The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) by Giles, Lori Othen

him the irony of what he was about to say, “...At your discretion, Sir”
    “Aye captain.” The helmsman acknowledged with a grin. “Lateral props to 90 degrees, sound the alarm lads we’re off!”
    As the warning claxon sounded within the ship, on the outside the small brass cylinder lamps set at her compass points flickered. Their amber glass glowed a soft warning as the stately airship came to life.
    Rotating on servos the two central propellers of the Soul of Discretion dropped from directly aft to face the concrete floor of the massive hangar. In the engine room a clutch was engaged and the six foot long blades began spinning. Clouds of steam, escaping from the hangar door machinery, billowed in all directions as the propellers engaged.
    In unison the amber running lights became green, and below, squinting from the wind the ground crew to a man grinned as the ship ascended directly upwards. Technically they should close the door right after she cleared it but none of them had gotten tired of watching their ward rise like some shimmering silver fish into the morning air.
    Back in the cockpit Wallace thumbed a control and announced, “We have cleared the hanger. Mr. D'Arcey, engage engines three and four.”
    “Heading 280 degrees north by northeast Wallace.” Pruette declared without looking up from his map station.
    The second pair of engines engaged rotors, and Jerard felt the upward movement change to a diagonal climb. Shifting his balance at the unfamiliar pull he slowly settled into the captain’s chair.
    Seeing Wallace had finished twirling the rudder wheel he essayed a question. “Can all the props swivel like that Mr. Wallace?”
    “No Sir just the middle pair, gives us a couple of extra options like this.” the Helmsman began.
    “They improve stability in fine maneuvering Captain Phillips.” Tash broke in without turning away from the amazing view.
    “And I can see how this would save venting gas. A very versatile design Ma’am.” Jerard acknowledged.
    “Nothing but the best for Mr. Starblower, Captain Phillips.” she replied a trifle smugly, as the ship wheeled about above the London Docklands.
    “280 north north-east. Five hundred feet.” Wallace announced.
    “Take us up to a thousand Mr. Wallace then accelerate to cruise speed.” Jerard replied easily.
    A minute or so later, with the propellers all angled aft, the ship’s engines began to throb and the Soul of Discretion was underway for Scotland at precisely 8:00 am.
    Tash stood as still as a statue at the forward rail in the navigator’s bubble and watched the city of London grow smaller and smaller. Looking down on something so large was exhilarating and frightening all at the same time. Not for the first time Tash wished she had wings so she could fly unassisted and free. However flying this way was nearly the same, or so she supposed. Her fingers itched to take the helm as she had done so many times before. But she reminded herself that this captain was new and totally unknown. She would have to get to know him better and establish the rules before she could be so bold in front of the man.
    Tash tried not to resent the new captain, the circumstances that caused his presence on this ship were none of his doing. She just missed Captain Mather terribly. His death had been a blow that she had not gotten over and she doubted any of the crew had either. Captain Mather had been well respected and genuinely liked. He and Tash had formed a bond through flying that had surprised both of them. Her knowledge of this beautiful ship was mainly due to him and his insistence to the rest of the crew that she was to be treated as one of the lads. Tash smiled at those memories and found that it eased the growing tightness in her chest.
    “Miss Tash?” Archibald Pruette said softly from behind her.
    Tash turned and moved to stand beside his desk. “Yes?” She asked, equally as soft.
    “Are you OK Tash? I could nearly hear your thoughts and felt