Chapter 120: New Command Part 2

No, Your Highness."
"The Zithayan Dynasty wishes to open talks with Anglia and Ferandica in response to what they see as an inevitable war with the Kershian Empire. They suggest we send a diplomat along with Dr. Booksdale and his wife. We are planning to do so. Even the chance to speak with the Zithayans is an opportunity not to be wasted.
"Speaking of diplomacy, the wreckage of the Ferandican airship has been recovered. The Crown is asking the Royal Engineers to help in the rebuilding of the ship. Not with the newest boiler and engine, but with enough improvement to allow Our daughter to fly with more confidence."
"We would be delighted. I will split the group between setting up to build the prototype and repair of the Ferandican airship."
"Perhaps you can come up with a way to return your ship to the City and your workshop. It is too valuable to be moored between warehouses."
"I will need a heavy wagon, but it is doable. Once the pressure is up, it is only a matter of waiting for good weather."
***
Cal and Hans drove the wagon with the furnace for the airship to the port. She put the guards and winches she'd brought to work pulling the ship into position over the furnace. The guards took turns pumping the tank to fill the line with water. Hans lit the fire and they left the guards to watch the pressure gauge.
"Move this lever to cut the fire when the pressure reaches 1500psi. Don't worry about putting the fire out, the shield will block most of the heat."
"Hope I'm here to see the Impossible fly," one of the guards said.
"The Impossible?" Cal's lips twitched.
"Sorry, Ma'am. It's what we called it after you appeared out of the night. Scared us right proper, but the Captain's thinking about what to do for the next time."
"Is he now?" Cal looked toward the harbour. "Maybe I should pay him a visit."
The visit turned into a full-blown formal inspection with Cal being piped on board, even without her being in uniform. The first mate gave her a full tour of the ship. It was Cal's first chance to see a ship of the line. The Kestrel would look like a dingy next to the Wellington. The crew watched her out of the corners of their eyes, straightening in pride that it was their ship she'd landed on.
"I'm honoured you stopped by." Captain Hennass passed her a glass of brandy. "I got word you were bringing equipment down for the airship but didn't expect to see you here."
"The crew apparently has named her 'The Impossible'." Cal grinned. "It's not a bad name. Perhaps someone could paint it on the gondola. I'm already planning to rebuild it, but the name will stay."
"I will see it gets done."
"One of the guards mentioned you were thinking about ways to make the next time easier. What ideas have you come up with?"
"We'll need a winch, a clear space on the deck so she doesn't dangle at the end of the rope. In any kind of weather, it would be dangerous. Cleats to tie down to, of course."
"Sounds like you have things well in hand." Cal sipped at her drink. "I'd suggest at least two winches. I'm going to put in a pulley system to make it easier to lift things in and out of The Impossible. I hadn't thought of adding mobile support for the airships, but if we are going to travel great distances it will be essential. How would you feel about being transferred to a support role in the Royal Air Navy?"
"If the Admiralty approves, the crew and I would be honoured." Captain Henass stood and saluted.
"Keep it to yourself for the moment, but I will give it serious thought. I expect the Wellington may get a major overhaul if we go forward with it."
"My orders keep us in domestic waters, so we'll be handy to the shipyard."
"I will see it stays that way until I know for sure."
"Very good, Commander."
Cal finished her drink, then was escorted from the ship to where Hans waited with a cab to take them to the train station.
"Leaving the furnace on the wagon was good thinking." Hans looked out the window. "We'll build another one for the barn. That will make it easier to get her home."
"I'm thinking of retrofitting the Wellington as a support vessel for the Air Navy. Same idea as the wagon but even more so. She can carry parts and do repairs without bringing the airship home. Gives The Impossible more range. And soon her sister ships as well."
"Her Majesty's Airship, The Impossible..." Hans rubbed his chin. "Has a nice ring to it."
***
"Your Highness, the trip on The Impossible will be at least cold and uncomfortable, at worst it is dangerous." Cal glared at the Crown Prince.
"I'm riding back with you." He didn't blink, and Cal sighed.
"Very well. You will need the warmest clothes you can find, and a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the wind. We leave at daybreak for the port the first day which has good enough weather for the trip. I will send a messenger to the palace."
Three days later she sat beside the Crown Prince in the royal car on the way to the port by train. They had hot tea and breakfast laid out. Cal had replaced her leather work jacket with one lined with sheepskin. The prince had a similar coat flung over the back of a chair.