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Airships: Testing the Water

Elletra eased herself out of bed some hours later, wondering why it was still dark outside. She quietly opened her bag and freshened up by the small sink in the corner before stepping out into the corridor. There was no-one in sight.

The hatch leading to the bridge was closed and locked, but she knocked anyway. After a slight pause, Gladstone pulled the hatch open and saluted her smartly.

“Greetings, miss. What brings you up here at this time of night?”
“Hello, Gladstone. What time is it?”
“Seven bells gone of the middle watch, miss. Most of the crew are in their hammocks, save for those of us up here.”
“Oh. Is there anything I can do to help?”

The first mate breathed out and glanced around the bridge.

“Well, me and Tyrren here have the bridge watch, but perhaps you might go forward and keep the lookout company.”

She thanked him and took the ladder up towards the lookout’s post. The envelope creaked and stretched slowly as she climbed, like some ancient beast stirring in slumber.

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