You must go to Germany. You will be an attache to the consulate. Taking the first available means to Germany I was introduced to the ambassador who was concerning himself with the dirigible service. The latest ship was being prepared for a trip to the Arctic. Naturally, I was to be given the assignment of being the English Empire’s representative on this voyage. What experience do I have with the chill of the Arctic I inquired? Do as you are told. So I met with the captain and officers of the airship and was allowed to attend the current officer’s meeting. Upon arrival at the meeting three separate duels ensued.

At the rapid completion of the duels, one which was so quick the end was almost immediately followed from the start. We then proceeded to visit the ship to be settled in. The rapid duel winner was assigned an officer position to the airship complement. Another russian was also newly upon the airship, and I was myself to be an observer with no assigned rank. We were issued clothing and I noticed the enhanced rifles and pistols of an officer to whom I asked about how I might obtain my own version. These were promised me upon the departure in the following morning. We recieved our clothing issue which was flight leathers and winter gear and then were assigned bunks. The russian is to be my ward mate. A special scarf with the name of the airship was presented and to be worn at the celebration that was to happen that very day.

The party began at the captain’s residence and I engaged the captain in engineering discourse for most of the night. The russian played gambling games with the quartermaster. And the Japanese officer who was now ranked on the airship was in attendance and engaged Bismark himself. Speaking and drinking into the night I endeared myself with our dear captain who was impressed with my engineering capability. We digressed from engineering into hunting and its merits. Following the hunting chat we moved into equine selection and preferences. Upon tiring and succumbing to his weariness the captain departed the group. I moved to observe the continuing games. The Japanese officer had finished with Bismark and had done some small talk with the other officers at the party. The game of quartermaster and russian was also completed. The Japanese officer then played into the night against the russian. I observed and then upon the tables closing up went to my room to sleep. I was to arrive at dawn upon the airship.