The Last Voyage
Several days had passed since that fateful day in Crown Royal. The Grand Duchy of Japuile expressed its deepest condolences to Empress Kohl, after which she received a letter from...Admiral Gascon Géroux? The letter was enclosed in a blue envelope with an admiral's seal. Upon opening, the letter was not handwritten, but machine-typed, judging by the font.
"May the waves always be in favor of Your Imperial Majesty, Empress Kohl.
I, Admiral Gascon Géroux, who have not lost the motivation or will to lead the fleet of the Grand Duchy of Japuile, must tender my deepest apologies due to the situation at the Museum. I have been deaf to those who meant well for me—therefore, I invite Your Imperial Majesty to join me for my farewell voyage from Limne to the old naval base. I understand the emotions this may stir, but please, Empress Kohl, feel at home on the ship."
Empress Kohl arrived in Limne and was immediately directed to the super battleship Gloire du Levant. The length of the super battleship is 305 meters, with a width of 40 meters. You can feel the spirit of the time on these boards and metal, which has been restored and adapted to modern times, even though its era is passing with Admiral Gascon Géroux. Onboard, there’s a sense of consequence, joy, and a certain kind of ceremony.
Speaking of our sea wolf, Admiral Gascon Géroux sat in a comfortable, large wheelchair—the surface of which was smooth wood, with the Admiral lying on soft cushions embedded in the chair. He wore his uniform, although it had lost some of its color; yet, the Admiral smiled—with gratitude, with apologies, and...with disappointment, that this was how his service had to come to an end.
"Thank you, Empress Kohl, for attending my farewell voyage. These are His Grand Majesty Casamir I of the House of Episcopo and The Honorable Prime Lord Alard Reyrond, who themselves made my last voyage in this Grand Battleship."
He looked from Empress Kohl to the leaders of the Grand Duchy of Japuile, feeling as though someone had given him back his wings and the dignity with which he should depart.
"It is the duty of the government to ensure that our veterans have a worthy rest and life after service, even if this is all we can give—they will be the ones who count in life after military service."
"I agree with His Grand Majesty—yet, we must also look to the future, so that our veterans feel pride in the fact that the military moves forward rather than standing still. They know what needs to be improved, and our duty should be to ensure that their experience and knowledge shape the future."
Said His Grand Ducal Majesty and Alard Reyrond, who stood next to the wheelchair. The wheelchair was being pushed by Colonel Catherine Brochard, who nodded toward Empress Kohl. Along with them on board were about 750 sailors—all those who had served with the Admiral and had the opportunity to come to bid him farewell. The Grand Admiral's cabin had been renovated for his current state.
There was music, food, light alcohol, and plenty of conversation. As the sky darkened and we neared Artane (half an hour from entering the port), all of the ship's guns were fired in a specially prepared fireworks display—18 guns fired simultaneously, creating a beautiful spectacle of fireworks in the sky.
Upon entering the port, Admiral Gascon Géroux was taken to the hospital to continue his observation and treatment, so he could rest in his home and focus on his health and well-being as a veteran.
