Post by Barnaby Cuthbert on Mar 30, 2015 8:00:19 GMT -8
SEATTLE: 1919
Harpy Mathias Everhart: I'm here with notable Toreador Lady Etriana Mirroporenzo and her associate, a Gangrel of moderate standing in her employ by Boon is that correct?
Lady Etriana Mirroporenzo: Yes, that's right, Captain and Duke Orsino Mazapraghul and his associates are flying the airship.
Mathias: I see, and Captain, what are you a Duke of exactly?
Captain Duke Orsino Mazapraghul: Honorary title, given to me by the late, great mortal potentate...
Mathias: That's what I thought. Nothing we should care about. So Lady Mirroporenzo, am I saying that right?
Lady M: Yes, that's correct. (Pronouncing each syllable) MEER OH POOR EN ZO.
Mathias: Of course, Lady Mirroporenzo.
Captain M: And mine is pronounced MAH ZA PRA GOOL...
Mathias: (After a beat). So Lady Mirroporenzo, tell us about this airship.
Captain M: (grinning) Skyship.
Mathias: Whatever.
Lady M: Well I'd be happy to, Harpy Mathias, you see The Empress Tir Na Nog is unique among Skyships, in that it's steam engines operate at a much greater efficiency than say your normal kerosene powered or hydrogen lift balloon dirigibles.
Mathias: Yes, interesting, and tell me about that. This steam powered 'skyship' as you call it, it's unique, isn't it? From other dirigibles I mean.
Lady M: Yes, the lift engine design is one of my own devising, and this party will be the Empress' maiden voyage with the new design. We've found that the lower temperature modifications produce less drag and greater, more controllable lift in weather, which has always been a difficulty to overcome.
Mathias: Fascinating, and as a Kindred, how do you see this assisting our midnight society in the future?
Captain M: Ha!
Mathias: (glowering) ...
Lady M: Kindred and mortals, actually. Imagine sustainable steam power holding aloft, not just dirigibles and skyships like the Empress here, but whole settlements and indeed, one night even cities! Controlled civic areas above those that we observe and maneuver, with governance managed by those we create and nurture. There are many possibilities.
Captain M: And many opportunities...
Mathias: And lets talk about opportunities. You've invited all of the Kindred of the Seattle Domain to attend, isn't that so Lady Mirroporenzo? Even those of... less than sterling breeding?
Lady M: Certainly. I believe even groundlings deserve to see the play, as it were. Certainly not every Kindred can normally afford to travel as we do, but let them see what is possible, and I believe they will gladly select appropriate duties for their means in our brave new future.
Captain M: And fall right into line, heh.
Mathias: As they should, Captain. As they should. (Smiling pointedly) But Lady Mirroporenzo, the Prince, Bastion Orleans has declined to join this grand opening, has he not? What say you about that development? Some would call it a snub. I noticed no boons were traded on the market between you this evening. One would assume a Lady in your position would have the backing to manage securing such an august personage directly. Are their 'financial' difficulties the Domain should be aware of?
Captain M: Ha ha...
(Mathias and Lady M glower at the Captain, who grins brightly.)
Lady M: No... nothing of the sort. Prince Orleans is a clansman of mine and we're on fine, if distant terms. I've never had much correspondence with him. His Herald indicated he simply had other domain business and I didn't wish to disturb him. His Seneschal, Mr. Blethen will be in attendance as well as a notable Prince from overseas, whose arrival I will allow to remain a surprise, at his request, as well as other notables from the Seattle Domain.
Mathias: Really? Fascinating. I'm sure the Domain will be interested to know what other monarch you've invited to fly overhead.
Lady M: (smiling graciously) Of course.
(Both look to Captain Mazrapaghul, who says nothing, slyly.)
Mathias: So to the matter of beginning your journey from Bellevue, rather than Seattle, can you help the Domain understand that choice?
Lady M: Nothing particularly interesting there, the city was recently founded, there are few buildings nearby, it seemed appropriate for the theme of 'new endeavors'.
Mathias: And what about the moves toward a period of Prohibition we've all been hearing about from the mortal press? I understand that could undermine the 'pleasure cruise' industry of your proposed skyship industry.
Lady M: Well I... I'm not sure I'm as well versed in the economics of alcohol as I am in the fuel to air ratios of ethanol, Mr. Mathias. Really the Captain has more insight into that topic than I.
Mathias: (sighing) Very well. You. Captain Marzapraghul. You have any insight into the coming Prohibition they're talking about?
Captain M: Why yes Harpy Mathias, I do indeed, and thank you ever so for asking, and what a lovely ascot you're wearing this evening, is that silk?
Mathias: Get on with it.
Captain M: Of course. Well on the matter of Prohibition I can say this: If it happens, who better to manage the underground market than we Kindred? We've already got most of the secret infrastructure, and quite frankly, a network of pleasure cruising skyships as you call them would be in exactly the right position to run rum from place to place without being noticed. What a party that'd be, hmm?
Mathias: Sure. And you hope to be the first to get your hands dirty in that kind of underhanded industry I take it?
Captain M: Dirty hands and soaring wings, Mr. Mathias. Dirty hands and soaring wings.
Mathias: Well there you have it folks. A flying speakeasy, coming soon to a Domain near you. Thank you Lady Mirroporenzo. Goodnight everyone.