V

The thrum of the twelve Rolls Royce twin turbo props made the bridge of the airship Tesla vibrate with power. Master M swiveled his command chair and examined the cards of data being spat out by the Babbage Machine he had installed after procuring the Tesla.

“Yes, The Saltire is nearing landfall,” his narrow fingers clutched a card, “finally I will be rid of McBride and his pesky women!”

Master M rose and reached for his cane shuffling towards the dual wheels that steered the Tesla. “Bring us about and prepare the men for action!” His voice carried through out the airship.

Grant stood at his post at the main gangplank of The Saltire. “Who gets to be the first one out? Big Mikey? You would think so, we could cover three men behind him,” Grant groused as the airship descended towards the open field.

John and Rebecca waited at the edge of the field as the airship descended. The winds whipped John’s Hunter tweed kilt about his legs as the roar of the airships engines grew closer.

“Maureen is keeping an eye on our shadow’s,” rebecca said as tiny figured leaped from the descending gangplank a hemp line trailing him as he began to secure the airship for landing.

“Where is Stefania? I didn’t see her at breakfast,” John said as he adjusted his waistcoat.

“She went out with Jock for a spot of fishing, seems she’s taken to it like…” Rebecca paused.

“Like a fish to water?” John grinned. ‘Jock has that effect on people.”

Rebecca swatted his shoulder playfully and collected her folio. “Looks like our man grant was the first one out.”

“Yes, I do recognize that rubber chicken sporran of his and is that kilt leather?”

‘Oh my well that answers that question!”

“The winds are a bit...breezy today,” John agreed as they approached the gangplank.

Grant stood at attention as aAnache and Big Mikey descended the gangplank. “Welcoming committee to greet us Captain,” he said loud enough to be heard over the throb of the motors.

“Thank you Grant, I can see that,” Panache acknowledged. “Big Mikey, can you have the galley send down a light snack? I think our discussions will take some time, oh, and include plenty of liquid refreshment, talking is such thirsty work.”

“Aye Captain,” Big Mikey snapped off a smart salute and hurried back into the belly of The Saltire.

Steede peered down from his vantage point in a tall pine his magnifier showing the scene in crystal clarity. “Miss Peele, care to join me for a spot of bird watching?”

“The birds you like to watch are not to my tastes,” she replied as she sat behind the wheel of the horseless steamer they had procured.

“Oh I don’t know, there is enough variety for all tastes!” Steede called back down.

“Focus on the mission Steede!” Peele replied as she adjusted her heavy leather overcoat.
Panache stepped onto Alban soil and extended his hand in greeting. ‘Captain Panache of the airship Saltire”, he announced.

“John McBride, Alban Ministry of Aeronautics,” as he took Panache’s hand. ‘What brings you to our fair country?”

“A small matter really, we as descendants of Albans wish to tour the homeland in our airship,” Panache smiled as he led them to a table Big Mikey had set up. Food and drink covered the table which was protected from the winds by a temporary barrier Grant had erected.

“Why not just go through the Ministry of Border Relations then?” John asked as he sampled some caviar. ‘My, this is quite good.”

Panache smiled. “We do try to maintain the basic necessities even when away from more...civilized settings.”

Rebecca stepped forward. “This is just a formality, but with all the trouble between Britannia and her colonies, we do require assurances about your presence.” She gave Panache a smile.

“Of course, we have no interest in being embroiled in matters that do not concern us, we just want to travel the world.” Panache grinned as he settled in his chair gin and tonic in hand.

“Master M! Radar has spotted out target! “ came the shout of a black clad minion.

Master M grinned. “Good, begin our descent. Turrets! Prime for operation!”

Hydraulics hummed as four turrets turned as The Tesla descended through the sparse cloud cover rapidly descending towards the ground.

“Captain!” Ensign mender’s shout came from an open porthole of The Saltire. “We have unknown contact!” he pointed towards a dark shape descending rapidly.

Bloody hell!’ John exclaimed as he grabbed Rebecca and moved her away from the table.

“Quick! All crew aboard!” Ordered Panche as Big Mikey quickly gathered the food and drink up and folded the table and chairs. “Grant! Cut us loose!”

Grant began to release the landing anchor when shouts drew his attention to the sky and the approaching airship. Bright flashes spouted from the airship as it approached the rapidly buzz of weapons fire crashing through the air. Swearing, Grant drew his dirk and began to saw away. With a snap the hemp broke loose and Grant grabbed the end and made a leap for the rising gang plank his boots barely gripping as The Saltire began to rise. Panting he turned to face the approaching airship and let out a gasp, the fiery trail of an ariel torpedo was tracing a path directly towards The Saltire.

To Be Continued…..

Rob