Assistant Chief Inspector Stover Delft entered his office and limped to his desk, tapping his cane against the chairs as he went. He stared for a moment at the five RHC constables standing to attention.
“Right,” said Delft as he lowered himself into his chair, “Take a seat.” The constables quickly shared out the four other chairs, with Aleric sitting on his robotic dog.
“So, today is the big day,” said Delft. “I've seen your reports, and it seems you've got everything well in hand. But something came up this morning that needs to be taken care of.”
“We got a tip from an informant,” continued Delft, “that there will be a few troublemakers at the launch ceremony. No names, no descriptions, we were only told that some folks will be out to harass Governor Stanfield or maybe the King himself. I'm not expecting a serious attack, but any sort of disturbance in the King's presence would be deeply embarrassing for the RHC.”
“So what I need you to do is write up a threat profile, brief the city cops, and arrest the troublemakers before they cause any trouble. Oh, and don't fuck up. Dismissed.”
It is spring of the year 500 A.O.V. (After Our Victory). Seven years after the end of the Fourth Yerasol War, the shipyards in Flint have completed the first Risuri warship powered solely by steam engine, not sail. Your monarch, King Aodhan, has come to Flint to witness the official launch of this mighty vessel. Wooden-hulled but with a heart and skin of iron, the Royal Naval Ship Coaltongue will act as a deterrent against future aggression from Risur’s enemy across the sea, the nation of Danor.
The Royal Homeland Constabulary has been called upon to provide security, and you have spent the past several weeks working to make sure this event goes off without a hitch — canvassing the docks, performing background checks on the guest list, coordinating with the local police to set up a perimeter around the royal docks, and following various directives of your superiors.
Now, as a warm breeze blows off the sea, mingling with the scents of elaborate floral decorations with the pervasive coal soot that always hovers over Flint, you’re at the first of two checkpoints, working with Flint police to let in a crowd of local citizens who just want to line the streets and cheer their king.