Realistic or Modern The Voyage of the USS Centurion

[Jean Otus]

Chapter 1: The Journey Out​

It was a fine spring day in America's greatest city. The city's thoroughfares were humming with automobiles and droves of people. The great noise of commerce boomed out from the offices, markets, stock exchanges, and banks. In particular, along the banks of the Hudson, a great crowd had gathered to gawk at the greatest invention of the American mind. There, floating above the water, shining in the midday sun was the USS Centurion. Around her sat a small flotilla of steamships and yachts, on which were even more onlookers, though they were considerably richer than those on the books. Amongst those lucky few on the watercraft below were an even smaller group who held tickets for passage on the mighty airship. There was only a handful of them who would embark on the airship's worldwide journey, they had been drawn from all manner of countries with the promise of luxury and adventure. Their great fortune was advertised on colorful banners that hung from all manner of streetlamps, buildings, and the sides of the great vessel itself.

Within the Centurion was a veritable hub of activity. An airship was naturally packed with crew members of all sorts. Airmen and porters and mechanics rushed about, readying the craft for her eventual departure. She was very nearly ready to launch. The luggage of the passengers had been packed, the engines were fueled, and the ballasts were set. The last thing to worry about was for the passengers to board the Centurion via the ramps and staircases leading to the ships and boats below. These led to the grand parlor room, an austere wood-paneled room covered with gilded accents and perfumed with a variety of floral bouquets. The parlor was lit both with crystal chandeliers and large windows which allowed those passengers inside to see out onto the city below. This would be where the majority venues would be held during the journey, meals, parties, and special occasions would be held with the striking backdrop of the world seen from on high. For now, there were several tables filled with food, and waiting in the wings were waiters toting bottles of wine and champagne, waiting to be uncorked when they were away from the prohibitive eyes of the American authorities.

Looking out of the broad windows at the gathering below and the city below was the leader of this voyage. Captain Matthias Brown of the newly established American Merchant Air Force sighed as he leaned against the railing. He was nervous, as one who had been entrusted with the execution of such a seminal task would be. It would be his responsibility to ferry people of great import and influence around the globe, to the most important cities and courts of the world. He would also be responsible for keeping these well-to-dos entertained, happy even. He traced his fingers over the markers of rank on his uniform. The dull blue uniform was adorned with silver buttons and insignia. Very few men wore this uniform, he was a pioneer who was going to take people above the clouds and lead a new world of commerce and travel.

As he saw the first passengers begin to approach the ship, he straightened up and put on a brave smile. He looked behind him, at the smartly dressed pilot officers behind him, brave men and women all daring enough to take on such a voyage. He gave them a slight nod before turning to welcome the passengers into the parlor.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome aboard the Centurion! I will be your captain for this voyage, please help yourselves to the refreshments, speak to the pilots and your fellow guests, and prepare for our journey around the world."

welcome.the.miracle _amaranth_ AiDEE-c0 SandraDeelightful ThatGuyWithSouvlaki hannahbbug3

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Dr Sofarides smoked a cigarette as he looked out at the impressive dirigible looming over head as he waited for his chance to enter. He was dressed in a fine black tweed suit with a white silk shirt with a gree line suit. He carried a brown leather doctors bag in on hand and a cane in the other, as his gold rimmed round glasses surveyed the airship. It was indeed a magnificent piece of engineering, a message by the Americans showing to the old powers of Europe that this young nation is one not to be ignored. Alex spend a little while as he waited trying to figure out how it worked, how such a large machine be made lighter than air to fly. Admittedly of his many talents, physics was not his best field but he figured he will have plenty of time figure it out during the trip. That is if he had time, this journey was not just a pleasure tour after all.

Soon it was time for him to enter, he rested his cane on his lower arm to free his hand to reach into the inner pocket of his jacket to take out his ticket and show it to the guard in the blue uniform. He was let in without issue and Alex limbed into the grand parlour room. He looked around his focus more on the people who entered or where already inside rather than the stylish interior of the parlour. Studying the face of each of the other passenger and kept his ears sharp to the languages spoken among everyone. No, though he planned to have some fun, this was not a pleasure cruise for him. None of his long tour of Europe and the states was. He was here for the security of his country and bring justice for those who brought harm to his great nations.

Once the captain made his speech, Alex followed his advice by grabbing a glass of champaign and tried to mingle with the guest. He began to speak with some groups, his gently personable manner made him quite welcome but in the meantime he continue to capture every detail trying to see if there was someone truly worth his attention.

 

[hannahbbug3]

In all her born days, Rose didn't think she had ever seen anything quite so wonderful as an airship. Of course, that could be more because of what it symbolized rather than what it was - to her, not just a hulk of flying metal shining against the backdrop of a blue sky, but a vessel of escape from her hereto dreary and dull life.
She had dressed up for the occasion, or at least, she thought she had. The women here in New York City seemed to favor shorter cut dresses with beads and bangles and Rose had felt just a bit out of place in her floor length summer dress, but at least the color was eye-catching, wasn't it? Bright yellow, with chiffon for the skirt, a sheer and shimmering fabric with a layer of red silk beneath it to make her attire really stand out in comparison to the blue of the Hudson Bay. Around her neck was a white scarf - though it did not stay there for long. As she climbed the stairs up to the magnificent Centurion, a gust of strong wind rocked the walkway and blew her scarf right away. She turned to watch it fall and felt as though her stomach hit her ankles when she realized how high off the ground she was. Right... the only drawback she had been able to find with this trip. Being so high in the air.
Resolving herself, she supposed she would just have to grow used to it, and buy a new scarf as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Rose presented her ticket and was escorted inside the large parlor. Everything was just as exquisite as she had imagined, perhaps even better than that, and it brought a smile to her red-painted lips. She moved to stand near the center of the room - though, not entirely for the selfish reasons one might expect, as though she wanted to be the center of attention, or something like that. Rather, it just seemed safer, being farther from the windows...

 

[welcome.the.miracle]

It was an exciting day, the day that the official world tour of the USS Centurion was going to begin. A brown-haired girl rushed through the halls, her newly polished shoes hitting the floor with light taps as she weaved between people. The girl had woken up a bit late, and lost track of the time when she was putting her hair up. That's why she was rushing through the airship, trying to get to the Captain before the guests arrived. The girl skidded around a corner, slipping a bit, and let out a breath of relief. She had made it in time. The young pilot slowed to a stop behind one of her crew-mates, catching her breath as she fixed her hair.
The young brunette, whose name's Ophelia, stood a little ways behind the captain, wearing her perfectly ironed uniform. Unlike many of her crew members, she had tucked the bottom of the uniform shirt into the bottoms, for it was a bit too long on her. Ophelia looked down, adjusting the shirt once more before looking up again and smiling cheerily as the door opened. She made eye contact with the Captain as he turned around for a brief moment, sending him a quick thumbs up.
And then the guests arrived. The Captain made a quick speech to welcome the newcomers, and then the guests fanned out, spreading in many different directions. For a fleeting moment Ophelia wondered if something was going to go wrong, but she shook her head. This was the USS Centurion, nothing was going to happen. Ophelia straightened up, put on her best smile, and walked into the crowd.

 

[_amaranth_]

The gentle breeze was blowing in the face of the young woman, walking towards the novelty of the New World. The airship was there, proudly sitting on water, gently floating while it was patiently waiting for its passengers to board. Loretta was approaching it in fast but small, lady-like steps, head held high but not too much so she wouldn't look too conceited. But she did enjoy the looks, full of admiration when the girl was walking among the crowd, her hair woven in an intricate hair-do, small green hat pinned on top, wearing emerald jacket, tight on her waist, highlighting the figure. She was true Italian lady and her whole look was showing it. Her polished black shoes, the latest Italian fashion, clicked on the pavement as she finally reached the airship. She had to stop and take a look, amazed 'aah' leaving her lips. Loretta was a girl who was difficult to impress but this...simply took her breath away.

Another adventure was ahead of her, something new, unknown. Something that Loretta was hoping would finally satiate the hunger she felt, fill the hole in her life which she was trying to ignore for a very long time now. She needed answers to many questions and most of all, she needed to find her place in life. Those were only her thoughts, she would never share them with anyone. And no one would think she felt that way, based on her looks and the background. Taking a deep breath, she walked up the stairs and showed her ticket with a gentle smile. The one which was ever so often mistaken for a condescending smirk. And yet, that was her way and she couldn't do it differently.

Loretta walked inside and looked around the room. There were already several people mingling around, glasses of wine or champagne in their hands. Once again, the young Italian was different and got herself a glass of whiskey. For some reason, she has not found her liking to wine just yet. Odd for an Italian, that was for sure. She walked to the window, her slender fingers holding the glass and after the warm welcome by the Captain, she looked outside of the window, watching the Hudson Bay and her blue eyes got a dreamy expression. This was her chance. Chance to discover everything that was missing in her young life.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Minette's bright blue gaze stared up in awe at the airship. It was perhaps the most marvelous thing that she had ever seen. She had done quite a bit of travelling, and nothing had matched this. She had dressed in one of her finest day dresses, pale pink lined with lace and a small corsage of flowers decorating the waist. Draped over her shoulders she wore a matching pale pink shawl embroidered with pale blue flowers and matching tassels on the edges. It had been something she had commissioned when she was last in Paris, only a month ago, for this very occasion. She had been worried that it wouldn't reach her in time, but she was thrilled when it had been delivered yesterday. The majority of the things she had brought with her had been purchased in the last two months or so, wanting a whole new wardrobe for such a magnificent journey. She walked up the steps with grace and delicacy, her pale pink slippers poking out from underneath her skirt. After showing her ticket and being allowed entry, she made her way to the parlor, having a glass of champagne. She took a seat, sitting down in a way that made her look like a porcelain doll.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Scanning his fellow passengers, it did not take long for him to notice many of the fine women about. He could see most from the upper class of society, they had to be to afford tickets to the Centurian, all wearing the latest fashions. They seemed to range greatly from young debutante to older more experienced ladies. Most quite attractive and Alex could not help himself wanting to take a break from his search to introduce himself to a few. He moved through the crowds seeing which one to approach and one in particular caught his eye. A woman in a green dress and hat who poured herself a glass of whiskey. She stood out in particular because he rarely ever seen a woman choice such a strong drink.

Before nearing her he downed his drink in one, not for courage but to provide an excuse to get close to her. He than approached her. "Excuse me, ma'am. It is that whisky any good?" He asked her in a curious tone as he pretended to study her drink. "The champagne is nice but i think i could use something a little stronger." He explained.

_amaranth_

 

[AiDEE-c0]

Fjodor Jungmann Křižík, New York City

"So, this is what the folks of rank do in their spare? How decadent!" Went the internal process of Fjodor Jungmann as he made his way up the ramps above a shining Hudson. The city around was noisy and bustling, centered for the moment entirely around him and the other inhabitants of the ship. Eyes leered, some in covety and others with joy, childish envy. It was truly the most decadent sight the man had yet so far experienced. Still, there was purpose to it all, and besides, it wasn't healthy to think of everything in a black and white kind of way. Just like that purpose itself, it was a dice with many sides. There awaited experiences to be made, comrades to meet, things to be done. A bit of relaxation wasn't too horrid either, although it had to remain just enough to not grow lazy, overdependent on it, like late father.

Step after step, Fjodor eventually reached the peak of staircases and ramps. Faced with the innards of the heliate behemoth, a certain awe went over him. The craftsmanship was remarkable. Beautifully polished wooden panes made up the walls, hemmed with ornate metals and shapes in the form of gilding, while much sizeable windows occasionaly broke through their homogenity. From the walls rest suspended chendeliers of masterful glasswork, carved tables decorated to floor, and one could go on and on until the finest details were absorbed. Compared to this, machinery in the factory was an absolute speck.

Bringing him out of this analyzing trance came the voice of the captain, noting something in english Fjodor had no chance of understanding. For these purposes, several dictionaries sat huddled in his luggage, yet it was not accessible at the current moment. Instead, with a half-smile, the man donned in a completely average dark outfit, complemented with a cap and brown shawl, entered the ship instinctively. While he was almost completely sure his benefactor explained some sort of "prohibition" happening in the USA, there seemed to be no shortage of alcohol in the hands of other guests, thronging and crowding around the tables and chairs. A curiosity, but not much a distraction. Fjodor had no love for alcohol regardless, preferring a clear mind and projecting from father. Rather, he sat next to one of the windows, leg over leg, and observed the outside thoroughly. If the view offered itself, what point was there in denying it?

 

[_amaranth_]

Watching the country from the window, Loretta had to appreciate. The horizon was slowly getting darker, all colors were starting to show and she could bet that it would get even more magnificent once they were in the air. Loretta loved sunsets, could watch them every single day. They were always the same and yet so different. There was a lot to tell. Deep inside, the girl was a romantic soul, waiting for that one right person to watch those sunsets with.

More people were starting to show, pilot officers going around, several other ladies and gentlemen boarded but Loretta only gave them brief look. She was prone to talk to someone at some point but not just yet. She needed to get a bit of courage first. Strange, girl with her background and upbringing would not be expected to be shy. And yet, here she was. But it was not shyness that was stopping her. It was the previous experience. People tended to find her...opinionated. And many times, not in a very good way. She knew about her flaws but there was still a very long way for her to go.

When a man approached her, she was so deep in her thoughts that she flinched slightly. But second later, she flashed him a charming smile. "Yes, it's very smooth, exactly the way I like it." she answered and even reached for a carafe and poured him a glass. "Here." she smiled, handing it over to him. "Maybe a toast is in order then?" She was glad he talked first. It was much easier to talk to people if they approached her.

ThatGuyWithSouvlaki

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Seeing her flinch, Alex had the feeling that he might disturbed Loretta and prepared to extricate himself quickly if necessary. Yet she seemed to recover quickly and flashed him a charming and welcoming smile which he found looked very nice on her. "That is good to hear." He said giving her a small smile back and watched her as she pouted him a glass. "Thank you." He accepted the drink, swirled the glass contents a little and place the glass close to his nose to take in the strong fruity and spicy scent before she called for a toast.

"Of course." He raised the glass slightly to toast. "To a safe and pleasant journey. Already i see the latter already coming true." He winked at her before taking a sip of his drink. "Mmm, quite smooth indeed. You have good taste." He complemented her and than offered his free hand to her. " I suppose proper introduction are in order as well, especially as we are sharing drinks in such fine company. Dr Alexandros Sofarides. Alex would do."

_amaranth_

 

[_amaranth_]

Loretta eyed the gentleman in front of her and didn't even try to hide it. Her eyes quickly went through the style of his haircut, golden frame of his glasses, down to the cut of his tailor-made suit (because she could tell it was made just for him) and the golden chain of his pocket watch and the polished black of his shoes. A real gentleman there, that was a fact. She adjusted her hat just a little, not that she had to, there was not an imperfect hair on her. But just to keep the appearance, she tipped it a little. Loretta had to admit he was one of those people who make strong first impressions.

She clinked her glass with his and repeated his toast. His honest compliment made her pale cheeks go slightly pinkish and she certainly wasn't the girl to blush very often. "Thank you, sir, glad I could help here." she smiled but there was already a playful spark in those blue eyes. A real promise of not being bored. The right corner of her red lips went up as she slipped her slender hand into his. "Loretta Venti. Pleasure to meet you...Alex." His name rolled of her tongue with such an ease. And she let her hand linger in his for a moment longer than a proper lady should. She took a sip from her glass but her eyes never left his. This journey was starting off pretty well and Loretta could only hope it was going to continue in the same manner.

ThatGuyWithSouvlaki

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Alex smirked, seeing the light blush on her cheek when he gave her a small compliment. The change giving her a near child like cuteness to the more mature beauty which he liked on her. The way she reacted to it indicated she rarely blushed before. That and the sparkle in her eyes also told him things were going well, not that he doubted things will not. He took her hand in his went through the motion of kissing it, a gesture slowly going out of fashion, but he still liked for what it implied. He let her hand slip of from his when she chose and sipped his drink. "Venti? Shall i assume an Italian origin than?" He asked curiously.

He subtly took a brief look around the hall, taking one last look if he had not missed anyone of interest to him. Then he returned his focus on to her when she began to speak, this time looking at her with a gaze that seemed to give the impression there was none else but her to him. He spotted noone yet and meeting her now, he almost wished he wouldnt. There was something quite fascinating about the young blonde which he found difficult to extricate himself from. Still he knew that when the chance came he had to do duty and leave this girl, as disappointing as it might be.

_amaranth_

 

[_amaranth_]

"Yes, very much so. Lorenzo Venti is my father. You might have heard about him. He is a quite big name in the banking business in the Western Europe." she said and there was a hint of pride in that statement. Loretta prided her background and was never the one to forget where she came from. And she also reminded the others. Her eyes glinted when uttering her father's name as if the name itself should make others bow to her. But before she could go on with her family, he distracted her with that slight kiss on her hand. She didn't know men were still doing it and it wasn't actually unpleasant. This sudden attention of a proper gentleman was making her heart beat a little faster.

Her cheeks were getting flushed again and poor Loretta had no idea how to stop herself from blushing like mad. Though she also blamed it on a little higher temperature inside, her jacket and the glass of liquor she has just finished. Loretta set her glass down and looked back at the good doctor in front of her. "I am really sorry to cut this pleasant meeting short but I am a little tired so I'm going to retire to my room. But I do hope to see you later at dinner." she said and folded her hands on her waist. "Maybe you can save me a seat?" she asked and with a gentle nod and wishing him a nice time, she walked away. The girl needed to freshen up a little, rest and change for dinner as a proper little aristocrat she was. Also, leaving in the best was surely going to keep him excited for their next encounter.

ThatGuyWithSouvlaki

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Alex studied her subtly as she reacted to his little kiss, he could not quite tell whether she took it well or not. At least it did not end thing between them. He gave a brief look of considering her father's name. "Ah yes, I believe I have heard of it during my time in Italy though I admit only in passing. I am afraid I am no banker, my skills are in medicine and science rather than finances." He said looking as if he was slightly embarrassed to admit that he had a gap to his knowledge. Still he knew enough to realize that Loretta came from a very wealthy background and her pride in her name, both spoke a lot about her and it intrigued him further. Not that he was interested in wealth greatly however he could not deny a promise of wealth was not attractive.

The both took a moment to finish their drink before she surprised him by cutting their conversation short. He worried about a moment that this was the true reaction to his kiss but she seemed to genuinely want to see him again latter. "Per te bella? Ovviamente. Non posso aspettare." He said showing off his knowledge of italian though it was heavily accented. He bowed his head to her and watched her leave until she was out of view, before pouring himself another drink and chuckling a little at himself as he ran what had happened in his mind. Still he did not have long to enjoy before seeing someone else he was familiar with. The smile faded from his lips to grave seriousness as he moved towards the man careful trying not to attract attention. His hand reaching into his pocket.

_amaranth_