The Airship Oz

The Hampton

*All of the higher-status military heads stand in a perfect row. Hands were held behind their backs, and heads were held high. Leander comes down the stairs with a smile and stands at the entrance of the massive military airship known as 'The Hampton'. Emilia raises her head as she's addressed in front of her other peers of soldiers. *

Leander: We are gathered here to celebrate a soldier who has risen and flown higher than ever imagined. Once, she was an outsider. Now, she is one of my most trusted and she deserves respect from all.

*He holds out his hand*

Emilia! Step forward.

*He motions her to stand in front of him and she kneels. He takes out his sword and raises it high over her head. *

Leander:  You have made us all proud. Rise and accept your new rank as the new officer of The Hampton! Let's hear it!

*The audience riles up a shout* "To the Empire!"

*Emilia rises and stands and steps next to him with her posture straight and standing at attention. After the soldiers salute the two, they step aboard the airship and the iron doors begin to close. A loud boom of the large doors can be heard. Leander and Emilia make their way through the busy hallways that lead to many staircases onward to the helm. Leander sighs brightly as he shakes the hand of the captain of the ship. *

Leander: Shall we make way then gentlemen?

*The crew salutes and attends their stations. He turns to usher her with his hand at her back. *

Leander: I hope you are ready for our first mission. It'll be a simple one. We'll make our way down the borderline and check our first outpost. It's only a routine check.

Emilia: If it's such a routine check, why are we taking the best warship in the Empire's arsenal? Seems excessive, no?

* Leander sighs and crosses his arms as he looks over at her*

Leander: You're new to this, so I'll explain. This ship shows everyone that we are the best in the Empire. We take it out for War and special occasions. Certainly, you're already aware of such things.

*Emilia nods not looking him in the eye. She looks outside. *

Leander: Emilia, you're the one to celebrate! This is a huge honor. *pause* We're heading over to the outpost to exchange our soldiers and bring them back to their families. It's been months. Not to mention, we have to keep our lands safe from those who would unravel everything we've worked so hard for.

*Emilia takes a deep and subtle beath*

Emilia: Yes sir. I understand. We do everything we can to serve and honor the people of the Empire.

Leander:

*Smiling as if he's accomplished something. *

That's it, Emilia. You see the vision. You see how we must present ourselves. *pause* It will take about two hours before we reach our destination. Go and familiarize yourself with your new home away from home. If you need anything, push one of the many red coms. It will be heard up here. *pause* Oh! And before I forget, here's your new pin and stripes to show your rank. Once again, congratulations Emilia.

*As he pins the items on her military suit, he leans in closer than her comfort would allow. She could feel his warm breath on her skin as she tried her best not to flinch at his touch.