(eng) Niall Teasdale - Unobtainium 01 by Kate on a Hot Tin Roof

Author:Kate on a Hot Tin Roof [Roof, Kate on a Hot Tin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The Dark, Dark Continent

Kenya, 27th August 1920.

‘Somehow I expected more… well, more,’ Kate said.

They were standing on the observation deck of their dirigible, which was mounted above the envelope to give as good a view as possible of the country below. Their transport was a Montford-Henry Oculus-class airship designed for scientific survey; Charles had used the design before and was well able to handle its operation. There were many high-powered scientific instruments down in the gondola, along with a small, but comprehensive, laboratory, three cabins, a general office, and some nine days’ supply of fuel for the generator, but the observation deck afforded a most spectacular view.

‘Kenya is primarily grassland,’ Antonia told her. ‘As you can see, there are many stands of trees, but the jungle I have no doubt you were expecting is to the west. We have arrived outside the truly wet seasons, and the temperature will be moderate, but the weather is rarely good at this time of year which reduces the opportunity for good views. On a good day we should be seeing Mount Kilimanjaro to the south-east. Today you can only make out Mount Kenya.’

She walked towards the bow of the ship, peering out at the ground below. ‘We must proceed to the gondola soon. Nairobi is becoming visible and I believe I heard the engine note change. Charles is reducing speed for a landing.’

Kate looked out in the same direction and frowned. She thought she could make out a few buildings, but she had been under the impression that Nairobi was a city, the capital of the British Protectorate. From here it appeared more like a railway marshalling yard and a collection of tin huts.

Antonia appeared to read her mind. ‘Truly this is not a city like London. There is law and order, and some quite fine hotels, and there is the railway which operates trains as often as every other day. It will seem far different from what you are used to, however.’

‘I’m sure I will adapt.’ Kate looked down at her dress. She had been surprised to discover that getting back into a corset and gown had been quite pleasing after days in her leathers. ‘Should we change?’

‘Not yet, dear. The other thing about Nairobi is that it tries so hard to be England. Formal attire will do quite well enough for the journey to the hotel. We will require our lighter clothing soon enough.’

Nairobi Grand Hotel, Nairobi.

The hotel was both very grand indeed and strangely shabby. The room Charles had secured for Kate was white: white oak furniture and white-painted walls. The decoration had, largely, been kept up well, but there were some signs of woodworm in the furniture and there was no electricity here so the gas lamps had left soot stains on the white paint.

Downstairs there was a large and well-appointed lounge which they had passed through on their way to their rooms. Much of it was dark wood and tall, wing-backed chairs, but a lot of the wooden

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