Dr Munroe smiles, "Excellent! Well I have a few things to sort out but tomorrow morning we'll set out for Chelmsford. Until then!"
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As Dr Munroe turns to leave, Professor Dexter primly announces, "I shall accompany you Xavier. You've already had one ambush tonight, I won't have you wandering around unaccompanied."
Obviously feeling a little trapped, Dr Munroe gives her a helpless smile before acquiescing.
Zendara goes home to pack, and early the next morning checks over the ship.
Then she goes over to try to see Sheldon, and if she can't talk her way in this time, then she is willing to provide a distraction while someone else gets in by stealth or invisibility.
That day, Xindyra looks at the two professors with a glint of curious interest,
The following day, Xindyra accompanies Zandara on the ship's inspection.
Edwin asked, "What time are we leaving tomorrow? And what are we doing about security tonight?"
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Ferian takes his leave of the others and immediately heads to the university's library. Even in the midst of so much turmoil, there's something comforting about books.
Ferian accompanies Zendara and Xindyra the next day to inspect the ship.
Molts the cab driver tells Edwin, "Probably best if we set off at sunrise which should be about 6:30. We'll avoid traffic and get you there by midmorning so you'll have the best of the day in Chelmsford."
Edwin replied, "I'll head to my residence and pack my stuff." He was going to have to think carefully about what to bring. Luckily, he had a wonderous backpack that was bigger on the inside than on the outside, and seemed to weigh less than it ought to! He figured he could still bring some lightweight folding furniture.
Since Zendara has to choose between her curiosity and following Doctor Munroe, she is forced to choose the to leave with the group so she doesn't risk her spot in the expedition.
She abandons her attempt to talk to Sheldon the next day, and goes tonight to leave a letter with the nurse that she really wants to hear his side of the story, and asks him to forward a message to her through the department, or else come to Chelmsford if they let him out soon enough and he wants to.
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"All of you are more talented at the airship than I then," Yukarii said, "I know only that they fly from one place to another. How they work is a complete mystery." She sighed as she considered their problems, "It seems we have many issues slowing us down, it is almost like someone knows our weaknesses and is using them against us as a delaying tactic."
The exotic half elf considered carefully and then said, "I think that of the delays the most problematic is Sheldon's. The others we can deal with fairly easily, either a new inspector to prove the ship is fine or a different ship. The later may be difficult as they may have passed word around that we are not to be taken on by anyone. It would be best to get our original ship back." Yukarii paused as she thought of a solution and said, "I have no means to magically compel the man to clear us but I might be able to seduce him and put him in a compromising position that could be used against him to force his compliance. We might be able to find someone with a grudge or who he owes a debt to that would force him to clear the ship as well."
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Zendara met with the same nurse from earlier and she promisees to pass the message onto Sheldon.
Next day, the companions woke up deadly early and had a cooked breakfast in the archeology department refectory, a great glass sided affair with seating for two hundred with three rows of sturdy trestle tables. The small group felt drowned by the expanse and huddled in the glass corner where they watched the sky turn by increments from black to shades of red and then salmon pink. Soon after the first blue was showing in the sky it was time to leave.
The carriage was a little cramped but spirits where high because this felt like the first step of a much larger and grander journey. One that Dr Munroe suggested they find a priest of St Crispian to bless. Prof Dexter agreed there would likely be half a dozen or more of the wandering priests in the markets of Chelmsford and the docks, so it was resolved to find one.
Molts geed the horses on and with a clatter the carriage left the safety of the Miskatronic university. By mutual agreement it was decided to leave the town at the earliest opportunity and follow the old road that lead towards the costal highway. Within ten minutes the settlement of Arkham was receding behind you and the cab was winding it's way along the banks of the Miskatronic which lead towards the distant coast, where it plunged off the edge of Essex Island and disappeared off into the abyss below in a fantastic display of rainbow tinged spume.
The Miskatronic and the coastal road with it wound through the Brentwood and for several hours all you could see was endless trees although after a while the fertile flood plane flattened out and the trees gave way to neatly tended fields partitioned with regular drywalls, within which where a patchwork quilt of fields dotted with farm buildings.
Another hour and the cobbled road grew wider and straighter and on the distance the edge could be seen. This was still known as the shore but the distant blue was utterly unlike any terrestrial ocean, for the arc of the sky which would normally be bisected by the sea went on forever, complete with layers of whispy clouds below where the horizon should be. And instead of sailing boats the skies where filled with the distant hum of rotors and the tiny looking blobs that where distant skyshps.
Chelmsford itself was a large town of fifty thousands souls, with a dozen gravity defying spires around it's edges, each housing dozens of siege engines. This close to the open skies, walls where useless as a defence against raiders. Scorpions throwing barbed bolts longer than a horse, gryphon riders and mages where the main defences. Despite their warlike purpose the towers were gracefully proportioned and the town had a sculpted beauty to it. It was also one of the cleanest towns in Oberon, with sewers, running hot and cold water and communal rubbish collection. In short it didn't smell of much until you where practically at the gates, and what you could smell was mostly the coal that all the many hearth-fires burned.
Once you where safely inside a cafe, with Molts paid and a large copper url of strong coffee steaming on your table, Dr Munroe suggested, "I've got a few things I need to arrange today. I suggest we split up and meet back here at 5pm."
It's master is Braenar Cloudchaser.
The harbourmaster Korrin Torvalds impounded it on safety grounds.
Braenar Cloudchaser strongly disagrees there's any problem, claiming shenanigans.
There is an official inspection scheduled but the bureaucracy is slow and that could take weeks to schedule.
The local magistrates could overrule the harbourmaster but not without evidence.
Getting into the shipyard might be tricky. It's a restricted area, although a ship's officer would be able to enter. Somebody on official business with the relevant paperwork would also be able to enter.
Ferian informs the rest of the group about all the information he learns.
Then he says, "Perhaps we should pay the harbourmaster a visit and see if we can talk some sense into him. If not, perhaps we should try to uncover the identity of his benefactor on the council. Seems like there may be several avenues through which we might loose our ship from its unwarranted bondage."
"Perhaps, though perhaps we could make a forgery of a document?
Or even set up an incriminating situation, exploitable for blackmail."
Edwin ordered some lunch, and took a few minutes to enjoy his coffee.
After lunch, he suggested, "Let's go down to the harbor and have a look at the Imperial cutter. Then we can try talking to Mr. Torvalds."
Yukarii considered what they found out and said, "I do not think that blackmail will work well, especially if he is protected by someone on the council. It would be better to find out who his protector is and pressure them if it comes to that point. If we find he is in league with the imperials that may be a different matter as I do not think his benefactor will be able to protect him from such an accusation ad that would be potential treason." Looking in the direction of the Imperial ship Yukarii continued, "I do agree with finding out more about the Imperial vessel first, it might lead us to some useful information."
Walking towards the shipyards you soon spot the imperial cutter Dragon. At two hundred yards from stem to stern and thirty yards high its taller than most of the surrounding buildings. It's dull grey metallic patina lends it a brooding presence along with the double rows of closed weapon ports. Its shape was like that of an exceptionally thick broad headed arrow, with a triangular bow and a flared stern both housing scorpions under grey tarpaulins.
As you get closer you notice the imperial flag of Kez flapping in the breeze along with several other flags.
The cobbled streets of Chelmsford are clean and the shops well kept, and by mid morning there's quite a crowd. Most of the people are shopping although there's more than a few sight seers admiring Dragon from afar. It takes fifteen minutes to enter the docks area and you immediately notice a high metal fence surrounding it with sharp spikes on top. This isn't surprising, considering the extreme value of lift crystals and other aeronautical hardware, nobody wants strangers wandering about.
Access to the docks and the shipyards behind it is via the rather grand port building, a three story red brick affair which seems to have been build like a fortress. The thick steel double doors are currently wide open and there's a functionary who is directing inquiries. In front of this is the wide Avril Plaza which boasts a large open air farmers market every three days. Currently it's empty and you can see many grand buildings around it's circumference, banks, theaters, government offices and the dower looking magistrate's court built with dark solid local stone sporting a bronze statue of St Michael holding aloft the scales of Justice.
Edwin got closer for a better view of the Dragon. He talked to some of the onlookers, learning that crew didn't seem to be having any shore leave. He noticed that the city's own defenses seemed to be well manned, although nt pointed at the Imperial ship.
He spent some time listening to rumors, and asked around to see what was involved in speaking with the Harbor Master.
(pass)
(pass)
(pass)
Zendara shares the information she learns with the rest of the group. She thinks it is a good idea to talk to the harbormaster and talk to him about an independent evaluation of the airship's readiness, but if he proved to be part of the problem, she wondered if they could appeal to a magistrate.
She was actually somewhat annoyed at Doctor Munroe for asking them to evaluate the ship and rushing them to get here and then just bailing without giving them the information necessary to do as he asked. He must already know who to talk to, in addition to the fact that if someone was trying to kill him, it almost certainly was still a threat in this town. He was endangering himself and the expedition.
Maybe it was some sort of test. She worked to suppress her irritation and canvassed the crowd, trying to pick up on who ran things and how things were done around here.
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As they approached the docks and saw the Imperial vessel Yukarii had to admit to being impressed. She'd never seen a warship like this one so close before and it was impressive. The sight distracted her a bit much and she didn't really pay attention to much else until she heard what Edwin and Zendara found out. "And I am sure the fact they are supposed to be here on a peaceful mission is a good thing. It is just too bad we can't try to wheedle information from any of the crew."
As Zendara began to look for information on who ran thi8ngs around here Yukarii began to ask around about Korrin Torvalds. She was looking for any information she could find that might be of use to them in their efforts to get their ship cleared to leave port.
After talking to people for an hour or so Zendara learns a couple of things. Firstly in the port building the Harbourmaster's secretary Miss Eliza does most of the actual work, occasionally deferring to her boss for non-trivial requests. Numbered tickets are issued by a functionary out side her office, and the cases are called in by numbers. It's recommended to get there early. As for the courts, generally a solicitor has to appeal on your behalf which is expensive, slow and bureaucratic. However each afternoon at 2pm there's an hour for small cases which are dealt directly by the magistrates on a first come first serve basis. If you wanted to appeal a decision made by an official you could just turn up armed with whatever evidence you require to make your case and ask for a judgement. It's within the Magistrates power to grant you a writ authorising access to the Dawntreader to perform a safety assessment, and potentially to require its release. To avoid frivolous cases there is a 5g levy.
Zendara passes the information along to the rest of the group, and suggests that they talk to Miss Eliza and then if that doesn't work to go at 2pm to talk to the magistrates. She goes to get a number to see the harbormaster, but since it is already midmorning, she doesn't know when they will be able to get in.
Ferian agrees with Zendara's suggestion, though he's a bit more optimistic about the possible 2pm talk with the magistrates.
He says, "If we're going to the two o'clock hearings, we should probably get there early. No telling how many others will be seeking judgments."
Good idea.
Edwin offered his opinion, "Let's try to get a writ to let us examine the vessel. We should try to have some documentation with us."
Your group forms a little huddle on Avril plaza as you discuss the practicalities of petitioning for a writ. One of you notices Professor Dexter approaching the courthouse armed with a stack of papers and a determined look on her face. She doesn't seem to have noticed you although you could say hello if you wanted, or perhas follow her in.
Edwin approached the Professor and greeted her, "Hello Professor Dexter, is there any way we can help? We've been considering petitioning the magistrate ourselves."
Recently scurrilous whispers have been following Korrin around, suggesting that he's fallen into debt with Zatin Dumar the landlord of The Cracked Crown, a notorious festhall the authorities have been trying to close for one reason or another for years.
Zendara follows professor Dexter, hoping she has a plan.
(fail, but doesn't affect my action)
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Hmm? That's a look of someone who's got some serious business with someone else.
Ferian isn't so sure interrupting Professor Dexter is the best idea, but he does his best to go along with it when Edwin speaks to her. Perhaps she'll be able to assist them in some way.
Professor dexter stopped suddenly when Edwin called to her, looking surprised, "Oh you're going to the court house too?" Then sounding cross with herself she adds, 'Of course you're going to the courthouse... It's only logical to get a writ authorising access to the ship. Oh and let me guess, our dreamer Dr Munroe didn't give you the papers you'd need to prove your association. He gave them to me for some reason." She fumbled with her stack of papers before pulling out several sheets and handing them to Edwin.
Now composed she answered Edwins initial question, "I'm not sure if you can help me, this is mostly about me helping myself. Adrian's been wanting a divorce for some time and to be honest I've been stalling, not really sure why. Anyway I've made my mind up to grant his wish, crazy thing is I'm going to have to pay him maintenance. We never had kids and since the accident I've been unable to work, not that you understand his accident has stopped him from playing the field. Would love to talk but I've got to dash to keep my appointment."
With that she stalks towards the courthouse.
The hours move slowly and a number of citizens file in behind you, many eating a packed lunch they brought with them. Eventually you hear the town clock tolling two and the court doors are thrown open by the ushers. The first case was invited in and the doors closed behind them. Apparently there is a public gallery where you could have watched but you'd have lost your spot. Twenty minutes later the doors open and close again after the line had shuffled forwards.
An hour or so later and it's your turn. You are lead into the court room which is largely empty except for the magistrate, a few functionaries and a couple of bored looking people in the public gallery. As you enter the usher calls out, "All rise" and the motions you forwards. Once you reach the designated area infront the of the magistrate (a learned looking older woman with a formal gown and wig) she addresses you, "Greetings Citizens. How may the Chelmsford Court assist you?"
Edwin thought that Professor Dexter having to pay maintenance sounded unfair, given the situation, but this didn't seem like the time to discuss the matter. He thanked her and accepted the documentation regarding the ship. "Good luck with your appointment."
He entered the courthouse and asked around to find the right courtroom, and joined the line. He consulted with his friends to see who would be speaking to the magistrate.
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Yukarii considered what she had learned and whether she should share it. It would give them another means of accomplishing their goal but it would be rather distasteful. Her honor demanded they at least try to do things the right way first. If they failed though, then she'd speak of what she learned. For now Yukarii simply stayed with the group since her understanding of the legal system here was extremely limited.
As they are waiting to be heard, Zendara looks over at Xindyra and asks Are you going to speak in court, or shall I?
Whichever way they decide, they have time while they are waiting to prepare a little on what to say.
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"Speaking in court, huh. Sounds fun." :)
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Xindyra slides on a set of sleeves of many garments, and changes her attire to a fashionable semi-formal outfit.
Documents held with two hands near her chest, she walks towards the officials, her boots softly treading the floor.
Polite and formal speech. I can do this.
Inside she's thrilled.
"Greetings, Lord magistrater, ladies and gentlemen of the court.", she makes a courteous nod, keeping an appropriate distance as she speaks.
"I, and my colleagues with me, " she makes a gesture with her hand indicating the others, "have come before you to ask for an official authorization to gain access to a sky-ship that is currently docked, by the name of The Dawntreader."
"I present to the court, a declaration of the Miskatronic university, signed by professor Monroe, and the university's department head, Doctor Morgan.", she hands the initial document (sheet #1) to the Usher.
"We are appointed officers of Doctor Monroe's expedition, headed for the Xunlai Archepelago expedition."
Xindyra awaits for the magister to have viewed it, before resuming.
"The requested ship, The Dawntreader, captained by sir Braenar Cloudchaser, and its crew, has been contracted by the university to be the expedition's transport vessel.", she hands the Usher the second sheet.
"On behalf of the safety of its crew, the members of the expedition, and the people in its current vicinity, we formally request access to this ship, as it has currently been grounded, based on as of yet unproven safety flaws."
Xindyra briefly pauses, to let the words and the sheet give weight to her statement, not flooding the court with a long sermon.
"Some of us are experienced in the functions and designs of sky ships, and would inspect the vessel for these flaws, if they indeed exist.
With all respect a man of the station of wharf master is due, those with experience in flight are more acute to determine whether something is a flaw, thereby a hazard, or merely a detail that a ship's crew can repair. If there are indeed no flaws to be found, the ship could depart, and free your space for vessels of greater importance."
The magistrate brittles slightly at being called a Lord (she's is a she) however Xindyra's otherwise respectful tone and ample evidence seems to weigh in her favour.
Justice Marek hands the documents back to the usher and addresses the assembled company, "I am indeed aware of the Dawntreader being impounded. I was informed by Harbourmaster Korrin that the harness for the lift crystals was in a dangerous condition and that it needed a complete and no doubt very expensive overhaul. Braenar demurred but in absence of evidence I was unable to strike down Harbourmaster Korrin's directive. However asking for a second opinion is indeed within his rights so on that basis I am granting your petition. A note of caution, in this assessment you are acting as agents of the court, not anyone else's. I expect you to comport yourself accordingly."
She writes something on a piece of paper before stamping it with the official seal, which imparts a minor magic which causes the flags on the stylised picture of Chelmsford docks to flap as if in the wind. The usher then takes the writ over to you and politely shoos you out of the court to make way for the next case.
Justice Marek
Xindyra makes a slight courteous bow.
"Our thanks, -lady- magister. It shall be conducted as you wish."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court. I bid you a good day."
Xindyra nods politely, and returns to the team, but speaks only when outside.
"I feel like winning my science prize all over again. Just on a higher level." ^^