Dawn of Steam: Gods of the Sun

by Jeffrey Cook

  There is also some help in that we have given ourselves a partial goal. Provided we reach, confirm, and document Dr. Bowe's camps, we have succeeded at our primary goal. After that, we will determine if we wish to continue, and any time thereafter, may cease the attempt without considering it anything but a success.

  Certainly everyone wishes to succeed in reaching the peak, but if we succeed in even part of our goal, others will follow in time, and we must make allowances for the dangers present in the attempt. There are, in the larger scheme, more important tasks we must achieve for more than personal glory, but first, we shall at least make the effort. In the meanwhile, I continue to press myself as much as I can, that I do not slow down our final efforts any more than is absolutely necessary.

  Much of the advice we have been given so far seems contradictory to the goal, but I will not question the work of Oxford and of more experienced climbers. This is especially so when the science matches with the tried and true so perfectly. Even though there is no need to use the methods for the highest altitudes among these dividing mountains of Australia, we are practicing all of them nonetheless. If we had more time than we do, we would probably test ourselves on higher climbs, though less intimidating climbs than Chomolungma, for nothing would do us so much good as experience. But time is limited, and Miss Bowe is certain that considering her father's studies and the time he made the attempts at the mountain, we must begin our journey soon in order to give ourselves the best hopes for success.

  In the meanwhile, some of our recent days have certainly seemed intimidating and dangerous enough for my tastes. Were I less aware of the challenge we have given ourselves, I would consider some of our current climbs significant triumphs in their own right. It makes the task lying ahead all the more daunting that for a few of these, the dirigible might be able to drop us off near the peak, whereas in scaling Chomolungma, we will be barely beginning.

  March 14th, 1817

  33º51' S 151º12' E

  My Dearest Cordelia,

  With all of us fully recovered from our various ordeals and injuries, Sir James has decided that we are next to attempt one of our original objectives, given a low priority in our newer instructions. Its completion should prove beyond all doubt that Dr. Bowe was the explorer he claimed to be. In the nation of Nepal, there is a great peak called Chomolungma. Dr. Bowe believed it to be the highest mountain he ever attempted, though he never reached the peak. He did have significant success with the other mountains he documented, so there may even be something to his claims of its scale.

  We will be leaving soon for Nepal, and a meeting with the people there. Though she recalls that they were called Shar Khombo, Miss Bowe has only the smallest recollection of their language, so we are giving ourselves some time for learning how to communicate. We will need them as guides, as Miss Bowe herself never made an attempt at this particular mountain with her father, having been too young during his one attempt after her birth.

  We have been practicing for the climb for some time, but I still fear it may not be nearly enough. I have been doing my best to learn from the experienced climber among us, and we will hopefully be able to gain the aid of the locals. Despite all of this in our favor, I still struggle with a great deal of nervousness over the feat we are about to attempt.

  We have little information to go on beyond Dr. Bowe's works on the matter, for the few scientific surveyors who were sent out before the war never reached Nepal. Still, the information in the journals has proven to be accurate so far.

  Aside from the nervousness over the attempt to come, there is a great deal of excitement over leaving Australia and getting back to our adventures. We have two new members of our crew, recruited while we were in Australia. While Mr. Carver has made only one brief journey aboard a dirigible previously, and Mr. Heller has no experience in the air, both of them have sailing experience. They have shown themselves to be quite comfortable with helping to man the dirigible. Both of them were also instrumental in helping with some difficulties we experienced in Australia, for which they have the gratitude of all of the crew. They have been taken into our confidence on most of the secrets of our crew, after we had some time to get to know something of their character.

  The primary reason I felt the need to write you is a drastic improvement in Sir James's and Eddy's friendship. The two have begun playing at cards again and speaking to one another as old companions once more, after all of the months of difficulties. I am certain that the return to our adventuring lifestyle has a great deal to do with this. Less certain is precisely what might have finally convinced Eddy, an infamously stubborn man, that Sir James was sincere in his apologies to so change the drastic and prolonged cooling of their friendship. That Sir James elected to risk informing Mr. Carver and Mr. Heller may have helped as well. Eddy has become fast friends with the both of them, being men of similar character.

  Miss Coltrane and Miss Wright will not be making the climb with us, but have gone about their part of our efforts with great enthusiasm. There is no doubt that Miss Coltrane has an adventurous spirit, and while not well suited to this climb, the idea that she may have some part in this venture seems to have inspired her. She has done a great deal of work lately in trying to design more efficient rope and pulley systems that might aid us with the climb. She has also has put a great deal of work into devising a reasonably lightweight means of ensuring my camera system will function at the heights and temperatures we will be experiencing.

  Beyond this one item, we have spent a good deal of time planning the climb, trying to absolutely determine the minimum of equipment we might need to lighten the load. The added equipment we will have with us for the earlier and documented portions of the climb will be left behind so we do not need to struggle with the added weight in descent or at the highest elevations. There is also some worry, of course, that Dr. Bowe's camp will be long-since buried or damaged, but it should not be disturbed. There is some hope, after some of the reactions in the past, that some of the Shar Khombo should recognize the doctor's name.

  Should we reach the peak, those of us making the climb have also all permitted ourselves some small piece of evidence we made the trip. Unless some of the Shar Khombo have done so, it is almost certain no one else has made the climb previously. In my case, should I succeed at reaching that great height, I will be leaving a small plate engraved with your name at one of the highest points in the world. I could think of nothing more meaningful to me.

  My love, always,

  Gregory Conan Watts

  From the journals of Jillian Coltrane (translated from the original ancient Greek)

  March 15th, 1817

  I write again as we are about to leave Australia, looking back at our stay. Truly, I have grown to think it far more hospitable than I ever would have imagined, during our first weeks here.

  The town full of convicts may be worth it for the countryside beyond. The land is beautiful, in a rough-hewn way. Basic, and uncultivated, is nothing like the little wildernesses currently in favor on English country estates, and yet, this is what they should truly aspire to be.

  Australia has many benefits over the motherland's gardens, formal or faux-wild. The only scheming is what we brought with us. The angst of our party is the result of our own party. And I am so thankful the men managed to talk around the edges of their pride. It was intolerable for a bit, with you and Eddy. As for the Italian, the less said, the better.

  As for the locals, all here are making their own way, and there is enough hardship without making any for one's neighbors. No one so much as looked at me sideways for talking science with Mitchell. In England, it would have made the gossip pages. Granted, they have no gossip pages here. The pub, I guess, serves that purpose.

  The party is back together, thankfully. Eddy, having long since accepted our apologies for not trusting his discretion, has begun calling on Harriet and me for tea once more. Other matters remain in negotiation, but I am hopeful.

  I reread my jour
nal and see how distraught I was upon out first landing. Australia seems so much better with the party back together, and with some time spent growing used to its eccentricities and character. I could return here when we are done, and have my own workshop, little attention I do not bring upon myself, and no risk of invitations to a royal ball again.

  I know you don't see it at all that way, dear James, but if we can find a means to account for the battle suit – well, that remains a topic for ongoing discussion. Nonetheless, things do change. Perhaps it's time we considered changing with them.

  From the journals of James Coltrane, (translated from Latin)

  March 15th, 1817

  Jillian, I know things have been difficult, as much between you and me as between myself and Eddy. I was certain that time would ease things between him and me, but I felt the gap between us much more keenly. You've been my closest confidante so long that I fear I failed to look past my own wants. I wasn't ready for even the idea that things might change, so your thoughts about settling in Australia after this journey took me off guard. I'm sorry for that.

  I know you haven't ever cared much for high society, but put up with it for me, and for the doors it opened. Australia is now one of those doors, and it would be selfish of me to try and deny it. I have no doubt that England's best circles will still have me, even if we have to determine what to do with the suit, and how to explain that I will never make another.

  As for Eddy, I think he finally understands that I never tried to put you in harm's way. It took an accounting of your favorite story from your youth, of Atalanta and the Calydonian Boar. And like Atalanta, I never had to urge you into anything, simply to get out of your way.

  Admittedly, I had to also account that it wasn't long before you couldn’t simply listen to the story, but had to retreat to translate it into Greek, so you could hear it told properly, despite the fact that was beside the point (and I can hear you arguing even now).

  Somewhere along the line, I just forgot to get out of the way. I remain convinced that you and Harriet are going to change not only England, but the world. If that change comes from a workshop away from prying eyes and demands of politics, instead of from behind a ruse with my name stamped on it, then so be it.

  You opened so many doors to me, helping me learn Portuguese so I could translate those old ledgers and accounts from priests and sailors from before Japan was closed. It seems soon those fancies will have practical use. I learned of – and then translated – Sun Tzu and Musashi thanks to you, to be read alongside Xenophon, Tacitus, and Machiavelli. Now, we finish the adventure before us, and then you have my blessing.

  From the correspondence of Miss Jillian Coltrane

  March 15th, 1817

  My Dear Doctor Mitchell,

  Now we leave for great feats and colder climes, and, I'm aware, take all of your motivation with us. Please, do not sink into despair too quickly. Remember your wife, and think on dear Agnes, and look at those around you eking out a life in the rough. You once told me a story about your new life when you first settled down with your dearest love. You had a well newly dug, close to the house so the walk would be easy, but she would still walk down to the old well. When you inquired, she simply told you that the old well had a turn crank, while the new well didn't even come with a pulley.

  My advice to you is this, look around your town for the missing pulley, then put it in place. Cast bells for the church your neighbors are building. Pick a promising youngster and let him read your books. Let each act of kindness and improving the lot of your town be an act of remembrance of your dear, sweet wife. Commit those acts of simple easy science that will ease everyday life. You have the brain and the supplies to vastly improve the condition and morale of the townsfolk. I write in the hopes you will find the will to do so one pulley at a time.

  Your True Friend,

  Miss Jillian Coltrane

  Nepal and the Mountain

  From the journals of Gregory Conan Watts,

  April 15th, 1817

  19º56' N 87º53' E

  The journey to Nepal has been a mostly peaceful one. At one time, perhaps, I might have been disturbed by much of life aboard this ship, as I'm sure perusal of my earlier writing would remind me. Miss Bowe remains willfully ignorant of ladylike behavior. Miss Coltrane and Miss Wright casually go about work on complex mechanical devices, just before Miss Coltrane gives her cousin lessons in civility and manners. Miss Penn remains something of an enigma, capable of near perfect civility, yet clinging to her gypsy superstitions and study of her cards.

  Now, I look back, and begin to regret some of my earlier words. This has become normal. Miss Bowe has saved our lives numerous times, Miss Coltrane has turned the tides of wars, and without Miss Wright's cheerful willingness to help – and how rapidly everything mechanical bends to her will – we would likely not be airborne now.

  As for Miss Penn and her cards, I still give them no true heed, but after the year of darkness and endless winter, it is hard not to give her some credit for accuracy. The Moroccan certainly seemed to be quite afraid of her, just as he obviously had the Maori tribesmen frightened. For that reason, I suppose I should here note that she believes we will find success in our immediate future, seeing good omens in our attempts to scale the mountain, or at least find Dr. Bowe's camp, but after ascending to great heights, a great test and a descent into a deeper darkness awaits us, and we are surrounded by secrets.

  The new crew members are far less of a difficulty together than Mr. Franzini ever was. They seem well aware that they have been taken into a significant amount of confidence, and are taking their roles aboard the ship seriously. Both have been quick to volunteer for whatever duties are necessary. Mr. Heller in particular has been learning the engineers’ jobs in addition to his own, and has expressed an interest in attempting to eventually find a full position aboard one of these craft, be it above or below board, as he is sure that when we return, successful, dirigibles will be put to more and more use around the world. Mr. Carver seems less focused as to his goals with this crew, but seems to be a great admirer of Sir James, though he also seems somewhat intimidated by him, even knowing that it has always been Miss Coltrane piloting the suit.

  With these two new additions – and peace restored between Sir James and himself – Eddy seems as happy as I have ever seen him, unconcerned about the mission ahead. He puts a great deal of time each day into instructing Matthew in the use of the rifle, and Matthew, as ever, seems quite happy to follow every instruction given. If they continue like this, Eddy may soon have a challenge for the title of best shot in the British Isles. Still, even in some of the best of times before, it was rare to see him smile. Even now, it is somewhat disturbing, like being smiled at by a bear in a kilt, but it's certainly a more frequent thing now.

  For as much as he puts on a public face of this being a great adventure, to be won or lost largely on enthusiasm, Sir James has been putting in a great deal of time in attacking each segment of the mountain from its descriptions, plotting as if it were a battle to be won with superior tactics.

  He has enlisted both his sister's aid and our guide's. Jillian Coltrane primarily goes through the accounts and organizes them into her typical point-by-point charts. Then the siblings work together on addressing each point in order, organizing the packs and supplies just so. Sir James works with Miss Bowe to understand the realities of climbing a mountain, not just for himself, but for keeping a group moving and as healthy as can be hoped in the ascent. If we fail in any part of the challenge before us, it will not be for lack of planning.

  I must admit as well, it feels good to be away from pursuits of war and worries of international diplomacy and criminals. We set out with the spirit of adventure and exploration in mind, and in being the agents of a friendly wager between gentlemen. That we were being paid significantly for our efforts was there, but secondary.

  The more I learn of my companions, the more I realize that each had their own motivations in tak
ing on this quest. Miss Bowe to prove her father's accounts, which I myself doubted, but cannot any longer. Eddy to test himself to his limits, and have a great adventure before he retired to relative obscurity. The Coltranes for service to our nation and a sense of adventure that both siblings share. Miss Penn, of course, was given very little choice in the matter, but even she has a passion for seeing these distant and diverse parts of the world and documenting their cultures and myths.

  This, at last, feels much more like the endeavor I signed on for. Though it has obviously cost us dearly, I also must be glad now that we have rid ourselves of Franzini before our next encounter with York and his company. One tragic death could easily have turned into many more – and very nearly did.

  It would be ideal to know how much of the help he gave us was to gain our confidence and how much was part of a specific agenda. Miss Penn does know, for instance, that the abolitionist gentleman in whose cellar Franzini 'found' assassins from the banquet was innocent, a political opponent of Lord Montague. This is what His Lordship was apparently reduced to, after the failure of his Parliamentary maneuvering against the end of the slave trade and of the war.