As the Gerald R. Ford and its escort fleet approached the Empire's main port, the Britannia delegation gathered on deck once more, their eyes wide in surprise and horror.
The port city sprawls before them, a breathtaking combination of advanced technology and architectural beauty. Sleek skyscrapers of glass and steel reach for the sky.
The harbor is busy. Massive cargo ships, their hulls emblazoned with the Empire's insignia, were being loaded and unloaded by automated cranes and robotic workers. Smaller vessels, ranging from private yachts to public ferries, darted between the larger ships, creating a complex dance of maritime traffic.
But what really caught the delegates' attention was the city's defenses. A shimmering, transparent dome surrounds the entire port city, stretching out to sea. Occasionally, the surface of the dome rippled, like disturbed water, before settling back into near-invisibility.
"It's the city's power shield," Vice Admiral Jericho explained, noting their surprised expressions. "It defends the city against the aggressive inhabitants of the Monsters sea."
Public transport pods whisked along elevated tracks, their sleek designs a far cry from the horse-drawn carriages of Britannia.
"Look over there," Count Sam said, pointing to a huge structure near the water's edge. It appeared to be a huge aquarium, its walls transparent, revealing the shape of the huge sea creatures swimming inside.
"Leviathan research center," Vice admiral said. "Here we do various studies on these giant sea monsters."
As the ship entered the harbor proper, a section of the energy shield smoothly parted to allow them passage.
Suddenly, a deep, resonant sound echoed across the water. The delegates saw a truly gigantic ship at a dock far out in the harbor. It even Gerald R. Dwarfing the ford as well, its hull seemed to be made of a sharp material unlike any metal they had seen before.
"HMS Stormbreaker," said the Vice Admiral, a note of pride in his voice. "Pride of the Empire. Capable of both sea and space travel."
Countess Milner's head turned at the word "space." "Space travel? You mean… outside of our world?"
The vice admiral nodded, a small smile on his lips.
"Indeed. But that's a topic for another time, I think. Your official welcome party is waiting."
The Britannia delegation found a group of elegantly dressed men waiting at the wharf. Flags bearing the insignia of both the Empire and Britannia flew in the wind.
Marquis Nile prepares himself. "Well, this is it," he murmured. "The moment."
Countess Milana squared her shoulders, her face set in a mask of diplomatic calm. "Remember," she said to her companions, "we represent all of Britannia. Let us show them the best of our kingdom."
As the gangway was lowered, the delegates prepared to disembark, each lost in their own thoughts. they had crossed the Monster Sea and arrived at the heart of the Empire. Now, the real challenge began – to secure a future for Britannia