KEYS TO THE DRAGON MACHINE
Volume 4 of the Greatwinter series: Britain has not been in contact with Australia for over 2000 years. The Admiralty sends the gunboat Vanguard to open diplomatic channels, not realising that the continent is now governed by a caste of psychopathic librarians. (Hybrid Publishers, 2025)
In this extract, the British gunboat Vanguard has just encountered the first Australian longboats of the voyage. The meeting has gone very badly so far, but Captain Ralder now thinks the Australians have had enough:
“Someone’s holding a musket up by its barrel and waving it at us,” said Saren, who had raised his telescope again. “That may be their signal for a truce.”
“Or a gesture of defiance,” said Lescal.
“M’diem Lescal, I really think those excitable Australians have been put in their place,” said Ralden. “I’ll accept your advice. Take the wheel and put us broadside to the boats.”
Ralden whistled into the Mechaneering’s pipe as Lescal spun the wheel.
“M’sair Dhugael, Dead Stop, if you please, but stand ready for Ahead Battle,” Ralden called, then he strode to the quarterdeck’s inner rail and shouted to the Gunkeep. “M’sair Draken, I want every marine, swivel gun and cannon held ready, and a three sixty degree watch on the waters around the ship.”
“One of the boats is approaching us,” called Saren from the stern rail.
“M’diem Lescal, we may have a truce,” said Ralden as he trained his telescope on the boat. “They’re approaching cautiously. Assessment, Lieutenant Saren?”
“That warrior has an eagle’s wings strapped to his arms, but none of the others do. He may be a warlord.”
“Kill him and the others will be discouraged,” called Lescal.
“Or enraged,” said Ralden. “I’ll tell Shipmarshal Jenna to put a ladder over the side.”
“The Australians may try to board us,” Lescal warned.
“If they try to board us, we blow them out of the water, sink the other boats, burn their piers with flame muskets, and put a few shots from the seven pounders into their village – if we can find it. If they wish to send a visitor aboard, we tell the cook that we have a guest who would like a nice cup of tea and a biscuit! Don’t be obtuse, M’diem Lescal, only one boat is approaching.”
“Understood, Captain.”
“You have the quarterdeck, try not to kill anyone. With me, Lieutenant Saren.”
