Floating Frame

The palace was a dizzying distraction for the visiting representatives, who were treated to lavish banquets, theatric shows, and endless tours. But behind the scenes, Lucian was buying time and delaying the negotiations with tedious formalities and trivial matters.

After three days of this charade, the guests were growing restless and frustrated. They had come for a serious discussion, not a frivolous vacation.

Lucian himself had been waiting for three days wondering what Jayce had planned. On the third day, early in the morning, Jayce finally appeared at his door. He looked at Lucian with a smirk and said, "Come on." He motioned for Lucian to follow him, without giving any explanation.

Lucian followed Jayce through the palace corridors, feeling the eyes of the guards and servants on them probably wondering why they were up so early. Jayce led him outside, where the sun was just peeking the horizon.

Lucian opened his eyes to the light and yawned. He spotted the large ships on the horizon and wondered if they were going to Ashendell's dockyards.

  "Come on." He said, gesturing for Lucian to follow him.

They followed the sign that read "Daimler Shipyard" and walked along the riverbank. The water sparkled under the sun, reflecting the towering structure that dominated the landscape. It was a building of stone and wood, with a clock tower and a flag waving in the breeze. The sound of hammers and saws filled the air, as workers moved around the docks and cranes.

"Get in." Jayce said, opening a side door.

Lucian hesitated, then got in as well.

Inside, he saw something that took his breath away.

It was a ship, but unlike any he had ever seen. It was made of metal, not wood. It shone like silver, not brown. It had no sails, no ropes, no masts. It was sleek and smooth, with a curved hull and a pointed bow.

"Is that…?" He asked, pointing at it.

"Yes, it is." Jayce said proudly. "That's our prototype. The first steel ship in the world. Three days wasn't enough though, it can't navigate on its own power through the sea yet but it can float without sinking."

Lucian looked around, amazed.

The steel ship was incredible.

"Thank you." Chief Daimler beamed. "My people have been on it day and night, but it was worth it. It is coming along perfectly."

He walked Lucian and Jayce around the ship, explaining its features and functions.

"See this?" He pointed to a large metal cylinder. "This is where the coal-powered engine will be mounted to propel the ship forward. And this," he tapped on the steel hull, "this can resist a lot of water damage and external attacks if the need arises. And this," he gestured to a wheel and a lever, "this is how you steer and control the ship with ease and precision. And this," he showed them the spacious interior, "this is how you can carry more cargo and passengers than any wooden ship ever made. And this," he smiled, "this is how you can travel faster and farther than any wooden ship."

Lucian cleared his throat. "How can something this big and this heavy float?" he asked.

Chief Daimler then explained that the ship had a hollow interior that made it buoyant. "I learned that from Jayce," he said. "I was skeptical at first, but after some initial testing, I discovered that it was true."

Jayce then said, "Since the idea was mine, the industrialist Iron Phoenix who manufacture steel ships would pay royalties on every ship to the Royal treasury giving the Kingdom the revenue it needs to build out roads, bridges and ports. The industrialist would absorb manpower from the farmers and would require capital from the Aristocrats to build out more dry docks this size in order to churn out more steel ships."

Jayce showed Lucian his vision of the future and how it depended on cooperation from the Aristocrats. "This is the solution to our problem," he said.

Lucian listened and watched, impressed and amazed.

He realized that Jayce had really found the solution to the problem.

That same day at high noon, Jayce gathered the other three representatives in the shipyard, their expressions curious yet skeptical. He pitched his idea, proposing that the Aristocrats provide the capital to the industrialists, who possess the expertise, while enlisting the manpower of the farmers to build steel ships for the merchants.

Confusion filled the room as they exchanged puzzled glances. "Steel ships?" Elder Cato questioned rubbing his straw hat. "What is steel?"

Jayce's face lit up with enthusiasm as he explained, "Steel is a specially made iron using coal. It is stronger, more durable, and has numerous advantages over wood."

Laughter erupted from the representatives, their disbelief evident. "Iron cannot float!" Lord Winston exclaimed.

Jayce's eyes gleamed with determination. "Allow me to show you," he said, leading them to the waters edge as Chief Daimler gave the signal for the workers to release the steel frame into the water, they pulled some levers and the ship slid on wooden logs into the water, made a splash and continued to float to the utter shock and surprise of the representatives.

As their jaws dropped in astonishment, Jayce began to explain the benefits of steel ships over wood, his voice filled with conviction:

"Steel is much stronger than wood, allowing ships to withstand greater stress and strain. They can carry heavier loads and travel faster, ensuring more efficient transportation of goods."

"Steel is highly resistant to damage from saltwater and other corrosive materials. It won't rust and decay as easily as wood, ensuring that these ships will last longer and require fewer replacements."

"Working with and repairing steel is easier and more cost-effective compared to wood. This will enable us to build and maintain these ships efficiently, saving time and resources."

"And finally, steel provides us with more flexibility and innovation in ship design. It can be shaped and welded into various forms and structures, unlike wood, which has limitations in size and shape. With steel, we can craft ships that push the boundaries of naval architecture, giving us an edge in the competitive world of trade and commerce."

"Unfortunately, the gentlemen I represent are rather fond of the current status quo," Lord Winston said.

Jayce smiled. "That's a pity, we were planning to use this first ship as a cruise ship with the nobility occupying the exclusive and luxurious executive class above deck while the lower class would occupy the economy class below the deck," he explained.

Lord Winston's curiosity was aroused. "Exclusive, you say?"

Jayce smirked. "We were also going to put the nobility on the Board of Directors overseeing the shipbuilding companies but if you think your members are not interested then there's nothing we can do," he said.

Lord Winston chuckled. "Perhaps they can be convinced," he said. "After all, my members are men of reason."

Captain Amaro who had remained silent until then finally spoke. "Tell me Jayce, won't the weight make the ship too heavy to run across the water?"

Jayce smiled. "That's why it won't be powered by wind sails," he explained. "We have a powerful new coal powered engine that will make it so fast that you can fully load it and be in the Earth Kingdom and back before a wooden ship can get out of the marina."

Captain Amaro licked his lips.

The representatives stood in awe, their skepticism replaced by a glimmer of excitement. They exchanged glances, realizing the potential of this groundbreaking idea. A sense of unity began to fill the air as they contemplated the possibilities that lay before them.

Jayce and Lucian exchanged a knowing glance, their plan taking shape. The path to securing the support they needed had become clearer, and the Fire Kingdom's future now held a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges they faced.