Quoted By:
"I was headed for the Admiralty myself, but... well, you saw how it was. I don't think I would know much more even if I reached it, to be frank."
"I am but a junior liaison. I am only privy to information His Lordship saw fit to pass on to me. Which wasn't much."
The Man tried to pull himself up, but felt a very sharp pain from his ribs. He grunted but decided to stay lying down.
"Well, I assure you, that is about to change, lad. What were your orders before this mess?"
"Sir, I was sent to ensure the airfleet mobilizes by any means necessary, whether by foot, wire or horse."
The Man eyed his legs, covered in debris. He sighed. It was unfair to bring this lad into it.
"Lad, would you consider yourself a man of honour?"
"Of course, Sir."
"Have you seen any fighting?"
"Aye, Sir. I was the musket-marine lieutenant on the Impervious for two years."
"Good. Very good."
The Man rubbed his chin before continuing.
"The way I see it, there are two options. Either they dig us out in time, or they don't. If they don't, well, then nothing that transpires here matters. If they do, however... Even then, a man of my age might not survive the amputation. Or indeed, survive until then."
"I have every hope you will make it, Sir."
"Hope is good. But this bloody briefcase needs delivering to certain persons of interest, and in my line of business, I must think in terms of the worst case outcomes. This matter is too important to leave to chance. I will have to put it in your charge."
"As you say, Sir. I am sure the Admiralty--"
"No, lad. This goes beyond your chain of command. It is Crown business."
"Well, I… certainly, you have the authority... I am certain the First Lord will understand."
"If he is still alive, you mean. We have no idea what is going on out there. But, that's all the more reason to deliver this handbag. War is afoot, Mister Gladston. And the contents of this briefcase are of vital importance to its outcome - if, indeed, they are not the cause".
The Lieutenant suddenly eyed the small bag with great wariness, as if it were made of spikes.
"So, that's it, then, Sir, just like that? The War is upon us?"
"Not just any war, Mister Gladston. The Great War."
