Steven D. Brewer 🏳️‍⚧️19h ago
As Will sprinted, he saw the looming bulk of a gray airship staked down in the landing field. A trio of figures approached the ramp: two taller men on either side and one shorter in between that hand-walked using arm-crutches. He heard a cry of alarm from the airship and the two taller figures spun and spotted him. He put on a desperate burst of speed. (1/5) #wss366
Show threadSteven D. Brewer 🏳️‍⚧️19h ago
The two men on either side of the Professor grasped his arms and tried to hoist him up to hustle him onto the airship. When they did, he thrust his arm crutches against their feet. In seconds, they had collapsed on either side of him. But a flood of additional men ran down the ramp just as Will arrived. Two of them grabbed the Professor.
"Loose the lines," the captain of the airship yelled.
Two men ran fore and aft while the others arrayed themselves at the base of the ramp. (2/5) #wss366
Show threadSteven D. Brewer 🏳️‍⚧️19h ago
Towlines stabbed out as the men released the lines holding down the airship.
"Take her up!" the captain yelled. The towlines shifted and airship began to rise.
Will skidded to a stop then gestured. New towlines appeared fore and aft that slammed the airship back down to the ground.
There was consternation among the crew.
"Get him!" ordered the captain. (3/5) #wss366
Show threadSteven D. Brewer 🏳️‍⚧️
The three men at the ramp charged forward, blades drawn. But Grip arrived at that moment and took up a position in front of Will. In moments, with quick thrusts, he put two of the men on the ground and began to drive other back up the ramp. In moments, he too fell, then Grip and Will stepped forward.
The Professor, an older man, with a large, thick beard and wild gray hair, appeared at the top of the ramp and began to hand-walk down.
"Professor Grexin?" Will asked. (4/5) #wss366
Apr 2 at 1:48amWeb
Show threadSteven D. Brewer 🏳️‍⚧️19h ago
"Took you long enough," he grumbled. "They tried to #fool me by claiming to be pirates. But I know soldiers when I see 'em."
"Shall we talk business, then?" Will said, as they strolled down the ramp. Grip backed down the ramp keeping guard with his sword drawn. No one emerged from the airship to challenge them.
Once they had left the ramp, Will dropped his towlines and the airship lifted off.
"Hmph," grumbled the Professor. "Let me see your airship first." (5/5) #wss366