Rebel Magisters (Rebel Mechanics #2)(20)

Alec shook his head. “Then we’d just be answering to a different group of magisters. What’s the point of a rebellion, then?”

“Freedom,” Philip said. “We could make our own decisions instead of being ruled by people living on the other side of the ocean. We could break down the barriers between magisters and everyone else. People could decide for themselves what they want to be and do. Your machines would help level the field, as you said. We’d all be equals.”

Leaning forward and looking Alec square in the eye, Henry said, “Look, we’re planning a revolution with or without you. We have wealth and magic on our side, so we don’t really need you. We’ve been sending money to your people because the nation we imagine is more equitable, and your technology helps make us equals. But if you don’t want to participate, that makes equality a lot more difficult.”

The men on both sides glared at each other. I worried that they’d come to blows, but Colin broke the tension. “This would all be a lot simpler if you’d just agree to rob each other and then give us the money,” he quipped.

One of the Mechanic men who’d been silently listening all this time said, “We will have to think about this and discuss it with our people.” He stood, and the others rose, as well. “Now, you are free to enjoy the party as our guests.”

The Mechanics went back to the party, but before he left us, Colin said, “When you’re ready to leave, let us know. We can either send you uptown via the subway, or I can guide you to the surface.”

The magister men and I lingered on our bench. “What are you going to do?” I asked.

“I suppose that’s up to them,” Henry replied with a weary sigh. “But in case they do want our help, we should probably start doing more organizing on our end. We’re not quite as ready to rebel as I made it sound, but we should be.”

“What about Brad up in Boston?” Philip said. “He was a good chap—had the best ideas. Last time I talked to him, he made it sound like they’d put together quite a group. They’ve even been taking action, sabotage and that sort of thing.”

“I’m sure there are others in the other colonies. I’ve heard rumors that there are rebel sympathizers at some rather high levels,” Geoffrey said. “The trick would be finding them and finding an excuse to meet with the other groups. This lot here may be secretive and worried about being caught, but we’re under a lot more scrutiny.”

I had a burst of insight. Turning to Henry, I said, “You should come with us on the governor’s trip.”

“Me? I’m not sure I was invited.”

“It didn’t sound like you were being specifically excluded, and if he really wants to take the children for their benefit, as he said, he can hardly deny you.”

“Then I’d have to face him in close quarters for an extended time.” He shuddered at the thought.

“Think of it as a test of your acting ability and your cover identity.”

“It’s too bad it’s the wrong time of year for peak insect activity,” he said with a mischievous smile.

“What trip is this?” Philip asked.

“The governor is meeting with the local governments around the colonies, and he wants to bring the children,” Henry explained.

“Oh, you should definitely go,” Geoffrey said. “It’s the perfect opportunity to make contact, and right under the governor’s nose.”

Henry clapped me on the back. “Capital idea, Verity,” he said. “I knew there was a reason I hired you.”

“I thought it was to keep a potential witness under your eye.”

“Yes, but a witness who kept her wits in a crisis. That was also important.” Still beaming, he shook his head. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it. This trip should be just what we need to start building an organization.”

“And think of the intelligence you might be able to pick up.”

“I’m counting on you to do that for me. You’ll probably have more access among the governor’s people than I will. I’ll just have to rearrange a few plans and then let the governor know that we’re definitely going. I suppose it would help if you can talk Flora into coming along without sulking.”

“I believe you’ll find her resigned to it.”

“You’ve already pulled off a miracle!”

“I merely reminded her that a prolonged absence is unlikely to change her situation.”

“Oh? Is the object of her affections unavailable, or perhaps unsuitable?”

“Both, I’m afraid,” I said, forcing myself not to glance at Colin, where he was energetically dancing in the middle of the room. “I suspect that what she needs most is a distraction.”

“I never saw Flora setting her cap for an unsuitable type.”

“Oh, but the person you can’t have is a very romantic figure.” I’d said it as a joke, only a second later realizing that it was true for me, as well. I thought of Flora as a child, but she wasn’t quite a year younger than I was. I waited for him to respond, hoping he wouldn’t notice the full implication of what I’d said, but his focus on the mission came to my rescue.

He was too busy thinking ahead. “I can’t wait to see the governor’s face when I tell him. And I suppose I’d better send messages to my friends.”