When it came to Martin's breakfast, eggs were usually the main course. While that might sound plain, Martin knew a plethora of ways to prepare eggs, be it scrambled, fried, or even poached. So when Karina sat at the dining table, she was not surprised to find two plates with omelettes on them, each stuffed with cheese, along with various spices and garnishes.
"Impressive presentation, as usual." Karina commented.
The two sat down and began to eat. The omelette tasted as good as it looked.
"Now then," Martin began, "we should discuss the nature of our meeting with Rose."
"I was meaning to ask, actually." Karina replied. "What did Rose summon us for this time?"
"She only mentioned that the mafia may be involved. She'll tell us the rest when we get there." Martin explained.
"Why can she never just give us our assignments in her messages?" Karina asked.
"It doesn't matter, I need to head up there anyway." Martin continued. "Rose also mentioned that Jade's school grades have been slipping. She asked me to visit and organize a tutoring session."
Karina groaned. Jade was President Rose's daughter, who had just turned 16 the previous month. Martin was her tutor. He saw her as his young prodigy, but Karina saw her as a spoiled privileged brat. The two did not get along. Martin heard her groan and chuckled.
"Don't worry, it won't take long." He said.
"Good. How soon until we get to the Palace?" Karina asked. She was referring to the Ivory Palace, a large white castle where the president resided. It was located many miles away from New London, which is why they were flying there.
"As usual, a few hours." Martin replied, looking at his pocket watch. His eyes narrowed in thought. "Possibly more, actually. The Phoenix's steam engine has been working strangely." He stuffed the watch back into his pocket.
"Well we have a while until we get there." Karina said. "We should try to fix the engine while we wait."
"No, it'd be too dangerous while the ship is moving." Martin said. Karina nodded. The two finished up their meal and exited the dining room. Martin went to the navigating room to set their course, while Karina went to Martin's library. It was a small room, but the walls were stacked floor to ceiling with bookshelves, each filled with books of various kinds. Karina read more than half of them.
"Well, it's gonna be a while till we get to the Palace." She muttered. "Let's see..."
She ran her finger across a bookshelf until she finally found one that caught her eye. It was a red leather bound tome with a gold trim. It was a large book too, easily over a few hundred pages.
"Perfect." Karina thought. She pulled it out at read the title. "Warriors of Arijog". It sounded interesting. She sat in the large worn chair in the corner of the room and turned on the gramophone that sat on a table next to it. A quiet classical melody filled the room. Karina loved listening to music as she read. It helped her think. She opened the book and began to read, preparing for the long journey. Then she fell fast asleep.

After a few hours, the Phoenix docked at the Palace. Both Martin and Karina often forgot just how beautiful the Palace was. It was a massive structure, made from a white stone material. It seemed to rest on the clouds below it, as if it were floating by itself. In reality, it was supported the same way as all buildings in New London; basically it floated on massive rubber balloons underneath the support, but with stabilizing equipment such as gyroscopes and gravity sensors to keep it upright. Some of this equipment had been developed by Martin himself. Another thing that enhanced the Palace's beauty were the fluttering red flags emblazoned with Rose's insignia; a black minimalist rose with a long curling stem with several thorns. As Martin and Karina stepped off of the ship, Rose was there to meet them at the dock. Two of her guards were standing at her side, as always.
"Thank goodness you're here." Rose said, a breath of relief in her voice. "We have much to discuss."
"Indeed. I believe you mentioned something about organizing a tutoring session with Jade?" Martin asked. Karina rolled her eyes, but kept quiet.
"Yes, but that can wait." Rose answered. She waved off to the side, signalling her guards to leave her alone. They did as they were ordered. "Now, come with me."
She turned and walked back to the Palace. Martin and Karina followed.