Revenge of the Mad Scientist (Book One: Airship Adventure Chronicles)

by Lara Nance

  She packed the bare minimum of clothes, taking only sturdy items that would see her through this adventure. As a last thought she went to her night stand, opened the drawer, and took out her bronze multi-shooter. She kept it handy in a wooden box along with a supply of ammunition. She paused, resting a hand on the smooth wood remembering when her father had given it to her and taught her to shoot. Dear father.

  Her ball gown lay crumpled on the floor where she had hurriedly discarded it. She picked it up and detached the chain holding her ornate gold pocket watch. A sob rose in her throat when she flipped open the lid and the tiny figurine popped up opposite the watch face. The tune of the popular song, Daddy’s Little Girl, played softly in the minute music box inside the watch. Her father had given her this watch when she turned sixteen and she never went anywhere without it. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she thought of him somewhere alone and in the hands of terrorists.

  She snapped it shut and brushed at her tears with a brusque gesture. Crying would not help him. Hopefully, he was safe at this point and the kidnappers saw him more valuable alive than dead. To rescue him she must keep her head and not let her emotions overwhelm her no matter how much his loss affected her.

  Wiping away a last tear, she attached the chain to her coat and slipped the watch into a pocket. Then she stuffed the shooter box on top of her clothes in the valise and buckled it closed. One more stop and she would be ready. She would probably need lots of money before this trip was over. Fortunately she always kept a large supply in a safe in her office. It was another thing her father taught her—always be prepared for an emergency.

  Ready at last, she ran down the stairs, happy to be out of the movement hampering ball gown with its trailing bustle. After she opened her safe, she stuffed stacks of gold and silver bills in the satchel she brought with her and put a handful in one jacket pocket. That was it. She had everything she could think of. Hopefully Benji had the hack ready and they could get underway. She picked up her valise and tossed the strap of the satchel over one shoulder.

  When she reached the front door, it stood ajar and outside loud voices disrupted the quiet morning. What could possibly be causing such a ruckus? She stepped across the threshold and stopped in her tracks. There before her, Benji and Jasper argued in the middle of the street, tugging vigorously at a large valise between them. Several other bags littered the ground at their feet. The carriage hack waited behind them with the driver leaning back against the door of the vehicle, grinning as he watched the altercation.

  The first hint of a rosy dawn cast a warm glow over the street and soon the neighbors would be up and wondering about the commotion. Belle could have strangled both of them.

  “You’re n, n, not going,” Benji yelled.

  “I most certainly am.” Jasper grimaced as he put his weight into pulling on the bag.

  “Are you both completely, stark raving mad?” she hissed and stomped down the steps, glaring at them.

  They fell apart like two naughty school children, both still keeping a hand on the bag.

  “What is going on? I’d like to be out of here quickly and I don’t want anyone popping up to question us.”

  “He says he’s g, g, going with us.” Benji shot the butler an evil glance.

  “Of course I am. I can’t allow Lady Arabella to go jaunting off with nothing but a schoolboy as a companion.” Jasper pulled himself up and looked down his nose at Benji, then gave Belle a hurt look. “And furthermore, I cannot believe you didn’t tell me Sir John had been kidnapped.”

  “Oh for goodness sake.” Belle pushed past them and handed her valise to the driver. “I don’t have time for this. My father is in danger. Benji, put your bag in the coach. Jasper, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to stay here. I need someone to look after the house.”

  “I apologize, My Lady. But I will not be left behind.” He lifted his chin. “I feel it is my duty to care for your comfort and safety no matter where you are.”

  Belle turned around and her mouth fell open, surprised at his obstinacy. “Jasper, you must do as I say. You will not be able to help me on this trip.”

  “I’m deeply sorry, but you do need my help and I am going.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out three, small, leather bound booklets, a triumphant expression on his face.

  Belle gasped. She had forgotten something—their passports. They wouldn’t be able to leave the country without them. How could she have been so stupid?

  “Bloody hell,” she swore. “Get in the coach you two. But if either one of you slows me down, I’ll personally throw you off the airship.”

  Benji kicked at the pavement and released the bag. Jasper allowed himself a small smile of triumph and they both quickly tossed their bags to the driver to pile on the roof and climbed into the coach with Belle.

  ###

  The hack deposited them on the street in front of the Aereopolis Imperial Aeroport. It was the world’s largest airship transportation center ever since being renovated two years ago. Belle stood for a moment looking up at the imposing façade of the modern building. Tall windows rose from the street to the second floor with decoratively carved arches of stone above them and brass strips running down the sides of the windows.

  Above her, airships of every design crisscrossed the sky like giant floating whales at different altitudes. It was hard to believe they could be so numerous and not collide. But Aereopolis used a flashing light system to communicate between ships and the control tower, while other aeroports continued to use the traditional flyer pigeons.

  Belle took a deep breath and, after wrestling her bag away from an over burdened Jasper, she headed into the main building. Jasper followed with his four bags and Benji with one. Belle couldn’t believe the butler had brought along so much luggage. They would be moving at a fast pace and such a load could only slow them down.

  She passed the booths for the traditional flight companies, Chase-Carter and Durable, then followed the signs to the area where airships were available for personal hire. Several men lounged around in leather flight jackets and helmets with goggles flipped up on top of their heads—the captains of the for-hire vessels, waiting for someone to enlist their services.

  At the charter counter, a young man greeted Belle courteously and inquired how he could be of service.

  “I need a fast airship for a long trip. There will be three passengers.” She looked at her companions wondering how long they would last on this journey. She could only hope they were both fully aware of the danger.

  “And the destination?” The young man made some notes, then looked up at her expectantly.

  “Carabarras,” she said.

  The clerk raised his eyebrows and sent a sideways glance to the captains. “Carabarras?”

  “Yes. That’s correct.”

  “Well, That’s a very long and dangerous journey, I don’t believe we have a ship available for such a …”

  “Did you say Carabarras?” A loud voice sounded behind her.

  She turned and confronted a short, heavyset man in the typical captain attire of leather jacket and helmet. He looked to be in his fifties with a short gray beard, piercing blue eyes, and an air of confidence she appreciated.

  “Yes, that’s right.” Belle studied him as he squinted at her, obviously sizing her up.

  “Well you won’t find many to take on that type of charter. It’s clear across the world.”

  “I’m very aware of its location. But my trip is important and urgent.” She moved closer to him and spoke in a low voice only he could hear. “And I’m willing to pay top price for the voyage as long as it’s a fast ship.”

  He glanced over to her companions and back to her. “A fast ship you say?”

  Belle nodded.

  He took her arm and pulled her to the side of the waiting room. The other captains ignored them as they showed no interest in going anywhere near Carabarras. Benji and Jasper followed.

  “I have one of the fastest airships you’ll ever
find. As it so happens, I’ve been to Carabarras in the last year, so I know the route well and how to avoid trouble, if you know what I mean.” He gave her a wink.

  She assumed he meant air-pirates. They were rampant in parts of the world less regulated than Urbannia.

  “Then you seem to be the perfect choice. What would you need in payment for the trip there and back?” She hoped he wasn’t trying to simply fleece her.

  He closed one eye and bit his bottom lip. “I’d say for such a trip, considering all the danger, a fair price would be four thousand gold slips.” He leaned back and crossed his arms as he waited for her response.

  It was a large amount to be sure, but she had to admit it was actually a fair price given the distance and potential danger. She had expected to pay more. That argued well for this man.

  “Very well, two thousand now and the rest when we return.”

  “Three thousand now and the final thousand when we return. I will have to provision the ship along the way.” He raised one brow.

  She hesitated a moment then held out her hand.“Done.”

  He nodded and shook her hand. “I’m Captain Joseph Carter, you can call me Captain Joe. My ship’s named Fantasy Flyer. When do you want to leave?”

  She released his hand and pulled some bills out of her pocket. After counting out three, one-thousand gold slips into his hand, she gave him a steady look and said, “I’m Lady Arabella Trunkett and I would like to depart now.”

  He whistled. “You are in a hurry, My Lady.”

  “Yes, speed is imperative. How soon can you be ready?”

  He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. “I have to call for provisions. That will take about half an hour. The ship is ready, but we still need to top off the helium tank and put in a load of coal. That can be done while we wait for the provisions.”

  “Captain, just one more thing.” She glanced over her shoulder and then leaned closer to him. “Do you know of any ships that left here within the last eight hours headed to the same destination?”

  His eyes narrowed. “There were no ships chartered for Carabarras today. I’m sure of that.”

  Her face fell. She hoped to verify their theory that someone had taken her father there. An airship was the fastest getaway vehicle. An ocean voyage would take months. However, she remained convinced Carabarras was the kidnappers’ destination. Perhaps they could pick up more information along the way.

  “Very well. Then let’s get started. We haven’t a moment to lose.” Belle’s heart beat faster. Despite this disappointing news, they now had a way to go after her father. She couldn’t wait to get into the air.

  “Follow me then and bring your baggage.” Captain Joe waved an arm and headed down the hall that led to the charter docking area.

  “Are you certain you trust him, Lady Arabella?” Jasper whispered in her ear.

  “We don’t have a lot of choices. There doesn’t seem to be anyone else willing to take us,” she said in an undertone. “He seems legitimate. Let’s see what his ship looks like.”

  “You folks do have your passports, right?” Captain Joe said as he opened the door to the docking area. “I don’t hold with smuggling or illegal activities.”

  Belle pointed to Jasper who held up their passports.

  “Good, then we’re square. The charter agent will check them before we leave, after I file a flight plan.” The captain motioned for them to follow him as he crossed the massive yard.

  Gravel crunched beneath Belle’s boots as she walked past dozens of mooring areas for the massive airships. Mechanics and servicemen hurried about to the different vessels, preparing them for flight. Creaking wood and the hiss of steam filled the air.

  “There she is.” Captain Joe raised an arm and pointed ahead of them, his face glowed with pride. “Fantasy Flyer.”

  The group paused and viewed the vessel which would take them across the world to Carabarras. An elongated rust colored inflatable hovered above a boat shaped gondola connected to it by a web of ropes. The gondola was of the modern design made of dark wood with decorative brass trim. The back of the ship housed the engine compartment with movable fins flanked by round fans. It certainly seemed to be a sturdy vessel.

  The entire contraption was tethered at four corners by heavy ropes tied to iron rings sunk in the ground. The morning sun peeped over the horizon casting a golden glow over the rounded inflatable, reminding Belle that time was of the essence.

  “Seems air w, w, worthy.” Benji beamed as his gaze roamed over the ship. “And large enough for a long voyage.”

  “Let’s get aboard.” Belle grabbed his arm and pulled him forward. This would be the first time he had made a journey aboard an airship and she knew he found the technology fascinating, but they didn’t have time to stop and stare.

  The captain strode ahead and they followed him until they reached the side of the gondola. He grabbed a rope hanging beside the hatch and gave it a yank. The gangplank lowered on a system of pulleys, revealing a wooden floor with rope handles running along both sides.

  Belle strode behind the captain, up the gangplank and into the body of the gondola. Just inside was a salon, a large room with a variety of seating areas. Small windows ran around the side where they entered.

  “Come along and I’ll show you to your berths.” The captain headed across the room to a door that led down a short hallway. Doors were spaced on one side of the hall and as they proceeded he would open a door and direct one of them to claim it as theirs.

  Jasper and Benji headed into their respective rooms, and then the captain opened a door at the end of the hall and waved her inside.

  “This will be yours, My Lady,” he said.

  She walked in, impressed with the cozy berth. A bed sat against the far wall and in the center of the room were a desk and chair as well as two wing chairs gathered around a cast iron stove whose chimney pipe exited out the side of the gondola. A small window above the bed allowed a view of outside and brass, gaslight lanterns on the wall swung on gimbals.

  “Thank you Captain. I’ll get settled while you do what is necessary to prepare this airship for the journey. I want to leave as soon as possible.”

  Captain Joe gave a brief nod and turned on his heel.

  Belle let out a big breath and placed her valise and the money satchel on the desk. She removed her jacket and sat on the side of the bed. She was drained both physically and emotionally. There had been no time for sleep last night—first the party and then the need to get underway, not to mention being overwhelmed with worry for her father. Her eyelids grew heavy and her head foggy from lack of sleep. Where was her father right now? A pang of worry wormed into her brain. What if she was on the wrong path? She pressed her lips together and touched the pocket containing the stickpin. No, she had to trust her instincts. They were going to Carabarras.

  ###

  A knocking on her door sent a jolt through Belle. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, to clear the haze from her mind.

  “My Lady, are you in there?” Jasper’s voice on the other side of the door jarred her back into reality. Then she remembered, she was on the airship.

  She called out, “Come in, Jasper.”

  He opened the door and his anxious face peered around the edge. “The charter agent is here and needs all travelers to present themselves with their passports.”

  She opened her watch, noting she had slept for half an hour. They must be getting ready to leave, so she resisted the urge to cradle the watch and listen to the soothing tune.

  “All right, I’m coming,” she said, closing and returning the timepiece to her pocket. She put a hand up to make sure her hair was in place and slipped out of the berth.

  They found the agent with Benji and the captain in the salon area of the gondola. The official wore a dark blue uniform and cap. A silver badge of Imperial Immigration shone on his lapel. Benji grinned, clearly excited to be embarking on this adventure and asked the poor man all sorts of questions about his job.


  “Here is Lady Arabella Trunkett who chartered this trip.” Captain Joe gestured toward her as she entered.

  “Ah, yes. My Lady. I am very sorry to hear about your father’s disappearance. I saw the disturbing news in the early morning edition of the Post.” The agent rose to his feet and gave her a small bow.

  The captain cast a sharp glance at her, but she smiled and nodded to the agent.

  “I appreciate your concern, but we were assured by Her Majesty that every resource will be used to recover him. Now what is it you need from me to clear us for this trip?”

  He bowed again and reseated himself while Jasper handed over their passports. After a cursory inspection, he stamped them all and handed them back to the butler. “Everything seems to be in order. But I must say, a trip to Carabarras in the current political climate is not something I would advise a young lady to undertake.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but my trip cannot be delayed.” She held out a hand to him indicating the end to the discussion.

  He took the hint, stood to take her hand, and bowed over it. “In that case, I will release the vessel at once. Is there any other service I can undertake for you before you depart, My Lady?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes. I forgot to post this letter to my mother before I left. If you would be so good as to take care of that for me I would be forever in your debt.” She pulled an envelope from her pocket and held it out to him. She had intended to give the letter to Jasper to deliver before his diverting altercation with Benji made her forget.

  “It would be my pleasure.” The man smiled and tucked the letter in his jacket pocket.

  Once the official had left the gondola, Captain Joe informed them departure was imminent and he was needed on the top deck. He invited them to accompany him if they wished to have a spectacular view of Aereopolis as they flew over the massive capital city.