1889: Journey To The Moon (The Far Journey Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF Page B

soak every day, sometimes twice a day, yet the same faint smell was always on them. It was in their pores, Billy figured, just like the Doctor. Only the smell coming off Conklin was not buffalo, and that was what made Billy uneasy.
    Jonathan Conklin eased one eye beyond the corner to observe Billy. He had picked up on Billy’s unease. Jonathan talked to himself, as he often did. “The veneer of civilization is razor thin on that lad. He is someone to be careful of, yes indeed.” He spied Merkam coming aft with Denys and went to join them, exchanging pleasantries all around.
    Jonathan said, “Tell me, Denys, how do you like Jude’s creation?’
    “Most impressive, I must say. Not at all what I expected. The polished wood and plush seating remind me of the best houses in London. I was rather expecting cold metal, creaking pipes, and noisy gear assemblages, but there is none of that. This is luxury in every detail.”
    Nikola Tesla joined them at the end of the conversation. “Luxury is fine, but it’s worth nothing if the ship doesn’t fly.”
    Merkam shook his head, “Nik, Nik. You must be patient. We will leave soon.”
    “You’ve been saying that for two weeks. I expect you will say it for the next year.”
    Merkam bristled, “We leave on the morrow for our first test flight. I trust that settles your bile.”
    “Morning or evening?”
    “In full dark. I want no curious eyes tracing our actions.”
    Denys stiffened and said, “Are there men plotting to commandeer your machine?”
    Merkam said, “I’ve heard talk of sky pirates hiding in the mountains near Manitou Springs, waiting for a chance to board us as soon as we ascend. I know personally of other engineers who would cheer if we failed. Their ilk are also not above sabotage, or hiring sky pirates to do their thievery.”
    Denys said, “I suggest we all maintain a high degree of alertness for the next several days.”
    “By all means,” Conklin said.

     
    [ 5 ]
     
    Ekka finished checking the exterior lip of the hatch and walked across the yard to join Billy. Billy asked, “What do you think of Doctor Conklin?”
    “I don’t think of him.”
    Billy blinked at the answer, “Well, uh, what I meant was—“
    Ekka gave him a quick wink. “It was a joke, Billy.” She started to the ship, “Come, we have a few things in the engine room where Ross may need your help. His hand is too large.”
    Billy hurried to catch up, saying to himself, “I think I may be in love.”
    Ross was at the hatch to the engine room when they arrived. He said, “There’s a problem with the spindle coupling on the base of the transmogrifier. It’s dragging for some reason.”
    They followed Ross through the hatch and the first thing Billy saw was the giant robot. “Whoa,” he said. The robot’s metal head turned toward them with a whirring sound. The voice vibrated the air in the room and sounded like the lowest notes on a bass violin played in the bottom of a barrel.
    The robot said, “Unauthorized personnel.” A small red glow showed in the back of an oval hollow in the robot’s forehead. It looked like a ruby glinting sunlight from the back of a shallow cave. The light grew in intensity until Billy saw a red dot on his shirt.
    Ross said, “He is one of the crew. He is authorized to be here, upon my order.”
    Billy said, “What’s that red light?”
    “It uses that as a locator, sort of like eyes, since it doesn’t have any.”
    The red light blinked off and the head whirred back to its original position facing the transmogrifier.
    “It sure gives me the willies,” Billy said.
    “I hate it,” Ross said. “It is one of Merkam’s mechanical pets though. Among the two dozen he has on board.
    “No good will come of them.” Ekka said. “Mark what I say. They will cause us trouble.”
    Billy said, “This one looks spooky enough just standing there like a statue.”
    Ross said, “Forget the talking machine. Let’s check the spindle.” Ross lay on