Sigmund Shaw: A Steampunk Adventure

by Mark C. King

  “First, a little background. The steam engine is one of the most useful inventions, allowing us to travel great distances in a fashion never before realized. As we all know, it works by having a heat source turn water into steam, that steam builds pressure and turns a turbine that creates movement. The movement then can be adapted to a wheel, like on a train or steam carriage, a propeller for a boat or a dirigible, or to a generator to create electricity. The fuel that creates the needed heat is primarily coal.”

  “Yes, yes,” interrupted the minister, “the clock is ticking.”

  Steinhauser nodded and continued, “Coal burns hot and fast and heats the water very well. However, to keep the heat going you need to constantly add coal to the furnace. Are you aware that a locomotive will burn multiple tons of coal in a single hour? So the weakness of today’s steam engines is the limitations of its fuel source – it requires constant feeding and large quantities to be kept on hand.”

  “Please get to the point, doctor.”

  “Yes, a simple demonstration should suffice to gain your appreciation, I think.” Said Steinhauser and gestured to his associate, Koehler, who produced a small metal device that looked much like a small candle stick but with a battery attached to the base, wires that wound up the short stem to a square holder – currently empty – on the top. Steinhauser took the cube that he had laid on the table and placed it in the square holder of the mysterious device. Addressing the minister, “Herr Minister, please place your hand over the cube and tell me if you feel anything.”

  No less impatient, the minister did as instructed and responded with an exasperated sigh, “I feel nothing.”

  “Good, that is expected. Now, I would like you both to lean away from this device.” They both did, the minister looking at his watch again. As Steinhauser put on a thick leather glove, the minister looked a little less impatient and a touch more curious. Then the doctor attached the battery to the wires – a wave of heat hit the occupants of the room as the air above the cube wavered – Steinhauser held up a wooden ruler with his gloved hand and held it over the cube. Wide eyed, the minister and his companion watched as the ruler started to scorch and then erupt in flames. Removing the ruler and extinguishing it, Steinhauser removed the wires from the battery.

  “What did you do?” cried the minister, “What is that?”

  With a slight smile on his lips, knowing that he finally had the appropriate level of attention of the minister, Steinhauser explained, “This is an amalgam cube. It is a compound discovered by Doctor Koehler and myself. It sits at room temperature until a small, constant current is passed through it and then it heats up to amazing levels. Simply put, we believe it is the fuel of the future – the replacement for coal.”

  “Doctors,” an astonished minister said, “if what I’m seeing is true and not some elaborate trick, then I congratulate you! But why did you specifically ask for the Defence Minister? Certainly one of our esteemed university professors or an engineer could be of better use to you.”

  “Before we finish this meeting, I think you will understand.” answered Steinhauser. Looking at Koehler, Koehler got up from the couch and went over to the steamer trunk on the bed and produced what could only be described as toy steam car. Taking the car, about the size of a loaf of bread, complete with four spoked tires, a brass engine, and a passenger area, Steinhauser said, “In order to see the practical application of the cubes, please watch this simple demonstration. This is of course a steam car. It has a steam engine that uses an amalgam cube as its heat source.” Then taking a cube from the box, he placed it in a small compartment in the engine. He flipped a switch and after a moment the car proceeded to run. “I would like you to note a few things. First, the engine works. Second, there is no smoke stack – no coal is being burned. And lastly, please place your hand in front of the car to stop it.”

  Steinhauser picked up the car, placed it on the edge of the table and let it go. Minister Sloan placed his hand in front of the car and found that it had quite some power – he could stop it but it certainly wasn’t a wind-up toy. “Yes, this has some surprising power behind it!” said the minister.

  “The engines powered by the amalgam cubes are quite efficient and powerful. Although this is a small demonstration, the power of the cube is exponential,” continued Steinhauser, “The larger the cube the more heat it produces. So a cube that is roughly a little larger than say a grapefruit could produce more than enough heat to power any full size locomotive currently running. We are talking about countless tons of coal being replaced by one single cube.”

  “How long will a cube last?” asked the minister.

  “We honestly don’t know,” Koehler answered, “We have had the cubes activated for months at a time –”

  “Did you say months?” exclaimed the minister’s companion.

  Koehler smiled, “Yes, months and we have not found the limit of its duration. We do not pretend to know everything about the operation of the cubes but our tests indicate that these could last over a year. We weigh the cubes before use and then weigh again afterwards, looking for losses or expenditures of some sort. But even after months of use we have detected barely measurable losses.”

  As the two guests sat in stunned silence, Steinhauser continued, “The small size of the heating element, the duration, and the efficiency of the engines that can surround it, will allow for all manner of vehicles, some great… but we fear, some terrible.” With that, Koehler went back to the trunk and produced the most fantastic object yet – a small box with a propeller on the top.

  Steinhauser continued, “Gentlemen, without the weight of coal, and the more powerful engines that can be used, we believe we can enact heavier than air flying.” Taking another one of the cubes, he placed it in a small compartment of the new device and pushed a button. All watched the box eagerly as its propeller started turning slowly, then faster and faster. Then it happened – the box lifted off the coffee table!

  On seeing this, Sigmund nearly fell off the ledge he was on. This was incredible – a flying machine without a balloon attached.

  The minister and his companion were also in astonishment. Steinhauser then seized the device out of the air, hit the button again and placed the box back on the table, its propeller coming to a slow stop. “This is a prototype but there is nothing to suggest it couldn’t be scaled up. Imagine, minister, that this was big enough to hold a man, or to hold many men. Imagine that this had weapons attached to it. What kind of effect would that have in battle? Or worse, imagine what a fleet of these could do.”

  “It would be an overwhelming advantage.” the minister said simply. Sigmund thought back to the dark stranger using that same phrase.

  “Now imagine this technology in ground vehicles. They could run great distances without the need to supply them coal. They could be light-weight and fast, or slower and heavily armored. Imagine the great navy of Britain running with amalgam cubes as its fuel source. Imagine all of this without the tell-tale smoke of a coal burning engine to give away location. Imagine no need for supply ships.”

  The minister’s companion, unable to bridle himself any longer exclaimed, “The amalgam cube will change the world!”

  “Gentlemen,” the minister said in an authoritative voice, “I think I begin to see why you have chosen to talk to a soldier instead of a scientist. But I have to ask one more thing. Why is it you are coming to Britain? Surely you would be heroes in Germany – or any country for that matter.”

  “You are correct, Herr minister,” said Koehler, “Germany would indeed laud our accomplishments but we were afraid for what these accomplishments could really mean. Truth be told, we were so focused on accomplishing our goal that we lost sight of the ramifications of achieving it. There is one more thing that we must show you.” Reaching into his jacket, he removed a piece of folded paper. He placed it on the table, opened it, flattened it out and pushed it towards the minister. “Do you know what this is?”

  Looking it over, th
e minister said, “It looks like a blue print for some kind of armored war machine.”

  “You are correct. The scale may not be evident but it is a large vehicle that houses a very powerful cannon. It is designed to be quick and has an armor shell that is thick enough to make it impervious to bullets and all but large explosions. The design is truly brilliant but also terrifying in the efficiency that this machine could be used in battle, to kill. All it needs is an engine that is powerful enough and sustainable enough to make it practical. Our government tasked us with finding a way to make it work. Our first approach was to make the coal burning steam engines more efficient, thereby lessening the need for coal. Although we were able to create some excellent engines, they were not the answer. We could reduce the need for coal by up to a third but it still wouldn’t be enough. It was then that we started to look at things differently – if changing the engine wasn’t the answer, then what about changing the fuel? Doctor Koehler had some experiments early in his career that produced some heat with use of compounds and electricity – that was not his goal, just an interesting by-product of an experiment. Well, we revisited those and developed the amalgam cube before you. Once it was actually created, the repercussions of the military design on these blueprints as well as the potential for many other war machines that could now be invented – land, sea, and air – gave us pause. Imagine, minister, an army of these machines. With your current forces how would you fare?”

  “I cannot give out any specifics but I think the empire would be facing its gravest test if an army of these were advancing.”

  “I agree,” nodded Koehler, “Now, I’m reticent to admit that the state of things in Germany is not as stable as they could be. There is a feeling, unspoken mostly, but a feeling of anger, an immaturity that seems to permeate the government, even many of its citizens. Our fear is that our invention in the hands of the current leaders of Germany would be a prelude to a war. Instead of all the good that could come of this discovery, it would bring death on a scale that is unprecedented. So you see, Herr minister, our coming to you, to Britain, is because we believe there is a soundness of mind here, a maturity that can handle the future correctly. It’s akin to fire – in the hands of the inexperienced it is dangerous, in the hands of the responsible it is useful.”

  Steinhauser added, “Imagine a small cube in the homes of a family with a very modest income. One cube could provide heat for the entire winter – maybe multiple winters – and could also be used for cooking fuel. The smoke and soot that is a constant feature of our cities, of the air we breathe could be nearly eliminated. The non-military applications of these cubes need to be realized.”

  “Here, here, Professors! I congratulate you again. Not just for your amazing invention, but for your foresight. An angry government, Germany or otherwise, with such power would indeed be a troublesome time for Britain and likely the world.”

  Defence Minister Sloan’s companion cleared his throat and gestured to the bag he had been carrying.

  With a look of confusion that turned quickly to understanding, the minister spoke up, “Professors, we have brought the ten thousand pounds as requested. Now, in what manner will you be providing this invention to us?”

  “We have the one and only set of instructions that we will provide.” answered Steinhauser.

  “Excuse me,” said the minister’s companion, “I must play devil’s advocate for a moment. How do we know that you are not going to go and sell this to another country, and then another?”

  Koehler fixed a critical stare at the companion and said, “If wealth was all we were after, do you think that we would have asked for only ten thousand pounds? We only asked for that amount so that we would be taken seriously. We are aware of what this is worth, we could ask for any sum and receive it. Neither of us have a need for money, our motivations are pure.” And then softening a little, “But I suppose it is a fair question. The absolute truth is that the steps for producing this compound are in only three places, on the written instructions we will provide, in my mind, and in Doctor Steinhauser’s mind. You will have to trust that we will not provide this information to anyone – for the reasons that we have already outlined.”

  “My apologies, Herr professors.” The companion stammered. “It was a foolish question but one I’m afraid I needed to ask. I have no reservations that you will keep your end of the deal.”

  The professors nodded in acceptance of the apology.

  “I’m afraid that I must ask one more question.” The companion continued, a little cowed after his last one. “What if we had a vehicle that used this remarkable fuel, and this vehicle ended up in enemy hands. Could they not simply extract the fuel and discover its makeup?”

  “I think not,” replied professor Steinhauser. “You see, someone may be able to discover the individual ingredients but that is the least step. The process of combining those ingredients is the key to success. It is extremely unlikely that one could uncover that secret from just the device itself.”

  “Professors,” said the minister, perspiration on his forehead, “can we open a window, these devices have left the room quite uncomfortable.”

  “Of course, Minister.” Steinhauser answered. He then stood up and said, “I believe a little fresh air would be welcomed.” As he started walking towards the window, Sigmund moved his device away from sight and sat as close to the wall as he could.

  He heard the window open and was relieved that no head poked out – Sigmund was only a couple feet from the opening and would have been seen easily, even in the low light.

  Leaning against the wall, Sigmund realized that he had believed that there wouldn’t really be a new fuel source, that this whole meeting was a waste of time. But now he had seen the new fuel source in action. It was amazing. Although, due to the German’s worries, Sigmund felt that the invention may be more regrettable than incredible – so much wickedness in men, always seeming to lean towards destruction.

  Changing from the philosophical to the practical, Sigmund started to try and figure out his next goal, how to steal the plans for these cubes. His first thought, and likely the best chance for success, would be to wait until they exit the hotel and simply run up and grab the plans. From then Sigmund would have to rely on his legs and his knowledge of the streets to –

  Before finishing his thoughts, in the briefest moment of time, he was conscious of light, sound, movement, and then darkness.

  8.

  Through the heaviest of fog – physical or mental, Sigmund wasn’t sure – he started to feel pain throughout his body. A steady ringing assaulted his ears while his limbs didn’t seem to be working right. Most disturbing was that the world itself seemed wrong.

  What is going on?

  Sigmund tried to speak but nothing more than a moan escaped his lips. The taste of dirt and blood in his mouth started to be added to his other sensations. Then the pain intensified – he wasn’t cognizant of a specific area of his body causing it, just a near overwhelming pain.

  Blinking repeatedly, the fog slowly started to dissipate. As his sight started to come around, his confusion didn’t lessen – all Sigmund could see was grey cobblestone and dancing shadows - more confusing was that the world was sideways. The pain!

  As he attempted to move his body Sigmund received mixed signals from his limbs. Something was wrong – actually, many a something was wrong.

  Where am I?

  Trying again to speak, Sigmund managed a nearly understandable, “Where?”

  “Oh, look who’s waking up!” this from an unknown source – it didn’t sound particularly kind.

  Sigmund felt the back of his shirt grabbed roughly and firmly, and then his world tilted. He must have been lying down and now someone was lifting him upright. As his body was raised, his sight went blurry from pain, from tears, and from his mind rebelling against consciousness. No longer was the pain generally felt, it was focused now, focused on his shoulder. He couldn’t help but let out a cry of agony.
/>   Why am I injured?

  Still being lifted upright, the pain in his left shoulder caused his body to automatically try to compensate, to ease the unwelcomed movements, he shifted and turned to put pressure on his right shoulder as best he could. Again, something was wrong – his body wasn’t responding correctly. Thankfully, mercifully, the movement stopped, he was upright, standing on his own feet, barely, a foreign hand firmly holding his arm – his left arm, the one that led to his painful shoulder. Besides the hand holding him up, he was also supported by his leaning against a large object. Taking quick shallow breaths to bring the pain under control, Sigmund then looked behind him and found that the large object he was leaning on was a carriage. Still not comprehending what was happening to him and around him, his mind raced desperately to try and make sense of anything – even just a kernel of understanding.

  As the ringing continued and the pain assaulted him, it took another moment for Sigmund’s surroundings to come into some focus. The first thing he saw was a police constable holding up a lantern and staring at him – evidently the person who lifted him up and was now holding him there. His eyes quickly moved away from the light of the lantern, the brightness increasing the already alarming pain in his head. More lights started to materialize, lanterns being carried by many other people hurrying around the street and sidewalk. And now he was aware of smells, of smoke.