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The Skies have no Limit
Gryphos:
--Skies over Storm Coast--
Gareth and Michael stand on the bow of the Griffinheart and look out ahead at the Abyssal Gulf, while the others are busy with a card game on deck, excluding Hector the engineer, who's at the helm.
Michael
"So, Gareth, ever been to Vyshtorg?"
Gareth
"I'm Arashi. What do you think?"
Michael
"Fair point. What about the Vastness in general?"
Gareth
"Once."
Michael
"Raiding mission?"
Gareth
"Yup."
Michael chuckles to himself and looks back at the big game. It appears that Lyre's won the round, and doesn't hold back with the trash talk.
Gareth
"What about you?"
Michael
"Vyshtorg? Yeah."
Gareth
"What? How did you get anywhere close?"
Michael
"I'm not actually Arashi, you know."
Gareth
"……"
Michael
"How long have we known each other?"
Gareth
"Like five years. And you've only just decided to tell me you're not Arashi."
Michael
"You shouldn't have assumed so. I'm actually from Dampfstadt, just east of Dragontown."
Gareth
"Well… It's good to know that."
BdrLineAzn:
Skies over Storm Coast
--Starlight--
After many hours of uninterrupted flying, BdrLine and crew sets eyes on the coastal town of Albys and the Gulf beyond it.
At the helm, BdrLine looks on at the scenery and visualise what happened months before.
(BdrLine)
*to himself* "Same route as last time, but a new mission now."
(Voice from behind)
"Come again?"
At the sound, BdrLine turns and sees Courage with an quizzical expression as he must of heard part of what he said.
(BdrLine)
"Ah Courage, your turn for the helm?"
(Courage)
"Yes it is, but what about last time?"
(BdrLine)
"Ah just the last time I've been on this route."
(Courage)
"Was it one of those adventures with the Admiral and Commander?"
(BdrLine)
"Zill and Yiski? Yup, another mission where it can change the out come of our known world."
(Courage)
"Why is it that your lot at the saloon gets the craziest assignments?"
(BdrLine)
"Don't look at me, we just happen to stumble upon them, but here, it's your turn now. Got to call Zankief that we are just across the Gulf."
(Courage)
"On it."
As they switch places on the helm, BdrLine heads inside the cabin and start up the radio equipment and calls Zankief of their position.
Skies over The Wastes, en Route to Ho Tower
--Comet--
With no other incident, the twin Yeshan Pyramidions are close to Yeshan airspace. An hour out from the city tower, Ny-Lee radios the Capital Headquaters again.
(Ny-Lee)
"Headquaters, come in. This is Captain Zhao. We are nearing Ho Tower, over."
(HQ)
"This is Headquaters, I see you guys made it back. Alright, we will dispatch two Galleons from the Tower to escort you back to the Capital. Over."
(Ny-Lee)
"I copy that, Captain out."
Cutting off connection, Ny-Lee places the receiver back and walks and leans on one of the ribs near the bow as she takes in the sight. Out in the distance, she can see the massive single tower and smiles as she knows they are almost home.
macmacnick:
--Averna--
Narrator
Kirk lands the VSS Pastryprise in the specified docks, then disembarks from the ship to follow a figure clad in Chaladonian Nobles' garb. Kirk then follows this figure into a hallway and to a parlor.
End Narrator
Alexander Lockheart
Captain Kirk, I presume?
Kirk
Why yes indeed.
Both Kirk and Alexander seat themselves.
Alexander Lockheart
So, what do you think of Chaladon?
Kirk
Quite Impressive. How did you manage to keep this place unspoiled by the age of Dust?
Alexander
Much work, along with the fact that Chaladon was isolated from the beginning.
Kirk
So, what exactly was I invited here for?
Alexander
Ah, Yes, that, I had some questions for you that could not be securely relayed through unsecured communications channels.
Kirk
And?
Alexander
Ah, why did you come here?
Kirk
We've been getting that a lot.
Alexander looks confused.
Alexander
...There're more of you people?
Kirk
Yes, a large amount more; Collectively, we are referred to as Cakes.
Alexander
...Cake?...
Kirk
Yes, it refers to our history of baking, along with preserving the ancient art of Crii'c'et. These days, we also have at least one trademark weapon type onboard our ships at all times: fire weapons. We came to Chaladon; another Envoy went to Cathedral.
Alexander
Why?
Kirk
The expansionists in the Yeshan Empire have gained power, and their desire for expansion grows. Our ancestral home, the Bakery in the mountains, is threatened by Yeshan expansion. If they expand, they will force us to practice certain Yeshan values which we do not agree with.
Alexander
So, you're saying you want to get Chaladon in an alliance with you people?
Kirk
Exactly.
Alexander
Well then, I guess making an alliance with you wouldn't hurt.
Kirk
Could we also setup a trade outpost here?
Alexander
I will have to decide upon that matter. For now, farewell, return to your envoy, and tell them to land at the city docks. I shall arrange for you and your comrades to receive accommodations.
Piemanlives:
--Landmark, Upper Residential--
Alex stood outside the manor house, it wasn't necessarily large per-say, but it was still fairly wealthy, here and there a few servants could be seen lounging on break while their fellows muttered under their breath about how the market hadn't gotten anything new in, others were cleaning the windows or sweeping the courtyard. Next to him Amelia sighed, she didn't really want to go in, for all she knew this plan could blow up her face, like so many others she had hatched before. She looked to Alex who just nodded at her, sensing her predicament, he decided to take the first step towards the door, not wanting to be left behind she scurried after him. Soon they reached the door, both of them stared at it for what seemed like an eternity, however on the other side the sounds of frantic movement made their way to their ears, before long the door slammed open and a women, who by the looks of it wasn't that old, stepped outside and began examining him. She eyed him for a while before turning to Amelia, before letting out a rather charming and warm smile.
Madame Lockheart
"Oh it's so good to have you home dearie! Come in, and bring your friend with you!"
The two of them looked at each other, shrugged, and followed her mother into the manor.
--Landmark, Cloud Walker Inn--
Richard waited by the docks while the Captain went on an errand with their guest. At the moment he was filling out some paperwork, a few forms which would be needed for the requisition of medical supplies and munition, it wasn't that he couldn't get them elsewhere, but due to the Militia's connections here in the city he decided to make use of the requisition system and get the supplies that way.
Reagan
"Well hello there."
Richard
"Gah!"
Richard turned to see an impossible sight. Though he realized something was off the moment he noticed she was in her guards uniform.
Reagan
"I need to talk to Alex, where is he?"
Richard took a moment to compose himself.
Richard
"On an errand, you can tell me though, I'll track him down if need be."
Reagan
"It concerns the Empire."
For a moment Richard thought The Empire huh? Alex will definitely want to hear this when he gets back.
Richard
"Alright, let's hear it."
Reagan
"Let's fill you in then..."
--One Lengthy Explanation of All The Events Leading Up To This Point Later--
Richard sipped his coffee, and was frankly terrified of what he heard, though he did his best to keep a hold of himself in public.
Richard
"So wait, you want us, to go to Vyshtorg, to prevent the Empire, THE EMPIRE OF ALL THINGS, from taking over the Guild!?"
Well, he did try.
Reagan
"You won't be doing it alone, a few others from The Wild Winds are on their way as we speak, you guys will have to hurry if you want to make it."
Richard
"I still don't understand why us of all people?"
Reagan
"Even though you'll be arriving late, we still need more people, how you'll fit into all this is up to you, but this isn't just about Cathedral here, this is about the world."
Richard
"Ah, there's the idealistic officer who joined us years ago, I wondered where she went."
Reagan
"This is no time for jokes Richard."
Richard
"I know, I'm terrified of the prospect, I don't know what to think, though, this still isn't my decision, if the Captain gives the order I'll follow it, though this isn't what we signed up for, and I doubt we'll be much help, with our ship damaged, all of us are exhausted from our travels."
He sighed, this was still too big to ignore, he would definitely have to talk to Alex about this.
Richard
"I'll ask him about it, thank you for telling me Reagan."
Reagan
"If it makes you feel better, I plan on coming along, Walker approved it this morning."
Richard
"He's here?"
Reagan
"He'll be taking over the flotilla on it's flight back."
Richard
"Alright, I'll go find Alex, you grab your kit and head over to our ship's berth, number 153."
Reagan
"Got it."
With that the two of them went their separate ways, elsewhere Phillip again felt that feeling of dread.
Phillip
"So, it begins doesn't it?"
--Lockheart Manor--
Alex was rather uncomfortable in the high class residence, of course he didn't want to offend his hosts, Amelia was reminiscing with some childhood friends about her travels, the young girls giggling about as they swapped stories about young men they'd become acquainted with, snacking on some delicate baked goods. Amelia's mother led him into the parlor, a man, around her age was seated at the table.
Madame Lockheart
"Please sit."
Alex
"Thank you."
He felt out of place but he respectfully took a seat opposite of her as she moved to join the older man.
Madame Lockheart
"Now, allow me to introduce myself, I am Guinevere Lockheart, this is my husband Alvus, the head of the household."
He rose and extended his hand, Alex Mirrored him and took the hand in a full shake.
Alvus
"Now tell us, what did our daughter do to put you up to this?"
Alex
"I assume you're used to her antics by now?"
Guinevere
"Oh no no no no, we love our daughter, but she can be a bit strong headed at times. Even as a child she content to roam the streets alone rather then attend a lovely tea party with her friends. Of course if that's what made her happy..."
She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.
Guinevere
"Of course we'd always have a "caretaker" on hand in case she got into trouble. Now tell me, what do you think of her?"
Alex
"Excuse me?"
Alvus
"Obviously you must have some opinion about her. She makes quite the impression sometimes."
Alex thought for a second, he realized he didn't have feelings for her, other then those of fatherly affection. He thought again, this time however he got something, he thought she was a driven person, not the kind to give up easily, she was rather childish at times, though he didn't feel anything romantic, which wasn't odd, considering. He sighed and stretched himself a little.
Alex
"She's obviously a very smart lady, though a bit childish at times, she pulls you along and expects you to follow her, but all in all she's a rather interesting person."
Giggling came from the adjacent room, the three of them turned, Amelia and the others were still talking about something, then the door bust in and Richard came running in.
Richard
"Captain, I've been looking for you!"
--Moments Earlier--
Richard
"Where did he say he was again?"
He had finally made his way to the upper class region of the residential district, high class men and women dressed in fine clothing strolled along the roads, he stopped a few times to ask directions and finally found himself in front of the Lockheart Manor. A servant came running up to him.
Servant
"Excuse me but you can't come in."
Richard look the young man up and down.
Richard
"Oh I'm pretty sure I can, I have important news."
Servant
"I'm sorry but you must wait."
Richard
"I see."
He walked away from the door at a brisk pace, however after he reached a few meters away from the door he quickly turned, stared down the servant, charged straight into the door.
--Now--
Alex
"Alright, what is so important, that you felt it was necessary to kick down that door?"
Richard looked to Alvus
Richard
"Terribly sorry sir. But Captain this is important!"
Alex
"Well get on with it."
Richard
"Well I ran into Reagan and..."
--Another Long Explanation Of The Current Events Later--
Alex
"Get to the ship, I'll meet you there."
Richard
"Aye sir."
Richard quickly bounded through the former doorway, Alex looked to the Lockhearts.
Alex
"I'm so sorry about the mess, but I gotta go."
Alvus
"I understand, though do refrain from kicking in more doors please?"
Alex
"I'll do my best."
He took Madame Lockheart's hand.
Alex
"It was a pleasure meeting you, now I must-"
Amelia
"Wait!"
Behind him Amelia came running up to him, instead of the dress she was wearing, which he assumed now resided in the satchel at her side.
Alex
"Let me guess, you're coming too?"
Amelia
"Well of course I am."
Alex
"Uhg, fine, don't expect me to fill out the paperwork, I'll see you back to the ship."
Nearly an hour or two later they found themselves in the air again, heading east as fast as they could, it would take a day and a half at least to make it. The crew didn't question his decision, Richard had already explained the situation to them, Reagan and Amelia found a nice quiet place to bunk, Alex took the helm, and the rest of the crew full-filled their duties to the best of their ability.
Alex looked over a chart.
Alex
"If we book it we'll make Sabakumura by midnight, Richard, how are we for fuel?"
Richard
"98% on fuel, we'll be good for a while."
Alex
"Right, lets just hope we make it in time to make a difference."
Back at Landmark the crews of the flotilla Dispersed to review their new ships, among them, Commodore Gates strode upon the deck of a new vessel, with 3 medium gun hardpoints on either side, CMS Cathedral's Pride was an impressively armed vessel. Nearly a third longer then a galleon, with better accommodations for the crew, heavier armor and a number of redundant systems, she would be a terror to the dock crews back home, but boy, would she be worth it.
Captain Lockheart:
--Lockhearts Fleet--
The fleet had a rather Uneventful journey. Apart from the engineers who were working all the time to keep the engines clean, and from exploding.
The small group of ships had made good progress towards Averna.
Fadeshade: " Captain, this is actually working... apart from,.. well one engine explosion aboard the " Lord's Will ", the fleet is fine. We should make it to Averna by Evening.."
Lockheart looked to his right where he saw the Goldfish, the "Lord's Will" listing to the left slightly and smoking a bit.
Lockheart: " Marvellous"
A few more hours past and a few noxious kerosene gas clouds drifted from the engines... But eventually the Fleet Made it back to Averna by Nightfall. The City was lit up and still busy about its usual business. Chaladonians never rest.. Lockheart thought to himself. He and his fleet Docked at the Higher docks. As soon as he disembarked, 2 Chaladonian elites Walked up to him out of the shadows of the tall buildings around him.
Elite 1: " Captain Lockheart?"
Lockheart: " Yes that's me, now whats this abo-"
He was cut off as the Elites grabbed him by the arms and hauled him off into the City... A few Minutes passed before he was taken to a large house with more Elites outside. They started shouting insults at him from the dark.
Miscellaneous Elite: " Theres the turncoat! "
Miscellaneous Elite: " Do you have no Honour?..
He tried to shout out against the shower of insults that he had no idea of what was going on. Until he was pushed through a door; his head hitting it slightly as it gave way, and the warmth and light inside washed over him. Before he new it he was Blindfolded, and further quickly, and brutally pushed through the house.
Two flights of stairs.. how high are we going?, WHERE am i most importantly He thought to himself. Just then another door opened, into a room warmer than the previous, he could hear a fire crackling somewhere. He was moved to a warm leather arm chair where he took rest from all the dashing and climbing..
His blindfold was removed.
Cecelia: " So... Where was my telegram?"
They both smiled, Lockheart partially out of relief. She sat across a table, laden with food and plenty of Wine.
Lockheart: " Oh.. Did it not arrive... The-erm... Pff, i didnt send one..."
A flash of anger went through Cecelia's eyes. But she repressed it.
Cecelia: " Well, why...*sigh*, Not? hmm?" *with hints of anger*
Lockheart lifted up the side of his shirt, revealing his wound.
Lockheart: " Circumstances..."
Cecelia's expression immediately turned to that of a little girl, after she found out her puppy had gone missing.
Cecelia: " Oh, no.... Not again.... Why do you have to risk your own life. And mine too? You know i wouldn't be able to cope without you. Not that you dont cope well when your off for months at a time. Near who knows where, doing who knows what..."
Julius immediately sensed the anger creeping back into her voice, he leaned over the table and kissed her on the lips, before she could start throwing accusations at him.
It was a Feeling Lockheart had waited for. To be home. To be with his family, his wife. He loved adventuring but it had its Costs and risks. But to him, it compared nothing to the embrace of his loved ones.
The previous squabble was soon forgotten as they dined, discussed the ruse set up to frighten Julius ( to which of course he denied all claims he was scared out of his wits). And Julius began to recall his story of the ambush he encountered. ( But of course exaggerating the details). After Lockheart had found out that he was in Cecelias house they both went to sleep together in the Attic. With the view overlooking the city. They slept unaware of Captain Oakenshields soon-to-be arrival in Chaladon...
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