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Coming of the Red Anchor

Show and Tell

Early 284 AC
Stoney Shore

"So Gardner you got anything new for me now its the new year and with it now being six months of us being here in the cold North?"

"As you know we are currently looking for sources of gunpowder but the problem is that traditional gunpowder or black powder is nor exactly what we want. We want a derivative of it called smokeless powder which uses similar ingredients but is put together differently. We could use traditional gunpowder I guess, put old fashioned cannons on our new wooden sailing vessels like the Silence or build new ships similar to galleons, but for modern weapons; rifles, missiles and the guns on our cruisers and destroyers we need the smokeless powder. We are close to getting what we want and setting up some supply lines with those that have the ingredients we just need time and getting the powder formula correct."

"Alright that's good we can work with that while keeping up the archery training for our people. You have been letting the local men and women join?"

"Yes though a few of the male locals did object slightly or were surprised, the women meanwhile were thankful for the opportunity but most declined. Some agreed to join though, I think the Mormonts were inspiration since they apparently train their women too."

"Huh maybe we'll have to ask the Mormonts how they train theirs as they have the experience and know what the people would be capable of whereas we only know how ours would cope given our society but also what they're training for. Now that survey I asked for, did the Enterprise and the QE find anything?"

"No sign of the anomaly, it's the fourth time we've checked the area" replied Gardner sadly.

"Shit, I was hoping for something. It certainly wasn't magic that brought us here -"

"Wasn't it?"

"Oh come on, really?! Magic, certainly in our world, doesn't exist. I'll grant you that there's things in this world that the word 'magic' may explain but there must be a reasonable explanation for most of those things. I mean dragons are apparently real and they have skulls to prove it so that's self evident but monsters that can raise the dead?"

"Yet you want us to prepare for them?" asked Gardner sceptically.

"At the time evidence was starting to pile that something other than these Wildlings we've heard of might be out there. It seemed reasonable to partially prepare with the methods they suggest to defeat this, Night King I think they called it?, as I've always believed it is best to have and not need than need and not have."

"Aye I can understand that logic but you don't believe in magic, hell even I'm a sceptic as are most of our people though I bet a lot enjoy magic shows-" "As do I" "-but surely we should believe that perhaps in this world magic is real? And the anomaly that brought us here magic or -" "That I can say was a spatial tear, looks just how we'd show it in TV shows and films" "-fine but would you accept magic here might be real?"

"Possibly" he sighed. "I don't know what we will find or if we'll ever find a way back like most still want, why do you think I send an expedition every couple of weeks or so back to where we arrived? As for magic, there is growing evidence that there is something here, the Wall, White Walkers if they're real, dragons, the tales of various things from Essos. There is something here and we need to prepare."

"Understood."

"Now, Lord Stark should be arriving within the week, are we ready?"

"We've cleaned up and furnished a number of rooms here in the manor for him and his staff while we should have space in the new port barracks for any guards he brings."

"Good, do we have enough food maester?" The middle-age man who had sat quietly watching the debate on magic leaned forward causing his chains to jingle.

"We have enough my lord for a number of feasts if that is your desire. I must say your discussion on magic was quite interesting, in fact there is a Archmaester in the Citadel called Marwyn who studies the higher mysteries who I'm sure would love to read the books on the Walkers we found and debate magic with you and your people." The two other men smiled indulgently at the man before Warrington replied, "well then maybe he can help understand some of the tomes better than us, I don't believe you mentioned higher mysteries as your expertise?"

"No you are right my lord. Ravenry, engineering, northern politics, runes and economics were my specialities though all maesters cover a wide range of topics to varying degrees including farming and healing in their studies. So I know a little of other subjects as well" he explained.

"I see thank you. Now the road progress?"

"The roads you asked to be built have gone well though only dirt tracks for the most part however the one that goes between the port and the castle has been paved using extra stone and pebbles. The route towards Rill Fort in the Rills is partiality paved as it makes use of the route to our castle. The road to Winterfell is paved only up to the hills to allow quick access for nearby villages. The same goes for the one to Deepwood Motte but that is only paved for five miles to save resources for the castle."

"Hmm good progress, they've worked fast."

"Indeed my lord, plentiful resources and work has drawn in those from neighbouring settlements including Winter Town and Barrowton thus allowing for a greater workforce and more tasks to be completed. Most have now been assigned to the castle build. I believe you wanted to save most road building till after the castle was complete?"

"Yes I did as I wanted to focus on our defences and a real home for my people to live in and then deploy the experienced builders to improve my new people's lives with better infrastructure. How is the castle build going? Is there anything I should know for greeting Lord Stark and having him here?"
"The castle is progressing slowly, the initial foundations have been made for the inner wall while they rebuild the upper part of the keep. Have someone greet him when he approaches the city to guide him to the manor, bow when he dismounts and inform him that Stoney Port is his-" "His?" "-Yes his. It's a traditional greeting when meeting your liege lord or the king. Once the greeting and introductions are done give bread and salt for guest rights and then do as you would any guest. Just remember to say my lord or his name if granted the right. I will of course remind you closer to the time but those are the main things you need worry about for now."

"Thank you maester that will be welcome. Now I have some archery practise to attend to, hit the bulls eye twice last time!" Warrington said happily as the others rose and said their goodbyes.

The North

It had been a long six days riding through the woods of the Wolfswood just north of Torrhen's Square and going over a few hills in the Rills but now on the seventh they the had peaked over another hill and the sight before them surprised the group of twenty riders. Before them a dirt track leading down from a nearby hill gradually gave way to a paved road with smaller dirt tracks leading off towards nearby villages with the paved road heading down towards the coast and a large settlement that Ned knew must be Stoney Port. The new town was a days ride away given the distances but the paved road would make it an easier and perhaps quicker ride too. Deciding that camping near the end of the paved section of road to arrive in good time tomorrow was a good idea they dismounted and made camp enjoying the relatively warm northern weather and thanking the gods for the dry though occasionally snowy days they'd been riding in (warm by their standards but cold to most). The following morning they broke their fast and mounted their horses again, fresh for what would turn out to only be half a days ride. Approaching the town from the north with the Stark banners fluttering in the wind, held by two riders behind him and Ser Rodrik, Ned took in the sight of the new settlement. It was vast from what he could tell. It was also clearly divided into areas as he could see industry of many sorts in the northern side of the town nearest to him, while to the east he could just make out a manor house that looked elegantly done but solid and practical. He grunted in approval at the building. It wasn't extravagant and gaudy like some southern manors he'd seen and it had the look of the north in it with the woods and grey stone used in its construction. To the east he could just see the shore and what seemed to be the port. The town was loud and alive with activity with smoke billowing from chimneys and towers made of some reddish brown blocks while the sound of hammering and shouts could be heard nearby. As they approached the edge of the town they were met by three riders, one of whom carried a banner of House Briantican – the red anchor. They wore similar clothes to the soldiers he met with Lord Warrington at Winterfell, uniforms he was told, while they also had coats on for warmth. "Lord Stark I presume?" asked the lead soldier, flanked by the two others, one of whom was a woman which he could tell from the longer hair and facial features. Neither of the three soldiers wore helmets whereas his own guards, except Ser Rodrik, did and also wore their usual leathers, chain mail with swords at their sides and shields on their backs or attached to the horse. He himself had Ice on his back while wearing leathers over mail along with his thick cloak around him. "Aye I am Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell. I have come to see Lord Warrington and inspect the settlement to see how you are fairing."

"Of course Lord Stark, we have been expecting you. I am Major Tom Preston and we'll lead you to the manor where you and those you wish can stay while afterwards escort your guards to the barracks we have built if that is agreeable?"

"Aye it is, lead on." With a nod Major Preston turned his horse and led Eddard and his men into the town via what he presumed was the main street towards the centre of the town passing side streets and various workshops some of which seemed to be metalworks while other were pottery or glass. I'd heard they'd started glassmaking, Maester Luwin even suggested we get some for expansion of our glasshouse. I'll have to enquire about it as it would be a gods send. "Enjoying the slight tour Lord Stark?" came the voice of Major Preston knocking Eddard out of his thoughts.

"Indeed, Major was it? It is quite the set up you have here. The people seem happy and I'm glad you have protected them and given them hope. I am surprised how quickly you built this up though."

"Aye it was hard going but we needed a home and the people here were willing. Once we had the mines going building started quickly with homes and a sea wall first then the port itself along with the Mayor's Mansion."

"Mayor?" Ned asked after looking confusedly at the major.

"Yep, the mayor will be elected by the people of the town to help run and administer it on Lord Warrington's behalf so Warrington can focus on the wider territory and the castle. The mayor still reports to the Lord but the town will be nominally independent but still reporting to and paying taxes to Lord Warrington. Since the castle is not ready yet and there is not as much to do in regards to the rest of the territory just yet we have no mayor for now and Warrington does it all with the maester, his own two aids and the admirals help. So far it's been good" explained the major happily. They continued through the northern road down to the main square before turning eastward along its main street. Here Ned saw mostly open spaces with areas marked out with wooden posts and fenced off. "What is with all the empty space?"

"Ah its for when we develop the government sector of the town. Taxes, education, and other offices will be built in this area of the town when we need them. Some more homes are also planned I'm told" answered the major. They carried along at a slow trot towards the mansion that was now quickly approaching. "May I present the Mayoral Mansion my lord Stark."

They entered the courtyard in front of the manor where he saw a few men in front of the mansion with servants off to one side and a number of soldiers scattered about looking both inwards to the yard and out into town.

He dismounted and approached who he knew to be Lord Warrington taking in the new maester, Admiral Gardner and another man he didn't know. Bowing Warrington said "Lord Stark welcome, Stoney Port is yours."

"My thanks, Lord Warrington, you may rise, no need to bow so much. Your town and port looks most impressive from what I could see."

"Many thanks my lord, we are quite proud of what we've done so quickly. Your journey was uneventful I take it?"

"Yes it went well, a bit tiring and we'll all be glad for proper beds I'm sure" Ned replied.

"No worries Lord Stark, rooms are arranged for you and your men, most I presume will go to the barracks, who do you wish to stay here at the manor?"

"Ser Rodrik and two of my guard if possible. We might take you up on that bed rest though after we have discussed a few things."

"To my solar then?" Warrington suggested. At Ned's nod he told his men to escort those not staying to the barracks and see to those who were had their things taken to the rooms prepared. With that he led Ned, Rodrik, and the others to the solar on the second floor. Once they settled into the seats arrayed in front of the weirwood desk refreshments were brought in by two servants. You have a weirwood desk?" asked Ned curiously looking at the white wooden desk.

"Yes we found in in the vault in the old castle in good condition so I took it as my new desk. Plenty of draws so it's proving quite useful but I doubt it's desks you wished to discuss" James said with a smile.

"Aye that is true, a good find anyway. No I wished to offer Ser Rodrik Cassle here as instructor for you and your men for a few years. We were thinking he could return after three years or longer if he feels the need." Warrington's eyes widened in surprise, looks shared by some of the others in the room.

"That is most generous my lord Stark, if Ser Rodrik is willing we will be most grateful. He will find that we are quite willing, it is quite a few boys fantasies to wield a sword even if they were no longer used in our warfare. We will in exchange put him through a few of our trials in return" he smirked evilly at that.

"Don't worry my lord I will whip your boys into shape. In a few years you'll have a decent fighting force that the Ironborn scum and any wildlings or raiders will run in fear from" Ser Rodrik said gruffly and with pride.

"Then I wish you luck and welcome good Ser" answered James gladly. "Consult with Colonel Devonshire here as he is in charge of town security" indicating the man in uniform that Ned did not know. "He will gather those who are to be trained by you and will coordinate a training schedule. So as you know a few of those learning will be women who are part of our military though I believe it will be only two in your lessons."

"I see, it shouldn't be a problem. The Mormonts aren't too far away we can always have a few of their women come and help train your people up if we need the extra hand."

"Indeed, on that note, I received a raven yesterday indicating that a ship from Bear Island was to arrive tomorrow, I will therefore offer a tour of our port and view of ships then rather than today. We can show you some of the town then if you wish my lord or we can wait for the Mormont representative."

"We can wait till the morrow Lord Warrington. It gives us time to rest and be fresh plus it saves multiple tours."

"As you command my lord, my thanks." They then went on to discuss various small details and trade as well as a short summary of what was now being produced in the town. "Most of what we produce is going to our construction efforts in terms of steel and stone but we are selling fair amounts to other northern houses. Our glass is proving to have high demand so we have reduce how many orders we take so as to keep up with our orders and internal needs. We have also sent a request for a warehouse and building in Kings Landing to set up a trade office, we may also observe the coming and goings of the city and keep appraised of the actions of various people."

"Most impressive my lord, you have done quite well but spies?! You are deploying spies? Why would you do this, it is not honourable or right, what if it is revealed and starts a war?" Eddard said angrily.

"It won't start a war even if they are caught. Everyone has spies Lord Stark that is the way of the world and if you don't you are going to loose in politics and life so no one will care if one spy is caught. We need to know if anyone is hostile to us or a threat either through politics or by direct action. Besides we will keep you appraised of anything that affects the North so you are aware of the South."

Lord Stark grunted and hummed before relenting. "Fine, I do not agree but you are right there may be things south of the Neck I may need to know. Any crime that you need report?"

"One or two bandits that were quickly captured while attempting to raid, one was killed while trying to escape the other is on his way to the Wall. My people are not that happy with the rater brutal methods such as losing a hand or death for a fair number of crimes. We are adapting I believe though slowly" said Warrington.

They broke shortly after to prepare for the evening feast and then ate the hearty meal which had been prepared in the dinning hall on the first floor which had a single long table with twenty seats around with Lord Warrington at the head of the table and Lord Stark to his right with Admiral Cosmo, who arrived from overseeing the fleet to his left. "May I welcome Lord Stark and our guests to Stoney Port and thank them for the aid they have rendered previously that this is the start of a long a wonderful friendship and alliance. To new friends!" "To friends!" the call echoed. As the guards that had stayed and Sr Rodrik talked with Colonel Devonshire and Major Preston, Lord Eddard talked with Warrington and the Admirals. "- so as you know that means that we will have around a dozen or so galleys and longboats operational within a month. Most being the captured Ironborn ships. We are currently designing some new ships that we can build ourselves."

That is good news, having ships to patrol our west coast has been something we have lacked for some time, many will feel relief there is something to stop or slow Ironborn raids."

"I'm glad you agree and we shall do what we can to limit raids." As the night started to come to a close Ned noticed that the light from the chandelier above them, made from extravagant glass pieces and shaped finely from the wooden fitting, a lack of flicker from where candles should be. He must have been staring up for some time as Warrington spoke to him. "So you have noticed the lack of candles in this room my lord."

"There is no flicker of light, why? Is it some new candle you have?" he asked in confusion.

"Of a sort I guess. There is no candle there, it is what we call a light bulb. Essentially it is a glass dome on a mount with a wire passing through to a piece of metal that heats up brightly when an electric current is passed through it. Electricity is a power to do things, such as turn a wheel or pump a forge rather than rely on hand turn or pump. With it we can do many different tasks like lighting a room or creating sound. Many of our advanced technology relies on this electricity as you will see when we tour the ships."

"This is so far beyond me Lord Warrington, I can't say I fully understood all you said. It is almost like magic to me to be honest."

"Aye I can see why you'd say that. When we tour our ships tomorrow you will understand."

"Very well but I will want answers, for now bed I think" Ned said tiredly. With that the feast ended and they went to their rooms.

That morning as everyone was eating breakfast, or breaking their fast as the locals called it, a guard approached Warrington who sat eating his bacon, sausage, tomato and egg at the head of the table while Lord Stark sampled some salads before having some of the hot food too. "Minister, we have a ship on the northern horizon, flying the Mormont bear. Should be here in an hour or so."

"Understood, make preparations for their arrival and we'll head don to meet" them." The aid turned and left leaving them to their meal. Finishing their breakfast the two lords and their aids walked down to the harbour, a short 20 minute walk given the distance and the emptiness of the streets. Ned observed the town as he made his way following Lord Warrington down to the harbour. From the edge of the water he could see a sea wall made of stone and the bricks Warrington had mentioned. Evenley spread along the wall were a number of catapults and scorpions facing out to sea making it problematic for any attacking force. He saw that there were four wood and stone piers jutting out into the enclosed bay with two ships currently present. From the sigils on the sails Ned guessed that they were from the Westerlands and the Reach. He could not however see any ship baring the sigil of House Britanican which he thought odd considering this was their only port and they had recently captured many vessels from the Ironborn. "I can see your frown in confusion my lord. You are no doubt wondering where the fleet is, correct?" came Lord Warrington's voice from beside him. Eddard turned to look at him and raised a brow. "Aye, where are your ships? I would expect them to be here."

"We keep them in a bay just up the coast in another port that we are developing into a naval base. We will build some ships here, most of which will be for commerce or to sell to other Lords but the bulk of the fleet will be stationed elsewhere. The Silence is on its way here to pick us up and then take us to the fleet. Well I say the Silence, we are considering calling it the Bloody Kraken in recognition of its makers but also our blood red anchor sigil."

"That will no doubt provoke them when they hear of it Lord Warrington" Eddard cautioned.

"Perhaps Lord Stark but we can deal with anything that comes our way. It won't be long now till we can use our full capabilities with out any restraints as we gather the needed resources. If they come they will sink and go to their drowned god."

"How long till then?"

"Given we still have to acquire the resources, but we are getting close, so I would say a year or two. Supply lines will be getting set up until then but we have leads on where to get that which is left and we are earning money from the taxes of locals and from our trade of steel, glass and pottery. Most of our funds are currently going into our castle which should be ready within six or seven years, give or take."

"Most impressive Warrington, most impressive. This will help the North greatly, if your contributions to the northern treasury continues I might be able to build more roads and repair those we have" Ned explained.

"A worthy goal Lord Stark, many will be happy for them and it'll improve internal trade as well. Another suggestion for you to consider would be Moat Calin, that is a ruin is it not? Repair it, it doesn't hurt to have the Shield of the North at full strength" suggested Warrington.

"Aye you are not wrong, for many years my family has considered rebuilding it we just never had the funds."

"One of your sons could take it when they come of age?"

"Robb will be Lord of Winterfell so I can not give it to him unless it is to learn governance before returning. As for Jon," Ned sighed. "Jon will not get a keep, he will be lucky if I can make him captain of the guard or some such appointment. Bastards do not inherit anything even in the North unless there is no other sibling or descendant close to the family alive. Regretfully the best he will get is maybe become Lord Commander of the Nights Watch if he takes the black."

"The black my lord? That place is nearly all criminals, it would not do to send an innocent boy there, especially a Lord's son."

"To join the Watch is an honourable job, he will serve the realm there." Warrington just gave him a look that said 'really?!' "Aye it is not what it was but there is nothing I can do. He may not have my name but he has my blood, hopefully a guard job or kingsguard position if he is good with a sword" Eddard said regretfully.

"When he is older, suggest he comes here to join our navy, he can be one of our soldiers, we need good swordsmen so he can help there rather than use guns. We can have him lead the locals who will be trained in the bow and the sword. Perhaps he will train my people if he is good enough. Just a thought Lord Stark so he doesn't waste away at the Wall."

"Aye I will consider it, my thanks Lord Warrington and please when in private call me Ned or Eddard. I did not entirely enjoy the idea that he may go there when he older."

"I can -" "SHIP APPROACHING" came a shout that interrupted the two men who turned to see a longboat about 26 metres long come into the bay. Its single mast had a sail on it with the Mormont bear emblazoned on. There were 19 oars along each side dipping in and out as they approached one of the piers. Ned watched as the boat came up to the pier and was tied off by locals who manned the piers with the edge of the ship coming up just above the height of the pier. He then saw a figure jump over the side and on to the pier. He noted, as the figure began to approach, that they were slim even with the furs, they had long dark hair and seemed only to be early twenties. 'One of the Mormont women then' Ned thought.

"Lord Stark and unexpected pleasure. I am Lady Dacey Mormont, my uncle and mother would no doubt send their regards if they knew you were here my lord" she said as she bowed. "Lord Warrington, it is good to see you again." She smiled as she looked around the harbour.

"Lady Dacey a pleasure to see you again, a safe trip?"

"Indeed my lady it is agreeable to see you. Me and my family are well and I bid you send my regards to you mother and Lord Mormont" Ned said after.

"Of course Lord Stark, and yes it was a quite and quick journey Lord Warrington. I came to thank you for the two ships you sent to us as well as to discuss training your people and teaching you our northern ways if you'd have me? She asked with some hope in her eye.

"You just wanted to escape you mother and see more of the North didn't you my lady" Warrington said with a conspiratorial smile.

"Aye I don't deny that maybe part of the reason my lords" she answered with small laugh.

"Your timing is most fortunate as we had planned to go observe our fleet shortly, would you care to join us?"

"To see the fleet that beat the squids? Thought you'd never ask haha." Another call interrupted the three and they turned to see a large vessel measuring over 45 meters with a ramming rod at the front and three main masts along with two extras on the side and a third at the stern of the ship. The sails were blue with a blood red anchor gracing it.

"I give you The Silence. Former ship of Euron Greyjoy and now our flagship. We've added scorpions and the like to each side as well as a catapult towards the front on a raised platform. Impressive right" James Warrington said proudly at the impressed faces of Lord Stark and Dacey.

"You did well to take it my lord, taught those squids a lesson and brought home a mighty prize, oh my mother would kill to have this ship. Don't suppose we can have it?" Dacey said hope shinning on her face.

"Ha the nerve of some, no my lady, I'm afraid this one is not for sale" said James with a laugh.

"Most impressive Lord Warrington, so we are to board this ship and see your fleet?" Eddard asked.

"Indeed, this way please" and with that Warrington lead the three of them, Ser Rodrik, Major Preston and both admirals to a pier further along the harbour that the Silence was now moored at. As they got settled on board the ship slowly departed and exited the harbour giving the visitors a good view of the sea wall showing how thick and well built it was.

The Silence then turned out to the open sea before heading north and then just as quickly turning into a small bay and there in front of sat the fleet in question. "Up front Lord Stark, Lady Dacey, here is the true might of House Britanican" called Lord Warrington as Ned Stark and Dacey came up to the front of the ship next to the catapult to see the impressive sight before in the bay sat over twenty ships all larger than anything any had ever seen, the smallest dwarfing even the Silence. Dotted around in between the large steel giants sat a number of longships and galleys of the Ironborn with red anchor sails and red painted metal chains going down into the sea. "Our total ship count is around 35 ships. The 20 we came with, the 10 we captured and five we have built though three of those were as trade ships." The Northerners just stood and stared in amazement at the gargantuan metal ships that sat at anchor. Ned could see on some ships large long barrels that seemed mounted on a possible turntable. He noted a number of scorpions and catapults had also been added to a number of ships increasing each ships deadliness. "Anyone wish to visit our flagship?" Ned turned, dazed by the ships before him, and he could see shock on many of the faces of his men and even Lady Dacey seemed to have some shock despite seeing the fleet at Bear Island.

They followed Warrington onto a small boat that had sped over to them and then took a short trip across the water to the largest ship in the fleet which towered above them as they approached. They sped over to a docking area set up in the side of the ship which they then climbed aboard and walked through the grey metal corridors. The northerners looked around in wonder at lights in the ceiling, seeing no candles or torch brackets, and panels that were occasionally spotted in the wall which seemed to have a picture of the ship they were on and an arrow indicating a section. They were then shown through a door which had the words hanger on and came in to a large cavernous room that seemed to stretch for miles. "So first of all, welcome aboard the George H. W. Bush, this is a vessel we call an aircraft carrier and is approximately 330 meters long. This here before though is the hanger bay my lords and lady. Here those craft which travel the air are stored and fixed while not on the top deck for launch. We have a crew of around 6,000 most of which are sailors with around 2,000 involved in the aircraft both flying and maintenance. Follow me and we will show you the command deck. Please just don't touch anything though." They followed Admiral Cosmo as he guided them through his command ship up stairs and through corridors most feeling quite lot in this massive ship. Upon reaching the command deck they saw numerous consoles with crew standing behind monitoring them, occasionally there would be beeps and various sounds that would make Ned and Dacey jump as only they had been allowed onto the bridge due to space. "Admiral how fast can this ship go? It seems so big I can't imagine it would be that fast" Ned asked Cosmo.

"It actually isn't too bad, it does about 30 knots. The smallest ship we have, which you saw out there, can do about 47 knots while the slightly larger cruisers and frigates can do over 30 knots as well. In fact our slowest ship is one that conducts surveys and that only does 15 knots. So compared to the ships we would encounter here we outpace them. Only a longship of the Ironborn might have a chance to catch the survey ship but they couldn't sustain it whereas we could go for hours or days on end at fully tilt. So you see anyone who attacks us will be massively disadvantage in terms of ship size, weapons and speed. Doesn't mean we won't be careful though."

"These ships are just so unlike anything I've ever seen my lord admirals, to build something like this, how long did it take?" Dacey asked curiously.

"This particular ship was built in three years, but others of its class took up to five. Mostly that's just down to them being built first whereas this was the last of its class built so they'd gotten used to building it by then. The cost though was around $8.5 billion which was quite a lot. One of those cruisers outside costs only $1 billion, still a lot but you could get eight of them for one of these. Still there are advantages to carriers hence why we have them."

"Still that is a lot for one ship, I'm assuming the steel and those...electronics was it?...are the cause of the cost? Wooden ships like the galleys in the royal fleet I'm told are only around 20,000 dragons, you could build fleets for the amount you spent on this ships" Eddard said with some wonder.

"Aye but could they sink ships or wreck castles from a distance and pretty much just ram through any wooden ship?" replied Cosmo with some smugness.

"No, and what do you mean wreck castles from a distance?"
"Those air craft can drop bombs, think exploding barrels, from great height and can fly almost anywhere in Westeros from where we currently are. The explosions are powerful enough to bring down any wall or tower. So yes we can wreck castles if we wanted."

"I see" was all Ned replied somewhat disturbed by the destructive potential his new vassals had.

Outside on the deck, Lady Dacey was observing the fleet with Warrington beside her after viewing the bridge. "You will need swordsmen even if you use those gun things correct?"

"Yes we will be training some of our men and any locals that wish to join as a guard or a marine. Ser Rodrik has kindly offered to train myself and the men for a few years, if you wanted we'd be happy to have you here too, I'm sure you could pick up a thing or two from Rodrik as well."

"Aye that is true and I'm glad you are willing to accept me, not many men even in he north would."

"We have female sailors and a few women in our marines, why would that stop you too. I wish you luck and hope you have a lot of patience. You're gonna need it" he finished with a smirk. She smiled back.

"Aye but you can bet I will whip you pansies into shape quick or you'll feel my mace" she replied with a vicious grin. Warrington just gulped nervously.

AN: So I hope everyone liked this and is taking care with all that is happening in regards to the virus. As you can see they showed off the fleet which I hope showed the appropriate reactions to it along with a few facts in relation to the fleet and Westerosi ships. Reviews are still welcome and thanks to those that have left some I hope I have been addressing any points raised as the story has progressed. Many thanks, J signing off.