[video] Prototype Launch Record

[emet_sulk]

Type: Video
Sender ID: emet-sulk
To: Public
Subject: Prototype Launch Record
Warnings: None

[ The video opens with a vision of an old, wooden ship with furled sails settled at the dock outside the Adamantine Forge. For those in the know, it's the one which has been fitted with the prototype magitech engine which has been in development for the past month. To those seeing it for the first time, there are external additions which make it clear that it's not your typical sailing ship: pipes along the outside, metal fittings which don't usually belong. There are propellers beneath the water as well, invisible to those watching the video.

Emet-Selch is the one holding the camera and so he isn't in the shot itself. However, his voice can be heard after the camera pans across the entire ship. ]

This will be the maiden launch of our prototype vessel. The high tide has come in and we will be starting the engine soon.

[ Workers are standing ready with rope and jigging to pull the ship into the open sea in case the engine isn't enough to get it out of the dock. But they shouldn't be needed. That would rather defeat the purpose. ]

Today is the start of the tenth moon, mid-- [ sigh ] --is it spring or fall here? Bah, these leviathans are always moving about...

[ There are calls between those on the ship and those on the dock. With a muted THRUM, the engine starts and water churns. People hack away at the braces which have been keeping the ship from floating away during its time in the dock. Once the braces splinter, the ship surges forward into the open sea to startled shouts from the crew on board.

The video bounces a little as Emet-Selch matches pace with the ship. One might think he'd stop at the end of the dock but no, he lifts himself into the air with a bit of magic and keeps pace with the ship from a short distance. ]

The ship has successfully launched and seems to be functioning without issue.

[ And with that, the video ends. But a few hours later, there is an image posted of the same ship back in the Forge's dock with an update: ]

Engine overheated and stalled after several hours but the design is sound. Note to self: incorporate Cid's idea into the final engine.

[ Oh, seems he didn't mean to post this publicly. Oops. ]

Comments

[midifications]

[While this wasn't meant to be public, since Mid was likely to be there while it happened, she'll just use it as a springboard for just talking.]

What did me old man say? I think he's the only one here by that name, so I bet me and me dad can get it done if we work together, and then with everyone else. We'll get it done, then we can get some fancy engines on some other ships... assumin' they can pay, I'm sure.

[emet_sulk]

[ Ah, his record is public. Ah well, Mid's input is welcome. ]

He contacted me about an idea he had for a heat sink. It was a little too late for me to incorporate into the prototype but 'twas quite a good concept. I only had to give him a little nudge to improve it further. We'll be using it in the final design.

[midifications]

Oh, right, he mentioned that to me when I woke up. Too bad we don't have anything like at home, it was similar to what I had to do before, but with way different parts. You think you'll need anything else, because I can start working on things before we need them, just in case. Idle hands, and all that.

[emet_sulk]

Cid and I have agreed to a mutually beneficial arrangement so you should have nothing to worry about regarding materials. I may need your input regarding on how to effectively incorporate the heat sink into our current design. Your father's alterations will reduce the amount of energy the ship needs to function as it sails.

I'm surprised though. I would have thought you would at least have an airship.

[midifications]

Ah... I was working on one at home, but I stopped working on it.

[A very personal reason, but it doesn't mean she destroyed the blueprints. She could make one, probably.]

I still remember most of what I had, though, just missing some parts that are only from Valisthea, but the rest could be done here, if I wanted to try again.

[emet_sulk]

Mayhap someday you will be able to build one. With the way technology is progressing here, 'tis a distinct possibility within your lifetime.

I believe I still remember how the airships of Garlemald were built as well. If you would like advice or help, I can make myself available.

[midifications]

I'd like to. I didn't want it being used to hurt people, so I stopped. Maybe it'll be different in the future, and maybe different here, too... but I'm not sure yet.

But if you don't mind sharing some specifics, I always want to see how things can be done in other ways. I wouldn't be my father's daughter if I didn't have some curiosity on that.

1/2

[emet_sulk]

In that case I suppose I can trust you with a few details.

2/2 (PRIVATE VIDEO)

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch switches to video. If Mid decides she wants to write down what he says later, it'll be up to her to keep it safe. ]

Incidentally, I commend your foresight and self-reflection. 'Tis important for one whose creations will shape the future of man to consider how their creations may be used or misused.

Now, when man does finally attain the ability to fly, aerial warfare becomes inevitable. But airborne vehicles, properly made, are a far more efficient mode of transport when compared to land or sea. You will have to decide for yourself whether the benefits outweigh their potential for harm. I can share with you equations and the like which will help you calculate how to raise these things into the air. I can even tell you the sort of artillery you would need to defend yourself from one. 'Tis your choice.

video - audio only

[midifications]

[Well, he did do it first, so while she won't go into her normal video call shenanigans, she will swap it to where she can at least talk. Easier than explaining things or asking questions on the fly, and Emet has been knowledgeable and more than gracious to sate her curiosity in this way.]

Not hard to have that, seein' everything from what the Fallen did to the world before. I didn't want to repeat it, not yet. Told Clive I was going to just hide what I had, so someone else could take it and work it later, if they wanted. If the world was at peace an' all.

[She bit her tongue back to spare the rest of the details, but that was most of it anyway.]

The artillery would be good to know too, even just for a regular sailin' ship, if we have the tech here I mean. Here, I think it'd be worth it to have a flyin' ship, but that'll mean others will take th' same eventually. They'd have t' catch up, but it doesn't mean they won't do it better either.

[emet_sulk]

Aye. 'Tis impossible to kill an idea once it has taken root in people's minds. Once you make one, others will strive to mimic it - and man has always, especially, yearned to fly...

[ He snaps his fingers and a see-through model of a blimp-like airship appears between himself and the camera. Some kind of magical illusion for Mid's benefit.

The explanation which follows is suddenly very technical. He won't go into exacting detail right now since they're not actively trying to build the thing. However, he will explain enough to Mid that she can get a better grasp of how and why these sorts of vehicles manage to stay airborne. Any questions she has on top of that, he will patiently answer. ]

--Now, as for the means to deal with aggressive incursions from airborne ships...

[ This explanation is briefer and simpler and covers such considerations as typical weak spots on flying craft, disadvantages for those defending on the ground, disadvantages for those in the air, and so on. It's more like a military tactics lesson than an engineering one. The artillery needed to shoot something down may not exist just yet - not when they have mages who can simply fire spells into the air - but he has no doubt it will eventually. ]

[midifications]

[The snap does get her attention, and she does focus on the video itself— Neat!]

Thanks for the visual, makes it easier to visualize.

[While his explanation may be technical, Mid will write everything down— and ask questions where needed. Luckily a lot of her know-how was taught; it's why she was in Kanver at all, really, to learn. So as much as she can, she'll take this as a learning experience.]

That's a lot t' take in, but I think I get the gist of it. I'm sure I'll have more questions the more I delve in.

[As he mentions how to deal with airborne fire, she'll shake out her head a little to prepare for MORE INFO. It's not something she'd say no to, and it would solve a lot of problems for her down the road. Knowing this world is slightly more advanced than her own, all of this is good for... maybe sooner.]

Did you have a lot of experience with this sort of stuff, Emet? All the military stuff I mean.

[emet_sulk]

[ He would apologise for the information dump, but when he gets deep into an explanation he really, really makes sure he does a thorough job of it.

It's fine if she doesn't retain it all today though. He can always explain it again later. ]

I was until recently the leader of a military empire for some three-score years. Even before that, I had plenty of time to study the ways of war - for better or worse. 'Tis not knowledge I'm particularly proud of but it was necessary.

text; id: ramuhs

[ramuhs]

[Oh, well that was quite an interesting video to watch....that he doesn't catch until the message comes out (he's a busy man, too, okay). So he's even more amused as he sends a text over.]

I'd still call it a success, so congratulations. If you do need my assistance, just let me know -- I'll be happy to help.

[Though he knows Mid is also on the case, so whether they'd want both Telamons there is a very good question.]

[emet_sulk]

I imagine many of the prototype's issues can be addressed by simply constructing a purpose-built ship. I may need you to come by at some point to inspect the heat sink we'll be using however. It would be catastrophic if the ship caught fire out on open water.

[ He posts another image for Cid, this time inside the hull where the engine has been installed. There's light burn marks on the wood. ]

Fortunately I was present to address the problem early.

[ramuhs]

[He studies the picture for a moment, rubbing his chin in thought.]

Aye, fortunate indeed. You may need to consider adding an extra failsafe system to douse the engine should even the heatsink fail. With the magitech available here, might be more doable than elsewhere.

But I'd be glad to come over and take a look. I've made some modifications since you were last here, and I'd be curious to see what you managed on your end as well. Surely our combined efforts will bear fruit.

[emet_sulk]

If you could, I would be grateful. It has been a while since I had to contend with wooden ships. If only the hull were made of metal then I wouldn't need a failsafe.

[ But there's no point in bemoaning what they don't have. That said, this venture might encourage larger scale metal-working in the near future. ]

Your daughter has been of great help, by the by. The gift for engineering truly runs in your family.

[ramuhs]

Might be a matter of lack of resources on the metal as you'd need quite a fair bit, wouldn't you? But just let me know when would be a good time and I'll make my way over.

[As for reading about Mid...he will of course be beaming with pride upon reading that. So much so it's probably a good thing this isn't video or Emet-Selch would have to suffer it. Such a doting father that he is.]

And glad to hear about Mid. She's the main reason why I feel you may not need much of my help.

[emet_sulk]

[ Yes, he thinks, it would be difficult to find metal if the world runs off the backs of organic creatures. Hmm... ]

Can I not be greedy and demand both of your expertise? If I'm not careful, someone else will poach you.

Anyhow, feel free to come by in the next two weeks or so. Any later and I think it would be too late to make adjustments to the ship.

[ramuhs]

Hah, I doubt you'd have that much competition.

But I can work that in. I'll let you know when I'll be coming around.

[emet_sulk]

Wonderful. I shall look forward to your visit.

>>> action SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE

[ramuhs]

[After bidding Emet-Selch farewell, some time will pass before he lets him know he can come for a visit. And once at the forge, Cid will find Emet-Selch and wave with a friendly smile. But he didn't come empty-handed—he has a small leather bag slung over his shoulders.]

Made any progress?

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch appears mildly stressed, as usual. (When is he not frowning?) He waves back absently, watching the forge pour metal into a cast for a certain part of the engine. ]

Ah, on the heat sink? I've considered a few ideas with the help of your daughter. I'll need to make a decision soon so they can begin casting the parts for it.

[ramuhs]

[There's a bit of pride at the mention of Mid, and he would joke him not needing his help after all, but... Well the man seems a bit stressed, so he just stands next to him to watch.]

So what else is on your mind?

[emet_sulk]

[ He doesn't answer immediately. Ultimately, his concerns are ridiculous. Or rather, they're predictable. He knows the arguments for and against, having sat at or been near the tables where they happened in centuries past. Whatever happens as a result of this endeavour will happen, regardless of how he tries to manage it.

Eventually he sighs quietly and looks away from the molten metal. It's done. There's no point in second-guessing himself now. ]

Just an old man's worries. I've double and even triple-checked all the components and there is nothing to do but let these people do their work. There comes a point in every great work where one must step back and let the pieces fall as they may - for better or worse. I hope that man's husband will not hold the results against me.