The Inquiry

[Republican.Shipping]

"I am so sorry for ze delay meine Herren!" A visibly distressed, and somewhat dishevelled man entered the room in an ill-fitting suit. The faithful attendant boomed out the introduction: "Herr Uwe Richter and the Republican Shipping Delegation!" The ex-transport captain looked around the room, his eyes darting around the assembled excellencies with visible discomfort. He could not have felt more out of place if he tried, and in that moment desperately wished for the easier days of being a simple transport captain. "Erm... Ach, ja." Spying his seat, he made for the table as quickly as he could, the feeling of all eyes on him burning an uncomfortable hole in the back of his skull. As he went he nearly dropped his briefcase several times, but eventually made it to his designated place without incident. As the much calmer delegation of lawyers settled around him, he looked up at the podium: "Ich bitte um verzeihen for my delay your honours. I'm afraid Herr Mayer is indisposed due to poor health, he has provided me with all the appropriate information and authority to answer the questions you will have."