Once Kris’s fleet docked, matters went quickly . . . and slowly . . . all at the same time.
Kris had issued orders for the crew and passengers on her battlecruisers as well as merchant ships to stay aboard until arrangements could be made and all issues resolved with their hosts. So, of course, the merchant ships emptied out like a rock concert gone quiet.
Only to be brought by to a roaring halt at the end of the dock arm by armed Iteeche guards. Heavily armed Iteeche guards: rifles and long swords backed up with others holding long pointed spears.
Kris set a battalion of Royal US Marines hustling down the dock to herd the wayward merchants and curious sailors back to their fancy liners and merchant ships. They went, complaining loudly.
A quick call to Ron verified what Kris expected. Until Kris had been presented to His Worshipful Emperor, no one went anywhere. “I have been informed that a very large and well apportioned palace has been set aside for your use, as well as spacious quarters for the merchants in your entourage,” Ron told her.
“My merchants will want to meet with your merchants,” Kris pointed out.
“They will. They will, in due time. First, though, you must present yourself to the Emperor and be recognized.”
KRIS, I SUSPECT THAT “PRESENT YOURSELF” AND “BE RECOGNIZED” MEAN MUCH MORE THAN THE WORDS THEMSELVES, Nelly advised.
NO DOUBT. Kris observed, and turned to Lieutenant Longknife. “Please advise our captain to adjust the Princess Royal to Condition Palatial A Plus and then some. I’ll be needing the maximum sized Forward Lounge for a complete staff meeting. Inform the fleet I’ll want the captains and key staff of every ship. Inform the merchants that I will require all passengers and crew excepting a minimum watch to be here in two hours. RSVP is mandatory. The bar will be open, but not free. Any questions?”
“No ma’am,” Megan answered, cheerful as any Longknife who had a hard job to do, saluted and was off.
“Comm, send to Ron, inviting him to our little meeting and ask him to bring along as many mean looking guards as he may choose.”
“Message sent. He replies that he will be there, Admiral.”
“Thank you. Nelly, my key staff over here. Especially Abby. We’ve got some writing to do.”
As they wrote, the ship grew and changed around them.