Snippet 2: K9Thefirst1
And here we see Porta contacting allies for assistance correcting an oversight of hers, on the eve of war. Once more, I am indebted to the person who sent me this link on how medieval letters were composed.
December 10th, 2013 – Great Meteor Seamount, Palace of Porta Atlantia
In her private apartments, the Last Elder Princess of the Atlantic Abyss leaned back in her chair and rubbed at the bridge of her nose. It was late, and she much wanted to go to sleep. Trouble was, she needed to make a decision, and soon. She had put it off long enough as it was.
She really only had herself to blame really. She had spent so much time and effort developing her fleet combat units, that she had neglected to expand her non-combat fleet accordingly. Now she had over a thousand warships… And not a tug or repair ship in sight.
Sure, her Mobile Anchorages could do most of the repairs of a dedicated port… But that wouldn't do one of her fleet any good if she couldn't make it there under her own steam, or worse, if she needed one or more of her sisters to get there under tow. One unit out of action was bad enough, but a whole division? Unacceptable.
"I am… An idiot…" she muttered to herself, "I'm supposed to be smarter than this…"
And yet, there she was, a grand fleet, with her self-imposed date for the declaration of war against the Barbarians of her Sisters weeks away… Without tugs and repair ships to tend to them. Naturally she went straight to work with her engineers to rectify this oversight right away. It was really her least favorite part of developing new classes – the actual designing process. All too often, either to many perfect or near-perfect options were put before her to choose from, or none of them were acceptable, or they were little more than variations on a theme.
The issue at hand, for a prospective repair ship, was a mix of the three issues. All of them had their good points, but none of them really stood out as perfect, and their flaws were quite glaring. She had thought she had hit a promising avenue when she permitted the expansion of the ship's tonnage, but now she was regretting that decision. Shifting the Tonnage limitation merely resulted in having a repair ship that was very nearly the size of a small capital ship, with all the logistical problems that came with it. Sure, the greater size meant that the machinists and engineers would have much greater stability while at work – no mean factor for the notoriously aggressive Atlantic – but was it worth the frustration of feeding and defending a nearly thirty kiloton behemoth that wasn't even going to be fighting?
She flipped the sheets over, taking yet another look at the words on the page, as though it would somehow change the situation somehow.
Porta groaned, then slumped in her chair.
"My kingdom for a second opinion…"
"Nazg. Nazg nazg-nazg."
"Mmm?"
Porta looked to the edge of the table, finding an Imp bearing a manila envelope the size of a large tarp relative to his height.
"Reivana with another report I trust? …Very well, I could use a distraction."
The Princess took the envelope and read the report inside. There was the typical minutia – the Wok-Class transports were performing admirably, transporting reparations goods to the UK and the Iberian nations, and with each voyage were bringing important intelligence regarding the Abyssal Fleets whose territory they passed through. And in turn there were the manifests of raw goods – bauxite, iron, and similar resources she was scarce in – ready for their voyage to the Princess, and intelligence reports – largely gossip, but still vital information – about the various allied powers. And one particular nugget made Porta sit up and take note.
…and from our American allies, there are reports of an Allied Fleet near Alaska that had developed a non-combat type of vessel. The fleet in question calls themselves the Fleet of Laughter, and they are the successor fleet under the Northern Ocean Princess that captured the Aleutian Islands during Blood Week. The Northern Ocean Princess – or 'Hoppo' as she seems to prefer to be called – has survived, but seems to be a distant advisory figure to the FOL, whose de facto leader is the Northern Water Princess named Tanith. More detailed information came in previous accounts, but at your request I would be happy to send along revised copies in triplicate.
As to the class they have built, by all accounts it is an ocean-going tug boat named the KO-Class. Unfortunately, I have told you of everything freely available to non-vital military personnel. Anything else beyond this and a profile ID are classified to mission planers and other Need To Know.
The report went on into other topics. All things the Princess needed to know no doubt, but the information of another Abyssal fleet, and Allied Abyssal fleet, having already developed one of the units she was in need of, superseded everything else. This was perfect! If they could develop a design of their own to completion, then other designs would be a simple matter!
Immediately, Porta collected sheets of paper and a pen, then proceeded to scribble out draft after draft of a letter to this Fleet of Laughter, checking her files of Reivana's previous reports to insure that she did not blunder into an insult out of ignorance with each go. Hours later, she had her final draft, worded exactly the right way to avoid offense, and to encourage the recipients to consider aiding her in her plight.
Satisfied, Porta transcribed the letter to a sheet of parchment, folded it, and with more than a little giddiness, used her new seal for the purpose it was meant for. She heated a measure of wax and poured it into a circle over the knot of silk cord to hold it shut, and pressed her ring into it, revealing a tiny example of her Royal Coat of Arms when she pulled it away.
"DEMON!"
"Yes, Princess." the Demon answered as she entered the quarters. Port marched up to her Second and handed her the envelope.
"Demon, go down to the armory, and collect a quad, double, and single barrel each of the 40mm AA mounts. You are then to go down to the archives and collect the drafts for those same mounts. After that, collect seven barrels of oil, a brick of gold, and then take them all with this letter to the docks. I want you to commandeer a Wok that is empty, or nearly so, and give her the items. I will send coordinates in a few hours."
The Demon stood there for a moment, and Porta could almost imagine an eyebrow rising beneath that helm. But, she was obeyed, and Liner Demon collected the letter and left to carry out the orders.
Porta took a breath to steady herself. The next step was to make a lot of calls to the various allies between the seamount and the realm of the Fleet of Laughter. The Wok-class was a very fuel-efficient class of ship, but she wouldn't have the bunkerage to make the trip on one load. And even if she could, the need for haste meant that the courier needed to take the Panama Canal. She needed to arrange the route with all of the relevant authorities along the way.
It was almost exciting in a way. This would be the first time any of her fleet would be relying on Human infrastructure… And no doubt the humans would be interested in seeing her cargo transport.
A great many side-benefits continued to come to mind as she carried out her tasks. Yes. Even if nothing came of this outreach, the Princess knew that she would benefit.
Of course, she really wanted those tug designs, and some perspective of a repair ship…
Avrora, Fleet of Laughter Territory, December 22nd, 2013
Tanith raised an eyebrow at the… strange cargo transport. Save for the lack of a humanoid torso, she bore some similarities to Marble, but the ascended battleship had never seen any ship with so many AA mounts, let alone a lowly cargo transport. Then there was the torpedo launcher embedded in her chin. Still, the attention to the defenses wasn't a bad idea, especially with all of the hostile Abyssal fleets still at large. She'd need to talk to mother about adopting the idea. Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet looked on as the stranger deposited a collection of items on the beach. Three models of AA mounts, barrels of oil (always appreciated), a block of gold (again, not unwanted, gold bought a lot of things they were in need of), and a box.
With the last item lowered onto the beach, an imp hopped down from the freighter's deck, carrying a folded piece of paper above his head like a tiny sheet of plywood, making a beeline straight for her. Taking pity on the little creature, Tanith walked up to the Imp and picked up the folded bit of paper. …No, not paper, parchment. She turned it over to find it sealed with a bit of wax, with the shape of a pseudo-insectoid/crustacean thing inside of a circle with writing on it, in a language Tanith wasn't sure she recognized.
"Is this for me then?"
"Nazg," the little Imp said, saluting before bending to one knee, "nazg nazg Nazg."
'Yes, for the Ruler of the Fleet of Laughter. I humbly await for your reply to my mistress.'
Tanith cocked an eyebrow at the formal tone, but shrugged, broke the seal, and unfolded the letter. After coming all this way, it would be rude not to at least see what the fuss was about.
This… Required some thought…
A Letter Between Sovereigns
December 10th, 2013 – Great Meteor Seamount, Palace of Porta Atlantia
In her private apartments, the Last Elder Princess of the Atlantic Abyss leaned back in her chair and rubbed at the bridge of her nose. It was late, and she much wanted to go to sleep. Trouble was, she needed to make a decision, and soon. She had put it off long enough as it was.
She really only had herself to blame really. She had spent so much time and effort developing her fleet combat units, that she had neglected to expand her non-combat fleet accordingly. Now she had over a thousand warships… And not a tug or repair ship in sight.
Sure, her Mobile Anchorages could do most of the repairs of a dedicated port… But that wouldn't do one of her fleet any good if she couldn't make it there under her own steam, or worse, if she needed one or more of her sisters to get there under tow. One unit out of action was bad enough, but a whole division? Unacceptable.
"I am… An idiot…" she muttered to herself, "I'm supposed to be smarter than this…"
And yet, there she was, a grand fleet, with her self-imposed date for the declaration of war against the Barbarians of her Sisters weeks away… Without tugs and repair ships to tend to them. Naturally she went straight to work with her engineers to rectify this oversight right away. It was really her least favorite part of developing new classes – the actual designing process. All too often, either to many perfect or near-perfect options were put before her to choose from, or none of them were acceptable, or they were little more than variations on a theme.
The issue at hand, for a prospective repair ship, was a mix of the three issues. All of them had their good points, but none of them really stood out as perfect, and their flaws were quite glaring. She had thought she had hit a promising avenue when she permitted the expansion of the ship's tonnage, but now she was regretting that decision. Shifting the Tonnage limitation merely resulted in having a repair ship that was very nearly the size of a small capital ship, with all the logistical problems that came with it. Sure, the greater size meant that the machinists and engineers would have much greater stability while at work – no mean factor for the notoriously aggressive Atlantic – but was it worth the frustration of feeding and defending a nearly thirty kiloton behemoth that wasn't even going to be fighting?
She flipped the sheets over, taking yet another look at the words on the page, as though it would somehow change the situation somehow.
Requirements (initial guidelines, after first round of proposals requirements shall be adapted):
Tonnage: between 3,000-6,000 tons
Speed: 10 to 18 knots.
Range: 10,000 nautical miles.
Armament: what can be expected to defend herself from air and light sea opponents, using the 5'' gun and 40mm AA armament currently utilized.
Crew Capacity: At least 300 – 10 Officers, 50 seamen, 40 stokers and machinery spaces staff, 150 engineers, mechanics and repair crew, 50 misc crew.
Capability: repair minor to minor-moderate damage to all shiptypes from submarines to Re-Class battlecarriers, including engine repairs, hull shell plating repairs, sensor suite repairs or replacements, and other miscellaneous repairs that can be done either at sea or underway.
DESIGN I
Length: 320
Beam: 55 ft
Draft: 21 ft
Speed: 12kts
Tonnage: 3300 tons
Armor: 10mm cemented armor around machinery spaces
Armaments: 1 double-barreled dual purpose 5'' mount, aft, 2 quardruple 40 mm Anti-air mounts, one on top of bridge, one on fantail.
Propulsion: six oil-fired boilers, feeding one quadruple expansion reciprocating engine.
Facilities: one machine shop and tools, one hanger bay for plane/parts stowage, two holds for spare parts. Four auxiliary turbo-electric generators. Two auxiliary water pumps.
DESIGN II
Length: 477ft
Beam: 80 ft
Draft: 29ft
Speed: 14kts
Tonnage 11,200 tons
Armor: None
Armament: two double-barreled dual purpose 5'' mounts. 4 double 40mm Anti-Air mounts
Propulsion: eight oil-fired boilers feeding two triple expansion engines.
Facilities: two machine shops and tools, one hangar bay for plane/parts storage, three holds for spare parts. Eight auxiliary turbo-electric generators. Four auxiliary water pumps. One steam-powered winch crane amidships.
DESIGN III
Length: 675 ft
Beam: 75 ft
Draft: 36 ft
Speed: 15kts
Tonnage: 19,000 tons
Armor: 25mm cemented plate along machinery spaces
Armament: three double-barreled 5'' dual purpose mounts – one fore and aft, one amidships. 5 40mm quadruple Anti-Air mounts, two fore, two aft, one amidships.
Propulsion: 12 double-ended oil-fed boilers feeding two triple-expansion engines.
Facilities: three machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships. Alternatively, three holds for parts, one hold for raw materials, and a small forge to forging small hull patch plates as required.
DESIGN III-A
Length: 725ft
Beam: 89ft
Draft: 37ft
Speed: 16kts
Tonnage: 25,000
Armor: 33mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Six 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure, four amidships.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to make small hull patch plates or full one replacement plates as required. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: Twelve double-ended oil-fed boilers feeding two-expansion reciprocating engines.
DESIGN III-B
Length: 726ft
Beam: 95ft (plus additional four feet either side for torpedo bulge – 103ft)
Draft: 34ft
Speed: 17kts
Tonnage: 26,900 tons
Armor: 33mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Five 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to make small hull patch plates or full replacement plates as required. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: 12 Double ended, 4 single ended, oil-fed boilers feeding four quadruple expansion reciprocating engines.
DESIGN III-C
Length: 729ft
Beam: 96ft (plus additional four feet either side for torpedo bulge – 104ft)
Draft: 36ft
Speed: 19kts
Tonnage: 29,000 tons
Armor: 36mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Ten 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure, four amidships.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to make small hull patch plates or full replacement plates as required. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: 12 Double ended, 4 single ended, oil-fed boilers feeding two high pressure and two low pressure geared turbines.
DESIGN III-D
Length: 730ft
Beam: 99ft (plus additional four feet either side for torpedo bulge – 107ft)
Draft: 37ft
Speed: 18kts
Tonnage: 29,400 tons
Armor: 30mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout. Plus 4ft spaces on either side for torpedo bulges.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Six 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to small hull patch plates or full replacement plates as required. twelve auxiliary turbo-electric generators, nine auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: 16 Double ended oil-fed boilers feeding two quadruple-expansion reciprocating engines and one low pressure geared turbine
Tonnage: between 3,000-6,000 tons
Speed: 10 to 18 knots.
Range: 10,000 nautical miles.
Armament: what can be expected to defend herself from air and light sea opponents, using the 5'' gun and 40mm AA armament currently utilized.
Crew Capacity: At least 300 – 10 Officers, 50 seamen, 40 stokers and machinery spaces staff, 150 engineers, mechanics and repair crew, 50 misc crew.
Capability: repair minor to minor-moderate damage to all shiptypes from submarines to Re-Class battlecarriers, including engine repairs, hull shell plating repairs, sensor suite repairs or replacements, and other miscellaneous repairs that can be done either at sea or underway.
DESIGN I
Length: 320
Beam: 55 ft
Draft: 21 ft
Speed: 12kts
Tonnage: 3300 tons
Armor: 10mm cemented armor around machinery spaces
Armaments: 1 double-barreled dual purpose 5'' mount, aft, 2 quardruple 40 mm Anti-air mounts, one on top of bridge, one on fantail.
Propulsion: six oil-fired boilers, feeding one quadruple expansion reciprocating engine.
Facilities: one machine shop and tools, one hanger bay for plane/parts stowage, two holds for spare parts. Four auxiliary turbo-electric generators. Two auxiliary water pumps.
DESIGN II
Length: 477ft
Beam: 80 ft
Draft: 29ft
Speed: 14kts
Tonnage 11,200 tons
Armor: None
Armament: two double-barreled dual purpose 5'' mounts. 4 double 40mm Anti-Air mounts
Propulsion: eight oil-fired boilers feeding two triple expansion engines.
Facilities: two machine shops and tools, one hangar bay for plane/parts storage, three holds for spare parts. Eight auxiliary turbo-electric generators. Four auxiliary water pumps. One steam-powered winch crane amidships.
DESIGN III
Length: 675 ft
Beam: 75 ft
Draft: 36 ft
Speed: 15kts
Tonnage: 19,000 tons
Armor: 25mm cemented plate along machinery spaces
Armament: three double-barreled 5'' dual purpose mounts – one fore and aft, one amidships. 5 40mm quadruple Anti-Air mounts, two fore, two aft, one amidships.
Propulsion: 12 double-ended oil-fed boilers feeding two triple-expansion engines.
Facilities: three machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships. Alternatively, three holds for parts, one hold for raw materials, and a small forge to forging small hull patch plates as required.
We find Design III to be of particular merit. Though it exceeds the tonnage limit, in retrospect said limit was too strenuous for a truly effective vessel. As a larger ship will be more stable while at sea, even in harsh storms, meaning that the mechanics, engineers and machinists will have an easier time while working on materials. Therefore, the tonnage limit is shifted to 30,000 tons, though the Board of Design is reminded that this limit is not meant to be a goal to be achieved, but rather, is a buffer to ensure an efficient design without fretting over going over.
-HRH, Porta Abysseum Atlantia
-HRH, Porta Abysseum Atlantia
DESIGN III-A
Length: 725ft
Beam: 89ft
Draft: 37ft
Speed: 16kts
Tonnage: 25,000
Armor: 33mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Six 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure, four amidships.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to make small hull patch plates or full one replacement plates as required. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: Twelve double-ended oil-fed boilers feeding two-expansion reciprocating engines.
DESIGN III-B
Length: 726ft
Beam: 95ft (plus additional four feet either side for torpedo bulge – 103ft)
Draft: 34ft
Speed: 17kts
Tonnage: 26,900 tons
Armor: 33mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Five 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to make small hull patch plates or full replacement plates as required. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: 12 Double ended, 4 single ended, oil-fed boilers feeding four quadruple expansion reciprocating engines.
DESIGN III-C
Length: 729ft
Beam: 96ft (plus additional four feet either side for torpedo bulge – 104ft)
Draft: 36ft
Speed: 19kts
Tonnage: 29,000 tons
Armor: 36mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Ten 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure, four amidships.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to make small hull patch plates or full replacement plates as required. Ten auxiliary turbo-electric generators, eight auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: 12 Double ended, 4 single ended, oil-fed boilers feeding two high pressure and two low pressure geared turbines.
DESIGN III-D
Length: 730ft
Beam: 99ft (plus additional four feet either side for torpedo bulge – 107ft)
Draft: 37ft
Speed: 18kts
Tonnage: 29,400 tons
Armor: 30mm cemented plate over machinery spaces at and below waterline in turtleback layout. Plus 4ft spaces on either side for torpedo bulges.
Armament: Eight double-barreled 5'' mounts, two fore, two aft, four amidships. Six 40mm double Anti-Air mounts, one fore, three aft, one on top of bridge, one on aft superstructure.
Facilities: four machine shops and tools, two hangar bays for plane/parts stowage, five holds for spare parts and resources, a small forge to small hull patch plates or full replacement plates as required. twelve auxiliary turbo-electric generators, nine auxiliary water pumps. Two steam-powered winch cranes amidships.
Propulsion: 16 Double ended oil-fed boilers feeding two quadruple-expansion reciprocating engines and one low pressure geared turbine
Porta groaned, then slumped in her chair.
"My kingdom for a second opinion…"
"Nazg. Nazg nazg-nazg."
"Mmm?"
Porta looked to the edge of the table, finding an Imp bearing a manila envelope the size of a large tarp relative to his height.
"Reivana with another report I trust? …Very well, I could use a distraction."
The Princess took the envelope and read the report inside. There was the typical minutia – the Wok-Class transports were performing admirably, transporting reparations goods to the UK and the Iberian nations, and with each voyage were bringing important intelligence regarding the Abyssal Fleets whose territory they passed through. And in turn there were the manifests of raw goods – bauxite, iron, and similar resources she was scarce in – ready for their voyage to the Princess, and intelligence reports – largely gossip, but still vital information – about the various allied powers. And one particular nugget made Porta sit up and take note.
…and from our American allies, there are reports of an Allied Fleet near Alaska that had developed a non-combat type of vessel. The fleet in question calls themselves the Fleet of Laughter, and they are the successor fleet under the Northern Ocean Princess that captured the Aleutian Islands during Blood Week. The Northern Ocean Princess – or 'Hoppo' as she seems to prefer to be called – has survived, but seems to be a distant advisory figure to the FOL, whose de facto leader is the Northern Water Princess named Tanith. More detailed information came in previous accounts, but at your request I would be happy to send along revised copies in triplicate.
As to the class they have built, by all accounts it is an ocean-going tug boat named the KO-Class. Unfortunately, I have told you of everything freely available to non-vital military personnel. Anything else beyond this and a profile ID are classified to mission planers and other Need To Know.
The report went on into other topics. All things the Princess needed to know no doubt, but the information of another Abyssal fleet, and Allied Abyssal fleet, having already developed one of the units she was in need of, superseded everything else. This was perfect! If they could develop a design of their own to completion, then other designs would be a simple matter!
Immediately, Porta collected sheets of paper and a pen, then proceeded to scribble out draft after draft of a letter to this Fleet of Laughter, checking her files of Reivana's previous reports to insure that she did not blunder into an insult out of ignorance with each go. Hours later, she had her final draft, worded exactly the right way to avoid offense, and to encourage the recipients to consider aiding her in her plight.
Satisfied, Porta transcribed the letter to a sheet of parchment, folded it, and with more than a little giddiness, used her new seal for the purpose it was meant for. She heated a measure of wax and poured it into a circle over the knot of silk cord to hold it shut, and pressed her ring into it, revealing a tiny example of her Royal Coat of Arms when she pulled it away.
"DEMON!"
"Yes, Princess." the Demon answered as she entered the quarters. Port marched up to her Second and handed her the envelope.
"Demon, go down to the armory, and collect a quad, double, and single barrel each of the 40mm AA mounts. You are then to go down to the archives and collect the drafts for those same mounts. After that, collect seven barrels of oil, a brick of gold, and then take them all with this letter to the docks. I want you to commandeer a Wok that is empty, or nearly so, and give her the items. I will send coordinates in a few hours."
The Demon stood there for a moment, and Porta could almost imagine an eyebrow rising beneath that helm. But, she was obeyed, and Liner Demon collected the letter and left to carry out the orders.
Porta took a breath to steady herself. The next step was to make a lot of calls to the various allies between the seamount and the realm of the Fleet of Laughter. The Wok-class was a very fuel-efficient class of ship, but she wouldn't have the bunkerage to make the trip on one load. And even if she could, the need for haste meant that the courier needed to take the Panama Canal. She needed to arrange the route with all of the relevant authorities along the way.
It was almost exciting in a way. This would be the first time any of her fleet would be relying on Human infrastructure… And no doubt the humans would be interested in seeing her cargo transport.
A great many side-benefits continued to come to mind as she carried out her tasks. Yes. Even if nothing came of this outreach, the Princess knew that she would benefit.
Of course, she really wanted those tug designs, and some perspective of a repair ship…
------
Avrora, Fleet of Laughter Territory, December 22nd, 2013
Tanith raised an eyebrow at the… strange cargo transport. Save for the lack of a humanoid torso, she bore some similarities to Marble, but the ascended battleship had never seen any ship with so many AA mounts, let alone a lowly cargo transport. Then there was the torpedo launcher embedded in her chin. Still, the attention to the defenses wasn't a bad idea, especially with all of the hostile Abyssal fleets still at large. She'd need to talk to mother about adopting the idea. Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet looked on as the stranger deposited a collection of items on the beach. Three models of AA mounts, barrels of oil (always appreciated), a block of gold (again, not unwanted, gold bought a lot of things they were in need of), and a box.
With the last item lowered onto the beach, an imp hopped down from the freighter's deck, carrying a folded piece of paper above his head like a tiny sheet of plywood, making a beeline straight for her. Taking pity on the little creature, Tanith walked up to the Imp and picked up the folded bit of paper. …No, not paper, parchment. She turned it over to find it sealed with a bit of wax, with the shape of a pseudo-insectoid/crustacean thing inside of a circle with writing on it, in a language Tanith wasn't sure she recognized.
"Is this for me then?"
"Nazg," the little Imp said, saluting before bending to one knee, "nazg nazg Nazg."
'Yes, for the Ruler of the Fleet of Laughter. I humbly await for your reply to my mistress.'
Tanith cocked an eyebrow at the formal tone, but shrugged, broke the seal, and unfolded the letter. After coming all this way, it would be rude not to at least see what the fuss was about.
Salutations, and Best Wishes, O Worthies of the Placid Seas, whose realm is one of peace, serenity, and fellowship with all creatures both Land and Sea, and whose beauty is likened to Virgin Snows and Mighty Glaciers and Stoic Icebergs – The Fair Princess of Northern Waters, and her Mother, the Innocent Princess of Northern Oceans. Regal Sovereigns, over a Fleet that desires naught but Merriment and Love, and yet who willingly bore the brunt of subhuman savages and bloodlusting barbarians, all to spare the lives of the meek and the helpless that were in their charge, showing to all and sundry their superiority to their foes in Strength of Spirit and Honor, exemplars of the Noble Obligation inherent to those that the Divine chooses to Rule.
This letter arrives unto you and yours from the Serene Realm of the Princess of the Ancient Atlantic Gate, Princess Porta Abysseum Atlantia, of Antillia and the Grand Meteor Seamount, a realm of warm, fertile seas, and a fair island of rolling hills, pastoral herds of sheep and cattle, and in the very middle of the Atlantic.
We trust that this letter arrives in a time of continued serenity for your realm, and that your family and subjects are all in favored health and wealth, despite the vulgar realities of this pointless and destructive war between our race and the Humans. If you or yours are ever in need of assistance, simply call, and We shall respond and come unto your side, if your request for succor is one that is within Our capacity to provide.
Alas, We cannot say that this letter comes at a desire of pure pleasure. Rather, it comes at a time of great concern for Our realm and Our subjects in these troubled times of War and Hate. And it is with a heavy head that We find Ourselves seeking aid that only your noble worthies could hope to provide.
Upon the ninth day, of the seventh month, of this fair year, We signed into a pact with the Humans. A treaty of peace, of trade, and of reparations. In accordance with the terms of this treaty, We are obligated to throw in the War Efforts on the side of Man. For offensives, We are much prepared. A decade of repose from the outside world, of ignoring the war, has permitted Us to take the time to expand Our fleet, until We now command numbers such that we can take on the Abyss, and still hold numbers enough to ensure that Our fleet shall be able to transition into a peacetime nature without fear of becoming a backwater.
And yet, in Our eagerness to ensure offensive numbers, We are most humiliated to admit that, in maintenance matters, we are falling short. Mobile anchorages we have, permitting the wounded to have a place of respit without having to brave the treacherous road to Antillia. And We have placed considerable effort in designing and providing merchant craft to transport goods, the beginnings of Our Merchant Marine. And yet We are lacking in the craft that can help Our warriors come home if they cannot move under their own strength, ocean tug boats and repair vessels, forcing their comrades to shoulder them. This is an unnatural oversight on Our part, and one that We prostrate Ourselves before you for assistance.
We have heard from Our allies of your own success in fashioning a class of mighty tugs, the Ko-Class. We request from you the designs, spec sheets, and blueprints of this class, that We may begin construction immediately, before Our war begins in earnest.
In exchange, the servant this letter arrives by offers a bar of gold, forged by collecting the suspended particles of the metal in the sea, and seven barrels of oil, conjured by Our process of synthesizing oil from plant matter. Alongside these come three examples and the corresponding blueprints of the Anti-Air batteries natively developed. Nowhere in all of the Abyss will you find a more rapid, more accurate, and more effective model such as these – Our 40mm quad, dual, and single-barrel mounts, which are currently being provided to all vessels in the fleet, from capital ships on down to destroyers. We trust that these can help protect your family and your subjects in the event of armed conflict.
Furthermore, We send along copies of Our notes for Our own class of Repair Ships. Alas, We fear that they are incomplete as yet, more studies than concrete concepts. However, we pray that they may find some use for you in the event that you and yours are also in the process of developing your own repair ships.
And so, We sadly must finish this matter, and return once more unto the affairs of state, as We make preparations for the vulgar and disgusting matters of War, that Ares may once more be satiated with the blood of Saint and Sinner shed. We once more send Our best prayers, well wishes, and earnest hopes for you and yours, that your realm may continue to prosper and grow, and that under your Noble and Just rule, Avrora continues to be a beacon in the Pacific of what our race can be in this age of Darkness and War, if we but choose to do so, just as We shall be providing that same Noble example in the Atlantic.
And once more, if ever your realm must call for any aid, We implore you and yours too but ask. If it be within Our capacity to provide, it shall be given with both hands, in love and fellowship.
This letter, by Our own hand, departs from Our realm on the tenth day, of the twelfth month, in the Year of Our Lord 2013.
We await your reply with eagerness and grand esteem, Porta Abysseum Atlantia, Princess of Abyssinia.
This letter arrives unto you and yours from the Serene Realm of the Princess of the Ancient Atlantic Gate, Princess Porta Abysseum Atlantia, of Antillia and the Grand Meteor Seamount, a realm of warm, fertile seas, and a fair island of rolling hills, pastoral herds of sheep and cattle, and in the very middle of the Atlantic.
We trust that this letter arrives in a time of continued serenity for your realm, and that your family and subjects are all in favored health and wealth, despite the vulgar realities of this pointless and destructive war between our race and the Humans. If you or yours are ever in need of assistance, simply call, and We shall respond and come unto your side, if your request for succor is one that is within Our capacity to provide.
Alas, We cannot say that this letter comes at a desire of pure pleasure. Rather, it comes at a time of great concern for Our realm and Our subjects in these troubled times of War and Hate. And it is with a heavy head that We find Ourselves seeking aid that only your noble worthies could hope to provide.
Upon the ninth day, of the seventh month, of this fair year, We signed into a pact with the Humans. A treaty of peace, of trade, and of reparations. In accordance with the terms of this treaty, We are obligated to throw in the War Efforts on the side of Man. For offensives, We are much prepared. A decade of repose from the outside world, of ignoring the war, has permitted Us to take the time to expand Our fleet, until We now command numbers such that we can take on the Abyss, and still hold numbers enough to ensure that Our fleet shall be able to transition into a peacetime nature without fear of becoming a backwater.
And yet, in Our eagerness to ensure offensive numbers, We are most humiliated to admit that, in maintenance matters, we are falling short. Mobile anchorages we have, permitting the wounded to have a place of respit without having to brave the treacherous road to Antillia. And We have placed considerable effort in designing and providing merchant craft to transport goods, the beginnings of Our Merchant Marine. And yet We are lacking in the craft that can help Our warriors come home if they cannot move under their own strength, ocean tug boats and repair vessels, forcing their comrades to shoulder them. This is an unnatural oversight on Our part, and one that We prostrate Ourselves before you for assistance.
We have heard from Our allies of your own success in fashioning a class of mighty tugs, the Ko-Class. We request from you the designs, spec sheets, and blueprints of this class, that We may begin construction immediately, before Our war begins in earnest.
In exchange, the servant this letter arrives by offers a bar of gold, forged by collecting the suspended particles of the metal in the sea, and seven barrels of oil, conjured by Our process of synthesizing oil from plant matter. Alongside these come three examples and the corresponding blueprints of the Anti-Air batteries natively developed. Nowhere in all of the Abyss will you find a more rapid, more accurate, and more effective model such as these – Our 40mm quad, dual, and single-barrel mounts, which are currently being provided to all vessels in the fleet, from capital ships on down to destroyers. We trust that these can help protect your family and your subjects in the event of armed conflict.
Furthermore, We send along copies of Our notes for Our own class of Repair Ships. Alas, We fear that they are incomplete as yet, more studies than concrete concepts. However, we pray that they may find some use for you in the event that you and yours are also in the process of developing your own repair ships.
And so, We sadly must finish this matter, and return once more unto the affairs of state, as We make preparations for the vulgar and disgusting matters of War, that Ares may once more be satiated with the blood of Saint and Sinner shed. We once more send Our best prayers, well wishes, and earnest hopes for you and yours, that your realm may continue to prosper and grow, and that under your Noble and Just rule, Avrora continues to be a beacon in the Pacific of what our race can be in this age of Darkness and War, if we but choose to do so, just as We shall be providing that same Noble example in the Atlantic.
And once more, if ever your realm must call for any aid, We implore you and yours too but ask. If it be within Our capacity to provide, it shall be given with both hands, in love and fellowship.
This letter, by Our own hand, departs from Our realm on the tenth day, of the twelfth month, in the Year of Our Lord 2013.
We await your reply with eagerness and grand esteem, Porta Abysseum Atlantia, Princess of Abyssinia.
Mercaturam et Lex
Imperii et Imperatrix
Imperii et Imperatrix
This… Required some thought…
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