In which the Demon Princes set out for Legena despite the misgivings of Short and Argyle.
Early 1889
I had decided to travel to the north to investigate changes in military technology. I hoped to interview various military leaders and talk about the difficulties they had faced in setting siege and in breaking sieges.
When I told Short and Argyle they both wanted to come. Argyle suggested we use the old Ganophian scout ship.
"You are crazy, Bruce. That thing is just too cramped and I want to travel in comfort and style. Besides we don't need it. There is nothing secret about this trip."
Argyle grumbled of course.
"I'm going to bring a Dreadnought squadron myself. The area is a snake pit of piracy." I said.
"I'll bring my own since ships with demon princes are blowing up. No need to make us an even more tempting target." said Short.
Not to be outdone Argyle also said he would travel with a squadron.
+++
When I heard about the Grand Ball I knew I must go. These events are so rare now! In good old days they were more common. One could go and meet many of the important people, strike deals and get a better understanding of the leaders of many states.
Plus I'd never been to Legena. What Marcus had told me of the culture intrigued me.
I checked with Petra and she said our interests in Legena were confined to commercial but she would put together a package of proposals.
Short was skeptical.
"it in far north of the cluster and we are going to visit powers in the central and southern areas. It's a long detour if you ask me."
When I pointed out the entire population was naked and the social mores were very liberal Short changed his tune quickly.
Argyle was upset. He didn't want to 'parade around in the buff'.
When I pointed to the invitation's wording on how people could dress in their native costumes he was mollified. When I suggested they might like Kilts he went off immediately to assemble a wardrobe of kilts.
+++
Short was correct. Our security teams found a bomb on Argyle's ship. We had them do another look but the ships passed muster.
Given what happened to Murgatroid (or at least what think happened) all personnel were checked as well for concealed bombs or weapons. Argyle was understandably upset. This was the second time an attempt had been made.
"I want to stop in ID and maybe stay awhile while you guys move on." he declared.
+++
The trip lasted 60 days and was uneventful. We stopped briefly in the Republic and there were joined by A Republican squadron.
It seems that President Rose and his opponent RKO Smith were both on the way to Legena as well.
This is an extraordinary opportunity! I want to talk to talk to both men about my investigation anyway so having them join our ships gives us a head start!
(The group arrives in Legena)
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