Mon's Angels by Jaxon Reed

Author:Jaxon Reed [Reed, Jaxon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-04-24T16:00:00+00:00

29

Rip led the way on horseback as Blair and Twig followed him through the streets. The silver airship seemed to hover in place. They kept it in sight while trotting over the cobblestones.

Horseback is the most efficient means of urban travel, Rip thought. At least for the moment.

He had considered using bicycles, and inquired after them at the Venture Society. He discovered that the bike’s ancestor, the “hobby horse,” had been invented during the Napoleonic era, just as in his world. This was essentially a handlebar, a seat and two wheels with no gears or pedals, sort of a seated scooter. They were quite popular for a while until decades ago when Ethinium and other large cities banned them from streets and sidewalks following numerous accidents. They had since faded from general use.

Pedal and gear bicycles were around in this world, but still stuck in the penny-farthing stage. This version was essentially a giant front wheel the rider sat on top of, with a much smaller trailing wheel.

Rip had no desire to mount one and try to navigate it through traffic, so they took horses. He ruminated on the best way to introduce modern bicycle designs. From what little reading he had done, he knew the modern form should have appeared in this world already. Bicycles were very popular during this time on his world.

Maybe somebody didn’t get born, or their life’s purpose got redirected or something.

His thoughts were interrupted as they approached an intersection, bypassing the queue of wagons and carriages waiting their turn to proceed.

The officer saw him cutting in line and held out a hand impatiently, scowling. Rip pulled his badge out and flashed it, making the man’s expression change. The peeler stopped the opposing flow of traffic and waved them on through. As soon as they cleared the congestion, all three brought their steeds to a trot again and Rip returned to his thoughts.

Why hasn’t anybody thought about building a decent two-wheeler yet? All it would take is a double triangle frame, forming a trapezoid. Handlebars at the upper right corner, pedals at lower right. Chain and gears go to the rear wheel at lower left, with the seat at upper left. Hmm.

They weaved in and out through slower traffic, making good time. Fortunately, not too many people darted out into the street. Rip let the horse find her way, only guiding the reins to the left or right as suggestions when conditions grew more crowded.

Ahead, the Steel Comet seemed to hover in the air. Briefly, Rip wondered if anyone in the wagon train would notice. But the sun shined down at an angle. The ship’s shadow would be cast a block or two from the street the wagons traversed.

The only way anyone would notice, he thought, would be if they looked up. Since most of the Luddites probably stayed under the canvas tops, he hoped that would not be a problem.

Soon, he caught sight of the last wagon.

Liza and Hilda should have it under control by now, he thought.

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