Read 1889: Journey To The Moon (The Far Journey Chronicles) for Free Online

his back and made Ekka and Billy do the same so he could point out the trouble area. “It’s this part right here.”
    Billy said, “The part in that little hole?”
    “Yes,” Ross showed them his large hand and fingers, “I can’t get these digits in there to see if it is merely loose and can be tightened, or whether it is faulty.”
    Ekka said, “If it is faulty, what then?”
    Ross sighed, “I have to disconnect and detach the transmogrifier to replace it, then we have to calculate it, well, Koothrappally would calculate it, so that it is absolutely harmonious with the spin. If it is off even one hundredth of an inch, we cannot fly.”
    “And if it is loose?”
    “Then, hopefully, all we have to do it tighten the spindle. The transmogrifier is already in harmonious balance. Koothrappally even double checked it.”
    Billy said, “What happens if we just run this thing as it is?”
    “The transmogrifier spins at two million revolutions per minute. The friction caused by the tiniest bit of drag would heat the spindle to melting, which would collapse and drop the entire mechanism resulting in a massive explosion that would destroy the ship.”
    Billy looked at Ekka and said, “Well let’s not do that then, okay?” Ekka turned her head to the side to hide the smile.
    Ross said, “Billy, can you fit your hand and fingers in there to check it?”
    “I can try.” Billy worked his arm into position and angled his hand so the middle finger could slide in the hole. It was snug, but he got it inside. “I’m touching something in there.”
    “See if you can slide it left or right.”
    “It’s moving.”
    “Good. Now see if you can feel a bump on the surface.”
    “Yes. Is that a screw slot I’m feeling?”
    “It is, now use this driver to tighten it. Do not over tighten.”
    “How do I know when it is tight enough?”
    “Firm is all it has to be. It will naturally hold in place after that.”
    Billy took the tiny screwdriver and said, “This looks like the ones they use on eyeglasses.”
    “It is. But it works fine. Now tighten it, please.”
    Billy struggled for a while, getting cramps in his hand, but he eventually got the blade in the slot and tightened the screw. Firmly.
    Ross clapped his shoulder and said, “Nicely done, Billy.” He moved to a tool cabinet, opened it and removed a bottle of bonded whiskey, the good stuff, Billy noticed. “We should have a drink to celebrate.”
    Ekka said, “I believe so.”
    Billy said, “I’m game.”
    Ross found three coffee cups and filled them all to the brim. He said, “Salud,” and tilted the cup.
    Ekka followed suit, as did Billy.
    When they finished, Billy said, “Now that will put a rosy outlook on the rest of your day.”
    Ross said, “You and Ekka are welcome any time. You know where I keep it.”
    “Much obliged, “Billy said.
    Ekka touched Billy’s arm. “Come, we have more work to do before tomorrow night’s ascending.”
    Ekka led Billy to her bed in the sleeping quarters and pulled a slender suitcase from the small trunk beside it. As she opened it, she said, “If we are boarded by pirates, it will be hand to hand.” The suitcase contained six slender knives with etched handles and similarly filigreed scabbards. Each knife was sixteen inches long and one and one half inches wide. “These I brought from the Caucasus. They were the kinzhals of my father and brothers.” She drew one from the sheath. It was beautiful and sleek, with a straight, narrow, needle-pointed blade sharpened on both edges and a blood groove down the center on both sides. The metal shone from repeated polishing and sharpening. Ekka handed Billy the one she held.
    Billy said, “It’s a heck of a gift, your father’s knife.” He handled it with respect.
    Ekka grinned, showing her white teeth. The word radiant came to Billy’s mind. She said, “I will want it back, Billy.”
    “Oh! Well sure.”
    “It will serve you well if they board. Is your pistol