"Ah that's a real nice boon there, a standout miracle of blessings that any priest-liar's tongue would envy. Many thanks for this warmth, my fiend, that you've bestowed upon me in drink-form. She is a real beauty that touches me loving-like, a whisper tha…

"Here it gors. Me and my cogs was moffing along the murky part of the Long Tews, minding our own business-grifts, we was. When all of a sudden these two 'barians spilled outta a drunkard's den. Real strangers, they was, and really going at it, faces like …

It soared out of midnight, all gas envelope and aerosolized Nightmare, propelled by only God knows what. It carried a tiny bomber bay, loaded with a lethality that would have made any nation quake to its roots, if any knew it existed.

The airship was bla…

"We'll be ready by morning," Byron heard the voice tell the man who held him captive.

The man replied, "Very good. Beatrice!"

Byron heard the quick footfalls of the man's wife, always eager to please. "Yes, dear?"

"Take Mr. Curts to the shuttle. He wil…

"Shh, don't cry Elise!"

Little 6 year old hands reached through the slats of a crib and patted 12 month old Elise who had awakened from her nap.

The door opened, startling the little boy, and he quickly pulled his hands back.

"Byron!" snapped the nurse…

A barista pulled levers on a machine that belched steam, grinded a few gears, and jiggled menacingly. If it wasn't bolted to the floor, the ancient contraption would surely take off through the roof.

"Caramel Frappé with a side of coconut oil!" barked th…