Fianna Kelly Versus the Jeebees: A Collection of Steampunk Stories Read Online Free

to London today. We have
been restricting travel to daytime only. If it can't reach its destination
while the sun is up, we don't let it go. If the jeebees are now attacking
during the day, we will need to change our plans again. I will discuss this
with the Colonel."
    I
pleaded, "But what about us? We have already lost two travel days. If we
don't find a ride soon, we will miss the tournament. We might as well turn
around and go back home."
    "Going
back is a bad idea. There is no telling when or where the jeebees will
attack." He turned to the Corporal, "See that the young lady gets
dinner and lodging for the night. I believe we have open rooms where we house
visiting officers."
    The
Corporal said, "I really should grab a box of cartridges and get back to
my post. I don't want to leave the Sergeant there by himself for too
long."
    The
officer replied, "I will dispatch three men back to your post in case the
jeebees make another try today."
    Outside,
Bradan had been circling the building. I knew what the response would be if I
asked what he was doing.
    I
asked the Corporal, "Is there someplace where my automaton could get some
water? I suspect he is getting low by now."
    He
replied, "There is a water tower at the train station. He looks to be tall
enough to get it directly from the spigot arm."
    I
addressed Bradan, "Wonderful! So Bradan, get yourself some water and meet
us... Where will we be?"
    "We
will be at the commissary. It is over where the white smoke is."
    "So
you will meet us there when you are done?"
    YES
    The
Corporal said, "There won't be a large selection for dinner, but it
usually tastes okay."
    I
said, "To be sure, I live with my parents and siblings and we either have
what himself wants or nothing."
    By
the time we were seated, I was the topic of the day. My story had grown like a
fish tale to where I had killed two dozen jeebees, many with my bare hands.
Just when I was about to explain, Bradan walked past the windows where everyone
could see him. Their attention and questions suddenly became all about him. I
sighed and resigned myself to being known as that Irish woman who killed dozens
of jeebees until their interest in him subsided.
    Being
a heroine, I was offered anything they had and I tried some of everything. The
Corporal was right. It all tasted good. It was nice to have a hot dinner after
a few days of sandwiches on the road. When I could get a question of my own
into the conversations, I asked where people were going. None of them were
leaving for London anytime soon.

• June 8
     
     
     The
room they provided was wonderful. Along with the expected furniture, it had a
private shower. Women are not supposed to perspire, but I do in a few places. I
worked the soap into a lather and cleansed those areas first. The water was hot
and I let it run down my back as I bent over to remove the dead skin from my
toes and ankles. The rest of my body just needed a good rinsing. My skin had
gone from its usual pale colour to a light pink by the time I finished. I was
glad to wash all the dirt and soot out of my hair and see its natural cinnamon
colour.
    Perhaps
my mother had other reasons than vanity for me to wear a bonnet. My hair had
been tangled and in need of brushing. It wouldn't matter to me once I had a
house of my own with a shower in its comfort room. I shall make certain that I
have plenty of hot water as well.
    I
don't know if all visiting officers got big fluffy towels when they arrived or
just me. I enjoyed the soft, almost ticklish, feeling as I dried myself. I got
dressed and was standing in front of the duty officer shortly thereafter.
    He
said, "Why don't you have some breakfast and I will have your options
available when you return? Trust me that we will do our best to get you to your
tournament."
    Breakfast
seemed to take forever. Bradan was pacing outside the commissary, as expected,
and I had a new audience eager to hear about my adventure so far. I don't
remember what I ate or how much. I