Free Flaming Zeppelins by Joe R. Lansdale Page A

of room on the couch, and soon they were seated, telling their story, each filling in a little bit here and there.
    â€œThe Frankenstein creation,” said Captain Bemo. “Ah, yes. I’ve heard of him. Lost to the waves, you say. Not exactly a prosaic life, his, now was it? Or maybe it was overly prosaic. Depends on how you look at it, I suppose. Met the monster’s creator once. Convention of inventors and scientists in Vienna. This was before he made news with his creation. Quite the bore, actually. Couldn’t stop talking about anatomy, brains and venereal disease. Had one, if I remember correctly. A venereal disease, of course. I’m sure you know he had anatomy and a brain, but the part about the disease, that is most likely news to you. Ghastly subject matter, venereal disease, isn’t it?”
    Annie said, “Thanks for rescuing us.”
    â€œWhen the storm finished I thought it would be more energy-saving to travel on top of the sea, rather than under it. We found you entirely by accident. Think about that. We surface, and there you are. The proverbial needle in a haystack. Of course, since we weren’t looking for you, you weren’t even that. A happy accident. But this isn’t exactly a rescue.”
    The zeppelinauts considered that statement, let it hang.
    â€œAbout the seal?” Hickok asked. “I’m curious, is he just doing a trick? You were kidding about him reading, right?”
    â€œHim like that hat?” Bull asked.
    Bemo grinned. “That’s not a hat. It’s a brain enhancer. A bit of surgery was required, and now the brain, having grown to three times its size, needs more room. Thus, the hat, as you call it. Hat and brain have long since fused. The glasses are for bad eyesight, of course. And yes, he can read, and from the notes he takes, it’s apparent he understands what he reads quite well. When left to his own devices, his reading habits are quite atrocious, but he can read heavier material if put to it. He’s a good researcher. Takes insightful notes.”
    â€œNotes?” Annie said. “He can write?”
    â€œIt’s a bit messy,” Bemo said. “But legible. He’s working on it. Wears a pad and pencil around his neck.”
    â€œCan he talk?” Hickok asked.
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous,” Bemo said. “Isn’t it enough he can read and write and use the toilet? He can stand a bit more upright than the average seal, however. He’s had some adjustments. He does have a tendency to lose his glasses, and that’s why we’ve added a chain to the ear pieces, so that he can hang it, along with his pen and pad, around his neck.”
    â€œYou did that?” Cody asked. “Expanded his brain. Taught him to read.”
    â€œOh, no. I’m talented. But my abilities tend to be more of the mechanical, ecological nature. This is the work of Doctor Momo.”
    â€œMomo?” Cody said. “I thought he might be dead.”
    Bemo grimaced. “No. He’s quite alive, I assure you. Ned is sort of on loan to me. I have him read certain texts, evaluate them, write up his notes. He also takes dictation from me.”
    â€œWhat’s he researching?” Annie asked.
    â€œMaterial for Doctor Momo,” Bemo said. “There are a number of items Momo needs for his experiments that only come from the sea. I acquire these for him, and do some research. With Ned’s help, of course.”
    â€œI’ve wanted to meet Doctor Momo for some time,” Cody said. “I have friends who would love to meet him as well. Sam Morse. Professor Maxxon. Chuck Darwin. Many others.”
    â€œMy goodness,” Bemo said. “Famous people, all. This is wonderful. Your friends may not get their wish, but you will, Mr. Cody. And the friends with you. You will meet him. We are, in fact, on our way to Momo’s island.”
    â€œYou’re jerkin’ me,” Cody