Make Way

Writers: Devin, Chelle
Date Posted: 25th January 2015

Characters: Relik, Kaphrad
Description: The steamship makes its first short trip while curious onlookers watch.
Location: Seacraft Hall
Date: month 11, day 18 of Turn 7

They had towed the vessel from the shipyard into the lock. Now it was
time to release it fully into the open water. If it sank, then so be it.
However, Kaphrad had merely reoutfitted a proven boat. That meant it
wasn't likely to sink since it had been tested already. No, the real
question was whether or not the engine would work. Hopefully, the entire
thing didn't explode. Relik had given standing orders for the men to be
ready to bail out at a moment's notice.

The ropes were let out and the boat slid out of the slip and into the cove.
It was an easy transition and indeed, it didn't sink. The ropes were let go and
the men on board would use them as mooring lines later. They would sail eastward
until they were in the front of the hall and then set anchor. Relik wanted
to make an announcement to all of their guests before the engine was turned on.
However, he'd secretly asked Kaphrad to turn the thing on the night before just to
make sure it would run. That much, they were sure of.

Kaphrad clapped him on the shoulder. "Here we go!" Months of work, his
own design, and now it was finally ready. The first steam-powered ship
able to take on the sea.

"You'd better get on board since you'll be leading them. I'll get on that
way. They'll give you the signal to haul anchor from the watchtower after we make
the announcement and have everyone gathered." Relik was quiet for a moment
and then nodded, shaking Kaphrad's hand. "Full speed ahead."

The Hallsecond hurried to get on the ship and waved to Relik from the
deck. Then he turned to the crew to get last minute reports, making
sure everything was in order. Now they just had to wait for the signal.

In front of the crowd, the short Hallmaster climbed the podium. When he was
ready, he cleared his throat, signaling for the people to gather. They rang
the bell once for emphasis. When the noise ceased, Relik began. "As most of you
know we have been working on a new type of sailing ship for some time. We aim to
make our crafters less dependent upon the wind and faster. With the help of
coal and our friends at the smith hall, we have devised a ship that can run
on its own steam. Similar to the riverboats some of you might know well, this is a
largescale version."

He paused to let it sink in. "Today we are going to do a short trip across
the water here so you can see what its capable of. At the end of this month, we
will be making a cross-continent maiden voyage and we are selling berths for
those of you who would like the honor. The Hall is also taking commissions for those
that want their own vessels. Imagine being able to travel when you want to."

At that, he nodded to the men up in the watchtower, who threw up the signal
flag for Kaphrad. "So gather round and watch as our men travel, without a sail
unfurled." Relik backed down and turned, watching the water himself.

With a grin, Kaphrad gave orders for the men to get underway. The
engine was already hot so it was only moments before the steamship
began making its way toward the hall. Kaphrad tried to imagine what
the reaction of the crowd would be. Men hurried about the deck, making
sure everything was going well.

There was noise at first as people tried to understand just what they were
seeing. And some began to speculate. The ship was moving. How fast could
it go? Relik's eyes tracked the vessel as it made progress. So far so good.

The ship made steady progress toward the docks and Kaphrad could just
make out the surprised faces. His chest swelled with pride, not just
for himself but for the Hall. Everyone would take notice of a
spectacle like this. The engine powered down and they slid neatly into
place, men hurrying to secure the ship. Kaphrad walked down the
gangplank, unable to hide the grin on his face. A number of people
came toward him, clapping and cheering. "Thank you, thank you. I'll be
happy to answer any questions you might have."

**What a perfect day,** the Hallsecond thought.

Last updated on the February 10th 2015

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