Fianna Kelly Versus the Jeebees: A Collection of Steampunk Stories by Harry Dodgson Read Free Book Online

this route. This next stop is
just before we enter the city limits. There have not been any reported
sightings of G.B.H.I.s close to a city. It looks like your job is almost
complete."
    That
was fine with me. I could go the rest of my life without seeing another one of
those disgusting creatures. I was sure that Bradan felt the same way. I looked
over at him and was astonished by what was shown.
    EXTREME
DANGER
    I
said, "Unfortunately Colonel, you seem to be mistaken. Bradan, where are
they?"
    EAST
3000 YARDS
    The
Colonel checked his maps and said, "That puts them just past the station.
Albert! Have the engineer stop just out of eyesight of the station and we will
deploy the troops before continuing on at walking speed."
    Albert
ran out, leaving the three of us.
    The
Colonel continued, "As for you two, your work is done. When the fighting
starts, find someplace safe to hide. If the fighting ends and we are all dead,
head East to London, have a constable take you to headquarters, and tell them
what to expect."
    The
Colonel headed to the passenger cars and I followed at a discreet distance to
hear what he had to say.
    He
waited to get their attention then said, "Well men, it appears we have
work to do before we can enjoy the weekend. Grab a weapon then form up in front
of the engine when it slows."
    I
wondered if that included me. I wasn't in a hurry to join a war though. I went
back to our rail car to prepare. In it was a crate with my name on it, likely
enough ammunition for the tournament. Perhaps there was enough for a major
battle too if used sparingly.
    The
Colonel expected the attack to happen at the station; it didn't. The jeebees
waited for us to leave the station before they attacked. Their tactics hadn't
changed, just their numbers. I would guess 50 of them were running at the train
from the left side. They were firing their pistols as they came at us, but not
really aiming at anyone or anything. The next wave was the same, but came from
the right side. The Colonel directed his men like a conductor would his
orchestra and the attackers were quickly dispatched.
    After
those were killed by the soldiers, a few dozen came at us from both sides at
once. This time they had metal shields and were actually aiming their guns at
the soldiers. The first groups must have been trying to get us to use all our
bullets. They might have succeeded if we hadn't been expecting an attack.
    I
heard the Colonel giving orders to the men. "Men with rifles! Line up here
double file facing opposite directions. Unlike standard training, I want you to
fire one at a time starting at the front. When the last one has fired, the
first man should have reloaded and be ready to fire again. Keep them from
getting to the train at all costs."
    At
the time, I thought I was insane. We were safe inside, out of sight of both
attackers and defenders. I was planning on joining the battle. I doubted one
more rifle would make any difference, but it just might.
    "Bradan,
we need to be somewhere we can do some good. Can you carry the case of
cartridges?"
    YES
    "Good.
Let's get out of here!"
    I
opened the door on the right side of the boxcar and we jumped out. Bradan
looked silly jumping as his leg joints are so rigid. I decided it would be
better for us if we went towards the front of the train and the railway gun.
Lieutenants Mills and Reed were sheltering behind the gun firing their pistols.
Lieutenant Reed looked in our direction for a second.
    "How
can I help?" I asked.
    "Shoot
the jeebees who are shooting at us. Teach them not to stick their heads out.
Shield yourself behind that tall crate and please keep your head down when
reloading. Colonel Reynolds will bust me to private if I let anything happen to
you."
    "We
can't have that now. I will be careful."
    I
was thinking that I could fire a dozen cartridges; it would provide more
practice for the tournament. These jeebees had large metal shields, but I had a
better angle to them than the soldiers.
    I
asked the