I write with some urgency, and am eschewing pleasantries accordingly — the Cruise Ship Santa Antonina has gone down off the coast of Portugal at roughly [nautical coordinates]. As the Santa Antonina is a British ship with primarily British passengers, our Ministry is taking point on rescue efforts for all passengers. I find myself in need of a ship to lead rescue efforts — is your vessel appropriate for this?
Please let me know as swiftly as possible. If so, you shall of course have the full support of the resources of the Ministry in the rescue efforts; we will supply rescue personnel from the Ministry and Hospitals, but at the moment transportation is the first concern.
Written on the back of the same piece of parchment Ross sent, and returned by the same owl.
Sir —
You couldn't ask for a finer ship where speed and maneuverability are concerned. The Voyager is your girl.
I can leave by dawn. Can your personnel be ready to depart by then?
Capt. J. A. Darrow
RE: I Require a Pilot - Justin Ross - April 3, 2021
April 8th, 1891 - Evening
Captain J. Alfred Darrow,
Excellent. They'll be ready. I am assuming there are restrictions on space on your vessel — my secretary can update you as to the number of individuals involved.
Please find attached the current passenger manifest for the Santa Antonina, as well as a copy of the distress owl we received. We currently have no information as to the cause or confirmed casualties, but will keep you informed as we receive additional information.
Clean parchment this time but still returned by the same owl
Sir —
I can comfortably house twenty men, beyond my crew, without sacrificing any space for survivors. Fewer if there are women involved, since it might mean dividing berthing and leaving empty beds. We can get that number up a bit with an enlargement charm or two, but anything too drastic might compromise the integrity of the ship. I'm at the docks now and will be busy throughout the night onloading stores, but will be available by owl for any other information your secretary has.
Thank you for placing your trust in me, sir. I won't disappoint.