Chapter 4Decoder ArmguardWherein our heroes get the message

Lakehurst Aeroport, autumn 1891:

Thirteen-year-old Isaac and eleven-year-old Amelia Griffith stared eastward into a drizzly, cloudy sky, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Uncle Adrian aboard the Airship HMS Bristol. Their parents both nervously checked the time. Anna Griffith was using her watch and Alexander Griffith was using their automaton Heathcliff Ebenezer Chadwick (everyone just called him HEC). Professor Adrian Grimmelore had been off on one of his mysterious expeditions for quite some time. The Bristol was due at 10:35 and it was already 13:23.

The Griffiths worked for DARC, the Department of Advancement, Regulation, and Control. The children knew it was very important ...

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