Aurora Borealis

[Borys]

April 1906
North Sea
SMS Innsbrueck

Von und zu Lichtenstein, wrapped in his fur coat, was listening to the explanations of his naval aid, Fregatten Kapitaen Jizi Kouldeka:
- Look at her, Sir. She is probably on trials, as she lacks many ... things which are usually painted on a ship. Like a name or number, for instance.
- Take a look at her guns - they can fire one above the other. That is very novel and rarely seen on warships. That allows two guns to be able to accomplish the job which our small cruisers need three guns for.
- Anything more of note? - asked the Duke, willing to milk this occasion for distraction for all its worth on an otherwise boring voyage.
The officer lowered his shiny-new "Made in Hungary" binoculars.
- Interestingly, I don't see any torpedos on her. She seems too small to have them hidden underwater, so I'd expect to see something on the deck.
- Do they know something we don't - wondered the officer silently.

Churning water at a stately 9 knots, the ship - the last of her class in full combat condition, continued its voyage northwards.