"So, what about the Last Crux?" Viper asks as they head to the office of the shipyards.
"We will keep it for now. Maybe after refitting it later, we will turn it into a training vessel for recruits," Dustin thinks aloud.
"You are a thinker, aren't you?" Rorack rumbles, humming in the thought of what he saw from the plans.
"You're just now learning this?" Dustin teases as they enter and start the process to secure a private drydock and engineers to work on the project. "Best get comfortable, you two. We won't be leaving this terra for a long time."
"I don't expect to. But I want to be a part of this. And you better tell me every nook and cranny," Rorack requests.
"You will be a part of it. Now dry dock six is ours. At first, you two will be posted at the entrance and inspect everyone who enters. Check their worker ID and compare it to the records we have been given on those who we hired," Dustin instructs.
"Sounds too simple," Viper hisses skeptically.
"He wants us to keep anyone out who is not on the list," Rorack informs as they near dry dock six.
"I mean checking the names. It's too simple," Viper clarifies.
"Not just names. We have photos of them," Rorack corrects.
Viper gives off a low growl as they walk over to the dry dock six warehouse building.
"This is where it all shall begin. You two rest up, and I will go get some food for us," Dustin informs.
Viper and Rorack look around before spotting an open office and bunk area in the corner of the building before walking to it. "There is the matter of crew afterward," Rorack mentions to Viper. "We will need more after this."
"Knowing the boss, he probably already planned ahead," Viper says.
Rorack chuckles. "I wonder what they are like. Hopefully not as strong-headed as you," he jokes, grinning.
Viper growls a bit at that dig.
The next day, Viper and Rorack are guarding the entrance and making sure those they had hired are the only ones coming in. It takes about an hour for those queued to get through. This raises some flags to those who have been hired, especially the seventeen-year-old female Aquanos. But after a bit of an introduction, the reason became clear. They weren't building a ship. They were making a new one altogether.
Days start to pass as materials are collected from the market. The engineers and Dustin keep coming back to the blueprints again and again with new ideas or changing something they thought wouldn't work out well or was a design flaw. After nearly a week, work got started, and trails and errors were made and fixed. At the beginning of the third week, someone showed up. A white-skinned merb steps into the large shipyard as many walk around and work away at building the skeleton of the massive new ship. Her long white hair flows down behind her as a clump of the hair is wrapped in a golden cloth with earrings, and the other pierces her ears. She turns her blue eyes around the place, looking for whoever leads the build. Then she sees the elevated room of the building and starts to walk toward the steps.
"Ah. You must be Ms. Condor," Dustin inquires as the merb looks around the planning and engineering room.
"Yes," the merb replies while Dustin looks over the more dressed merb than anyone else. If he can guess, she has more of a higher crystal expert than normal ones he can find.
"Good. Now that you are here, we can start work on the engine. Daria!" Dustin calls out to the skeleton of the ship.
The aquanos leans around a metal pillar in the middle of the skeleton to look back at the captain and engineer leader. "What is it?!" she calls back and flips up her wielder mask.
"Our crystal expert has arrived. Come meet her so we can start on the engine," Dustin calls.
Daria places her tools down before starting to walk their way. "I have heard that this engine is strange and almost unheard of. Care to give me a peek?" the merb asks while placing her bag of tools on a chair nearby.
"Come with me," Dustin informs her, leading her to a small office where the blueprints are kept. Once inside, they lock the door and bring out the plans, unrolling them onto the table in the middle of the room. Condor's eyes instantly start to scan it before widening at some of the calculations and design ideas.
"These are…" Condor starts but couldn't finish the rest as her eyes read more and more numbers.
"Calculations, but some will be discarded or recalculated depending on your input as the expert for crystal power," Dustin informs as Daria starts pointing things out to Condor.
As Dustin and Daria talk to her about it, Dustin's suspicions are confirmed as they had to redo entire calculations, but not the whole thing. It set them back, but in five days, they were able to start on the engine as they began to make headway. The engine is now more than twice the size of a standard-issue engine of ships of this size, but based on early power tests, the output turns out to be more than triple the standard engine and, to Crystal's shock, the fuel efficiency is shockingly better as well. Going into the second month of building the ship after another setback, Crystal requested a meeting with Dustin and Daria.
"We are sitting on an advancement in ship engines here. Probably the first real breakthrough in the last fifty years. We should sell it, so we don't run out of funds for this shipbuilding," Condor says.
Dustin just hums, sitting in a seat against the wall, thinking about what to go. His ears listen to Condor parade on and on about what can be done and what else could be advanced in such a time. But one thing worries him. The ships already out in the world would either be retrofitted or shoved in with the engine design or modified smaller and bigger ones without regard to any other changes besides size. This would cause…
"No. We shouldn't. Not yet," Dustin speaks up after thinking for a few minutes and how the future might turn out. "It would damage the amount of efficiency and power this engine truly has if we did sell the design," he points out and looks to the two builders.
"But at the rate this project is going…" Condor starts.
"And who do you propose we sell it to? If we sell it to either the sky knight or Cyclonia, it could turn the war hot once more," Dustin points out.
Daria sighs and massages her head. "He is right, Condor. We might lose more than just money if we do sell the design. Materials we need to make this thing will be diverted to either remake airships or make new ones," she adds on. "Face it. This is one of the few times selling a grand design such as this will bring more harm than what most expect."
"For now, we will just tighten our belts and even borrow a bit if we need to, but it must be completed in less than four months," Dustin informs both of them, surprising them as he had never set a time limit before now.
"What could be important in four months, and why not tell others?" Condor seems to demand while gesturing to the workers still toiling away as the ship is now gaining its hull shell.
"If you knew what would be happening in four months, you would know why I picked that date," Dustin informs as Daria starts checking the calendar for what was in four months.
Condor frowns at the inconvenience at such a sudden surprise deadline. "…you aren't thinking of entering that?" Daria asks, surprised as she stares at the calendar.
Dustin sighs. "It's the way to prove and bring more money to our ship than just selling the design. I figure we can knock out many birds with one stone in that event," Dustin summarizes before noticing Condor's stare. "Relax. Things won't be that bad. As long as this ship flies and does not drop to the badlands like a dead weight, we can make it through," he tries to appease.
"But we will be up against the best of what Cyclonia and the free Atmos can put forward," Daria points out.
"I don't think that would be a problem. You see, the Cyclonians have always focused more on power than speed for their ships so they will be hard-pressed, and the free Atmos lost most of its fastest ships during the last time both sides were fighting so seriously, including the Storm Hawks' Condor. The Condor's specs also most likely went down with it, or we would be seeing more Condor like cruisers flying around," Dustin points out.
"He…" Condor starts, and Dustin thinks about how the merb is lucky to be named after such a ship. "Is correct. The Condor was once the fastest ship and broke the airspeed record," Condor sighs. "And the creator built it for himself so no chance there either," she recounts sullen.
"Not to mention if we can win the race, then we can pay off any debts we have at the time from building our ship, which I think the Tailwind is also a good name for it, don't you two think?" Dustin asks happily as they agree with his assessment.
Daria smiles at the idea. "Well, if we can prove your claims of being quicker, it's a fitting name."
"Let me worry about the money. Just keep working on the Tailwind, so it is ready," Dustin finishes, trying to satisfy Condor's worries.
The fourteen and a half-year-old Cyclonis sighs as she takes her seat in the private booth she had been given to represent the royal family of Cyclonia at this race that was supposed to show the free Atmos and their sky knights how superior they were to them. Still, she couldn't help but feel this is a waste of time. Though, at least it would get her away from the political struggles in the empire for now.
Her guards consist of two young siblings from one of Cyclonia's noble houses. Their names are Snipe and Ravess. Cyclonis's impression of the two is less than flattering. Snipe is a meathead at best. A destructive and robust tool, but not much of a thinker. His sister Ravess is the brain. A bit more respectable, but despite that, Cyclonis could tell she has a bit of an ego and is a bit too obsessed with music.
These are some of those who have some potential in the Talons, but, all and all, that wasn't saying much to her disappointment. She longed to have intelligent conversations, but most were either too scared of her, too stupid, or just downright trying to win favor for their profit. She then thinks back on that event that had shaped her quite a bit in recent years—meeting that young explorer Dustin.
He had not only saved and returned her to her country but never asked for anything or even hostile to her. He had also opened her eyes considerably as, when she returned, most tried so hard to pin the blame on the sky knights for what had happened and even wanted to find Dustin and torture him for all he knew as they saw him being there to save her too convenient. After hearing that, Cyclonis went to her grandmother and asked to borrow some of her elite night crawlers to investigate on her own. Her grandmother, who had been happy enough at her initiative, granted the request.
The investigation within weeks bore fruit, and, with the evidence, Master Anarchis had signed the death warrants of no less than thirty officials and nobles of Cyclonia. It had sent ripples of fear throughout their ranks. Most outwardly supported this action immediately, but Cyclonis could tell they were very unnerved that nobles had been executed for their schemes.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer calls, bringing Cyclonis out of her thoughts as she looks out to the starting line of the race. On the area are a set of three Cyclonian and sky knight cruisers that are getting final check-ups for the sport as the announcer started to announce a few things.
"What do you think, sis? I think that our country's yellow cruiser will win," Snipe comments.
Ravess huffs. "Please. It will be the smaller purple one."
Cyclonis sighs and pinches the bridge between her eyes. They are the same ship these two are rooting for, and the only differences are the sizes and armaments. The truth is that the 'cruisers' that Cyclonia had brought are just scaled-down versions of their destroyers. It is nearly laughable to her when her officers tried to explain the differences between the two to her. Cyclonis was about to tell them both to quiet down when the announcer calls, "Folks! It looks like we have a late arrival. From the Exploration Guild, we have the number seven ship, the Tailwind!"
As all the ships that are already on the terra are seated on the edge of the land didn't have to move or make space, even the crew looks out beyond the side to see who is the newcomer. The idea of the Exploration Guild sending a ship is almost laughable and thought they are sending a sizable fat cargo ship mostly for space at the rate of speed and combustion of energy. However, they then hear the rumble of low engines, sounding too small for a large cargo ship.
The clouds sitting below the terra start to part, and everyone who can see gawk at the monstrosity before them, for what shapes the clouds and makes them move away is square and rectangle in shape, but the size is what surprises them even more. The ship rises and starts to show itself to the gathered crowd and crews, having a strange design.
Cyclonis slowly takes special notice, seeing almost flat designs over the long cruiser sized airship. 'Wings' or what could be called as such are fitted at the back, looking more like balancers. There is even a split down the middle shaft of the beast and breaks behind the lower and upper half of the ship. With the top seemingly holding the crew and the rest maybe weapons and cargo. However, everyone then notices the roaring hums coming from the airship. It is the engines behind the wings that are giving off the noise, and it sounds weak. But when it moves, it moves fast.
Crews cover themselves on the ground as the giant airship rips through the air granted to them and lands nearby in an empty area. It was so quick that some equipment and crew were sent flying or skidding across the ground before coming to a stop a few long feet away. With a heavy thunk on the pointed and flat lower half, everyone now knew, this ship is different and something to wonder and gaze about.
"Well, that is a departure from most designs we see today," Cyclonis commits, wondering if this is some rare type of ship she had never heard of as it takes its place at the starting line.
"Could you be any more dramatic?" Rorack asks sarcastically, a large wrench over his shoulder as some of the builders and crew gather their things off the bridge to depart. They will take off to other terras to prepare for the other legs of the race and make sure the Tailwind is in excellent working condition.
"Hey, the official took long enough for us to apply the seals on our weapons and give us the official amount, so don't blame the captain," Daria reminds.
"Either way, we are here now. We have two hours before the start of the race, but the unofficial shakedown run we took our girl on shows she can handle it easily," Dustin says at the helm.
"Engine is green. Not much stress from your flying either," Condor adds.
Dustin rolls his eyes at her almost sarcastic tone. "Then, I feel more confident. Get those guys off the ship and moving out of here. We can't waste a second more when the rest of the crews out there had almost a day head start," he orders, and everyone starts to rush out towards the elevators and stairs, with cargo and supplies taking most of the elevator space.
"Now then, girl, let's go for fifty-five percent engine power out of the gate. See how the other cruisers react after seeing only forty percent from our arrival," Dustin says, patting the wheel.
"And now it's a child to him. He's growing up," Rorack remarks as he heads toward the engine room to prepare for any breaks during their travels.
Many at the race are seemingly interested in this new unknown ship as it reflected even in the gambling odds. Something that Rorack took notice of and, after informing Dustin, is instructed to place a large bet on themselves. Meanwhile, Cyclonis looks on with interest at the new ship. It is unique to her and a drastic departure from most designs she had seen. Now, it is only a question of if it can stand up to the rest of the ships.
"Attention, a last-minute reminder of the rules for the racers. First, you are not allowed to attack any of the other racers. Any evidence of the seals placed on your weapons being broken will result in disqualification. And finally, you must check-in at each of the checkpoints amongst the Terras following the course. Failure to check-in at one, and you are disqualified. To make the race fair, all ships must have an equal amount of crew. Ten is the number of crew members for this race this year. With that, you have five minutes before the race begins," the announcer informs all.
"Do we look like we would have that after spreading out the crew to the terras?" Daria points out to no one.
Dustin taps his chin, thinking to the fact he would be included and then starts counting as quickly as he could. "Wait…where's Viper?" he calls to the intercom tube system before the pipe squeaks back.
"Sorry, boss. I knew from our count back at the shipyard; we would not have enough. So I quickly got a couple more hands. Don't worry. They are trustworthy. They don't question me," Viper replies.
"Are they Raptors?" Dustin asks suspiciously.
"Who else respects even you and me after the hunts?" Viper laughs, and Dustin hears some hissing chuckles also as well.
Dustin groans and massages at a sudden sore spot on his head before sighing. "Get them to the various stations, make sure the other crew helps them out, so they know what to do. And please warn me next time."
Viper gives a growling acceptance before Dustin flips the lip on the pipe closed. "Dang it, Viper. Taking the initiative," he mutters to himself. He even notes a tail is sneaking away under the ship as, presumably, the raptors board the airship. "All hands get to stations. Rorack, you are on supervisor duty. We got some new blood," Dustin calls into another tube.
"Oh. Can't wait to make sure they boil in here from hard work," Rorack jokes, which makes Dustin immediately think how bad it is before remembering he's a father. So Dustin got hit with a dad joke. "Don't you worry. I got this one."
"Alright, prepare to lift off," Dustin orders.
Cyclonis hums when she looks through a small spyglass she took out from her sleeve. She spots the cockpit and a minimum amount of crew. But also noticed the raptors boarding the airship from the ground and how they look fresh from the desert region. Cyclonis then lowers her spyglass before hearing her two guards bicker about the new ship and how it might lose just to sheer size alone. She sighs and pinches the bridge of her eyes again, finding these two very annoying siblings.
"Ravess, I want our observers to change their focus. I want to know about this new ship instead of the sky knight ships we already know about," Cyclonis orders.
Ravess looks at her leader for a second before standing straight and giving a small bow of her head. "Of course, master Cyclonis," she agrees before walking away to inform the observers of the change in target.
'Now let us see if you can prove interesting,' Cyclonis thinks, watching the starting line as the ships started to lift off and get in position.
"All hands in position?" Dustin asks, tightening his grip on the wheel.
"As set as we'll ever be," Condor calls back.
"Set," Viper remarks.
"Ready," Rorack repeats back.
"I am hanging on for dear life," Daria jokingly says in the engine room now.
"All hands prepare for launch," Dustin informs as he starts to power up the engines more as the countdown begins.
Dustin watches the countdown, waiting eagerly for it to start with his hand on the engine power gauge, getting ready to put it up to half-power at a precise critical moment. The moment the flag waves. "Activating Crystalline jet thrusters. Deploy to burst positions. Initiate air intake," Dustin mutters, flipping some controls as the bridge crew gets ready to launch.
From her box, Cyclonis can see the engines start to glow violet and begin to hum. "Begin!" the announcer calls, shooting a flare into the sky.
"Let's go!" Dustin calls hitting the engine power to half and blasts off forward, shocking almost everyone in the stands. Snipe's, seeing this, eyes widened as it blew past the other ships as they started the blowback rattling them a bit as the Tailwind neared the first turn, which was at a ninety-degree angle because of the terras. "They're going to crash!" Snipe yells as the people in the stands on that terra started to panic and flee.
"Cutting the engines now. Alright, crew, time to drift," Dustin says to the bridge and starts turning the wheel, turning the Tailwind. However, it's momentum still carried it towards the terra before Dusting reactivated the engines and blasted them in the new direction. Everyone in the audience sat there flabbergasted. A maneuver at that speed should have sheared the cruiser in half. "Ravess, tell me we recorded that!" Cyclonis demanded, having stood up seeing that.
"We were recording?" Ravess asks, sounding like a sharp, high pitched whine from the sight and in disbelief—an interesting combination of embarrassment.
'Why does incompetence surround me?' Cyclonis questions pinching the bridge of her nose.