Benjamin Franklinstein Meets Thomas Deadison Read online

  BENJAMIN

  FRANKLINSTEIN

  MEETS

  THOMAS DEADISON

  Also by

  MATTHEW McELLIGOTT

  & LARRY TUXBURY

  BENJAMIN

  FRANKLINSTEIN

  LIVES!

  BENJAMIN

  FRANKLINSTEIN

  MEETS THE

  FRIGHT BROTHERS

  BENJAMIN

  FRANKLINSTEIN

  MEETS

  THOMAS DEADISON

  Wherein is contained

  an Accounting of the Quest by our Subject

  and his Young Companions to subdue an Army of Hypnotized

  Zombies and thwart the Evil Plans of the Emperor

  By MATTHEW McELLIGOTT

  & LARRY TUXBURY. PHILOM.

  Illustrated by Matthew McElligott

  Printed and fold by G. P. PUTNAM’S SONS

  AN IMPRINT OF PENGUIN GROUP (USA) INC.

  At the New Printing Office near the Market.

  G. P. PUTNAM’S SONS • A DIVISION OF PENGUIN YOUNG READERS GROUP.

  Published by The Penguin Group.

  Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014, U.S.A.

  Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3,

  Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.).

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  Penguin Books Ltd, Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England.

  Text copyright © 2012 by Matthew McElligott and Larry Tuxbury.

  Illustrations © 2012 by Matthew McElligott.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission in writing from the publisher,

  G. P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group,

  345 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.

  G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Reg. U.S. Pat & Tm. Off. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorized editions. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  Published simultaneously in Canada. Printed in the United States of America.

  Design by Marikka Tamura and Annie Ericsson. Text set in ITC Cheltenham.

  The art was done in a combination of traditional and digital techniques.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  McElligott, Matthew. Benjamin Franklinstein meets Thomas Deadison / Matthew McElligott, Larry David Tuxbury; illustrated by Matthew McElligott. p. cm.—(Benjamin Franklinstein; 3) Summary: “Ben and Victor must stop a mysterious lightbulb company from brainwashing Philadelphia”—Provided by publisher. 1. Franklin, Benjamin, 1706–1790—Juvenile fiction. 2. Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847–1931—Juvenile fiction. [1. Franklin, Benjamin, 1706–1790—Fiction. 2. Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847–1931. 3. Scientists—Fiction. 4. Secret societies—Fiction.]

  I. Tuxbury, Larry. II. Title.

  PZ7.M478448Bt 2012 [Fic]—dc23 2012001615

  ISBN: 978-1-101-58139-1

  1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

  ALWAYS LEARNING

  PEARSON

  For Christy and Anthony.

  Also—Larry, you are feeling very sleepy. Your eyelids

  are growing heavy. Matt is great. Matt is great…

  —M.M.

  For Melanie, Nina, and Ella.

  Matt is great.

  —L.T.

  Take Courage, Mortal;

  Death can’t banish thee

  out of the Universe.

  —Benjamin Franklin

  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  about Benjamin Franklinstein

  Is Benjamin Franklin still alive?

  Yes

  How is that possible?

  Centuries ago, Franklin and a group of scientists called the Modern Order of Prometheus invented the Leyden casket. This device allowed Franklin to “sleep” for centuries in a state of suspended animation.

  What was the mission of the Modern Order of Prometheus?

  To preserve the world’s greatest inventors, then awaken them when society faced a Great Emergency.

  Was Franklin the only inventor preserved by the Order?

  No, there were others. For example, Orville and Wilbur Wright, inventors of the airplane, were also preserved.

  Does the Modern Order of Prometheus still exist?

  Yes, but the organization is in trouble. A mysterious figure known as the Emperor is attempting to control it. A small handful of scientists—the Promethean Underground—is trying to discover who the Emperor is and stop him.

  Where was Franklin preserved?

  In a secret basement laboratory beneath a house in Philadelphia. This house is currently owned by Mary Godwin and her son, Victor. Franklin rents the downstairs apartment.

  Other than members of the Order, who knows that Franklin and the Wright brothers are alive?

  Victor Godwin; his best friend, Scott Weaver; and Scott’s dad, Skip.

  Who is the Emperor?

  Napoléon Bonaparte, former emperor of France and one of the greatest military generals who ever lived.

  Didn’t he die hundreds of years ago?

  Apparently not…

  PROLOGUE

  Philadelphia, 1821

  The Emperor sat alone in a blackened room. He did his best thinking in darkness.

  He had hoped to create a better world. A perfect world. But when the leaders of other lesser countries rejected his brilliant ideas, he had no choice but to go to war. If they would not accept his plan, he would force it upon them. It would be a new world—a greater world!

  At first his army and navy had triumphed. They had begun to create a glorious empire! But then he faced horrible defeat in Russia and finally at Waterloo. And then he had been imprisoned on the island of St. Helena.

  His jailers expected him to die there.

  That was then. Now he had a greater plan.

  The door creaked open and a lantern illuminated the basement laboratory.

  “Empereur Napoléon?” a voice inquired. “C’est moi, votre subordonné, Moreau.”

  “Speak English, Moreau!” the man spat. “We are no longer in France. Here in Philadelphia, no one must know where you are truly from.”

  Moreau placed the lantern on a table. He pulled a lever, and the room slowly filled with a soft blue light.

  “Forgive me,” he begged, struggling to conceal his accent. “It is almost time for your long sleep.”

  Napoléon arose from his throne. “Excellent. Have you given the others their orders?”

  “Absolutely, my Emperor.”

  “Repeat them back to me.”

  Moreau’s mouth went dry. He swallowed. “I instructed Chevalier, Fournier, and Lefevre to find a perfect dou
ble for you. They will sail to the isle of St. Helena and place him into your bed. The world will soon believe that you, the great Napoléon Bonaparte, are dead.”

  A thin smile grew on Napoléon’s face. “Very good. And then?”

  “They shall arrive here by next week. As you sleep in the Leyden casket, we shall secretly begin taking control of the Modern Order of Prometheus, following your instructions to the letter.”

  “Then all is ready.”

  Napoléon mounted the steps to the Leyden casket. Cast in iron, silver, and gold by French artisans, it looked like an ornate bathtub. Intricate carvings of battle horses, cannons, and an eagle wearing a crown decorated its sides. It was supported by four gilded legs with sculpted lions’ feet at the bottom. A casket built for a king!

  He climbed into the glowing harmonic fluid that would preserve him for centuries to come.

  “Wait!” Moreau said. “I am uncertain about one thing.”

  “Uncertain?” Napoléon asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “I have read Dr. Franklin’s secret journals, Excellency,” Moreau stammered. “He feared that this process might be dangerous. If awakened too often—for example, every ten years, as you have planned—you could risk physical damage.”

  Napoléon considered Moreau’s words. The plan was perfect, wasn’t it? Every ten years, he would be revived to reassert his control over the Order. Then one grand day, he would awaken all the inventors to join his army and create a greater world. The future would be his.

  It was worth the risk.

  “Dr. Franklin’s suggestion was merely a theory,” Napoléon said. “Besides, I am no ordinary man. I am Napoléon Bonaparte, Future Emperor of the World. My brilliance shall not be dimmed.”

  “But Excellency—”

  “Enough!” He glared at Moreau. “How many times have I told you? Conquest is risk! ”

  With that, the Emperor placed the airtight breathing mask over his mouth and nose. He slipped into his casket, fell into a deep sleep, and began dreaming of the future.

  NAPOLÉON’S TO-DO LIST

  Create plan to take over Modern Order of Prometheus.

  Send Agent Moreau to Philadelphia to prepare for my arrival.

  Fake own death and escape from St. Helena Island.

  Set sail for America.

  Begin suspended animation in Leyden casket.

  Awaken every ten years and take over more of the Order, preserve more inventors.

  When time is right, awaken Benjamin Franklin. Take control of him and all other inventors.

  Use inventors to take over the world.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue: Philadelphia, 1821

  Chapter One: Near Philadelphia, Modern Day

  Chapter Two: A Daring Rescue

  Chapter Three: Back to School

  Chapter Four: Science Club

  Chapter Five: The Promethean Underground

  Chapter Six: The Emperor’s Plan

  Chapter Seven: Shouting at Lightbulbs

  Chapter Eight: Skipping School

  Chapter Nine: Plan B: Costumes!

  Chapter Ten: Inside Infinity Unlimited

  Chapter Eleven: Family Reunion

  Chapter Twelve: The Emperor Revealed

  Chapter Thirteen: Trapped!

  Chapter Fourteen: The Emperor’s Plan

  Chapter Fifteen: Breaking Out

  Chapter Sixteen: Escape into Danger!

  Chapter Seventeen: Zombies, Zombies Everywhere

  Chapter Eighteen: Trapped in the Tower

  Chapter Nineteen: Mission: Destruction!

  Chapter Twenty: Clash of the Monsters

  Chapter Twenty-One: All or Nothing

  Chapter Twenty-Two: A Last Request

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  CHAPTER ONE

  Near Philadelphia, Modern Day

  Victor Godwin clenched the frame of the flying machine and tried to focus on the sky above. He knew there was absolutely no reason to be afraid. He just had to look at things rationally. The gyroplane was perfectly safe, and he was strapped in tight. Plus, the pilot was a pro. After all, the man had practically invented flying.

  “Everything okay back there?” said Orville Wright.

  “Yup.”

  Benjamin Franklin looked back from the copilot’s seat. “Are you certain, Victor?”

  “Yup.”

  One-word answers, Victor thought. That was the key. Keep it short. Especially since he’d forgotten to pack a barf bag.

  THE PROMETHEAN BARF BAG

  The Promethean gyroplane was a new invention: part helicopter, part Wright brothers airplane, and part Franklin kite. Victor had been given the honor of coming along on today’s test flight. So far, the gyroplane was working perfectly.

  All Victor had to do was hang on for a few more minutes. Soon he’d be back on solid ground at the Promethean testing area.

  Orville looked back over his shoulder. “What say we take her in a little closer?” He pushed forward on a stick, and the gyroplane dipped downward. Victor felt his stomach rise up into his chest.

  He knew he should be relishing every second of the experience. How many people in history had ever had the chance to fly with one of the Wright brothers? It was the opportunity of a lifetime.

  He couldn’t wait for it to be over.

  Victor liked order. He liked plans. He liked knowing exactly what was going to happen next. But ever since Benjamin Franklin had moved into the downstairs apartment, his whole world had turned upside down.

  “Hold tight!” called Orville. “I’m going to try flying her upside down.”

  “No!” Victor shouted. “I mean…maybe you should wait until the next test flight.”

  Orville laughed. “Just kidding! I’m going to circle around a couple more times, then bring it in for a landing. Okay with you?”

  “Yup.”

  The gyroplane leveled off, and Victor relaxed his grip on the frame. He glanced down and watched the ground pass beneath him. Now that he knew the flight was almost over, he had to admit that he was enjoying it. A little.

  He let out a sigh of relief.

  BOOM!!!

  There was a bright flash behind him. The gyroplane shook and began to nose-dive.

  “What was that?” Orville yelled, trying to regain control. The harmonic fluid coursing through his veins allowed him to move at superhuman speed. He began pulling levers and flipping switches, his hands a blur.

  “Something exploded!” Victor shouted. “The tail’s on fire!”

  A long trail of black smoke streamed out behind the gyroplane. Flames ate away at the tail, inching toward Victor.

  Franklin looked back in alarm.

  “Grab the fire extinguisher at your feet, Dr. Franklin,” ordered Orville. “Victor, release your seat belt and join us up here!”

  Victor fumbled with his belt and unbuckled the clasp. The plane shuddered and rocked from side to side as Orville struggled to keep it steady. Victor clutched the seats for support. Behind him, the flames drew nearer.

  Up ahead, he could see the pond at the edge of the Promethean testing area, and just beyond it, the landing strip.

  “Hold tight for just a minute more,” said Orville. “We’re almost there!”

  BOOM!!!

  A second explosion rocked the plane, and it tipped violently to the left.

  Victor lost his grip on the seats and tumbled out over the side. In desperation, he reached out into the empty air. His hands caught a metal wing strut. He hung there, dangling in the sky, as the plane began to spiral down.

  “Help!”

  “Victor, we can’t level off with you out there,” Orville said. “We’re nearly over the pond. You’ll have to jump and swim to shore. It’s our only hope!”

  “But—”

  “Have no fear, Victor,” Franklin said. “You can do it!”

  “But Ben, I—”

  With a thunderous boom, the gyroplane jolted and hacked out ano
ther cloud of black smoke. Victor’s fingers slipped free. He fell.

  “But I can’t swim!”

  THE PROMETHEAN GYROPLANE

  CHAPTER TWO

  A Daring Rescue

  Everything happened in a fraction of a second. The sting of impact. The icy chill of the water. Then darkness.

  Victor was disoriented, spinning. A dim light shone from somewhere just out of view.

  Focus! He had to focus. He pulled wildly at the water with his arms and kicked hard, trying desperately to reach the surface.

  Was he even moving? He couldn’t tell.

  Something tugged at his shirt. A fish? A snake? Victor thrashed and struggled to break free. Now it had him by the shoulder, pulling him deeper. He felt himself weakening. His lungs burned.

  He was going to die.

  Then suddenly there was bright light everywhere. Cool air rushed into his lungs. Victor choked and sputtered, bobbing in the gentle waves of the pond as a firm grip held him afloat.

  “Ben!”

  “Relax, Victor. Slow, deep breaths. You’ll be fine.” Franklin gestured across the pond. “As will Orville, I see.”

  Two hundred yards away, the gyroplane bounced and skidded onto a long field of grass, a ribbon of thick black smoke trailing behind. Dr. Gwynn, a Promethean engineer, rushed to its side.

  “Try to float on your back. I’ll take it from here.” Franklin swung his arm tight across Victor’s chest and began to tow him toward shore with a steady sidestroke. “I was quite a swimmer in my day. Perhaps you’ve heard of swim fins?”

  Victor nodded.

  “My invention! I wore them on my hands, but I’ve noticed that today the fashion is to put them on the feet. To each his own, I suppose.”

  Even without flippers, Franklin was a strong swimmer. As he pushed on, Victor did his best to focus on the sky above. Within just a few minutes they were at the dock, where a familiar hand was waiting to help him up.