I'm Ready

Writers: Ames, Jelena
Date Posted: 19th February 2014

Characters: Famell, Naton
Description: Naton comes to tell Famell that his Mastery project is finally done.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 5, day 6 of Turn 7

Naton checked the folder one more time, to see if everything was
there. Nervous jitters danced around in his guts when he closed it and
put it under his arm. This was it! Even though it was just an informal
visit to his Hall Master, it felt like a big deal. Because finally he
could declare his project done. He had designed, produced, evaluated
and refined until there was - in his eyes - nothing more to refine.
Now it was ready for inspection by the Masters and then hopefully, he
could finally join their ranks. It had been a long winding project,
but he was so very proud of the results that he didn't mind how long
it had taken him.

So while he was nervous, he came up to Famell''s office door with a
smile on his face. "Sir, do you have a moment? It's Naton here," he
called out.

Famell looked up and called out. "Come in Naton." He waited for the
journeyman to enter before adding. "What can I do for you today?"
Famell always had an open door policy and his dolphineers knew it. He
enjoyed the respite from the hidework that had become a more tedious
part of his job.

"I think I'm done, Sir," Naton said as he held out the folder to his
Hallmaster. "With my Mastery project, that is, I think it is ready for
inspection"

"Oh?" Famell was surprised. He knew Naton had been working on his
project for some time, but he had always wanted it to be tweaked or
changed just a little. His device had come in quite handy in recent
times, so Famell knew that it would benefit the Hall. "Shall we begin
then? Even though I know much about your project, part of the process
is you explaining it in detail to me. Then I'll examine it, as you
know. Then we will convene the council of Masters and you will present
again to all of them. If they deem your knowledge and project worthy
of improving the craft and that there is need of further Masters," he
he paused and with a wink added, "which there is, by the way, but I
did _not_ tell you that," He gave Naton a nod at that then continued,
"then if your project passes the council we will proceed with your
promotion? Would you like to begin now or do you need time to
prepare?"

"I'm ready as can be," Naton replied with only the slightest hint of
nervousness, opening the folder and picking up the first diagram. He
hadn't expected Famell would have time for his presentation right
away, but he had prepared for the eventuality. "The idea for this
project came to me when I was doing a check-up on a current
Journeywoman Irabel and I had discovered. It was just past midnight
and we had great difficulty doing the usual tests because of the dark,
moonless night. I then realised it would be much easier if we could
equip the dolphins with some kind of light."
Famell nodded as Naton spoke, "I've been privy to see your design at
work. Tell me just a bit more about how you came up with it and how it
works. This will be good practice for your presentation in front of
the council of masters."

"I started with the question of how to attach the light securely to a
dolphin's head without impeding the dolphin. I soon came up with a
relatively safe and easy to use contraption with bands. Then came the
question on how to make an air-tight cover for the glows I wanted to
use, so they wouldn't be effected by the seawater. I went to visit the
Smiths and this is what we came up with together," he displayed the
glass bulbs that held the glows, with a large plug that made it easy
to replace the things.

Famell examined the bulbs, pleased with how well they were fashioned.
"And in trade, what will we need to provide for the Smiths to acquire
enough of these to outfit the main pod?"

"If we can supply them with custom made waterproof cases for their
equipment, they are more than happy to supply the bulbs," Naton
answered, happy to have thought of that in advance.

"That sounds like a fair exchange," Famell replied. "We'll have to
coordinate with them to get their equipment measured, but that's a
whole different matter. I'm rather impressed by your planning and the
use of these lights for many of our salvage operations and even
rescues. This will come in very handy. Of course, the panel of masters
will have to give their final verdict, but it seems as though you
_are_ ready, and if I had my guess, all should go well." He winked at
the journeyman dolphineer. He waited to see if Naton had more to add
or had any questions of his own.

"Yes, sir, I really hope so," Naton smiled. "The idea was born out of
need, so I'm pretty certain it will prove itself useful. Now I'm just
hoping the masters will agree!"

"I have a feeling they will," Famell replied. "I'll get things
scheduled and if all goes well we'll be calling you a master
dolphineer soon enough," Famell replied with a smile.

"Thank you, Sir," Naton smiled. It was good to hear Famell still had
so much confidence in his project. It had taken him quite a while.
"Shall I come back in to check on dates, or will you let me know?"

"Stop back in a few days just in case I get bogged down by the
hidework. I might find you before then if I get confirmation from the
other masters as to when we can proceed." Famell replied.

"I will," Naton said with a nod before he rose to leave. "See you in a few
days, then."

Last updated on the February 25th 2014

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I'm Ready