Chapter 122: New Command Part 4

"So I could set up offices there."
"If you wish. The Navy will provide offices for your work with them," he pointed out.
"I was thinking more along the lines of a Society of Engineers." Cal glanced back at the house.
"There is no formal training for engineers, perhaps it is time. If I'm to train the new Commander of the Royal Engineers, we will need a steady supply of talented people."
"It would be an interesting project," Frederick said. "Now the next stop is at a suite of rooms a family used when they visited the city. They reverted to the Crown when the family ended without an heir."
By the end of the day, Cal had seen most of the city, and viewed houses, rooms and warehouses all in an immaculate state and kept by a minimum staff.
"Your country estate is too far away to visit today. It is near the main railway running south, a half a day's trip. When you wish to inspect it, I will make arrangements. It is more useful in the summer in any case."
"Country estate?" Cal rubbed her temples.
"Of course."
"I would like a listing of the staff at each location, what they are being paid. Can I hire them, or must I find my own people?"
"I am sure the Crown would be willing to let you hire some of the staff. Others have positions which will make it difficult to let them go."
"So the first person I need will be someone to manage the staff and paying them."
"That would be a good plan. I can recommend a couple of people if you wish."
"Great. Send their names to me at my home and I'll take it from there."
The coach pulled up in front of Cal's home.
"One last piece of advice, Marquise," Frederick leaned back as the coachman opened the door. "If you wish to create a society, you may want to apply for a royal warrant."
"Excellent idea," Cal climbed out of the coach. "I will speak to the prince about it."
***
The Royal Engineers gathered in a warehouse near the edge of the city, not far from the field where Cal had first seen the Ferandican airship.
"We will have a functioning airship by spring." Cal looked at the group, now numbering over a hundred men. "For the winter we will be manufacturing the pieces of the ship here and in other warehouses in the area. They will be assembled later in a different location."
"I heard an airship flew over the city, not much more than a week ago," Landers said.
"That was The Impossible, my personal airship."
"Personal airship?" Landers widened his eyes. "I'm guessing that is how you achieved the rescue everyone is talking about but knows nothing for sure."
"Correct." Cal swept her gaze across her team. "As part of the design work, I will be taking each of you up in her as weather permits. I expect you to make detailed notes of areas of improvement."
"What about that?" Ensign Cesare pointed to the Kite leaning against the wall in the corner.
"We will get to it in time," Cal said. "Right now I need you to determine what you need to make this a functioning airship factory. This warehouse will be for metal fabrication and construction. The one next door will handle the wood framing and gondola. Another behind us will be where we put the envelope together. I want reports on my desk by the end of the week."
"Is it true you're leaving?" Engineer Second Class Patrick asked.
"Yes, but not right away. I will be commanding the Air Navy, but until I have a Navy to command, you'll have to put up with me."
***
Cal sat alone listening to the concert. Frederick hadn't taken her to see the private box, but it was listed on her estate. Some evenings she brought guests, engineers or students. The work in the factories had started as Christmas approached, but Cal felt restless. The music helped calm her so she could think clearly. Tonight, she didn't want company. Crysabel's recent letter full of excitement made Cal depressed. She wanted more than sitting in an office giving orders.
"Marquise Shillingsworth." Bri slipped into the box and sat behind her, out of sight of anyone in the hall.
"Cal to my friends."
"Cal." Bri sighed. "I'm not sure I should have that honour. War is coming. I love my country, but I don't love the direction it is heading. I will be returning home, shortly. The failure of certain people in the embassy has been placed on my shoulders. I know your response, but I find I cannot leave without asking, however foolish it may be."
Cal's heart thumped.
"Ask then." She didn't turn around.
"I would like to introduce you to my daughter, show you the beauty of Kershia." Bri stopped so long Cal wondered if he'd left. "Would you consider coming home with me?"
"Would you stay here?"
"I can't." Bri's voice was pained. It made Cal think of his eyes the last time they'd met at a concert.
"You know my answer." Cal closed her eyes. "I wish for a day when I can visit your home as a friend."
"Our countries will be at war, if not in the coming year, then in the next. We will be enemies..." Bri growled at her.
"Until you act as an enemy, I will count you as a friend."
"You honour me more than you should." The chair creaked as Bri stood. "Farewell, Cal. Be careful, there are people who wish you harm."
"I will always have enemies," Cal said, but she didn't think he heard her.
The orchestra returned to the stage and played the next piece on the program. Cal wiped at the corners of her eyes and then let the music, like her airship, carry her away.