When the door hissed open at the other end, it revealed a vast assemblage of gantries and walkways connected by huge girders and wreathed in steam. Elletra set off immediately, the route already memorised.

She found the captain next to his ship in animated conversation with one of the dockmasters. Noticing her presence, he bowed deeply and took the proffered note.

“Greetings. I am Jerem, of the Silver Skies.”
The man’s French accent was soft, but unmistakeable. He took a moment to read the note, then tucked it away neatly.
“This note says quite clearly that you are a distinguished traveller and old friend of Firus, who is to be afforded every luxury I can provide,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “But Firus already sent a copy of the note forward and, I must say, was rather less polite about it.”
He smiled widely, motioning a dockhand to let them board.
“Nonetheless, welcome to the crew. It will be a pleasure to have you with us. Nobody has forged Firus’ handwriting this well for quite some time.”