Kaze says: "The tattooed man's name is Hitomi. He is using a Bottomless Well kanji to tap the source of magic, to keep him replenished. His method for drawing different powers is the same as the chairman's. It can be learned.
Hitomi has also captured Richter, who is near death from burns. Our plan -was- to rescue him from a school they run in St. Louis, but it is possible Hitomi has him in San Francisco, yes?
"One of their number is fighting with us now. A thorn. I know him. Also Mr. Voinovich and Miss Tane are with us."
Browning's image says: "Saburo survived? Excellent! To our secret headquarters in San Francisco, bring him, along with your other auxiliaries, and we will yet see our enemies broken. Some of you must know where it is."
Michael says: "Of course we don't know where it is. It's mobile. I'm surprised you, of all people, would forget something like that Mr. Browning."
Kaze arches a delicate eyebrow at Mr. Browning's speech--particularly when he mentions Saburo by name.
"I am impressed with the Grimnoir's intelligence. Our actives operate clandestinely, of course."
She gives an honorific bow which, in Japanese culture, would demand one in return.
Browning's image dips slightly, then recovers.
Browning: "You said there were not Grimnoir persons present, Mister Michael. I wished to avoid exposing our secrets by speaking past the matter rather than directly toward it. But now it is done, completing your mission must be to save what remains."
Kaze: "Naturally, we will meet you as soon as possible," she says smoothly.
She drops her eyes appropriately and scans the area around "Browning's" image for any signs of Richter.
Sky says, "By the way, Mr Browning, I got put in charge of this little outfit by mistake, but giving orders is really the kind of thing flatfoots do, if you take my meaning. I'll lay to twelve to seven the little Missy here would do better 'n me, on account of she knows these jaspers, whereas I finds myself unable to keep track without a racing form."
Browning: "It is not for you to question the assignment your superiors make, Mr. Sky! But in this case, your unwillingness to shoulder the burden of command indeed disqualifies you to exercise it. Missy, take charge of your detachment and bring them to San Francisco to assist us!"
That last was directed to Janet; his image was speaking directly to her when he told her to take command.
Voinovich to Sky, quietly: "I don't know you people, but how does he really expect us to get 2000 miles in time to do anything about his problem? Your boss might be too excited to think straight."
The whirring drone of airship motors becomes audible from the east.
Kaze looks around for cover--and to size up the terrain.
ReplyDeleteJanet cancels the connection on her ring. She feels uneasy that the impostor was looking at her when he spoke his last commends, but decides to talk it over with the others once they knew what this airship was about. In the mean time, she joins Kaze in looking for a hiding place, and encouraged the others to do the same.
ReplyDeleteThere are many hiding places in the ruined forest, and many pools of shadow under fallen trees. Anyone who does not want to be seen won't be.
ReplyDeleteVoinovich spies the airship first, and points silently.
The ship is a two-engine framework job, with engines and gondola outside the gas envelope. The engines are huge, boomed well away from the hull to clear their massive propellers. Although not suited for heavy weather, this airship is fast and highly manueverable. A short-distance delivery or stunt ship, then. Airship enthusiasts (or veterans, like Belle) recognize it as a Curtis GeeBee. Six seats, 150 mph, 1000 mile range with full fuel tanks. It doesn't sail well without fuel.
The ship circles. Everyone's rings tingle again.
Kaze raises one delicate eyebrow.
ReplyDeleteThen she finds cover and answers the ring's summons.
Voinovich to Sky, quietly: "I don't know you people, but how does he really
ReplyDeleteexpect us to get 2000 miles in time to do anything about his problem? Your
boss might be too excited to think straight."
Sky to Voinovich: "I lay you better than even money that we make that two thousand miles in time, and that Browning had it all laid out, clean as a whistle. What do you say, two cee notes at three-to-five?"
He is pulling out his roll of twenties when the airship motors are heard overhead. He looks up, frowns, then shrugs and smiles a rueful smile and puts the roll away. "Never mind. It was a sucker bet anyway."