<strong>Thaddeus Theodore Thudpucker the Third with Mist, Lee Chang,Charlotte Frost, Lilith Van Stratten, Doctor Mephiston Luciferion Bahl, and a bottle of Rum!!:</strong><br/><br/>Thaddues reveled in the chance to watch the head of the inventors guild up close, smiling to himself as he watched the thin mans jade eyes flit to the back of his head as he puled info from what Thaddeus guessed was a photographic memory.<br/><br/>“The HMS Monsoon, Chief Thudpucker the Third....she is a dirigible Man o’ War in the Sky Corps. She is what, 24 guns to a side?  A remarkable ship, some of her avionics and navigation are the best in the fleet. That you are her Chief Navigator is a credit to you.” Their host said with a sweeping bow. Thaddeus flowed every glance and twitch of the man as he looked over the Navigators apprentice, registering the approval he saw there as he overlooked both the boy and his filtration system.<em>Good,</em>Thaddues thought as Lee Chang continued,<em>the boys made a fine impression on the man. Chang believes as I do. That the Lads got a bright future ahead of him.</em><br/><br/>“Your assistant, I see...I do hope that you both find the Pleasure Dome to be relaxing compared to the service you provide in the fleet. He said in a tone that was pure charm and Victorian grace as he introduced the Harlot upon his arm.<br/><br/>With that said, let me introduce the guiding light for my walk this evening. Chief Navigator Thudpucker, this is Charlotte, the youngest of Doves that seek refuge here in the Pleasure Dome and my escort this evening. Charlotte my dear, let me introduce Thaddeus Theodore Thudpucker the Third, Chief Navigator of the illustrious HMS Monsoon, Dirigible of the Sky Corps, and his aid.” The grace in which Lee Chang pulled off the intro of a lady of the night, proved to Thaddeus that the man was a born statesman.<em>A truly remarkable man, No wonder he's the head of the guild! A mind like a steel trap and a manner of speech that makes murder sound like a business expense.</em>Thaddues thought as The Harlot, herself, curtsied.<br/><br/><strong>We're pleased having you here with us, the both of you.It's a pleasure, making acquaintancetance.</strong>Thaddues was just abut to respond to the pair when they were joined by two other guests.<em>It seems Lees words have had there effect already. Here comes just the gentleman and lady you've been hunting all night</em>The Navigator thought as Dr. Bahl, and the exquisite Lady he had been servicing earlier, approached their group.<br/><br/>It's an honor to be here, good sir. I'm Lilith Van Stratten. I'd be remiss if I didn't thank you for your invitation, and your exquisite hospitality. Your impeccable taste, in all things, is to be commended. I look forward to engaging with you on other matters at a later time, when it's appropriate.”<br/><br/>It's also my honor to meet you, Mister Thudpucker,...Or is it Sir Thudpucker, or Lord Thudpucker? I confess to not knowing your formal title, if you have one. Regardless, I also look forward to conversing with you I've heard quite a bit about your marvelous traveling contraptions. I'd love to better know the mind that created them.” the rather proper lady said in a rush. Thaddeus notedwoman'somans tone and name and smiled broadly. [/i] Ah, this is the famous Lilly Van Stratten. Brilliant hermit that she is, probably the first time shes talked to flesh and blood people since her dad died.[/i] Intrigued by the couple Thaddeus merely stood by and watched a moment.<br/><br/>"Forgive me, Lee Chang, but is this lovely girl available for demonstration purposes? Or any of the girls who enjoy your companionship? When demonstrating the full effect of my clockwork android, I may have need of a female volunteer willing to help demonstrate its more exotic functions."<br/><br/>"Indeed, I must convey my regards as well, Mr Chang.  You've invested quite a bit into your establishment, and it clearly shows.  I've hardly spent any time here and I already feel relaxed with such company.  And what company it is: truly a remarkable gathering of individuals.  I can only suggest that it must be on some part your charisma to draw such distinguished personages to you."<br/><br/>"But where are my manners, I have yet to give my name!  Doctor Mephiston Luciferion Bahl, at your service.  I am not certain if you have heard of me, but I hope word has been favourable if you have.  Weapons inventor, though I've been between projects for awhile now and only have a few items of interest to show for it.  However, the kind Lilith Van Stratten has agreed to work with me on a joint venture, and it fills me with a zeal I haven't experienced in quite awhile.  We've discussed some possible developments and I'm quite excited to see the end result of our union."<br/><br/>"Thaddeus Thudpucker the Third, a name I should recognize, though I hope you will forgive me for not.  And the charming girl by your side Mr Chang, might I inquire about your name?"<br/><br/>"I suspect he will become something of a legacy of skill, take care with this, Knowledge is power, pursue it wisely."<br/><br/>"The lady of humanoid simulacra automaton  and intelligence engines herself. You grace my home and person with your presence Lady Van Stratten...The esteemed Dr. Mephiston Bahl, so glad you could both attend. Do not fret Dr. Bahl, I am most aware of your art and you are to be commended for pursing it so very thoroughly.  ”<br/><br/>"Charlotte  is one of my dearest companions, as are Roxanne and Marie. They are much like petals in a breeze, their fancy takes them as it will, it is a secret that I control the wind,” He smiled as he spoke, possibly a jest of some kind. “I am sure that they will all be quite interested in the possibilities that your creations can offer, but I do not seek to speak for them. My doves rest under my care without restraint of tether to bind them to me, so it is they whom you must discuss terms. I am sure that you will be most caring if they decide to assist you in your display,..but quid pro quo dear Lady van Stratten, as you seek to educate others, there are still things you might learn."<br/><br/>"Charlotte, would you be dearest to me and ask Marie to join my side for a moment and will you check on Roxanne, I believe that Roxanne would like to make sure that you are in spiritsirits.” He looked to Charlotte, nodding in the direction of Marie and Roxanne as he spoke."<br/><br/>When The three paused once more and Charlotte had moved to obey her Master, Thaddeus spoke once more. His voice as proper and as refined as Mist had ever heard from him. A tone that Thaddeus hadn't used in all the time he had been on the Monsoon. The voice of a gentleman, Scholar, and wealthy Lord for that was in fact what Thaddeus was.<br/><br/><strong>"M'lady Van Stratten, Dr. Bahl, It is my greatest honor to meet you. While I am a Lord by birth, I prefer the adventures life, I'm afraid, to that of the Aristrocrat. I spend my days a mere tinkerer and soldier. Thus I am humbled by the brillance before me, Lady Stratten. I must confess myself a follower of your work. I personally adapted your thesis on mechanical intelligence protocols to build the Bio-Electric Navigators that work on our Flagships. it was a truly remarkable labor of the mind. I am sure whatever might be produced from such a union as yours and Dr. Bahls, will be a true marvel. I look forward to seeing the fruit of such a collaboration. "</strong>He said bowing deeply to the lady before turning to the Doctor.<br/>1<br/><strong>"While we are on the subject, Doctor, it seems my messages may have not been brought to your attention properly. Perhaps the responses I recieved were sent by one of your assistants? I am not sure. Either way, it is you that brings me to this fine establishment. I was sent by Her Majesties Royal Navy to procure improved weapons for the Fleet. We have heard rumors regaurding yourself and a design for a tri-barreled cannon, amongst other items. The Sky Corps would be very interested in such a device. As well as any other projects you may be working on. If you have time I would rather enjoy discussing your inventions, with you both. Perhaps over a bottle of wine? You Lord Chang would, of course, also be most welcome. That is, if you don't have other obligations?"</strong>