Plans and Calculations

JP with Jaxx, Redsword and Cindy

Elizabeth led those with her to the main sitting room. She then asked them to wait a few minutes. It wasn't long before the team leader came back with maps, a few notebooks and writing instruments.

"For today," Elizabeth began, "we need to do a few things. First we need to figure out how many carts we will need and how to arrange the items on the carts. Keep in mind we will likely be camping overnight, at least, 4 days on the way up to the village. Also, we will need a list of any additional supplies we might need for the travels. And we need to map out the areas we will camp in, on the way to the village.”

Dr. Jackal rubbed his chin as he planned the best way to solve this equation. He then said, “The best way to answer that question is to write down a few things. We need to know how many people and the weight capacity of each cart. Then we need the number of people we have, a gross estimate of our weight per cart and the weight of the cargo per cart.” Lily asked, “Why do we have to go by the weight of Dr. Jackal?” Dr. Jackal replied, “Well we have to keep in mind that if we exceed the weight capacity it will slow us down and possibly cause damage to the engine of the carts. The problem with breaking down in a remote area is the lack of resources, available parts for Ms. Ipsum for repairs and the danger of being stuck in a bad location. Oh we will need to know who can drive as well.”

"For starters, we will be getting an Orc sized cart for Cronk, so he does not need to be equated with the other carts." Elizabeth explained. "We have 8 others to disburse among the carts. The ones who can drive, as far as I know who can drive, are Miss Ipsum, I believe Miss Lagrave can drive, as well. Mr. Sung. Yourself, Doctor Jackal and myself." Elizabeth replied. "Our heaviest equipment is likely Miss Ipsum's equipment.”

Lily watched as Dr. Jackal looked up as he was doing some complicated math in his head as he mumbled his lips a bit. Then his eyes swayed side to side and then then he lowered his head as he looked at Lady Elizabeth and replied, "If that is the case I recommend getting four carts. We can barely get by with three carts given the weight but if one breaks down and Ms. Ipsum can not fix it, then we won't be able to move forward. A forth cart will ensure an easier trip with less weight per cart to allow us more speed on an uncertain road. Plus if one of the carts break down we can move the gear to the other carts and press on." Lily then asked, "Why not get five carts Dr. Jackal?" Dr. Jackal replied, "Well we still need a look out for each driver in case we get attacked or encounter a natural disaster. More eyes is safer on an uncertain road trip.”

Elizabeth nodded, and that meant she would be buying the carts, instead of renting them, but Elizabeth had planned on that anyway. "We will need to separate the cargo among the carts, but should have easier access to the things we will need on the journey up." Rather than digging through everything for those items. "Now, let us figure out the weights. The water will also be on the heavy side, we probably should be cautious and not use the water in the streams and such, until you, Doctor, can test it. Is that something you can do fairly quickly?”

Dr. Jackal nodded as he rubbed his chin. Then he replied, "Granted the river water is not polluted, I would only have to boil it and run it through a filter to use it for the vehicles." Lily asked, "How do you filter the boiled water Dr. Jackal?" Dr. Jackal smiled as he replied, "When making a Water Filtration System made in the wild, it's important to boil the water first and capture the steam through a funnel system to separate the unwanted stuff in river water and this is called Distillation. From there we make a filter system by making a pipe using bamboo or metal and creating several stages for the water to pass through. So when we pour the boiled water through it will pass through pebbles then course sand then crushed charcoal then fine sand then gravel and lastly twigs or a good cloth. This process can give us very clean drinking water which can also be used on steam engines. Since I knew this could happen purchased a still that I modified to make clean water." Lily asked, "A still as in for making spirits?" Dr. Jackal smiled and nodded as he replied, "They are almost the same device with the exception of the rotting fruits and vegetables.”

"Very good then," Elizabeth seemed like she was going to say something else but a knock on the front door distracted her. One of the maids opened the door, and then escorted the arrival to the sitting room where Elizabeth, Mr. Sung, Dr.Jackal and Lily were.

There was a woman standing there, she had blonde hair with hints of a few darker strands, hazel eyes. She, being what looked half dwarf/half gnome, was around 3' tall. Her build was definitely a mix of the two, as she wasn't particularly stocky or petite.

The maid and the woman bowed to Lady Elizabeth. Then the maid said, "Lady Elizabeth, may I introduce Miss Dagny Anker, the Royal Map Maker and Surveyor."

"Thank you, Hanna," Elizabeth had learned the names of the maids, already. The maid bowed again and left.

"Miss Anker, how can we help you?" Elizabeth asked.

Dagny was carrying a tube, and a small backpack slung over her right shoulder. "Lady Elizabeth, I am here to help you. I heard you, and your group are headed up north from here. I might be of some assistance in mapping it out. I know all the best camping areas on the way.”

As the maps were being laid out, Sung spoke. "I would say distribute the supplies evenly over the different trucks. Have food, sleeping gear, and other stuff on all of them so that if a truck does break down or even destroy itself because of something unseen, not everything is lost," suggested Sung.