589 A Long Boring Trip (1/2)
The UNS Vengeance sat next to the docks decked out in festive banners and flags while its crew had dressed up in their finest uniforms. They mingled with their families, loved ones and friends on the docks. Most of them queued up next to the photo booths to take a picture of remembrance before their journey into the unknown.
Both of the UNS Vengeance's flight decks were stacked two high with containers, only the aircraft elevator platforms and the helipads were empty of containers. During her month long refit, she had gained over a dozen new platform for dual 20 mm gun mounts that were welded into place along her hull. Additional heavy machine gun mounts were also installed to boost its anti air arsenal as the Vengeance will only have dragons for air support and no fixed wing aircraft until the containers were removed from the flight decks.
Her secondary armament consisting of 3” guns were also upgraded to the new 3.5” (88 mm) guns further increasing her firepower. New radar systems were also installed onboard, including back up communications arrays on both superstructures. The mission planners had come up with spares for everything they could think of and fit onboard the battle carrier, just in case.
Finally, the singing ended and a military band took up the cue. A motorcade drove down a cordoned street next to the UNS Vengeance and the senior officers of the ship and VIPs exited the vehicle under a soul shaking cheer from the crowd. The officers saluted and waved to the crowd before they climbed up the linking bridge and boarded the UNS Vengeance.
The crew gave their final farewells to their loved ones and formed up in their respective units before they too boarded the UNS Vengeance. Many returned waves and kisses to their crying yet proud families on the docks as the crew members disappeared into the giant ship. The military band continued to play as the boarding continued and the people remained waving and cheering for the brave crew of the Vengeance.
Once the last crew had boarded, the link bridges were detached and the mooring lines cast off, the Vengeance gave a blast of its foghorn. The mournful cry rolled over the docks and the waiting tug boats roared as they strained their engines to pull the massive battle carrier out of the docks under it can move in its own power. The crew of the Vengeance crowded along the hull and any open area of the decks and waved back to the shore where the shore defence guns fired off a twenty one salute.
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UNS Vengeance, Admiral's Stateroom
Grand Lord Hammerfall and Lord Copperstone were both standing before a tall tired looking short ear who was seated behind a desk. The cabin they were in was large and spacious even with the presence of armed guards standing next to them.
Grand Lord Hammerfall took the opportunity to observe the short ear person whose race seemed to be referred to as hoomans and sensed that despite the sickly outlook, the person oozed an aura of command and cold anger.
Lord Copperstone on the other hand occupied himself with the decor of the cabin, his head turning around curiously as he took in his surroundings. Finally, the hooman set down his writing apparatus and looked up at the two Cartel leaders before he opened his mouth, speaking in near perfect trade tongue. ”We have not met but I am Captain Richard Blake of the United Nations.”
”Grand Lord Rugatus Hammerfall, hailing from the Silver Mountains, Leader of the people of the Cartel!” Grand Lord Hammerfall replied. making their own introductions. ”This is Lord Copperstone, hailing from the Fire Mountains.”
”I am sure both of you are curious about why are you here, on board this ship,” Blake said simply, going straight to the topic. ”After all that trouble to transfer from the city to the mines and back.”
Both the Cartel Lords nodded their heads and wondered who this Captain was but politely waited for their host to explain himself. Blake continued, ”We are heading to the Old World.”
”What?” Both the dwarvans were very surprised. Grand Lord Hammerfall had a few guesses but he never thought that they will be brought back to the Old World. ”With this ship?”
”Yes,” Blake nodded. ”It will also be our first time to cross the Sea of Clouds as you all called the unnatural barrier that surrounds this continent.”
”By the Mountains! But to cross the Sea of Clouds on board an oceangoing ship... is madness!” Grand Lord Hammerfall exclaimed in shock. ”No matter how powerful your steamworks is, your ship can't compare to the forces of nature!”
”We know,” Blake replied with a soft sigh. ”Still there shouldn't be much to worry about.”
”Rock and stone! It's... its suicide!” Grand Lord Hammerfall insisted. ”The only way across is by flying through! The sea monsters, whirlpools, and waves will destroy this ship!”
”Yes, there is that chance,” Blake replied calmly as if he was not bothered by the thought of dying. ”You two have experience in crossing that barrier. This is the reason why you are here instead of digging rocks in some hole.”
”And both of you do not have a choice,” Blake added quickly, cutting off whatever protests the Grand Lord wanted to say. ”Remember, both of you are still considered prisoners of war!”
”I shall provide any assistance you require!” The quiet Lord Copperstone suddenly declared. ”On one condition!”
”State your condition,” Blake leaned back on his chair and crossed his fingers together.
”I... I will like to have a chance to study your nation's steamworks!” Lord Copperstone said, his eyes glittering with excitement. On the side, Grand Lord Hammerfall cursed as he wondered what situation was he dragged in.
”That is possible,” Blake said after a moment of consideration. ”But nothing of military nature!”
”I will not presume to do so,” Lord Copperstone gave a modest bow.
”Cooperate and I will allow both of you some degrees of freedom,” Blake said coldly. ”Try anything funny... Well, I got plenty of cells here...”