People milled in and out of the conference room to see what the plans for the new emergency services were. The votes would be tallied after the polls closed in a little less than a week. A representative from Harker and Hall was on hand to look over the ideas Colleen had for the new facilities. It was their job to translate her words and her daughter, Christina's, rough sketches into a viable building plan. They would be hiring additional building crews as soon as the place was settled. Battlefield Park would be a straightforward operation as far as building. However, a logging crew would be needed to clear some of the trees. Dockside and Seaside presented concerns regarding water tables. They also had the need for water rescue equipment. The remaining districts on the list, New Haven and Dragon's Gate had some coastal areas, but not so much that a watercraft needed to be a standing part of the equipment.

"Satellite areas. A couple of those on the coastline would help. That would open jobs for rescue divers." Colleen looked over the list of things she'd noted over the past couple of years that would be of benefit to Rhydin's citizens. "Basic, but comfortable living quarters for the EMS crews are must."

"Define basic," Garrick Brock said.

"Comfortable beds for one. Many places work on 24 hour shifts and places to get solid rest are necessary. Toilet and shower facilities, not to mention good sized dining rooms and kitchens. I'm sure Bertie can work up the cost figures for each of these five plans. No matter which district is chosen, we can be ready based on the needs of the folk in the area."

"You have it all figured out then?" He chuckled slightly. "You should have run for Governor a long time ago."

"Perhaps," she uncurled a finger from her mug of hot tea and pointed at him, "but I wasn't ready until now. Life is that way, you know."

"Tell me about." His eyes lifted to the ceiling.

"Be glad I know that's a rhetorical thing or your ears would be burning all day." Colleen grinned.

A courier delivered a bundled packet to Colleen's office in the early afternoon on Saturday, the 24th of March, fro m Ebon Ilnaren.

To: Governor MacLeod-Fenner

Colleen,

Here are the details of the emergency vessels that I mentioned at last night's town meeting. There are three designs.

First, we have a 50-foot vessel that would serve as a motor lifeboat, able to withstand extremes of temperature and severe storm conditions, to serve in the rescue of endangered crew and craft. Second would be another 50-foot boat, equipped for fighting fires aboard ships or close to the water. These would be capable of navigating the river running through our city, allowing for service beyond Dockside if necessary. Finally, I am suggesting a larger ship, perhaps 100 to 120 feet long, outfitted as an emergency medical vessel with facilities equivlent to a landbound hospital's emergency room, including a trauma surgical center.

There are four hulls available for refitting to meet either of the two smaller class of emergency vessels. I have spoken with Aja and she has agreed that Arcadia Shipyards can handle the refits, as well as construction of the medical ship. I would also suggest reaching out to Kruger, to see if he or other smiths might be able to provide enhanced materials and equipment for the hulls, propellers, and rudders. It never hurts to have a bit of enchantment to help keep one's rescue vessels afloat in stormy weather.

I look forward to speaking with you regarding this matter in more detail, and am at your service.

Thank you for your time!

Ebon Ilnaren

The bundle also included blueprints and diagrams for the three vessel designs mentioned.