Flight Of The Bumblebee

by

Aly Thompson

Copyright 2015 by Aly Thompson All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author

except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Elements of the cover were designed by ValerianaSTOCK.

http://valerianastock.deviantart.com/

Used with permission.

The bumblebee was designed by JagArPether.

http://jagarpether.deviantart.com/

Used with permission.

For my James-

Thanks for being everything a genius younger brother should be.

Any genius related cleverness in this book is credit to you.

(And any mistakes are mine.)

And for my mother-

Without you, none of this would have been possible. (Literally and figuratively.)

I'm pretty sure no one has done as well in the family member lottery as me.

Table Of Contents

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Train to Imperia

Her beard itched. There was no way Amelia was going to be able to get any proper sleep;

the sensation was driving her mad. The familiar shrill sound of steam whistling woke her fully

from the half-doze the trains steady progress and the soft patter of the rain had lulled her into. She gave up on sleeping and instead glanced at her younger brother. He was busily scribbling

something into his notebook, his small brow furrowed with intensity. Amelia breathed a small

sigh of relief that he had minded her warning and had not found his way to the trains engine room. The fact that tinkering with a moving trains engine was a bad idea would never occur to James. No one could doubt his genius, but his common sensewell, Amelia found herself doubting that on a daily basis.

She scratched at her beard, a hideous white monstrosity that looked like a fur coat had

attacked her face and won, and seriously considered taking the horrid thing off, at least for a few

minutes. They had a private compartment; the Sterling name had ensured that. Not that the

Sterling name would mean much if it wasnt for the steady income brought in by Professor Mordecai Latimer, genius inventor. It wasnt known but, despite their blue blood, the Sterlings didnt have two copper pennies to rub together. Even Amelia hadnt any idea they were broke. At least not until her parents had died in that horrible train accident and the debt-collectors had

come knocking. Her thoughts caused Amelia to sigh deeply. Reminded of the stakes, she

couldnt afford to take off the beard, even for a few minutes.

After a particularly furious correction caused his stick of charcoal to snap in half, James

finally looked up. After a few blank seconds, he blinked and his eyes focused, once again

returned from wherever it was his brain went when he was working. I want cake, Ames. His eyes pleaded up her, for once actually resembling an expression that belonged on a ten-year-old

boy.

Amelia sighed. You must remember to call me Professor Mortecai. Its important, James.

Cake. With strawberries.

Resigned, for there was little she could deny her brother when he pleaded with such

earnestness, Amelia stood up, ready to leave their car and go in search of a cake, with

strawberries. She had just reached the compartment door when a sudden violent jerk sent Amelia

sprawling to the ground. There was a loud sound, like the metal of the train was screaming and

their compartment was moving violently, rocking back and forth like a log trapped in a fast

flowing river. Amelia had an unfortunate sinking feeling that they were no longer on the train

tracks.

Whats happening, Ames? James asked, his hands gripping tightly on his notebook and his seat so they didnt join Amelia on the floor. Typically, he sounded more curious than frightened.

I wouldnt dare hazard a guess. You let me know when you figure it out, young master genius.

Despite their ride having become exceedingly bumpy, James nodded and sat back, his

face a picture of serious concentration. Amelia managed to carefully crawl her way to her

brother. Whatever was happening, wherever they ended up, Amelia was going to make sure they

got there together. No sooner had she settled herself protectively around James then the roof of

the train made a loud groaning noise. After a moment of deafening strain, it simply popped off.

Amelia swallowed in alarm when she realized that the clouds above were much closer than they

had any right to be.

Ames, James tugged on her sleeve, bringing her gaze back down to him. I have figured out whats happening. We are being abducted.

Amelia looked back up to see a cheerful young blonde woman, dressed in brownish

overalls, grease liberally staining her face, hanging from some sort of harness smiling and

waving at them.

I dare say you are right, James.

The hanging woman pulled on some sort of device that was hanging with her, aimed it at

Amelia and her brother, pushed a button and sent a giant net shooting at them. It was not a very

comfortable experience being scooped into a net, flipped, mashed together and then raised so

they were hanging in mid-air, the wind blowing them to and fro. Amelia, making the tactical

mistake of looking down, soon found herself grateful for the dreadful thing all the same.

I wouldnt advise you to look down, James, Amelia whispered.

Hmm? Why not? Of course before giving Amelia a chance to answer, James was already looking down at the large and very distant visage of the ocean underneath them. They

were very high up. That fact, however, didnt seem to alarm James in the way it alarmed his sister. Oh, this is capital! Ive never seen anything from this high up before. Look how small everything looks. How positively interesting.

I would hardly call being absconded by who knows what sort of, Amelia carefully reconsidered her preferred choice of words, ruffians, in a rather precarious contraption that very well might drop us to our deaths at any second, capital.

Oh, but it is a rather daring adventure, isnt it? You never let me have adventures.

Amelia swallowed uneasily as the wind batted their little net of Sterling back and forth,

like a cat with some string. Yes, well, I would hardly being letting you have this one either if I had any say in the matter. I would much prefer us to wake up tomorrow alive.

Oh, dont be such a stick in the mud. Besides, you dont have to worry, Ames. Ill protect you. He patted her arm awkwardly. It was only out of the greatest affection and concern

for his young feelings that Amelia managed to not express how much, or rather more to the

point, how little, that promise reassured her. Their net contraption made a screeching sound that

very nearly stopped Amelias heart and started pulling them upwards, through the clouds.

Oh, look, Ames! Its not ruffians that nabbed us, its pirates!

Amelia looked up to see, indeed, they were being pulled into an air-ship, flying not

imperial colors, or merchant colors, but a simple black flag. Pirates.

You relieve my mind greatly, James. Abduction by pirates is so much preferable to abduction by ruffians. Im not sure how I shall contain my giddy relief.

Yes, ruffians are well enough, but pirates! A truly first rate adventure, James enthused, either ignoring or not noting her sarcasm.

By then they were very near the ship. Before Amelia knew it, they had been hauled over

the edge and dumped into a rather ungainly pile on the deck. At least it was a well-cleaned deck.

Landing in bird excrement would have been a rather indecorous way to begin their captivity.

The rope and steel of the net fell away and Amelia found herself able to scramble to her

feet. She turned to help James up. She deliberately did not turn around when she heard the lilting

voice of someone behind her. Let them see her with her back turned on them, it was the best she

could do to show how little she cared for people who were willing to kidnap little boys without

encouraging James in any more bad habits.

Ah, Professor Mordecai I assume. Im afraid your trip to Imperia has encountered a slight detour, but no need to worry, my good man. You help us with one small little problem and

we will escort you there ourselves. No harm done.

No harm done? Amelia could hardly contain her anger at the words. She whipped around to glare at the pirate who would dare address them so. A tall man lounged easily against

one of the ships masts, smiling lazily at her. He had amused eyes of a warm shade of amber that had no place on an evil pirate. He was dressed carefully in the shirt and vest of a gentleman,

although the sleeves were rolled up in a fashion that was in no way proper. His pants were more

sensible, but somehow managed not to clash with the fancy materials. His shoulder length

blondish-brown hair was covered by a top hat! A top hat! That almost angered her as much as the

smug smile, but not nearly so much as the cocked gun pointed easily in their direction.

How dare you be so flippant about such a situation! You are pointing a gun at a ten-year-old boy. Who has been forcefully dragged through the sky in a rather uncomfortable net.

The last company he needs is that of morally deficient pirates. How dare you say no. harm.

done. she hissed out the words, in her wrath.

Her fury did little to cow the blasted bugger. No indeed, if anything, he seemed amused.

His mouth twitched and soon he was laughing, joined in by the rest of the crew that Amelia only

just noticed. Amelia glared more, which only sent them into fresh peals of laughter.

Forgive me, I fail to see the humor in this situation, Amelia bit out.

Ames, Amelia looked down to see James tugging on her sleeve. He leaned up to whisper into her ear. Your beard is falling off.

Amelias hand reached up to the monstrosity in horror. It was falling off, only hanging on to her face by the very smallest corner of glue. She felt her face flush red with humiliation. She

tugged the thing off sharply, and in an uncharacteristic act of rashness she was sure she would

regret, she tossed the awful thing off the side of the ship. After a moment's consideration, she

tossed her wig, too. It almost itched as much as the dammed beard. In any case, there was no

hiding her gender now, her blasted face was far too feminine and dainty; a fact she had cursed

daily for the past two years. The hat, she threw at the still laughing pirate.

Instead of hitting him in his insolent face, he caught it deftly and swept himself into an

elegant bow. Welcome aboard the Bumblebee, lady, young sir. I am the captain, Gideon Maxwell. He straightened and actually had the gall to put her top hat on top of his own. Would either of you care to enlighten me why such a pretty young thing is dressing as Professor

Mordecai? And where I can find the genuine article? Your assistance would be greatly

appreciated.

Amelia stayed silent, glaring. He quirked his eyebrow and took a few steps closer. As long as you cooperate, you two are welcome guests aboard the Bumblebee, if you refuse

however Well, Im afraid you will find your stay here less pleasant.

Say nothing, she hissed at James, who had opened his mouth to talk. He paled a little at her serious expression and the sudden proximity of a very obviously dangerous pirate aiming a

gun at them, nodded and closed his mouth. She turned back to the captain, I will give no answers to the low-life bastard who holds a gun pointed at a young boy. Then she spat at him.

Considering her lack of practice at such crude acts, her spittle turned out to have excellent

aim and hit smack in his unnecessarily handsome face. He wiped it away carefully, his face no

longer the least bit amused. He aimed the gun more carefully, specifically at Jamess head. On the contrary, he drawled menacingly, I believe you will tell me everything precisely because I am a low-life bastard who holds a gun pointed at a young boy.

Amelia swallowed fearfully, panic easily overwhelming anger. The crew shifted uneasily,

but made no move to assist either her or James. Perhaps mistaking her panic for continued

refusal, he moved the gun, this time it was pointing straight at her.

Or, perhaps, the pirate mused, it is the young boy who will talk to save the lady.

No! Amelia cried, but it was too late, James was already lashing out at the pirate.

Keep that gun away from my sister, you beetle-headed, coxcomb of a dammed bastard! Amelia couldnt help but blink, surprised at the extent of her brothers vocabulary. She had definitely let him spend too much time with the engineers and craftsmen. So startled, she

couldnt move in time to stop him as he kicked the pirate viciously.

No! she cried again, and threw herself in front of James, wincing against the bullet she knew would soon be hurtling in their direction.

That was quite the impressive kick, young man. I can forgive you the one, considering the circumstances, but if you dont want your sister to be the one to suffer the consequences for it, I suggest you start becoming more forthcoming, at once.

James pulled himself out of Amelias arms and stood up, straightening himself to be as tall and proud as his small frame could manage. My name is James-

No! Amelia was not going to let three years of deception, two years of protecting him be

wasted because of a total brute of a pirate. James was the only thing she had left. She would give

anything to protect him. She would do anything. She was not going to let him give himself up to

protect her! She would be the one to protect him. She was the elder- it was her job.

So she hissed him into silence, stomping on his foot to reinforce her point. She took a

deep breath, My name is Amelia Sterling, although you might recognize me as Professor Mordecai Latimer. I apologize for the deception, but as you see, it was quite necessary. No one

would take the inventions of a mere female seriously. I will be happy to help you in whatever

manner you require, but only after you release my brother.

The pirate studied her carefully. Then he looked at James, still nudged into silence by the

press of her boot. Then back to her. The silent study lasted so long, that Amelia began to sweat,

her determined confidence faltering as each second passed. Finally, he spoke.

Half-truths and lies, he murmured. You might be the face behind the good Professor, but you arent the brains.

Amelia bristled. Why? You dont think a woman capable of brains?

His mouth twitched. No, I think women quite capable of brains. What I dont think is that you would be so desperate to protect young James here if you didnt think he would be in such great danger. I am curious though, why the ruse?

Amelia lowered her head, defeated. She could see in his face that there would be no

convincing him of anything but the truth. If people knew who and what James is, they would be out to use him, turn inventing from something he merely loves, to something something dirty. He would always be in danger. You should know that better than any.

Then why you? Surely you could find a more convincing figure head.

Our father used to do it, James replied. Now he and Mother are dead and only Ames is left.

By law, Professor Latimer is our guardian. If it werent for him, surely we would be separated, pulled apart by greedy relatives or become wards of a very ambitious imperial state. Amelia looked up at the blank-faced, looming pirate, and was ashamed to hear herself pleading.

The ruse is necessary; please, we will help you, but dont betray it. I just need to get him through eight more years. Then he will be free to make his own decisions. Please.

It wouldnt be so bad for me, James said, whatever Ames thinks, I could manage. But Ames, they would probably marry her off to some old man with bad breath, no hair and a mean

disposition. I need to be eighteen before I can protect her from that. Can we keep this between

us? As gentlemen.

Amelia looked at James agape as he repeated word for word her description of the

husband she was sure her distant relatives would find for her if they could. How did you know that? She demanded. About the husband?

He shrugged. I hear more than you think I do, Ames.

Amelia blinked. It wasnt the hearing I doubted, merely your willingness to pay attention.

The pirate captain studied them again, silent for a long time. At her side James took her

hand and squeezed it in a rare sign of affection. Amelia couldnt believe how grown up her absent-minded brother had become. When had he decided he was the one who had to protect

her? She didnt know if she should laugh or cry. She felt the heavy gaze of the pirate on her again. Neither, definitely neither. Not until they were out of his horrid adventure.

My crew and I will keep your secret, the captain finally said. You have my word.

The word of a pirate? Amelia couldnt help but be skeptical as to the value of that.

The word of a pirate, he agreed easily. Then the captain leaned down and offered James his hand. Hullo, James. Im a big admirer of your work. And blast it if that damned precocious menace didnt preen at the compliment.

On the pirate ship 'Bumblebee': Destination

Unknown

It wasnt much longer before Amelia found herself and James bundled down into the heart of the Bumblebee. All around them pipes hissed as they released the steam that was making

it rather uncomfortably humid. With no further point in protecting her female identity, Amelia

indulged herself and shrugged out of her heavy tweed overcoat. Amelia supposed if she hadnt had the great (mis?)fortune of being the elder sister of James Sterling, the humming, hissing,

clanking mechanics of the airships engine would have been worth at least a cursory interest. As it was, she had spent far more time observing such things than she ever cared to. She glanced

around the engine room carelessly. Yes, it seemed typical enough. Gears, pipes, miscellaneous

large metal things of indiscriminate purpose, giant ticking clockgiant ticking clock? Amelia did a hasty double take. No, there was a giant clock, looking like someone had built a pocket-

watch in an enlarged scale of ten. That was certainly not something she had ever seen before.

Whatever is this for? she couldnt help but ask.

At first she thought that no one would answer her; James was too busy buzzing around

the engine room as if the whole thing were made out of cake with strawberries, a sardonically

amused pirate captain trailing behind him. She did get an answer, however, from the cheerful

blonde girl in the dirty overalls that had controlled the rather horrid contraption that had brought

them aboard the ship in the first place.

The girl pirate smiled brightly and, as if it was not of the slightest concern in the world,

answered Amelias query, Oh that. Its the bomb. Im Lulu, by the way. Lulu Lemon. Im the Bumblebees mechanic.

Amelia Sterling, a pleasure, Miss Lemon. The polite words that had been so deeply engrained in her came out of Amelias mouth before her brain caught up with it. Excuse me, I thought I just heard you say it was a bomb?

Aint nothing wrong with your hearing, Amelia. And Im Lulu, not Miss Lemon. Just Lulu.

Even all of the strict etiquette training Amelias mother had meticulously drilled into her could not stop her jaw from dropping. Perhaps it would be some comfort to her mother that she

did it in a very lady like manner, never losing proper posture. Or perhaps not, Amelia chastened

herself for her whimsy. Her mother would be much more concerned about the fact Amelia was

currently dressed as a fashionably challenged (for what genius was not?) man.

It was only then that James remembered his dull older sisters existence amongst the delight and appeal of machinery. He ran up to her and was practically bouncing with excitement.

Ames! Ames! This ship is downright crackin! Ive never seen anything designed so sharp. I bet it could outrun any ship in the imperial fleet!

Amelia could feel her heart sink a little, as the small hope she was holding out for rescue

flew away. James was many things and an accurate judge of machinery was certainly one of

them. I suppose thats an admirable trait for a pirates vessel. If you were on the side of the pirates, of course.

And who wouldnt be, us being so downright dashing and all? Without her knowing, Captain Maxwell had materialized behind them and apparently was quite engaged in listening to

their conversation.

Why, yes, for when one is abducted and threatened at gunpoint, its always best to look for a captor who will throw in some witty repartee between the threats and demands, just to

ensure things dont get boring, you see.

Exactly, and you wont find a better crew for than that of the Bumblebee.

I shall certainly keep it in mind for any future abduction needs.

The pirate grinned at her in a manner that unsettled her stomach in a way that, which to

her great disappointment in herself, was not that of the disgust it should be. Yes, you do that.

The Captain turned his grin and his attention back to James, an action which did not

relieve Amelia nearly enough. This was trouble. The last thing she needed was to be attracted to

the blasted man, shining amber eyes, engaging grin and all. Blasted pirate.

So, James, I see the Bumblebee meets with your approval? James nodded enthusiastically and the grin on Captain Maxwells face widened. Good eye. She might not be much to look at, but the Bumblebee is the best airship in all of Imperia.

Excepting, of course, Amelia couldnt help but interject, the giant ticking bomb in the center of the ship.

Bomb? Jamess eyes widened, although not out of anything sensible like fear. No, the blasted boy was excited. He danced closer to the clock and starting to poke at its surface.

James Amelia started cautiously, for there was never any way to inspire James to do something more than to tell him he should not, Unless you wish for me to expire quite before my time, I would very much appreciate it if you did not touch the giant explosive device.

But, Ames, he whined. Its a bomb! How jolly. Ive never been this close to one before. Is it active?

Very. The blasted pirate captain not only did not look the least bit concerned that he had put James within close vicinity of the bomb, he didnt seem particularly bothered by its presence at all. As you can see the clock serves as a timer, counting down. If you look at this blue hand here, you can see the days, the black one is the hours.

James looked at the clock very intently. Ooo! That means its set to explode in Amelia could see his mouth move as he quickly did the internal calculations, forty-two hours.

Indeed. Which is why Im afraid we required your rather urgent assistance, Young Master Sterling. For if any mind is capable of devising a way to remove the bomb while leaving

this, as aforementioned rather remarkable ship intact, I have every confidence that it is yours.

James practically outgrew his britches right then and there, so pleased was he by the

compliment. Lulu smiled at them both and danced around the room a little. The captain leaned

nonchalantly against a large pipe, seemingly perfectly content with the situation. Amelia couldnt help but wonder if they were all wrong in the head.

Forgive me for intruding on your celebrations, but whyever is there a bomb on the ship?

Ah, Captain Maxwell, drawled thoughtfully. That would be because the man who had it built it put it there.

Why would anyone in their right mind put a bomb on their ship? Amelia couldnt help but ask.

I believe he was of the philosophy that if I cant have it, no one can. But if it reassures your delicate sensibilities, he didnt have it activated at the time.

My delicate sensibilities would prefer to know why it is activated now.

He grinned. Well, it would be a crime now to leave such a magnificent creature with someone with so limited an imagination as to be willing to destroy it. He must have activated it

after I appropriated the ship.

Let me see if I have the situation correct. You have abducted us from our peaceful train ride to Imperia. Dragged us through the sky at risk of a very unpleasant fall. Hauled us aboard a

ship that turns out not only to be a pirate ship, but a stolen pirate ship. With a bomb? Somehow Amelia couldnt help but feel no one was as alarmed by the last part as she.

Of course not. We are pirates, we dont steal.

Of course you dont.

No, we plunder.

Ah, thank you, that clarification improves everything. We have been abducted on a plundered pirate ship with a giant bomb. Thats ever so much better than being on a stolen ship. Why, I can hardly believe I was concerned at all.

Exactly so. The pirate captain turned his attention back to James, apparently satisfied.

Amelia had never in her life been more tempted to throw hysterics, perhaps even faint.

She managed to refrain, however, partially encouraged by the knowledge that if she did, no one

would even bother to catch her. Pirates.

39:00

Whilst her brother, who Amelia was now quite sure was at least half mad, perhaps more,

danced around eying the giant bomb and its ominous ticking clock, Amelia had been led into a

small compartment, where she had been informed she might freshen up a bit if she wished.

Although by this point Amelia was quite ready to write off the entire breed, she had found

herself unable to help being charmed by her rather gruff, but surprisingly sweet guide, a middle-

aged pirate with a rather pronounced limp and striking scar across the side his face only partially

concealed by the patch covering his left eye, with the rather unusual designation of Flowers.

He hustled her inside the small, but quite comfortable chamber, which possessed not only

a cistern of water but other facilities for another quite pressing need. Upon this welcome sight,

Amelia could very well have kissed the graying pirate in gratitude if she were not entirely sure

her mother would roll over in her grave at such a breach of etiquette and she told him so. To her

secret delight, Flowers blushed like a young schoolgirl.

Aint no big thing, Miss. We arent barbarians as dont know how to treat a lady, such as yourself.

Amelia quirked an eyebrow, an expression she often found on her father and so had

worked for hours and hours in front of a mirror to master when she was a young girl and her

father was everything. Somehow I think it is you, Master Flowers, who thought to do this kindness for me, and not your captain.

He flushed a little and looked down, confirming in an instant Amelias suspicions. His mouth opened slightly, then closed, then opened again as he tried to think of something to say,

no doubt something that would salvage his Captains reputation in her eyes, a task she hadnt the heart to tell him was entirely hopeless. Amelia smiled brightly at him, suddenly filled with good

will for the sweet pirate with the rather alarming appearance but the nature of a loving puppy.

Impulsively, etiquette be dammed, she leaned up on her tiptoes and gave him a big smacking kiss

on his cheek.

Thank you. As you can imagine it has been something of a trying day. You and your kindness is looking to be the best part of it.

Flowers blushed with such vigor that his entire face was quite an astounding shade of

scarlet. He coughed uneasily, heavily embarrassed. Well, he muttered into his collar, I got six sisters at home.

Six? Amelia asked, delighted.

He nodded. Clearing his throat, he smiled shyly at her, And aint one of them who wouldnt knock me upside the head if I didnt treat you right. We are a humble ship, not much to offer, but whatever you need, you just tell ol Flowers and Ill see what I can rustle up.

Of the many choice descriptors Amelia could come up with for the ship and the pirates on

it, the horrid handsome captain in particular, humble was not one of them. Amelia smiled again

and Flowers turned to leave and give her some privacy. Of all the pressing needs Amelia

possessed at that moment, she gave in to the most pressing and decided to satisfy her curiosity

first.

Flowers, she questioned.

He turned around and looked at her. Yes, miss? Did you think of something else I could getcha?

Do you mind if I ask how you became known as Flowers?

He hesitated, shifting his weight off his bad leg uncomfortably.

My apologies, Amelia hurried to say, flushing a little herself this time. I didnt mean to pry. My mother always said of many reasons to despair of me, my curious nature was the most

dire.

Its not that its just well you are a lady, delicate sensibilities and all that, he mumbled, not meeting her gaze.

Amelia laughed heartily, Oh, Flowers, bless you, but after masquerading as a man on more than one public occasion and having James as a younger brother, Im afraid I dont have many delicate sensibilities left. If it does not make you uncomfortable, I would very much like to

know. Even more so now that I know it is not a story for most ladies' ears!

He looked at her then, as if gauging her sincerity. Then, with a shrug, and what might

have been a muttered apology to the sisters he spoke of, he told her. Well, I got it after I died.

Pardon me? Amelia couldnt help but interject. It would greatly sadden her if her gallant pirate turned out to be many cogs short of a functional gear.

Well, not died really. Just everyone thought I had, including me. Relieved, a bit, Amelia nodded her encouragement and Flowers continued his tale. I was a solider in the wars, the ones in the souths of Abarr. I was at Kerrib, he swallowed. Amelia couldnt help but feel a wave of sympathy for her pirate. Abarr was said to be a humid place, full of jungle and heat, the

native peoples fierce and vicious. When Imperia decided to invade, a series of harsh, bloody

wars ensued. The imperial army was not prepared for either the terrain or the peoples and their

unusual tactics. There were heavy losses and many of the battles turned into bloodbaths.

Kerrib that one was the worst. Famous for the ruthless and total devastation of two entire Imperial platoons. That Flowers had been there, seen that, and had somehow retained his sweet

nature well Amelia could scare imagine how he had done it.

It was well no matter. In any case, one of my mates triggered a ground-bomb, I tried to save him, but he swallowed. When I woke up, the field was empty. Empty save for the corpses and the children. They were singing, the Abarran children, as they put flowers around the bodies. Its how they treat the dead there and as much as they hated us alive, they treated our dead the same as theirs. They had already done me. I remember the smell.

I thought for sure then, that I was going to die again. Whether someone noticed I was still alive and finished me off, or if I was going to die of my woundswell, I cant say that I cared, I was ready for death then. I only hoped it would be quick. But then the captain found me. Well, he was a lieutenant then. Went against orders and wandered right back into the death

fields searching for survivors. Wouldnt abandon his men, he said. He only found three, maybe four of us. Pulled us back to safety himself, although it took all day. I thought he was a dammed

idiot who was going to get killed, but he didnt. The Abarr saw him for sure, why they didnt just shoot him, I dont know.

He got a dishonorable discharge then, guess going back for us was just one too many times he ignored orders. I wasnt sure then, why I had lived when so many had died, but I figured soon enough. As soon as I was healed up enough, I left the army and found the Captain. I

figure its the least I can do considering the debt between us. Aint never looked back since.

He smiled wryly at her. Anyhow, thats how it happened. Captain still says I still smell like flowers and the name stuck. He gave her a jolly soldiers salute. Well, Ill leave you to your washings then, and he left, still as cheerful as he had been before he had told such an amazing story. It was a good thing, Amelia decided, for she certainly could think of nothing to

say.

Her room was nice enough, for a pirate ship and, most importantly, had all the

necessities. After taking of advantage of them and freshening up, Amelia paced. Then she paced

some more. It was a small room, so the pacing also required much turning and stomping. Oh,

well, the stomping wasnt a requirement but it certainly made Amelia feel a little better.

She couldnt believe that she was on a pirate ship. That after being kidnapped and hauled through the sky, she was now being ignored by said pirates. She shouldnt be obligingly hiding in her room; she should be coming up with some plan of escape. Unfortunately, there were many

pirates and Amelia had the sinking suspicion that even Lulu, the smallest of them, would be able

to muscle her into submission. She could challenge the captain to a duel, but her parents had

never seen fit to teach her fencing. She could she could jump off the ship? Well, that wouldnt go very well. Not unless she fashioned some sort of parachutemaybe James would manage. Were they still flying over the ocean? Even if they managed a successful fall, she would prefer

not then to drown.

She sighed and threw herself into the small but clean bed and stared at the ceiling angrily.

Was there nothing she could do? Perhaps she could play on the sympathies of one of the pirates.

Surely one of them would possess some guilt about kidnapping a lady and young boy to solve

their ever so slight problem of a bomb. Then she remembered earlier, when she had confronted

the odious captain and not one of them had spoken up. No, they were either afraid or loyal to the

blasted man. She was on her own.

Jameswell, he seemed to be pleased by the whole adventure. As long as they treated them both well enough, Amelia doubted he would even participate in an escape, let alone help

her plan one. Why, he had looked so happy at the prospect of a complicated bomb. Amelia had

not seen him so happy since their parents died. Amelia thumped a pillow over her face and held

her breath until she could manage it no longer. Very well then, she would not fight it. For as long

as they were both safe, Amelia would merely keep an eye out for any openings. She would let

James have his grand adventure. She only hoped that they would not both die of it.

She considered going in search of her errant brother, but decided against it. For now, she

would let him be. The crew, for all that they were pirates of questionable moral character, had

made no move to harm either of them. Indeed, they were being treated as royally as she imagined

pirates ever treated guests. Further, if the tale they wove was true, and she saw no reason why

anyone would come up with such a ridiculous fib, then the pirates had a vested interest in

keeping James well and happy. No, he would be safe enough. As far as she could gather, it was

only her sanity in any immediate danger. Well, other than her dignity, but Amelia rather thought

that was well and truly dead, already a casualty to the pirates.

It was not long before there was a soft knock on her door. Begging yer pardon, mlady, a muffled voice called respectfully, but the captain said to tell yer theres dinner in his quarters.

Thank you, Amelia replied politely, but would you please inform the captain that I have no appetite at present.

O course, milady. Heavy footsteps tromped away from the door and Amelia was once again alone.

35:00

What felt like an eternity later, Amelia could no longer bear to be trapped in her small

room. She had never seen what must surely by now be the night sky from the deck of an airship

and whilst her idea of a pleasing adventure was much duller than Jamess, she might as well take advantage of their current situation as much as she could. She straightened her shoulders, raised

her chin and opened the door, holding herself proudly. All her posturing was wasted; there

wasnt even anyone in the small corridor in front of her room. With only a few missteps, she managed to find her way back up to the top of the ship.

It was mostly empty, just a few sailors running around, checking readings and gears,

carefully adjusting the sails. They ignored her, except for the occasional nod when she passed

through their direct vision. They didnt seem the least concerned she might do something threatening. Leaning against the deck, Amelia sighed, feeling helpless and pathetic. How had she

ever thought she would be able to protect James alone?

The night sky was beautiful, it was a clear night and, flying gently as they were, the stars

looked so close that she might tough them if she merely reached far enough. It didnt distract her from her dismal train of thought. If they got through this alive, perhaps she should find herself a

husband after all. Someone able to legally be Jamess guardian, unlike herself. Someone who would be able to do something more to protect him than sigh in the face of danger.

It would be hard, however. To find someone able to do both that and be amiable enough

that she could lead him. If she had to marry, she should at least marry someone amiable and

whom she could control. It would be better for both her and James that way. She could not trust

both their lives to someone she couldnt control.

And what thoughts are you thinking that could possibly cause a face that dour? A deep voice asked quietly, from somewhere right behind and above her right ear. Startled, she jumped

and quickly turned to see the odious Captain looking down at her with a lazy smile on his wicked

face.

I was thinking of getting married, Amelia answered, honestly, for truly she had no reason to lie. Her chin raised and her back rim-rod straight, she turned back around and stared

purposefully at the sky in front of her.

Oh, good. I was afraid you might be thinking of me. The captain leaned against the railing next to her, which had the unfortunate effect of placing his profile firmly in her peripheral

vision. That many ill thoughts directed at me and I would sure to be attacked by ghosts in my sleep tonight. Unlessperhaps, you were considering marrying me? Oh, my, how flattering.

Id as soon wed a pig.

A pig? Well thats not that bad. I thought you might say something odious like an established gentlemen. Hope will still beat in my heart then.

How convenient then, that I can wish for one to stop and stop them both. Efficiency is a virtue after all.

Be still my beating heart, such words!

Ah, for once we agree on something. But being as your heart is a part of you and as such is bound to be contrary, I doubt it shall oblige us.

Pity. Ive always wanted to have a dramatic death scene.

I have no doubt that someday your wish will be granted, Captain Gideon. I can only wish it sooner rather than later.

Oh, me, too. White hairs and bulging bellies hardly make for proper drama.

Yes, and as a man who stole an airship knowing it had a bomb he had no way of defusing, clearly your life lacks for proper drama.

Exactly. No shortage of drama, just proper drama. But Im sure that will change now that you are aboard. You are very proper, Miss Sterling.

Oh, indeed. So proper that I run around in mens clothing with goat hair pasted to my face. My mother would be ever so proud.

Goat hair? Is that was it was then. Very convincing, if I say so myself.

Please do. If something prevented you from saying so yourself, why I do think there would be a tear in reality as we know it.

Yes, I wonder what would be changed. The invention of steam power perhaps? Maybe we would be stuck sailing on the sea.

Now you are just being ridiculous.

He simply grinned at her. A grin that despite her very best efforts still managed to have

an unsettling effect on her stomach. It was only because she disliked him so very much, she told

herself sternly. It was a negative reaction in her stomach. Like he was milk that had gone off.

Finally the silence grew longer than Amelia could stand. Was there something you needed from me, Captain? she asked politely.

Needed? No. Wanted? Yes.

Irritation caused her to turn to face him in full. She raised an eyebrow in a way that was

probably more demand than query.

His grin widened and Amelia tried her best to ignore it. I came to see how you were. You missed dinner, after all. Cook was heartbroken. Its been a long time since he had the opportunity to cook for a pretty young lady. I do think he salted the food with his tears, his

disappointment was so great.

I am well, Amelia ground out. How considerate of you inquire.

Well now you are just lying, his voice remained teasing, but there was no uncertainty to it. It never ceases to amaze me how much lying politeness requires. Which is why I never bother with it. While you are on this ship there isnt much point in you bothering either. Especially with me. If I wanted an empty answer with no meaning parroted at me, I would have

invested in an actual parrot. Indeed, maybe I should. Do you think one would make me look

dashing?

Amelias eyes narrowed. Very well, if you would like an honest answer, I shall be happy to oblige you. I am doing quite poorly. My parents are recently deceased. My younger brother is

a genius with no connection to reality, whatsoever. We have no friendly guardians, relatives, or

family friends concerned with our welfare. The Imperial Government would be happy to exploit

my younger brother for the rest of his life if they ever realized how young and vulnerable he

really is. Apparently, pirates have even less qualms about taking advantage of him. Instead of the

peaceful train ride I had carefully budgeted, because all our strained finances are in my hands

now and my father left them quite a mess, our train car decided to fly. And it was popped open

like a can and we were dragged quite uncomfortably through the sky in a net with no idea what

was happening. Then we were forced into the company of pirates, particularly their odious

Captain and forced to stay on their ship with a BOMB that they are expecting my young genius

brother with no previous knowledge or experience with explosives to somehow magically

defuse.

Amelia took a deep breath, shaken by her rather unexpected rant. I wont thank you for inquiring, for if you had any genuine concern for my welfare you would have immediately

returned my brother and I somewhere safe the moment you realized we were not the middle-aged

man you had been expecting. Not that I encourage the kidnapping of middle-aged men, but

surely that is less morally questionable than that of a lady and young boy.

But your brother doesnt seem put off by any of it. If anything, he seems quite happy to be with us.

My brother is a ten-year-old boy. The list of things he is put off by is quite small and contains things like young girls, squealing, dancing and shopping. If we all lived by the

sensibilities of a ten-year-old boy, we would all run around as half-naked pirates.

Is that your polite way of asking me to strip? I would be quite happy to, although it is a might chilly.

Amelia could take it no longer and with a shrill noise of frustration that she couldnt quite believe had been coaxed from throat, she stomped off back to her small room, where she dragged

the small desk and chair in front of the door so that no one, most especially odious captains,

could get through.

28:00

It was hunger that finally drove her from her room. Considering--well, considering

everything- Amelia had slept quite well. She supposed there was only so much fear, worry and

frustration one could take in a day without collapsing from exhaustion. She dragged the desk and

chair back to their proper places, feeling a little silly about her temper tantrum of the night

previous. For all their faults, and they had many, particularly Captain Odious, the pirates had

shown no inclination to hurt or abuse her. There hadnt even been any improper advances, if you didnt count the Captains very poor idea of a joke. In pirate stories there was always improper advances. Particularly if you were a pretty young girl.

Amelia did not consider herself to be particularly pretty, but she knew she was not

unattractive. At least if the rather particular attentions of a number of gentlemen she had to avoid

were any indication. Perhaps it was her masculine attire. Maybe the pirates simply saw her as a

man. It would explain Amelia shook her head furiously. She was being absolutely ridiculous. Irritated that she had managed to find a way to be offended by the pirates' propriety, for heavens sake, Amelia went off in search of James and food. And not necessarily in that order.

Amelia located the kitchen and with it the cook, a burly man with an impressive

collection of scars who did not look the least bit inclined to tears of seasoning or indeed, of any

kind. He made some sort of grunting noise at her, which Amelia took as permission, so she took

some fresh baked biscuits and some sort of preserve which tasted of a marriage between mint

and berry. A few bites satisfied her most immediate demand, so, extra biscuit in hand, she went

in search of her brother.

She found him at the very last place she expected. He waved cheerfully down at her from

where he was, at the very top of the crow's nest, hopefully safely ensconced in the mass of net

and rigging, for the small area did not look the least bit stable and it was an ever so long way to

fall.

Good morning, Miss Sterling, an odious voice drawled behind her.

Amelia considered commenting on the not-so-good Captains unnatural habit of sneaking up behind people, but decided she would rather get straight to the matter at hand. And, what, pray, is my younger brother doing up there? She managed to keep her voice and hand steady while she pointed up. Be advised that if you tell me there is also a bomb up there for him to diffuse, I may not be able to resist the temptation to pitch you overboard.

I believe he was interested in what it looked like from up there.

Well that just explains everything. How silly of me to ask. Of, course if he was interested how could we possibly deny him the opportunity to defy death? Surely even falling

and breaking his neck would be worth it in the pursuit of knowledge.

Best come down now, lad, the Captain shouted up at James. You are making your sister a wee bit nervous.

Forgive me my feminine whims, Amelia hissed. Goodness knows we females are so unreasonable with our desire to keep those we love in one piece. Why its a wonder anyone puts up with us, so silly are we.

Oh, no, he replied easily, it isnt a wonder to me at all. I know exactly why we put up with you.

Amelia purposefully turned her gaze back to her brothers small form, working its way back down to the deck with a careless ease that wasnt the least bit reassuring. No, I suppose the only wonder in your life is why someone hasnt killed you yet.

Ah, and deprive the world of my delightful presence?

Please do. Or, if you cant manage the world, just my brother and I would do nicely.

Ames! James called to her, his feet finally once again on the dubious safety of the deck. He hurried to her side, practically bursting with pleased excitement. I got to climb to the top of the mast! Did you see? I understood the theory of perspective, of course, but its one thing to understand a thing theoretically and another entire to see it! Everything is so small from up

there.

Including your chance of survival.

Oh, dont be a nanny goat, Ames. Gideon taught me how to climb it proper. He even taught me the right way to fall, should I need to.

Nanny goat? Amelia barely knew where to start. A soft chuckle behind her, easily

reminded her. Did he now? Well, if he is such a master at falling, I cant help but be relieved. Its reassuring to know that when he falls off this blasted ship, he will at least fall well.

James stopped his chattering to look up at her, eyes wide. Are you mad, Ames?

Why would I be mad? Its all such a bloody amazing adventure, whatever would I have to be mad about?

Jamess mouth dropped opened. You just swore, he remarked in awe.

The chuckle behind her deepened and Amelias already worn temper finally snapped. She turned around and gave the Captain a harsh shove, smiling with satisfaction as he flailed back in

surprise. He landed on his behind with a rather satisfying thump, his top hat rather ridiculously

askew.

Ames! You just hit Gideon!

No, James. I shoved him. There is a small, but important, distinction.

Only be happy, lad, Gideon said, making no move to get back up, that we were not near a railing, or I think your sister would have happily shoved me right off the ship.

Quite right, Amelia agreed, lifting her foot experimentally and considering a good kick. Anger and propriety hadnt yet finished their duel when a hand snaked its way around her raised ankle and yanked. Surprised, Amelia toppled quite gracelessly forward and ended up sprawled

on top of the loathsome Captain, her face squashed uncomfortably into the lower portion of his

torso. It would have been better if he had a layer of fat to cushion her fall, but no, she was not

that lucky. All she could feel was a heavily muscled wall that felt quite as hard as if she had

fallen face first into the deck instead.

There, the chest underneath her rumbled, I am revenged. This way there is no need now to duel or for my crew to defend my maligned honor.

Amelia struggled, trying to detangle herself from the hateful man and regain her footing.

Just as she thought she had made some progress heavy arms enclosed her, pushing her back

down, forcing her nose in close enough proximity to his cravat that she could smell the light

cologne he used. Really, what kind of pirate used cologne?

No amount of struggling on her part made any difference. She was effectively trapped on

top of him, stuck in the abhorrent cage of his arms. Release me, you horrid, mannerless, toad of a cad of a pirate! she hissed, beating her palms against his chest for emphasis.

No, I think not, he replied easily and she could hear the smug self-satisfaction in his voice.

Oh, she bit out, but I think yes. A sharp knee to his gut caused gave her enough room to pull back her arm the proper distance. It was a good punch: tension, aim, release, just like her

now deceased army uncle had taught her. She pulled herself up and straightened her wrinkled

coat with dignity.

There, James, she told her silent, open jawed brother, I did hit Gideon. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, his overlarge eyes bugging out as he stared at her. Amelia

sighed. You look rather pale, James, dear. Did you get any sleep? Or eat? No, of course not. Climbing masts and defusing bombs will wait. Not for long of course, but long enough for us to

get you some food and for a nap. Come. She held out her hand and he, still dumfounded, obediently took it. Ignoring the very loud silent stares of the pirate crew who had the misfortune

to be on deck and witness the whole torrid affair, Amelia headed off once again the direction of

the kitchen.

25:30

After successfully feeding and talking James into a short nap, Amelia had decided it would be best for her own safety and the safety of any pirate captain that showed up behind her

that she seclude herself in her room. It was boring, but after the last 24 hours she had endured,

she welcomed boring.

There was a tentative knock on the door. Amelia opened it to find a slightly more rested

James eying her warily. Guilt immediately washed over her. She could hardly believe that she

had let her anger get so much the best of her that James was still worried about it hours later. She

smiled brightly. You are looking better, James. How goes the great progress on figuring out how to defuse the bomb? The question was an apology and, whether or not James realized it, he brightened right up.

I think Ive figured it out, Ames. I just needed a few things. They should be unloading them into the engine room now. Wanna see?

No, she didnt particularly want to see that bomb and its ominous oversized pocket watch, but there was an almost wounded vulnerability underneath Jamess eagerness that she wouldnt have refused, even if it only had 30 seconds left on the countdown. Of course, Im always willing to witness more proof that you somehow managed to steal all the smarts in the

family, even though you were born second.

You arent stupid, Ames. You are even rather smart for a

A what? A woman?

What? No, James dismissed distractedly as he pulled her towards the engine room. For a a people person. The way he said it made it sound like a fate worse than debtors prison. As if realizing that he might have said something offensive, he patted her hand

reassuringly. But dont mind that, Ames. You are a good sort. Capital even.

Thank you, Amelia responded dryly, rather touched, in spite of herself.

James babbled about the supplies he had asked the pirates to acquire for them for the rest

of the trip down to the engine room. Amelia tried to pay attention, truly she did, but only one

word out of four sounded like Imperial to her, the rest were undecipherable gibberish.

When they finally reached the chaos of the engine room, Amelia couldnt help but wish that she had managed to understand more, for the confusion in front of her was even less

comprehensible to her than Jamess cheerful monologue. Flowers stood on top of some crate and

was calling out orders with military precision. Despite his background, it was clear that not all

the pirates had come from a similar discipline, because as far as Amelia could tell, at least half of

them were simply ignoring Flowers shouted instructions completely. With various degrees of caution they hauled about large glass panels, heavy looking keys, containers, pipes, gears, and

things that, despite her various experience with James, she couldnt tell from a spoon.

James didnt seem the least bit put off by the chaos and instead easily lead her to where the giant clock challenged them. You see this, James pointed at a coil that looked the same as every other coil to Amelia, but she nodded anyway. This is a backup trigger. Like Gideon explained, the bomb is remotely activated and set to go off in a certain amount of time. I can

only conjecture its such a long period of time because the original owner thought the threat of the bomb would be enough for any thieves to return or abandon the ship with enough time for it

to be retrieved and then deactivated. The back up trigger, however, seems to be set to go off if

theres any attempt to manually alter or remove the bomb from the ship. Maybe if I had more time as it is, I havent postulated any safe methods to make manual adjustments.

Amelia nodded as if this kind of conversation was normal and tried to worry about how

easily his explorations could have set off the back up trigger. Pointing at what Amelia guessed

was the heart of the bomb, James continued, The set up is really quite ingenious in a way. To ensure that the bomb only goes off when intended, its purely chemical. Theres a plate here, his pointing finger moved down, separating the top liquid from the second. Its connected to the hands of the clock, when the hands both reach the top, its pulled out.

Then the chemicals mix and boom? Amelia asked, relieved that he was making an attempt at simplification.

James nodded, pleased that she had followed. The thing with chemical reactions is that they are easily manipulated and changed. A plus B does one thing, but A plus B plus C does

something else entirely.

Amelia frowned. So you are planning on adding another chemical to the mix? Isnt that dangerous? And how do you even know what are in A and B in the first place?

He made a small hole in the two containers holding the chemicals, Lulu answered cheerfully. Sometime while Amelia had been giving James all her attention, Lulu had wandered

over to them, a large tube draped around her like a rather unattractive feather boa. Dont look so horrified, he put adhesive over the holes as soon as he had an appropriate sample. She grinned at James warmly. Im good with fixing things, machines sing to me, you see. But I aint never seen anything like your brother, Miss. You can practically see the gears in his brain moving!

Straight up genuine genius, he is.

James brightened, pleased. While your understanding of theory is sadly deficient, Lulu, you are very good with application. Intuitive is the word, I believe? Shes been quite helpful, Ames. I couldnt properly plan how to pump a third substance safely into the contact area, but Lulu came up with quite a smart idea involving an adaptation of a steam pump. Lulu blushed through her grease stains and Amelia couldnt help but wonder at how surreal her life had become.

The tangential and irrelevant business of mutual admiration over with, James went back

to business. So if we add the element of liquid tarium to the chemical reaction, instead of causing the explosion intended, the reaction should be neutralized entirely, resulting in some

rather colorful bubbles that might cause a nasty rash, but not anything explosive. We should be

able to safely contain the reaction by constructing a barrier of reinforced thickened glass.

Amelia blinked. Where did they find all these materials overnight? Particularly the tarium? Isnt it almost impossible to find in the quantities you would need?

We raided an Imperial research facility. Oh and some of its from a train assembly factory, Lulu grinned as she answered, reminding Amelia that this cheerful girl was a pirate, too.

Everythings ready boss, shall we get started? Flowers asked James with a sharp salute.

Right. Lulu, get the glass cutter. Flowers, heat up the furnace. James was already somewhere that Amelia couldnt follow. All she could do was try to trust him.

Be careful, she couldnt help but beg. James just rolled his eyes at her and then she, like everyone not immediately related to the task at hand, became invisible in his eyes.

Sighing, she left him to his work, knowing staying would only end up with her hair

completely prematurely white.

24:45

In what was becoming a distressing habit, Amelia found herself once again in the small

room that had been temporarily designated as hers. She had tried to find some new haunt, truly

she had. Staying in the engine room made her anxious, the deck left her with an unreasonable

paranoia that the odious captain was going to magically appear behind her for another argument

at any moment, the pirates glared at her when she had attempted to sit in the galley and after

sitting in the kitchen for five minutes, the cook's unexpectedly powerful glare sent her looking

for somewhere else in a hurry.

Overcome with a restlessness that she couldnt shake, Amelia wandered into the blasphemy of wondering if arguing with that evil pirate would be preferable to continuing her

exceedingly dull self-imposed imprisonment. Before she could decide if she were desperate

enough to go in search of him or not, he came to her. Pushing her door open without even

bothering to knock, he waltzed into her room, burdened by several boxes.

Good afternoon, Captain. Welcome to my humble room. How kind of you to send advance notice, although your knocking and consideration of my privacy was a tad excessive, it

is appreciated all the same.

Granted, I probably should have knocked and played to your idea of manners with all those blasted annoying little proprieties, but I find life is ever so much more interesting when

you take opportunities to take people unawares.

Interesting? Perhaps. Rude? Most certainly. And, what, pray, did you expect to find me doing? Ritually cursing you with a doll I had fashioned out of my pillow? Although now that I

think on it, the idea is tempting. Pity that I require a good pillow, or I sleep very ill.

I shall keep that in mind for future reference.

Truly? What an amazing memory you must have to have room for such nonsensicals that will be of no use or relevance to you whatsoever.

Truly? his intonation matched hers exactly. Amelia couldnt believe she had suffered the temporary madness to consider actively seek such a conversation. Well, I suppose you are perfectly capable of procuring your own bedding.

Indeed and even were I not, it would be no concern of yours as I have no intention of continuing this baneful acquaintance.

A pity, that. Everyone should be able to count a pirate or two among their circle of acquaintances. It builds character.

I shall take that as a small comfort when I have nightmares about this dreadful interlude. It built character. And if I needs must continue acquaintance with a pirate, I choose Flowers. He

at least is a gentlemen, and a quite charming one at that.

Im sure hed blush to the top of his scars at the compliment.

Yes, and his gentle nature and self-consciousness are a large part of his charm. Pity, men of his caliber are so hard to find these days. Why, I dont think Ive liked one as much in an age.

He laughed and, finally moving fully into the room. As the light hit his previously

shadowed face, and Amelia couldnt help but gasp. Your eye!

His laugh deepened. Yes, it seems you are better at boxing than your appearance, current masculine attire aside, would suggest. Why, I dont think Ive been this colorful since I first joined the army.

Amelia swallowed and reached for his cheek subconsciously. Luckily she realized what

her hand was doing and stopped it hastily before contact was made. His eye was quite

spectacularly puffy and red. She had seen a few black eyes in her day and this one was going to

get worse before it was going to be better. Not that it mattered, she told herself sternly, she and

her brother would happily be out of the vile mans life before it had a chance to even turn purple.

Why, yes, I know Im pretty, but you dont have to gape at me quite so open-mouthedly.

Amelias concern quickly evaporated. I do think you are the most appallingly vain coxcomb I have ever had the misfortune to come across. And Ive been out in Imperia society, so that is saying quite a lot.

Such compliments, you do make me blush. His cheeks noticeably free of any flush, the Captain took a few more steps towards her and deposited his parcels on her bed. As much as it breaks my heart to deny you an opportunity to continue sharpening your claws, your presents are

quite heavy.

Presents? Amelia asked, eying the packages with uneasy distrust.

You didnt think we would waste our little trip to town just fetching your brilliant brother his supplies did you? It would be ghastly unfair to bring presents to one and leave the

other sibling out.

Yes, and if you pirates are anything, it is the picture of fairness. Why, I imagine the imperial research facility workers are praising your evenhandedness as they even now celebrate

the liberation of their goods.

I cant see why they wouldnt. It will be at least a full day before they Imperial government restocks their supplies. We have generously gifted them with a holiday.

Truly, you astonish me. Does your munificence know no bounds?

Ah, but you should open your packages first before you ask that question. Otherwise I might have to sing my own praises, which is dreadful dull. I would much rather have you do it

for me.

With a prodigal act of restraint, Amelia managed to ignore that comment in favor of

opening the carefully wrapped packages and boxes. Inside she found a complete outfit for a lady,

the latest fashion even. She couldnt keep a blush from burning across her cheeks when she saw how complete it was. She could not imagine the Captain easily picking out stockings,

underthings and a corset. The dress was a pretty dark-blue velvet and though it was hard to judge

without actually trying it on, it looked like it would fit. There was even a parasol.

What do you expect me to do with a parasol on a pirates stolen airship that may or may not blow up at any given moment?

He shrugged easily. As I understand it, a lady is never to leave home without her parasol.

Why, exactly did you steal me all this?

Steal? he asked, his tone clearly offended. I bought it cleanly. I considered liberating you something, preferably from someone horrible who beat her servants, but I assumed you

would have qualms wearing stolen goods.

Qualmsyes. It does surprise me that you would give any consideration to something as small as my qualms. Or my wishesopinionswell, anything to with me at all. You certainly havent before.

He frowned at her, his unpleasantly handsome face serious for once. Ill give our introduction could have gone better, but it hasnt been so bad since then, has it?

Amelia considered saying many things, but there was a puppy doggish cast to his eyes

that had some sort of strong compelling power that kept her from saying them. Well, no, I suppose it has been quite pleasant. As far as getting abducted and held captive by pirates with the

threat of death hanging over all our heads goes, in any case.

Now, now, Amelia, you cant be too picky. Theres always something. You must take your happiness where you can find it.

While there may always be something, there is not always a bomb set to explode us all into little bits at the end of a rather rapidly dwindling countdown. Furthermore, Captain

Maxwell, I dont remember giving you leave to call me by my given name.

Considering I was just this morning shopping for the underthings that are holding in your hand, I think calling you Amelia is a small intimacy that I have rather earned.

Amelia flushed, hastily dropping the offending garments that she had forgotten about in

the heat of arguing with the appalling man. Clearly, it was time to change the subject. You didnt answer my question.

What question?

About why you bought me the dress.

Ah, I thought that perhaps after a day you would want a change of clothes that were slightly less wrinkly and slightly less likely to cause your mother to roll in her gave. As you tell

it, the poor woman surely could use a break from rolling. It must be exhausting.

Amelia was in quick succession touched, angry, annoyed and then, rather inappropriately

amused. She did her best, however, to disguise all of these reactions. She fell back on politeness,

which, while it didnt seem to have much effect on the captain, was so deeply ingrained in her that it gave her a small sense of comfort. Thank you, Captain. It is a very generous gift, indeed.

He took a couple steps towards her, an act that left her heart and mind racing with panic,

a state that was in no way helped by the slow smile that grew the closer he got to her. Well, thats just not right. Weve already established that you are Amelia. Its only fair that you call me Gideon in return.

No, thank you, Amelia whispered, blindly grasping behind her. She grabbed the small wardrobe behind her tightly, desperately wishing there was more space in the room.

He took the last few steps and suddenly there was nothing between them but the smallest

bit of air. Amelia attempted to rally herself to action, but she could not. There was an intensity in

his gaze that effectively trapped her. She was helpless to move, helpless to run. Stuck in place

like a deer facing a wolf. A very handsome wolf.

Amelia, he said softly. It occurred to her that at some point he had lost his hat. When had that happened? She had not yet seen him without the blasted thing. Amelia, he repeated. His ungloved hand reached for her and meeting her complete lack of ability (if not desire) to

resist, slid gently from the top of her forehead down the side of her face to rest softly at the

bottom of her chin. With such close contact, Amelia couldnt help but notice that his fingers were rough and callused. The hands of someone who worked, and fought, for a living.

She swallowed painfully as his surprisingly gentle fingers tugged her face upwards. His

eyes had grown heated as their gaze slowly trailed down her face until they settled, quite

determinedly, on her nervously pursed lips. He smiled again and Amelia forgot how to breathe.

Which was inconvenient for a moment later his mouth was bearing down on hers and they were

kissing.

Kissingsuch a simple word to describe what was happening and yet, it was the only one that Amelias drugged brain could grasp. She felt rather more than she should have felt, particularly considering just whom it was who was kissing her. And just how much, or rather

how little, esteem she held him in. She let it go deeper and continue far longer than she should

have. Finally, when she was sure she was about to faint from lack of air, he moved away a little,

which was all she needed to regroup her scattered senses and empty brain and shove him away.

She wiped her mouth auspiciously with her sleeve and glared as impressively as she

could at the pirate, which was admittedly not that impressively considering that she was leaning

against the wardrobe as if she would collapse without its support and gasping for long absent air.

You should not have done that.

But I ever so much enjoy doing things that I should not. She just continued to glare at his rather predictable response. He grinned at her. Thankfully, this time her belly was already

unsettled from the events previous and so had no noticeable reaction to the hated grin at all.

What? You arent going to slap me? What kind of proper lady are you?

A not so proper one, apparently, Amelia answered, still displeased with herself for the rather significant reaction her traitorous body had had to the man. Are you disappointed? Were you hoping for a hand imprint to add to the decoration of your face?

A bit, I admit. But more from the fact that when I finally believed I had your behaviors anticipated, you go and prove me wrong.

I am as sorry for being disobliging as you are for behaving in such a shockingly inappropriate manner. He just stood there, grinning at her. She was a little bit pleased to note that the kiss had disturbed him at least a little. He was now rather flushed and breathing at a

faster tempo than was his norm. Amelia cocked her head to the side as she studied him. Why did you do that? She asked, not truly expecting an honest answer.

Im a pirate, or did you forget? A pirates first reaction upon spying something valuable is to want to steal it.

And what valuable thing did you just steal?

He blinked at her, like she was a few sails short of an airship. Why, your first kiss, of course.

This time, she just blinked at him. And whyever would you think that was my first kiss?

What? he demanded sharply. Amelia just grinned, quite happy for once to be the one putting him off balance.

23:10

Amelia was not the sort of female that waited around to be rescued. She was not the sort

of female that generally got herself into situations where she could conceivably need rescuing.

Nor was she, at least so she had thought previously, the sort of female that would be excessively

grateful for the well-meaning rescue of some man or another. Despite this being the case, when

Flowers knocked on her door and entered the room, Amelia well and truly could have kissed

him, so grateful she was for the interruption.

The odious kiss-plundering Captain had straightened his collar awkwardly and made an

excuse to disappear soon after, freeing Amelia from whatever force had somehow trapped her.

Flowers had stared at them both, shifting his gaze from one to other anxiously. Even after the

Captain had removed himself, Flowers watched her anxiously, so Amelia feared all was not well

and composed with her appearance. Unwilling to face the pirates compassion, Amelia sent him on his way and busied herself with the business of getting dressed.

She had debated it. The clothes had been selected and provided by the most odious man

of her rather unfortunate acquaintance, and as such, her first instinct was to throw them

overboard, but she had been wearing the same suit for some time and it was beginning to itch. In

the end pragmatism won over pride and she donned the offending garments. To her rather acute

uneasiness, all of them fit her quite well, even the corset. Amelia couldnt help but wonder at that, for up until that point, her breasts had been bound flat by a specialty corset. One that had

proved that something more uncomfortable than a corset laced by her mothers old-fashioned maid did, in fact, exist.

She had finished dressing, a feat she managed by herself, which left her more than a little

pleased with herself, particularly the part where she had improvised with a chair, and had washed

her face (particularly her mouth) five times, when her door was thrown open.

Ames, we just- youre a girl.

Why, yes, I am indeed. How terribly shocking.

I know you are a girl I just meant again. James blinked up at her rapidly, knowing that he had said something not quite the thing, but not sure if he cared enough to figure out how

to fix it. She was after all, only his sister.

Amelia was tempted, but in the end managed to resist being sarcastic with her brother.

She was not irritated with him. Or at least not so very much. Am I to surmise, genius brother mine, that your cheerful presence here means you have finished dealing with the bomb?

He beamed up at her happily; nodding so rapidly that she was afraid he was going break

something. We just finished. They are cleaning up the remains now.

How nice of you to leave that to them.

Why wouldnt I? James asked her, genuinely confused. They asked for my help defusing the bomb, not cleaning. Anyone can do that.

Someday soon you and I are going to have to have a chat about humility and not being lynched by offended anyones.

He looked offended. I dont talk like this with people. Just you, Ames.

How nice it is not to bother with that personhood thing. Amelia cursed her tongue again as soon as it was done sharpening itself on her hapless brother. Im sorry, she said, truly penitent, Im just in a foul mood. Its not your fault.

He peered up at her from lashes that were far too long to be wasted on a boy, let alone a

boy whose idea of taking care of his appearance was to change if he spilled pungent chemicals

on himself a few hours after the fact. Because we were abducted by pirates?

Because we were abducted by pirates, Amelia agreed, for the simplification did well enough.

I thought they were jolly. Not bad pirates. James was actually trying to convince her of their not-badness, so Amelia managed to bite her tongue about just how bad they, or at least one

of them, truly were. However well she tried to hide it, he must have seen something on her face,

for in a rare gesture of affection, he took her hand and patted it. Im sorry, Ames. Next time well let you pick the adventure.

Amelia let out a sound that might have been one-third laugh, one-third choking noise and

one-third sob. Sinking down, crouching on her knees, so she was at a height with James, she

smiled at him. I dont want you to think that Im at all put out because of you, James. By any of it, not your enthusiasm for pirates or adventure, or the dressing as Mordecai. Im happy to do it, because more than anything I love you. You know that, right?

He made a face and shifted uncomfortably. Amelia knew that he very much wanted to

escape (for there was little as frightening to the logical boy as sentiment,) and it was a sign that

he loved her as well that he managed to stay in place. I know, Ames, he informed the floor in an embarrassed mumble.

You have been so brave and so brilliant. And everything you have done here, not just with the bombI am ever so proud of you, James. Ever so proud. Wherever Mother and Father are, Im sure they are proud of you, too.

Can you be proud of someone when you are dead? James asked seriously.

I hope so. As much as he claimed to hate it, Amelia grabbed her brother into a tight hug just long for her to win the battle with the tears that were threatening to fall. She pulled back and

ruffled his already gravity-defying hair. Now, as I cant see when we shall ever have a chance to do so again, shall we go explore this pirates air-ship?

Yes, lets!

20:00

If there was some way to transform Jamess endless interest in new things and energy for exploration and questions into some sort of physical form than there would be no need to use

steam to power anything. As it was, this time that energy had been directed to whichever pirate

happened to pass into Jamess vision, so for once Amelia could just sit back and be amused. She was too tired to be horrified. Besides, they were pirates, what did they care for manners?

Finally, when their tour of the ship was done and the information of what everything on

the entire ship did and why had briefly spent some time floating across the surface of her brain

before evacuating for greener pastures, James was satisfied. The odious Captain that should

under no circumstances be named sent word via Flowers that they were to join him in his

quarters for dinner. Unless, as Flowers obediently relayed, for all that this particular message

made him stare at his shoes like a humiliated schoolgirl, they were too scared to attend.

Why would be scared, James had asked, he done anything to us yet, why would he now?

Why, indeed, Amelia had wondered, in that moment reveling in wonderment at just how much she could loathe that scheming man. As he had no doubt intended, she found no way

to refuse the request thus put in front of her brother. Of course that particular blade cut both

ways. Surely the man would have to contain some of his odiousness in front of her younger

brother. Or perhaps not. He was, after all, a pirate.

Thus promptly five minutes late, Amelia knocked politely on the Captains door. Come in, a distracted voice called at them through the door, its open. Pirate manners.

James obligingly threw the door open and peered about the small cabin with open

curiosity. He wandered over to the mantle and started poking around the things on display.

Look, Ames, James called as he held one of them up to his face for closer examination, its a fossilized frog. Genius manners.

Ah, a toad actually, the Captain corrected genially from where he stood over in the corner of his room, frowning at his reflection in the mirror.

God god, Amelia said, you are bleeding!

I suppose I am. He frowned at his appearance again. Do not tell Flowers, or he will give me the most deafening look of I told you so. He did tell me that perhaps I should let

someone else shave me with my eye so deliciously swollen, thank you for that by the way, but it

is not my habit, you see, to let anyone near my neck with a blade. Terribly unmanly of me, I

know, but what can you do?

Amelia sighed in exasperation. At least blot the cut, you great dolt. When he made no move to follow her excellent advice, she picked up a stray napkin from the table and slapped it

over his bleeding neck, not at all gently.

Why, Amelia, I didnt know you cared. Amelia glared and considered blackening the other eye. Oh, you dont know how I melt to see you gaze at me so. Dont worry, I know you are merely taking responsibility, since it is all your fault after all.

Forget eye blackening, Amelia eyed the shaving knife with great temptation. As if

sensing his very mortal peril, the Captain took over napkin holding duty. Amelia was very glad

to take several steps away from the Captain, far enough that she no longer was forced to

awareness that he was freshly bathed, his hair still faintly wet and curling. Steeling her spine,

Amelia added the fact that Pirate Captain Gideon Maxwell smelt vaguely of lemon after bathing

to things she truly had never wished to know.

Moving away from his dressing stand, the Captain moved towards the small table set

carefully at the center of the room. Winking at James, he gestured to a seat, which the boy

promptly slid into, although not alone. He had stolen a book of maps from god knew where and

had already plunked it open on top of the fancy china plate. Seeming not the least bit bothered by

this display of larceny and ill manners, the Captain proceeded to pull out the chair kitty corner

from Jamess and waited over it with a mocking half-bow.

Milady, your seat awaits.

Sighing ever so deeply, Amelia walked into lemon-scented distance once again and, with

only a smaller amount of grace than James, plopped herself into the chair. Behind her, the

Captain leaned down as he pushed the chair in. Did I tell you that you look very well tonight, Amelia? he asked her in a low voice, his mouth hovering only slightly to left and behind her ear. She only just resisted the temptation to slap him like an errant bug. Blue suits you. I have excellent taste.

Determined not to get into yet another snipping match with the man in front of her

impressionable brother, who for some unknown reason, liked the pirate, Amelia merely sniffed.

She was better than the blasted villain. She could take the high road. Thank you, she replied politely and a bit ambiguously, for all anyone knew she could be talking about the chair.

Captain Maxwell, no longer leaking blood, took the seat across from her and with an

exaggerated innocent smile that instantly set Amelia on guard, poured a dark red liquid from a

decanter into their crystal glasses.

Amelia sniffed the drink suspiciously. What is this, exactly?

Wine, of course. A particularly fine vintage, if I do say so myself.

Amelia sniffed again and looked at it with distrust.

The Captain laughed. What, did you think I would offer you grog? I can if you would prefer. Flowers and Lulu adapted part of the engine, it makes a uniquely strong brew if you want

to try it.

I do! James chimed in, instantly.

No, you do not, Amelia told him, vehemently.

But I do, James protested.

You can have some on your sixteenth birthday, lad. The Captains promise cheered James up enough that Amelia restrained herself from pointing out that wherever they were on

Jamess sixteenth birthday it would decidedly not be near the pirates and their grog.

Go back to reading your pilfered book, James, Amelia instructed.

Not pilfered, borrowed, James responded, mirroring a certain pirate's inflections exactly.

Good god, Amelia groaned, youre having an influence on him.

Excellent! said pirate trumpeted. Who better?

Much easier to ask who worse, the list would be much shorter and I wouldnt die of old age reciting it.

Ah, but whats the fun in an easy life?

Thankfully, Amelia was saved from the need to answer by the entrance of a particularly

dour looking Cook, unhappily pushing a cart filled with covered plates. He grunted at them as he

crossed the threshold.

Ah, Dorothy, excellent timing as always.

Dorothy? Amelia couldnt help but ask.

Yes, our excellent cook here, Dorothy. He was so pleased to hear that he would be cooking dinner for you tonight, I do think he seasoned our food with tears of joy.

She ignored his nonsense and instead focused on what was important. His name is Dorothy?

No, the Captain answered easily, his pirate name is Dorothy.

Pirate name? What nonsense- Amelia blushed and turned with a remorseful expression to the cook. Im ever so sorry, how shamefully rude of us to be talking about you as if you werent there. Im sure Dorothy is a lovely name

You dont need to bother, Captain Maxwell told her easily, Dorothy doesnt talk much, as you may have noticed. Indeed, the Cooks only acknowledgement was that his dour

expression turned several degrees darker and you could almost hear a clunk as he dropped the

plates in front of them.

Whats my pirate name? James demanded, as happy as the Captain to ignore the cook, even as the poor man rammed his cart into the door in his rush to leave.

Hmm Im not sure. Ill have to think about it. What do you think of 'the bomb'?

No! Amelia protested. Its bad enough you exposed him to that wretched thing, you are not naming him after it.

Aww, Ames

No. No explosive nicknames. No female names either, if you please. Or plant types. Whatever you dub him, I have no doubt he will thrill in introducing himself as and explaining to

everyone it is his pirate name, given to him by a real pirate and Id as soon save myself the headache.

All right then, Stubbs it is.

Only if you want him to be known as that-poor-boy-who-is-the-sister-of-the-murderess-b