Act 3 Scene 4:
(The opening of the curtain reveals the Dreadnoughts bridge, Bigots body has been removed)
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Aeroadmiral Noble: Earl Preen, I must dispatch communications to the High-Exarchs and the rest of the Fleet. They need to be informed of your ascension and the alteration in our plans. May I proceed?
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Earl Preen: Hold off, Admiral. I have different plans for the High-Exarchs. Exarch Worce is to retire quietly. Exarch Lux is to be arrested for his unethical experimentation, and Exarch Cha is to be removed from duty for his mistreatment of subordinates. This will be a new era for Narciss.
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Earl Preen: I have ambitious plans for reform—
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(An officer interrupts with an urgent announcement)
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Sensor Officer: Unknown airships detected on the horizon, my Lord!
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Aeroadmiral Noble: Quickly, provide an analysis of those unknown airships. What do we know about them?
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Analysis Officer: Aeroadmiral, the unknown airships have been identified as Æther Defence Fleet vessels. The fleet consists of one large carrier, three smaller escort carriers, four Corsairs, six Vanguards leading squadrons of six Strikers each, and thirty-six Strikers. There are also two ships of an unknown class.
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Aeroadmiral Noble: (Confused) Carriers? We have no official carriers in our fleet. No one does! What is the meaning of this?
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Analysis Officer: Sir, the large carrier and three smaller escort carriers don’t have official designations, but reports from the other ships indicate they are carrying Strikers and Vanguards.
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Aeroadmiral Noble: I see.
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Communications Officer: Aeroadmiral, my lord, the carrier is requesting permission to break radio silence.
Earl Preen: Let us hear what they have to say.
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(The Communications Officer nods and proceeds to establish communications with the approaching carrier)
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ÆDF Admiral: (*On Radio*) Noble Earl Bigot of Narciss, I address you on behalf of the Æther Defence Fleet. We are aware of your planned invasion, and I must warn you that we have developed a formidable weapon, the Æther Ordnance Torpedo. Its destructive power is unmatched, and we have authorization from every realm in the world to use it if you persist in your hostilities. Cease your invasion, or face the consequences, for this weapon can lay waste to most of your main administrative region and capital Worcestershire in one devastating blast. Please acknowledge.
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Earl Preen: Aeroadmiral Noble, does the Dreadnought have the capability to address both the ÆDF carrier and the entire Narcissian Fleet simultaneously?
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Aeroadmiral Noble: (Respectful) It does, my Lord.
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Earl Preen: Patch me through; I want to address both the ÆDF carrier and the Narcissian Fleet. (He is handed a microphone)
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Earl Preen: (*On Radio*) Noble leaders and commanders of the Æther Defence Fleet and the illustrious forces of our realm, I, Earl Preen of Narciss, successor to the late Earl Bigot, do solemnly address you. With the untimely demise of my father, the era of aggression and territorial conquest has found its end. In recognition of your broadcast, I, in the name of the venerable Earldom of Narciss, command forthwith that all airships within the Grand Fleet descend from their martial pursuits Let the skies bear no witness to further acts of violence and turmoil. The time for hostilities has reached its denouement. May this juncture inaugurate a novel epoch, wherein diplomatic overtures and mutual understanding take precedence over the looming shadows of conflict. I beseech you to retract your forces, allowing the heavens to breathe a sigh of relief and fostering the emergence of tranquillity and concord among the realms. Stand down, and let this pivotal moment be the genesis of an era marked by accord and serenity.
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ÆDF Admiral: (*On Radio*) Earl Preen of Narciss, we acknowledge your ascent to leadership and your plea for peace. We extend the hand of diplomatic discourse and stand ready to engage in discussions that may pave the way for unity and understanding among our realms. Let the future be shaped not by the echoes of conflict but by the harmonious accord of nations striving towards shared prosperity. We accept your offered olive branch, and together, let us forge a path to a new era.
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Earl Preen: (Handing back the microphone) The realm of Narciss seeks a new course, one of collaboration and mutual respect.
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Protagonist: Earl Preen, you have shown wisdom and strength in choosing a path of peace. Your decision will save countless lives and set an example for generations to come.
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(The door opens, but no one enters, a familiar female voice rings out, full of anger and bitterness)
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Angry feminine voice: IT. WILL. NOT.
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(The lights black out once more)
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