johnnyjet
Western PA High Tech Country Boy
Here's my first 600 or so words from my first ever attempt at a steampunk story. My personal feelings are that it doesn't have enough Victorian atmosphere & that it may not be "steampunkish" enough. I will happily take any and all critiques no matter how severe. Thanks in advance!
In the Hot Mists
It was the best and wildest of times; it was the worst and craziest of times. Steamships filled the river like water lilies and steam-powered air ships filled the sky like an explosion of hot air balloons escaping into the atmosphere. The beginning of the Tenth Annual World Steam and Technology Convention, held near Tilbury, England this year, seventy-five kilometers east of London in a spacious grounds along the River Thames, was most auspicious and wondrous, in a year when the usage of steam-powered ships worldwide accelerated at its most rapid pace yet.
"Steamships aren't just for rivers and seas anymore," thought Andrew Marley as he watched the impressive spectacle in the sky from the watchtower. There had to be at least twenty steam-powered air ships in the sky all at once, all different shapes and sizes, some plain, some ornate, some quite grotesque and complex, all spouting jets of steam from a wide variety of orifices. The scene gave him the impression of ethereal dancers gracefully carving their choreography in the sky.
Andrew was one of the co-founders of this event which has grown steadily over the years since its modest beginning with only a handful of simple steam-powered ships and dirigibles. He was old enough to remember when steam power became more than simply a lone inventor's dream and began proliferating rapidly in industrial and land travel applications, most notably locomotives and automobiles. Now steam power was everywhere, from toy engines to water and air ships, from every kind of industrial and home use and new research and development every year.
He was proud to be at the forefront of this rapidly growing technology. Tall and intimidating, Andrew Marley had a full head of pure white hair and a face that was a portrait of a well-respected and honorable man. He did have his personal shortcomings, like any man, but only his closest acquaintances were aware of those. He always put forth his calm countenance and generous spirit to public scrutiny.
As he reviewed the official convention guest list and schedule of events, he realized that two air ships were missing from the Opening Ceremony. In short order he determined who were missing: Benjamin Bradshaw and Abigail Meany.
Of course one was a woman! No further explanation was necessary. However, Benjamin Bradshaw surprised him. He was the well-known chairman of one of the oldest steam manufacturers in the United States. Why would he not want to participate in this experience? Abigail was probably afraid of being in the sky with so many other air ships, but Benjamin wouldn't have that concern. What other reason could there be?
He checked his pocket watch.
It was time to head down to the main air ship hangar. An introductory meeting with the participants was next on his agenda.
#
Andrew leaned on the podium and looked out over the crowd that had gathered in front of him. His assistant, young Timothy Tyler, fair-haired and scrawny with wire-rimmed spectacles, rushed up and handed him a sheaf of papers.
Timothy said, "One guest has not yet arrived, sir."
"Missing or late?"
"We don't know. No one has heard from her."
Her? Another woman trying to take on a man's role? What was this world coming to?
"Her name is Kerry Stephenson, sir. She's the daughter of a railroad magnate."
Damnation, Kerry! Always the adventurous spirit! When did she decide to pilot an air ship?
"I know her very well. It's not like her to be late. Make some calls and quickly, Timothy."
"Yes, sir."
"Go now. I'll get the festivities started."
Damnation, Kerry! Why do you always make me mad as a hatter?
In the Hot Mists
It was the best and wildest of times; it was the worst and craziest of times. Steamships filled the river like water lilies and steam-powered air ships filled the sky like an explosion of hot air balloons escaping into the atmosphere. The beginning of the Tenth Annual World Steam and Technology Convention, held near Tilbury, England this year, seventy-five kilometers east of London in a spacious grounds along the River Thames, was most auspicious and wondrous, in a year when the usage of steam-powered ships worldwide accelerated at its most rapid pace yet.
"Steamships aren't just for rivers and seas anymore," thought Andrew Marley as he watched the impressive spectacle in the sky from the watchtower. There had to be at least twenty steam-powered air ships in the sky all at once, all different shapes and sizes, some plain, some ornate, some quite grotesque and complex, all spouting jets of steam from a wide variety of orifices. The scene gave him the impression of ethereal dancers gracefully carving their choreography in the sky.
Andrew was one of the co-founders of this event which has grown steadily over the years since its modest beginning with only a handful of simple steam-powered ships and dirigibles. He was old enough to remember when steam power became more than simply a lone inventor's dream and began proliferating rapidly in industrial and land travel applications, most notably locomotives and automobiles. Now steam power was everywhere, from toy engines to water and air ships, from every kind of industrial and home use and new research and development every year.
He was proud to be at the forefront of this rapidly growing technology. Tall and intimidating, Andrew Marley had a full head of pure white hair and a face that was a portrait of a well-respected and honorable man. He did have his personal shortcomings, like any man, but only his closest acquaintances were aware of those. He always put forth his calm countenance and generous spirit to public scrutiny.
As he reviewed the official convention guest list and schedule of events, he realized that two air ships were missing from the Opening Ceremony. In short order he determined who were missing: Benjamin Bradshaw and Abigail Meany.
Of course one was a woman! No further explanation was necessary. However, Benjamin Bradshaw surprised him. He was the well-known chairman of one of the oldest steam manufacturers in the United States. Why would he not want to participate in this experience? Abigail was probably afraid of being in the sky with so many other air ships, but Benjamin wouldn't have that concern. What other reason could there be?
He checked his pocket watch.
It was time to head down to the main air ship hangar. An introductory meeting with the participants was next on his agenda.
#
Andrew leaned on the podium and looked out over the crowd that had gathered in front of him. His assistant, young Timothy Tyler, fair-haired and scrawny with wire-rimmed spectacles, rushed up and handed him a sheaf of papers.
Timothy said, "One guest has not yet arrived, sir."
"Missing or late?"
"We don't know. No one has heard from her."
Her? Another woman trying to take on a man's role? What was this world coming to?
"Her name is Kerry Stephenson, sir. She's the daughter of a railroad magnate."
Damnation, Kerry! Always the adventurous spirit! When did she decide to pilot an air ship?
"I know her very well. It's not like her to be late. Make some calls and quickly, Timothy."
"Yes, sir."
"Go now. I'll get the festivities started."
Damnation, Kerry! Why do you always make me mad as a hatter?
