Thunder Child

Ulla!

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, grey Ironclad "Thunder Child". 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...

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 Thunder Child!

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 Thunder Child!"

"Come on Thunder Child!"

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 Thunder Child's valiant heart…

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 in waves defiled

Slowly disappearing

Farewell Thunder Child!

Slowly disappearing

Farewell Thunder Child!

Farewell Thunder Child!

Farewell Thunder Child!

When the smoke cleared, the little steamer had reached the misty horizon, and Carrie was safe. But the Thunder Child 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 nothing was left now to fight them. The Earth belonged to the Martians…

Ulla!