "Amerie" Hared gasworks Denmark

  Approx 10:12 am the Amerie’s cargo bay Approaching the Danish coast

  Approx 10:45 am Discretion’s boarding station Approaching the Danish coast

  Approx 10:55 am Bridge of the Discretion Over the Baltic sea tethered to the enemy

  Approx 10:55 am The Amerie’s crew quarters Approaching the coast

  Approx 11:15 am Bridge of the Discretion Over Holstein Northern Prussia

  Approx 11:40 am Grober Binnensee (Grober Bitter Lake) Holstein Northern Prussia

  Approx 12:20 am Discretion's Dorsal observation deck Holstein Northern Prussia

  Epilogue 15th July 1870