Thunderchild

The steamer began to move slowly away, but on the landward horizon appeared the silhouette of a fighting machine. Another came, and another, striding over hills and trees, plunging far out to sea and blocking the exit of the steamer. Between them lay the silent, gray, ironclad Thunderchild. Slowly it moved towards shore, then with a deafening roar and whoosh of spray it swung about and drove at full speed towards the waiting Martians.

Thunderchild

Journalist

There were ships of shapes and sizes,

Scattered out along the bay

And I thought I heard her calling,

As the steamer pulled away

The invaders must have seen them

As across the coast they filed

Standing firm between them,

There lay Thunderchild

Moving swiftly through the waters,

Cannons blazing as she came,

Brought a mighty metal warlord

Crashing down in sheets of flame,

Sensing victory was nearing,

Thinking fortune must have smiled,

People started cheering,

"Come on Thunderchild! Come on Thunderchild!"

The Martians released their black smoke, but the ship sped on, cutting down one of the tripod figures. Instantly, the others raised their heat rays, and melted the Thunderchild's valiant heart.

Journalist

Lashing ropes and smashing timbers,

Flashing heat rays pierced the deck,

Dashing hopes for our deliverance,

As we watched the sinking wreck,

With the smoke of battle clearing,

Over graves and waves defiled,

Slowly disappearing, farewell Thunderchild!

Slowly disappearing, farewell Thunderchild!

Farewell Thunderchild!

Farewell Thunderchild, child, child, child, child...

When the smoke cleared, the little steamer had reached the misty horizon, and Carrie was safe. But the Thunderchild had vanished forever, taking with her man's last hope of victory. The leaden sky was lit by green flashes, cylinder following cylinder, and no one and noth