n

n

n

"Brother.... I think that's the estate over there.

" Pointed his 15 year old sister, Emilia.

nGeorge looked at the name carved on top of the estates gates, and nodded in agreement.

n.

nThe Bay-Caronian Ship Station

nThose were the words carved on it.

nThe entire place looked like a regular stone estate of some nobleman.

nBut what was weird about it, was that it had very little buildings within it, compared to those if actual noble estates.

nThere were 2 massive 3-storey buildings and 1 security building within it.

nAnd at the front of the largest building, was a massive line which seemed to be going at a very fast pace.

nIt seemed like there were many front desk boarding workers to handle these matters.

nNonetheless, It was only 10 A.M in the morning.... so even if the line moved at a snail's pace, they were still somewhat sure that they would be attended to before the end of the day.

n.

nThere were numerous lines in total, and at the sides of each line.... were signs that showed people were to stand.

nFor example, there were more than 5 signs (5 lines) that said words like:

nEconomy Class

nOne-Way trip (Carona to Baymard): 175 Copper Coins

nTwo-Way Trip (To Baymard and back): 380 Copper Coins

nTotal Trip Time: 2 and a half days

nWith these words, everyone knew what they could afford, and lined up behind those.

n.

nGeorge and Emilia lined up behind one of the Economy lines... and 1 hour later, they were both standing in front of a front desk worker.

n

"How may I help you today esteemed guests?

" Asked the charming lady, who was dazzling them with her smile.

nShe wore a light bluish shirt, black blazer, black pants, and looked very professional too.

nGeorge smiled awkwardly, as he had never witnessed such polite customer service before.

nMost people in Carona were polite, but not as professional as these front desk workers.

nThese ones made him and his sister blush helplessly.

n.

n

"W...we would like to go to Baymard please...

" George said shyly.

n

"Alright.... but do you have any specific day and time you would like to book?

"

n

"We want to go anytime today if possible

", he replied.

n

"Sure... let me check that for you alright?

" The front desk woman said, while looking through the room plans before her.

n.

nIn essence, since they didn't have computers yet.... each front desk worker was given a certain boarding portion of the ship to handle.

nFor example, economy class took up 3 ship floors.

nSo this front desk lady only handled the left hand side of one of the floors.

nIn this way, they wouldn't be confused or rebook another room within another section for guests.

nIt would be very awkward, if 2 separate guests got booked for the same room during 1 trip.

nHence once booking was done, they were to highlight the room on their residence plan green.... and immediately write down the name of the person who just got the room.

n.

nAlso, front desk workers were given 8 sheets of the same residential plan..... which signified all trips within the entire week.

nSo if all rooms within their sector gets booked for today's trips..... then they could quickly find out from the other desk workers if they had any more available rooms as well.

nAnd if not, then they could just book the guests for the next day or any other day within the week.

n.

n

"Alright!

nFor today (Monday), we have only 2 time frames for departure: 10 A.M and 3 P.M.

nYou've already missed the first one, so you're only left with the last time frame now.

nOn my booking sheets so far, I only have 1 more double bedded room available.

nSo if you all don't mind sharing a room, then this will be great for you.

nBut if you mind, then I can quickly ask another front desk staff if he

/she has an extra room on her room plan for today.

n

n

nAnd if you they don't have any extra rooms available, then I can also book you for any of our next available trips at:

n• Thursdays; 9 A.M, 2 P.M and 6 P.M.

n• Saturdays; 9 A.M, 2 P.M and 6 P.M

nSo... which option have you both decided on?

"

n

"We'll share the room!

" They said at once.

nAfter all, that was their original plan.... as they didn't have enough money at hand anyway..

nAfter settling all that, they paid for their room immediately and even got a written receipt back as well.

n

"Alright..... please can you spell out your names for me?

"

n

"_

"

n.

nThe boarding process wasn't that long, as the lady quickly wrote down their names, room numbers and other important information on an already blank ticket.

nIt was similar to a blank cheque... only that this one was a ticket, and was much more thicker in size compared to a cheque.

n.

nThe ticket was light blue and had sketches of a ship and waves on its right side.

nAnd to its left, there were words and empty spaces that needed filling.

nShip Name:__________

nPassenger Name:____

nBoarding Time:_______

nDate:____

nTime:____

nFrom:____

nTo:_______

nRoom:____

nAnd after filling in the blank spaces, the lady quickly placed 2 stamps on their tickets, and handed it back to them.

n.

n

"Do you all have any other baggage?

nIf so, then you have to check it in now instead.

"

n

"No miss.... this is all we've got.

" George replied.

n

"Good

n

"Your ship will be arriving in a few hours time, so in the meantime.... you all can go to the gate area, and when it's time to board, your ship name will be called out instead

".

n.

nListening to the lady, they followed the signs above each room.... and soon stepped into a massive waiting hall which had numerous benches and seats within it.

nThey waited for their ship to arrive, and even took turns in taking little naps, so as to pass the time quickly.

nAnd just like that, it was already 2:05 P.M.

nBoarding time.

n.

n

"Now boarding for the ship: 'Oasis of the ocean'.

nCustomers should come up to gate 4 according to our instructions:

nFirst class guests!!

nThose above 60!

nThose with severe injuries!

nBusiness class guests!

nEconomy guests!!

n.....

"

n.

nOn queue, the duo soon rose up when Economy class was called.

nAnd when they saw the massive ship before them, they became utterly speechless.

n'This.... this..... is this real?'

n

n