Sat, May 19 2012
In the end the Royal Navy saved the day. When Rebecca didn’t take conveyance with them and the embassy people lost sight of her and her Highland Trade helpers of the night before, everyone got suspicious.
The Secret Service agents in Alexandria knew basically were the League base was. So the Navy was dispatched with two ships of the line to chase down whatever transportation Rebecca had taken. Then when they caught word of two schooners sailing fast to the north, the Navy Captain knew they would never catch up. He would have to settle for showing up and finishing whatever the schooners started. Hopefully soon enough to save their hides...
When the Queen’s Navy showed up, one enemy schooner had already been sunk and the lost clipper was being boarded with great opposition. One ship of the line sent several volleys over the light ships bow to get everyone’s attention. Then the Captain ordered all hostilities to cease immediately over a bullhorn. With that kind of firepower trained on them even the League knew better than to try anything. The naval ships could send them to the bottom in minutes.
Despite the good news that their ship was recovered and the battle was over, the Highland Trade Company was in no position to celebrate yet. They had disobeyed the orders of the crown coming out here and were most likely to be taken to task heavily. And when the Captain of the naval vessel giving the order of surrender came aboard with his own marines to take custody of all league soldiers he made that concern a reality. He ordered all merchant captains to be held under guard too.
The Officer in charge turned out to be a crusty older man, fully appraised of the situation and fully prepared to deal with all of them. He found the Earl with sword in hand and torn coat holding the League officer under guard. He introduced himself and thanked the Naval officer for his timely arrival and assistance in his rescue. It was then explained that Andrew had been a prisoner and that the League had planned on using his company and island home in North Scotland for a new base of operations.
“That may be sir,” the captain said, “but your company was ordered to stand down and let the crown handle this matter. There will be repercussions.”
As further explanations were being offered, the dirigible seen in the skies close by lowered a platform with three people on it to the clipper’s deck. One was a gentleman; the other two were ladies. One lady in a black costume with red hair looked to be the agent Rebecca Fogg the captain had been told to look for. The other lady was dressed in a fashionable gown with her hair flowing down her back tied back with a ribbon at her neck. That lady went past her recently liberated husband, straight to the Navy Captain, and shocked all by giving the man an enthusiastic hug and kiss.
“Thank you so much sir,” Lady Mary Katharine said with great feeling! “Your timely arrival was a God sent! The agents sent to mine and my husband’s rescue arrived only in time to rescue me from that awful place. My husband was taken away by sea.”
“G… Glad to be of service My Lady,” the captain stammered. Rebecca watched with pride as Mary Katharine handled the bit of acting she had coached her on so quickly. The captain just managed to get his dignity back around him as she spoke further.
“These ships were under the authority of the agent sent to look into our vessels theft,” the Countess said indicating Rebecca. “Agent Fogg ordered them to hold the enemy ships here until you came. It seems you were a bit late,” she then added. “I do hope you won’t be taking these good people to task too much for following those orders too zealously.”
The Captain looked into her grateful soft blue eyes and melted on the deck boards like an iceberg off Bermuda. He looked to the Secret Service agent next and was given a confirming nod. The officer then decided to take this lady at her word. He could write up his log report anyway he wished.
The other naval ship headed into the League base with all canons trained. They blasted the cavern causing it to collapse on the schooner still in its harbor and any hapless League people unlucky enough to be in it. They were buried under tons of rock never to cause trouble again.
The Highland Trade Company then followed the Naval ships back to Alexandria to repair their borrowed ships and ready themselves for the journey home. And once again, it was announced, a baby was in the future for the young Scottish couple. Everyone was beside themselves with joy.
A month later, Rebecca Fogg was given a special commendation from the Queen herself over her excellent handling of such a dangerous matter. Rebecca curtsied deeply in front of her Godmother and accepted it with pride.
Phileas stood by watching with Passepartout and Jules Verne beside him during the ceremonies. His cousin had rescued him twice recently, he reflected, and rescued their friends. She deserved all the acclaim.
The End
Chapter 14 | Chapter 15