Sky Pirates

Chapter 65

Parker Greene joined in the boisterous cheer that rang through the Balsa Robin. The great ship lunged quickly toward the clouds, rocked a bit, but finally came calmly to a cruising altitude of several hundred feet. All the men and women in the captain's grand quarters fell silent. Several people cried. Parker Greene and Rifle Helms were more than a head above these people.

There was no need for an explanation of the mood. Horrific acts had been committed that day, in that very room. And, worse actions had played out over the years and years that most of these wee humans had been held captive.

Around the room hugging began. Thanks to the great Lord Parker Greene. He would be a legend now.

"No! You must never speak my name in conjunction with these actions. I am working undercover, under the cloak of secrecy. It cannot be me whose name you use." Parker Greene looked around the room and easily, by instinct pushed Rifle Helms before himself. "Mr. Helms shall receive the credit, the praise."

"No, truly Parker, you have done this."

"No, you and they have been working on your escape plan for years. If you'd known the stokers would go along—"

"No, it's more than them."

"Stop! We understand, Lord Greene. Rifle Helms shall receive full credit. And, when we meet again, which I trust we will, you and I and they will always know the truth." Samuel touched the side of his nose and gave a wink. "That shall be our symbol of good will and knowing. But, we will never speak your name. We have only given you a lift, saved you, as has Rifle Helms."

"That's it. He's saved me, too." Parker Greene took Rifle's hand and squeezed it for a long time. "So, Captain, I appoint you Captain of this mighty vessel." He turned to Samuel. "I have been waiting weeks for a proper tour of the Balsa Robin, Mr. Butler. Shall you guide me?"

"It would be a distinct honor, Lord Greene. Won't you come this way." He raised an arm and indicated the cabin door.

"Captain Helms, you'll see us safely back to England?"

"I will, my Lord. Where shall we roost?"

Parker Greene studied all the expectant faces in the room. "Well, I suspect they are from all over the nation. So, we shall land comfortably in the great field near the river in Wickwillowshire. It is in the middle of the country. There is room for those who might wish to stay on and build a life. For those who want to return to their villages and homes, we are in the near center of England and they may take train transport easily."

"Solved. Very good, sir." Captain Helms began to study the charts rolled out by the pages. "Men, you may dress as you wish. I require no costumes of you."

Samuel led Parker Greene out of the cabin for his tour of the great Balsa Robin.