Dockyard Blues (Closed)

[The Selkie]

Hello and welcome to Dockyard Blues!
This is a closed RP between me, The Selkie, Trixtoria and Knessniet. You are invited to read along, but as mentioned, this RP is closed.

Have fun reading!

Silverport International Airport.
Silverport International Airport... hardly deserved these large terms. It was an international airport by the virtue of having two runways, which were long enough. Other then that, there were a few hangars (far away, there was one used by the Naval Aviation for their purposes), a small terminal and a tower.
If someone expected gigantic masses of aircraft and people around, they were sorely mistaken. In fact, the woman at the tarmac, who was waiting on two planes to arrive, was one of the very few people currently on the grounds.
Gwen Cathlong of the Tribe of Cork was a black-haired young woman, her blue eyes shining sapphires, and rather well-developed, especially for her 29 years of age. Her hair was short.
Like usual for Selkie expecting celebrative occassions, she was dressed in Geansai, tribal and traditional costume of her people. She wore Cork's Colours, though, not the Colours of Ladra, the God of Helmsmen and Boatmen, who's Servant she actually was on the side. But with as little as she did of her duties as such as of late...
Regardless of that, Gwen was waiting for two important planes: Silverport Dockyards Limited, the company she represented quite often, who's Yard 15 and Office for Prototype Development she headed, the company, which she would one day inherit from her mother, Nora Cathlong, had invited foreign guests.
The plan was to bring them from the International Airport to Dragan House, the Seat of the Cathlong-Family, where the talks would be held, and to then have a business dinner. Representatives from Trixtoria and Knessniet were expected, the former because they wanted a Light Carrier Programme and didn't have the means, searching for technical support and finding a very good offer by SDY, and the latter because they wanted Light Carriers as well.
SDY would happily oblige, but as this deal was a bit more complicated, they needed to talk in person, to hash out details. And details needed to be hashed out...
Gwen smiled slightly.
SDY was back in business!

[Trixtoria]

"So you see, with the economic boost in the Southern-coastal region, employment will increase by a percentage of..." As his voice trailed on, the young girl sighed and shifted to look out the window of the plane. Meanwhile, Commodore Michael Chamberlin looked up from his spreadsheet and paused. "Mylady, are you paying attention?"

She didn't turn back to him. "You've been going over all this for the entire flight! It's boring me."

Chamberlin frowned. "Pardon me, Mylady, but your father insisted that I make sure you're well informed as the the-"

"Yes, yes," she waved him off, finally turning back from the view. "And you've done a fine job. I'll make sure to tell him. But give me a break to rest before we get there, ok?"

Slowly, Chamberlin sat back in his seat. "Very well," he reluctantly agreed. "I was just making sure you were prepared for you first diplomatic mission. Your father sees this as an important step for the Empire, and we must be prepared."

"Dad knows I can handle myself, thank you very much," she said smartly. "Why don't you find out how much longer we have, 'kay?"

This time, it was Chamberlin who sighed, before rising up and stepping out of the conference room into the small corridor that ran along one side of the plane. Once out of her sight, he let his shoulders slump. Why the Imperator choose to send his daughter as diplomat was beyond him. He knew the Imperator was grooming her for public service, but this was an important mission! He didn't have time to play babysitter! With a shrug, he started off towards the cockpit....

-----------------------

She watched him leave the room, a small grin across her face. Her father warned her against antagonizing the officers that ran the Defense Force, but she just couldn't help it. They were always to snooty and by-the-book. She was smart and well trained for a sixteen year old girl, and knew she could handle this mission herself. Even so, her first diplomatic mission for her father..... She shook her head to clear the nervousness. No, she could do it. She HAD to do it. Her father was counting on her, and and she wouldn't let him down....

-----------------------

It was a few more hours before the custom-built blue and gold 787 jetliner crossed into Selkie airspace, and finally arrived at Silverport International Airport. As they came in for a landing, Sarra Roman, Duchess of Tr1xtoria and Daughter of Imperator Skott Roman, prepared herself for her biggest test yet. He straightened her red-gold hair, and adjusted her simple blue travel dress, elegant but short enough to easily move around. As the plane rolled down the tarmac, she took a deep breath....

[The Selkie]

"So you see, with the economic boost in the Southern-coastal region, employment will increase by a percentage of..." As his voice trailed on, the young girl sighed and shifted to look out the window of the plane. Meanwhile, Commodore Michael Chamberlin looked up from his spreadsheet and paused. "Mylady, are you paying attention?"

She didn't turn back to him. "You've been going over all this for the entire flight! It's boring me."

Chamberlin frowned. "Pardon me, Mylady, but your father insisted that I make sure you're well informed as the the-"

"Yes, yes," she waved him off, finally turning back from the view. "And you've done a fine job. I'll make sure to tell him. But give me a break to rest before we get there, ok?"

Slowly, Chamberlin sat back in his seat. "Very well," he reluctantly agreed. "I was just making sure you were prepared for you first diplomatic mission. Your father sees this as an important step for the Federation, and we must be prepared."

"Dad knows I can handle myself, thank you very much," she said smartly. "Why don't you find out how much longer we have, 'kay?"

This time, it was Chamberlin who sighed, before rising up and stepping out of the conference room into the small corridor that ran along one side of the plane. Once out of her sight, he let his shoulders slump. Why the Imperator choose to send his daughter as diplomat was beyond him. He new the Imperator was grooming her for public service, but this was an important mission! He didn't have time to play babysitter! With a shrug, he started off towards the cockpit....

-----------------------

She watched him leave the room, a small grin across her face. Her father warned her against antagonizing the officers that ran the Defense Force, but she just couldn't help it. They were always to snooty and by-the-book. She was smart and well trained for a sixteen year old girl, and knew she could handle this mission herself. Even so, her first diplomatic mission for her father..... She shook her head to clear the nervousness. No, she could do it. She HAD to do it. Her father was counting on her, and and she wouldn't let him down....

-----------------------

It was a few more hours before the custom-built blue and gold 787 jetliner crossed into Selkie airspace, and finally arrived at Silverport International Airport. As they came in for a landing, Sarra Roman, Duchess of the Federation and Daughter of Imperator Skott Roman, prepared herself for her biggest test yet. He straightened her red-gold hair, and adjusted her simple blue travel dress, elegant but short enough to easily move around. As the plane rolled down the tarmac, she took a deep breath....

Gwen watched, still standing on the tarmac, how the very new, blue and gold 787 came to a stop not too far away, a motor vehicle of the airport administration bringing a gangway to the plane. The half-tracked motorcycle bringing the stairs was accompanied by another, which would offer the pilot to drag them over the tarmac to the hangars, where the plane would be stored to and guarded by the SDF (after unloading their passengers, of course).
Gwen had another duty: She would welcome the representative from Trixtoria, their first main-partner in this arrangement.
Princess Sarra Roman - on the images, she could pass for a Selkie somewhere around fifteen, the red-golden hair would place her around the Trossach, if she had been of the people from the Land of the Living. She was also rumoured to be quite a smart lassie, so Gwen would not make the mistake of underestimating her.
That could end badly.
SDY, as many companies of Selkie in all of the world, usually built on sustainability, striving for the best deal for all sides - good deals in all eyes usually made happy customers and happy customers were returning customers. Returning customers were the greatest capital they could have.
She had strict orders in how to deal with Sarra, as well as the other parts of the delegation... she figured, that Commander Chamberlin would come along as well and would be their actual conversation partner, as she was a bit young. Her Mother looked forward to meeting both of them and if Gwen was honest, she did, too.
Fixing her Holder once more and cracking her neck, Gwen was ready as the door was opened.

[Knessniet]

The old 747 wasn't the flashiest plane, but the usual plane was in for repairs. It was decided that this was to be an important enough affair to bring out the big guns. As in a 4-person delegation. But it was the 4 most important people in the Knessian government. In the pane was George Lee, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jacob Neuwitz, the Director of the Department of Special Services, Maj. General Daniel Miller, the Minister of Defense, and most importantly, His Grace, Grand Duke Herman the thirteenth. These light carriers could change the Knessian Navy from a mediocre coastal defense force, to a power-projecting monstrosity that would ensue the safety of the Grand Duchy for many years.

---

"Your Grace, we're landing!", yelled the pilot.

"Very good, I hate this plane.", grumbled the Duke. "Lee, Neuwitz, Miller, you ready?"

"Yes, lord!", they replied in unison.

"Good, this is of critical importance. If any of you mess this up, you'll be seeing much more of Mr. Neuwitz."

---

The plane landed, and the delegation piled out after the armed guards. The Duke looked around for the other delegations. He yelled, "Hello? The Knessian Delegation has arrived!" He was in his full uniform, as was Miller. Lee and Neuwitz opted for suits, as they were unaffiliated with the military. The guards wore their dress uniforms, and each had a concealed firearm of some kind. They merely stood at attention and followed the delegation, while the delegation milled about, seemingly unable to keep still.

[The Selkie]

The old 747 wasn't the flashiest plane, but the usual plane was in for repairs. It was decided that this was to be an important enough affair to bring out the big guns. As in a 4-person delegation. But it was the 4 most important people in the Knessian government. In the pane was George Lee, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jacob Neuwitz, the Director of the Department of Special Services, Maj. General Daniel Miller, the Minister of Defense, and most importantly, His Grace, Grand Duke Herman the thirteenth. These light carriers could change the Knessian Navy from a mediocre coastal defense force, to a power-projecting monstrosity that would ensue the safety of the Grand Duchy for many years.

---

"Your Grace, we're landing!", yelled the pilot.

"Very good, I hate this plane.", grumbled the Duke. "Lee, Neuwitz, Miller, you ready?"

"Yes, lord!", they replied in unison.

"Good, this is of critical importance. If any of you mess this up, you'll be seeing much more of Mr. Neuwitz."

---

The plane landed, and the delegation piled out after the armed guards. The Duke looked around for the other delegations. He yelled, "Hello? The Knessian Delegation has arrived!"

It had actually been scheduled to receive one delegation after the other, but that fell through - so, the Selkie needed to improvise. Waiting with their horseman escort was a woman of critical importance to SDY, a brunette with golden eyes, dressed in Geansai as well, proudly wearing Fingal's Colours. She was not exactly a woman with the figure of a supermodel, but she was definately a looker, especially her Golden Eyes.
Patricia Garraí of the Tribe of Fingal, SDY Registered Office.
When the plane had been announced, she had been called to hurry to their parking spot, to greet the delegation from Knessniet.
And she waited at the wrong spot, having to hurry over.
When the Duke yelled "Hello? The Knessian Delegation has arrived!" he got a reply: "I can see that!"
One had to note, that Patricia wasn't exactly a fast runner, endurance being her forte.
As it was, she arrived in front of the delegation, took a deep breath, wiped a few strands of hair behind her ear and put on a smile - before bowing her head in front of the Grand Duke, hand over her heart, the Selkie-Way of greeting a member of the Elder Council and of greeting a foreign head of state.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I should have realized, that it was You speaking.", she said and rose from her bow. "I'm Patricia Garraí of the Tribe of Fingal, SDY Registered Office. Mistress Cathlong sends You greetings and best regards, she expects You and Your delegation in Dragan House for talks and dinner. It is my pleasure and honour to make Your acquaintance."

[Knessniet]

"You are forgiven, I don't leave the country much. It's a pleasure to meet you.", the Duke said. "And this is George Lee, my Foreign Minister. Then there's Daniel Miller, my Minister of Defense, and of course, Jacob Neuwitz, Director of the Department of Special Services." Each one nodded their head in recognition as they were announced. "We can't wait to get started. It is lovely to have the opportunity to travel abroad again.", the Duke said. He was obviously enjoying himself, he always liked meeting dignitaries. "Please, lead the way."

[Trixtoria]

As she stepped out of the aircraft into the sunlight, the first thing Sarra noticed was the second larger aircraft parked nearby, with other important looking people also exiting. "The Knessniet representatives," she thought out loud, pausing for a moment to look them over. Footsteps behind her made her continue out and down the stairwell, as Commodore Chamberlin followed, wearing his standard blue military uniform. They descended the stairs to where a woman was waiting for them. Chamberlin stepped over first and gave a short bow.
"Greetings," he said, rising back up and placing a hand on his chest. "I am Commodore Michael Chamberlin, of the Empire of Trixtoria Federal Defense Force. Thank you for your invitation." He stepped to the side, waving a hand back at Sarra. "Allow me to present Duchess Sarra Roman, Daughter of Imperator Skott Roman, representing the government of Trixtoria."

Sarra stepped forward. "On behalf of my Father, thank you for your invitation and interest in our shipbuilding program," she said, remembering carefully rehearsed lines. "I look forward to working with you regarding this agreement."


Meanwhile, the pilots were speaking with the ground staff about servicing the plane....

[The Selkie]

"You are forgiven, I don't leave the country much. It's a pleasure to meet you.", the Duke said. "And this is George Lee, my Foreign Minister. Then there's Daniel Miller, my Minister of Defense, and of course, Jacob Neuwitz, Director of the Department of Special Services." Each one nodded their head in recognition as they were announced. "We can't wait to get started. It is lovely to have the opportunity to travel abroad again.", the Duke said. He was obviously enjoying himself, he always liked meeting dignitaries. "Please, lead the way."

Patricia bowed her head to the other delegates as their names came up, but didn't place her hand over her heart.
"It's a pleasure to have you here, Your Majesty.", she said and turned, "Please, follow me."
She led them away from their plane, where half-track motorcycles were approaching to offer a tow to a protected hangar.
It was day, but late in it, the day had been hot and although that might not mean much by foreign standards, the Selkie felt it. Luckily, while the sun still shone, it was not as hot anymore, only warm, which made the Geansai actually quite well-aerated.
"Short question, Sirs... who of you can or can not ride a horse?", Patricia asked.

As she stepped out of the aircraft into the sunlight, the first thing Sarra noticed was the second larger aircraft parked nearby, with other important looking people also exiting. "The Knessniet representatives," she thought out loud, pausing for a moment to look them over. Footsteps behind her made her continue out and down the stairwell, as Commodore Chamberlin followed, wearing his standard blue military uniform. They descended the stairs to where a woman was waiting for them. Chamberlin stepped over first and gave a short bow.
"Greetings," he said, rising back up and placing a hand on his chest. "I am Commodore Michael Chamberlin, of the Federation of Trixtoria Federal Defense Force. Thank you for your invitation." He stepped to the side, waving a hand back at Sarra. "Allow me to present Duchess Sarra Roman, Daughter of Imperator Skott Roman, representing the government of the Federation."

Sarra stepped forward. "On behalf of my Father, thank you for your invitation and interest in our shipbuilding program," she said, remembering carefully rehearsed lines. "I look forward to working with you regarding this agreement."


Meanwhile, the pilots were speaking with the ground staff about servicing the plane....

Gwen nodded at the Commodore introducing himself and when the Commodore introduced Sarra, she bowed her head in respect. "It is a very great honour to welcome you, in the name of Mistress Cathlog to Silverport and in the Free Lands, Sarra-Bandiúc." Bandiúc was the Selkie-term for a Duchess, attaching it to the end was a sign of respect. She would have to tell a few people in the information department to step up their game, for she had been informed, that Sarra was 'only' a Princess. She continued: "I'm Gwen Cathlong of the Tribe of Cork, Head of Yard 15. If we come to an agreement, it would be my task to design the Light Aircraft Carriers which brought us here. I look forward to working together with both You, Duchess, and Commodore Chamberlin."
She let a beat pass.
"Please follow me.", she turned and motioned for them to follow her. "One question, though, can you ride horses or would You prefer a carriage ride?"

[Knessniet]

"All of us can ride. I was taught as a matter of course as a noble, and so was Lee. Neuwitz learned somehow, and Miller was once in the cavalry honor guard.", said the Duke. "I haven't rode in a while, so I hope these are good horses."

[Trixtoria]

Before Sarra could respond, Chamberlin stepped forward. "A carriage would be best, I think," he said. Her eyes quickly shifted to him, but he shot her a warning look. She sighed, knowing he was right, as she had only rode on a horse once when younger. Are the horses just for ceremony, she thought, or do they not have cars? Back home, she and her father traveled in their fleet of Chrysler's, and he also had his own personal garage. Maybe it's a culture thing, she thought.

[The Selkie]

"All of us can ride. I was taught as a matter of course as a noble, and so was Lee. Neuwitz learned somehow, and Miller was once in the cavalry honor guard.", said the Duke. "I haven't rode in a while, so I hope these are good horses."

Patricia nodded.
"Wonderful. The horses we got on loan are former police horses. Garda Onóra is their race, a crossbread of Capall Cogaidh, the small and light warhorses our ancestors rode to battle, and the Mór, the Giants.", she explained with a smile, "Their most important characteristics are their speed and endurance, their calmness and toughness. You should have little problems with them!"
She led them away from the plane, towards the fence.
"As you are diplomatic guests, you will be spared the whole shebang of customs and such.", she explained why they weren't approaching the terminal, "But please, don't be disappointed, that this is not a large state reception... that being said, we have people of the Foreign Office with us tonight, maybe they would be interested in starting formal diplomatic relations?" She let a beat pass. "Worth asking, I guess."

Before Sarra could respond, Chamberlin stepped forward. "A carriage would be best, I think," he said. Her eyes quickly shifted to him, but he shot her a warning look. She sighed, knowing he was right, as she had only rode on a horse once when younger. Are the horses just for ceremony, she thought, or do they not have cars? Back home, she and her father traveled in their fleet of Chrysler's, and he also had his own personal garage. Maybe it's a culture thing, she thought.

Unaware of the question, which the Duchess had, Gwen saw her words being cut off.
If she interpreted the looks shooting back and forth right, the Duchess wanted to ride, while the Commodore preferred the safer option, a carriage ride. Well, Gwen could work with that and if that was, what the guests wanted...
She nodded.
"Then a carriage ride it is.", Gwen said with a small smile, before she winked at Serra. "We can go riding some other time. When the agreement comes together, I doubt, that this will be the last time you will visit the Free Lands." One should note the wording: When, not if. Gwen motioned for them to follow her. "Come, let's get going."
She, too, made way to the fence around the tarmac, the same section as Patricia was approaching.

[Knessniet]

"We would, of course, love to establish diplomatic relations. Lee will have to meet your Foreign Office people, he's our Minister of Foreign Affairs after all.", the Duke said. "I don't mind a small gathering, I'm here for a reason, and I intend to get it done quickly. No offense, but it is much colder in our country, and we really aren't used to it" With that, he started fanning himself with his hat. He then spotted the horses, and looked quite pleased with them. Each of them picked a horse, and mounted them. "You're right, very fine animals.", the Duke said. "We're ready when you are."

[Trixtoria]

With a nod, Commodore Chamberlin gestured to Sarra that they follow their host across the tarmac. "I look forward to beginning our talks," he said as they walked. "This project is very important to the Imperator as he looks towards the Empire moving further onto the world's stage."
"Indeed," Sarra cut in, not wanting the Commodore to hog all the attention, "my Father is already making plans for future alliances and projects." Chamberlin's eyes flashed a warning, but she ignored it. This was HER mission, after all, not his. He was there to work out construction details and advise her. But her Father's main goal, that of a military/economic alliance, was her responsibility. Growing the Empire's power base is the only way to guarantee our success, he had told her while prepping for this mission. We will need powerful allies if Project Hedgehog is going to achieve it's goals. This is our first step, the first of many. This I entrust to you. Make me proud, my Daughter. Her chin lifted slightly, as his words flowed through her mind. I will, Father, she thought.

As they walked, she noticed the other party also heading towards the terminal. "Are those the representatives from Knessniet?" she asked.

[The Selkie]

"We would, of course, love to establish diplomatic relations. Lee will have to meet your Foreign Office people, he's our Minister of Foreign Affairs after all.", the Duke said. "I don't mind a small gathering, I'm here for a reason, and I intend to get it done quickly. No offense, but it is much colder in our country, and we really aren't used to it" With that, he started fanning himself with his hat. He then spotted the horses, and looked quite pleased with them. Each of them picked a horse, and mounted them. "You're right, very fine animals.", the Duke said. "We're ready when you are."

"You should come back in winter, Your Majesty. You'll feel right at home!", Patricia said with a grin, "You are right, though, we are currently experiencing a bit of a heat wave... heat, by a given definition of the term."
A stablehand brought her another horse, a smaller one, a brown one with white markings, deep chested and with a broad back, thick fur and feathered legs, less of a noble horse and steed of war, but more of a good and honest worker.
Patricia brought her own forehead against his, grinned.
"If I may introduce, Eireaball, my own horse.", she said and inspected the reins and saddle quickly as a carriage (a simple carriage of light wood, drawn by two draught horses, the benches inside polstered, shock absorbers installed) came up. "He has been with me since I was a little girl and he a little foal, me being barely able to reach his stirrups. Since then, he accompanied me to a great many occassions, including many photo tours."

With a nod, Commodore Chamberlin gestured to Sarra that they follow their host across the tarmac. "I look forward to beginning our talks," he said as they walked. "This project is very important to the Imperator as he looks towards the Federation moving further onto the world's stage."
"Indeed," Sarra cut in, not wanting the Commodore to hog all the attention, "my Father is already making plans for future alliances and projects." Chamberlin's eyes flashed a warning, but she ignored it. This was HER mission, after all, not his. He was there to work out construction details and advise her. But her Father's main goal, that of a military/economic alliance, was her responsibility. Growing the Federation's power base is the only way to guarantee our success, he had told her while prepping for this mission. We will need powerful allies if Project Hedgehog is going to achieve it's goals. This is our first step, the first of many. This I entrust to you. Make me proud, my Daughter. Her chin lifted slightly, as his words flowed through her mind. I will, Father, she thought.

As they walked, she noticed the other party also heading towards the terminal. "Are those the representatives from Knessniet?" she asked.

Gwen saw, that Sarra and the Commodore were not exactly agreeing on who was the leader and who wasn't. It had the potential to either end very badly or to end very good - she would have an eye on them.
The little slip of the Emperor having big plans on the world stage, meanwhile, would interest other people.
As Sarra motioned to the other party, which Patricia was actually not leading to the terminal, but to a side exit, the same as Gwen was leading Sarra and the Commodore to, the Selkie nodded. "Yes, that's the delegation from Knessniet. They arrived sooner then we anticipated, but that should not be a problem. The woman leading them is Patricia Garraí of the Tribe of Fingal, of our Registered Office."
Gwen smiled as she saw the other delegation mount their horses and a carriage being brought up - the ride of Sarra and the Commodore, a simple carriage of light wood, drawn by two draught horses, the benches inside polstered, shock absorbers installed. It was not exactly a limousine, but it was a nice and good one.
"You'll meet them in a minute.", Gwen added with a smile.

[Trixtoria]

(OOC: "...which Patricia was actually not leading to the terminal, but to a side exit..." lol, my bad. must have misread.)

"You'll meet them in a minute."

"Good," Sarra replied, watching the horses and carriage arrive. She'd never ridden in a carriage before, always by car. I wonder how much they mix old and new tech, she wondered. "I look forward to meeting them and learning about both of your countries."

"As well as discussing the carrier project," Commodore Chamberlin added with a raised finger.

"Of course," she replied with a nod. "I was only indulging in my curiosity. After all," she smiled at Gwen, "should we become allies, we should know something about ourselves, wouldn't you say?"

[Knessniet]

"We keep a few horses on the grounds of my palace. They are all retired honor guard horses, well-trained by the military. They escort me in official parades, and I used to ride them, but ruling takes so much time.", the Duke replied. "You have a lovely horse, I should see about having some of these imported for the honor guard. Anyway, lead the way."

[The Selkie]

(OOC: "...which Patricia was actually not leading to the terminal, but to a side exit..." lol, my bad. must have misread.)

"You'll meet them in a minute."

"Good," Sarra replied, watching the horses and carriage arrive. She'd never ridden in a carriage before, always by car. I wonder how much they mix old and new tech, she wondered. "I look forward to meeting them and learning about both of your countries."

"As well as discussing the carrier project," Commodore Chamberlin added with a raised finger.

"Of course," she replied with a nod. "I was only indulging in my curiosity. After all," she smiled at Gwen, "should we become allies, we should know something about ourselves, wouldn't you say?"

"We keep a few horses on the grounds of my palace. They are all retired honor guard horses, well-trained by the military. They escort me in official parades, and I used to ride them, but ruling takes so much time.", the Duke replied. "You have a lovely horse, I should see about having some of these imported for the honor guard. Anyway, lead the way."

"A wise mindset.", Gwen agreed to Sarra with a nod and a smile and she meant it: Seeking knowledge was an important first step to wisdom, if one asked any Selkie, but applying that knowledge and understanding it were just as essential. "But the Commodore is not completely incorrect. First business, then fun, as Mother likes to say it. That being said, I'll gladly help you with your studies of Selkie-Culture, Duchess."
And then, they were there, where the horsemen were assemblying, the Duke already mounted onto his steed and commenting to the other Selkie-Woman, that she had a lovely horse and that would see about importing some.
"I'll get you in touch with a good breeder I know.", Patricia just said to the Duke, then turned to them. "Ah, there we go!"
"Indeed.", Gwen said and bowed to the Duke, hand over her heart. "Good day, Your Majesty. It's a great pleasure to meet you. Gwen Cathlong of the Tribe of Cork, SDY Yard 15." She let a beat pass, then made a step to the right to make way for Serra. "If I may introduce? Duchess Sarra, Grand Duke Herman XIII. of Knessniet with Minister George Lee, Foreign Affairs, Jacob Neuwitz, the Director of the Department of Special Services, Major General Daniel Miller, the Minister of Defense. Sir, Duchess Sarra of the Federation of Trixtoria, and Commodore Michael Chamberlin, of the Federal Defense Force of Trixtoria." Of course, Gwen motioned to the appropriate person when introducing, finally reaching Patricia and making: "Ahm..."
Patricia rolled with her eyes, then introduced herself: "Patricia Garraí of the Tribe of Fingal, SDY Registered Office. Pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty." Gwen grinned and burst out laughing, as Patricia told her something in Selkie. The older woman shook her head. "Ignore her, she's confusing wolves and foxes again..."

[Knessniet]

The Duke bowed lightly to the Princess, and nodded to everyone else. "Good day, it is great to meet you all.", he said. "I look forward to our talks." His delegation nodded their greetings silently.

[Trixtoria]

Sarra waiting as the introductions were being made. "Greetings, Your Majesty," she bowed her head to the Duke, "I too look forward to speaking with you and our hosts. My father, the Imperator of Trixtoria, has empowered me to speak for him, and he hopes that we can forge a friendship between our peoples."

Commodore Chamberlin remained silent, bowing when he was named, but let the Duchess have the moment. Her greeting of the Duke was formal and perfect, and his doubts about her began to fade as they boarded the carriage.

[Knessniet]

Sarra waiting as the introductions were being made. "Greetings, Your Majesty," she bowed her head to the Duke, "I too look forward to speaking with you and our hosts. My father, the Imperator of Trixtoria, has empowered me to speak for him, and he hopes that we can forge a friendship between our peoples."

Commodore Chamberlin remained silent, bowing when he was named, but let the Duchess have the moment. Her greeting of the Duke was formal and perfect, and his doubts about her began to fade as they boarded the carriage.

"I'll have Lee get in touch with your Foreign Affairs people. I'm sure we will be great friends.", the Duke said. "Now, Commondore, do tell me about this carrier. Miller explained it to me on the way, but I'm sure you know more about it."

[Trixtoria]

"Of course," Chamberlin nodded at the Duke. "As our nation grows, so does our economy and footprint on the global stage. It is the belief of the Imperator that we need a modern military force to protect our interests from any foreign threats. Therefore, we have decided there is a requirement for small aircraft carriers that can provide forward-defense beyond the range of ground-based aircraft." He opened his briefcase, removed a tablet, and thumbed it on. A few more finger taps, and he handed it to the Duke. Displayed on the screen was a schematic for a small carrier. "Our proposed Trixtor-class Light Carrier. With a displacement less than 26,000 metric tons, it is far smaller than the large fleet carriers of bigger nations, but should fit well for our purposes of defense. Specifically, protecting convoys, anti-submarine task forces, shipping lane defense, and harbor protection. It could also act as a refueling/rearming base for land-based aircraft." He paused for a moment. "With power from a small submarine-style nuclear reactor, it could stay on station for as long as aircraft fuel, weapons, and crew stores last. Of course, those can be replenished at sea. We plan on equipping our ships with a new 3d radar-mapping system, linked to escorting frigates, for total air coverage."

[Knessniet]

"Of course," Chamberlin nodded at the Duke. "As our nation grows, so does our economy and footprint on the global stage. It is the belief of the Imperator that we need a modern military force to protect our interests from any foreign threats. Therefore, we have decided there is a requirement for small aircraft carriers that can provide forward-defense beyond the range of ground-based aircraft." He opened his briefcase, removed a tablet, and thumbed it on. A few more finger taps, and he handed it to the Duke. Displayed on the screen was a schematic for a small carrier. "Our proposed Trixtor-class Light Carrier. With a displacement less than 26,000 metric tons, it is far smaller than the large fleet carriers of bigger nations, but should fit well for our purposes of defense. Specifically, protecting convoys, anti-submarine task forces, shipping lane defense, and harbor protection. It could also act as a refueling/rearming base for land-based aircraft." He paused for a moment. "With power from a small submarine-style nuclear reactor, it could stay on station for as long as aircraft fuel, weapons, and crew stores last. Of course, those can be replenished at sea. We plan on equipping our ships with a new 3d radar-mapping system, linked to escorting frigates, for total air coverage."

"Excellent, this is exactly what we need. Miller, have a look at this.", the Duke said, passing the tablet to Miller. "I commend your work, it will truly revolutionize naval combat. Now, let's see how we can work out it's production."

[Trixtoria]

"Excellent, this is exactly what we need. Miller, have a look at this.", the Duke said, passing the tablet to Miller. "I commend your work, it will truly revolutionize naval combat. Now, let's see how we can work out it's production."

"Indeed," said Sarra, looking over to Gwen and Patricia. "That will be a major part of these talks. Shall we?"

[The Selkie]

"Excellent, this is exactly what we need. Miller, have a look at this.", the Duke said, passing the tablet to Miller. "I commend your work, it will truly revolutionize naval combat. Now, let's see how we can work out it's production."

"Indeed," said Sarra, looking over to Gwen and Patricia. "That will be a major part of these talks. Shall we?"

"We shall.", Gwen said quite a bit bemusedly, before she took out her own smart phone, Patricia doing the same with hers. "Before we go, though... the Beag-class Aircraft Carrier."
She and Patricia handed the little devices to both the Commodore and to the Duke, before Gwen climbed into the carriage, they didn't need to know, that her own horse was currently treated for an injury, while Patricia mounted hers.
"As you can see, the Beag-class fits or exceeds most of your requirements... with one exception.", Gwen explained, motioning for Sarra and the Commodore to get seated, speaking loud enough for all to hear, "The Price." She let a beat pass. "I could now spent the trip gushing over the design, I know it by heart, for its one of mine, but you have everything you need to know on your tablets."

[Knessniet]

"Indeed," said Sarra, looking over to Gwen and Patricia. "That will be a major part of these talks. Shall we?"

"We shall.", Gwen said quite a bit bemusedly, before she took out her own smart phone, Patricia doing the same with hers. "Before we go, though... the Beag-class Aircraft Carrier."
She and Patricia handed the little devices to both the Commodore and to the Duke, before Gwen climbed into the carriage, they didn't need to know, that her own horse was currently treated for an injury, while Patricia mounted hers.
"As you can see, the Beag-class fits or exceeds most of your requirements... with one exception.", Gwen explained, motioning for Sarra and the Commodore to get seated, speaking loud enough for all to hear, "The Price." She let a beat pass. "I could now spent the trip gushing over the design, I know it by heart, for its one of mine, but you have everything you need to know on your tablets."

"Sweet Jesus! That's expensive!", the Duke exclaimed, "We don't have that kind of money for just one ship. That is why we want in on the light carrier. It would allow us to get four of them, for the price of one of these." He handed the phone back. "Now, Commondore Chaberlin, I do have a question. How much technical aptitude would the crews need. Our navy is based mostly off conscription, and in times of emergency, fishermen militias. How much education would an operator need?"