"I'll hold you to your word, if I sign the contract," said Theobald. He looked at the Commandant and smiled, openly. Something changed in the appearance of the Captain. He seemed suddenly a bit younger and there was a new spark in his eyes. "I have heared of these Pilgrim Liners. Some guests of ours specifically ask for them. They want a "real" adventure," he shaked his head in disbelief, "as if the real world isn't "real" enough. But we don't offer them as far as I know. If I am correct they aren't allowed for passengers in all houses at the moment." He breathed deeply and turned to Ian. "Well, may I ask for the grand tour of your ...rust bucket?" he chuckled. His words were clearly ment as a freindly joke. He continued: "because I am not able to do the same of mine at the moment. And afterwards we can go over the details." He looked to Ian expectantly, smiling. It was time to leave what has happened behind and work on the future.
While looking at the Pilgrim Liner something had fallen in its right place inside his mind. He had forced himself to look beyond everything; beyond the rust, beyond the surface and the picture; beyond the grey fog he has had over his mind. The enthusiastic voice of Ian had wiped away this fog and had reminded Theobald of his own enthusiasm and joy he normally had. And he found himself grasping like a sinking man to it, pulling himself up and rising anew. Theobalds ship will rise again and he, her captain, will do everything in his power to make this happen.
Steeled by this thoughts, happening within seconds, he looked to Ian Howler and smiled.
