It was shaping up to be a perfectly miserable day in London, especially so for the large crowd gathered outside the moored cruise ship on the River Thames. A fine drizzle had started up, just heavy enough to be annoying but light enough that you looked like a fool if you got your umbrella out. Then there was that inconsistent chill wind, the one that never blew when you were getting stuffy in the coat you brought but always tore past the moment you took it off. Of course, staying outside in this weather was worth it on this occasion, for the cruise ship they were crowded outside was the famous Dust In The Wind. A floating museum without match anywhere else in the world, historians, archaeologists, high society and the public alike were waiting for the chance to board the ship and witness the treasures of the past.
Edward Canesfort returned to the top deck after his final check of all the exhibits, dressed in his full suit and leaning lightly on his ornate cane. The top deck bustled with activity around him, servers bringing the last of the food and drink up onto the tables and numerous security guards patrolling or standing still in watch. I thought I wanted more security guards stationed with the exhibits than having so many up here? Edward frowned for a minute then shook his head, who knows what ideas staff get into their heads these days, it was probably nothing. Walking over to the un-railed side of the side where the gangplank would soon be extended he surveyed the crowd below, there were a lot more than he was expecting, it wouldn?t do to keep them waiting much longer. Edward spoke into the microphone hidden on his collar in order to check the last few things.
"Catering?"
"Just finished up now sir; should be enough for the whole trip."
"Good, security?"
"The exhibits downstairs are positively crawling with guards, no worries there."
"How about maintenance?"
"It?s been triple checked sir; this ship will run smoothly for our little jaunt around the bay."
"Righto then, stand ready for the guests, control room, lower the gangplank!" There was loud groaning sound as the gears began to turn and then the wide metal gangplank was extending from the side of the ship, hitting the docks with a final clang. Edward stepped forward to address his guests, a welcoming smile on his face.
"Welcome friends, to Dust In The Wind, food and beverages are on the top deck under marques and exhibits are all below deck. I doubt you need to be reminded that every exhibit is of great value and must not be touched. Thank you all, welcome aboard!" Edward stepped aside to let the crowd rush up the gangplank, some headed straight on board while other hung around to introduce themselves to Edward. His smile became fixed as a powerful "buzz" set his nerves on edge, immortals were present, more than one obviously. Edward's eyes searched the column of people entering the ship, ready for trouble.
Edward Canesfort returned to the top deck after his final check of all the exhibits, dressed in his full suit and leaning lightly on his ornate cane. The top deck bustled with activity around him, servers bringing the last of the food and drink up onto the tables and numerous security guards patrolling or standing still in watch. I thought I wanted more security guards stationed with the exhibits than having so many up here? Edward frowned for a minute then shook his head, who knows what ideas staff get into their heads these days, it was probably nothing. Walking over to the un-railed side of the side where the gangplank would soon be extended he surveyed the crowd below, there were a lot more than he was expecting, it wouldn?t do to keep them waiting much longer. Edward spoke into the microphone hidden on his collar in order to check the last few things.
"Catering?"
"Just finished up now sir; should be enough for the whole trip."
"Good, security?"
"The exhibits downstairs are positively crawling with guards, no worries there."
"How about maintenance?"
"It?s been triple checked sir; this ship will run smoothly for our little jaunt around the bay."
"Righto then, stand ready for the guests, control room, lower the gangplank!" There was loud groaning sound as the gears began to turn and then the wide metal gangplank was extending from the side of the ship, hitting the docks with a final clang. Edward stepped forward to address his guests, a welcoming smile on his face.
"Welcome friends, to Dust In The Wind, food and beverages are on the top deck under marques and exhibits are all below deck. I doubt you need to be reminded that every exhibit is of great value and must not be touched. Thank you all, welcome aboard!" Edward stepped aside to let the crowd rush up the gangplank, some headed straight on board while other hung around to introduce themselves to Edward. His smile became fixed as a powerful "buzz" set his nerves on edge, immortals were present, more than one obviously. Edward's eyes searched the column of people entering the ship, ready for trouble.
Here we go, let's get all the characters on the ship then the events can start rolling.
