(2/2)

You come to another door, this one a normal, though ornate, wooden door as opposed to a hatchway. You raise your hand to knock, but a clear voice calls to you.

"Enter, Princess."

You push open the door, and a room opens up before you. It is paneled and lit much like the hallway. An ornate desk sits in the corner to your right, where a young man in a simple grey robe and trousers sits, a microphone in front of him. He is poring over a thick leatherbound tome, and he barely acknowledges your presence. Upon a thick, luxurious woven carpet in the middle of the floor, sit two figures. One, a young woman in garb similar to the young man, the other wearing brightly colored flowing robes of a more ornate cut. As you step forward both turn. The younger woman, a girl really, nods to you silently. The older woman, probably in her late thirties, speaks in the same clear voice you heard before entering.

"Welcome, Princess. Please sit, if you would like."

[] Sit
[] Stand

>>31783846
No thank you, we'll stay standing. It's a position of authority in this situation.

>>31783846
>[] Stand
Gah, sorry I got here late OP.

>>31783846
>[x] Sit
Where is the Sensor in the chain of command? Or are they considered to be apart from our command and our authority?

>>31784101
No need to be contrarian, anon. We'll assert our authority by towering over her while she sits on the floor.

Did OP die?

>>31783882

"I'd prefer to stand if you don't mind." You reply.

"By all means, Princess."

The Sensor regards you quietly for a moment. Though it is only a few seconds, in the near silent Sensor's Chamber it feels longer. The Sensor finally speaks.

"Lady Alice, I am Iscah, of the Order of the Violet Lens. I am a Sensor of the Fourth Tier, and I aim to serve you and your crew aboard the Comet to the best of my abilities."

"I am sure that you will perform more than adequately, Sensor Iscah. But I understand you did not ask to see me personally simply for formal introductions. What is it that you wanted to see me about?"

Iscah again considers you a moment. She seems to be choosing her words with great care.

"Princess... I feel that you are very sure of yourself, and always in control of your situation and surroundings. These are of course, commendable in both a member of royalty and a military officer. Though it may be attributed to a Sensor, I do not possess total clairvoyance, only feeling and intuition and the occasional glimpse of what may be. And thus I must say this to you: Beware. There are machinations afoot surrounding you, things dire in nature, things you are not aware of and may not be able to control. As I said, I cannot speak to their specifics, and can only offer this warning."

Iscah finishes, and waits your reply.

[] Bemused
[] Concerned

>>31784418
>Bemused
Well duh, all courts all full of intrigue, you didn't need a fortune-teller to tell you that. You weren't born yesterday, after all, but nevertheless thank her for her concern.

>>31784418
>[x] Bemused

>>31784418
>[] Bemused
That's sweet of him to warn us.

>>31784418
>[x] Concerned
Of course there's danger and intrigue as a member of the court. But she's talking about an imminent threat, not a nebulous one.

>>31784493
Is she? Her warning is rather...nebulous.

>>31784418
>[] Concerned
We of course are familiar with court intrigue, having grown in the middle of it, but for a Sensor to warn us of dire machinations... how far do we know we can trust a Sensor's sight? It might be something not to be taken too lightly, even if we know there are people out there who'd be glad to plant a dagger in our back.

>>31784521
It's the difference between "Yeah, the volcano may erupt sometime" and "Yes, the volcano is going to erupt, begin preparations now."

>>31784599
>>31784696
I'm not saying that she's wrong, but her warning amounts to "something bad is likely to happen soon". It's not exactly something you can start planning for, so, thanks for the warning I guess?

The warning is pretty nebulous. As a captain, and a princess, our job is to deal with great many people each day. We can't skip on that just on the suspicion that someone might pull a gun on us soon.

In other words, there's not really much we can do to heed the warning.

>>31784861
We should keep an eye out for suspicious looking old ladies offering free fruit, just in case

>>31784914
Also postpone that meeting with grandma.

>>31784464
>>31784467
>>31784470
>>31784521

A thin smile comes to your face.

"Sensor, you tell me things I already know. The court of an empire such as Naruna has many intrigues. Nearly every noble has some aspiration to rise in their station, some with a more, as you aptly put it, "dire" need than others. Even as the fourth child, with almost no chance of ascendance to the throne of my dear Mother, I have always been a potential target of those with the desire to get ahead on the backs - or over the bodies of - those in their way. Please do not feel I disparage your intuition, the Sensors of the Violet Lens are an invaluable asset to Naruna, but without something more concrete I would simply be succumbing to paranoia, something an officer of the Air Navy cannot do. That said, I sincerely thank you for your concern"

Iscah regards you with an inscrutable expression.

"As you will, Princess. I have done my duty as the Sensor of your vessel. Do what you will with my counsel."

"Then if there is nothing more, I have other duties to attend to."

With that you turn and exit the Sensor's chamber, meeting Barnes at the exit.

"Barnes, would you show me where my quarters are? There is the matter of Lieutenant Rackman I need to attend to and it is nearly time."

>>31784971
Pfft, she got pissed pretty easily. Order Barnes to send her some menstruation pads or something.

>>31785032
wait, female lieutenant Rack?

I like where this is going

>>31784971
no options for actions?

Your personal quarters are on the second floor of the main superstructure on the starboard side. While it is plush, with wood paneling and carpet like that of the Sensor's Chamber, the signs of a warship are still evident, with the large grey hatchway door, the clearly marked emergency equipment locker on the wall, and the tangle of pipelines and wires across the ceiling. The quarters are split in two, one side a personal bedroom, the other an office with a connecting door between, that personnel may be admitted to the office without passing through or seeing into the bedroom.

In the office is a small desk with a green clerk's light, telephone and typewriter bolted to it, several cabinets containing manuals, logs, and the like, and beside the desk a small safe held in place with easily removable fasteners, so that it can be thrown overboard in case of imminent boarding or capture.

The bedroom is taken up mostly by a small bed, a small chest of drawers and a wardrobe just big enough to put a few uniforms in. In lieu of a nightstand there is a small shelf on the wall beside the head of the bed.

After inspecting your room and checking the time, you notice the time for Lieutenant Rackman to arrive is nearly here. You wait in your office, and soon a knock comes at the door.

[] "Enter."
[] Let her sweat a moment

>>31785325
>[] "Enter."
She'll have enough to sweat about already.

>>31785306
Sorry forgot to denote (1/2)

I'm still getting used to running this, sorry if its kind of inelegant or I forget things...

>>31785325
[] "Enter."

>>31785349

>[] "Enter.'

>>31785325
>[x] "Enter."

>>31785032
As a member of royalty and the captain of the ship I'd be pretty pissed off if someone just gave a nebulous warning without being specific.

If it was direct, like "A senior admiral from noble family X is going to have you put in harms way while moving the fleet so the palace is wide open for a sneak attack" then it might have been worth it.

Nobles should always be on their guard politically.
Captains should remain aware militarily.

We're both. Pointing out the obvious was unnecessary.

>>31785325
{x]Let her sweat.
Gotta underscore that authority, but be calm and fair when delivering it

>>31785325
>[] "Enter."
Let's get this show on the road

>>31785387
>If it was direct, like "A senior admiral from noble family X is going to have you put in harms way while moving the fleet so the palace is wide open for a sneak attack" then it might have been worth it.

Or if it was urgent: Something really BAD is gonna happen in the next 24 hours at least gives us a time frame to work with.

If we wanna go really paranoid, we can look at the warning in two ways. Either the Sensor is concerned enough of us that she wanted to give us a warning, no matter how nebumous, since the signs are dire enough. Or she is in the plot against us, and wants to have us jumping at shadows, when the danger is right out in plain sight.

>>31785387
>>31785623

My impression is that foresight is the most difficult and most nebulous of Sensor capabilities. Enemies sitting outside of telescope range? Sure thing. Storm coming in from the east? No problem. But attaining anything more than a "feeling" of events yet to transpire seems unattainable.

The way I see it, the Sensor is in the direct employ of the Air Navy for the express purpose of forewarning danger. Iscah was correct to detail what nebulous premonitions she had. If she had held her tongue, and something she might have said would have made a difference in whatever is going to transpire, she'd be directly shunning her role as a Sensor. Besides, we would have wanted to meet our Sensor anyway, and her warning took literally ten seconds of our time.

>>31785390
>>31785385
>>31785372
>>31785370

No need to make the Lieutenant wait any longer, she's had three hours to dread the meeting, another few minutes won't make a difference in that regard.

"Enter."

Rackman enters, looking far better than she did on the aft flight deck a few hours prior. The greasy overalls and messy hair have been replaced by her red jacket, white trousers and boots, and her hair pinned back (mostly) neatly, though a few strands still stick out oddly. Rackman salutes, not with the mechanical precision of the high strung Ensign Dunn, but acceptable.

"Lieutenant Rackman reporting as ordered, Ma'am!"

"At ease Lieutenant."

You stand before her, approving of the marked improvement.

"Lieutenant Rackman, I had you come here to discuss the matter of your... decorum. Or should I say lack thereof. I understand you are good at what you do, and dedicated. That much I could see on the flight deck this afternoon. However, there is a need for showing proper respect to superiors. Your appearance I can forgive, to a point. What I cannot is sloppy salutes, lackadaisical reports, and the like."

As you speak, Rackman blushes red with embarrassment, but manages to keep her composure for the most part.

"My apologies Ma'am. I- I get wrapped up in things and I... well I forget myself."

You fix Rackman with a stern look.

"See that it doesn't happen again."

"Aye, Ma'am"

You consider for a moment.

[] Administer some small punishment
[] Let it go with the admonishment

>>31785781

>[] Let it go with the admonishment

The admonishment is acceptable negative reinforcement for the particular error.

>>31785781
> Let it go with the admonishment
No sense in making this a big production

>>31785781
[x] Just the admonishment
She messed up, we told her, it's over.

>>31785781
>[x] Let it go with the admonishment
She seems to understand the problem, so let's leave it at an admonishment as long as she understands that her earlier behaviour will not be tolerated any further.

>>31785907
>>31785899
>>31785896

You nod.

"Very well Lieutenant. Dismissed."

"Thank you Ma'am"

Still beet red, Rackman salutes and takes her leave. With that out of the way, you turn your attention to more pressing matters. You reach in your pocket and pull out a small brass key. This you insert into the keyhole in the safe beside the desk. Turning it unlocks the two numbered dials to either side of the keyhole. You spin the two combinations, turn the handle, and with a thunk the door releases and swings open easily. Inside is a manila envelope, sealed with wax imprinted with the seal of the Royal High Military Command. Printed on it in foreboding large letters are the words "TOP SECRET" You break the seal and remove a small stack of papers.

The first page is simply the standard warnings about clearance, treason, and all the rest. The second page begins the order proper.

(1/2)

>>31785781
>[x] Let it go with the admonishment

>>31786194
(2/2)

ORDERS

LADY ALICE, PRINCESS OF HOWES, FIRST LIEUTENANT IN COMMAND OF HER ROYAL MAJESTY'S AIR NAVY VESSEL COMET, ARE HEREBY ORDERED AND REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIVES.

PROCEED ON 9TH APRIL FROM ROYAL AIR NAVY YARD BERTHSTONE TO AERIAL STATION DUNBAR AT COORDINATES PROVIDED

ONCE ARRIVING AT AERIAL STATION DUNBAR RELIEVE FRIGATE RNS LIZA

ONCE RELIEVING RNS LIZA BEGIN PATROL PATTERN PROVIDED

WHILE ON SAID PATROL MONITOR ENCOUNTERED SHIPPING, BOTH MILITARY AND CIVILIAN, MAKING SPECIAL NOTE OF UCOTRIAN FLAGGED VESSELS. LAWFUL BOARDING OF SUSPECT VESSELS FOR INSPECTION IS ENCOURAGED

REPORTS SHALL BE SENT BY COURIER AIRCRAFT EVERY FOUR DAYS.

With this you set aside the papers. Aerial Station Dunbar was a base built on a small floating island near the border with Ucotria, Naruna's chief rival. Political negotiations over a territorial dispute on the Eastern continent were not going well, and small skirmishes between Narunan and Ucotrian garrisons in the region had already occurred. Officially Ucotria was attempting to placate Naruna, however of late Ucotrian shipping has changed patterns dramatically, coming and going with large ships from unusual ports. It is obvious to the High Command that war preparations were being made, and something has to be done to show some strength. Your mission is to be that show in your assigned area.

By now it is evening there is not much to be done until morning, when you are to get underway. You are hungry and getting a bit tired...

[] Have some dinner brought and turn in for the night
[] Stay up a bit and invite the senior officers to the Captain's mess.

>>31786723
>[x] Stay up a bit and invite the senior officers to the Captain's mess.
Let's have some small talk with our officers over dinner before we turn in for the night.

>>31786723
>[x] Stay up a bit and invite the senior officers to the Captain's mess.
Get to know our crew as people (though we'll need a few dinners for that).

Discuss our ship and mission situations informally, make sure everyone knows what's what. Especially if we have to be more formal/ less candid in a briefing.

Find out more about our ship situation, and how the officers respond (look for complainers and jobsworths)

>>31787048
>>31786878

You call the central switchboard and ask that the galley deliver invitations to Barnes, Rackman, Dunn as well as Chief Petty Officer Stroud to join you in the Captain's Mess, and to prepare dinner for all five of you. On most ships, only commissioned officers would be invited to Captain's Mess, but the Comet, being small and only having four commissioned officers, petty officers are sometimes invited as well.

An hour later, the other four arrive in the small dining area off the main hall reserved for senior officers. The table is set with fine china and silverware, and as you settle in the cook staff brings in the first course, your favorite beef and barley vegetable soup.

Rackman, again in her formal officer's uniform, still looks a bit cowed after her reprimand, and Ensign Dunn looks a combination of terrified and awed. Barnes and Stroud look at ease however.

Determined to put everyone at ease, as is your duty as host, you tap on your water glass for attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for accepting my invitation to dinner. I hope this will be the first of many. I understand the galley staff have produced a lovely meal for us, and I hope it is as delicious as we all hope. With that, I offer a toast! To the Queen, may she reign a century more!"

To a chorus of "Hear Hear!" and "To the Queen!" everyone raises their glasses, then settles in for dinner.


(Alright ladies and gentlemen, that is it for me tonight. Next time we will learn a bit more about our staff and crew over a hopefully lively dinner, and finally shove off for adventure!)

>>31787653
Thanks for running!
I can't wait to get into the plot.

>>31787735
Yeah I realize its been slow, I really wanted to get the setting and characters at least somewhat out there, but I am going to totally gloss over steaming to the station at which point PLOT! begins.

As always, follow @CapnAlice to stay on top of when threads will occur, and comments, questions, feedback and death threats are always welcome! Tip your waiters!

>>31787653
Thanks! Looking forward to the plot

Do you know when you'll be running again?

>>31787862
I have a really wonky work schedule so at this point I'm not sure, but possibly Friday night.

>>31787937
Cool. A friday is good for development.
Hope I catch it especially with timezones

Friday's a good day, since it means no work the next day and I don't need to suffer in the morning for staying up late.

>>31787830
>comments, questions, feedback
I really like how you write and hope you stick around to QM. You're descriptions and characters do great to paint the setting. The pacing of scenes and dialogue is good and natural. Overall excellent job IMHO.

My only complaint, though I believe you realize it yourself, is the pacing of the story so far. The first two threads were just getting silly how long it took to tour.

Have a good one, see you Friday if you can run.

>>31788255
Concerning pacing; I don't recall it having happened in this quest so far, but don't fall into the trap of asking players about every little thing, like I've seen happen at times in some quests. Trust to the MC being capable of making decisions of their own, and only put the relevant ones into vote. Questers will like that the pace keeps strong, that the MC is not just a puppet, and that they don't need to concern themselves over the colour of socks the MC will wear this day.