Fianna Kelly Versus the Jeebees: A Collection of Steampunk Stories by Harry Dodgson Page B

she has a valid registration card. Does it look that way to
you?"
    "Yes...
She still needs a green tag that shows her rifle has been inspected."
    "Miss,
may I see your rifle for a moment?"
    I
presented the Enfield-Martini to him. He opened the breech, looked over the
action, and ran his hand along the barrel.
    "I
presume you have a blank green tag as well?"
    "Yes,
but..."
    "You
know what one looks like, so you won't be needing it anymore. Do we agree that
her rifle has been inspected?”
    "Yes,
sir."
    He
affixed the tag onto the rifle and handed it back to me.
    "Now,
is everything in order?
    "Yes,
I believe it is sir."
    "It
is good to see people following the rules."
    "Follow
me, Miss Kelly. We have more rules that need to be followed. Bring your
automaton. We can't leave it out here by itself. Someone might find a rule that
applies to it."
    "That
is very nice of you, but...", I began.
    "This
case of rifle cartridges arrived at my residence last night with my copy of the
Times. I was quite perplexed until I read the article."
    "I
think the papers exaggerated my importance... Sir?"
    He
held out the ammunition case. "Can your automaton carry this? It is
getting too heavy for me."
    "He
can. I tried to find the .402 calibre cartridges last night; and failed. Where
did you get them?"
    "Do
you know where Enfield is?"
    "I
can't say that I do."
    "It
is only 25 miles from here."
    "I
don't understand."
    "The
ones who designed your rifle are among the few who still have ammunition for
it."
    "I
see now. I don't wish to sound ignorant, but may I ask who you are sir?"
    "I
am Arthur Balfour."
    "I
am very pleased to meet you, sir. I don't know how to thank you."
    "You
managed to make it all the way to the tournament grounds, in spite of a war
going on between you and your destination. I don't think a few pig-headed bureaucrats
would have been enough to stop you."
    "Honestly,
I wouldn't shoot them." We both laughed.
    "There
is something I'd like to know. Why is this event so important to you?"
    "I've
competed in smaller venues. It didn't matter that I took first place. They've
always made excuses: she doesn't have to work and can waste all her time
practicing, competing against those amateurs doesn't prove anything, they let
her win because she's pretty."
    "What
is different here?"
    "Everything!
I will be competing against some of the world's best and when I get a prize
everyone will know I earned it. No-one will be saying that the famous Mr.
Anderson is just an amateur, was too busy to practice, and allowed a woman to
take first prize from him."
    "I
can understand your point. I also prefer people to think that I rise on my own
merits, not the shortcomings of my rivals. We must work quickly to get your
name added to the rosters. If you don't object, I would like to personally
introduce you to the judges."
    "I
would have to be a foolish girl to object. How about Bradan? Will he be allowed
to stay with me?"
    "I
am sure your companion will be able to follow us. The ceilings are high and the
corridors wide. It may not fit into some of the rooms but we won't be in them
for long."
    "That
is not what I meant, sir."
    "Oh.
You were asking if it can be with you while you compete. Of course, it can. As
a matter of tradition, you are allowed a second. Now that is a very useful rule
which few will dispute."
    "I've
never had a second. What does one do?"
    "They
stand near you, hold your rifle, and take your place if required. It would be
desirable for it to stand off to one side though as it is rather large."
    The
introductions were just a formality. Mr. Balfour was good at making speeches
though. All I had to do was curtsy when introduced. Due to late registration, I
was placed at the bottom of the lists instead of by name. I was happy to be
placed anywhere on the lists.
    "This
is where I must leave you. I will be watching from the stands though."
    "How
can I thank you for all your help?"
    "One
never knows when the opportunity comes along to help