Infrastructure: Part Two Hundred and Fifty Five

Their was always a sense of distance between members of the Central Committee and the population, even when they were standing nearby. A fact that was clear in most of Drive's activity on the Avatar. He made inspections of the machinery and ships, gave back a few assessments of both, engaged in a few meetings with senior staff and answered a few questions, but for the most part let Petrov handle the fleet and was generally removed. He'd compiled a 96 page summery of the operations for the top brass and expected them to handle it. Mostly he spent time in his quarters controlling the fleet's six recon drones while making the occasional jaunt to the bridgewings to stare out to the sea. He was met with the reverence that a member of the central committee received and was usually given his distance as much as could be done on in the ships confines. When the fleet established it's blockade of Despair Bay he stood their in armor for seven hours straight, moving his head occasionally but otherwise standing as still a stone.

It was just after breakfast that Admiral Petrov received word from Drive requesting his presence. He'd hurried out to see him standing still with his hands behind his back and to his surprise, he was holding a pair of binoculars.

"Minister, you've summoned me?" Petrov said

"Admiral. There is something you'd need to see." He said as he proffered the object to him and then put straight ahead. "Take a look at the city."

The Admiral obeyed and inspected the horizon. On it he saw the green line of distant land, the boxy shapes and domes of Porta Liberium and the small brown figures of moored ships. With that a striking number of ships were setting their sails.

"It seems they're getting a fleet under way, Minister."

"Indeed Admiral, this is quite a marshal gesture they've decided to present to us in response to our ultimatum. One small ship flying a banner of parlay would be sufficient to convey a diplomatic envoy to our fleet in a way that would not spark confusion. Looks like they've given us their answer with five hours to spare. We are now Officially at War with the Kingdom of Avesia, Admiral. You are to move to engage."

Petrov smirked "Very well Minister. The men could use some target practice."

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