At the control panel, engineers rapidly moved levers todifferent positions, each one connecting with a clank. Toward the rear of theship, behind the massive propellers that were generating more and more thrust,several rudder components moved, forcing the air from the propeller toward theground. The ship rose. With the helium no longer being vented, the ship hoveredjust off the ground, gaining a few inches each second.
“Buoyancy is positive; we are gaining altitude,” called awatch officer. “Dumping 10 % ballast.”
“Steady as she goes; this is an easy climb.” Thecaptain calmly paced along the deck to stand near one of the large observationwindows.
Constantine felt the vibration in the deck beneath him growto a low rumble. His body shifted balance as the ship tilted fractionallyupward, and he reached out to grasp a convenient handhold hanging from theceiling. The tilt of the deck increased, though none of the airmen appearedbothered by the incline. They must be so used to it.
“Altitude at fifty feet. Sixty feet. Still rising.”
“Level off at seven hundred feet. We’ll swing south andproceed to Fort Tiberius. Any report of bad weather?” Alexandros asked from thewindow, his hands clasped behind his dark leather flying jacket.
The watch officer opened another speaking tube bearing asmall copper plate labeled Topside Lookouts. He shouted into the tube,then pressed his ear against the opening, trying to hear the answer over theconstant hum of the engine and, Constantine presumed, the wind outside. Theofficer replaced the tube cap and looked up. “Topside lookout reports partialcloudy skies but no gray or black ones in sight, sir.”
Alexandros nodded. “Let’s get a move on, shall we? It’s notlike we’ve got all day!” He chuckled.
The Scioparto ponderously turned its bulk to asoutheastern heading. With the ship now on its appointed course, the hustle andbustle on the bridge calmed somewhat.
Constantine let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had beenholding. It was nothing unusual to him to ride in a dirigible, but the weightof the entire situation was finally settling fully over him, leaving himfeeling drained. He looked through the observation window on a world thatseemed to be going gray before him. “I think I’d like to sit down for awhile,”he managed to mumble.
Alexandros turned from the window in time to see the tribunecrumple slowly toward the floor. “Quick, someone catch the man, he’s gotaltitude sickness!” Alexandros barked, hoping to distract his crew fromconjecture. Two men leapt to comply, grabbing the tribune’s elbows and keepinghim from hitting the deck.
“Let’s just sit him right here,” Alexandros said breezily.“Pass the word for the doctor to come have a look at him, but otherwise it willprobably be best if we simply let him rest for the remainder of our flight.” Ihope no one wonders why he never had altitude sickness before this point,Alexandros thought, careful to keep a frown from his face. Regardless of howhe’s feeling, it’s my job to get him back to Fort Tiberius in one piece, hissecret intact. “And pass word for Centurion Vibius, as well,” he continued.“He’ll want to take his commanding officer back to my cabin; young man lookslike he could use a spot of sleep, eh?”
When the tribune had withdrawn, arm slung over thecenturion’s supporting shoulder, Captain Alexandros paced the forwardobservation windows, for a moment enjoying the marvelous view of the GermaniaInferior countryside. This is what the gods see when they look down at us. Heimagined them staring down at him from an even higher vantage point, and took amoment to say a brief prayer. Although he did not consider himself anexceptionally pious man, he had a special affinity for the goddess Minerva. Thankyou, Minerva, goddess of wisdom, for granting me this chance to remove thestain upon my family’s honor. It is a pleasure to serve you, and the cause ofjustness, in your name. Please help us with our journey, and watch overthe young prince, for he needs our guidance and wisdom more than ever.
At that moment a tailwind sprang up, propelling the Sciopartoeven more rapidly toward Fort Tiberius. Almost as if, Alexandros noted, thegoddess had answered his prayer.
Chapter 10
Clink.
The tiny sound of drinking glasses touching in a toast brokethe silence of the warehouse. Several members drank to Deus Ex Mortalitas. Asone, they put down their small tumblers.
“Operation Teutonburg is in motion. We are strong, and weare ready. Let us show those imperial fools just who is in charge,” BrimmasAmalia told her followers. “I want a status report on all our operations, rightnow. We must be ready to move by this evening.” She paused. “By now, some ofyou may have heard that our operation in Rome met partial success.”
The words prompted a burst of chatter, with several memberslooking at each other, some with shock, others with glee.
“S’cuse me, but what do you mean by partially successful?”asked the weedy-looking scribe, Klavius. “What went wrong?”
“Our operatives had a problem getting to the emperor. Theywere unable to eliminate him. However, they did succeed in wrecking the main areoportain Rome. They will be unable to move units out of the city by air for severalmonths.”
“And what about the primus caesar?” another rebelasked.
Amalia smiled, cold and smug. “He has been taken care of, inthe best possible way.” Her laugh echoed around the cavernous warehouse, makingthe rebels loading ammunition into some stolen walkers pause. “Although onlypartially successful, we have actually created a new opportunity to eliminatethe other heir.” He voice dripped with scorn. “Because daddy dear is so worriedabout him, he has ordered the young Constantine back to Rome for hisprotection. We know this because our agent intercepted the message.” Again shepaused, noting the querying looks on some faces. “This plays right into ourhands. We have the last surviving son of the emperor walking right into thecity that is about to be ours.” She smiled.
“Corbus, the map, please,” she called. Corbus unrolled a maponto a nearby table. The council gathered around, staring intently at theintricate, hand-drawn floorplans.
“Chief Jaix Extraci, you will lead the gangers against thepalace. Remember to wait until you hear the explosions before storming thegate. If you succeed, kill everyone inside and loot the palace-anything youfind is yours to keep. If you cannot do it immediately, wait until our walkerscan come up to crush the gate.”
She turned to the industrialists. “Domino Hunostus, I trustyou have drivers for our walkers ready to go?”
“Yes, Domina Amalia, we have the walkers modified andcrewed, as per your directions. Your son,” he gestured toward Corbus, nowleaning against a steel column, “has seen fit to provide me with some of hisbest recruits. We’ll be ready, and until then, they’ll be discreet.”
Amalia nodded thoughtfully. “Get them moving now. We havereceived the confirmation from our Nortland allies-they will be here within thenext few hours.”
The gangers and Hunostus left to see to their operations.
“Excuse me for asking, but how can we prevent theImperialists from calling for backup?” another industrialist asked. “How can westop the legions from arriving to save the day? We cannot take them in aone-on-one battle, regardless of our ingenuity and determination. As I saidwhen I agreed to fund this venture, I want my guaranteed return on investment.In money, not in blood.” The rings on his fingers sparkled as he wrung hishands together for effect.
“The same source that gave us the information about thearrival of Secondus Caesar Constantine also happens to be on duty today at FortTiberius. Not only can he read any messages, he can also choose what to sendand when to receive any other messages. Should any loyalists get out an alert,he is well placed to prevent the nearest Imperial forces from responding. Notthat a green legion with no veterans would truly be able to launch an effectiverescue. Everything is well in hand, Lunis; you will get your money.” Her toneended further complaints.