Homeport Day-Opening Ceremonies

Posted on Thu Sep 10th, 2026 @ 11:03am by Cassandra Lennox & Samuel Garrett & Bartholomew Addington & Lola ‘Myth’ McDowell & Maureen Lennox & Gema Melero & Robert Skye & Juliet Parrish & Douglas Wyatt & Father James Aldridge & Nathan Crawford

Mission: Before
Location: Thistledrift Town Square
Timeline: 1030am, Sometime in May 2012

 

Father James sat in a folding chair organizing several index cards in his hands. Today marked one year to the day the first time Europa had sailed into the Thistledrift Harbour and mad the town its homeport. It had been a good year for both town and ship. Thistledrift had always maintained a thriving food production what with the arable land, fishing in the North Sa or Humbar Estatuary and hunting in the nearby forest. The Europa, in exchange for the fresh provisions had developed a means of providing additional power to the grid during times in port and brought back numerous goods from the frequent one or two month cruises to various other ports along the North Sea, Atlantic and Mediterranean regions of Europe and North Africa. Today was a celebration of the mutually prosperous relationship ship and town shared with each other.

Father James looked up and smiled at Maureen and Cassandra as the took seats in the front row reserved for the community leadership. He gave Maureen a nod. "Good morning Maureen." He glanced about the townsquare as citizens and Europa officers and crew gathered for the opening ceremonies. "I can't remember the last time we had so many turn out for a celebration like this."

Maureen smiled sadly. “It was the May Day before the dead rose.” The woman said softly thinking of her husband having put up the mayday pole for dancing. It had been the highlight of the year other than Bonfire.

Juliet sat in the row behind the one reserved for the town's leadership even though she had recently acquired a seat on said council recently. The townsfolk had been adamant about the only fully trained medical practitioner being a part of the decision making process for the welfare of Thistledrift, despite Juliet not even being a British citizen. She had turned in her seat to discuss the upcoming outdoor luncheon the town was hosting for Homeport Day. "What do you think Douglas? Should I have the meat, fish or poultry for my protein."

Doug glanced around to make sure no one heard. "The fish. It's on the best I've seen since doing this and tastes divine. Ya feel me!" He said with a wink.

Juliet chuckled. "Yeah Doug. I feel ya. Fish it is."

"Enjoy, Miss Juliet." Doug beamed.

Nathan, in his full dress uniform, stood next to Captain Skye awaiting the start of today's opening ceremony. He grinned at his captain as he gave a tug on the collar of his uniform. "I know today marks a momentous occasion, but I really wish we didn't have to wear all this finery."

Captain Skye smiled a little as he looked at the man. “I did not insist on number one uniform. You just did not pay attention when it was discussed and did not have input.” He said pointedly. “Just like missing colours and our usual coffee.” The man added.

Nathan blushed slightly. "My apologies for that Captain. The false alarm last night took longer to resolve than expected. I had a difficult time falling asleep afterwards." He turned his head and spotted the person who had contributed significantly for his trouble sleeping and the primary cause for his inability to get out of bed that morning. He gave Cassandra a nod and smile. "Good morning Madam Mayor. You look...uh...Mayorly this fine day."

"I really need to get a better title." The woman commented, trying not to look the man in the eyes after the morning. "But thank you. You look rather... Navy in your uniforms this morning." Cassandra answered back with a small smirk and wink to the Captain, who could barely contain his mirth.

Father James Aldridge glanced at his wristwatch and stood up. He crossed in front of the platform and joined the trio. "Ceremony will start in a few minutes. I"ll take the podium first and lead the invocation after I will announce both Cassandra and Captain Skye for your respective speeches. Any questions?"

“Not from me father,” Cassandra said quietly, stepping around the podium to sit next to Nathan and beside Samuel. “Hello Samuel.”

“Hey Cass.” The quiet man greeted back wondering how he had ended up there sitting in front of all the people.

Father James looked at his watch and nodded to the others. "It's time." He nodded to Lola at the sound board.

Lola grinned and slowly connected the microphone and increased the volume, careful of the power and sound. "Ready when you are." She declared, putting her thumbs up.

Father James Aldridge stepped onto the small stage and placed his hands on each side of the podium. He looked out to the sizeable crowd that was seated or standing. "Let us pray. O Creator, open our hearts to the power of connection.Help us to leave behind our divisions.Guide our words to be kind and our ears to listen well.Bless our time together with mutual respect and peace. Amen.”

Murmurs of amen came from the crowd as Father James finished the ceremony's invocation. He gestured to Cassandra. "Please welcome Cassandra Lennox, our esteemed Mayor." Applause erupted from the crowd as Cassandra took the stage.

Doug let out a wolf whistle as he clapped his hands above his head. He'd been grateful for what this community had given him since his arrival.

Cassandra smiled as she stood there in front of the crowd and waiting until silence fell again. “Who would have thought a year ago that we would be here and this community would be flourishing as much as it is and that is not down to me in the slightest. It is down to every man, woman and child, whether you are from the Europa or Thistledrift, working together.” She started to launch into the speech she had been working on.

Maureen watched her daughter proudly as she glanced around seeing how many other people were looking on just as proud. She had left because there was no job for her there that would have made her happy, but she had never forgotten her roots, and where the world had ended, she had come home.

"You should be proud." The Captain whispered, making Maureen smile.

"I am." Maureen was surprised that the captain was speaking to her, but she had seen the man glancing at her daughter the last few times they had been together, and she did not think the man was as stone-hearted as people believed.

"She reminds me of my own daughter at that age." He admitted making the woman smile at how correct she had been. Maureen glanced at the old sailor and put her hand over his for a moment in understanding.

"She's a lovely lady, Miss Maureen. I wouldn't be here without her. She sees good where there is some." Doug added.

Citizens of Thistledrift, along with officers and crew of Europa, listened attentively to Cassandra's speech. Father James Aldridge stood behind Cassandra to introduce Captain Skye, who would be speaking next. Applause erupted as Cassandra finished her speech and Father James introduced the next speaker.

Doug put two fingers in his mouth and began to whistle loudly before cheering and waving his hands in the air. It had been a long time since he felt like celebrating, but this was definitely a time to be happy.