His new creation flew the sectors with grace; that was the easy part. The real challenge was to embark the spirit atmosphere.
The vast steel doors of Sector IR-294 parted, revealing the ferocity of nature. Wind speed of over ninety miles per hour blitzed through the twisting, fragmenting clouds.
Entry into the torrid environment wasn’t kind to Amelia Air. It ripped a front panel. Gusts blasted Stanley. All he could do was try to turn her around. However, his engines weren’t equipped with the Turbulent Reflectors that Stanley would invent. He was controlled by the winds and guided by the wheel he held tight.
For over twenty minutes, he piloted with his nerves in tatters. The vessel drifted towards the nearest sector like a battered ocean liner arriving at shore. With luck, he wouldn’t be forced past the entrance bay, as his altitude didn’t allow for such an error. Stanley’s one and only chance for entering inhabitable surroundings was seconds away.
The lower half of Amelia Air collided heavily with the steel doors. He had done well to glide the vessel through the entrance bay, but she had succumbed to major damage.
Amelia Air began its deadly descent.
* * *
At first, Stanley thought he was looking up at Amelia Earhart, dabbing his forehead with a gentle touch. Her eyes were the most angelic he had ever witnessed; sky-blue, blazing back at him. Her hair was dark and full, tickling his chin as she learned over, calling to him with her Italian accent. “You’re safe. You’re safe.”
“Who are…?”
“My name is Isabella. And you are?”
“I’m…” he uttered, then frowned. “Oh dear… that’s not good.”
* * *
Two weeks had gone within a flash for Stanley and Isabella. Tales had been shared; they knew so much about each other. And yet so many adventures remained to be discovered – and discover them they did.
Stanley became fitter, happier, though slightly forgetful, and rose to the challenge of once again embarking into the spirit atmosphere. Thus, eight months later, Isabella took to the sky with him in his new pride and joy, Bella Air. His re-envisioned vessel flew into the turbulent domain and withstood all the forces its gusts could muscle.
Stanley’s dreams of dominating the spirit airwaves came to fruition. Within weeks he was famous and the director of Hopkins and Co. – complete with its very own tower and underground workshop.
Nothing could possibly ruin his dreams of living a prolific life.
One man, however, changed all that: Anton Arquet.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Stanley’s Mission
Stanley and two nine-year-old girls journeyed towards their enemy – Anton Arquet. Location – Sector TU-939. Mission – retrieve the module, preferably without detection.
In the cabin, Rose lay on the bed with thoughts of home and Father. What must he be thinking? She imagined his confusion and worry. And she pictured a policeman in her house, along posters of a missing girl on lampposts. What day was it on Earth, anyway? Monday? Tuesday? The whole school must know by now.
“Girls!” shouted Stanley. “It’s time!”
Rose got up from the bed and made her way to the living quarters of Bella Air. Stanley blinked two determined eyes and spoke with passion. “Stealthy. Nimble. Not a sound. Not even a cry of pain should you fall to the ground. We must leave no trace. Not a fingerprint or a strand of hair…” He looked at Rose, then straightened his back, arms held to his side. “Girls! Atteeention!”
Lily burst out laughing.
“Attention!” he ordered. “That’s when you both salute.”
“Why…? You’re not the boss of me,” said Lily.
“Okay,” said Rose, and saluted with a broad smile.
“That’s right, I am your chief in command and this is my vessel – correct?” asked Stanley, sweeping his eyes over the mischievous one.
“Must I… really?”
“Just do it, sis.”
With reluctance, Lily raised her arm and held it loose to her forehead, rolling her eyes as she did so.
“At ease!” said Stanley.
Rose broke into a smile, lowering her arm.
Lily huffed, watching him march off into the control chamber.
* * *
Bella Air swayed in the sunlight, buffeted by the chaotic atmospheric air. The entrance to Sector TU-939 drifted into view. Stanley flicked a switch, causing the sector doors to part, like a giant eyelid opening after a long, sleepy night.
Through the entrance bay, the vessel proceeded inwards and descended towards an Italian-inspired environment of present-day Earth: a peaceful location, where rows upon rows of lush vineyards surrounded luxury villa estates.
Rising from below deck, Rose gasped, admiring the view of the early evening where sparkles of sunlight danced along the Riviera. “This is a beautiful place to live. How come you live where you do, Stanley?”
“Yeah, why do you live in that dump?” asked Lily.
“Some of the greatest inventors and visionaries of Earth were around during the Industrial Revolution. George Stephenson, Thomas Newcomen and, of course… Brunel, Isambard, that is. Revolutionaries in an ever-changing world,” he said with aplomb. “Anyway, this imbecile, Anton, chose this location because of…” He paused and gave a gentle smile.
Rose watched him in a world of his own. “Because of?”
“Because of Isabella.”
“Who?”
“Ah, Isabella, my dear sweet Bella. She’s my angel. Well, not technically. I don’t have an angel.”
“There are angels?” asked Rose.
“Oh yes, created by Ollus. Some spirits carry a gene of his. They’re guardians to protect those in need. But they don’t have those halos, or silly, feathered wings. But in a way, Bella is my angel, saving me from a life of misery. She’s the greatest woman I’ve ever met, and ever will meet, probably.” He leaned back against the vessel wheel, swaying from side to side. “We’re perfect together. We make each other complete, like strawberries and cream, or like stars in a night sky, or like –”
“We get it,” said Lily.
“Is she your wife?” asked Rose.
“Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“It’s complicated. There’s much we need to resolve. However, true love waits. You’ll learn that someday, when you grow up.”
Lily extended her index finger and pointed directly at him. “I think you’re a wuss, and won’t tell her your feelings.”
“Nonsense! I’ve told her many times. Probably more than she wants to hear.”
“She doesn’t feel the same way?” asked Rose.
Stanley rolled his head from east to west with a deflated expression. “I – I don’t know.” He looked to the floor and bit his lower lip. “Like I said, it’s complicated.”
Rose tilted her head. “What’s so complicated?”
Stanley sighed, turning to face the wheel and took hold of it. “The man who stole my module. The man we’re travelling to visit. He’s the complication.”
“Is he better than you?” said Lily.
“He had to die on Earth, didn’t he. Coming here, thinking he’s some kind of Romeo in search of his Juliet.” He glanced over his shoulder. “And no, he’s not better.”
“He loves her too?” guessed Rose.
“I suspect, though I’ve never heard him say it. Nah, he’s probably jealous of my amazing charm, good looks, inventions and –” He caught sight of the twins looking puzzled. “He’s her husband,” he said, deflated, and blew out his lips. “Blast marriages. There should be a law – death equals divorce.”
“He was married to her on Earth?” said Rose.
“Yes.”
“So you’re like a wife stealer,” said Lily.
Stanley turned. “What was that?”
“I said –”
“So this module thing,” interrupted Rose, “what’s it all about?”
“Why, it’s one of a kind. In theory, it allows tele
portation from one sector to any other. Of course there’re portals that do just that. However, portals cost tokens and are limited to individuals. My invention allows for a vessel and all within to travel without charge. Isabella and I long to visit every sector in one continuous voyage, for the first time in history. With this technology, we can have fuel, food and drink teleported to our exact location, so there’s no need to land. She’ll be ecstatic – if it works.”
“Sounds complicated,” said Lily.
“It is. Now, we’re nearing our target, so prepare yourselves. Remember, no trace. We’re invisible tonight, right?” said Stanley, nodding at his twin troops. They returned his nod. “Otherwise, this could get messy. Right. Where… to… land?”
Stanley steered Bella Air over sun-glazed fields adorned by grey and white granite and a scattering of lush trees. As the vessel lowered towards the ground its landing carriage opened, then it gently touched down.
“Okay,” said Stanley, “his yard is around four hundred metres southwest. We infiltrate his compound – stealthy, nimble, like a Shinobi Ninja.”
The twins nodded in agreement. They had no idea what a Shinobi Ninja was, but it sounded stealthy.
“Keep your eyes to the ground, and ears peeled,” informed Stanley.
“No, eyes peeled, and ears to the ground,” corrected Rose.
“Right,” said Stanley as he dashed away down a rocky hillside, his silent tracker in hand. The twins followed in tow as Stanley moved swiftly from tree to tree, calling out to his rear troops with hand flicks and gestures.
The rear entrance gate came into sight, revealing the expansive and no doubt expensive villa. Stanley, ever so eager, jumped to propel himself over the sandstone wall. He failed, landing on his backside. He dusted himself down and took another leap, cocking his right leg over the wall. There he hung, stuck, hugging the stone like a monkey on a broken branch.
Lily saw an opportunity. She focused on the struggling, overly dressed man and gave him a flying fling. He spiralled over the wall and hit the ground with a thud, letting out a slight whine.
“I’m okay, I’m okay. Good work,” he whispered, and arrived at the gate, his expression victorious.
Lily looked down at the gate lock. It clicked, and the gates parted. “Forget something?”
He looked annoyed, before reverting to Stanley ‘Action Man’ Hopkins. “Let’s proceed, with caution.”
He took out his tracker and followed the co-ordinates, heading towards a grand stone building akin to a castle. They hid behind water fountains, then crawled over the pristine inch-long grass and passed statues that led to the building entrance. Stanley gave the door a gentle tug; it was locked. “Lily?” he whispered, observing the door with interest.
Lily focused on the lock, then expressed her achievement with a broad smile.
Stanley gave her a thumbs up, opened the door and peered inside, then beckoned the twins to follow.
In the entranceway, upon a shiny tiled floor, there were antiques and statuettes in abundance, exquisitely lit for showmanship. To the left, a staircase that led to the second floor was hung with glorious oil paintings, as were the walls all around.
Stunned, Stanley froze. He stared towards one painting: a portrait of a beautiful, dark-haired woman. “You’re here…” he said, stepping forward. He drifted towards the painting and stopped in front of a coffee table surrounded by luxurious, leather furniture. The twins watched, intrigued, as he knelt down and ran his hands over a silver item the size of a doormat. Not a scratch appeared on the smooth, titanium surface. “I’ve found you.”
The twins cringed, observing an embrace of affection only Stanley could give an object. He continued to whisper to it, and gave the module thing a delicate kiss.
“He’s so strange,” said Lily.
Rose smiled. “He’s unique, I’ll give him that.”
Stanley gave a quick glance around while smiling. “Time to go,” he whispered, unable to suppress his smirk.
Clap! … Clap! … Clap! …
“Earlier than I anticipated, but welcome, my dear friend,” called out from the upper balcony, male and with a French accent. He was smartly dressed with short, black, receding hair.
“Anton,” said Stanley, narrowing his eyes with contempt. “I knew it was you all along. Shame you didn’t possess the brain cells to actually hide it.”
“Stanley, please… I wanted you to find it,” he said, brandishing a silver, pen-like object. He tapped it against his chin and spoke with calmness. “I wanted to see your face.”
Stanley looked at the twins. Rose looked back with the expression of someone caught stealing cookies before tea.
“You’ve brought guests, I see. Well, well, are you human? And a primitive. Conjoined twins? My, you do have a way with outsiders, Stanley. What Isabel saw in you, I’ll never know.”
Lily frowned and spoke fearlessly. “Call me a primitive again and I’ll –”
“Let me handle this,” interrupted Stanley. “You know what? You’re not worth it. Only petty people need to bicker. I came for the module. And now we’re leaving.”
“But, Stanley, I’m not finished,” said Anton, holding out the silver device and showing his arch rival its red button on the tip. “Like I said… I wanted to see your face,” he repeated, and proceeded to push the button.
Puff!
A plume of thick grey smoke billowed into Stanley’s eyes, as if the module had breathed its last breath.
“No… (cough) My baby!” Stanley clung to his defunct beloved, coughing and spluttering over it.
“Perfect… that’s just how I imagined it, no, dreamt it,” said Anton, grinning without guilt, only pleasure.
“You… (cough) son of a –”
Bang!
The entrance doors parted and three large men dressed in black suits hurried in, heading towards the visitors.
“Please escort Mr Hopkins and his friends to the gate,” said Anton, then laughed.
“You’ve not heard the last of me!” cried Stanley, continuing to hug the module while two mammoth men hauled him to the door. Rose swiftly followed them outside to avoid inevitable harassment.
Stanley’s feet dragged over the lawn to the gate, where they gave him a forceful shove. Rose dashed to his side as the entrance slammed shut.
He sat on his bottom and held the module with both hands, then gave it a gentle shake, listening to it rattle. Debris fell from the air vents. The sight caused Stanley to whimper, then mutter to it; an apology perhaps, thought Rose. He appeared as a man who had lost a battle, thus losing the war, and now he sat, sentenced to death, the lack of a sharp implement the only thing preventing him from suicide.
“Make another one. Can’t you do that?” asked Rose.
Stanley raised his head with bitterness. “You have no idea. Years. Planning. Oh dear God – all in my journal…”
“Sorry to hear that,” said Rose in her most comforting tone. “But you got it back. Okay, it may not work, but –” She paused, witnessing her words tread over his fragile state.
“What Rose is trying to say,” said Lily, “is we must now leave to find our mother. That was the deal.”
Stanley didn’t appear to hear a word. Instead, he curled over and continued to mumble to his titanium; another treasure of the tower, thought Rose.
Lily scrunched her face, preparing to erupt. “You’re pathetic. Now, get up. We must find our mother, right now!” Barely able to look at him, she huffed, then focused her attention on his junk.
The module stopped smouldering. The pieces that had fallen out began to roll up Stanley’s leg. Within seconds all were inside the case. He gave it a shake. There was no rattle.
“There,” said Lily. “Happy now?”
“Wow, sis,” said Rose. “Wait, I don’t feel anything.”
Stanley stood and looked at his saviour. “You … you did it. Why, Lily… you beauty!” He jumped to his feet and danced on the spot in sheer delight. “Wanted to see
my face, did you? Well, see this.” He bent over and shook his buttocks in the direction of Anton’s villa while staring between his legs.
“Stanley,” said Rose with urgency as the surge of a mighty migraine smothered her thoughts.
He stood straight, composing himself. “We will find your mother – after I test the module.”
“What?” said Lily, frowning.
“We’ll search high and low for her. Wherever she may be, we’ll meet and greet your wonderful, wonderful mother,” he said, jumping up and down like a child at Christmas.
He then galloped back to Bella Air, laughing, having a pretend conversation with Anton. Lily surrendered her anger, chuckling at his joyous ranting, while Rose staggered behind him, recovering from her sister’s new triumphant endeavour.
* * *
Like a tailored suit, the module fitted into place. After a tinker with levers, knobs and switches, the time had arrived to stop talking and begin teleporting.
“So we can travel anywhere?” asked Rose.
“Precisely.”
“Then if we want to,” said Lily, “we can travel to Mother’s sector right now?”
“Yeah… well, no. I’m afraid not.”
“Why not?” asked the twins together.
Stanley strolled around the control chamber, gesturing with passionate hands. “In order to teleport, Bella Air must have pre-inhabited the location and stored the longitude and latitude. Therefore, we can only travel to a vicinity already established.” He began tweaking a dial, following his notes with precision. “Now, current co-ordinates set. Destination co-ordinates primed. All seems to be in check. Girls… prepare to teleport.”
He took a deep breath and gripped the lever, one pull away from elation or utter despair. The pull produced a throbbing charge of electric currents and sounds so alien and loud that Rose held her breath. Then all was over, within a flash.
The sight through the windows defined the result: the tower, in all its dishevelled glory, was below the vessel.
“I did it,” he said, stepping towards the view.
“It worked!” said Rose. “Congratulations.”
“Well done,” said Lily, almost impressed.
At the window he seemed to ponder the meaning of this enlightenment, as if his destiny had been reached.
“Stanley … are you okay?” asked Rose, stepping towards him as he stared through the window. “What’s wrong? You did it.”
Twin Spirit Page 10