Chapter 13
M's voice filtered through the Luftpirat's radio. He had been briefed on the battle in the sky and on the hilltop.
"Well, I wasn't expecting this mission to go smoothly and simply. It's no revelation that not even your airship could follow those sky giants home. I have prepared for this setback. A new innovation will be presented to you soon.
"Here is what I want you to do: first, hand young Tom Swift over to his escort; second, fly the Luftpirat to Sheffield for immediate repairs and re-plating; then finally, with my arranged transport, meet me at a certain forest abode. I have assembled some scientists to help you out. Bring Gregor.
"Further details will be relayed to you. Goodbye for now."
Captain Mors gave his acknowledgment then handed the radio back to its operator.
Turning Tom Swift over to his escort seemed simple enough but once Tarzan and Irma brought him aboard the Luftpirat he was captivated by the marvelous engineering behind it all. He had correctly ascertained the function of each device on the flight deck, then, while all heads were turned during M's communication he slipped away to get a good look at the engines.
The young inventor had designed and constructed a few airships himself, so if he could understand just half the science behind the Luftpirat then he could surpass all previous designs and those of his rivals. A new sense of wonder overcame him when he entered the engine room. Pistons and turbines was the expected sight but what he saw was beyond comprehension. Something akin to electricity passed between terminals and along cables.
This sight made Tom feel like an amateur, until he realised that this construct included extra-terrestrial components that no-one on Earth could copy except Captain Mors.
A crewman assigned to engine maintenance approached Tom. He was not Indian he was black; he introduced himself as Izzy Buttons a pilot and mechanic.
"Tom." Said Izzy. "Don't bother trying to understand this science. When either of us build airships in the years ahead, we will be restricted to earthly materials."
Two Indian crewmen entered the engine room and seized Tom before dragging him kicking and screaming to the front gallery and Captain Mors.
"I see you are taking a very keen interest in my ship Tom." Said Mors. "It is a pity that your visit here must end so soon. We must hand you over to the escort you left behind. They are beneath us now."
Biggles came in just as Mors returned to the control room. The pilot was smeared with smoke and coughed relentlessly, his movement was sluggish revealing he should be in a hospital.
"Greetings Tom." He managed to say through his coughs. "This ship will not be landing. You will be carried down to the road by my friend here."
When Tom saw Gregor Samsa enter the gallery he wanted to run, but the two Indian crewman maintained their strong grip on his shoulders.
"Tom, you are in no danger." Coughed out Biggles. "This is Gregor. He lifted me out of my burning plane to safety. He will carry you safely to Earth.
"Show him Gregor." The giant insect wrapped his limbs around the pilot's torso and lifted him as he sprouted wings from his exoskeleton and hovered six feet in the air. A few seconds later Biggles was returned to the deck.
Captain Brieux opened a trap door with nothing but extreme height below it.
"Goodbye Tom and good luck with the great war tank." Coughed out Biggles.
The young American winced when he found himself in the giant insect's clutches. His discomfort became horror when the winged monstrosity flew out the trap door to the dizzying heights. Within ten seconds of flight, Tom's fear became a marvelous thrill that no Coney Island ride could match. A cowboy like shrill of exaltation blared from his throat.
When the flight ended with his feet on the road, Tom faced the armoured flier.
"That was awesome Gregor. Can we do that again."
Gregor gave a gesture of negative and of sorry. The insect man sprouted his wings and flew back up towards the Luftpirat.
Two cars arrived on the scene minutes later, they were the escort that Tom recklessly left behind. An enraged Clayton Andrews got up off his seat to face him.