by Pelaam
Unarmed and defenseless, there was nothing Nicolas could do except dodge the man’s wild swing. The sound of the metal pipe connecting with the metal hull of the ship was loud enough in the confined space to make Nicolas’s ears ring.
The man stood between Nicolas and the door and, although the distance could only have been a matter of a few yards, it may as well have stretched to infinity. Nicolas could see no way to get past him.
“I’ll crack your skull apart and crush what passes for your brains beneath my feet.”
A quick glance around didn’t reveal much to help Nicolas. The only thing that could pass as a weapon, if he could manage to get to it, was the length of chain. But even that was currently out of his reach.
Shrill screams of rage and the ringing of metal against metal deafened Nicolas to all else as the man swung at him. Time and again, Nicolas dodged for his life, the metal bar coming so close to his head that Nicolas felt the kiss of the breeze against his skin.
His luck couldn’t last, and Nicolas gasped as the metal bar grazed his shoulder with enough force to cause him to stumble. On his knees, he looked up at the man, his twisted features making him look even more grotesque in his fury.
The bar hurtled down towards Nicolas, and there was nothing he could do to save himself. At the last moment, something interposed itself between the bar and Nicolas, and the bar bounced off it with a muffled clang.
Nicolas twisted, landing on his ass with a thump and looked up to see Rusty. The automaton’s eyes were fixed on him for a second, then it moved, ready to block another blow.
The mechanical, although stronger than a mere human, wasn’t able to use that strength. Nicolas hadn’t instilled them with a lust for violence. They would defend themselves, but Nicolas had relied more on the shock of the automatons apparently acting of their own accord to claim a quick victory over Melbeck’s men.
This man was a different matter altogether. Nicolas was quite certain that even if Satan himself appeared it wouldn’t stop him. Already there were dents in Rusty’s arm and it wouldn’t take long for the maniac to breach the automaton’s basic defense postures.
Rage blazed through Nicolas. He couldn’t risk the monster getting out of the room. He had to protect Nathan. Rolling to the side, Nicolas scrambled on his hands and knees to snatch the length of chain.
Rusty was failing, the man had hit the automaton’s head with two blows and his arm had dropped. He was as defenseless as Nicolas had been when Rusty had come to his rescue. Now it was Nicolas’s turn to be the protector.
With a yell, he swung the chain with all his strength. Hardy turned as the chain wrapped around his knees. A screech of metal rang out and Nicolas sent his magyck crackling along the chain to freeze the workings of the mechanical legs.
With a roar of fury, Hardy rocked for a few seconds as he tried to break the hold of the chain and will his legs to move, then he collapsed to the floor. A second behind him, Rusty also fell.
With a groan, Nicolas looked quickly away as the automaton’s body slammed down heavily on Hardy’s head. His heart hammering, his breath coming in shallow pants, Nicolas stood still. Waiting. Unsure what would happen next.
A whirr and whine broke the silence, and Nicolas almost dropped to his knees in gratitude when Rusty started to move. On the third attempt, the automaton rose and stood stoically before Nicolas. Ignoring the motionless body on the floor, Nicolas checked his mechanical.
Although he’d imbued it with his life’s spark and his tinker’s magyck, this level of autonomous action was far beyond what he’d expected. Perhaps it was the strange atmosphere or being in space that changed the power of his magyck. Nicolas didn’t know, and at this point he really didn’t care.
“Are you all right?” Nicolas patted Rusty’s chest and the mechanical gave a single nod in response.
For a second or two, Nicolas’s breath caught in his throat. He hadn’t expected a reply, but given the mechanical had sought him out and actively chosen to protect him, perhaps nothing should surprise him anymore.
“Very good. Go back to the workshop. If anyone other than Nathan or I come in, you are to act as if you’re fully run down. You understand? You know Nathan?” Nicolas took a deep breath as Rusty nodded.
Only then did Nicolas drop to one knee. A pool of blood slowly spread ever wider beneath his adversary’s mangled head. Ready to snatch his hand away if necessary, Nicolas touched the man’s neck, searching for a pulse. Already Hardy’s flesh felt cool, and there was no thrum of life under Nicolas’s fingers.
“Dead. Whether I call him Hardy or Ironlegs, he’s no threat to us now.” Nicolas tugged the metal pipe free from the man’s unresponsive fingers. “Now I have a weapon, although I have no wish to use one. Go, Rusty. You’re hurt enough. I’ll work on you when I can.”
The mechanical seemed reluctant to leave Nicolas, but there was nothing more they could do to secure the ship by staying there. “Very well, my friend. Stay with me. We’ll continue with the plan. Hopefully, thanks to Hardy’s instruction, we should be able to block in the men down here. It’s not long until we dock, just a day or so. We should be safe. Dear God, I pray we’re safe.”
Gathering the other mechanical, Nicolas crept along the passageway. There was a door at the end, but Nicolas had no intention of opening it. Even with two mechanicals, and his iron bar, Nicolas knew he couldn’t take on another fight. The door was the most beautiful sight he could hope for. He tapped the unnamed mechanical’s chest.
“Hold the wheel. Allow no one to get through. If it seems you cannot hold the wheel against them, twist it to make sure it can’t be turned.” Nicolas waited while the automaton settled into place, and then sighed. He hoped and prayed that there were no others of Melbeck’s men to deal with.
“Although I hate leaving the children as prisoners in there, it’s safer for them to be where they are.” Nicolas looked up at Rusty. “Come on. Let us return to the bridge. I want to check on Nathan. Then I shall have to keep touring the ship to make sure we remain secure.”
With Rusty behind him, Nicolas started back to the bridge.
Chapter Eighteen
The timing of the mutiny had been crucial. Nicolas could offer food and water to Nathan, procured from the conservatory. But his main job, except for those times when Nathan needed to leave the wheel, was to constantly run from place to place throughout the ship and ensure no one was breaking free of where they’d been imprisoned.
Melbeck and his men had been moved out of the bridge and into another room, secured by a mechanical. Now the space station was so close, Nicolas could almost reach out and touch it. Nathan had even managed to alert it of their imminent arrival, and the need for police assistance.
To the relief of Nicolas, and Nathan, the space station advised Nathan not to attempt docking, and that an experienced ship’s helmsman would board along with some of the station’s constabulary.
“It’s over, Nicolas.” Nathan hugged Nicolas tightly. “It’s over.”
“Almost my love.” Nicolas pecked a kiss to Nathan’s cheek. “Stay here while I go and meet our guests.”
His step lighter than it had been since boarding Strawberry Fields, Nicolas went to allow the boarding party onto the ship, and was greeted by a tall, craggy-faced man who eyed Nicolas from top to toe.
“My name is Sergeant Jasper Whittock. Are you Mr. Nathan Smith?”
“No. My name is Broadberry, Nicolas Broadberry. Mr. Smith is still on the bridge.”
“Right then. Tell me quickly what you can, and I’ll get my men organized.” Whittock had a commanding manner, and Nicolas immediately felt as if he could trust the man.
Nicolas met Whittock’s keen, grey-eyed stare unflinchingly as he quickly related what he’d uncovered aboard Strawberry Fields.
“I used the mechanicals to trap most of Melbeck’s men. A couple are tied up. We planned to be as close to docking as possible. I only hope the children in the hold are still well.”
“
I doubt they’ll have come to any harm, sir.” Whittock extended his hand and Nicolas shook it. “You did an admirable job. We’ve had our eye on Captain Melbeck for some time. I’ll be glad to have him as a guest in my jail.” Looking over his shoulder, Whittock barked out his orders to his men. “Right, now. Firstly, guide us around the ship so we can gather up the rabble. I have a couple of matrons on hand ready to deal with the children, then you can show me to the bridge. I trust that your automatons can assist us if necessary?”
“Yes, of course, Sergeant. As long as I give them the appropriate instructions.” Nicolas didn’t want to reveal too much about his special skills, not with so many other men around, but there was a calculating look in Whittock’s eye.
“Very good. Lead on.”
With Nicolas leading the way, Whittock and his men followed. At each place that Nicolas had managed to trap Melbeck’s crewmen, Whittock’s constables took charge, putting them in chains and leading them away.
The children were freed and led away by the matrons Whittock had mentioned earlier. Nicolas’s heart ached for each of them, but he hoped that with their rescue, they would have a better life than intended by either Melbeck or Hardy.
Melbeck was the last man they took. Struggling, shouting, and cursing, he was dragged away by Whittock’s men, dire promises of retribution toward Nicolas and, of more concern to Nicolas, against Nathan, following in his wake.
“Don’t worry … Nicolas, wasn’t it?” Whittock asked, his voice a little softer, and Nicolas nodded. “He’s not going anywhere, anytime soon. Now, you mentioned Hardy, and the name Ironlegs?”
“Yes. Hardy was Ironlegs.” Nicolas shuddered, remembering the maniacal way Hardy had behaved at the end. “Although the Hardy I heard of, and the man I … I encountered as Ironlegs, were almost like two different people. But he said…” Nicolas stopped and swallowed.
“Yes? Said what, Nicolas?”
At Whittock’s gentle urging, Nicolas continued. “The way he talked of his family, I could feel his hatred. Perhaps … perhaps it wasn’t just his body that was damaged?”
“Perhaps not. Well, show me where he is, we don’t need to concern ourselves with removing his body at this time.” Whittock patted Nicolas’s shoulder. “Then we can go to the bridge. I shall dock your vessel, then you can accompany me to my station, where you and Mr. Smith can make out your statements.”
“Yes, Sergeant. This way.” Nicolas was glad to let Whittock take charge. A wave of utter exhaustion washed over him, and he stumbled slightly. Only Whittock’s swift reaction stopped him from falling.
“When did you last really sleep?” Whittock asked, those keen grey eyes studying Nicolas so intently that Nicolas knew he couldn’t lie.
“A few days ago. Once we’d set our minds on trying to take over Strawberry Fields, I knew how dangerous it was. If I’d failed, then Nathan—” Nicolas stopped, his eyes wide, but Whittock just smiled.
“Don’t worry. I understand. Do you and Mr. Smith have anywhere other than this ship in which to sleep? Do you have finances to afford to stay on the station?”
“No.” Nicolas shook his head. “Well, as far as I know Nathan gets nothing for working on Strawberry and my remuneration was to be upon our return. I’ll get nothing now. I don’t even know how we’ll get back home.”
“Don’t worry about that now.” Whittock patted Nicolas’s shoulder. “Let’s dock at the station, get your statements, and take things from there. Agreed?”
“Yes, Sergeant.” Nicolas could only hope the constable could help him. Having ensured the children were safe, and taking over the ship, Nicolas had no idea what he and Nathan would do thereafter. Too tired to give the issue full consideration, Nicolas concentrated on getting Whittock to the bridge. Anything else would have to wait.
Chapter Nineteen
While Nicolas and Nathan watched on, Whittock guided the ship to dock perfectly. By the time he was ready to lead them from the ship, even Nathan was far more relaxed in Whittock’s company.
“Perhaps you will deal with the automatons for me, Nicolas.” Whittock waved a hand at those on the bridge. “I can post guards outside the ship to make sure no unauthorized persons board Strawberry Fields, but I’d like to additionally ensure that no one enters the bridge, the engine room, or the lower deck of the vessel, unless I am present.”
“Yes.” Nicolas nodded. “I can do that.” Nicolas patted Rusty’s chest. “Stay here. I shall come back and make sure you’re fully repaired.” Nicolas cast a glance back at Whittock who nodded. “You may allow entry to me, to Nathan, and to Sergeant Whittock. If at least one of us is not present, then do not permit the door to be opened.”
“That sounds most suitable, Nicolas. Nathan and I shall wait here, then we can all go ashore together.”
With a nod, Nicolas hurried to obey Whittock. He made sure that Patch and Scorch were the automatons he left guarding the engine room, and the entrance to the lower deck. By the time he returned, Nathan was chatting to Whittock, and Nicolas smiled to see his lover finally relaxed after all that had happened.
“Right, then. Follow me, gentlemen.”
With Whittock leading the way, Nicolas urged Nathan next, and then kept close behind his lover. This would be the first time in many months since Nathan had left the ship, and Nicolas wanted to be ready should Nathan find the experience overwhelming.
The station they emerged onto was more glamorous than any Nicolas had seen on Earth, and Nathan gasped, coming to a sudden halt in front of Nicolas.
“I never knew how beautiful this space station could be, Nicolas.” Nathan turned around, and Nicolas smiled to see the look of delight on his lover’s face. “I used to be glad Melbeck didn’t want me coming aboard. Where we previously docked was dark and forbidding. But this … this is like my conservatory.”
“You’re right, my love.” Nicolas nodded. From where they stood, the station before them did look like Nathan’s beloved conservatory.
There was a copper shell inside the metal walls of the space station, and that shell was filled with glass, just like a greenhouse. Except the glass overhead was a light blue at the outer edges, darkening to a deep midnight blue, dotted with gold directly overhead.
Down the sides, amber glass became beautiful golden teak wood, and there were a couple of mezzanines in copper and filigree metals, that created a feeling of warmth and space.
The center of the floor was dominated by foliage, including several palms and assorted shrubbery with a water display, and some flowers for color at the edges.
“A little different to what you expected, my friends?” Whittock asked, his craggy face softening into a smile.
“It’s amazing. I would never have dreamed it could be so beautiful.” Nathan shook his head. “Do we have to go directly to the station, Sergeant?”
“Ah, there’s one of my men. Wait here a moment.”
Whittock strode away to confer with his constable and Nicolas took the time to stand close to Nathan and admire the station. A few moments later, Whittock joined them.
“Melbeck’s singing like a canary.” Whittock rubbed his hands, and his smile turned feral. “There’s nothing better when thieves and blackguards turn on one another. Makes my job all the easier. He couldn’t wait to lay all the blame on Ironlegs.”
“Does he know that Hardy, I mean Ironlegs, is dead?” Nicolas asked.
“Not yet. That’s why he’s singing so sweetly. Getting his side of things across first.” Whittock grinned at Nicolas. “He’ll find out tomorrow. When I’ve had chance to go through Strawberry Fields very carefully. Now, as for you two gentlemen, I think tomorrow will be soon enough for your written statements. You should both rest. You can stay the night with me. I have your preliminary statements. I don’t think there’ll be much to add to what I’ve already heard. Melbeck has already admitted that neither of you were involved in the child smuggling. Strawberry Fields can remain where she is.”
“Thank you. But… Nathan
and I have no way to repay you, or even pay our way here. I only get paid … well, I expected to be paid on my return home.” Nicolas shivered. “But it seems I wasn’t intended to make the return journey.”
“Don’t speak of such things.” Nathan clutched at Nicolas’s arm. “We’re both alive and well. And, hopefully, will get back home one day.”
Without hesitation, Nicolas wrapped an arm tightly around Nathan. He worried that the events would prove too much for Nathan. The fear of him suffering seizures once more, due to the stress, was ever-present in Nicolas’s mind
“Don’t fret.” Whittock patted Nathan’s arm, the softer smile back in place. “You and Nicolas are innocent of anything. Melbeck has admitted you were kept in the dark over his real intentions for the children, Nathan. As such, there was nothing you could do to save those who’d already come here, but between you and Nicolas, you saved those he had on this journey. There’ll be a way to get you home, all will be right in the end. As for payment, you’ve more than paid by bringing the likes of Melbeck to justice. I need to delve a little more into our other mysterious man. You’ll stay with me as my guests until things are sorted, then we can see how best to get you home.”
“Thank you, Sergeant Whittock.”
“When I’m off duty, call me Jasper, and I’m off duty at this moment. Right, now, let’s go through here. We can get one of the trains that circle the perimeter of the station. Walking’s fine, if the journey’s a short one. You get a good view from the train, too.”
Gently urging Nathan ahead of him, Nicolas looked across the bustling station to the doorway Jasper indicated. Shaped like an inverted horseshoe, the double-layered golden-brick frame had a deep-blue tiled mosaic pattern sandwiched between. It was further decorated with an ornate pattern in wrought iron. Nicolas marveled at how the station was like a work of art.
But then Nicolas remembered it, too, had a darker side—where the previous consignments of children had been delivered. From Nathan’s description, Nicolas was glad he hadn’t seen it for himself. He shuddered, hoping that perhaps the children had managed to find a better life on the station than the one they’d left behind.