In Shetland Harbor....

Finding the gun batteries apparently too busy with their own matters in the wake of the suicide of their would-be ruler, the Hesse-Engelburg squadron has sailed into the harbor, anchoring broadside to the batteries but as yet offering no bombardment or threat. A mixture of small boats and rafts have been let down from the ships to ferry a landing party to the shore.

The ambassador, Colonel von Heiner, disembarks in one of the small craft with his personal banner flying, while around him the other vessels disembark an honor guard of the pink and purple clad Hussars of the Garde du Corps Prinzessin Gertrude, the distinctive uniforms gradually more and more ubiquitous in affairs both diplomatic and military. Other vessels disembark trade goods of goat and dairy products, moving towards such merchant buildings as may exist in the harbor, while still more disembark infantry in white coats and blue trousers....uniforms curiously similar to Gallian marines, though the flags are those of Hesse-Engelburg.

Their first mission is a diplomatic one....find Von Olsen and convince him to place Alisona in their charge. In days without the benefit of radio and aircraft, the news of his death and Alisona's departure has naturally failed to reach the squadron. Meanwhile, aboard the flagship, an aide to von Heiner burns the newly opened sealed orders.

Will von Heiner learn of the fates of Von Olsen and Alisona? Which set of forces will he find in control of the port? Will he support one side or the other with the troops he is landing? And what of the Gallian vessels sailing north some days behind them? Will they appear off the harbor mouth later, or are they bound elsewhere? Much remains to be seen.

Somewhere Off the English Coast....

Having sailed through Tradgarland with stops only for freshest possible provisions at the main harbor on the coast, the Hesse-Engelburg squadron set sail across the English Channel, making little attempt to disguise its course. Now, the squadron is moving northwards, generally, staying a little ways off the English coast as it sails.

On board the flagship frigate, Colonel Freidrick von Heiner sits at tea with the squadron commander, and another officer in a rather ornate coat of an off-white shade, matched with blue pants and waistcoat. A nearby bench serves seating for two aides, one in civilian attire of red and gold, the other in the Hesse-Engelburg naval pattern. The squadron commander is the first to speak.

"Gentleman, a toast to Their Graces." After an appropriate pause, he clears his throat, "I had a report from the duty watch that a sail was sighted briefly on the distant horizon, but soon disappeared. Nevertheless, I thought it wise to alert you. It is possible we are being shadowed. We have no enemies in these waters, so there is relatively little concern, but it is best to remain alert. Still, my suspicion is that it is an English ship trailing us to see what our intent is."

Colonel von Heiner nods, dabbing his lips with a napkin before speaking, "Their Graces indicated they felt it likely we would be shadowed at some point on the journey. I will leave the matter in your capable hands, Captain, save to remind all that our orders are to avoid engagement unless necessary. We are a diplomatic mission, for the present."

Hesse-Engelburg Warships in Tradgarland?

A small Hesse-Engelburg squadron comprising three frigates and two smaller vessels has reportedly been noted entering Tradgarland through the river which joins the two countries, sailing north at best speed. Several observers have indicated that one of the smaller vessels is a dispatch cruiser bearing the state flag and the personal arms of Colonel Freidrick von Heiner, previously known to have been engaged in delivery of diplomatic messages to such nations as Vulgaria.

With the non-agression pact between Hesse-Engelburg and Tradgarland on the one hand, and the recent declaration of a free state by the former Tradgarland forces on Shetland, speculation is rampant as to the squadron's intent, but by all present appearances it is making for the sea.