Fiction:The Grand Voyage

The Grand Voyage is a fiction story centered around the adventures of the First Great Armada, an enormous exploration fleet flying under the flag of Halifaxia. Each individual section beyond the intro covers a major event during the trip, and many are self-contained stories.

Departure
Gulvuri stood over the balcony of his accomidations alone. He was billeted in one of the most luxurious hotels in the entire city in preparation for his journey across Koldenwelt. The building was up against the coast, and the Drodo man watched the last few ships of the mighty armada be let out to sea. While he did not show it, he was greatly excited, and scared. That was going to be his fleet in mere hours. Soon he would be at the helm of the greatest fleet ever assembled by Drodokind, and would be thousands of kilometres away, performing perhaps one of the most important missions ever undertaken by the Halifaxian crown. Worst of all, he would in the first time in his life have no one to answer to but himself; He would act as admiral of the fleet, but also as absolute ruler over the crew and even the colonies he would establish- At least, before they're assigned a governor.

And what a crew he would command. Almost one-hundred thousand men and women, on some two-hundred fifty vast ships. Thousands of cannon, many hundreds of tons of treasure, enough rations to feed Halifaxia, let alone the crew for a month. An entire civilization on the move.

"Admiral Navarin?" An elderly, though strong voice asked from behind him. Gulvuri's antennae peaked up. His king, Haivar the third. Immediately, Gulvuri turned about and took a bow;

"My lord! I wasn't-" The old king waved a hand;

"No. Stand." Gulvuri eased some, and stood upright, hands behind his back. After a short pause, Haivar continued;

"I just wished to see how you were feeling before this mission." Gulvuri nodded, and responded;

"If I am to be honest, my king, I've been feeling rather nervous... You invest in me much power, our entire people's future in fact." Gulvuri took a pause, and then finished, a little nervously;

"I only hope you realize what risk we as a people take with this venture."

The old king sighed, nodding. He took a few deliberate steps toward the balcony, leaning on it and looking back at the fleet he, against much opposition from every class of people, constructed. He took in a breath;

"Navarin. Gulvuri. Do you know why I picked you?"

Gulvuri raised an eyebrow, as he took his position against the balcony beside his king;

"I think so, but with so many other capable candidates, I do wonder..." Haivar looked the younger man in the eyes. The king was getting quite old, but his vigour and conviction did not waver with age.

"You speak of how much of a risk this is, and you are right. I chose you because you are a man of ambition. Of conviction. Your life, Gulvuri, is but a series of great risks you have taken in the service of others, and a good leader values that. You can handle risk, and you can handle responsibility, Gulvuri. You do not know that yet, but assuming you survive you will return realizing I am right." He took a pause.

"You and I both realise the risk, Gulvuri. I know you will rise to this challenge."

There was a pause as Gulvuri ingested what was said. What is king had to say was far from reassuring, but was greatly encouraging. Haivar stood up from the balcony, Gulvuri followed suit.

"The fleet will be launched in two hours. Gather your things and say goodbye to your family."

Gulvuri nodded. The king left for the door, and after the door shut the young man found himself again alone. In two hours he would embark on the greatest adventure ever undertaken by his kind, and his life leading up to this moment would forever change. Fighting through mixed emotions, Gulvuri walked back into his hotel room and gathered his things. Soon after he left the hotel for his new home, his ship.