Professor Howard thought about how there was a great similiarity between what the girl was telling her and the East Moreland cadets, although they didn't get their hands on a full size sailing ship. "And so that's what you plan on doing is it?" Maddie asked before the more senior member of the crew approached. "Well if you don't mind is there any chance I can come with you" she asked, "Would make more insight into some of the seminars we have on military history" she smiled, slightly concerned she'd get paint on her outfit but not willing to pass up the opportunity, beside she had spare clothing back onshore ready for the evenings events.
Fraser guided Fava along the quayside towards the small marquee they had established for the festival, it was essentially a place with food being served and a free bar for those wearning lanyards of Frasers small company that traded in vintage cars, tracking them down when on their last legs and repairing them before selling for a healthy profit. Now in his later years the company was the only one he maintained and more for the fact he could occasionally get his hands dirty in the garage. It was probably from the Duke that the King had his love of classic cars, and of course Fraser had acquried Coope for the Ironside's which had seen several generations of the family learn to drive in. His tent was his way of promoting good will with those who helped his business as either supplier, customer or in any other way and several people where coming and going as the duo arrived. "Well my sister Helene married King Sven, meet at one of the military balls when she was doing her national service and that tied our two families together. Thankfully apart from turning up and looking useful at certain events we don't really have to do much.....well apart from the oddbit of babysitting with Joanna, Freya and David when they were younger, and now occasionally Rhiannon." he smiled at the last name, she was like a small whirlwind of insanity at times, just like Freya had been. Two spaces had been reserved among the other Kades attending, Peter the grandson of Fraser and a young engineer being groomed by David to have more input into government affairs than any other Kade was sat next to Fava.
"Nice to meet you sir" the 23 year old said as he stood and extended a hand. "I hope you like bubble and squeak, it builds a good base for the day ahead." as if on cue the plates appeared, no grand ceremony just a man in a blue t-shirt wearing the Kade Restorations Ltd logo delivering the freshly cooked mix of fried chopped potatoes and vegetables with tiny pieces of bacon. Before they began Fraser lit a candle on the table and removed a small knife that flicked open from his pocket. He cut a small sliver of the omlette looking dish and placed it on a small white plate.
"Lord Helus" Fraser said quietly, his family silent, "Bless this food, Lady Marissa thank you for your bounty. We eat this in order to give us strength to carry out your wishes and live by the Code. May The Gods Watch Over Us and know our thanks." With that he blew the candle out and motioned for everyone to begin. "Now as for presenting a gift I assume your attending the banquet this evening, then would be the appropriate time I'd imagine. Though it'll be busy, over 300 people I believe, your position means you'll be on the main tables so be assured of having the Kings attention at some point. Though their is great gossip about whether Lady Stasya will be part of the ceremonies that go with a Morelander banquet, so that'll be interesting" he chuckled.
Harry was just finishing his wander around the boat when Anja approached. "I'll be honest" the Minister began, "I don't get the excitement of a boat like this, is cold and unforgiving. At least in the old tactical vehicles we had in the Army you got a pair of fluffy dice or a nice padded seat cushion. Too much metal" he added his final assessment. "You folks must be mad to go floating around Mundus in a metal box, only one lot crazier than you and that's submariners, a submerged metal box....bonkers" he said rather flatly. "Though have to admit seems a neat and tidy vessel so I'm sure your proud" he added.
Over the opposite side of the docks Sir Alan was doing what he loved, speaking with the engineers who built the stuff he sold. He'd joined a group of school children and their teachers on top of the wings of the Ekra-Badger. They were part of a class that had won some competition and their prize was a day at the festival all expenses paid by EMAC. "So its not a boat, and its not a plane?" One ten year old asked as one of the engineers told them about the giant GEV.
"That is correct" Sir Alan said, "It's like a unicorn, its not a horse....but its also not a rhino" a few of the children chuckled. It was then that Sir Alan spotted Catarina. "Quick children" he yelled manouvering them into a line. "Hide the missile launchers, she's from Riviere here to steal our designs" the children weren't sure what to do until one boo'd. "Yes boo in deed." Sir Alan said goodbye to the children and then clambered down one of the engineers ladders that lead to the wing doing so with the grace of someone who did this all the time. "Miss Rowan" he said extending a hand, "I trust your not here to steal the Ekrabadger?" he grinned.
"Now I may have a solution that would allow you both to stay" David began. "You're country is very close to the Unified Iwi, our good friends. I am sure if you wish rather than sail the Suhnfyre back we'd be happy to lend you one of our royal flight. That will get you back to The Iwi, and I suspect King Piripi would love to meet you....word of warning if he offers you a leaf take it, but then hand it back.....that's all I'll say otherwise it'll ruin the surprise" David fondly remembered his own trip to visit the Maori and his kayak race that his team lost. "From there we can fly you home, or I'm sure the Iwi can find an alternative means of transportation. It would be lovely to have you both at the banquet" David responded. "Now in regards to you saying you have some infastructure issues we may be able to help with that" David was looking around for his Chief of Household Quinn Germaine and spotted her closeby fending off some press. "Quinn, is Melissa here?" the King asked.
Quinn scanned her document, "She is Your Majesty"
"Excellent, have her meet us at the Officers Mess" The King waited for the thumbs up from Quinn as she spoke to the Refugee Council's head over the phone confirming she was on her way.
The Officers Mess was a white marble fronted building, traditionally it had been the residence of the Head of the Navy and his immediate HQ staff, today however it was only used for official purposes and so the King was going to make use of one of its balconies that gave a view over the whole Festival Grounds. Melissa had been just outside enjoying an ice cream when the phone call had come. "Your Majesty" she bowed to King David and then turned to the man she didn't really recognise. "Prince Leuk" she gave another bow.
"Prince Leuk, it is my pleasure to introduce you to one of my subjects with a very bright future." Melissa turned red, "Young Melissa here was until two years ago our Youth Minister, a role always given to our nations youngest elected Councillor. Melissa here was 21 and literally straight out of University. She should still have had the job" David mockingly chastised her, "But a gentleman called Tim Carpenter poached her to run the CTO
[1]Refugee Council. I'll be honest its the only part of the CTO that seems to work. Her first task was to help in Uppsala, a city in Nya Aland that suffered a great disaster that saw millions die, millions become homeless and a major city all but destroyed, fast forward six months it suffered a huge chemical leak killing thousands more, Melissa here was a key force in helping get the city on its feet. Then move to just a few months ago and she was in Lakhzovia helping evacuate those in need of help during a civil war. She is not only a great organiser, she gets her hands dirty and she has great experience helping rebuild. Now, as she is still in the Refugee Council I can't order her to do anything, but I'm about to blackmail her." The King had a wicked smile and turned to Leuk, "In our nation the sword is very important, it is a symbol of honour, respect, trustworthiness and essentially being an all round good person. See a Morelander in their 30's without a sword their either trying to make a fashion statement or they've not proven themselves to be these things. Melissa here is 24 now and as you can see has no sword, mainly because of the time she's spent out of country. Should Prince Leuk here accept our help and you voulenteer to go I will personally vouch for you with the Priesthood to be granted your sword." He spoke to Melissa.
"If I'm needed I'll serve" Melissa said trying to not sound excited, to have the King speak for you at your sword ceremony was a great honour among Morelanders.
"So Prince Leuk, you have the offer of all the support East Moreland can give, a young eager helper and all you need to do is tell me after she's finished whether she can have a sword or not. Sound like a good offer?" King David asked as he handed Leuk a cup of Green Tea. "And should you think of any particular way we can help then please let us know and we'll see what we can throw together." The King wasn't sure how familiar Leuk would be with the Morelanders Code of Canley and wondered whether he should explain but thought better of it.