VI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Be Continued....

Rob