The Daedalus Incident by Michael Martinez

Author:Michael Martinez
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The Daedalus Incident
ISBN: 9781597804738
Publisher: Night Shade Books
Published: 2013-06-11T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

May 2, 1779

So it was that our gambit failed. I suppose our only fault was in trusting these Ganymedean insurrectionists to keep their word. I admit, I am especially disappointed with Doctor Franklin, of whom I had begun to think better. Of course, we may have underestimated the influence he has upon his fellow traitors.

I am reminded of a tract I saw amongst the crew aboard HMS Egmont not two years ago, where, as you recall, I served as fourth lieutenant. This tract, inexplicably called “Common Sense,” was one in which the cause of Ganymedean independence was put forth. The greatest fanfare came in describing the military potential of the colonies. But I say that if Jones and Arnold are the best these rebels can muster, then they are an honourless lot and our victory is all but assured.

And yes, the seaman who had this tract in his possession spent considerable time in the brig.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than to write in that blasted diary of yours?” Finch asked, quite perturbed as he saw Weatherby, seated on the floor, scribbling into his journal.

Weatherby looked up at Finch and gave him a small smile. “We have been in here but a half hour, Doctor,” Weatherby said. “And I thought we agreed we should allow the guards time to relax before making our move.”

The two were inside a painfully small room in the attic of the State House, with Morrow and Anne presumably held elsewhere upon the premises. The scene in the parliamentary chamber had devolved quickly—Jones and Arnold had ordered the Daedalus officers taken prisoner—without pretense, this time— while Franklin protested vociferously and the supposed leader of the insurrection, President Jay, said nothing at all, tacitly allowing the Englishmen to be detained.

At first, they could still hear the occasional voice raised in anger below as they waited, but there hadn’t been such an outburst in some time. Weatherby had already tested the room’s security, such as it was, and knew it was only a matter of time before they could act. There could hear two voices directly outside the door, and Weatherby was hoping he’d hear one of the sentries leave. In the meantime, he had taken to writing once more, while Finch nervously paced about the room.

Some minutes later, during which Weatherby continued writing and Finch continued pacing, they heard a set of footsteps receding across the attic and down the staircase. “It’s time, Doctor,” Weatherby whispered. “Whenever you’re ready.”

Finch quickly produced a number of small pouches and vials from about his person, tucked away more than five hours ago at Weatherby’s suggestion. “Morrow shall have us in the brig if this does not come off well, you know,” Finch said as he began mixing substances. The smell of jasmine and other, less pleasant odors began slipping into the air.

“Fortune favors the bold,” Weatherby said. “The Greeks said that, did they not?”

“Romans,” Finch corrected with a smirk. “Though I must say, I am continually impressed with your literacy, especially considering your horrible breeding.

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