The SteamPunk Chronicles Part One .:=1=:.
I watched the children play in the park, my little sister among them, and wished, not for the first time, that I was once again a child and able to play without a real care in the world. “Miss Skimbleshanks? Your answer?” I looked back at my companion, one Doctor Drosslemeyer, and smiled. He was a rather handsome man to be in his forties, with thick black hair going salt and pepper around the edges, and bright, snappy grey eyes that seemed to take in everything around him. “Herr Drosslemeyer, I am truly grateful for your invitation, but it really isn’t up to me. You see, I am only sixteen and still a minor. The choice has to be made by my father.” I gave him a small smile, and bowed my head demurely to look at my gloved hands folded perfectly in my lap. Those hands had seen many different projects and metals, but none to have had been called worthy by The Academy. It was a wonder that anyone wanted me to go there in the first place. I was just a girl. Herr Drosslemeyer smiled as well and reached over to pat my hands. “But, mein liebes, you show much talent in the mechanical field. One would wonder why you do not jump at such a chance. Of course, though, I shall speak to your Papa for you if you think it would help. It is a very big opportunity.” I sat in silence for a moment. Thinking. ‘If Daddy was to say that I could go to The Academy, I would be set for life,’ I looked back up at the professor. He was watching me with a gentle smile on his face. “Sir, I think I would very much like that,” I said, grinning brightly. He stood, gave me a hand as I did as well, and stepped away to call his carriage. I, on the other hand, called out to my little sister. “Evie, we are leaving, pet.” I watched her bob a curtsey to her friends before rushing towards me. I looked down at green eyes that mirrored mine, and thanked God that she had Daddy’s blonde hair instead of Mother’s garish red locks as I had. ”Must we really leave, Cora? Code was just about to show me how to do a summersault,” she said in a clear piping voice. I nodded, and she rolled her eyes, but slid her hand into my gloved one nonetheless. “Are we going home or to Daddy’s office?” Evie absolutely adored the InnerCity. We lived on the outskirts of the InnerCity, in the Crumbles. A quiet, safe place to raise a family with a quick route to work in the InnerCity. “To Daddy’s office. He is at work today. And if you are good, I will ask the Professor to let us stop so I can treat us to sweets.” I said as a bribe, knowing that she would do anything to have a taste of the newest brownies coming from Frau Guggenheim’s pastry shop. Evie closed her mouth and was very polite as I introduced her to Drosslemeyer. “It is a great pleasure to meet you, Doctor,” she said, bobbing another curtsey. He took her hand and pressed his forehead to her knuckles. “And a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Evie.” Evie giggled quietly. Drosslemeyer helped us into his carriage, a red wood and black iron thing, and told his driver to head to my father’s business, Skimbleshanks and Son: Engineering Depot. My father was very successful in churning out some of the best Engineers in Sect. 8, and 7 as well. We were very proud of him, as he was of us. Hopefully, he would see things the way I did…
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The trip wasn’t very long, and Drosslemeyer proved to be a very good traveling companion. He kept Evie entertained with a steady stream of conversation, stories of The Academy, mostly, and I had the sneaking suspicious that it was for my benefit as well. Regardless, I was a nervous wreck by the time we reached Daddy’s office. I had twisted my monogrammed handkerchief into knots in my hands. “Well, here we are, ladies.” Evie and I stepped out after Drosslemeyer and looked up at the large angular building. It was almost as familiar as our own home. At the same time, however, it was foreboding. I held my head high, took Evie’s hand, and led the way in the revolving door. At the front desk, Frauline Denna was typing away at a typewriter, every few seconds nodding to her self. When she finally looked up and saw us, she smiled a familiar smile and waved us over. “Miss Skimbleshanks, Miss Evie, good afternoon. Can I get you anything?” she asked, standing up and switching off her typewriter’s screen. Evie opened her mouth to ask for something, but I shook my head. “No, thank you, Denna. Is Daddy very busy at the moment?” I asked congenially, keeping a natural smile on my face. Evie narrowed her eyes up at me and took Drosslemeyer’s hand to lead him over to a rather large painting across the lobby that had just come over from Earth a few weeks ago. It was of a rather plain looking woman with a very small smile. People came in from Sect. 1 and Sect.7 just to see that painting. “He just finished up a meeting a few minutes ago and doesn’t have another one for an hour or so. Just go up and see him, Miss Skimbleshanks,” said Denna, nodding an informal bow towards me as she sat back down to get back to her typing. I got the others’ attention and led them to the lift. The man who worked the gears nodded to me as we passed, and touched his hat towards Drosslemeyer. He even gave a wink to Evie as he switched the lift to UP and changed the floor to 4. I gripped the rail tighter than usual in my nerves. We exited as soon as the doors clattered open, and I led the way down the red carpet in the hall to my father’s office. I rapped on the door twice smartly, and waited for a reply. “Enter.” My father’s booming voice made me jump, but I pushed the door open anyway. A blonde-going-on-white haired man sat at the huge desk in the center of the room, his turkey feather quill flying over a page in front of him. “Just give us a minute,” he muttered distractedly before looking up at us. His whole face lit up. “Cora, dear! And little Evie.” he exclaimed, jumping out of his chair and crossing the large room in a few steps to gather us into his arms as if he hadn’t seen us in weeks, when in reality, we’d seen him at breakfast this morning. “And who is your friend, sweetheart?” he asked me, looking at Drosslemeyer studiously. “Doctor Alphonse Drosslemeyer, at your service, Mr. Skimbleshanks. From The Academy of Masters Studies. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” said the doctor, holding out one gloved hand. My father took that hand and shook it warmly. “A pleasure indeed, Doctor. Euvan Skimbleshanks at your service and your family’s,” he said, smiling brightly and offering Drosslemeyer a seat in front of his desk. He pulled the other one out for me, letting Evie take a seat on his lap once he’d sat down in his own chair. “Now, what can I do for you, Doctor? Has Rivet done something down at that school I need to know about?” Drosslemeyer shook his head. “No, sir. It is your daughter, Coraline, I would talk about,” he said, nodding deeply. My father looked at him curiously, then turned to me. I only nodded as well, keeping my eyes locked on my sister’s locket. “You mean … My Cora is to attend The Academy?” When we all nodded silently, he blinked slate grey eyes twice before breaking into a grin. “I knew she was gifted!” he exclaimed, slapping the thigh that Evie wasn’t currently occupying. “Always knew you were smarter than Rivet. Thought they’d forgotten about you up at that Convention.” ‘He’s talking about the GuildedCore’s annual convention for inventors. I haven’t done a competition like that since I was eleven!’ thought Cora, her cheeks burning. The last thing she’d invented for that Convention was a new type of glider that allowed freer movement of the one in the harness. It had become a major hit with Gliders and Jumpers for back on Earth. “So you have no objections to this arrangement?” asked Drosslemeyer, sounding slightly surprised. My father shook his head. “I’d be considered a lunatic to have any. I only want what’s best for her. Cora, dear, do you want to go to The Academy?” My father suddenly turned to me. For a moment, I was frozen. As soon as the moment passed, I nodded. “Of course I do, Daddy. I’ve always wanted to do something with my work. I just wanted a chance,” I said, looking up at my father with the look he could never say 'no' to. It worked. He stood, setting Evie in the chair as he did, and came around the desk to take my hands in his. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so proud of you." he said, wrapping me in a hug…
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I looked across my room, the room I had shared with Evie since my return from the school in the Core, to see if I had left anything important. It looked rather empty without my things in it. I doubted that Evie would mind too terribly about the lack of things, however. She had been complaining about my ‘junk’ cluttering up our room for weeks.
I smiled fondly at the little porcelain bailarín I was leaving for her. If you wound up the key on back, she would pirouette and do a short arabesque across the table. I had designed her myself when I was only nine. ‘I hope she likes it,’ I thought, picking up my hat and setting it gently on my curls.
As I walked out, travel bag in hand, my older brother poked his gingery head out of his room. “So, you’re off, then?” I smiled. I loved that he was always so direct. He didn’t feel the need to beat about the bush with me.
“I am, Lizot. Come and see me out.”
He smiled and came through the door, something held behind his back. “Close your eyes, Cora. I have something for you.” He didn’t even wait for me to act. He pulled a little music box from behind him and set it in my hands. All brass and jade, a very beautiful gift. “Oh, Liz! It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed, throwing my free arm around him for a hug. When I released him, I wound up the box and opened it. It played a tinkling melody, a metallic version of one of my favorite piano pieces from the EarthDays. “Danke sehr viel!” Thank you very much!
Lizot blushed, but took my bag and music box from me, sliding the box deep into one of the side pockets. “I’ll miss you, Kürbis. Write often,” he said, linking our free arms as he walked me down stairs. I nodded. “I’ll miss you, too, Liz.” I managed to whisper without my throat closing up.
At the foot of the stairs, Mother was waiting with Didier, Ari, Evie and Gildas. My little nephew sprang towards me with glee, and I could do nothing but pick him up and hug him. “I’ll come visit you, Cora,” he said with a sureness that was rather lacking in most adults, and I laughed.
“I’ll send you pictures if I can find a decent developer in the school,” I promised, and he pulled back just enough to get into his pocket. He handed me a little tin car, one of his favorites. “And I’ll return this as well when you come up to see me, okay, Gil?” He nodded and was taken out of my arms by his mother, my older sister, Ari. She kissed my cheek and smiled. “Be safe, Kürbis,” she whispered in my ear before stepping back.
Didier took her place. He towered over me, looking so much like Daddy that I couldn’t believe how much he’d grown up in the last few years. “I put the clock in the workshop,” I told him, and he grinned. He’d been trying to get that antique clock off me for nearly two years, never being able to find it in my room.
He tried to smile, but it shook a little, and he looked like he might cry. “Oh, don’t worry about me, schön. I’ll be perfectly fine up at that school. Besides, Rivet will be there to keep me out of trouble,” I said brightly, kissing his cheek.
Didier blushed, but nodded. “Write me?” he asked, his voice shaking slightly.
“Always, Didi.”
My mother was the last one to say her goodbyes. She pulled me into her arms, sobbing quietly as she held me. “My sweet little Coraline off to Academy! Oh, schön, wie ich Sie so vermissen werde!” Oh, lovely, how I shall miss you so!
I felt myself tearing up as well, and pulled away to kiss her on both cheeks. “Aufenthalt glücklich, Mami.” Stay happy, Mommy. She giggled quietly and nodded, kissing my cheeks and leading me to the door, Lizot in tow with my bags. There was a carriage waiting outside for me to take me to the ShuttlePort, already holding most of my things. She took my hand, pressing a little ornamental knife into it. “Immer, seien Sie mein kleines Lieblingsmädchen vorsichtig.” Always be careful, my darling little girl. I nodded, slipping the knife into my little purse before waving goodbye to my family. They waved, and Lizot tapped the side of the carriage, signaling the driver to start. ‘Finally, I’m off to The Academy! I am so excited!’
The ride wasn’t too terribly long, and I had plenty of time before we got to the ShuttlePort to start reading the book Cordagie had given me for the occasion. That was one of the wonderful things about having a brother-in-law who owned a bookstore: every occasion called for a book of some sort. The book he had given me was fairly recent, one I hadn’t had a chance to read yet. It was about a boy who fell in love with a painting of a girl.
That was as far as I got before we arrived at the ShuttlePort…
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The ShuttlePort was much bigger than it looked from the outside. Six humongous steaming brass and steel monsters loomed above head, connected to the ground with only cables of steel attached to the high-rise walkways three stories up. The people chattering all around me, the heat of the Shuttles, it was all so overwhelming. I felt myself begin to panic, for I had never been one for crowds.
“ ‘aving a problem, love?”
I spun around at the voice, and saw a young woman smiling up at me. Her blonde hair was sticking almost straight up, and her clothes were shamelessly revealing. I couldn’t help the blush that crept across my cheeks. I silently nodded, and cast my eyes to the ground so I wouldn’t stare at her. “Well, in’t just so cute to see such a lamb all missing and confundled, Pep?” she exclaimed, wrinkling her nose slightly when she smiled.
A boy, who I hadn’t noticed before, stepped around his sister and smiled at me. “Pip, leave her alone. Can’t you see she’s frightened?” His smile was gentle, but his strange silver eyes were bright with curiosity. “I apologize on my sister’s behalf, miss …?” “Cora,” I managed to stammer out. Then, I looked down at my ticket, and up at the large clock that seemed to keep the whole station in order. “Would either of you possibly know which Steamer is Number 3? I have to be on it in eleven minutes.” I said in a very quick rush.
The boy blinked in slight surprise, The girl, however, reached out and took my right hand in hers. “Good to meet ya, love. I’m Pippi-Doe and this is Peppi. We’re goin’ that very way ourselves. We’ll take ya and keep ya safe till we dock again.” She was very energetic, and friendly, and it made me feel a little better to be in the company of another Student. I nodded, and she led me forward, with her brother tagging a little behind, carrying his bag as well as mine, which he’d relieved me of only seconds before she’d taken my hand.
Pippi-Doe kept up a steady stream of conversation, pointing out items of interest and giving me navigation hints. “Now, it may look a bit rough, but all it takes is some memory to it. See, the little numbers on th’ stairwells’ll tell ya which Steamer you need t’ be on. And you can always tell North from South in this place ‘cause the Clock is at the direct North of the building.” Just helpful little tips of that nature. We were on No.6 with seven minutes to spare. Peppi led the way and found us a free compartment. I happily agreed to take the window seat next to him, and Pippi-Doe sat across from us, tinkering with a small box in her lap while we waited for take off.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. Please secure all baggage in the overhead rack and fasten your safety belts. Our flight will be six hours long, and we will be docking at The Academy of Masters Studies. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable flight.”
Peppi quickly checked our bags and then helped me with my safety belt before securing himself in his seat. “Have you ever flown before, Miss Cora?” he asked brightly. I silently shook my head, and he chuckled.
The ship beneath us began to rumble, and, instinctively, I grabbed Peppi’s hand that sat next to me on the seat. He laughed again, and I could hear Pippi-Doe laugh as well. My eyes were closed tightly, and I was not about to open them for anything when I felt Peppi squeeze my hand in his. “Don’t worry, Miss Cora. The shaking will stop in a few minutes,” he assured me, and I nodded, opening my eyes just a sliver. He and his sister were smiling gently at me, and I felt the blush creep up my cheeks again.
Only a few moments later, I chanced a glance out the porthole. The sight was breathtaking! My home city, falling away below us, was shining in the sunlight. I could see father’s building, and even our house. It was one of the most extraordinary things I’d seen in my very young life. “Oh!” I breathed, letting go of Peppi’s hand to grasp the edge of the porthole and bring myself closer to the sight.
“A right nice sight, ain’t it?” Pippi-Doe looked out her own porthole and smiled down at the city, waving down at the little specks of people walking on the street. Peppi nodded and leaned over my shoulder to wave as well, and I laughed as I copied them, feeling tremendously giddy.
I was on my way..
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SavingPollyOliver · Mon Nov 09, 2009 @ 03:09am · 0 Comments |