Einstein Must Die! (Fate of Nations Book 1) by Chris Kohout Read Free Book Online

edging slightly closer to each other.
    Satisfied, he flipped the switch back on, and the machine snapped awake again.  
    The relays worked, and the teletype banged out its message: “APPLE.”

THE ELSTREE AERODROME

    ELSTREE, ENGLAND

    The Elstree Aerodrome was a sprawling complex of huge grass airfields, hangars, and administrative buildings. Along with the Borehamwood facility, it was tasked with building the king’s zeppelin fleet, and work never stopped. Day and night, rotating shifts of engineers, fitters, carpenters, and electricians struggled to create the massive floating airships.  
    Within the zeppelin HMS Artemis , Albert Einstein lay on his back, peering up at the intricate workings of the bomb rack. His specifications had called for a design that would safely deliver nine of his new generation bombs across the ocean to America, then drop them precisely on command. What he saw above him was not satisfactory.
    “Johan!” he yelled at the crew chief. “I scarcely know where to begin. The release catch is undersized. Each of my bombs weighs thirty-four-hundred pounds. I doubt this latch will hold them securely. The storage shelf isn’t welded to the main frame. Bolts are not sufficient. It needs a full weld. And here, the drop guide rails are not a uniform curve.” He banged a wrench against the rail for added emphasis. “You don’t want one of my presents getting jammed in the rail, I can assure you.” He slid out from under the machinery and stood, wiping grease from his hands with a rag.  
    With tired, heavy eyelids, Johan watched the scientist. An intellectual with dirty hands , he thought. Like seeing a leprechaun riding a unicorn . The thought made him chuckle, and he checked his clipboard to hide the reaction.
    “Laugh now,” said Einstein. “But I’ve just returned from Borehamwood Aerodrome, and their zeppelin is weeks ahead of you. Proper welds and all.”
    The crew chief yawned, not bothering to cover his gaping mouth. “We will be ready, Professor. Have no concerns of that.”
    Einstein had many concerns, but saw no reason to berate the man further. “Very well. Why don’t you get an hour’s rest, then we shall regroup, yes?”
    Johan nodded. “Thank you, Professor. I have a cot in the hangar, and I’ve seen precious little of it this week.”
    Einstein clapped the man on the shoulder and saw the captain approaching them.   “Go then. One hour, no more.”
    Johan nodded and made his exit as the captain joined them. “Captain,” Johan said, slipping past him in the narrow corridor.
    Captain Stevens watched the man go. “He’s exhausted.”
    “They all are. The king’s schedule has been… aggressive.”
    “Aye, that’s one word for it,” he said.
    Einstein waved toward the bomb rack. “There are numerous problems. Some can be easily fixed, but some not so. The drop guide rails must be removed and replaced.”
    “Yes, I know. But otherwise, we are not so bad off. The hydrogen cells are filled, and holding.”
    “And the Blaugas?”
    “Also safely stored under pressure. No leaks.”
    “That is good. That is very good.”
    “Our flight test today should be smooth. We’re not ready for war, but it should be a lovely tour around the countryside. I expect we will have no water pressure, so no toilet service. But we will survive that, won’t we, Professor?”
    Einstein grinned. “Yes, I believe we shall.”
    ***
    Just as at Borehamwood, security at the Elstree facility was tight. Royal Marines patrolled the grounds regularly, all deliveries to the base were thoroughly searched, and every person through the gate was checked, both against a list of approved persons and to verify they carried a bronze security medallion. Specially made for the construction of the zeppelins, it was stamped with the royal seal and bore the name of the facility the worker was assigned to.
    Crouched within the tree line, Lucas pondered their plan to slip inside. Lean and wiry, he had the look