“There’s a pretty woman over there. The two of you might be physically matched for each other. I wonder if she has the right dimensions for you,” Reb said, looking at a pretty blond woman.
Reb quietly walked up behind the woman and then she pulled out a measuring tape. She inconspicuously measured the woman.
Malcolm tried to scold his agent without alarming other people. “Reb, stop doing that! It’s creepy and weird!”
Reb put away the measuring tape and then walked back to Malcolm. “Don’t you want to look like a statuesque couple? Leave the sentiment behind. You need a woman who’s marriage material. Love comes a little bit later. It’ll naturally happen if you don’t hate each other.”
Malcolm grabbed a cocktail and drank it in one gulp. “Maybe I’ll just stay single for the next few months.”
Meanwhile, Gable and Priscilla admired Beauregard’s artwork while they walked through the convention center. He took two champagne flutes and handed one of them to her.
“What do you think about these paintings? Personally, I think Beauregard finally has a pretty good grasp of our culture,” Gable said, as he reached for Priscilla’s hand.
“The art show is very interesting. It’s much better than I anticipated. Everything just feels kind of weird because the kids are going to be gone all summer. I never wanted to be one of those celebrity mothers who sends her kids away to boarding school, or hires a housekeeper to raise them,” Priscilla fretted.
Gable felt somewhat guilty too. “Yeah, we always tried to maintain a wholesome family image, but I guess our kids are growing up pretty fast. It’s normal for them to build relationships with their friends. I think Oliver and Maggie are trying to find their identities. That’s probably the worrisome part. I think the easy years are done.”
Priscilla sighed. “At least we can look forward to a romantic cruise together. It’ll be a nice excuse to spend more time together as a couple. Cheers, darling.”
“I’ll drink to that, my dear,” Gable said, as they clinked the champagne flutes together.
Chapter 9
A few days later, the Nelsons and their guests gathered at the port, along with a crowd of vacationers. All of them waited to board one of the largest Steampunk ocean liners in the world. It was a tremendously impressive ship that was constructed from iron and other metals. The ocean liner towered high above their heads, with three steam-powered stacks that billowed smoke. Overall, it was an innovative creation of Steampunk technology.
Malcolm pulled out 19th Century opera glasses. “How do I use these things? I want to get a closer look at the ship.”
“Use some common sense! Press the binoculars against your face like the ones you used in the 21st Century!” Priscilla insisted.
“Steampunk gadgets always look complicated! I’m still getting used to this!” Malcolm argued.
Percy flipped through a brochure while they moved forward in the line. “I assume this vessel dwarfed any ocean liners that existed prior to the Apocalypse. It’s enormous.”
“This ship is a big step forward in progress too. It’s the world’s first shape-shifting boat; it can transform into a submarine and dive underwater. The person who created this ship must have been a genius,” Reb contemplated.
The discussion got Savannah’s attention. “That’s very unusual. Why is it necessary for this ocean liner to double as a submarine?”
“I assume it’s an escape tactic. Steampunks value the ability to fight and evade their enemies,” Giles replied.
“That’s not the only reason why it can dive underwater. I heard this ocean liner regularly carries precious cargo to different locations. If the ship can dive underwater, it can travel safely to any destination without trouble from pirates and other terrorists,” Gable said, as he moved his luggage.
“That reminds me of something, nobody told me where this ship is heading,” Beauregard commented.
Reb used her baton while they walked up the ship’s ramp. “Alaska. I’ve never been there before, so this is an exciting trip for me.”
“Do you guys think the ocean liner is carrying precious cargo now?” Malcolm asked.
“Probably. I’m sure the people who own this ship make a lot of money trading and selling cargo to other ports,” Gable answered.
After they boarded the vessel, the Nelsons, Malcolm, and Beauregard explored the deck. The ship almost seemed like an aquatic colony that could survive over high seas. There were a variety of games, eateries, and bars. It had a huge area that was designated for sunbathing. The ocean liner included old-fashioned portholes that were lined with copper. It was also equipped with a surveillance system, including cameras that were mounted in several locations.
“I’ve never seen an ocean liner this big before. Everything looks really cool,” Savannah commented.
Percy rolled his luggage to a stop. “We should check into our cabins and put our luggage away. Afterward, we’ll have plenty of time to have fun. What do you guys think?”
“Works for me. Giles and I will catch up with the rest of you later,” Reb said before they parted ways.
Later that afternoon, the Nelsons and their companions took advantage of the ship’s entertainment. Percy and Savannah ventured inside and quickly found a luxurious spa.
Savannah felt incredibly relaxed while the masseuse rubbed her back. “I don’t have any doubts about this cruise now. This is amazing.”
Percy looked at her from the neighboring table. “I knew you would like it. We have plenty of time to relax and forget about work, protestors, news reporters, and other annoyances. I’m sure this ship will be pretty remarkable at night too.”
Gable and Priscilla spent part of their day playing table tennis, shuffleboard, and miniature golf.
“You’re killing me, Priscilla. I am not worthy to play against you,” Gable said, as he tapped the golf ball with his putter.
Priscilla shaded her face with one of her sun hats. “Your accuracy seems to be off the mark today. Are you still thinking about the kids?”
“Maybe a little bit. Honestly, this is very relaxing and peaceful. Las Vegas is such a noisy city with an active nightlife. When we get home, the kids will give us more headaches with their complaints and drama. However, it’s still weird taking a trip without them,” Gable responded.
Priscilla pulled out her putter and aimed at the ball. “I sure hope their summer camp is worth it. They’re missing out on a terrific cruise.”
Malcolm changed into exercise clothes and found the gymnasium. “This is a full-sized gym! I’m beginning to think it was a great idea to join this cruise after all! It’s time to pump some iron!”
He sat on one of the weightlifting machines and worked out.
Beauregard found the ship’s casino and noticed that it was massively huge. It almost rivaled the splendor of Gable’s primary casino in Las Vegas. The ship’s casino had an array of slot machines, poker tables, roulette, and anything a vacationer would see at a gambling resort on dry land.
“I had no idea an ocean liner could have a casino this huge. Where should I start?” He pulled out some cash and hurried to one of the blackjack tables.
Reb and Giles satisfied their appetites at the buffet table.
Giles lifted the lid from a container of potatoes. “They have everything here; steak, chicken, salmon, vegetables, potatoes, and a whole bunch of desserts. This feast is going to spoil our dinner.”
“Use some willpower. This cruise was a great idea. I always said the world was going to be a better place with our Steampunk culture at the helm. Look at what the Steampunk aesthetic gave us. It’s a lifetime of decadence and luxury,” Reb said, as she used tongs to place food on her plate.
They found a table and sat down to enjoy their meal.
“So, what do you think they’re hiding in the ship’s underbelly?” Giles asked, while he cut up a piece of steak.
Reb sprinkled a little bit of pepper on her food. “That’s a good question. It must be valuable
. I heard the underbelly is a heavy industrial area that protects the cargo. However, all of that information could be a myth.”
Giles nibbled on his meal. “I think the ocean liner is hiding something from the public. A few weeks ago, I looked up some of the blueprints online. The underbelly is a huge storage unit that’s designed to fend off thieves. That must be part of the reason why this ship has a submarine mode. I’ll bet they’re going to drop off something big when we reach Alaska.”
“Do you know what word of mouth is? A lot of people say it’s some type of secret treasure. Granted, that’s just speculation,” Reb mentioned.
Giles took a sip out of his glass. “Yeah, but it would be really interesting to find out the truth.”
During the evening, the Nelsons and their friends engaged in the ship’s nightlife. Percy and Savannah dressed in fine Victorian attire and visited the ballroom. It had a glamorous and well-lit art deco style. The ballroom was full of Steampunk couples who enjoyed the variety of music.
Percy took Savannah’s hand. “Would you like to dance?”
“Of course I would. That’s precisely why we came to this room,” Savannah replied.
Percy brought his wife’s body close to his and took the lead. They enjoyed the evening and danced to the music.
“It’s been a long time since we did anything like this,” Percy stated.
Savannah followed his lead and answered, “We’re busy people. More importantly, San Francisco doesn’t have a lot of classy ballrooms.”
He sniffed the perfume on her neck. “In that case, we should make the evening last.”
Meanwhile, Gable and Priscilla hit the ship’s nightclub. It was a busy scene with colorful lights and quite a few young Steampunks.
“This must be where all of the cool people are hanging out,” Gable commented.
Priscilla found the scene exciting. “This should be fun. Let’s hit the dance floor and enjoy ourselves. Las Vegas has a lot of nightclubs, but this one is away from home. We don’t have many opportunities to dance over the ocean.”
“That’s a good point. I want to show these yuppies how to dance,” Gable said, as they walked to the dance floor.
While Gable and Priscilla enjoyed the more active nightlife, Reb, Giles, Malcolm, and Beauregard had drinks at one of the bars.
Malcolm pulled the novelty garnish out of his drink. “Do you think a little gear like this would choke me if I swallowed it?”
“Possibly. Steampunks hide weapons everywhere,” Giles answered.
“I don’t understand that part. Why are Steampunks obsessed with weapons?” Beauregard asked.
Reb played with the mechanical umbrella from her drink. “Obviously, you forgot about the Apocalypse. People were shot, stabbed, blown up, smashed by falling debris, and everything in between. It occurred to us that everyone has a better chance of survival if we can properly defend ourselves.”
Malcolm sipped on his drink. “You make it sound like people are going to kill us.”
“Right now, the world is divided. There are Steampunks and our enemies. You haven’t seen a lot of action yet, but it will probably happen someday,” Giles said, as he flicked a copper bullet out of his drink.
The Nelsons and their guests enjoyed the ship’s nightlife. It was a pleasant way for them to forget about their stressful careers and the Post-Apocalyptic world.
Eventually, Percy led Savannah back to their cabin.
“Now for the best part of the night,” Percy whispered as he opened the door.
They entered the small cabin and closed the door.
Savannah ran two fingers down the metal part of Percy’s monocle. “I can’t wait to strip away these layers of clothing.”
He delicately removed her necklace so he wouldn’t cut his hands. “You have the spirit of a true femme fatale. Intimacy never gets old with you.”
They kissed each other while Percy unbuttoned his coat. Savannah helped her husband drop his coat to the floor. She carefully unbuttoned Percy’s shirt and opened it to reveal his muscular chest. She ran her gloved hands down his chest, giving him a great feeling of excitement. Percy removed Savannah’s gloves and kissed both of her hands. Savannah removed his shirt and tossed it on a chair.
He began to unbutton his pants, but she stopped him and said, “Allow me to finish this part.”
The Hollywood starlet slowly dropped Percy’s pants to the floor, leaving him clad in only his briefs. He vigorously kissed Savannah again and unzipped her dress. The computer tycoon planted several kisses down his wife’s neck and chest while he slipped the dress off her body. After they finished undressing, Percy picked her up, slowly laid Savannah on the sheet, and kissed her on the lips. Percy massaged one of her breasts while she grasped his strong back. She passionately kissed his shoulder and chest. They both breathed heavily while she gripped his rump.
“Nobody has the right to call us old,” Percy quietly said, as he slid one hand down the smooth skin of her thigh.
“That can be our little secret. Younger people can believe whatever they want,” Savannah replied.
Chapter 10
During the following morning, the Nelsons and their companions gathered for breakfast in a huge dining room. They shared a hearty meal of bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit, potatoes, pancakes, toast, and other items.
Reb and Giles wore clothing in a nautical theme to match their cruise. Giles sported Steampunk fashion of a retro-futuristic buccaneer’s outfit. Reb’s clothing was also nautical with a sailor or captain theme.
“Did you all sleep well last night?” Gable asked, as he spread some jam on a piece of toast.
“Your dad and I were up pretty late,” Savannah answered with a smirk.
Percy cleared his throat. “Yes, we spent a lot of time on the dance floor.”
“We had drinks and talked for a long time,” Beauregard added.
Priscilla spooned some sugar into her coffee. “Gable and I danced at the nightclub for hours. It was a lot of fun. We haven’t done that type of thing since before we had children. My body isn’t used to nightlife anymore.”
“I was never much of a nightclub person and we don’t even have kids,” Reb said, as she cut up a link of sausage.
“Don’t you guys have fun with the other celebrities? I used to party all night long. Those days were awesome!” Malcolm declared.
“That’s exactly why we had to fix you,” Giles remarked.
Malcolm munched on a piece of bacon and stopped to say, “I guess my new life is a lot better, but there are too many restrictions.”
“What’s so restricting about it?” Percy wondered out loud.
“Everything has to revolve around this Steampunk culture. It’s a way of life now. However, it’s contradictory. I see lot of themes that aren’t related to Steampunk at all. There’s Dieselpunk, Cyberpunk, Clockpunk, Atompunk, and a zillion more types of punk,” Malcolm said in a condescending tone.
Reb corrected him by explaining, “They have a closer connection than you realize. All of these genres were just science fiction at one point, and most of them are related. Many of them took influences from Steampunk. For example, Dieselpunk is basically a version of Steampunk that focuses on the 1920s through the 1950s and uses diesel fuel instead of steam power.”
“Like any form of fashion, people adopt the style that works best for them,” Savannah mentioned.
Malcolm shrugged. “I guess it will make sense to me eventually.”
Gable looked through the window and admired the tranquil ocean. “This might be a nice day to take a walk. I’m going for a stroll on the deck.”
“Let me go with you. If I don’t walk around, my leg gets stiff,” Reb suggested.
“Sure. Are you ready to go now?” Gable asked.
Reb tossed her napkin on the table. “I’m done sitting around. Let’s hit the deck.”
Both of them exited the dining room and walked to the deck.
“That’s a killer outfit. Maybe you should
be the captain of this ship,” Gable said to Reb while checking out her nautical clothes.
Reb was wearing an oceanic Steampunk outfit topped off by a coat decorated with fancy embroidery. The rest of her outfit included trousers, knee-high boots, a captain’s hat, goggles, and leather gloves.
“This is my nautical outfit. I thought it would be quite appropriate for a day out to sea,” Reb said as she straightened her hat.
Gable looked at their surroundings as they strolled. “This is a majestic ocean liner. It’s a classic and elegant vision of oceanic Steampunk.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Reb agreed.
“How are you doing? Be honest. Our family went through a pretty rough experience in Louisiana,” Gable said while they walked.
Reb thought about it. “Surprisingly well. I guess violence is a way of life in our time period.”
“Do you really believe that? I feel pretty good because my casino franchise is doing very well. However, I worry about the kids. They’ve already seen a great deal of violence for their ages,” Gable confessed.
Reb didn’t want him to worry. “Oliver and Maggie are Nelsons. They can handle anything.”
Gable smirked. “You’re probably right about that.”
Reb walked with her baton. “Did you ever find out what happened to Nadine’s son? I know you wanted to set everything straight.”
“Yeah, I tracked down his biological father. It was actually very easy because Nadine was having an affair with someone else when she was my girlfriend. I already knew the guy’s identity. He was reluctant to take responsibility, but the fool was more receptive when I threatened to get a court order,” Gable explained.
“Blackmail always does the trick. Do you think the boy is in good hands?” Reb wondered out loud.
“The kid’s father said he’ll make an effort. From here on out, it’s not my problem,” Gable said, then turned to look at the ship’s morning activities.
Reb nodded. “I suppose that’s fair.”
Gable positioned welding goggles over his eyes. “The sun is getting in my eyes. I need my goggles.”
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Revolution Page 17