New Ships and Stuff

1035 Hrs

7 March 1512

Fillydelphia Dockyards, Delamare River

A decent crowd gathers around the dockyards and across the river. A new ship was about to be launched. The carrier-battleship, LRS New Derby, CBB-62, was about to be launched and float on her own. Princess Luna presided over the ceremony. In her speech, she thanked the 'citizens of the New Lunar Republic and the hard workers of New Derby, whose dedication helped build the ship in order to bring down the tyranny of the Solar Empire, and to keep peace.'

At 1040, Princess Luna took the bottle of cidepagne and smashed it against the bow of the boat. To a little suprise, the bottle simply bounced off the bow, without breaking. Undeterred, she took the bottle again, and once more smashed against the bow, this time breaking. At the same time, dozens of magical locks and breaks released from the wheels, and the magnificent ship started to slide down the ramp.

In the Bridge, Admiral Iroh Dragon pulled down on the cord to the ship's horn.

Outside, spectators watched as the battleships made its way into the water, horn blaring. Cheers from all around were just as loud.

As the New Derby cleared the slip, for just a brief moment, she touched New Derby, before she fully settled, floating in the river. Admiral Iroh smile, looking at a glass jar of New Derby [dirty], from his colthood home in Bridge.

"Captain 'Spinkles'," the blue pegasus said, "have Lieutenant Rust report on down below."

The dark green Earth-pony sighed as he heard his hated nickname. "Engineering, this is Bridge whats the status down there?"

"Everything is running OK. All sea chests holding, all packings are not leaking, batteries and fuel tanks full," replied a brown unicorn with a dark red mane, though the intercom.

"Sir, Engineering reports no problems," Lt. Jimmy reported.

"Good. Ensign, I got the helm."

"Yes Si," the ensign obeyed.

Though the LRS New Derby was being maneuvered by tugs and did not need to have a helmsman at the moment.

In the crowds outside, while everypony was cheering, one pony slipped out of the crowds and into the darkness.