The Cartographers Diary

by C. Mahood

  Captain Charles Todd

  January 22nd

  We will see how he does when we are up in the air for a bit. It always weeds out the men from the mice once we get going. I’ve seem man a “Hero” request to dropped off at the first available port, only moments after hitting cruising altitude. We are crossing the mountains soon so it will be rocks enough! I’m sure he won’t even leave his cabin. Most of them do, try and act all hard like. So just hide from the crew, suppose he doesn’t know it happens to everyone at some point. I may even get the lads to drop the ship under the clouds for a while, that' will give him a quer shock! Maybe I'm getting crueller in me aul age, but by the Gods if it’s not funny eh? A few wee shouts here and there will do, keep him on the edge hey?

  George Thomas

  January 22nd

  Today I have not left my cabin. I cannot eat, sleep and even the journey to the privy is a perilous one. I do not want to show my fear to the crew, but I am sure they can sense it. We hit hot pockets today and dropped a few thousand feet. The turbulence is worse than I imagined, it feels as though we could drop from the sky at any moment. Captain Todd has been shouting, I can hear the worry in his voice, that must not be good. I am sure this is normal, but not for me. Never before have I pined for my desk, pencils, rulers and compasses so much in my entire life. I hope the sailing is clearer from here on in!

  George Thomas

  January 27th

  We arrived this evening at the Dimensional Boarder. On docking we were told to remain on the ship as the guards did a perimeter sweep. This was my opportunity to fraternise with the crewmen. A little 'Banter' As they commonly refer to it. I initiated a game of cards followed by throwing some dice. Most of the crew were playing along. The pot of winnings grew with each game. Until I was nearly ready to clean house. I had a beautiful hand, king, queen, jack ten and an ace fell on the river. A sure strait, one good enough to trump any hand. I was ready to play before Captain Todd pulled me aside. We discussed the importance of Crew dynamics, the importance or hierarchy on board and the lines not crossed between those sub servants and those in power. His manor, as usual, was short, sharp and to the point. I tried to explain my thinking in initiating these frivolities, but he was not interest in hearing my point of view on the matter.

  Hours have passed as we await our visas being processed. The appropriate papers are in order but with the re-structuring of the dimensional order, after…. the incident, tensions are high and security has been increased.

  We received word that we are cleared to pass with the co-ordinates we submitted, but the problem is, we cannot leave until the morning. A walk around the Station is most called for. Stretching my legs on a platform larger than my parent’s porch, is exactly what I need right now.

  Captain Charles Todd

  January 27th

  Preying that my frustration is taken out with pen on paper rather than pen through the bloody eye socket of tha wee pompous twit! He is hangin on me last nerve. His “Holier than thou” attitude, n walking around Annabel like his shit don't stink, is squeezing the understanding nature me gave to me to its very limit. Today he tried to take money from the men. He was gambling with the crew! That's a cardinal sin in my eyes. I sat him down with a wee squeeze of his shoulder to let him know, all polite like, that you NEVER put yourself in a position in which you stand to take from these men. The possessions that they use to gamble and bet, are the only possessions that they bloody own.

  To take that, gives them nothing to live for, beside the knowledge that what was once in their lockers, now resides in the locker next to it. This breeds theft, theft breeds violence, and violence breeds, me kicking the arse of the thief off my boat, while at cruising altitude!

  He may be a cleaver little prick, but he is still a boy, a thirty-year-old boy. Believe you me, I will make a man of him on these next months, or so help me Gods, or I will kill him.

  George Thomas

  January 28th

  Before I left the ship I spoke openly with Lieutenant Hartley. I spoke of my concern about not meeting people of substance on my travels. Along with simply discovering and charting the worlds I was to record this diary as an aid to the reader and travel agents. A few stories would be important for the final edit. He seemed very happy that I confided in him and put my trust in a simple lieutenant. A man whose quarters were smaller than my own. He agreed to introduce me to a few characters at the entertainment quarter of the station. The Dimensional boarder is a wonderful place. A trade outpost first and foremost but the feel of excitement is in the air. The faces of those I pass are not the faces of gentlemen, but of gentlemen that once were. Not in a sinister, un-dead sort of way, but more as a loss of hope in one’s eyes. The stories are fascinating none the less. One man in particular, travelled to the “Liston quadrant,” as part of a led fuel trade mission, wound up in a civil war between two race of giant rodents. He spent a year in a prison running on a giant wheel, which powered the food grinder that fed the fellow prisoners. His escape was pure coincidence as a guard was caught sleeping and overpowered by the remainder of his crew. He returned to the ship and now works as a mercenary, blade and pistol for hire, for the umpire trading company, specialising in overthrowing slaver ships on the Listen Quadrant boarder.

  Another most interesting character showed me to the pleasure dome on the outskirts of the station. We visited a burlesque show, drank mulled beer, dined in the finest of tea houses and walked to the far end of the promenade to observe the galaxy from afar. Her name was Janice, she had long ginger hair with curls, her scent was strawberry and her gown was of lavender and green. She held an umbrella and her eyes were as green as emeralds. Standing on the dock I could, just for a moment, imagine a few more days with the lovely Janice. Alas, my bill of employ and the memory of the young Emily, tore me away from her embrace, before a kiss sealed another contract I could not commit to.

  I walked alone to return to the Annabel. From a distance the was a marvel, a spectacle, an honest to God wonder. I boarded to a raucous applause from some of the crew sitting with Lieutenant Hartley. They seemed genuinely pleased to see me. I can only assume that one of the men had noticed my wooing of young Janice and conveyed my story onto the others. We leave in the morrow and some well needed rest is what the doctor ordered. The live of a sky faring explorer is as taxing as I believed.

  Lieutenant Steven Hartley

  January 28th

  Until this evening, our travelling cartographer never gave me a moment’s notice. His stature protruded from him so far he struggles to see us over the top of his nose. However, he came to sit with me earlier. His demeanour had changed. It seemed false. Like that of a salesman, pretending to be your friend when the possibility me parting with coins from my purse loomed in the air. He spoke about his fear that he would not have any stories when he returned. He wanted me to introduce him to some “real characters” as he put it. Silly old sod. I sent word to my mates Jason and Franz. Franz and I concocted a story about giant mice in a civil war or some nonsense. Totally ridiculous, but funny none the less. I was sure that Mr Thomas would see through this charade. But he took it all in as gospel! We could see him taking mental notes, even physical ones at one point when Franz left for a short while to visit the privy. We told him on the way back to elaborate even more. Stretching the boundaries of imagination into one so absurd that no one of sound mind would fall for. Oh but Mr Thomas fell for this hook line and sinker as fishermen would say! Franz told him that while held prisoner he had to run on a wheel, like a laboratory mouse! When we saw his face of genuine concern we all but lost our composure. Myself and brigadier Small had to leave the tavern and almost returned to the ship. The plan for Mr Thomas next encounter was too good to miss. Jason, an actor stationed on the theatre here in the dimensional boarder has feminine features already. High cheek bones, a limber and lean frame and a voice higher than most men. When he puts on the outfit of a comedic play shown on manatees here, he is most convincing. Mr Thomas would
not be the first man to be fooled by the character of Janice. The evening looked like a lovely one, if only he knew what was between the legs of his partner that evening, the newly found spring in My Thomas' step would not be so chipper. He is not a harmful soul. Pranks are played on every new crew member. Although he is technically not a working member of this ship, he is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. Maybe it's best we keep this under our hats for the time being eh?

  Captain Charles Todd

  January 29th

  The lads told me about the fun had last night. I gave the wee sods a stern warning of the effects of bullying on board my boat, although the urge to cry with laughter was hard to fight back. I think they saw through me. I let a few to many smiles crack through while trying to express my disappointment. Especially at the moment of enquiring where Jason had found a frock big enough to fit him. It was almost too much for my composure. Well sure enough, we have all had our share of friendly ridicule and pranks. I advised them not to mention this to Mr Thomas. Ever.

  That would be a wee pleasure I would ave, when the moment is right of course. We are leavin through our assigned rift at first call in the morning. I may have broken the rift many times before, but there is always a danger that even a slight 0.01% alteration in the set co-ordinates could of-set our destination by both distance and time. Maybe moments but maybe even by years.

  George Thomas

  January 29th

  This morning I will make a last trip onto the station and visit the post office again, I promised a coal boy that I would send a letter to his mother. I went further than asked and sealed it with my family crest, this will insure that it is not opened. The boy seems a nice lad, He has very good manners and has a very obvious willingness to learn. Much more than the other coal boys on board. They seem very vulgar. Spitting, burping and passing wind, even in the company of gentlemen and superior officers. I will not be surprised if I witness Captain Todd scolding them on many occasions to come.

  Danny Racket, Coal boy,

  February 3rd

  To My Dearest Mother,

  Thank you so much for your kind letter. My heart leapt on receiving it before I embarked on the Annabel. I began writing this reply the moment that I received it. I am very happy here, the crew is fine and my fellow coal boys are of similar upbringing and from similar areas as myself. I think I have every prospect of doing well, especially under the employ of the great gentleman and Captain Todd. He is like a father to us all. There is also to be a Cartographer travelling with us, a Mr George Thomas I believe. I have not met him yet, but from what the crew say, he is of noble origins, a good family but prefers the company of the common man, than that of those in high society.

  All on board are extremely nice to me. I have not yet entered the bridge but I do intend to see it before my service is done. Under the permission of my superior officers, of course. The Pay is not great but I have been finding means and ways to assure that I can pocket some profit, with the intent on sending it home to you and my lovely sister. We are to travel to uncharted lands, and I have had my things altered and made warmer for me. Pray tell Susan that I sleep in a hammock, not a cot, as she jokingly referred to my accommodation before my departure. The Hammock is a much more comfortable than the straw I lay my head on before.

  Lieutenant Hartley Informed the Captain Todd that I am under his care. I have been made the sergeant of the Coal boys, so they answer to me, and I in turn answer to lieutenant Hartley directly. This is a great honour and one I do not wish to jeopardise. Lieutenant Hartley told me before we departed that he was to take care of me, and I assure you he does so very well, and is by far the best friend I have on board. The other coal boys I believe resent me as I was promoted before even my first ever voyage. I hope to show them that I deserve respect as the days and weeks go by.

  I get to spend roughly an hour with Lieutenant Hartley every week. He tells me to ask him anything I am unsure of, and he often likes to ask me riddles of the rules of navigation.

  Captain Todd says, I shall not do any service of any kind before my first year, But Lieutenant Hartley is so good as to say he will take me to the bridge watch with him, in a year., if I work hard and do not complain. He also said that when we next dock for supplies, and he goes with Captain Todd to negotiate prices, he will take me with him. I am not to mention a word about it to anybody however as it is a breach in protocol. I must insist that you do not ask of these things in any of your letters.

  Father has furnished me with a fine blade that I keep hidden. I hope I never have to use it but the knowledge that it is always in my boot helps me stay strong.

  Recently, Lieutenant Hartley has asked me to breakfast. He often does this with individual members of the crew. They dine, and drink tea with him. He believes that it is his job to keep the crew happy and act as the big brother, the captains job is to “keep the boat airborne,” as he says.

  Lieutenant Hartley sends his compliments to all our family.

  Luckily Nobody ever looks at our letters. I will get this letter forwarded on our return to the dimensional Boarder. A wonderful place, that hopefully we will be allowed to dis-embark on, even for a short period of time. I send my love to all of our family and prey that you convey my love to them all. I also enclose my first months’ pay, please use this to treat both yourself and my sister to some high tea or breakfast in the botanical garden, or some such.

  To my dearest mother,

  Your dutiful son, Daniel

  (The above letter from Danny has been edited me by myself and notes of suspicion were underlined and the words were clearly written darker. I was told this was a form of code during the wars, I enclose it just in case. GT)

  George Thomas

  January 30th

  On my return to the Annabel, I was permitted this morning to be present on board the bridge for the breaking of the rift. A truly spectacular moment, If I do say so. We rose to the entrance of the rift gate. It is a large oval gate, gargantuan, like the entrance to a giant’s lair, Ornate brass, golden and silver cogs turn in unison as the iron doors slide to the side, exposing a fascinating sheet of colour. Like a curtain the colour and tone of an oil slick, lying on the top of a puddle in the evening gloom. We received our signals from the control tower, our checks were completed, then the secondary checks were confirmed my Lieutenant Hartley. The captain gave the order to brace. Everyone sounded of one last time and then the signal way given. The bow tilted down, engine fired, the balloon rose and we powered ahead forward. The cloud breaker at the bow of the Annabel, pierced the film first and the shroud of liquid starlight fell over the entire ship.

  The feeling of rift travel is something that needs to be felt rather than conveyed with words or pictures. A sensation of both pulling and pushing occur. One feels so heavy they almost fall to the floor but at the same time the sensation of floating takes over one’s head. So much so that I almost attempted to jump. I did not however, as I did not wish to delight the crew with the spectacle of a man breaking his first rift. I am sure there are jokes to be told and I have heard tell of every new man on board a ship to be the centre of some elaborate prank. I fortunately have not befallen that. I feel an air of respect carries with my family name.

  Rift Travel is still wondrous, and amazes even the most hardened and well-travelled crewmen. The faces of those on board are that of delight and pride in our vessel. The journey is smooth and easy to acclimatise to. The air becomes rather clammy on the bridge however. There is no oxygen or breathable air within the Rift so the windows are sealed and doors bolted. The journey was only a 6 hour one, but considering how fast we were travelling and the heat of the engine below us, the walls, I noticed, began to close in. The ceiling began to sink also. I felt as though I had to crouch, a thing I am quite accustomed to doing with my six feet and three inches’ stature. I kept my focus on what lay outside the windows. The rift was a beautiful acrylic paint mixture of purples, lilacs, navy, blue, yellow and gold. All sprinkled wit
h a white and silver stardust that falls like snow over the background. The fine Lieutenant Hartley put it so beautifully we he described the view as “Looking forth into both infinity and the end of all things.”

  Captain Charles Todd

  January 30th

  Our departure from the Dimensional Boarder through the rift opening was uneventful. So perfect if you ask me! No bother with the aul crew, even young Mr Thomas took his first rift opening quite well. For a toff like, spoilt, rich boy he isn’t as bad as I initially thought. Sure he still walks with his chin and nose held high, his moustache always pointed with gentleman’s wax, and a posture not unlike that of someone with a stick up their arse! Apart from all of that though, I'm warming to him. We have not had the chance to very much conversing but I'm sure over time we will get to know each other better. Maybe.

  Lieutenant Steven Hartley

  February 3rd

  We arrived at our set coordinates just thirty-five minutes later than expected. Maybe old Annabel is getting a little rusty in her age, but she can still shift the knots when called to. I spoke with Mr Thomas the evening just passed. We stood on the outer deck, we were over water so The Annabel dropped to only a few thousand feet. We could see the waves below like tempered glass and he told me about his commission and experiences as a cartographer. We shared a smoke of some fine cigarettes he was in possession of. A sweet cherry wood tobacco with hints of coffee, lingered on the tongue after. I am beginning to enjoy his company. He showed me some of his charts and maps. His work is rather good; I look forward to seeing how the process of mapping works. He aims to begin tomorrow. We have sighted land and will circle the coast of the area. It seems a north-westerly part of a larger continent but I will leave the cartography to the cartographer.