Hey Guys! This is my first story I've ever posted on this website. I hope you like it! It's sort of a blend of steampunk and literary nonsense. I'm planning on making it a series depending on how it's received. Comments and criticism is encouraged. I seriously hope this doesn't go over the heads of about half the people who read it.
Disclaimer: Jules Verne created the general idea and some characters that are mentioned in this story.
Prologue:
December 22, 1873
Near London, England
Dear Arabella Drummond:
I am sitting on the RMS Neptune as I write this. The sky, though gray and almost overflowing with rain (the rain explains why this letter is sopping wet… unfortunately my cabin is not completely waterproof,) I believe this to be a promising day. For one, it isn't every day Jaime Bentham compliments you (me actually) on your (mine) hair, in which you (me) labouriously slaved over for about one hour. Putting him aside however, I have just received news about a man who has, unbelievably, made it around the world in 80 days. This is nothing special, I will have you know. Highly overrated, if you ask me. (Which you did, if I interpreted your last message correctly.)
Every record, as you know very well yourself, is meant to be broken. Break it I will, and in considerably less than 80 days. I would tell you what I plan, but with mail as regulated as it is nowadays, I fear that it could be intercepted. All I can tell you is that my journey will involve a stylish portmanteau, a hideous wig, and a zeppelin that blends into the New York Harbour. If you care to join me, don't be afraid to meet me at the underwater port west of Siberia and east of Liverpool. Bring with you one lemon, a butter knife, and a piece of literature by Edgar Allen Poe. (Preferably the Adventures of Arthur Gordon Pym, but I'm flexible.) If you find you are too occupied with your work at sea to join me, send me a pigeon as soon as you read this letter.
Arabella, I miss you terribly. I am distracted by all of this planning, but not enough so to numb your absence. I'm glad that Edward Teach is out of your life. From what you said, he was exciting but unpredictable and uncontrollable.
Anyway, I must carry out this operation in utmost secrecy. If just one word of my intentions leaks out into the world, they will not only find you, but they will find Jaime and me. The chain reaction this could cause would be catastrophic.
Also, for future reference, I am not fluent in Morse code. It was extremely challenging for me to interpret your message. After all, because you were using the lighthouse to convey it, not only could I not fully understand your message, but a small boat crashed into the harbour, inconveniencing everything.
I must go, as my lantern is going out and my cabin has now filled up with about 7 centimeters of water. Farewell.
Yours,
Dmytra Cherié
