Dawn of Steam: Gods of the Sun (37 page)

The party is back together, thankfully. Eddy, having long since accepted our apologies for not trusting his discretion, has begun calling on Harriet and me for tea once more. Other matters remain in negotiation, but I am hopeful.

I reread my journal and see how distraught I was upon out first landing. Australia seems so much better with the party back together, and with some time spent growing used to its eccentricities and character. I could return here when we are done, and have my own workshop, little attention I do not bring upon myself, and no risk of invitations to a royal ball again.

I know you don't see it at all that way, dear James, but if we can find a means to account for the battle
suit – well, that remains a topic for ongoing discussion. Nonetheless, things do change. Perhaps it's time we considered changing with them.

From the journals of James Coltrane, (translated from Latin)

March 15th, 1817

Jillian, I know things have been diffic
ult, as much between you and me as between myself and Eddy. I was certain that time would ease things between him and me, but I felt the gap between us much more keenly. You've been my closest confidante so long that I fear I failed to look past my own wants. I wasn't ready for even the idea that things might change, so your thoughts about settling in Australia after this journey took me off guard. I'm sorry for that.

I know you haven't ever cared much for high society, but put up with it for me, and for the doors it opened. Australia is now one of those doors, and it would be selfish of me to try and deny it. I have no doubt that England's best circles will still have me, even if we have to determine what to do with the suit, and how to explain that I will never make another.

As for Eddy, I think he finally understands that I never tried to put you in harm's way. It took an accounting of your favorite story from your youth, of Atalanta and the Calydonian Boar. And like Atalanta, I never had to urge you into anything, simply to get out of your way.

Admittedly, I had to also account tha
t it wasn't long before you couldn’t simply listen to the story, but had to retreat to translate it into Greek, so you could hear it told properly, despite the fact that was beside the point (and I can hear you arguing even now).

Somewhere along the line, I just forgot to get out of the way. I remain convinced that you and Harriet are going to change not only England, but the world. If that change comes from a workshop away from prying eyes and demands of politics, instead of from behind a ruse with my name stamped on it, then so be it.

You opened so many doors to me, helping me learn Portuguese so I could translate those old ledgers and accounts from priests and sailors from before Japan was closed. It seems soon those fancies will have practical use. I learned of – and then translated – Sun Tzu and Musashi thanks to you, to be read alongside Xenophon, Tacitus, and Machiavelli. Now, we finish the adventure before us, and then you have my blessing.

From the correspondence of Miss Jillian Coltrane

March 15th, 1817

My Dear Doctor Mitchell,

Now we leave for great feats and colder climes, and, I'm aware, take all of your motivation with us. Please, do not sink into despair too quickly. Remember your wife, and think on dear Agnes, and look at those around you eking out a life in the rough. You once told me a story about your new life when you first settled down with your dearest love. You had a well newly dug, close to the house so the walk would be easy, but she would still walk down to the old well. When you inquired, she simply told you that the old well had a turn crank, while the new well didn't even come with a pulley.

My advice to you is this, look around your town for the missing pulley, then put it in place. Cast bells for the church your neighbors are building. Pick a promising youngster and let him read your books. Let each act of kindness and improving the lot of your town be an act of remembrance of your dear, sweet wife. Commit those acts of simple easy science that will ease everyday life. You have the brain and the supplies to vastly improve the condition and morale of the townsfolk. I write in the hopes you will find the will to do so one pulley at a time.

Your True Friend,

Miss Jillian Coltrane

Nepal and the Mountain

From the journals of Gregory Conan Watts,

April 15th, 1817

19º56' N 87º53' E

The journey to Nepal has been a mostly peaceful one. At one time, perhaps, I might have been disturbed by much of life aboard this ship, as I'm sure perusal of my earlier writing would remind me. Miss Bowe remains willfully ignorant of ladylike behavior. Miss Coltrane and Miss Wright casually go about work on complex mechanical devices, just before Miss Coltrane gives her cousin lessons in civility and manners. Miss Penn remains something of an enigma, capable of near perfect civility, yet clinging to her gypsy superstitions and study of her cards.

Now, I look back, and begin to regret some of my earlier words. This has become normal. Miss Bowe has saved our lives numerous times, Miss Coltrane has turned the tides of wars, and without Miss Wright's cheerful willingness to help – and how rapidly everything mechanical bends to her will – we would likely not be airborne now.

As for Miss Penn and her cards, I still give them no true heed, but after the year of darkness and endless winter, it is hard not to give her some credit for accuracy. The Moroccan certainly seemed to be quite afraid of her, just as he obviously had the Maori tribesmen frightened. For that reason, I suppose I should here note that she believes we will find success in our immediate future, seeing good omens in our attempts to scale the mountain, or at least find Dr. Bowe's camp, but after ascending to great heights, a great test and a descent into a deeper darkness awaits us, and we are surrounded by secrets.

The new crew members are far less of a difficulty together than Mr. Franzini ever was. They seem well aware that they have been taken into a significant amount of confidence, and are taking their roles aboard the ship seriously. Both have been quick to volunteer for whatever duties are necessary. Mr. Heller in particular has been learning the engineers’ jobs in addition to his own, and has expressed an interest in attempting to eventually find a full position aboard one of these craft, be it above or below board, as he is sure that when we return, successful, dirigibles will be put to more and more use around the world. Mr. Carver seems less focused as to his goals with this crew, but seems to be a great admirer of Sir James, though he also seems somewhat intimidated by him, even knowing that it has always been Miss Coltrane piloting the suit.

With these two new additions – and peace restored between Sir James and himself – Eddy seems as happy as I have ever seen him, unconcerned about the mission ahead. He puts a great deal of time each day into instructing Matthew in the use of the rifle, and Matthew, as ever, seems quite happy to follow every instruction given. If they continue like this, Eddy may soon have a challenge for the title of best shot in the British Isles. Still, even in some of the best of times before, it was rare to see him smile. Even now, it is somewhat disturbing, like being smiled at by a bear in a kilt, but it's certainly a more frequent thing now.

For as much as he puts on a public face of this being a great adventure, to be won or lost largely on enthusiasm, Sir James has been putting in a great deal of time in attacking each segment of the mountain from its descriptions, plotting as if it were a battle to be won with superior tactics.

He has enlisted both his sister's aid and our guide's. Jillian Coltrane primarily goes through the accounts and organizes them into her typical point-by-point charts. Then the siblings work together on addressing each point in order, organizing the packs and supplies just so. Sir James works with Miss Bowe to understand the realities of climbing a mountain, not just for himself, but for keeping a group moving and as healthy as can be hoped in the ascent. If we fail in any part of the challenge before us, it will not be for lack of planning.

I must admit as well, it feels good to be away from pursuits of war and worries of international diplomacy and criminals. We set out with the spirit of adventure and exploration in mind, and in being the agents of a friendly wager between gentlemen. That we were being paid significantly for our efforts was there, but secondary.

The more I learn of my companions, the more I realize that each had their own motivations in taking on this quest. Miss Bowe to prove her father's accounts, which I myself doubted, but cannot any longer. Eddy to test himself to his limits, and have a great adventure before he retired to relative obscurity. The Coltranes for service to our nation and a sense of adventure that both siblings share. Miss Penn, of course, was given very little choice in the matter, but even she has a passion for seeing these distant and diverse parts of the world and documenting their cultures and myths.

This, at last, feels much more like the endeavor I signed on for. Though it has obviously cost us dearly, I also must be glad now that we have rid ourselves of Franzini before our next encounter with York and his company. One tragic death could easily have turned into many more – and very nearly did.

It would be ideal to know how much of the help he gave us was to gain our confidence and how much was part of a specific agenda. Miss Penn does know, for instance, that the abolitionist gentleman in whose cellar Franzini 'found' assassins from the banquet was innocent, a political opponent of Lord Montague. This is what His Lordship was apparently reduced to, after the failure of his Parliamentary maneuvering against the end of the slave trade and of the war.

Though we know that he put spies aboard our craft, and has been working against us, we have nothing besides her word by way of proof. We also know little of his long-term goals, aside from the probability he will continue to push for war with Spain. Should we manage to capture York or one of his primary aides, perhaps we can find something more out.

We certainly do not foresee any trouble in Nepal, but after tha
t, when we travel to Japan, is a different matter entirely. It is the one firm date upon our calendar that we cannot miss – and Sir James, from his comments, would not miss it if he could. Though they should be unable to follow us into Japan itself, the Dutch holdings outside of Japan, and the route there are a different matter entirely. We can hope that the arrangements with the Dutch have been made as thoroughly as they were repeatedly reported to us.

At the very least, we can be almost assured of meeting York again, and Giovanni Franzini has long since turned much of the world against him. He too will be found, given enough time. In this, the significant reputation he gained while working with us will almost certainly work against him, as if the wide circle of people to whom he still owes significant money didn't cause him enough troubles. No wonder he never wanted the job.

From the journals of Gregory Conan Watts,

April 17th, 1817

27º58' N 86º54' E

We arrived in Nepal during the night. Relations with Tibet and Nepal have not always been the best, and there is some worry that we would be delayed greatly by their government over concern that we had military intentions in the nation. Our aim is to inspire our nation, and we may well send home some additional information about Nepal that England may otherwise not have held, but right now, England is in little condition for aggressive expansion, and has no wish for conflict with China or its neighbors.

The Shar Khombo greeted us with suspicion, though the dirigible obviously impressed them. They have almost certainly heard of England's use of the vehicles, but none among them had ever seen anything more than the roughest of pictures of one. I think the dirigible was a much larger celebrity than any one of us here. That was probably for the best, as recognition of our war heroes might not be taken in the best fashion.

Miss Bowe introduced herself very carefully, quickly making it clear that she understood very little of their language beyond a greeting and a few words which had stuck with her. They seemed somewhat amused, but also showed some respect back for the consideration, amidst a great deal of suspicion. When she successfully made her full name clear, however, there was a great deal more attention paid, and several older members of the community were summoned. Though none of them spoke English either, one of them greeted her in careful, slow Spanish. There was still no rapid communication made possible, but her recognition and response aided us a great deal in finding a place here in this remote community. I believe they have been made to understand our purpose here, but until there is some greater communication, there is little possibility that their services as guides will be of much use. Miss Bowe has been undergoing intense lessons in the tongue to help her remember what they deem the most important elements, while Miss Penn and Sir James are working on mastering the most basic words. We do not have enough time to become at all conversational, but it is hoped that by the end of the month when we begin our journey, we will be able to get by.