Our nation’s pride and dignity are at the whimsy of this dangerously unbalanced woman, who obviously is not up to the rigors of industrial command decision. Plumtartt Factory, in the middle of constructing more Sol Furnaces, is likewise shut down.
These institutions are of National concern. The critical nature of these ships is what will propel Great Britain on to rule the Seas for years to come. One delusional débutante is standing in the way of World commerce and progress.
It is this reporter’s sincere conviction that the only prudent course is that Miss Persephone Plumtartt be locked up in Bedlam Asylum, for the public good and strategic safety of England.”
Chapter 6 - Stanley’s True Colours Revealed.
Persephone
Oh! What I fool I have been to trust that traitorous reporter. He has made me a laughing stock! Worse, he places our country in danger, not to mention my own freedom.
Sir Henry Stanley has brought shame and ruin down upon the good name of Plumtartt, with my unwitting assistance.
I cannot allow myself to to be concerned with my own personal misfortunes. There is something larger at stake, and I am even further behind in my efforts to awaken my unsuspecting countrymen to the danger that creeps among us.
My eyes are drawn to other papers. ‘Ghost’ attacks continue around the country. Horribly dessicated corpses, followed by terrible stories of violent attacks by invisible creatures. Many suspect that local constabularies are attempting to keep the stories quiet, as not to start a panic.
My worst fears are realized.
Evil runs rampant through the nation, while my fellow countrymen obstinately remain reluctant to come to grips with the menace that threatens us. I am helpless to stem the tide of danger inexorably rising around the unseeing eyes of my country.
Chapter 7 - MisAdventure With A Scoundrel.
Ichabod
I am excited about and eager to keep my appointment.
A meeting with Sir Henry Stanley! What a fine fellow he must be!
With my ‘Green Beauties’ safely ensconced atop my new Derby, I faithfully keep my appointment at the wonderful Strand Hotel.
Let’s see, I am supposed to meet Sir Henry Stanley here in the dining hall of the hotel. Oh, I think that loud, drunken fellow over yonder is the famous explorer.
“Boy, you there, the little chappie with my goggles. Bring them to me.”
“Yessir. Howdy Sir Stanley, it sure is an honour to meet...”
“Yes, it is. Do they work?”
“Oh, yessir, they work just fi...”
“Waiter, I suspect that this drink was mixed with a house brand and not the brand I ordered! Bring me a fresh drink at once!”
“Yes, Sir Stanley!”
“Get it right this time you limp fop or you’ll be waiting tables on the other side of the river!”
“Yes, Sir Stanley!”
“Was your drink really that bad, sir?”
“Ha, ha! Nah, of course, not, but it never hurts to keep the staff on their toes, eh? Plus I gets me a free drink! Ha, ha!”
“Oh.”
“Here is a fresh steak for you, Sir Stanley, I hope it is prepared to your specifications, Sir.”
“Hmmm, let’s see.” nyum, nyum “Close but not quite, you chorusboy reject. Send it back and try again!”
“Yes, Sir Henry!”
“Ha, ha!”
“That looked like a decent steak to me, Sir Henry.”
“But the more I send them back, the better they get! Ha, ha!”
“Oh.”
“Gimme my goggles, Temporary.”
“Temperance.”
“Whatever.”
“If I may ask, Sir, what is your intention for these goggles?
A leering grin spreads across his red, flushed face.
“As you know, I am famous throughout the world for my daring exploits in the dark continent. Those goggles are for my next African excursion. The jungles of the wild lands are not for the faint of heart. It takes an iron fist to conduct a continent spanning safari and rigid discipline. You have to let the Darkies know that a White man has taken charge. Ha, ha!”
I don’t like talk like that.
“You have to let the natives know who is the