Three weeks later.
Shena stared in awe along the top deck with dozen's of refugees and soldiers packed shoulder to shoulder in the clear sunny day. All utterly speechless at seeing the great wall of Meera guarding the sea passage to the capital. Opening once again to lead to the last realm of salvation beyond.
The massive wave held in place by island watch towers towered above the once seemingly large flagship. Casting a long looming shadow that stretched for mile's across as it reached for the sky, clearly telling any trespasser to turn back, with thousand's of mine's underneath their very feet to stop any sneaky intrusions under the waves to those who didn't quite get the message. To top it off, each watchtower was armed with the latest in anti aircraft cannons that would blast out any suspicious ship out of the sky if it attempted to go over the wall. For all intent's and purposes, there was no possible entrance above, across, or below the wave. At least for now. And that is what people needed. Hope in something to save them. And that was what this shield of water was for so many people seeing it for the first time. Hope.
But that didn't mean it was not frightening to look at. A few families gasped at seeing the watchtower cannon's target them before turning back to watching the skies.
"It's ok... were not intruders." Their parent's said aloud trying to reassure their children, and probably themselves as well. "We are welcomed guest. This to be our new home!"
And it was to be a new home. A last refuge for so many leaving their whole lives behind for the promise of a safer place. People who had never even set foot in the open seas. But for some. It was just a return.
Shena began smiling at hearing the awe's and gasps of people as the wave entrance suddenly collapsed and parted in two straight down the middle to allow passage and warm sunlight to hit across all of their faces. Shena had seen the gateway open dozens of time's before over the years, but it still held a shroud of magnificence that could never wither.
The large narrow gap cut straight down the powerful wave crashing to the side's, allowing the flagship redeemer to enter unchallenged into it's gaping mouth, with the massive ship and it's people on deck being cast in heavy invigorating mist which sent half back below drenched and grunting, while most basked in it's downpour excited. Shena could not decide which she was. So she just stayed put breathing the fresh air.
After about three hours of standing on deck with a few curious stragglers. Shena looked along the horizon to at last be able to see her home city once again.
Shena had always thought Meera was the shinning light of the world. With it's glistening domed towers, paved city streets and centuries old building's. It's magnificence was all she had ever known. Never questioning. Never thinking it could ever fail or collapse. Shena sighed.
But everything collapses eventually. Unless things change.
The overcrowded city drew closer and closer by the minute as their ship rocked up and down against the wave's. More and more people began pouring back out onto deck to catch a glimpse of the approaching monarchy capital which had never fallen to outsiders. Shena knew that the coming crucial month's would test Meera's might, and truly see if it's title as the invincible city was truly well deserved. Hopefully. It was.
The Redeemer bellowed it's ship's horn as it slowly approached to dock in one of the city's many harbor's. Sliding carefully into place alongside a concrete pathway. Just beyond. Shena could see the once great ship yard that had housed thousand's of the monarchy's famed navy before the war. Only now. Most of these ship's were gone. The hangers empty and sparse of might. With new poor quality ship's being made around the clock with what little scrap metal the nation had on offer. But it wasn't enough. Shena feared her nation might never have their might in the sea's again. Without control of the seas. What were they?
The ship made a loud thud as it collided and stopped against the dock. Many of the soldiers cheered and hollered as they stared down anxiously from the deck to see their families after so long away from home. Unable to wait a second longer they hastily climbed over the deck railings and dived into the cold water to quickly swim ashore. All these men and women wrapped themselves in their loved one's in their arms once they finally reached the docks. Those that remained looked on fondly. They had their families with them onboard. Others had no one.
A few moment's later a large ramp extended off to the side of the old ship's hull. Shena and those just like her grabbed their duffle bag and slung it over her the side of their backs.
Time to go to work.
The first to disembark were military personnel. Their job. Setting up immigration site's at the end of the dock pathway to check everyone in with a somewhat orderly manner to avoid chaos and confusion. Shena helped set up the tent's or anything she could do to be helpful. Despite these men and women being disciplined. Thing's went slower than expected. There weren't many soldiers left. After about an hour of work it was finally done.
Alright! Line up! The immigration official called out to the top of the boat. He seemed rather bored and dispirited. Clearly having seen enough of the sad sight of sick and wounded families arriving on his shore's all day to last a lifetime. Despite his frustration and exhaustion. He kept focused. All these new people needed to find their way. "Stick together and make sure you have you're belongings close by. Follow the path and check in at the tents in an orderly manner! Let's do this quick and simple ok everyone??!
A few people nodded from atop the ship. Most seemed hesitant to get off. Not knowing what life would await them away from the comfort and free food of the ship.
Shena helped as many people as she could stay focused and in line. But it was a sight of confusion and sadness she didn't wish to bear. But still she stayed steadfast for hours until at last everyone had been processed and taken to the refugee camps on the far side of town.
As Shena sat drinking water exhausted on the edge of the calm concrete dock. She sensed a heavily perfumed scent approaching closely behind her. It made her nose immensely irritated.
She stood and turned around to see a little well dressed man. A sleek grey porpoise with a gold necklace and clothes befitting a high class servant.
Yes? She asked. And who are you?
The fat Little porpise anxiously cleared his throat And looked in closer at her scar to make sure he was speaking to the right person.
Are you miss Shena Veso?
Yes Shena grunted annoyed. What do you want?
The messenger then pulled a rolled up scroll from his jacket and unraveled the parchment. Clearing his throat and relayed the message cheerily aloud.
To Miss Shena Veso. You are cordially invited to attend the memorial gala, held in your honor, as well as for the brave fallen servicemen at the battle of raider hill. You're esteemed presence has been highly requested by the prime minister to help aid the war effort and commemorate the fallen at this exclusive public event. Formal military attire or dress is required to attend.
Thank you for your brave service and for your consideration.
Signed Prime minster Koa. Governor of Meera.
The little messenger rolled up the paper neatly into his jacket and stared up at Shena with his hands behind his back waiting patiently for her answer.