The Chase of the Saltire: An Adventure in Multiple Parts

[Rob Wright]

VI

“Damn you!” Grant shouted as he cranked the gangplank up as The Saltire began to rise. The strain of the engines against the prevalent winds made the airships entire frame shake violently.

“Come on! Up dammit!” Grant swore up and down as the gangplank retracted into its slot and the arial torpedo sped closer. “I’m too good looking to die!” Grant screamed as the crank whirred.

On the bridge Captain Panache gripped the steering wheel straining against the pull of the engines and the push of the winds. Rebecca had strapped herself into a spare seat while James clung to a strap by the far wall.

“Just here to visit?” James said to Panache as The Saltire groaned in protest as it began to rise slowly skyward the arial torpedo driving towards the airships heart.

“I assure you, this has nothing to do with us,” Panache spoke through gritted teeth.

“Gangplank is up captain!” Big Mikey called out from his station. ‘Grant got it up!”

“Good! Full engine thrust now!” Panache ordered as he spun the wheel hard.

Grant scrambled back from the locked gangplank towards his duty station. The explosion threw Grant hard into the wall shoulder crunching hard against the riveted metal.

“Damage report!” Panache called out as he steadied The Saltire.

“Sensors down captain! Ensign Mender called out. No hull leaks so far!”

“Crew status?” Panache asked as he turned The Saltire about and heading towards the coast.

“No word from Grant,” came the response. “Get someone down in the cargo hold to check for damage! Panache ordered.

Grant rolled onto his back panting and gasping. The his of escaping air could be heard over the throb of the engines. Grant turned his head and let loose with a string of oaths. “That’s my best sporran! He raged as he took in the scene before him. The explosion had punctured the hull and his rubber chicken sporran had snapped loose. Sucked into the gap and filling the puncture, the chicken head stared back at him, beak open in a silent scream.
“Grant! Big Mkey called out as he rambled around the corner. ‘You ok? You didn’t respond to the crew call in!”

“Look what they did! My best Sporran! Grant was red with rage. “They all will pay! That cost me a years wages!” He shoved past Big Mikey and raced towards his quarters leaving Big Mikey standing there perplexed.

“Premature detonation!” announced the radar operator to master M.

“Blast government contracts, “ Master M rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Full power to the engines! I want that airship brought down at all costs!”

To Be Continued....

Rob

[ccga3359]

VI

“I’m too good looking to die!” Grant screamed as the crank whirred.

To Be Continued....

And let us remember this!

[Jock Scot]

And let us remember this!

Us?

[Livingston]

And let us remember this!

Us?

Remember what????

[ccga3359]

Us?

Yes, "us"! I am sure that we all are collectively concerned about me leaving a good looking corpse.

[Rob Wright]

Me thinks that Grant is still upset over taking Jock's place in the hospital during the operation to secure Jock's freedom

As to the number of sides, we are only up to five at the moment

Sit back gents, pour yourselves a drink and enjoy the rest of the ride.

Rob

[Livingston]

Yes, "us"! I am sure that we all are collectively concerned about me leaving a good looking corpse.

[Rob Wright]

It is finals week right now but I will finish the tale when I have finished my tests.

Rob

[Rob Wright]

VII

Jock and Stefania stood on the bank, their poles in hand, staring up at the commotion taking place in the windy sky. Across the from them stood Steede and Peele, glasses and bird guides in hand.

“This is not good,” Jock said as he began to pack up the fishing gear. “This is definitely not part of the plan.”

Stefania gathered her skirts in her hand as she hurried off towards the steamer with Jock keeping pace behind her. “We must hurry!” she called out her Italian accent coming to the for when she was excited.

“Yes, yes, all in due hasre,” Jock said as he carefully packed away the poles and gear. “Oh my, they packed the ‘92 bottling? I really must have a word with my butler, I specifically requested the ’79!”

“Get in! Stefania called out as the steamers boiler reached full boil, belching gouts of thick black smoke from its stack.

“Tally ho!” Jock cried out as he grabbed a hand rail as Stefania released the brakes and the steamer leaped forward throwing dirt and grass in its wake as she steered it down the rough track towards the airships. “I say, this reminds me of India!” Jock called out over the wind as Stefania careened between ruts and rocks, barely missing tree’s as Jock clung to the hand rail whooping with enthusiasm .

“Well, this is quite a pickle. Didn’t see this happening,” Steede said as he opened his bird guide. “Quite the extravaganza we’ve come across.”

“Shall we retire to the steamer?” Peele said with a twinkle, “this should make for an interesting day drive.”

“Allow me,” Steede grinned tipping his hat to her.

Grant ran past Ensign Mender and onto the bridge. He ignored the shouts from the bridge crew and Captain Panache as he went to the emergency locker and busted open the lock.

“Grant, what has gotten into you?” Captain Panache asked as he tried to keep The Saltire under control.

“They ruined my best sporran! I’m going to make them pay!” Grant cried as he brandished the double barrel flare pistol widely about the bridge.

Shouts went up as the double barrels crossed all upon the bridge followed by cries of “Are ye daft! This is an airship!”

Rebecca slid the brass knuckles from the special pocket in her skirts, sliding them over her fingers and began to inch closer towards Grant.

Grant ignored the outcry and raced off the bridge, past Big Mikey, and down back into the bowels of the airship.

“Was that a crewman?” James asked looked around.

“In a roundabout sort of way, yes,” Captain Panache replied as he strained to bring the wheel about. “I want the engines at full throttle!”

Master M grinned. His airships engines were steadily overtaking The Saltire. “Prepare the grappling hooks! I wan to board her!” his grin was cold as he gripped his cane and rose from his command chair. “I will have my revenge,” he hissed loudly.

To Be Continued....

Rob