Nillian goes on a shopping spree on the last day, getting things he might have forgotten. He buys paper, pens, a few bottles of ink, and some reading books, in case they will get bored. He also gets some playing cards and other small games, for entertainment.
Copper was approached by some engineers to take his measurements, and is presented with a strange contraption that he can wear on his back. The engineer explains how it works, by showing a prototype in the workshop.
"As you hit the water you can pull on this lever. The ... floating balloons are connected to your own engine, so they will be used to fill the balloons. They will form a layer all around your arm and leg, keeping them afloat and hopefully also dry. The downside is that your own engine will be working fulltime to keep the balloons full, so you will not have the use of your arm and leg. On the upside you will stay alive when you hit the water, and will remain so for about ... thirty minutes. After that we can't guarantee that the balloons will keep their pressure, and they might burst from the strain."
Copper lets the engineer talk him through the whole contraption a few times, getting sure he knows how it works, then thanks the man profusely. He now has at least some chance to survive if he falls into the water, for which he is very grateful.
***
On the day itself there is first a large ceremony, with the mayor of Capes and the University council. Going on fishermen's tradition they decided that the ship couldn't leave the harbour without giving it a name. So they though up a whole ceremony around it, just to give a spectacle to the people (and make themselves look good, too).
The ceremony starts at the city hall, where the University council appear clad in their official uniforms, black robes with a golden insignia. They make their way to the door and knock three times. On the third knock the doors open, and the mayor comes walking out, wearing his official emblems of power.
"Who knocks on my door?"
"The University Council."
"Why do you come to my door?"
"We have a ship that needs naming."
"Then let us go to the harbour!"
And with large fanfare they have a large procession to the harbour. On their way a lot of people are gathered, not wanting to miss anything. In the harbour the ship is lying at the most central pier, with the surround piers emptied for a grand effect. The ship itself has been decorated with flags and ribbons. Nillian and the others are already on board, standing on deck in their best clothes.
The procession makes its way to the ship, and the mayor turns to the University council.
"This is the ship that needs naming?"
"Yes, this is the ship."
"It is a good ship. What shall be its name, to carry wherever it may go, whatever the situation or perils it may face?"
The council leader steps forward and clears his throat. It is clear that he is not exactly satisfied, but he calls out the name loudly.
"Dr. Biene's Request!"
There is a loud cheer from the crowds, and a wooden plank with the name is attached to the hull of the ship. In fishermen tradition the name should be carved into the hull of the ship, but with the metal hull this was not possible, so they went for the next best thing. The crowds disperse a bit, as the whole festivities have a break, and a lot of people haste themselves to the nearby square, where food and drinks are available.
When most of the people have gone Nillian and the others also retire, going down into the ship. That morning was the first time they set foot in the ship, and they still have to get used to everything. All their stuff in on board and stowed away, they are ready to begin their journey. But as the festivities are still some time away they return downstairs.
After a while Nillian and Lyxia make their way back to the city, where they have a last goodbye with their parents and Rowena. They talk a bit, but mostly sit in silence, drinking in each other company for the last time in a long time, or so they assume. With all their goodbyes said Nillian and Lyxia finally make their way back to ship, and make ready for the launch.
Ned and Copper already said goodbye to their friends, with a large feast the night before. Though they are still around, somewhere in the city, they feel no need to see them again. They are ready to go, and see no point in looking back, even for one last time.
***
And then finally it is time for the launch. The mayor of Capes returns to the harbour, followed by all the people. The University council is not readily present, though some members of the council are standing in between the audience. Then the mayor clears his throat and gives his final words.
"Now we will see the departure of the Dr. Biene's Request. Our thoughts will go with you, sir Luckett, and your brave quest to find Dr. Biene. We all wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you" Nillian replies, and takes of his hat.
"Au revoir, Kataria!" he shouts, and the ship begins slowly to move away, then makes more and more speed. The crowds shout and wave, until the Dr Biene's Request disappears from the harbour. The last thing they see of Nillian and the ship is a small silhouette, disappearing into the wide ocean.
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