Clockworks and Corsets by Regina Riley Read Free Book Online Page B

gun.

    “Please,” the man said. “There is no need to draw your weapons. You can see I am unarmed.”
    He stood straight, spread his arms wide, turning in place. He then held out his empty palms.
    Gabriella noticed that one hand was bare while the other was hidden beneath a crisp, white glove.
    “Certainly you are not afraid of me?”
    “I fear no man,” Jax snarled. “It is you who should fear me!”
    “Jax,” the captain scolded.
    Jax crossed her arms, adopting one of her many scowls.
    “You’re obviously a skilled warrior,” the man said. “I must admit that yes, I am afraid of you.” He spread his hands apart again before he bowed.
    Jax furrowed her brow at first. This was soon followed by a half grin and nod at the stranger.
    “That’s more like it.”
    “Who are you?” the captain asked.
    The stranger returned to his full height while clucking his tongue. “Where are my manners?
    I’m sorry, these years of solitude have left me clumsy as an ox.” He stepped forward, offering a hand to the captain. “I’m Atom Loquacious.”

    * * * *
    “I don’t understand,” Rose said. As she shook the man’s hand, the rest of the crew exchanged confused glances. The stranger was an unexpected surprise in the wild of the jungle, especially since the laboratory was supposed to be deserted. What was even more surprising was his graceful charm. Not to mention the fact that he seemed glad to see them.
    “It’s rather simple,” the man said, pumping her arm for all it was worth. “Atom with a t and an o. Like the eye of the nucleus, not like the first man.”
    “Not that,” Rose said after he released her hand. “I’m sorry if we’re intruding. We didn’t expect you to be here, Doctor.”
    “Captain,” Jayne said. “This man isn’t Doctor Loquacious. He’s too young for starters.”
    “I’m afraid she’s right,” Atom said. “I’m no doctor.”
    “But your surname,” Rose said. “Just who are you, exactly?”
    The man looked to the ceiling for a moment, as if unsure of how to answer the question, before he settled back into a broad grin. “I think the easiest explanation would be that Doctor Loquacious is my father.”
    “Impossible,” Jayne snapped. “Doctor Loquacious didn’t have any children.”
    “That as it may be, it really is the best explanation I can offer,” Atom insisted.
    “Sounds like son of mad scientist,” Jax said. “Talks in circles, like Jayne.”
    Jayne snorted at the remark, but kept quiet.
    “If you aren’t the doc,” Click said, “why hang around here?”
    “I’m under strict orders not to leave the laboratory,” the young man explained.
    “Mr. Loquacious,” Rose said.
    “Please, call me Atom, Captain.”

    Rose couldn’t help her smile. It wasn’t often that she was offered her correct title, much less by a complete stranger. She was still very wary of the man, though she suspected that wouldn’t last long under his silver tongue and agreeable humor.
    “You are the captain of that glorious airship? Yes?” he asked.
    Rose nodded, silenced by his flattery.
    “And this is your wonderful crew?” he asked.
    “Right again,” Rose said.
    To everyone’s surprise, Atom pointed to each member of the crew, correctly identifying them. “The tall one is Jax, yes? Then there is Magpie, and Jayne. And you, my friend, must be Click. It is so wonderful to meet all of you. Please have a seat. Make yourselves comfortable.”
    “Too right,” Click said, making for the sofa.
    Rose grabbed him by the arm to stop the native from making himself at home. She shook her head, trying to free the disjointed feeling Atom’s naming act had given her before she lifted a finger at the man. “How do you know who we are?”
    “Because I’ve been watching you since you departed the ship. There is one more among you? A Guppy? The young woman who worked out the door puzzle, yes?” He narrowed his eyes while he walked around the room, scanning the crew.
    “What