3.
The Surface
“Good Lord, are you
accusing me of treason?” Lord Chamberlain Gibbons was enraged by the
accusations made by Lord Henry. “Heavens forbid me but I can assure you that
your plans are safe with me.”
Lord Henry looked
towards the crate of his drawing that he had handled before to the Chamberlain.
It was protocol to do so for the man held the position of trust and above all,
the approvals of such projects. If the Ministry does not sanction the project,
it will be considered as illegal to proceed.
“Then explain to me how
I was to hear of that there were other similar projects that are similar to
mine being promoted, or in the works.” Lord Henry pressed on. He then threw the
paper clippings onto the Chamberlain desk. “They do not lie. Most times they do
have some truths to their claims.”
“Good Lord, this is a
mockery of true journalism.” Lord Chamberlain Gibbons snapped back but Henry
was giving that up so easily. He leaned onto his good leg and pressed on his
accusations.
“My plans were given to
your care five years ago. It outlined the general scope of the works to be done
and Lord forbid, my initial designs of the crafts. Today, I read news of it on
the publications. So named experts are putting their marks on my design and
with some even disputing its design.”
“The Lord does not
forbid critics to comment on his creation, nor do myself but since you said it
was five years that you left me those …designs, I may admit that they could
have been accessed by my own staff. It’s the discretion of the Ministry to
verify your project for its viable prospect. In doing so….”
“In doing so, those
bastards may have sold my ideas to others.” Lord Henry hit back with anger.
“Does this Ministry not have any rules and conditions which they are to adhere with.
Or do you sell even your own mother for self-gain.”
“Mine your accusations,
Lord Henry. I was also a Military man and a child with a mother. I lived my
life with discipline and integrity.”
“Mine yours, Lord
Chamberlain. You were on the other side fifteen years ago. We fought but by
sheer luck your side avoided defeat through the calls of a truce.” Lord Henry
recalled the Civil War they fought when the land cried for food and justice. It
was both which drove the people to revolt and sides were determined by emotions
and fear. Lord Henry fought for the people against the authorities. He foregone
his command and join the local militia. The war lasted three years but the toll
on the land lasted more than fifteen years with over five million dead. It also
spurred on the resurgence to work on automation and hence the boom of the next
engineering age. The advancement of technology then was at the development of
steam and electricity was soon discovered. It was an era of Innovations.
“I recalled that too.
Such a pity for I was trained to be a marksman then. I would not have missed hitting
at your groin.” Lord Chamberlain admitted that it was he who made Lord Henry a
cripple. “Such are the fortune of wars.”
Lord Henry held back
his anger at that grim reminder and pressed on with his accusations.
“Tell me who else knew
of my designs.” Lord Henry pressed his point forward.
“I won’t know. Your
designs were in the archive and accessed by many. How would I know? It was five
years, and I got only five months of food supply now with fifteen millions to
feed. So which do you think takes precedent?”
“Fuck you.” Lord Henry
cursed at the other before taking leave of the Chamber.
“I do hope so. Your
baton reputation precedes you. Are you sure it’s not your stiff leg that they
were humping on.” Lord Chamberlain called out to the departing Lord. Once Lord
Henry has slammed the doors on the Chamberlain, it was opened to admit another
three.
“I am not to be
disturbed.” Lord Chamberlain spoke up without raising his face.
“Surely, we are not in
that list.” General Clarke approached the Chamberlain desk. The General was the
commanding officer of the army that fought for the authorities. He was a tall
wide shouldered man but with his elderly age, he had hunched on his frame
giving him the looks of a grim looking hooded serpent. He dressed in the
uniform of the Army and flagged with all his medals. He was followed by Lord
Ian and then there was the last person who was least expected to
be there.
“Good day, Lord
Chamberlain.” The third person greeted the other. Her name was Chen Lin Jan; a
Chinese descent with some mixed bloods of the Dutch and German. Her family had
invested in the main continent and also in the isles for many generations but
their main base was still in the East. She looked emancipated but it was her
genetic Eastern look but beneath that slight frame was a lady of strength and
resolute. She had on a dark suit and matching shoes with the leopard low cut
blouse that was enchanted with the pearl string that reached just below her
breast lines. On her chest was the heavy gold chain on his neck with the dragon
emblem.
“Morning, Lady Jan.
It’s always my pleasure to meet you.” The Lord Chamberlain stood up and offered
his guest a curt bow. “Was your flight here eventful?”
“The airship was added
on with the turbine to speed up its flight but I still prefer the swift winds
on the high sails.” Lady Jan ancestors were sea farers that travelled the high
seas with their wooden boats in search of fortune.
“I am here on the
progress of the sea ports.” Lady Jan cut her way into the main discussion
issue. “My fleet of ships are on the way here.”
No comments:
Post a Comment