[Alexis Sapientia]

Timestamp: 33 Aperitus, Summer, in the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

Surprise made for a few wonderful events. It was supposed to be a secret, since the fellow who'd ordered it had decided it would do good to check on matters surrepititiously, but it was some fool of a marine who'd done the unthinkable and run up the Imperial Admiral's banner, which was a white standard with a black and crimson stripe running across its length, surmounted by the Imperial Crown. This was soon followed by a crimson banner emblazoned with a golden Imperial Warbird atop two crossed batons, itself surrounded by a wreath of victory. Resplendent, as always, at the stern was the Standard of the Aelyrian Empire.

She was the Aelyrian Fighting Ship Sovereign of the Seas, a typical frigate of the same class that had withstood the siege of Jaedexia eras ago, nondescript, in effect, but with a handpicked crew and best weapons available. Making her way south from the Imperial City, she soon entered the harbor, to the bewildered (no doubt) reactions of many a ship captain, particularly those belonging to the Imperial Classis. Not too far arrived two more ships, the Constantia and the Parsimonia, namesakes of frigates that had been recently sunk, but now recommissioned from those mothballed at Solace Isle, as well as a familiar vessel, close to his heart, the AFS Majestic.

The Porto with its six wharves would prove difficult, but the Classis boys knew how to wait their turn at the line.

The Guards here had funny hats, and when it was his turn to give his reply, it would be as pragmatic as it was simple.

"Business or pleasure? Maybe both."

Alexis Sapientia, Imperial Minister of War, and concurrent Imperial Admiral, was here.