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In the outskirts of King's Harbour, construction work had been going on for some time. So far, its exact nature had been unknown, but a few days ago the ETTC announced the imminent opening of a cocoa grinding and pressing plant. With this announcement came an invitation to the Colonial Governor to visit the plant on its opening day. Thus, Captain Jonathan Cooke had now made his way to the site in the company of Ibn al'Sayeed, manager of the Montoya estate and local representative for the ETTC. "The plant applies the newest Corlander innovations all around to achieve high output levels without overworking the employees." "First, follow me around the side here, where you will find something quite interesting..." "Allow me to introduce Mr. Thomas Brickcomen, a young engineer recently arrived from the Royal Polytechnic University of Belson. He is the man behind the contraption you see behind him. Mr. Brickcomen, this is Captain Jonathan Cooke, colonial governor of these isles." "Honoured to make your acquaintance, sir... " said the young man shyly. "Likewise, young man." Cooke said absentmindedly, his attention entirely taken up with the strange and noise contraption before him. "Please, tell me of this machine!" he added with an enthusiasm quite remarkable for him. Stunned for a moment that any official would show anything but contempt for his machine, he stuttered a few words before himself bring caught up with enthusiasm. "Certainly, sir. It is what I call an atmospheric steam pump. You see, the factory needed a steady watersupply in the height of 12 bricks, and as rainfall is unpredictable in these lands (as you can see, the tank also collects rainfall from the roof) a different, more reliable source was needed. As it happened, I was looking for investors and bumped in to al'Sayeed while I was wandering the docks looking for work.. Erhm... Investors, I mean... " "Yes?" "Well, not to put too fine a point on it, the ETTC hired me, and I built this. Shall I tell you how it operates or will that be too technical?" "I studied the invention of the flying balloon, and attended Alberto de Pontelli's presentation on the subject. I shall venture to follow your description." "Oh sir, would it be imprudent to discuss that matter with you? I have some thoughts on the matter... But another time... You see, in the boiler, we create steam, which is let into the main power cylinder of the pump as it is raised by the rocker arm's return to its initial position. You see, there are weights on the other side, in the pump cylinder, there. As the power cylinder reaches its maximum elevation, a valve opens, and lets in a small jet of cold water from the ancillary tank, resulting in... " "Resulting in the steam condensing, lowering the pressure behind the piston, and the atmospheric pressure pushing down the piston, operating the pump!" Cooke interrupted, his eyebrows rising as it dawned upon him. "Most ingenious, young man. I shall ask you to join me to further discuss the principles of operation at a later time. For now, I must continue my tour, I believe." Cooke followed al'Sayeed inside through the large gates. "Through a set of gears, the waterwheel outside drives these millstones, into which the fermented, dried and roasted beans are poured to be grinded. During milling, the temperature rises and the beans are ground into a thick cocoa mass, which flows out through slots in the bottom of the grinder. Here it cools and solidifies to be retrieved through the grates you see in the floor." "Please follow me... This cocoa mass contains neigh on 60 % cocoa butter, which is extracted through pressure in this press. We load the cocoa mass into the main pressure chamber here..." "...and pivot the pressure plate around in its mounting. As you will know, typical presses are screw-operated, but we have went with a more innovative and efficient process. At this stage, the pressure plate is perfectly balanced with these iron weights and can be turned by a single man, while a typical press would require many more people for handling. " "If you will look up there... To apply pressure, we lower the contraption and open the valve, which pours water into the four big barrels on the press. This water is supplied by the steam pump outside. As the water level rises, the pressure follows..." "...and the finest cocoa butter can be tapped by our two expert chocalatiers by this tap and three others like it. The butter is then barrelled and shipped off to market, just like the residual product, the cocoa solids, which we extract from the press and ship off separately. We expect a great interest for this in both the old and the new world, as the taste is quite extraordinary!" ______________________ The first part of the ETTC Royal Cocoa factory is hereby opened. (And the last part of the process, unfortunately.) The production process is largely correct. It has been standing on my shelf for a long time, and now I finally managed to finish it. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the process from my ETTC collaborators, and as always, C&C is more than welcome.

DONG rang the enormous bronze bell suspended from the top of the newly erected bell tower complex in King's Harbour, Cocovia, sounding the passing of noon. DONG The Department of Time had just been completed, and the rich and robust ring reverberating from the lofty heights of the tapered tower marked the first time the bell had sounded since acoustic testing by the skilled craftsman who had built it far across the seas in the mother country of Corrington. DONG The tremendous and melodious sound danced through the air, up and down the streets, through windows and doors and walls. It spilled across the surrounding countryside and sailed out over the harbour. DONG Throughout King's Harbour men, women, and children briefly stopped what they were doing and instinctively turned toward the welcoming sound. Those who were outside naturally looked toward the bell tower that rose to tremendous heights over the streets of the settlement, hoping to glimpse the bell in action during its first moments of service. DONG The Master Timekeeper smiled as the ground beneath his feet vibrated slightly with each ring of the bell. It was time. Time for King's Harbour to join that endless list of Corry establishments to live by precise measures of time. DONG Military Governor J. Cooke had just sat down to an important meeting at the Government House, and announced with a smile to the others in attendance, "Gentlemen, that is the sound of progress." DONG From his vantage point within the entry courtyard, Sir Dee breathed a sigh of relief, happy that his workers had completed the project trouble-free and under budget, and then smiled at the warm metallic tone lingering in the salty air. DONG The teachers and students at the Royal Society School had anxiously awaited the completion of the tower for the purpose of keeping classes on precise schedule, and spontaneously cheered and clapped as the bell rang noon. DONG In the Majestic Gardens, one of the gardeners began to ring the bell in the large central gazebo in unison with the bell tower, much to the delight of his fellow workers and the gardens visitors. DONG Ten. DONG Eleven DONGGggg The twelfth and final ring hung in the air and then slowly faded away as the townsfolk turned back to their duties. And thus began the valuable services of the Department of Time. More pics: The Master Timekeeper and a few of his staff take time off for a photo op (but fret not, others are tending the time in their brief absence!): The Master Timekeeper and his lovely daughter, Belle: Garden details: Collection of components. One-fourth of each, plus the complete tower: The four smaller bellhouses: Straight-on view of the main bell with its clapper, plus all of the smaller bells with their clappers. (It's an odd number due to the single small bell hanging in the very top of the tower, over the main bell): The Master Timekeeper poses with his bell and daughter Belle: Below are two versions of the main bell. The one on the left with the white curved plates is the bell used in this project; the one on the right made of solid pearl gold is the original design. The plates are necessary to provide something for the curved gold bricks to attach to - otherwise they will simply slide in and out, and fall off with the faintest touch. I wanted a solid color, but stability was more important. I suppose I could've glued it... Anyway, I believe the lip of the bell is a few too many plate layers thick but it's too late to change now! Notes: This is based on @Bregir's Department of Time in Arlinsport, Tiberia. I really liked the concept and wanted to build something similar for King's Harbour. @Ayrlego also built a lovely Department of Time for Mooreton Bay, Alicentia. Build size is 72x72, and for game purposes it will be licensed as a Large Artisan. The tower is about 66 cm tall. As you can see, prefab hulls are good for more than just building ships! Once again, you can never have too much gold. Just check my new title... I had fun building this, and the tower is really quite stable despite its somewhat fragile appearance. Of course the bell is my favorite part. I built it first, and everything else followed. This was my first foray into "fleshies." I wanted to use the Belle minidoll (for the name, naturally, and also because I used some gold bits from her castle) and so the minifigs had to be fleshies too. But I had to really stretch the Timekeeper for him to look at all sensible when posed beside her! Comments are welcome. Thanks for viewing.

King's Harbour was growing, and had recently become the seat of the Colonial Governor of the Southern Isles. The former governor's office was quickly turning out too small and was now only the seat of the planning office. The rest of the colonial administration had moved to grander surroundings in the newly completed Government House. Spanning one of the freshwater canals that keep King's Harbour clean from the filth of concentated population, it has been built between the two planned boulevards planned to lead into the city to ensure a central location. This does put it somewhat at a distance from the busy harbour, but Cooke is expecting the settlement grow to such an extent that it will soon be a more central location. For now, at least, the distance ensures that only the most serious of petitioners make their way to the office. Almost palatial in appearance, Government House provides ample space for a bustling city administration, and throughout the day, civil servants, merchants, army and navy officers, and civilians pay a visit to get permits, orders, licenses, and some even to have an audience with the governor himself. Today is particularly busy, and Cooke, a man of action, is getting somewhat short-tempered after dealing with a paranoid Olean count (convinced clerics of Hades are haunting him), a tiresome group of Eslandian merchants (as ever requiring compensation for one slight inconvenience or other), and a multitude of other complaints and requests. However, the positive weekly constable's report just delivered by one of the delightfully efficient Winged Cuirassiers (the unit has been charged with keeping order in the city) has ligthened his mood somewhat in advance of the arrival of one of his protegees, young lieutenant Collingbrooke. "Goodday, Captain Cooke. I hope I find you well, sir" "Quite so mr. Collingbrooke, if it wasn't for all these goddamned landlubbers and their endless complaining. Not to mention the paperwork..." Shaking his head, Cooke continues: "I mustn't speak so, of course, forgive me. What brings you here?" "Despatches, sir." Handing over a sealed folder, and hesitating for a moment, he adds: "I mean not to be impertinent, but.... erhm... have you had the time to examine the bottled message? It is the talk all over town, if you don't mind me saying." "Ten thousand blistering barnacles! I knew I had forgotten something..." Rustling through the locked, ironbound drawers of his desk, he brings up a bottle. Lost in his own mind, he uncorks it and motions to pour himself a tot of rum. In doing so, a weathered document falls out into the glass with a thud. "Sir..." "I am quite besides myself, it would seem! Now, let us see what the fuzz is all about..." he says, unfolding the document under the inquisitive eye of mr. Collingbrooke. "To the crown of Corrington, or its representatives.... Blabla... titles... introductions... Here we go.... ...And so, stranded on Cascadia I wandered for days until I found nothing less than a golden city! Natives long isolated from their mother-civilisation by some obscure series of events that I have not yet unravelled. It appears there are extensive taboos surrounding this... goes on at length about taboos and legends... I have now taken up residence here and will study the indegenous civilisation... directions for the location of the city... I suggest assigning a full anthropological and diplomatic mission to establish relations with the inhabitants. Your humble servant Dr. Albert Brickingstone Anthropologist, Royal Society of Natural Philosophy 598 AE, Cascadia" Once more at home in a situation requiring decisive action, the old piratical gleam reaches his eyes. "Write out three copies at once" he calls out to one clerk, "I need an able commander with a fast vessel, and I need him now!" to another. Turning to Collingbrooke, he says: "You will man and provision the Ferret at once. You may have your pick at crewmen amongst the squadron. Destination: Cascadia. You must reach Montoya. I shall write up a cover letter, and you will leave this very afternoon. Any questions?" "No sir, you have been perfectly clear. I shall report aboard the Ferret at once."

Greetings Eurobricks! It is my pleasure to finally present to you The Majestic Gardens of King's Harbour, Cocovia. This is a collection of formal garden arrangements and was largely inspired by the large gardens at the Palace of Versailles and Chateau Villandry (both in France) and other similar layouts. I've wanted to build a formal garden in LEGO form for quite some time, and the world of BoBS gave me a good opportunity to do this. Due to the large number of photos, I am posting a single overview pic of each build for organizational purposes first, which is followed by the story and the rest of the photos. Enjoy! Her Majesty's personal garden in Belson, Corrington: The Entry Garden: The Garden of Love: The King's Garden: The Parterre Garden: The Monument Fountain: The Gazebos: The Hedge Tunnel: And now for the story... Her Majesty Annetta, Queen of Corrington, walked slowly through her small private garden, just outside her personal chambers. It was a square arrangement, symmetrical front to back, side to side, and along the diagonals. In the center stood an elaborate gold-domed gazebo decorated with various golden elements. In the center of the gazebo stood a tall column topped with a large pink glass heart - installed by her command as the reigning "Queen of Hearts." Surrounding the base were clusters of red and pink and purple and lavender flowers. A simple path of raked gravel lead from the center of each side of the square to each side of the gazebo. Along the paths were rows of red and pink flowers. Each of the four corners of the arrangement contained two round fountains positioned along the diagonals of the square. The fountains nearest the central gazebo were large and ornate, with a central nozzle spraying upward and a collection of smaller frog-shaped nozzles spraying in; while those nearest the outer corners were smaller tiered fountains that bubbled quietly. In each corner stood a tall floral arrangement, which was flanked on both sides by simple hedgerows running toward the central pathways. Large shrubs occupied the remaining space in either side of each corner. The outer boundary of the full arrangement was established by a decorated gold-colored fence. Portion of Her Majesty's personal garden in Belson, Corrington [50x50 / 2500 studs surface area]: The news of the latest colonial developments had recently reached Her Majesty, and an idea had been forming in her mind ever since. She knew well of the plans to develop a naval base in King's Harbour on the island of Cocovia - and she was concerned that this military establishment might dominate the settlement. She naturally thought of the women, of the wives and children, and this was the basis of her growing idea: the settlement should have a large garden, possibly larger than the Royal Gardens in Belson, for the benefit of the local inhabitants. While the men were on duty or at sea, the garden would provide their wives a reprieve from the lonely toil of everyday life, where they might enjoy the beauty of a structured nature and engage one another socially. And whenever the men were off duty, the whole family might visit to bask in the botanical splendor. It would be the cultural gem of the New World. And so Her Majesty arranged to meet with one Sir David Bricksalot, a renowned garden architect who had worked on renovating the Royal Gardens in the past. On the appointed day and time, he arrived with his lovely wife Rita, and along with Her Majesty they ventured into Queen Annetta's garden to discuss the particulars. She explained her basic idea and provided many specifics, and even gave Sir David several sketches she had completed for possible arrangements. Sir David rapidly took notes in his typical efficient manner and offered his own expert input whenever necessary. Some time later, when all parties were satisfied with the discussion and it was understood that he would have significant creative liberty, they departed, and Sir Bricksalot began the task of planning their voyage to Cocovia. [Below is the build that sparked this entire project: the central gazebo. As you can see, it grew substantially from there!] And so it was that a few months later Sir Bricksalot and his wife sailed into King's Harbour on a fleet assembled by Sir Dee, with several hundred willing workers from Dee Enterprises accompanying them. They wasted no time in establishing a suitable location for the gardens. The land was leveled and cleared, trees and shrubs were transplanted, the hedgerows were formed and vast numbers of flowers were planted. Native plants were used as much as possible. Multiple gazebos were constructed and a large number of fountains were installed. Walkways were laid out. Through it all Sir Bricksalot maintained a look of quiet satisfaction. Her Majesty would surely be proud to see her idea turning into reality. After several months of non-stop activity, the project was completed and preparations were made for the Grand Opening. It would be attended by the two men who had first settled the harbor: Military Governor of the island, Jonathan Cooke; and his close friend and naturalist, Don Isaac Montoya [both characters belong to @Bregir ]. Montoya had travelled extensively beyond Cocovia but hade made a return to the island to attend the event. A couple of Admirals and their families who were in port and several other high-ranking officers were also invited to attend. The other attendees of the Grand Opening were invited from among the inhabitants of King's Harbour, and assembled at the towering entryway early in the morning. The general opening would be available to the public later in the day. The Entry Garden [128x80 / 10240 studs surface area] featured a gleaming gold-domed arched tower structure fronted with a row of gold-colored columns supporting a series of arches that grew increasingly taller moving from the outsides in. Along both sides of the main pathway was a series of small fountains with one large fountain in the center of each side. To either side of this was identical hedge and flower arrangements, laid out in squares with elaborate curving flower beds in the centers and sculpted shrubs in the corners. Leading in on each of the outer edges was another series of decorative arched columns, styled to look somewhat like a castle. Immediately behind these was a row of small palm trees which had been transplanted from the nearby jungle. More shrubs occupied the space between columns on the main front, and behind these columns on each side a raised bed was planted with various flowers and a row of towering palm trees which had also been transplanted. Behind all this, the back of each side of the entryway was enclosed with a hedgerow that grew increasingly taller from the outside in, mirroring the arched columns in the front; and each of the sides were closed in with a polished gold-colored fence that was fronted by a row of cylindrical topiary shrubs. Just behind the central tower a pair of spiral stone columns, each topped with a pair of red flags, stood along either side of the main pathway. Altogether it was a magnificent sight deserving of the name that Her Majesty had chosen. Left to right: Sir Dee, Don Isaac Montoya, Military Governor Jonathan Cooke After taking in the splendor of the entry garden, the assembled crowd moved along to the first of the interior garden arrangements: The Garden of Love [112x112 / 12544 studs surface area]. This symmetric square garden featured a large central geometric hedge and clusters of flowers, with decorated double pathways leading in from the center of each side to form a giant cross. Between the double paths were two hedgerows with a row of neatly-trimmed round shrubs between them. Each of the four corners contained three heart-shaped raised beds planted in grass, which had given the overall arrangement its name; plus a cross-shaped collection of flowers pointing toward the center. The outside boundary of each corner was formed by short hedgerows and the point of each corner featured a cluster of topiary shrubs in a white-edged raised bed. Her Majesty had drawn the basic arrangement, and Sir Bricksalot had liked it well enough to construct it with only minor changes. An Admiral, his wife, and four daughters: What's a Garden of Love without an occasional kiss... The next arrangement was named the King's Garden [80x80 / 6400 studs surface area], after Her Majesty's late father, King Arlin. It was another symmetrical square garden featuring a large central fountain, double-path entries divided by hedgerows, and elaborate flower beds in each of the four corners. The hedges were carefully trimmed to gently slope inward from their high point on the outer edges, directing the viewers' eyes toward the central fountain and surrounding flowers. The white-edged corner flower beds were curved cross shapes with geometric hedges in the centers which were surrounded by rows of flowers on the inside and various shrubs and flowering plants on the outside. The Admiral and his family again: The Parterre Garden [80x80 / 6400 studs surface area] was next. It was another symmetric square with a central fountain and double-path walkways divided by hedges, but the defining characteristic was the parterres: symmetric raised beds with walkways in between. Rows of vibrant red flowers were planted around the hedges, and the central fountain was surrounded by a geometric hedge and several neatly-trimmed shrubs. The raised beds of the parterres consisted of octagons, circles, semi-circles and quarter circles, each housing flowers or shrubs or some kind of flowering plants. Instead of the usual grass base, the four corners of the arrangement consisted of a raked gravel surface to accommodate foot traffic, and the main entry paths were planted in grass with the walkways installed over the top to provide a visual contrast. The Admiral and his family again, lower left; Montoya, Cooke, and Dee, upper right: The architect, Sir David Bricksalot, and his wife Rita: The centerpiece by itself: A corner, closed in all the way around (unlike the full scene, which is enclosed only on the outside edges): The next arrangement was the Monument Fountain [88x88 / 7744 studs surface area]. Once again, it was a symmetric square, but it was quite unique among the various arrangements. Tall hedges lined with flowering plants formed the outer boundary, and high arches formed into the center of these hedges marked each of the four entry points into the garden. Low hedgerows angled in from the corners toward the center and also lined each side, parallel to the sides of the square, between the diagonals. Tall palm trees marked each of the four corners and various flowering plants were positioned throughout. A series of small raised flower beds were aligned with the arched entries. Rather than the typical paths leading straight to the center, a loop path ran all the way around the perimeter, just inside the tall outer hedges; and accessing the center was accomplished by following the diagonal hedgerows inward. A large decorated square pool circled the base of the gilded fountain, which rose to a significant height to form the massive pedestal for the monument. The monument was a towering golden spire rising into the sky from the center of the fountain, built in honor of the mythical City of Gold that had been fruitlessly sought after for centuries by bold explorers. The spire was easily visible throughout the Majestic Gardens complex. The distinguished guests enter left: ...and right: Sir Dee, center; Sir Bricksalot and his wife, on the right: Ever the gentleman, Cooke stoops to smell the flowers, while Sir Dee and Montoya chat. The Admiral, his wife, and daughters somehow managed to get into yet another photo... One of Sir Bricksalot's associates, Sir Bradley and his wife stand inside the entry. The men out front tending the flowers are two of the resident gardeners: Left to right: Sir Dee, Military Governor Jonathan Cooke, and Don Isaac Montoya The Gazebos [112x112 / 12544 studs surface area] was the next garden arrangement, and continued the grand architectural theme from the Entry Garden. This magnificent collection of gold-domed structures was one of the most visually striking in the Majestic Gardens. The basic layout was a symmetric square with divided double-path entries, and featured the most elaborate overall design of all the garden arrangements. A gleaming gold-colored fence enclosed the entire square, save only the entryways, and inside the fence large hedgerows gently sloped inward from their high points in the corners. The elongated oval-shaped strips of grass dividing the paths featured alternating clusters of flowering plants and tiered fountains, and the outer edges of the paths were lined with red flowers and neatly-trimmed round shrubs. Each of the four corners of the layout featured a central gazebo with a gold-domed top and various other decorative elements, all of which were based on the central gazebo in Her Majesty's personal garden in Belson, Corrington. Flowers and shrubs surrounded the base of each gazebo, and rows of flowering plants marked the inner perimeter of each corner, just inside the outer hedges. Each of the square corner arrangements featured small tiered fountains on raised beds in the three outer corners, and a large flowering shrub mounted on a gleaming pedestal in the innermost corner, near the center of the full garden. In the center of the full garden was an enormous gazebo with a three-tier gold roof. The lower and outermost level consisted of four half-dome structures atop decorated arches and columns, aligned with the diagonals of the square base and the four smaller corner gazebos, and enclosed on the outside by decorated gold fencing. Immediately inside this was four more half-dome structures atop towering arches which were aligned with the entry paths to allow easy access to the gazebo. The square-base top tier was perched directly atop the second level but turned to align with the lowest level, and featured a full dome with a short spire on the top. The upper portion of the structure contained a sizeable bell that would be rung on special occasions, and the ground level featured a large tiered fountain that flowed quietly. This gazebo was a fitting centerpiece of the grand arrangement. The center plate with large gazebo as a standalone piece: Sir David Bricksalot and his wife Rita admire his handiwork: The Admiral, his wife, and daughters yet again: Cooke and Montoya: Eventually the Gardens would be a favorite meeting place for the King's Harbour chapter of the Queen's Club Ladies Society, as evidenced by this crowd of well-dressed women: Her Majesty makes a cameo appearance: The last of the garden arrangements completed for the Grand Opening was the Hedge Tunnel [50x50 / 2500 studs surface area]. It was the smallest of the various garden layouts but would eventually prove to be very popular with visitors. It was a simple arrangement, but beautiful nonetheless: a large tunnel formed from growing hedges was aligned diagonally on a square base, with a dome-topped gazebo sitting in the middle of the tunnel. A row of shrubs and flowers lined each side of the tunnel, and the ends were flanked by a pair of curved raised flower beds. The four corners featured small fountains ringed with flowers and decorative red glass; the two larger fountains were aligned with the tunnel and were visible end-to-end. The corners opposite the tunnel featured a cluster of palm trees, perfect for shading the benches beneath them, as well as a decorated curved bed of neatly trimmed shrubs. [Overview pics rotate counterclockwise] And that concludes the tour! Thanks for watching! For your convenience here is the King's Harbour Settlement Topic. Notes: Total build area is 60,872 studs. (Technically speaking "only" 58,372 studs counts as a colonial new-world build, since the first 2500 are in Corrington.) This will be collectively licensed by Corrington members as a Royal Art & Culture property (with leadership approval). I never really planned to build all this. I completed the first gazebo, intending to build a medium or large property, and it just started growing. And growing! The use of the gold round tiles for the walkways was done out of necessity rather than preference. I don't have anywhere near enough of them in light bluish grey which would've been my first choice. But the gold color grew on me, and does look somewhat "Majestic," especially over a tan base. I prefer more realistic development of a settlement (in this case, Bregir's King's Harbour) but I knew I had to complete this while I was still interested. I like all the builds, but the Hedge Tunnel is probably my favorite, followed by either the King's Garden or the Gazebos. The Garden of Love, and specifically the heart-shaped elements, was inspired by the beautiful gardens of the same name at Chateau Villandry in France. My favorite size among these builds is 80x80. It's easy to do using standard 32-stud-wide baseplates and standard 16-stud-wide plates. It's big enough to allow room for considerable detail elements without being huge and unwieldy. In comparison, the two 112x112 builds were a pain to move around for photographic purposes (but they looked great in person!) The characters of Sir David Bricksalot and his wife Rita are based on one of my uncles and aunts. Like me, he is a farmer - and he also operates a large landscaping business that has completed innumerable projects in the region. Sir Bradley is based on one of Dave's longest-serving employees and fellow pranksters... There are exactly 250 ladies in printed dresses in the Gazebos scenes. Some of them aren't visible due to the 5 gazebos blocking them, but they're there. I have about 15 more... somewhere. I really like those well-dressed historic ladies, just in case it isn't obvious. Posting this from my phone was a big pain in the wazoo... No copy-pasting image codes... Unfortunately I have no other option... I appreciate your input. I hope you enjoyed the show. I enjoyed building it!

With King's Harbour growing, its rising number of inhabitants has started looking for spiritual guidance and refuge. Therefore, the Faith has opened up a temple in the settlement. While nominally a Temple of Poseidon, and served by his priests, it is practically a Pantheon, allowing worshippers of Zeus, Hades and Poseidon alike. Most likely, as the settlement grows, temples will be erected for each of the three deities, as well as for other religions of the Brick Seas, but for now, one must do for all believers. On this day, Ibn al'Sayeed is visiting the temple, to offer worship to his God. Being native to one of the southern realms of the old world, his religious views are known to very few, but he has been frequenting this temple since its opening. Whether he is worshipping one of the three known Deities, some foreign version of one of them, or something entirely different is known to few, as he does not discuss it openly. What everyone know, though, is that he is the manager of one of the most succesful estates in New Terra. Adding to that an entrusted position as Montoya's right hand man in the ETTC, and his assistance to the governorial seat of King's Harbour, his days are never dull. Al'Sayeed considers his career with some degree of pride. It has been hard work, starting out as the lowly captain of a small xebec, the Sphinx, but now risen to a considerable position in business, respected and known by many accross the Brick Seas. He does have plenty to thank his Gods for, whoever they are. Outside the temple, at all times, two priests of Poseidon are stationed, tending to the temple and aiding the poor passing by. In King's Harbour, however, their sacks of bread and other necessities are hardly ever touched, as very few are in need of their services. Instead, they walk the settlement after their shift at the temple, handing out bread to a hungry guardsman, a worker at a factory, or a kid underway from school. When the greater charities are in low demand, smaller acts of goodness must fulfil their days. _____________________________ King's Harbour needed a cultural property to progress, and Ibn al'Sayeed needed some screentime, as did the faith. And here it all is, in one build. C&C is, as always, welcome. Thanks for looking!

Cooke being away in Quinnsville didn't stop developments in King's Harbour. Everything was progressing along with his, so far still secret, plan, and new settlers arrived regularly. While not growing as fast as Cooke had hoped, the arrival of organisations like the ETTC and the Royal Society spurred growth and attracted both investments and people. One of the most recent additions to the settlement was a physician, and it was with the growth of services like this that Cooke hoped the naval base would pick up growth. And so it was! Cooke's latest order as Governor had been to start building up a network of stone docks and canals, and already days after finishing these, the first plots had been sold. In the first stretch of stone docks erected, warehouses and residences had already been constructed for some of the most entrepreneurial residents and businesses, and the docks were coming alive. The first buildings were a warehouse of the Montoya Estate and residences for two wealthy merchants. Loading and unloading the vessels and barges calling in the port required the proper tools, and several cranes and lifts had already been constructed, both for the dockside and as integral to the warehouses. To ensure traffic running smoothly in and across the canals, several drawbridges were being constructed all around the new port. The canals were already coming alive with several barges and small-craft like this ox-driven vessel currently unloading barrelled cocoa beans from the Allcock cocoa plantation inland. These were being stored in the cellar under the merchant's residence. Nearby, a captain is negotiating with a merchant for a new suit of sails for his lugger, which is currently without any cloth on its masts, due to it being improperly stored while in port and thus ruined by a storm. In the meantime, one of the new residents has purchased a piano from the Montoya Warehouse, surprising his wife with such a, for the colonies, rare implement. Cooke's city plan allows ample space for traffic and trade, with roads all around most buildings. This has the added benefit of limiting the squalor of closely populated areas, something that had been a cornerstone in Cooke's plan, having himself far too often struggled his way through dirt and despair in the cities of the old world. It will be interesting to see how King's Harbour develops from here, but if Cooke's plans are followed closely, this section will be a good representation of its future. _______________________________________________- Thanks for looking, all. I have wanted to do something like this for a long time, as I have a plan for King's Harbour, which I will hopefully find an occasion to show off in the near(ish) future. I am taking most of my inspiration from northern european cities such as copenhagen and amsterdam, especially Nyhavn in CPH. As always, C&C is welcome. A few more pictures can be found in my flickr. It will be licensed as a large commerce.

King's Harbour was growing rapidly, and many of the soldiers, sailors and merchants had started bringing in their wives, and with their wives came their children as well. And while initially some of the kids, in highly un-Corlander fashion, enjoyed not having to go to school, the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy quickly remedied this. While the city administration donated a large plot of land in the planned residential areas, the Royal Society has constructed a large school building, and will be sponsoring it going forward. Ensuring education for the young is an important objective of the Society, to ensure that the scientists of tomorrow are groomed from a young age. Winston Fitzherbert the 3rd, fellow of the Society, will be schoolmaster for the children of King's Harbour, and his stern but fair teaching style is appreciated widely amongst both kids and parents. Just now, the kids are arriving for the first day of teaching, being welcomed by the schoolmaster and the groundskeeper. A few of the kids are running late, rushing not to be reprimanded by their new schoolmaster. On the first floor, the classroom is located. Below the classroom, a large library and study houses activities of more advanced students and fellows of the Society, and in the sidewing, an archive is to hold records and specimens collected by various expeditions for further study. Additionally, the groundskeeper has a small house by the gate, awarded for long services as assistant to a fellow of the Society. _____________________________________________________________ Large educational facility for King's Harbour, which will be licensed by the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy. C&C welcome.

The defence of a Corlander naval base on a largely uncharted island cannot be left to green troops. Thus, a troop of Her Majesty's Winged Cuirassiers has been assigned to King's Harbour. Outside the settlement, a barracks and stable has been erected, fortified against minor threats. Here, we see three cuirassiers riding out of the main gate, likely going on another patrol to map and survey the surrounding areas. The Winged Cuirassiers derive their name from the winged banners they carry atop their long battle-lances, and the breastplates (cuirasses) they carry on their chest against small arms fire and lances. Each section of four Cuirassiers is lead by a bannerman, who, instead of the wing, carries the banner of her Majesty, Queen Anetta. They are elite, shock-troops, and have often been known to turn the tide of battle with their largely unstoppable charge. Armed with a battle-lance, a long-sword, and a cavalry carbine, they are versatile and highly trained troops. Recruited from the universities, and offered good pay and overall conditions, they often transition into important positions in the colonies as their tour of duty ends. ___________________________________________________________ Sometimes, you just need to figbarf and build some troops. C&C welcome. The build will be licensed as a small residence.

The new colonies are screaming for vessels, specifically for coastal transport, fishing, and whaling. As not near enough vessels reach the colonies from the old world, entrepreneurial craftsmen in New Terra has set up makeshift shipyards to meet demand. The easiest way to build ships with limited set ups is by constructing them on a slipway and, when the hull is finished, let the whole vessel slide down the rails into the water. This particular slipway is built in King's Harbour and has quickly become known for producing seaworthy and utilitarian (although somewhat broad-bottomed and clumsy) vessel of high quality. These vessels are affectionately known as the King's Harbour Tubs. _____________________________________________________ A take on a medium factory for King's Harbour - I have been planning a full-size shipyard with drydocks for a while, but felt like starting out with something simpler, reflecting the pioneering spirit of New Terra. I expect to outfit the hull later for licensing. Ever since thisbuild, I have wanted to try a brick built hull with that sort of inner skeleton, and I find it worked out well. (Although more expert builders can probably create more organic shapes...) C&C is, as always, welcome and encouraged. Thanks for looking!

After Montoya's men had prospected for the finest minerals near King's Harbour on Cocovia and found none of those, they decided to join forces with the Fontonajo Mining Ventures to extract some of the finest granite from the mountains close to the prospecting scene. However due to other activities the Fontonajos could only send some men now. What they found were no longer the bare mountains ready for their stones to be cracked out, but rather a green wilderness. Fascinating how much two months of unhindered growth can do. "Armed" with knifes and machetes the men had to do lots of hard gardener's work to get rid of all the plants, before they could even start to set up their granite quarry. After some days they did, and now the fine granite will soon be available for all new inhabitants of King's Harbour.

Rumours throughout Corrish New Terra and beyond of a mysterious organisation consisting of some of the richest and most powerful notabilities of Corrington are spreading fast. Not much is known of its purposes and and plans, but hear-say suggests that it is growing more and more influental. Fueling such rumours is the opening of yet another warehouse, this time in King's Harbour on Cocovia. This island is home to some very exotic goods and demand for these in the old world is growing rapidly. Further, the new colonies need manufactured goods and supplies to support their growth and to handle these flows of goods, organisations and infrastructure is rapidly building up. One such is the newly established warehouse in King's Harbour, licensed by the mysterious ETTC. Located on a line of new stone quays inside the cove, it is already bustling with activity, and the store rooms swiftly filling up, creating the need for an extra outhouse for further goods. Barrels of cocoa for the old world, salted pork for the Royal Navy, and gunpowder for its guns are stored and ready for loading onto the next vessel in need. The presence of Ibn al'Sayeed in the upstairs office and store room might suggest Montoyesque involvement in the ETTC. It sure seems like al'Sayeed is the one in charge of this branch, as he conducts all dealings regarding the goods of the warehouse. Further, his crew appears to be handling much of the logistics of the warehouse. Rumours aside, this warehouse is one of the first to open on the harbourfront of King's Harbour, and its imposing facade sets the bar for buildings in this new settlement. The activity is bound to grow over time, and this is surely not the last warehouse to open its doors in New Terra. _________________________ A warehouse for the ETTC, which will be licensed as a medium commerce. C&C welcome.

This was not a good day to be Lieutenant McLeod. He had just lost his command, the Otter, and now had to find its owner, don Isaac Montoya, to bring him the bad news. Luckily, he had found passage to Cocovia on the vessel that resqued him and his crew from drowning, and had just now reached King's Harbour. While some might stipulate that loosing one's vessel to a much superior and completely scrupulous enemy was not something to be blamed for, and indeed, McLeod had been trying to convince himself of this for the whole trip, as had the captain of the vessel that picked him up, but he remained stressed. Surely, he would not be facing a court martial, as the Otter was a privately owned vessel, but still - it felt like a blemish on his carreer, and he knew not the consequences. Finding that Montoya was under way to Quinsville had given him some temporary respite, but no resolution to his anxiety. And really, Montoya was not who he worried for. Much more imposing was his friend, McLeod's former captain to whom he was indebted for gaining him his first command, Captain Jno. Cooke. Surely, he would not look lightly upon the loss of the cutter and its cargo? Walking through King's Harbour, everything seemed to remind McLeod of the impending dread of bringing over his news. Ibn al'Sayeed had taken it gently, consoled McLeod and offered him and his crew lodgings at a makeshift inn in King's Harbour, but as McLeod was now strolling along in his own thoughts, he noticed the newly build printers shop, where the Proceedings were being printed. The Proceedings being the official journal of the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy, and its new world editions being printed here, in King's Harbour on Cocovia, could not but be another reminder of his grim faith. He wondered if he would ever be able to take ship again... On the backside of the printers shop, fresh paper was being delivered, and inside the editor was busy setting the types for the newest edition of the Proceedings. It included a working paper by Baker & Montoya on the Cocovian Coral reefs brought in a few days ago by the Ferret packet, as well as the most recent notes on Alberto de Pontelli's recent experiments in flight, and was sure to cause great uproar and interest in the Royal Society. At the same time, his assistant was busy printing the already finished articles, most noteworthily one on turtles by Major Dirk Allcock, and some paleontological notes by Sir James Chase. Here you see a detail shot of my printing press and the table where the editor is setting the types for printing. Thanks for looking - C&C is as always welcome. The building and street is rather basic, but I am somewhat limited in my bricks, and try to make the most of it. I really like how the printing press came out, although we have already seen a few magnificent examples.

As a new settlement, King's Harbour is in need of almost everything. Naturally, prospecting for minerals was one of the earliest endavours undertaken on Cocovia. The sample will be tested for its composition, before a mine can be set up. Nothing much - just a little prospecting build for King's Harbour.

Outstanding contracts: Class 1F vessel w/station: 40 db Lumbermill: 25 db Coming soon: Quarry Outstanding offers: The King's Harbour Foundation ________________________________________________ The military governor's office in King's Harbouris where the settlement is managed, and where you will find all outstanding contracts, offers and incentives, as well as all other issues related to the management of King's Harbour, both military and civilian. The small but stately building was one of the first to be erected on the new stone quays. It is rather small, but for the early beginnings of the settlement, it is more than sufficient. However, in time, the administration is apt to outgrow this small building. Outside the building this very day, Cooke and Montoya are conducting each their business. Due to a shortage of manpower, Cooke has commandeered young mr. Baker, nominally Montoya's research assistant, and is currently dictating a contract for a new despatch vessel for local communications, especially to improve contact to the fortress at Chase Point, to far away for overland contact. At the same time, Montoya is welcoming Ibn al'Sayeed, manager of the Montoya Estate, who has arrived with the Sphinx, while his crew is dragging a heavy chest of gold into the new office. ____________________________________ Hereby a small office for the management of King's Harbour. Of course, C&C for the build and story is welcome, but in the long run, this post will be used for different announcements and the like, relating to King's Harbour. Any advice on what license type I should choose?

Challenge II, Category A - North Head Battery Dirk's previous story can be found here Bregir's characters have been used with his permission. ------------------------------------------------------- After a fortnight’s hard work, the Colonial Half Battery that Dirk Allcock had been directed to site and supervise construction of was complete, and the temporary Governor of King’s Harbour, Captain Jonathan Cooke, was coming for an inspection. Dirk hoped the Governor would be impressed. With the assistance of Midshipman Knowles, he had carefully selected an appropriate site that had commanding views of the wide entrance to the bay, and provided a suitable field of fire in conjunction with the already established battery on the southern side. The chosen position sat at the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking wide stretches of beach and enclosed by vegetation all sides. A small path had been cleared leading down into a nearby cove for access and resupply and it was this path that the Governor and his entourage now approached on. Dirk was a little nervous, for he had slightly exceeded his orders in that he had made some modifications to the prefabricated half battery design, which called for a straight palisade of wood to protect the two 24 pound guns. Whilst the original palisade design was more than suitable for protection from small arms, Dirk had felt that given the position and purpose of the battery; the palisade would be better suited with sloping walls to attempt to deflect any heavy shot from vessels trying to force entrance to the bay. Dirk's second improvisation was off a slightly larger scale. He had found a stone mason newly arrived in the colony, and had quickly press ganged him into building a small furnace adjunct to the battery. The purpose for this was not so the garrison could bake fresh bread (although the Colonial gunners were impressed!). Rather it was so the 24pound shot could be heated until red hot. This heated shot could then be employed against any enemy vessels attempting to force entry to the harbour. Fire, always the greatest fear onboard a wooden vessel, was the inevitable result of being struck by heated shot. Heated shot was usually only available to large, established forts, so to employ it in a makeshift half battery was un-heard off. Dirk however, always the innovator, simply could not resist pushing the boundaries of the possible. Captain Cooke arrived, and with him was the man Dirk had travelled to Cocovia to meet, Don Isaac Montoya. Montoya nodded at Dirk, the two had matters both were eager to discuss. Both men were passionate natural philosophers, and Montoya was proposing the establishment of a New World Branch of the Royal Society of Natural Philosophy. Duty, however, came first, and Dirk’s duty to the crown had meant reporting to Captain Cooke first, and the naval officer had entrusted him with establishing this battery, crucial to the defences of the new settlement. After pleasantries were exchanged, Captain Cooke made a detailed inspection of the site, the guns and the powder, ammunition storage and lastly the furnace. Dirk explained his modified design and the Governor carefully studied the fields of fire the guns provided. During this time, Montoya spied something on the beach below that captured his full attention. A notebook appeared in his hands as if by magic, and he began furiously taking notes and making sketches. “I say” he announced “I have never seen a sea turtle like it” Instantly distracted from the inspection, Dirk glanced down at the beach and at the large turtle crawling up it. “Ah yes, I call them ‘banded turtles’ due to the unusual dark horizontal band across the bottom third of the carapace. I believe that will be a female coming ashore to lay eggs” replied Dirk excitedly. “The natives hereabouts say that this area is a major breeding ground for them, although this is the first I seen come ashore.” “Yes that band is indeed unlike anything I have seen before” commented Montoya “The natives also say that the female turtles will return to precisely the spot they were hatched from to lay their eggs, although how they discern this fact I have no idea” added Dirk. Both men were now totally absorbed watching the turtle, making observations and comments as if the bemused governor and crew of the half battery did not even exist. “Is there a way down onto the beach?” Asked Montoya. Captain Cooke gave a slight shake of his head, and his lips turned slightly up in a grin. He knew his patron and good friend, Montoya, well enough to know that any hope of further discussions of arcs of fire or powder storage were hopeless. He also recognised the same traits in this Army officer. Truth be told he was well pleased with the battery. It had saved him the work of supervising the construction himself, and the location was indeed ideal. The modifications, to the battery design, while slightly un-orthodox, were indeed inspired. Only the Army would thought of something as devilishly effective as heated shot. The Naval officer in him disapproved. Fire was the enemy of all sailors. The governor in him however, was excited at this new capability. He nodded to his entourage; He would leave the two men to their turtle, the never-ending needs of the new settlement were calling him back to the harbour. ------------------------------------- Hope you enjoyed the rather long story! This has been my biggest build to date (a full 48x48), although I think my Cat B entry looks bigger! Actually there are a few firsts here for me, it is also my largest attempt at rock work, first brick built animal (sort off) and first time I've collaborated with another builder for the story (Cheers Bregir!). As always, comments and criticism welcome! Dirk's story continues here

(Crest courtesy of @Kolonialbeamter) This thread encompasses all builds within King's Harbour and on the island of Cocovia (unless in another settlement) Military Governor's Office Outstanding contracts: - Class 1F w/ station: 40 db - Lumbermill: 25db - Coming soon: Quarry, Lumbermill, brick- and tileyard Outstanding offers: - The King's Harbour Foundation Name: King's Harbour Ownership: The Crown of Corrington Location: Cocovia Mayor: Military Governor, J. Cooke Trade Value: see accounts summary Town bank: see accounts summary Who can own property in King's Harbour: Any honourable Corlander. Further, foreigners are allowed property rights after agreement with the Governor/mayor. Who can freebuild in King's Harbour: Anyone. Maps: Location: City Map: Will be published soon. Description: King's Harbour is first and foremost a naval base, and most activity is geared towards the repair, provisioning, maintenance, and outfitting of naval and merchant vessels. Obviously, the many sailors passing through, as well as the craftsmen and workers living there, is likely to give rise to a number of secondary and tertiary services over time, as the naval base expands. Located in an excellent, defensible natural harbour, it is the perfect place for ships to refit, provision, and repair, or to take refuge from storms or enemies. The surrounding forests offers a reasonable source of cordage and timber for these purposes, as well as plenty of fruits, vegetables, and animals for provisions. Fresh water can be procured from multiple springs, or from the river flowing into the bay. The settlement is founded near a native settlement, and co-exists in close cooperation with the natives, the cultures of Corrington and the natives spilling over between them. The harbour is protected by two peninsulae, the northern arm being tall, overgrown, and rocky, and the southern more flat and accessible. Builds in King's Harbour: (Please help me out by posting a link to your King's Harbour builds in this thread.) Properties: Needed to grow to large city: 6 artisans, 1 commerce, 3 factories, (146/101) Fortress: 4 Fortress and Lighthouse, Chase Point, BrickOn, License status: Small fortress Colonial Half-battery, Mark I, Southern Arm, King's Harbour (Bregir), License status: Small fortress Modified half-battery, Northern Arm, King's Harbour (Ayrlego), License status: Medium fortress Residence: 68 Native riverside hut, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Small residence Cpt. Wolfson's Residence, King's Harbour, Brickwolf, License status: Small residence Lighthouse, Northern Arm, Puvel, License status: Medium residence Her Majesty's Winged Cuirassiers, King's Harbour, King's Harbour (Bregir), License status: Small residence Lawliet's house, King's Harbour, Flavius Gratian, License status: Small residence House by the River, King's Harbour, Elostirion, License status: not yet licensed Residential Neighbourhood, King's Harbour, Elostirion, License status: not yet licensed A resolution to the Prio / Sea Rats conflict?, King's Harbour, Capt Wolf, License status: Small residence Cooke's Country Residence, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Medium residence The Trial of Sinbad Part 4, King's Harbour, MKJoshA, License status: Small residence Plantation: 4 Cocoa Plantation, Hinterland, Ayrlego, License status: Small plantation Pig Farm, Hinterland, Puvel, License status: Small plantation Vineyard, Hinterland, Spud the Viking, License status: Small plantation Commerce: 17 Military Governor's Office, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Small Commerce Station for communication and Logistics vessel(s), King's Harbour, Bregir (via Kolonialbeamtr), License status: Medium commerce ETTC Warehouse, King's Harbour, ETTC (Bregir), License status: Medium commerce King's Harbour Dockside, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Large commerce Hiring Crews, King's Harbour, King's Harbour (via Bregir), License status: Small commerce King's Harbour Port, King's Harbour, LM71 Blackbird, License status: Large commerce Smoking Room, King's Harbour, FTA (Via Professor Thaum), License status: Small commerce Government Office, King's Harbour, Ayrlego, License status: unlicensed Dockside, King's Harbour, Gedren_Y, License status: Small commerce Notary, King's Harbour, MKJoshA, License status: Small commerce Rodsh Derr gets a letter, King's Harbour, Bart, License status: Medium commerce Education: 8 The Proceedings, King's Harbour, Royal Society of Nat. Phil. (Bregir), License status: Small education The Cutty Shark, King's Harbour, Royal Society of Nat. Phil. (Professor Thaum), License status: Small education The Royal Society School, King's Harbour, Royal Society of Nat. Phil. (Bregir), License status: Large education Agricultural Research Station, King's Harbour, ETTC (Ayrlego), License status: Large education Artisan: 14 Butcher's Shop, King's Harbour, Puvel, License status: Small artisan Department of Time, King's Harbour, Captain Dee, License status: Large artisan Physician's Office, King's Harbour, Puvel, License status:Small artisan King's Harbour Boat Sheds, King's Harbour, King's Harbour (via Bregir), License status: Medium artisan Cannon Foundry, King's Harbour, King's Harbour (via Captain Dee), License status: Medium artisan Clockmaker, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Small artisan Chocolatier, King's Harbour, Corrington (via Ayrlego), License status: Small artisan Workshop, King's Harbour, Captain Genaro, License status: Medium artisan Masting Sheer, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: ?part of a Royal? not yet licensed Factory: 13 Slipway, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Medium factory ETTC Royal Cocoa Factory, King's Harbour, ETTC (via Collaboration), License status: Royal factory ETTC Cocoa Drying Plant, King's Harbour, ETTC (via Puvel), License status: Large factory Dee Wheelworks of King's Harbour, King's Harbour, King's Harbour (Captain Dee), License status: Large factory Art and Culture: 17 The Majestic Gardens of King's Harbour, King's Harbour, BoC (via Captain Dee), License status: Royal art and culture Government House, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Medium art and culture Temple of Poseidon, King's Harbour, Bregir, License status: Medium art and culture Courthouse, King's Harbour, MKJoshA, License status: Medium art and culture Government Office, King's Harbour, Mesabi, License status: Small art and culture A Shrine in the Sunshine, King's Harbour, Gedren_Y, License status: small art and culture Government Bureau, King's Harbour, Drunknok, License status: small art and culture Another Government Bureau, King's Harbour, Drunknok, License status: small art and culture Government Courtyard, King's Harbour, Ayrlego, License status: unlicensed Courthouse, King's Harbour, Flavius Gratian, License status: Medium art and culture Mine: Fontonajo's Rock Quarry, Hinterland, Elostirion, License status: Rock Quarry Vessels stationed here: Colonial Gunboat, Mark I, Class 1 A, Bregir, License status: Unlicensed Ferret, Class 1F, Bregir (KB), License status: Unlicensed Rowboat, Class 0, Bregir (KB), License status: Unlicensed Other related builds: Letters from home, Freebuild, Bregir A morning swim, Freebuild, Bregir Elena Arrives and An Invitation, Freebuild, BrickOn Prospecting on Cocovia, Freebuild, Bregir

**Warning: Wall of text** At sea, communications from home where rare. Even more so on Cocovia, far from established shipping lanes, and the crew had not seen a letter for months. In fact, some had jested that they feared losing the ability to read… However, recently an old tub of a packet carrying despatches and mail had skirted by, only lying to long enough for a boat to exchange mail. It was a meagre chest, and between them, Montoya and Cooke only received two letters and a message addressed to them both. Montoya had excellent news from his man of business, and Cooke had a pleasant letter from his family. However, these good news were quickly overshadowed by the third message in which a very public affront to them both was detailed by a close friend of theirs. As gentlemen, they could only make one reply, and they quickly put together a note demanding satisfaction, unless a full public apology would be offered. Both expert duellers, in their rage they both went directly to putting an edge on their skills, practising with sword and pistol. Their cynical practice was at its highest point of intensity as young mr. Baker came running up the hill with a bundle of letters. He had heard about the insult, and the new bundle was topped by a newspaper in which he had circled a notice on the front page. "Sirs... sirs!" he yelped, short of breath from the run. "A despatch cutter arrived just after that horrible old tub! Judging by the date of the newspapers, it left Bellson almost a month after the packet , but has already almost caught up with it! There is a full bag of mail as well as some official despatches! And in the paper something that will definitely interest you! A full apology!" Mr. Baker smiled broadly, relieved not to risk losing one of his benefactors to a mindless duel, and Montoya and Cooke both lowered their weapons. "Sir Dee offers his full apology - it was only a misunderstanding! I believe there is also a letter from him in the mail!" Montoya looks up from the paper with a relieved sigh. "And it would seem the other party to the insult was a religious figure. Surely, we cannot duel a priest?" "I am much at ease, my friend…" Cooke said. "I had not much liked to return home only to expect a duel." "Although it seems you are still perfectly able to hit your mark, Sir!" Baker added enthusiastically with an impressed look at the target, bullseye shot out. Montoya cut him short, somewhat jealous, not being praised for his, although somewhat less obvious, still excellent double parry and stab on the practise dummy: "That does not make him invincible to bullets, Mr. Baker. A duel is always a cruel thing - Never feel too confident." "First, hand me the despatches, mr. Baker. Official business first!" Cooke said, ever dutiful. "Afterwards, we better write a reply to Sir Dee…" Baker handed one heavy, sealed envelope to Cooke, and another to Montoya, who looked somewhat perplexed. Why would he receive official correspondence? As he recognised the seal of the Society of Natural Philosophy, he smiled and opened it with great interest. For a few minutes, they read in silence. The admiralty had long held Captain Cooke's skills in hydrography and naval tactics in high esteem. Further, it had recognised the need for a naval base in the new world, as the Royal Navy and the Merchant Marine must be maintained, provisioned, repaired, and a have a safe port in the event of tropical storms. Without such a port, Corrington's interests and further expansion into the east is in danger, as the Royal Navy and the Merchant Marine are the most important tools at the Crown's disposal. Thus, Cooke's sealed despatchcame at an opportune moment. The elaborate sounding charts of the natural harbour, the detailed description of the tactical situation, and the maps of the surrounding landscape made the situation so clear that not even the bureaucrats could delay the decision of the First Lord of the Admiralty: A naval base was to be established at this very spot, and this at the highest possible dispatch. The first order was to assign a battery of the Royal Navy Artillery Corps to the location to set up initial defences. They were to travel at all possible urgency, bringing with them the Royal Charter for the new settlement, named King's Harbour after Queen Anetta's farther and predecessor. Bellson, March 616, the Admiralty To Captain Jno. Cooke, The Admiralty hereby appoints Captain J. Cooke, Master and Commander of the sloop the HMS Athena, temporary military governor of King's Harbour to set up a naval base of operations in the location specified in the attached maps. He is to assume this responsibility with all possible dispatch, and is required to use his discretion to act such that he finds most fitting in furthering the interests of the Crown. Further, he Admiralty considers cordial relations with the locals of highest priority. Failure to do his duty is subject to punishment as determined by a court martial. Signed The First Lord of the Admiralty The Society of Natural Philosophy had too recognised the need for a secure base of operations, in order to explore the new world and all its scientific opportunities, and had thus set up a designated foundation to support all entrepreneurs wishing to set up relevant businesses in the new settlement. To Don Isaac Montoya, Fellow Your most generous donation to the Society has been duly noted, and the Society is most grateful. The Society believes that such an extraordinary sum should be immediately employed to improve the basis for future scientific exploration. Therefore, the Central Executive Committee has decided to establish a foundation for King's Harbour, and decided to appoint you manager of this Foundation. (See attached charter). In much the same perspective, it has been determined that the new horizons of the New World warrants the establishment of a New World Branch of the Society, and we hope that you will accept a position on the Executive Committee of this branch. The New World Branch will take over the Society's properties in Arlinsport for headquarter, including the staff there employed. Best regards Central Executive Committee The Society of Natural Philosophy Finishing their reading, they both looked up with an enthusiastic smile, eager to tell each other of the news, and spoke in unison. They both broke off, and went: "You go first, my friend." After a few gentlemen-like objections, they spoke in turn, each taking great pleasure from the good news. "What prodigious good news, my friend. We shall have this base up in no time!" Cooke concluded. "But now, let us finish this ugly affair with Sir Dee. It troubles my mind so." "Certainly, my friend. Give me a few moments to collect my mind, and I shall read it out to you." Montoya said, and turned to pen and paper. Dear Sir Dee Your gracious apology has reached us on this fair island recently named Cocovia and added to the Crown. It has found both Cooke and I much relieved, as none of us have any wish to risk to prematurely end the life of a respected gentleman such as yourself, nor risk the same upon ourselves. Both the nature and publication of your response entirely satisfied our request for an apology, and we are pleased the affront was but a misunderstanding. You may consider our challenge withdrawn. As a way of repairing relations, it is our hope that you will accept an invitation to dine together, next we are in the old world. Sincerely Don Isaac Montoya "A very handsome letter, upon my word, Isaac. I do hope it will be received in the same spirit in which it was intended. I should much deplore to have made an enemy of such a respected gentleman, based on a mere misunderstanding…" __________ I hope you will excuse me the mass of text and the small size and scope of the accompanying builds. I have only three medium sized set to work with, and a lot of story to tell. I am slowly fleshing out the Society of Natural Philosophy, of which you will hopefully see a lot more in the future, as well as King's Harbour, for which I will very soon post its own thread. Comments and critique is more than welcome.