Free Cogs in Time Anthology (The Steamworks Series) by Catherine Stovall, Cecilia Clark, Amanda Gatton, Robert Craven, Samantha Ketteman, Emma Michaels, Faith Marlow, Nina Stevens, Andrea Staum, Zoe Adams, S.J. Davis, D. Dalton Page B

a precaution.”
    “Can we try a more diplomatic approach this time, Billings?” Pierce said. “If there are any people down there, I don't think they would appreciate an armed force knocking at their door. It tends to give the wrong impression.”
    “And if this is a fortification and not just a big storehouse,” Billings said, “they are not going to take kindly to our ship descending on them. Two men lowered down on ropes just to make certain they aren't hostile.”
    “Two men,” Pierce said. “As scouts. Lightly armed. And tell them not to shoot unless they are in grave danger. I don't want them easily frightened by the sight of unearthly creatures.”
    Billings stiffened in indignation. “Captain Pierce, you are speaking of soldiers in Her Majesty's Royal Army. You, above all others on board, should know we are not frightened by anything, earthly or unearthly.”
    “And you, Captain Billings, seem to overlook that I have seen a number of battles and am aware that some men, British included, tend to shoot at things they don't understand. I am merely advising caution.”
    Billings nodded. “As am I.”
    He climbed the ladder to the upper decks, and soon brought down two men dressed in red tunics, with white helmets and belts, Webley revolvers at their hips. Liz Fletcher instructed her crewmen to lower the soldiers on ropes from the open gangway at the rear of the control room. The airship descended, and as the gangway was lowered, hot, humid air rushed into the cabin. The scent of sweet blossoms and rotting vegetation mingled with oil and engine fuel. When the soldiers reached the ground, the airship lifted higher.
    The courtyard was devoid of vegetation. It appeared to be constructed of the same smooth stone-like material as the rest of the building. No windows were in the high walls, but there were some rectangular doors at intervals. The two soldiers crossed to one of the doors and tried to force it open. One man eventually found a catch in the frame, and the door slid into the wall. They both drew their revolvers and disappeared inside.
    A long five minutes later, one man reappeared, his Webley back in its holster. He waved both arms for the airship to land.
    “I wonder where everyone is,” Pierce said, staring down at the vast square structure.
    The Independence crew busied themselves with landing, and Billings climbed the ladder to prepare the rest of his men for the exploration of the building.
    Murunga stood beside Pierce and looked down at him. “Captain?”
    “Such a huge building, in the middle of a jungle. And a strange ship comes down out of the sky. Didn't anyone notice? Where are the people who live here?”
    “ Ndiyo , it gives me a strange feeling, like a ghost village. A village deserted after a terrible illness. I'm beginning not to like this voyage.”
    Pierce grinned and slapped Murunga's shoulder. “It's the unknown, my friend. That's why we're here.” And that's what keeps us alive , he thought, not stagnating in a bungalow on the African savanna .
    “There's nothing to tie the mooring lines to,” Liz Fletcher said from her place next to the pilot. Her crew was on the ground, holding fore and aft lines, preventing the craft from drifting away. “The ground is too hard for them to pound in anchor hooks. I don't know what it's made of, but they can't even crack it.”
    “Then we'll get out, and the Independence will have to lift off and stay nearby,” Pierce said. “Can you keep the ship above the courtyard, ready to retrieve us when we need it?”
    “Mr. Gridley can. I'm going with you, Mr. Pierce.”
    “I don't think that's wise,” Pierce said.
    “Because I'm a woman? Spare me your misplaced gallantry, Captain. Aside from the search and rescue mission, your objective is to study their version of the portals. You're no scientist, and Billings certainly isn't. I'm an engineer. I designed and built this airship, which is a flying Tesla portal. I started helping my father