Saint Anna's Emerald: Asserting Dominance

            Flint was standing outside above the bridge, the cool breeze wiping at the sweat. He refused to take off his leather coat. His hat had to be firmly pulled down and the brim tucked lower over his eyes so it would not be lost in the wind. Looking through his Goggles he could see that they were getting closer to Saint Anna, Mexico. The Mexican landscape was beginning to give way to forests and jungles.

            The Scorpios chugged on, its massive legs thundering into the landscape with every step, the reverberations being felt through the ship. At these speeds it was tough to dampen the steps. The Scorpios was able to go pretty quickly, and Flint didn’t have much call or opportunity to open her up sometimes.

            The observatory door opened behind him, and Flint turned to see who was climbing up. First was Flint’s current Quartermaster, an Irishman who spoke several languages and was elected by the crew a few months earlier. The person who he helped up the ladder, though, was that woman. Amelia Turnbuckle.

            “Don’t you and your cohorts have some scheming to do?” Asked Flint.

            “Actually, I need to talk with you,” she said, refusing help from the Quartermaster and pulling herself up onto the deck.

            He skirts and hair immediately picked up the wind. She reached for the small hat she wore but it had already blown off in the breeze. The Quartermaster had dived after it, and chased it down the ship. Flint chuckled, knowing he’d never catch it.

            Amelia, however, ignored it and walked to flint.

            “Your hat?” she asked, first.

            “Is used to it, and will be fine,” answered Flint.

            “Lieutenant Flint, we need to talk. Discuss the… particulars of the plan,” she said.

            “Go for it,” said Flint.

            “Now, the Emerald has been held in a plot of holy ground for some time,” She began, “Said to be buried with Saint Anna, even though we know Saint Anna was moved a few years later to prevent the mix with the local culture.”

            “Weird,” said Flint, shrugging, “Didn’t work.”

            “No, it did not,” said Turnbuckle, “She was buried in a local temple. The temple is more of a crypt now. The newer temples and churches have been built closer to the town, but this old temple is still referred to as ‘the temple’ and it is still a highly guarded landmark to the people.”

            “A Crypt, huh?”

            “It is customary to burry those around or near the temple. Very important figures get the honor of being buried within the temple itself,” Turnbuckle took out a cigarette and attempted to light it, “The Europeans were so distracted with trying to remove her body with their lives they left behind a majority of her artifacts, including the emerald.”

            “So what’s so important about this Emerald?” asked Flint, stroking his chin, “You said it had special properties.”

            “Saint Anna had the wonderful ability to arouse a crowd,” said Turnbuckle, “The Ministry believes that she also used it to gain power. She performed amazing miracles, mostly in uniting the local tribes and settlers against the invading armies of the North. Rumor has it that Emerald she used early in her life to either persuade people into believing her words or allowing her to know what was going on in other’s minds.”

            “What? That sounds ridiculous,” Flint looked into her eyes for the first time, “What is that, some sort of magic or something? Lunacy.”

            “We don’t think so,” Turnbuckle smiled, “And if you’ve seen what I have seen you’d know that there is more to our world then science and religion, and there’s more to magic then waving a wand and a few magic words.”

            Flint cocked an eyebrow, and leaned against one of the metal railings that lined the uppermost deck, “So, dear lady, who are ‘we’? What is this ministry?”

            Her eyes glinted and the corner of one mouth almost bent upwards, “You wish I could tell you. The Ministry isn’t in the business of telling everyone everything. Just know we get interested in specialized phenomenon and we investigate and react accordingly.”

            “Under whose authority?” asked Flint.

            “You will find, Lieutenant, that there are many who work outside of authority,” said Turnbuckle, “Ministries, Societies, Organizations, and Brotherhoods line our world.”

            “Right, got it, whatever,” Flint rolled his eyes and looked in the distance, “Is that it, there?”

            Turnbuckle took out a small box from her belt and opening it revealed tiny binoculars. Looking through them, she smiled.

            “We’re early,” she said, “Way to go, Lieutenant.”

            “The Scorpios surprises like that,” smiled Flint, “That dense jungle is out target?”

            “Yes, hidden in the trees is the old temple,” said Turnbuckle, “You can see the town over there. Just make your ship look menacing or something and we’ll get into the jungle, get into the temple, and get out.”

            “I’ll alert my men in case of a fight,” said Flint, turning to the hatch where a defeated Quartermaster stood waiting, no hat in hand.

            “Don’t go looking for trouble,” Turnbuckle called out, “You’re doing your part already.”

            The Scorpios had come upon the jungle next to the small town and turned to display its array of cannons and weapons towards the town. With the legs extended, the Scorpios loomed above the tree canopy and had a clear line of sight on the town.

            Using pulleys and ladders, the Scorpios’ crew descended onto the uneven field and lightly wooded area below and began clearing away brush and setting up supplies. Some of the Scorpios’ crew headed into the jungle, weapons raised, and some spread out to create a safe perimeter around the Landship.

The Ministry wasted no time getting their boots on the ground. A Band of seven; none looking like fighters yet all brandishing weapons of various degrees, were made up of five males and two females. They were dressed fancy in expensive looking garb and wore elaborate machines on their backs. The ‘leader’, if you could say that, appeared to give Amelia Turnbuckle the pleasure of being the ambassador for them to the Lieutenant. All of the others kept to themselves in their rooms or on the bridge.

The only other one the Lieutenant had met and spoken to was the leader, Doctor William Lorsdale from New York. Lorsdale was a very proper man, but kept to himself. He was interested in conversing in facts. He was a tall, skinny gentlemen with a large Walrus mustache that was black. His clothing was very fine, and he wore a tall top hat.

It was he who was readying the Ministry for the trek into the jungle when a convoy of motorized carriages, horse drawn carriages, and horse riders pulled up. The perimeter guards tensed, and everyone who could see them from their position tensed as well. A Mexican man got out of one of the Carriages and raised his hands. He pointed to the Ministry. He began talking in the broken Spanish the Mexicans had adopted. One of the Ministry began talking back, sounding rather harsh to Flint’s ears. A lot of pointing and shouting led them to gesturing to an empty carriage.

“They want us to meet with him,” said Turnbuckle, smiling and patting Flint on the back, “The ship is doing its part. Stay here and be intimidating and a small party of ours shall head into town with them and see what they want.”

“You know what? I think I should go,” smiled Flint, “You guys are my paycheck, aren’t you? I would hate for anything to happen.”

“The Ministry can handle its self, Lieutenant,” said Turnbuckle, “But your concern is noted and touching.”

“No, I’m honest,” said Flint, “I’m going. I really think I should go.”

“Lieutenant Flint, do you really-”

“I really, Miss Turnbuckle,” said Flint, “I insist.”

Turnbuckle rolled her eyes, and shot a glance at Doctor Lorsdale, who was shaking his head no just as Flint looked, where he cocked it awkwardly. Flint smiled, and it was he who patted Turnbuckle’s shoulder.

“Insisted,” smiled Flint, “This is happening.”

“I am highly against this, Lieutenant.”

“Noted,” said Flint, “Get your small team together and let’s go.”

Flint was sure to walk past Lorsdale and tip his hat. Turnbuckle gave a loud, audible sigh before taking off her equipment and leaving it with the others.

Into the town of Saint Anna went the convoy. It was a hot and mucky ride. Doctor Lorsdale, Miss Turnbuckle, and Lieutenant Flint with two other ministry members rode in one carriage while two of Flint’s crew rode in another Carriage with some of the men who were with them. One or two of the Mexican men had pistols, one having a shotgun and two with rifles. Otherwise, the men appeared to have come unarmed.

The town looked rather normal, almost archaic. Mortar walls surrounded the small village in most places, but huts and tents leaked out and around the walls, and some areas had crumbled with time giving way to new streets and buildings leaking out. Large, old, oak doors parted to allow the convoy in.

Through the streets Flint could see that the wonder of automobiles had made it to this small town. Although they weren’t in the best condition, they still appeared to be prominent in the community. Horses and carriages, like what they were riding in, could be seen, but appeared to be falling out of use. The town didn’t appear to be in poverty, or had been in poverty; however they were definitely falling into hard time. Even though the men who were escorting the party were not considered heavily armed, all of the guards and many of the inhabitants of the town were heavily armed. There even appeared to be a few, old-fashioned, coal powered, armored walkers outfitted with modern day machine guns and shell-based cannons.

Further into Saint Anna the roads began to get blocked out. Large bunkers made of trash and rubble were manned by tough looking men with machine guns. Shops and houses began to be more  boarded up and abandoned, and then it was checkpoint after checkpoint set up.

Their journey ended at a large estate which the caravan pulled into and stopped. The doors to their Carriage were opened and they were asked to disembark. Flint was the last to step out of the Carriage, and he smiled at the group of guards that has gathered around the caravan.

They were herded up the main steps of the estate and onto the large patio, a guard awaiting the ground held out his hand. He cleared his throat and gestured to a table and two other guards sitting there.

“Weapons,” the man said, “Now.”

“We do not carry weapons,” Doctor Lorsdale said with a sneer, “We were assured we would not need them.”

“We are going to need to search you,” said the guard.

“I do not consent,” said Lorsdale, standing up straighter, “You tell your employer that I am not from around here and I am not a common crook. We are here on his request and I will not be subjected to such acts!”

“And while you’re at it,” said Flint, leaning out to be seen, “You can tell him I am armed, and I have one job with this group and I’m not going to fail it by giving up my guns.”

“No entry for you,” said the guard, “Nobody passes without a check. Orders are orders.”

A few of the other guards repositioned themselves. Some even unslung their rifles from their shoulders. Flint stood a little straighter, his arms at his side. Doctor Lorsdale shot Flint an angry look. Turnbuckles rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in upset.

The door behind the main guard opened, and two more, heavily armed and armored, guards stepped out. Between them, a man smoking a cigar strolled out and cleared his throat. The guards tensed, but their stance went more attention rather then attack-ready.

“I think we’ll be alright for a little while,” said the man, “After all, taking a few pistols and shockers away from our guests does nothing about those shiny new cannons pointing this direction.”

Lorsdale put on a smile, half bowing to the man, “I presume our host. We appreciate the invitation.”

“What’s an invitation among friends?” said the man, smiling, “Some old… and some new.”

The man pushed aside the head guard, walking passed him. He walked around Lorsdale and Turnbuckle, not even acknowledging their outstretched hands or quizzical faces. He made his way directly to Flint, who was smiling at him the whole time.

Upon reaching Flint, he made a show of reaching out his hand and smiling.

“I don’t believe we have been properly introduced,” said the man, his eyes seeming to glint, “And if we were, I’m afraid I’m just a… washed up old cowboy. I may not be good with names.”

“Lieutenant Nathaniel Flint, of the Landship Scorpios,” smiled Flint, shaking his outstretched hand with an equal amount of show, “And I do believe we have met, yes?”

“Samuel Klintock,” said the man, smiling wide, “A few years older, and eons wiser. I’m the… humble mayor of Saint Anna.”

“Mayor… use it lightly,” said Turnbuckle.

“Come, now,” smiled Klintock, spreading his hands wide, “This little, religious town was nothing. I’m thrusting them into the new age. A new way of thinking.”

“Not what we’re here for,” smiled Flint.

“That’s right,” said Klintock, leaning forward and raising his eyebrows to Flint, “Why are you here?”

“The rights to the burial grounds,” said Lorsdale, stepping up next to the pair with a stern look on his face, “I believe it is time we end negotiations and begin the demanding.”

Klintock’s eyes shifted from Flint to Lorsdale and he sneered, turned to go back into the house.

“They are to follow me, unchecked,” he told the guard, “However, be on alert for funny business.”

He walked into the estate, and the lead guard motioned for them to follow. Lorsdale shot Flint a look before turning to follow the group into the house. Turnbuckle just shook her head.

They were lead inside a large open room. A Grand staircase led up into a balcony which ran the perimeter of the room. Flint could spot doors lining the upper level, one of which shut as his eye spotted it. The room itself was wide and well lit. It appeared to have a marble floor, but where on earth they got it imported from was beyond Flint. The room didn’t appear to have matched the rest of the town, and looked newly renovated.

Klintock led them up the staircase and down a side hallway, heading towards a set of wooden double doors that opened into a large office. The group was led into the room where they could see the ornate fireplace and the large wooden desk.

“So, let’s talk about your demands,” said Klintock.

“This is our final offer,” said Lorsdale, throwing a piece of paper onto the desk, “The Ministry will not accept anything more or less. If you refuse, we WILL make our way into it regardless. I suggest you peacefully take the offer.”

Klintock pulled out the chair behind the desk and sat down, looking over the paperwork. Flint took the opportunity to approach Turnbuckle.

“Madame Turnbuckle,” he whispered, “Time your stopwatch. When I say so, wait two minute. Let me know when we’ve reached it.”

He begun to pace the room, his eyes catching Klintock’s from time to time.

“So… this is the final demand,” said Klintock, nodding, “For the rights onto the burial grounds…”

Lorsdale nodded, “Indeed.”

Klintock put down the paper and smiled, and he pointed at it, “It is very generous. Incredibly so. However… I have an interesting offer for you.”

Before Lorsdale could protest, Klintock took out some paperwork of his own and threw it onto the desk. In the mess of papers, even Flint could catch a glimpse of a picture of a Emerald and some old paperwork. Lorsdale began to look over the paperwork, before he sighed and closed his eyes in defeat. Even Turnbuckle seemed to catch the wave of disappointment.

“So… that’s your offer for the Burial Grounds,” said Klintock, “However, let’s talk about your offer for the Emerald.”

“Damn you, man,” mumbled Lorsdale.

“Because it appears you have a great interest in myths,” said Klintock, “If you would pay that much to go sight seeing how much would you pay something of worth. Of real worth?”

“We will not negotiate,” said Lorsdale, “We want to examine and assess the Emerald. We must do this.”

“Why?”

“Ministry business,” said Lorsdale.

Turnbuckle shot Flint a look. Flint was too busy receiving the one he had been shot by Klintock.

“So… this ministry hires out a ship to arrive at my front door and demand rights to desecrate a religious temple and graveyard in order to steal a priceless artifact.”

“The ministry will pay double,” said Lorsdale, his eyes showing open anger.

“Quick to double so soon? How interesting,” said Klintock, “It sounds negotiations are far from over. I have another bidder who is also interested in this artifact.”

Lorsdale was speechless. He took a visible step backward and shook his head. Turnbuckle turned to Flint again, before glaring at Klintock.

“How dare you, you have no right,” she said, “You don’t scare us.”

“And you don’t scare me,” said Klintock, directed his comment at Flint.

“Who is this bidder?” asked Lorsdale.

“I wouldn’t know,” smiled Klintock, chuckling to himself, “Not for you.”

“Then the offer is revoked,” said Lorsdale, picking up his original piece of paper and ripping it up, “We are sorry to have wasted your time and hours. We should have been inside the jungle this whole time.”

“Oh, what a shame,” said Klintock, shaking his head, “Hey, maybe I can interest you in a tour of the grounds! Why not, right? We have a lovely garden. Come now, Lieutenant Flint, come now!”

Klintock had leapt up, and was making his way back to the door, motioning the guard to open the door. Flint leaned against the fire place and examined the fire inside. Checking over his shoulder, he took out a package from his pocket and he tossed it into the fireplace.

He turned around, nodding at Turnbuckle who had watched the act. She scrambled for her watch and took it out, nodding at Flint.

The group was lead out back into the hallway, but instead of heading back down to the main room, they were lead into a small side room. The room was nothing special besides that it had double glass doors leading outside onto a small balcony. Klintock had them follow him onto the balcony and onto a fire-escape like walkway that lead down into the side of the building.

They reached the bottom and found themselves in a large patio that lead into a massive garden. Flint almost found himself impressed.

“So, how do we go from here,” said Klintock, “Do I just lay down and let you stomp across my jungle and undermine my control? Do I… beat my chest like an animal and go up against your big, bad landship?”

“We will leave, do our work, and never bother you again,” said Lorsdale, “But the Ministry has wasted enough time with you. You are adamant on impeding our progress.”

“Why have I never heard of this ‘Ministry’,” asked Klintock, “What is ‘The Ministry’?”

“None of your concern.”

“No, it is yours,” said Klintock.

They walked into the garden, where Flint could see guards were patrolling a little more heavily, many were watching the group intently.

“I have a great idea,” said Klintock, turning to the group, “How about you just stay here.”

Klintock gestured around him, and began to laugh. Flint looked around, and he took a closer look around the garden. He hadn’t noticed it before, but there were grates underneath many of the plants in the garden. Below them it looked like small cells. Flint took a step towards them.

Below the grate was a cell, and inside was a man, shriveling with hunger and starring, blankly, at the ground. Flint leapt back, looking from the cell to Klintock.

Klintock was still smiling, enjoying the looks of surprise and disgust as the others realized what was happening.

“You monster,” said Turnbuckle.

“You will not succeed,” said Lorsdale, “There is no way you can keep us here for long.”

“I am not afraid of you,” smiled Klintock, “Again, I have another bidder. A more powerful and much higher bidder. He will be here shortly.”

“You just gonna lock us up?” asked Flint.

“NO! I’m going to capture you,” said Klintock, standing up straighter, “Don’t even reach for your flare gun, Lieutenant Flint.”

“Hands,” said one of the guards.

Flint raised his hands. By this point most of the guards in the garden turned their attention on them, rifles at the ready. Turnbuckle and Lorsdale looked at one another, anger spreading between them.

“I’m going to hold you two as ransom,” said Klintock, “Once the big, bad Landship goes away, then I’ll allow you one mule between the two of you and you’ll walk into the land back North where you belong. But you!”

Klintock walked up to Flint, being sure to put his face really close to his, “You. You I’m going to kill. I’m going to beat the snot out of you. I’m going to BOIL you. I’m going to skin you alive. Then I’ll hang you as the ultimate example you are to anyone else.”

“Oh, sounds so tempting,” smiled Flint, “And here we are… getting along so well.”

“Oh, you are a bastard, boy,” said Klintock, “I’ve been waiting for my revenge for a long, long time. And now I will be able to afford every cent of it! And I have you, to boot.”

One of the guards tilted his head, and pointed to the sky. Turnbuckle looked up as well, and she cocked her head with confusion.

“Fire,” said one of the guards, pointing.

Klintock looked up at the house, and Flint did the same. A smile spread on his face and he gleamed at Klintock, who was still looking up at the estate.

Above the estate a massive cloud of red smoke was beginning to form. It drifted off into the sky, chasing after a trail of grey smoke that was turning to white mist.

“That’s not a fire,” spat Klintock, “It’s coming out of the chimney there. It’s just smoke. Thick red smoke!”

Two of the guards left to check it out, but they had barely left the garden when realization came to Klintock, who looked at Flint in surprise.

“You,” he said, pointing.

“Doctor, prepare to run,” said Flint.

“Where to?” asked Lorsdale, still eyeing the red smoke.

“Far away from the house,” said Flint.

In the distance a sound like distant thunder roared. Klintock looked off into the distance, a few of his guards doing the same thing. Over the wall of the estate they could barely see anything, but they could see black smoke trails and streaks as projectiles stormed through the air and began to bend downward. The trails dissipated but Flint could see as the shells rapidly came towards the estate.

“You bastard!”

Klintock reached for his pistol, anger streaming his face. Flint was already ahead of him, however. Pulling out his LeMat, he swung it upwards by the barrel, slamming the handle of the pistol into Klintock’s face and causing him to fall backward.

Flint took the opportunity to slam him once more, knocking him out. He had just enough time to spin his pistol around when the shells began to hit. The estate seemed to alight. The ground shook. Explosions and screams could be heard.

Behind him the house began to shake and wobble as shells slammed into the front of the estate before detonating inside. Turnbuckle grabbed one of the guards’ rifle next to her and pushed him aside. Flint cocked his LeMat and fired, killing a guard. One of the shells landed not far away. The resulting explosion sent some of the guards running, and the rest ducking down.

Flint ran forward and grabbed Turnbuckle and he shouted to Lorsdale to follow. Together they bolted through the garden as more and more shells began to fall from the sky around the estate. At the end of the garden was a guardhouse, and next to it was a large warehouse that Flint assumed was a vehicle garage. Flint ran ahead and flipped a switch on his pistol. Aiming it at the lock, he fired the shotgun and kicked in the door. He flipped the switch back to the bullets and ushered Lorsdale and Turnbuckle inside before ducking in himself.