I Need Power

Writers: Devin, Chelle
Date Posted: 19th February 2014

Characters: Relik, Kaphrad
Description: Relik and Kaphrad test out Kaphrad's idea.
Location: Seacraft Hall
Date: month 5, day 10 of Turn 7

It was a calm day, perfect for the test. If the craft was full sized,
most waves wouldn't be a problem, but the small-scale model would be
tossed about too much and might even sink. The steamship test craft
was about the size of a dinghy, the fire in the stove burning hot and
ready. "Here it is, Master Relik," Kaphrad said with a smile.

The Hallmaster inspected the small craft. He had to admit, he didn't know
about this. However, if it worked and it meant no dead calm or lost time or
even being marooned-then he was all for it. "How long is the run going to be
and what distance?"

"We're just going to run her along parallel to the shore over to that
far dock there," Kaphrad pointed. "Remember that a full sized vessel
will be more capable." The Hallsecond rubbed his hands together.
"Unfortunately, this version barely has room for one. I'll run her
down and back and that should give you some sense of what's possible."

He nodded and prepared to watch. "Fair enough. What size engine is this?
Capable of how much speed?" He looked at the smith present.

"It should go about six or seven knots. At full size, it should go a
bit faster," the smith answered.

"And the materials? Are these things I can get my hands on easily?" That was
a very important point. Relik needed access to certain resources indeed. The Master
wasn't above making deals to get what he needed, but if he could avoid
it, he would.

"Most of the materials are readily available, but the coal for the
engine might be a little more difficult to obtain," the Hallsecond
said. "We do have a source, and with your help we should be able to
negotiate a trade agreement."

"Oh? Where might that be?" He wondered if it was somewhere that was
already developed or if Relik would need to get an operation going
somehow.

"Iron Lake, beholden to Garnet Valley. I've corresponded with them a
bit, but nothing formal. I wanted to make sure you were involved in
any official Hall business," Kaphrad told him.

"Ah hm well forward me all of that and I'll see about making it official. First
things first-will this thing work?" And standing back, he waited for
the demonstration.

"It most certainly will." Kaphrad gave a nod to the man in the craft.
The engine had been kept warm and ready, and now the man shoveled
in more coal. After a few more adjustments, the steam ship was ready.
It chugged away from the dock over the calm water.

He was quiet as he watched. "Test the steering?" was the only thing he said.
He wanted to see how the craft reacted under the extra power. Was there a lag?
Still just the sight of the boat under its own power was enough to make him
hopeful. Would it really work? He walked up to stand beside Kaphrad,
putting his hand on his Second's shoulder. This could be a huge change.

Kaphrad signaled a few turns. The model was performing just as he'd
hoped. "What do you think?"

"A bit slower than wind sailing in a similar craft but I suppose that's to be
expected. How much fuel does it require?" Relik was already calculating.
Fuel would mean extra cargo.

"I have a hide with projected calculations back in my office. We can
take a look at it as soon as the run is over." The steamship had
almost reached the other dock and would soon turn to come back.

"How much does the engine weigh?" That was another thing that needed
to be accounted for. Relik's crafts would have to be larger to accommodate the
extra room.

"I have figures for that as well, based on the size of the craft. My
goal is to optimize engine power without taking too much of the ship's
storage space," Kaphrad said.

When it was all over, Relik walked up to get a better look at the thing. Curious.
"I'll need to send a message to Iron Lake. How long would it take to build a
bigger one?" Of course he was thinking to place one of them on one of
their smaller vessels to try first.

"Should take about a month, barring any mistakes on my part." Kaphrad
smiled. "That's if we can fit it to an existing ship, if you don't mind me using one."

"You can outfit the one in dry dock that needed repairs for leaks." The vessel
he mentioned needed work anyway so why not kill two wherries with one rock?
"It's already stripped so it'll save you the time."

"That would be perfect. Thank you for supporting me in this, Relik. I
hope it will be a benefit to the Hall."

"So do I Kaphrad. Maybe after we get all this straight, we can
talk about some of your other ideas." It was good to have a smart man
around certainly. Relik was smart enough to take full advantage of it.

Last updated on the March 7th 2014

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I Need Power