The deck underfoot started to rumble slightly, the engineers pushing the Silver Skies even further than her usual clip. Gladstone, at the helm, held the wheel in a grip of steel while his eyes flitted between instruments and gauges, trying to divine the direction and strength of the currents before them.

Captain Jerem glanced at the chronometer next to Gladstone.

“I have made trips like this many times over the years, and today there has been more danger and opposition than I have ever seen. I find it difficult to believe that this is all happenstance, you see – and when old friends send messages on mechanical birds, it rings of a deeper propelling force than usual.”

Elletra looked at him in realisation.

“Now, I do not suggest anything specific at this point in time. But this Earl, I have heard of him from the grapevine, shall we say, and he is not a pleasant man. Stay on your guard, and have Hawkeye watch your back.

Now go – tell him we have no more than three hours before I expect to intercept."