Story Part 19 (Patreon)

“Ah, you arrive together,” said a grey-haired figure in a lavish frock coat, “I thought perhaps one of you might arrive late. But I guess no one got lost on the way here.”

“Either that, or she walked faster to make up the time,” Carlotta said.

Gabriela shot her a stern look. “Thank you for inviting us, High Admiral Albertine.”

“As you know, captains, we here at the Admiralty believe in letting captains handle their own business most of the time. So you know that, when we call on you, it’s something important, that affects all of us.”

Carlotta nodded her understanding enthusiastically, as she swallowed a lump in her throat.

Albertine noticed, stared for a moment then continued. “I suppose you are wondering why you are both here before me?”

Gabriela nodded, causing the long feathers on her hat to bounce for a few moments.

“We’re facing a threat so dire that it could halt commerce altogether. And you two will have to combine forces if there’s to be any hope.”

“You know I don’t work with her,” Gabriela blurted out, “not anymore.”

The admiral stared into her eyes, “For the sake of the Confederation, you’ll do what I say. Tell me, who are our biggest trading partners?”

Carlotta sighed, “The Realms buys cloth, spices, and luxury goods. Ores and minerals are purchased by Bleakmorne.”