The Wings of Mercury - Chapter 4

Ky was again in his quarters, writing out endless stacks of instructions. It had been years since he’d done this, since well before the end of the war with Carthage, and he forgot how tedious the process of transferring all of the knowledge Sophus could give him onto paper could be. It was also a stark realization of how much they had slowed innovation over the last five years, that he hadn’t written this many technical documents in all that time.

He’d done some, as they hadn’t stopped advancing altogether, but they’d definitely slowed. He kept reasoning with himself why that had been necessary and the right call, but part of him couldn’t help but feel he’d become complacent in peace.

He was pulled from his thoughts when the door to their quarters opened and a very tired Lucilla walked in.

“You look exhausted,” Ky said, setting the pen down.

“I am,” she said, flopping onto the short and thin couches still all the rage in Rome. “I’ve been in meetings nonstop for what feels like a month. I swear to the gods, everyone is so concerned with tiny perceived slights and petty squabbles, they’d rather be swallowed whole than put that aside and look to a real threat.”

“For many of them, I’m not sure this is real yet. Port Amicitiae is far away, something easily put out of mind. That goes doubly for our allies, who had no investment and didn’t see the value of having a position so far from the continent.”

“And yet, it seems obvious that this is just the beginning.”

“Which is all the more reason for people to put their heads in the sand and pretend everything’s fine. I assume you just finished a meeting with someone like that?”

“I did. The Greeks are maddening. They are on the very edge of Asia, and will be the first to feel the effects, and yet they push back at all but the most basic treaties. And that’s with each of them, since none of the fools want to come together and form any kind of single whole, despite what they have in common. Still, I do have some good news.”

“About the Greeks?”

“No, but I’ve managed to arrange the summit we discussed in Eastern Gaul in two weeks with most of our allies. I think I’m going to propose the western alliance, like we talked about, and a unified military.”

“It is known that they supplied cannons to the Carthaginians and gunpowder well before that, making it a likely supposition that they will have progressed as far as muskets, at a minimum. The commander’s forces found salvaged Britannian weapons in Carthage when they entered the city, which leads to a high probability that the Carthaginians shared some of the weapons they captured with these agents from the east. Considering they were able to create a form of cannon and black powder, it is possible they would be able to reverse engineer some of the advancements demonstrated in the captured weaponry,” Sophus offered.

“Do you think they’ll go for it, though?” Ky asked.

“I think so. I don’t know, I hope so. Some are on the fence, but Germania and Gaul’s representatives said they think their leaders would agree. The representative from Hispania seemed receptive too.”

“But not the Greeks or the Egyptians,” Ky said, as a statement and not a question.

“They are resistant.”

“But they’re the ones who need this the most. They’re closest to the easterners. If anyone comes into contact with them first, it’ll be the Greeks or the Egyptians.”

“I agree,” Lucilla said. “I’ve made that argument to them, and I’ll continue trying, but both are stubborn and independent. Same with the Scandi, although I think they’re softening. It helps we’re the bulk of their supply trade and if the alliance forms, everyone they trade with will be in the alliance. Once I get the Germanics and Gauls on board, I can enlist their help in exerting pressure on the Scandi.”

“Good. I can feel things starting to pick up out there. I know it won’t be long until the Easterners stop picking at the edges and come for us directly. But we’re going to need more than just manpower. What won the war with Carthage was our technological advantage, and we need to get that again, and the only way that happens is if I’m here with Hortensius and the rest. This meeting, summit thing you have set up in Gaul. That’s more your area, diplomacy and hand holding people to the obvious decisions, and it was never my area of specialty. I think I would be better served staying here than going with you, to ensure we get the new weapons off the ground.”

“No. It’s critical that you go. If we’re going to build this alliance, and especially if we’re going to create a combined army, it needs to be done closer to where the conflict is happening. And it’s critical that you’re there. Everyone, even our allies, know that you’re the center of our technological advantage, and they need to hear that we aren’t going to fall behind. Besides, the Gauls and Germanics love you, more than me. If we’re going to get them to agree to put all of their warriors under arms and under our leadership, we need to reassure them that they’re not going to be used as … what was the word you used? Cannon fodder. They need to feel like they’re part of the overall strategy, not just pieces we’re moving around a board. And they’ll only believe it if you tell them it’s so.”

“They hold you in pretty high regard too.”

“Maybe, but comparing the two of us, it’s not even close. You also have to look at how these new weapons will change how we operate. You, yourself, said that it might end up creating yet another new way to go to war. We can’t train the armies here. They’re too far from where the fight would happen and I’m not sure our islands can support the kind of numbers this war is going to take. We’re going to have to have room to really do that, which means Gaul or Germania. Probably Germania, considering it’s close enough to Sarmatia and Greece to allow you to respond when the easterners do appear. I’ll be here, because we’re going to be asking a lot of our own people once this starts, and there’s still some fatigue from the last war. We’ll have the telegraph and you and I can communicate. I’m confident Sophus and I will muddle through and get the weapons you two decided on produced.”

“Lucilla is correct. I believe we will be effective without your guidance,” Sophus added.

“I’m not doubting you. Either of you. Fine, I’ll go.”

“Isn’t it easier when you just agree with me up front?” Lucilla said.

“Apparently. If we’re going to train in Germania, I’ll talk to Bomilcar and have him prepare the bulk of the legions to travel once we’ve identified and set up the training grounds. Assuming everyone goes for the alliance, of course.”

“They will. They have to.”

A coo from the crib in the corner drew Ky’s attention as their child woke up from his nap. “I will miss Titus, though. I’ve never been away from him for more than a day since he was born.”

“I know. It will be hard, but he’s strong, like his father. Besides, I was raised much of my life with tutors and nannies, while my father tried to hold the empire together. He will adjust, I promise. Besides, I will be here with him.”

“Which doesn’t help me missing him.”

“I know, but you’ll adjust. Maybe we’ll see if I can put the earpiece in his little ear, let him talk to his father. Besides, maybe there won’t be war, we’re overreacting, and this will all be short-lived.”

“Maybe,” Ky said, but his tone lacked conviction.

He knew better. War was coming, and no matter how much he wished it, he couldn’t protect his son from everything. Which meant he needed to go and fight all the more, to make sure Titus had a future to grow up in.

***

“Get this to the telegraph office immediately,” Valdar said, handing a slip of paper to the messenger, who saluted and ran off the ship and toward the dock telegraph office.

The message was an order to send messenger ships to half the combat vessels in the middle sea, ordering them to gather at Port Kalb and lay in supplies for a long voyage. After reading the full report from the ships that escaped Port Amicitiae, I wanted to bring every ship in the Britannian fleet. The report claimed they had dozens of ships, which put them at a third of Valdar’s entire Navy. And they had cannons.

He wanted … needed, numbers to make sure he did the job, but he had to leave some on patrol. The middle sea might have been small in comparison to Oceanus, but it was still huge. Aside from pirates, which would always be a problem, it was always possible the easterners might make their way overland, get ahold of some ships, and start making problems in the middle sea. Depending on how far they chased their ships, and if it was a diversion or not, he might not be able to get back in time for requests for help. Which meant leaving ships behind.

“Start loading supplies, as much as we and every ship in harbor or coming in now can carry. Any additional cannons unassigned to active ships, as much gunpowder and shot as you can load, food, and the rest. Pack us to the gills.”

“Sir, we headed somewhere?” his first mate asked as dock workers began carrying supplies aboard the ship.

“Port Vikhavn, on the west coast of Africa. We need to reinforce their defenses, especially their cannons. It’s the most logical place for the enemy fleet to go next, and I want them to break across its teeth.”

“Do we have enough ships? I read the report …” his first mate trailed off, his conclusion obvious.

“We don’t have a choice. We’ll take as many as we can. Let’s get going. I want to sail before dark.”

The man saluted and ran off to begin his task as Valdar paced the deck, giving out orders and sending signals to ships still coming in, instructing them on loading and their responsibilities on the long voyage south.

Two hours passed as goods were loaded onto the ships, Valdar pleased with how diligently his people worked, knowing the task ahead of them. As it looked like he was getting close, a commotion on the dock drew his attention.

Turning and leaning over the railing, Valdar saw the Consul and the small retinue that followed him everywhere coming down from the main thoroughfare toward his ship.

“Admiral,” Ky called out, raising a hand in greeting.

“Consul,” Valdar replied, moving for the gangplank and descending to meet him. “Come to see us off?”

“I have. This mission is crucial and I wanted you to know the level of support you have. We need to know what we’re up against and the whole empire stands behind you.”

“The men appreciate it, Consul. They will do the empire proud.”

“Your first priority is to protect the fleet. Gather intelligence on their capabilities, but avoid direct engagement unless absolutely necessary. We’re still in the dark about their true strength. Don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

“Understood,” Valdar said.

“God,” Ky said, reaching out a hand. “I’m counting on you, Admiral.”

“I’ll do my best to keep from letting you down,” Valdar said, shaking the offered hand.

“I know you won’t. Safe journey, my friend. May the winds be at your back.”

With a final nod, Ky turned and walked back down the dock, his lictors falling into step behind him. Valdar watched him go, the weight of his mission settling on his shoulders.

“All right, you lot!” he shouted to his crew. “Double-time on those supplies! I want to cast off within the hour!”

As the last supplies were loaded, Vladar sent for all the men not on their ships to join him in front of the Bellona.

“All right, you lot! Listen up!” Valdar shouted as they milled about on the dock, waiting for their next orders. “I’m sure you all heard the news by now, about the attack on Port Amicitiae. Today, we go to avenge our fallen brothers. This isn’t a fleet of war and our orders are to avoid loss if at all possible, but I won’t lie to you, this will be a dangerous journey. Our biggest goal is to ensure Port Vikhavn doesn’t suffer the same fate, and then to find out everything we can about the enemy. I’ve promised the Consul that we will complete this mission. I made this promise, sure in the knowledge that you would not let me down. That together we can accomplish our mission, learn what we need to know about the enemy, and prepare our people to defend themselves. This is our duty. It’s our duty to protect Britannia, it’s our duty to protect our families. And, it’s our duty to defend our way of life. And we will do our duty. I’m counting on you, every single one of you. Now, get to your ships. I want to sail out of harbor while the light is still with us. May the gods bless you and long live Britannia.”

“Britannia,” the soldiers cheered.

He waved them off, the men starting to move to their various ships, finding their stations.

“Now let’s hope that wasn’t just wishful thinking,” Valdar said to himself as he watched them.

***

Factorium

Ky and Lucilla stepped out of the train car and onto the platform, back in Factorium. It seemed to Ky that the air here was a little darker and smokier than the last time, and he knew it was only going to get worse.

For now, there was no choice but to make progress towards real electricity and away from mounds of coal to operate hundreds of smaller steam engines. Even if they could get to one large coal-fired turbine and a rudimentary electricity grid, it would be better than this, since fission power plants were off the table. Maybe hydro-electric, although it would have to be something simpler than even the large ocean-based generators used before the first fission plant came around.

That, however, was a problem for the future. For now, they needed all resources focused on what he was positive was going to be war, maybe a larger war than the one with Carthage.

Hortensius was waiting for them on the platform as they arrived, bowing deeply as Lucilla exited the train first, as was proper.

“Your Majesty! Consul! Thank you for coming.”

“I’m always happy to see you, my friend,” Lucilla said, taking his hand. “Besides, we wanted to see you before we left for Gaul.”

“Of course. Of course. Although the Consul should think about renting permanent lodgings, with how frequently he’s been here.”

“It feels that way sometimes. Thankfully, with the train, we don’t have to spend half a day on horseback. So it’s not that big of a burden. Let’s head to your offices. I have a lot to show you, and they’re holding this train for us to make the journey to Londinium,” Ky said, pointing at the messenger bag being carried by one of his Lictores.

“Certainly,” Hortensius said, waving them to follow after him.

Hortensius led them to the largest of the factories, navigating between workers heading in every direction. In spite of how many times Ky had come to this factory, his Lictore were on edge with how many men were close to their charge, between them and him.

Not that they could protect Ky better than he could himself, but they took their job very seriously.

Hortensius called out greetings and instructions as they walked, unable to stop himself from making corrections to everything he saw being done wrong, in spite of Ky’s reminder that they were in a hurry. At the far end of the factory, Hortensius opened a sturdy door leading into his cluttered office, with stacks of papers and even a few books, which had started being bound and printed now that paper and printing presses had become less scarce.

Ky and Lucilla’s guards closed the door behind them, handing Ky the satchel full of papers and forming a wall between the office and their leaders, leaving Ky, Lucilla, and Hortensius to confer in peace.

Ky pulled out a stack of papers from the back and handed it across to the manufacturer. “I know I’ve given you a bunch of priorities, but this one needs to move up to the top of your list.”

“A spindle?”

“Fuse, not Fusus, but they are similar words, if not meaning. Turn to the next set of pages and you’ll see what they’re for.”

“Explosive shells? Clever … very clever,” he said, pausing as he sifted back and forth through the documents. “And the body of the shells themselves become a form of canister shot as they rupture.”

“Exactly. The explosion and attendant shockwave will kill those closest to the shell going off, but the shell fragments are equally as dangerous. Especially to infantry.”

“So the fuse itself is a small explosive charge?”

“Yes. Right now, it’s essentially the same charge as in the shell as a whole, especially for the timed shot. It’s pretty straightforward. It’s the impact fuse that I think will be much more tricky although you can see from the new projectile, which is designed to land point down, ensuring the impact is in the right place.”

“It looks very similar to a rifle bullet, but how reliable will this striker on impact be?”

“Not very, which is why the percussion cap is in there. It won’t be reliable either, since it has to be very small to keep from being dangerous in transit, but the two together should give us enough reliability for maybe four out of five. I hope. We can replace that with fused shells if possible, which will work somewhat against armies, but less well for fast-moving targets like cavalry or ships.”

“Yes. I can see that. You say there’s something more reliable than that though.”

“Yes, but we’re not there yet. I actually have something for that, but it’s one step in a long process and we won’t see that for at least a year. Maybe two. But we’ll get to that in a moment.”

“Sure.”

“For testing, use the howitzers. It’s really what they were designed for, since they lob the shell in an arc, which the shell design helps with, so that the shell plunges down into the ground. Out of a standard cannon, they might bury themselves as much as they impact and not go off. I got the design of that going during the end of the war, but then our priorities changed, so I didn’t do this part of the overall design.”

“Still, it means we already have that designed, so we’re one step closer.”

“An excellent point. I want these to be your top priority, but it’s going to need good testing. The last thing we want is these going off in the tubes. That means testing the shell, to make sure they are thin enough to burst on impact, but not so thin that they burst in the tubes. I have some notes on page twelve about shell design that should get you in the right direction.”

“I’ll make a note,” Hortensius said, doing literally that on page twelve.

“Speaking of the more stable explosives, I know Sorantius is busy at the moment, but this is low priority, so I just want to pass it along. We do need to work on it, but he has things that are higher on his list at the moment.”

“Can you give me a hint as to what it is?”

“It’s a sub-component of a much more advanced form of gunpowder that will have good advantages, but there are many steps between where we are and there. It’s called nitrocellulose. Make sure Sorantius knows to only work on it when he has time.”

“Will do.”

“Lastly, there’s this for you. Again, this is not a top priority because it is going to be used for an updated firearm platform. They won’t be needed until we get there, but once we do, we’re going to need millions of them, so the sooner we can get them in production, the better.”

“This is going to be a lot of metal.”

“It is, but look at the new press. The metal is a lot thinner than we use for other things, which is what this press does, getting an even, thin casing. The important part is the built-in primer on the bottom, which allows us to save a step of a separate primer cap. But right now, this won’t help us, as I said, so as you have the manpower and time to work on it.”

“This is very interesting, especially this press, but I understand where the priorities are. Unless I run into issues, I think I might be able to have some working prototypes of the fuses ready for testing within a few months.”

“Excellent,” Ky said. “Lucilla and I will be staying in a village with a telegraph line while we’re in Gaul. If you need anything, we’ll be reachable, and Lucilla should be back in a few weeks to see how things are coming along and provide any assistance you might need.”

“Your help is always appreciated, Your Majesty,” Hortensius said with a slight bow.

Lucilla shook her head as Ky smothered a laugh. It had become something of a running joke between the three that Hortensius knew, but never directly said, that the technical information provided by Lucilla had come from Ky. Of course, he didn’t know it had actually come from the AI in Ky’s head. For someone living in a time before electricity, let alone computers and artificial intelligences, it was a close enough guess.

“Let us know if you have any problems. Now, we should be going. The train won’t wait forever, and we still need to get to Londinium.”

“Certainly,” Hortensius said, standing and leading them back out of the office and through the factory floor.

Workers paused in their tasks, bowing their heads respectfully as the Empress and Consul passed. Ky acknowledged them, as they always did. Besides good and dutiful citizens, the men and women working in the factories were every bit credited with the victories the empire won as the legions were.

Hortensius paused at the factory entrance, clearly wanting to get started on the new designs over accompanying the group back to the train. “Safe travels to you both. I hope the summit is productive.”

“Thank you, my friend,” Lucilla said, clasping his hand.

With final farewells, Ky and Lucilla departed the factory, their guards falling into step around them, the train whistle sounding in the distance.

Next stop. Gaul.