Alex in Wunderstrande: The Clairvoyance Clock [BOOK ONE]

Chapter XIV: On Matters of Loyalty

"You should have seen his face!"

I scowled, pulling off my mask, cloak and vest as Jayce recounted the entire Dirigibourne performance to Morris and Clement. The play's finale seemed to be her absolute favorite, as well as everyone else's, based on their laughter. Imogen giggled along with them, but lacked the gusto she normally exhibited. She seemed upset for some reason. I had no idea why.

Morris and Clement eventually made their way back to the cockpit, but Lucian, Sheridan, Mechanical Man, and Jayce continued to discuss our success with the Dirigibourne crowd.

"The old barterer at the airship parts booth said he wished we could stay longer," Lucian remarked, lounging back comfortably in one of the cushioned chairs near the panoramic windows. "He enjoys live performances like that. Wants to see more, apparently."

"Of course he does," Jayce guffawed. "I'd wager he probably wants to see less of you guys and more of Imogen, if you catch my drift. Sorry, sweetheart," she said, patting her on the shoulder. "It's the truth with those riff-raff."

"Oh, dear," murmured Imogen. Her cheeks flushed a rosy shade of red.

Had she always looked that adorable when she became embarrassed? I mentally scolded myself for even seeing her through that lens. Whatever had happened back in Dirigibourne had unknowingly transformed me into some sort of lovesick fool.

"Don't you worry, Miss Imogen, I'd never let that happen," Mechanical Man assured her. "We oppressed, second-rate citizens need to stick together."

"Women are not second-rate citizens," Imogen protested, folding her arms. "We have just as many rights as men."

"Maybe in Lancaster, but not everywhere else," Jayce muttered.

"Women are entirely different from cyborgs," Imogen persisted. "We're completely human. Cyborgs are practically robots, half-human."

Mechanical Man shook his head, an amused grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Miss Imogen, you have much to learn about the world."

"He's right," said Lucian kindly. "Just because they require machinery to survive doesn't make them any less of a being."

"Say, did we happen to buy any ale?" Jayce asked, instantly changing the topic. "I'm dying of thirst."

"Way ahead of you," Lucian smiled at his daughter. "Sheridan, would you mind helping me carry that barrel up here?"

Tired of their banter—and the awkwardness that came along with every glance toward Imogen—I meandered down the hall toward the water closet. All the while, I couldn't stop thinking about the rush of emotions, feelings—whatever they were—when I had kissed her. The confliction within drove me mad. Of course I wasn't romantically interested in her. Was I? What would Stanley think?