Author’s Note: So begins the last chapter. I was trying to catch up with a new continuity of manga pages (that went nowhere, but that’s a story for another time), and the idea was stretched thin. As before, I have to put paywalls here.
Episode Three: The Vigilant
The next morning, Dash and Remy made their way down the cobblestone streets of Ashmeade City, dodging busy merchants and carriages. After winding through a few alleys and side streets, they reached the town's bustling main square and found what they were looking for—a crowded marketplace filled with vendors selling a variety of airship parts and accessories. With wide eyes, they searched for a shipwright to give them a good deal. Remy pointed out various shops and landmarks, her eyes twinkling with excitement at the sights - she never got tired of it. Finally, after passing through several bustling marketplaces and winding alleyways, they arrived at Down's Harbor, where airships rattled with engines in need of diesel and hissed steam from their exhausts.
The harbor was abuzz with activity – merchants loading crates onto ships, fishermen unloading their catch from small boats, and flyboys trading tall tales in tattered bars. As they navigated past the docks toward the shipwright's shop - a humble building tucked away between two larger warehouses - Dash felt a wave of excitement wash over him as he imagined what their new airship might look like. His smile grew wide.
"Think we'll see anything like in the war?" Dash asked as he nudged his sister.
Remy rolled her eyes. "You forget who had to work as your mechanic on dozens of missions? The number of times I got splashed with oil because the planes and ships were put together with duct tape. If this guy, or girl, tries to sell us something they got out of a GSA junkyard..." She seethed with irritation.
"We'll make it work, Rem. We always do. But I agree; I don't want to fly anything cheap."
"Bigger means more money. Smaller means being cramped," Remy said as she recalled her experiences in airships, both big and compact. Nonrigids, Rigids, and Semirigids were the types that'd be offered, each with their ups and downs. "I at least want to get some sleep on the way there."
"We've been burning the midnight oil a lot," Dash mused. "Once we're in the air, get some shut-eye, and I'll be right behind you."
Remy nodded and gave her brother a soft jab on the shoulder. "You better follow through on that and sleep. Don't push it, Dash."
When they arrived at the shop, an older man with a bushy beard greeted them warmly and invited them into his workshop. He motioned to a corner of the room, where a few airship blueprints were hanging on the wall. "What can I do for you two today?" he asked with a friendly grin.
Dash and Remy exchanged a glance, and Remy stepped forward. "We're looking to buy an airship," she said, her tone firm.
The shipwright's eyes widened in surprise. "Buying an airship is a big investment," he warned. "Are you sure you're ready for something like that?"
Dash nodded eagerly, his arms crossed, his expression direct. "We need to travel far and fast," he explained. "We need a good airship that'll support two World Seekers lookin' for something important."
"World Seekers, hmm? You two look familiar. Have I seen you on the news?" He peered closely at them and then nodded slowly, as if he'd just made a connection. "Ah, of course! You're Dr. Rumble's children – Dash and Remy!"
Dash and Remy exchanged a surprised glance – they weren't used to being referred to as their father's children. It's happened before, and each time it was uncomfortable. The twins turned away and fought to stow away their displeasure.
The shipwright stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I see. Well, you've come to the right place," he said with a nod. "Let me ask you some questions about your needs and desires for your airship. What type of terrain do you plan to fly in? Do you need an open-air cab or an enclosed one? Will you be flying at night or during the day? Do you need a special engine or other parts?" He looked between Dash and Remy expectantly, his voice gentle yet confident.
Dash felt himself relax under the shipwright's gaze - this was someone who understood airships, as well as their importance in World Seeker missions. He smiled, reassured by the man's obvious knowledge and experience. "We'll be flying mostly at night," he began slowly, thinking through his words carefully before continuing. "We want something powerful enough to carry us quickly over sky and sea without too much strain on the fuel costs...and preferably something that won't be too noisy."
The shipwright smiled knowingly at them and gestured to the wall of blueprints. "I think I have just what you need," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
He spread out a blueprint across the wooden countertop, his hands traced the lines of the airship’s sleek curves. The shopkeeper’s brow furrowed as he inspected it. “Ten people, supplies, and equipment? That’ll be a bit of a squeeze but I can manage it.” He scribbled down some calculations on an old notepad before continuing. “We should be able to build it in no more than seven days, just enough time for the voyage you have planned.” He offered them a price.
It was a bit much - Dash wanted to make sure they had enough to cover all expenses, and the two knew the ship would be the biggest money drain - but the shipwright knew what he was doing as they looked over the blueprint.
Dash asked, "How long have you been a shipwright?"
The shipwright gave a hearty chuckle. "Fifty years next month. Business was booming during the war; everybody wanted faster ships damn near every week!" He slapped Dash on the back, but yelped in pain. "Yow! Yer as solid as a rock!"
"I get that a lot," Dash smirked.
Remy cleared her throat, bringing their attention back to the task at hand. "So," she began slowly, "'bout that price..."
The shipwright waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, forget it. I've been doin' this too long to try an' cheat a couple of kids." He winked at them and then continued. "I can give you a discount if you're able to pay for the entire thing up front - say 10% off? You'd still be getting a good deal."
Dash and Remy looked at each other before nodding in agreement. They shook on it and the shipwright smiled, obviously pleased with their decision. "Excellent! Now let's get started on that airship!"
Dash and Remy watched in awe as the expert team of craftsmen worked tirelessly to assemble their dream airship. With every rivet and piece of metal that was hammered into place, their anticipation grew.
Each day brought slight changes and improvements to the airship’s design; the sleek lines were given a coat of paint and the engines roared to life with a satisfying hum. Finally, after seven days of laborious effort, the vessel was complete. Dash and Remy marveled at it in admiration. Every detail had been carefully thought out and crafted with precision; from the plush leather seats to the enclosed cab lined with control panels and instruments.
The twins couldn't wait to take off and explore the world. They packed their bags for what promised to be an unforgettable journey. As they stepped onto the gangplank, ready for lift-off, they felt a rush of excitement fill the air.
As the propellers whirred to life, Dash and Remy felt the familiar bounce as the airship rose from the ground. Wind rushed through their hair as they gained altitude, the sun streaking across the sky in a canvas of purples, oranges and pinks.
The ship sailed towards the horizon and soon the city below them was lost amongst an expanse of stars. "This is it," Remy said, her voice filled with excitement.
Dash couldn't help but feel his heart pounding in anticipation. This was what he had been dreaming about for months - a chance to explore the world beyond their own. With a grin, he settled back into his seat and watched as the city lights below faded away, replaced by a world waiting to be discovered.
Remy looked at him and smiled - she could sense the thrill of adventure that coursed through Dash's veins, matching her own. Together, they were World Seekers, ready to embark on a journey full of unexpected discoveries. As they took off from the shipyard, they could see the sun setting in the distance, casting a warm glow across the sky. Dash and Remy settled into their seats, the engines purring softly in the background as they lifted off the ground.
The airship soared upwards, the wind whipping through their hair as they gained altitude. Dash and Remy couldn't help but feel exhilarated - this was what they had been working towards for months, and it was finally happening.
As they flew over the city, the lights twinkling below them like stars, Remy took a deep breath and smiled. "This is it, Dash. Our adventure begins now."
Dash grinned back at her, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can't wait to see what we discover," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Together, they watched as the world passed by beneath them, their hearts filled with the thrill of the unknown.