Robur the Conqueror

The story unfolds with mysterious global occurrences involving unusual lights and flags in hard-to-reach places. During a meeting at the Weldon Institute, balloonists debate the design of their airship, the Goahead, when Robur interrupts, advocating for heavier-than-air flight. His bold claims provoke the balloonists, leading to the kidnapping of Uncle Prudent and Phil Evans. They are thrust into an adventurous journey aboard Robur's formidable craft, the Albatross, challenging their preconceived notions of flight and exploration.