What would have happened if Alek never discovered Deryn's secret? Suppose he became an Emperor and all? Read on to find out. This is going to be a multiple chapter thing.
A small airship had docked alongside the Leviathan. It was an American vessel that the captain had requested to carry Alek and his men home to Austria. It should have been a delight to see. What with the Darwinists defeating the Germans he could now return home safely and begin his rule over his Great Uncle's Empire. It had been everything Alek had ever dreamed of. The scroll which held the proof of his lineage and signature of the Holy Father was wrapped tightly beneath Alek's breast pocket. Count Volger was ordering the crew to fly them directly to Prague without any hesitation. Everything was finally fitting into place exactly the way it should. He should have been ecstatic.
Yet as Alek prepared for his final departure off the HMS Leviathan, he couldn't remember feeling more wretched.
"You'll have time to write me, won't you? Not going to be too busy being a barking emperor I hope?" Dylan smiled as he tossed Alek's small suitcase onto the tiny aircraft. It was raining slightly. Alek could see that a few drops had crystallized in the midshipman's hair and eyelashes.
"I'll make the time, Dylan, I promise! However, as future emperor I have every right to command you to respond to my letters with effortless speed." Alek said, a grin spreading on his face. It helped him keep away the tears that were threatening to fall.
Dylan snorted. "Aye, your majesty. And you better come visit me soon. God knows that Glasgow needs some more Clanker emperors around."
They both laughed then. It was an awkwardly quiet laugh for them. Neither would look at the other due to their approaching separation. Alek decided he was fed up with the stale goodbye and closed the space between them by leaping at Dylan and surrounding him in tight hug.
"Goodbye, Dylan. I'm going to miss you terribly."
Dylan's eyes had gone misty but he hugged Alek back strongly. "Oh aye, me too. And I'm serious about you writing me. I don't want you disappearing into that huge empire of yours."
"I won't, disappear that is. I will write to you though, I promise."
There was a yell from the American fleet and Dylan gave one last pat on the back before Alek had to jump onto the smaller ship. He didn't pause to talk to the new crew and instead rushed to a window where he could watch his friend and the Leviathan disappear along the horizon. Dylan waved from the whale's gondola until Alek could no longer make out his figure.
I'll see him again. Alek thought. I'll make sure of it!