“Giles, it’s nice to hear from you. What’s up?” Percy said, as he rested in his computer company’s break room.
“I’m checking on the progress of your industrial robots. You haven’t released anything on the market or given me updates,” Giles stated.
Percy became apprehensive. “I’m a little behind schedule. At first I thought my robots would be released in the fall. Now I have to wait until next year.”
Giles pulled out his tablet and took some notes. “Your robots are highly anticipated among the public. Why do you have so many delays?”
“Even geniuses like me have setbacks. I’m having a little trouble with the artificial intelligence. These robots should be somewhat like humans and be capable of performing immense physical tasks. However, I don’t want them to develop an ability to turn against the Steampunks. I don’t want to be liable for robots rampaging through the streets,” Percy explained.
Giles looked at the data on his tablet. “How long do you think it will take to clean up the artificial intelligence?”
“I can’t give you an accurate timetable. However, my research team is making excellent progress. I’ll call you when we have some better results. In the meantime, my company is keeping afloat just fine with the robots. After all, I’m the nation’s leading manufacturer of computers and other electronics,” Percy said confidently.
“That’s correct, but consumers always want more. Steampunks could use those robots for a variety of things. Law enforcement, the military, construction, and other industries will benefit from humanoid robots. Keep working on it, Percy. I’ll see you Chicago,” Giles replied.
“Loosen up a little bit. You’re so serious and I’m afraid you won’t enjoy the trip to Washington. Have a good day, Giles,” Percy said, before he ended the conversation.
*****
That night, Maggie stayed in her bedroom and chatted online with Parker.
“I have some bad news. Oliver caught me texting you at school today. We might need to keep a low profile for a while.”
Parker typed. “That’s okay. You’re flying to Washington D.C. in a few days anyway. I hope you’ll enjoy the trip. Are your parents mad about us communicating?”
“Not exactly. They’re just really strict. I don’t think they trust online communication. Sometimes, my family has a hard time trusting people. I’m pretty sure it has something to do with an event called the Apocalypse.”
“My parents are the same way. I wish they would be more understanding. Anyway, how was school today?”
Maggie typed. “It was boring. Honestly, I’m ready to move on to middle school. Elementary school is such a drag. I want to write books and poetry. In middle school, I have an English class that can help me with those things.”
“I’m sure your writing will be great. What do you think about this Steampunk fashion? It’s such a huge craze.” Parker typed.
“I’m used to it. Everybody loves gears, weapons, grafted metal, propellers, and all kinds of weird stuff. I saw photos of fashion in the 21st Century. It doesn’t look like our current fashion. Do you want to know something weird? Steampunk fashion is kind of similar to Victorian clothing from the 19th Century. I saw a lot of Victorian fashion in books.”
“Reb said it’s retro-futurism. Whatever that means.” Parker typed.
“Steampunks aren’t the only strange people. Did you hear about those sky pirates? I don’t understand why pirates would suddenly go from the ocean to the sky.”
Parker was intrigued by their discussion. “Aviation is really cool. I love airplanes and zeppelins. There’s something interesting about sky pirates.”
“Well, I don’t want to see them when we fly to Washington. When I was younger, a terrorist group called Utopians terrorized me in a Louisianan swamp.”
“I heard about that. You’re really brave.”
“I don’t know if brave is the right word. It’s getting pretty late. We should go to bed before our parents get suspicious.”
“That’s a good idea. Goodnight, Maggie. We can talk tomorrow.”
“You bet. Sweet dreams and I’ll keep in touch.” Maggie logged out of the website.
Before Parker could leave the social networking site, another message appeared on his computer screen. “Aren’t you just a lady killer? You’re staying up awfully late.”
Parker felt a pit forming in his stomach. “Reb, is that you?”
“In the flesh. Well, not exactly. You know what I mean. Maggie’s mother told me about your budding relationship. Keep your priorities straight. This is a school night and you need to get plenty of rest. I’m sorry, but it’s important to put your schoolwork ahead of socialization. Think about your future. You have a lot of potential and it could lead to a lot of success.” Reb lectured online.
“Sometimes, Maggie and I get carried away. We just lose track of time.”
Reb typed on the keyboard again. “I can tell you really like each other. You’re a bit young to understand the emotional aspect. Here’s my suggestion: you can talk to Maggie on the weekends and some weekdays after your homework and studying is finished.”
“That makes sense. I actually have a question for you and it’s driving me crazy. The 21st Century is different from our current time period. Why did the Apocalypse change everything so much? My parents would know, but they won’t tell me anything.”
Reb thought carefully before she posted a response. “It’s a sensitive topic for a lot of people. Our civilization was very naïve in the 21st Century. We didn’t think anything bad would happen to the United States. It was a corrupt time period and the public wasn’t prepared for mass terrorism. Civilization fell for a short period of time. I got a really bad injury on my left leg, but Giles helped. We didn’t have access to hospitals because the cities were lying in ruins. Giles and I raided some already looted stores and stole camping equipment, clothes, food, water, first aid supplies, weapons, and ammunition. Then we hot-wired a pickup truck and drove to the prairie. For a few years, we lived like nomads in rural Oklahoma. We pitched a tent, hunted for food, and did what we had to do to survive. Where do you think I developed my skills with a bow and arrow? After the situation got better in Oklahoma City, we returned to the urban area. However, we always felt a connection to the prairie. That’s part of the reason why I wanted a ranch. I’ll explain the rest when you’re older.”
Parker was satisfied with Reb’s explanation. “Fair enough. That was a very interesting story. Have a safe trip, Reb. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Good-night and don’t stay up so late anymore.” Reb exited the website.
Chapter 5
Gable and Priscilla packed their suitcases with a variety of Steampunk clothing. It was a tricky effort, considering their clothing had extra bulk from the Victorian design and grafted mesh.
“I’m looking forward to this trip, but those sky pirates are really scary. They’re viewed as a top threat right now. We have kids and I don’t know how to protect them miles above the ground,” Priscilla said, as she stuffed a couple of dresses into her suitcase.
Gable was confident they would be safe. “Don’t worry about those jerks. We’ll be flying in one of biggest and safest air vessels. This zeppelin is bulletproof and resistant to most types of explosions. It’s also armed with an arsenal of heavy-duty weapons. Steampunks learned a few lessons from our encounter on the ocean liner.”
Priscilla tossed a pair of boots in her suitcase. “That’s the problem. Everybody figures out a solution after terrorists attack us.”
“Honestly, I’m more worried about Maggie chatting online with Parker behind our backs,” Gable muttered.
“Maggie is a clever young lady. You probably shouldn’t be worried. They’re just kids. It’s normal for boys and girls to search for new friends. Everything is so accessible online,” Priscilla mused.
Gable took an elaborate Steampunk pistol and placed it inside his suitcase. “I guess we shouldn’t live in fear. That’s why we became St
eampunks. The alchemy and Victorian elements were supposed to give us confidence and a chance to fight our enemies. Hopefully, Parker will prove to be an ally someday.”
*****
Later that day, Percy and Savannah flew to Chicago in a sleek Dieselpunk airplane that was grafted with steel.
Savannah sat comfortably in her cushy seat. “This is a stark contrast to our usual Steampunk transportation. Dieselpunk seems to focus on architecture and fashion from the 1940s and 1950s. I have to admit, this is a comfortable flight.”
“Steampunk culture appears to have an appreciation for other types of punk science fiction. There’s some novelty to Dieselpunk and other genres,” Percy mentioned.
“I suppose that’s true. Do you think this traveling brings our family closer together? We live so far away from the kids, and everyone is always busy,” Savannah discussed.
Percy held her hand while they talked. “Hard to say. Collectively, we’re very protective as a family unit. I think the adversity brings us closer together.”
“Hopefully, we can just have fun on this trip. I’m done with terrorists,” Savannah bluntly said.
“Unfortunately, it will be impossible to completely eliminate terrorism. A few remaining groups of people refuse to adapt to Steampunk society. They view splicing and Victorian morality as conformity. I’ve also noticed that current terrorists blame us for the Apocalypse and its negative aftermath,” Percy explained.
Savannah rolled her eyes. “That’s ironic because the Utopians were the ones who set the Apocalypse in motion. They also viewed themselves as nonconformists with a vision.”
Percy relaxed in his chair. “Personally, I think the Steampunk movement saved our nation. We would be living in a dystopian wasteland if we didn’t use Steampunk technology and industrialization to rebuild everything.”
“There were other components of Steampunk culture and Victorianism that turned America into a civilization again. People focused on political changes, democracy, artistry, individuality, and a relationship with nature. It was an era of drastic reform. That’s probably why the public was willing to graft mysterious metal into their bodies. Anything was better if it took them away from the 21st Century,” Savannah explained.
Percy responded, “True. I have to admit that Steampunk life has a lot of perks. We never had airships that functioned like luxury cruises in the 21st Century.”
Savannah smiled, then she said, “That’s exactly why I’m looking forward to this trip. We could use some rest and relaxation for once.”
*****
While everyone was on route to his home city, Malcolm taped part of a sports show with his co-anchors Zachary Reuben and Spencer Ashford. Beauregard stood in the background and watched the three men as they recorded the show.
“Welcome back! Now we’re going to talk about the future of professional golf in a world full of Steampunks. Critics say grafted golf clubs give an unfair advantage and should be labeled as cheating. What do you guys think about that?” Spencer began the debate.
Zachary chimed in, “That’s absolutely ridiculous! Grafting shouldn’t be called cheating in Steampunk society. We’re trying to get away from the primitive ways of the 21st Century. Almost everything is grafted now, including human bodies. The advantage lies within our abnormal strength. I don’t think the clubs make any difference.”
“That’s true, Zach. We’ve seen tremendous changes in sports since the Steampunks became part of mainstream culture. Basketball players can shoot the ball from longer distances. Football players have fewer injuries. Track runners are breaking world records. Grafting shouldn’t be considered cheating because it’s now just part of human anatomy. Sports are evolving, just like people,” Malcolm explained.
Beauregard was bored by the sports show. The painter wasn’t an avid sports enthusiast, and his knowledge of most professional sports was very limited. He was slightly surprised when he saw Reb and Giles enter the studio. They joined him behind the scenes.
“I didn’t think you guys would get here so early. The flight must have been quick,” the Frenchman commented.
“We left early too. That helped. How’s Malcolm handling the breakup?” Giles asked quietly.
Beauregard was honest with them. “We talked about it after I landed here from New York. Malcolm’s glad their relationship is done, but he’s terrified of her. Truthfully, I find her scary too. Brigette is stalking him. We’ve seen her a few times since I arrived in Chicago. She’s not a very good pop singer. I think she’s going to be a serial killer someday and Malcolm will be her first victim.”
Reb rubbed her chin. “That doesn’t mean she can’t be intimidated. Malcolm is my client and I’ll handle his vindictive wife.”
Giles smirked. “Be merciful. I have a feeling you’re planning a traumatic experience for that woman.”
“We saw her lurking near the building. I’ll be back in a few minutes. This won’t take very long,” Reb said before she left the studio.
The attorney wandered through the building until she reached the main lobby. She exited the building and quickly spotted Brigette entering a limousine. Reb used her baton to hobble toward the vehicle. After Brigette entered the limousine and sat down, Reb immediately barged inside the vehicle and sat down next to Brigette.
Brigette asked furiously, “Reb, what are you doing here?”
The attorney plopped Malcolm’s divorce papers in Brigette’s lap. “You already know why I’m here. Let’s be civil. Sign my client’s divorce papers and this will end peacefully.”
Brigette angrily threw the papers at Reb and yelled, “Screw you and Malcolm! I’m not getting a divorce! That man is famous and worth a fortune! I’m determined to get my share of his money and popularity! If he gets a divorce, I’m going to demand alimony! Either way, I’m still getting his money!”
Reb was unfazed by her lack of cooperation. “I knew you would make this experience difficult, so let’s play by your rules. Malcolm is a very popular guy. He’s strong, masculine, charming, witty, and women just love him. Malcolm has a remarkable life story of redemption of how he left the slums and entered Steampunk society. My client cleaned up his image, stopped the drug abuse, participated in volunteer work, found a great career, grafted his bones, and survived countless attacks from terrorist organizations. You don’t have that type of background. I think you’re a selfish and immature woman who doesn’t embrace the essence of our Victorian morality. Don’t forget that public places are infested with security cameras. I have many pictures of you abusing and berating photographers, makeup artists, personal assistants, and news reporters. To the public, Malcolm is an outstanding guy and you’re an ungrateful gold digger. It will be very easy for me to make you the most hated woman in America.”
Brigette became enraged. “You can’t destroy my name! That’s slander!”
“But it’s supported by video footage and social media. It’s hard to deny visual evidence. I highly recommend that you sign these documents. Your lifestyle, reputation, and career choices might depend on it,” Reb countered.
Brigette made a face, then she snatched the paperwork from Reb. The bitter woman signed the documents and shoved them toward Reb.
“I hope you’re happy! Nobody wants to hear my side of the story!” Brigette complained.
“That’s the problem. You enjoy the spotlight too much. Everybody knows your opinion. People like you can be very self-destructive. It was pleasure doing business with you,” Reb gloated.
Before the attorney exited the limousine, Brigette shouted, “You’re not invincible! One of these days, you’re going to meet a grisly end!”
Reb ignored the pop singer and reentered the network’s building carrying Malcolm’s now signed divorce papers.
Chapter 6
The following morning, the Nelsons, Malcolm, and Beauregard enjoyed breakfast at a diner before they headed to their flight.
Malcolm poured maple syrup on his pancakes while he sulked. “I’m glad my wife
is gone, but it’s hard to feel good about a failed marriage. It didn’t even last six months.”
“Just learn from your mistakes and move forward. She wasn’t good enough for you. Next time, pick your match more carefully. Plenty of women will like you,” Gable discussed, as he cut a piece of ham.
“They like my reputation and money,” Malcolm griped.
Reb wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Do you want help? Some of my clients are eligible bachelorettes with a lot of substance and independence. All of my clients have high profiles. You’ll appreciate that part.”
“Can you hook me up with somebody? My luck isn’t any good,” Beauregard said, as he slathered a piece of toast with grape jelly.
Savannah took a sip of coffee. “I have some advice for both of you. Don’t treat women like objects or possessions. Retro-futuristic women are looking for respect and friendship. They prefer men who will participate in courtship and treat them like a lady.”
“Really? Brigette was a Steampunk and she didn’t match your explanation at all,” Malcolm protested.
“There are exceptions in every culture. Honestly, I think Brigette joined the Steampunk movement only to further her career. I don’t think she’s a believer in the Steampunk way of life. Brigette seems more like a woman from the 21st Century,” Percy said, digging his fork into some hash browns.
Giles stop eating his scrambled eggs to add, “I hate to admit it, but people won’t fare well in this decade if they reject the Steampunk image. For some people, alchemy and Victorian ideals are just a means for survival.”
“That’s fine. Steampunks take most of their influences from the 19th Century. Darwinism was also coined during that time period. It places a heavy emphasis on evolution as a means for survival. Creatures who can’t adapt to their environment will eventually die. Now that we’re taking influences from the 19th Century, human beings are noticing that it applies to them as well. People will adapt to the Steampunk culture if they don’t want to face extinction,” Priscilla explained.
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta Page 15
