Journey to the Heart of Luna - Andy Frankham-Allen [63]
“Not long now, I hope,” Nathanial said.
Folkard raised an eyebrow. “One can always hope, Professor. I would ask, but I think I have reached the end of my understanding of the Russian language.”
“It would help if the man was conscious,” Nathanial pointed out.
“This is true.”
They looked down at the crumpled form of the Russian guard. Once the lift had descended out of sight, he had thought to take advantage of their distraction. Of course, what the Russian had not counted on was the fact that Folkard was well trained and could quite easily take in his surroundings and be mindful of the Russian. Nathanial had been forced out of the way, while the two men grappled for Folkard’s carbine. The Russian’s own rifle had been thrown aside before they had descended into the shaft. Nathanial admired the bravery of the Russians, but such bravery stood for naught when brought against someone like Captain Folkard.
The captain made short work of rendering him unconscious.
Nathanial peered down the small gap between the shaft and the platform. “Ah, I see light. We must almost be at the bottom.”
“Excellent, and hopefully some answers.”
“What of our captive? We cannot leave him here. If he comes to while we are away he will surely alert others.”
Folkard glanced up. “What others, Professor? I believe K’chuk has things well in hand above, and add to that the imminent arrival of the Major Larkins’ Royal Marine compliment from the Sovereign. Then, of course, we also have Lieutenant Bedford. I daresay he will soon be throwing himself into the fray up there.”
“Assuming they live,” Nathanial pointed out. “After all, we did leave the lieutenant and their team with a limited supply of oxygen.”
Folkard frowned. “We did,” he said slowly. “I…” He shook his head. “Lieutenant Bedford is a resourceful chap, I am certain he would find a solution.”
Once again Nathanial was not so certain, and once again it was not his place to question the orders of Folkard. Although it did trouble him the apparent disregard Folkard had shown for the away team’s wellbeing. In Nathanial’s mind it was clear that both Annabelle and Erasmus had met a similar grisly fate on the lunar surface. “I must say, Captain,” Nathanial decided upon, “you have remarkable faith in a crew you barely know.”
Folkard chuckled. “Barely know? I suppose that is, in part, true. I have familiarised myself with the files of every crew member on the Sovereign, Professor. I am aware of their capabilities, and their weaknesses. If I did not think they were up to the task, I would not have approved their appointment on my ship.”
“Including Mister Stevenson?” Nathanial said, in what he hoped was a neutral tone.
“Quite so. Ordinary Seaman Erasmus Stevenson, eighteen years of age, born in Dulwich, raised in Perivale village. He has served on three frigates in the last eighteen months, before I requested his posting on the Sovereign.”
“You requested him?”
“Indeed, Professor. My boatswain, Mister Dinnick, served with him on their previous assignment and swears by young Mister Stevenson. Officer material, he claims.”
“You believe this to be so?”
“I believe that he deserves a chance to prove himself. That is why I sent him with Lieutenant Bedford. George will be able to tell me if Mister Stevenson is as good as the bosun says.”
Nathanial smiled at this. The captain truly believed Bedford’s team had survived. If it were so, then Nathanial was pleased for Erasmus, and hoped he proved his worth. It would be good to see him again after all this mess had been sorted out. It was a pity, however, that once the mission to Luna was over that they would have to part company. For him it would be a case of returning to the dockyard at Chatham, while Erasmus would continue on the Sovereign.