Contents:  Members: @Captain Genaro @Dukesc @Bodi @KotZ Ships: Esprit Tyche,  The Eastern Trader,  Esprit Fortune,  Le Protecteur, and  Centurion Gold: REDACTED Troops: None of your business Builds Prelude: Getting Started (AKA This Post) Chapter 1: TBD  A-MCRA Beginning by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr "My lord, may I present Mayor Henri Hollande" announced the servant with a bow. In one of the gardens behind the massive Royal Mint in Breshaun.  "My lord" said Henri as he knelt on one knee and kissed l'Anneau de Vele, the Ring of Vele, which rested upon the right middle finger of Pierre Lavalette Genaro, Duc de Vele et Intendant General des Finances d'Oleon (among other things). "See to it that we are not disturbed" Pierre ordered the servant. Returning to his guest, he went on "we have a problem, Henri, and I expect you to fix it."  A-MCRA Beginning by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr Almost immediately Henri began to sweat. Surely the Directeur wasn't referring to the books. After all, for all his faults, Henri was an honest man and kept decent records. Perhaps the growth then? Lavalette was a little behind schedule when it came to development. No, that wasn't it. The Directeur wouldn't be wasting his time on this. Ah! Henri thought. I know what he's talking about. "My lord, perhaps I drink more than the average man, but to call it a problem is grossly unfair..." "Your blatant alcoholism is not the issue" interrupted the Directeur. "No, this issue is far more important than sobriety. You should be made aware that Terraversa has recently succeeded in gaining independence from Mardier." "Zeus' beard!" swore Henri. "When did this happen!"  "I believe it was almost six months ago," Pierre replied. "I did write you several letters on the subject. Hopefully your secretary is sober enough to remember the details. "Now, as for the matter at hand. The main issue here is that we don't know anything about Terraversa. Given their location, they could easily intercept our shipping traveling between the old and new worlds. And it wouldn't even have to be their ships. If hostiles have access to any of the ports on that island, they could use it to stage attacks against us."  "A serious issue to be sure" mused Henri. "But I must say that it seems more like speculation than fact."  "And I intend to keep it that way,” continued Pierre, slightly surprised by Henri’s intelligent response. “We must take steps to ensure that Terraversa does not present a threat to our shipping.” Henri slowly nodded his head. “And where does Lavalette fit into this, my lord.” “It does not. You are here because I need someone to lead the expedition.” “But my lord! I am not qualified to lead such a mission! You need someone who is cunning and skilled diplomatically. Surely I don’t fit this category!” Henri cried. “For once I agree with you, Henri. Unfortunately, I simply cannot spare anyone else. No, don’t reply, the decision has been made” said Lord Vele before Henri could interject. “My secretary will provide you with papers containing further details and any possible seal you may need, from the King's to Calida's.” “Calida?” questioned Henri. The rivalry between the leader of the Order and the young Duke wasn't exactly a secret, and Henri couldn't imagine those two agreeing on how to kill a Corrie.  “He may not care for me, but he is a shrewd politician.” “But what did he want in return?” inquired Henri. A-MCRA Beginning by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr Pierre paused and stared at Henri before continuing. “Nothing that concerns you. Now, we must quit wasting time. The fleet is loaded with men and supplies, and I will not have it miss the tide due to your delays.” “But what of Lavalette? How will it survive without me?” asked Henri in a last desperate attempt to get out of the mission. “I am certain the distilleries will survive your brief absence. Good day, Henri.” Oh dear, thought Henri as he bowed and exited. All this was simply too much excitement for one morning. Surely he would need a drink. A-MCRA Beginning by Capt. Genaro, on Flickr