Decisions 5

Don was enamored with the food on board the Oberlux. It actually tasted like something! It was taking everything in his power to savor it, not just scarfing it down.

Don was also certain that would draw Diana's ire.

"What is it you wanted to talk about?" Diana wasn't feeling hungry, the embarrassment from earlier quashed her appetite.

"The Scholar and a few of my more senior crew were discussing what could be done to assist you in the few weeks we will have with you, and we would like to know what it is you feel YOU need to know how to do."

"What are our options? I take it this isn't anything scholarly?"

"It isn't." The Scholar put down his fork. "We were thinking more along the lines of hobbies and common knowledge. There are some activities nobles are expected to know how to do or actively take part in."

"Nobles?"

"The nobility, those of 'high birth' or those who rose to power in their nation or amongst their race."

"But we aren't nobility?" Don was confused. Were they still in the feudal era of governance?

"You may not consider yourself amongst the nobility, but you should refer to yourself as such going forward. Social class means more than everything to those belonging to the higher classes." The Captain explained the situation to them. "Don't worry about being considered a liar either, you ARE nobles now. As the last of your kind you are also the de facto rulers of your kind, King and Queen."

"Really? Even without a Kingdom?"

"If you are referencing a domain in which you exercise authority, then yes. Even in the absence of subjects to govern you will be considered royalty. I can guarantee that the Great Csillacra will recognize you as such."

"And because we are to be royalty, we need to know how to act like royalty." Diana was quick on the uptake. "In that case, we have no idea what we should be focusing our attention on. We have no such conventions."

"Nothing you happen to take an interest in?"

"We would prefer if we got what we needed to know first." Diana took charge in these matters.

"I second that. I wouldn't have a fucking clue where to start." Donovan followed suit.

The Captain gave a quick nod of recognition. "In that case, let's start with table etiquette. Eat as you would normally and I will correct anything that seems especially egregious. To start with Donovan, keep your back upright while eating and cut your food into smaller pieces."

Don swallowed. "Why?"

"Appearances mostly, though eating your food in smaller pieces is generally seen as a sign of sophistication. It will help with the perception of you taking your time to enjoy a refined meal."

"That's stupid." He forked another chunk of meat into his mouth.

"Just do it Don. The last thing we want is a reputation as barbarians."

"Phyne." There was still food in his mouth.

"Don't speak when there is food in your mouth. Intent may come across perfectly fine, but it is seen as rude." The Captain wasn't even eating anymore, just watching them and primarily correcting Donovan's form.

This would continue for some time, Donovan of course being the subject of scrutiny, though Diana had a few faults as well. Conversation more or less halted until they finished their food.

"What should we do with our utensils when we finish?"

"Place them parallel to each other facing upwards on the center of your plate. You can safely assume that someone will come to remove it for you. Don't try to give the plate to them. Seeing as we don't have that kind of staff, we will take them to the kitchen to be cleaned."

"So many rules..." Donovan could handle regulations in the navy, many being for the purpose of preventing unnecessary damage, work, or loss of life, but these little rules didn't seem to have a purpose beyond the aesthetic.

"You are going to have to get used to it, and the sooner the better. Going forward, I would like to eat in the presence of someone who can your table manners Don." Diana was a tad shocked at just how sloppy Don was at the dining hall. "Would that be something you could arrange Captain?"

"Certainly. If we are finished with dinner then I believe we should get started with training you. Diana, you will accompany the Scholar. Donovan, come with me. We will meet again at dinner."

- - - - - - - - - -

"So where are we going to do?" Don and the Captain were walking down one of the many curved hallways that made up the interior of the ship.

"We are going to get something. I have a question for you."

"Go ahead."

"How much experience do you have with person to person combat?"

That was out of the blue. "Enough to keep me alive, but not much."

"That is as good as I could have hoped. What weapon did you find yourself most proficient with?"

Weapon? "Beyond the few rifles and pistols I learned to shoot, I only know hand to hand."

"Are those ranged weapons?"

"Yes?" Donovan was lost in the line of questioning. "Should they not be?"

"As someone who has seen a bit of combat, I can not express distaste for them. Range is a very useful tool in a fight. Unfortunately most of those high class people's we spoke of before consider attacking from range to be 'cowardly' and 'disgraceful'. Similarly, they view the act of fighting without a weapon to be distasteful. They see being prepared to fight without a weapon as a sign that one admits they are not good with their weapon as they allow themselves to lose it, and just as generally not very refined."

"What are you getting at Cap?"

"You will need to be able to demonstrate a base level of proficiency with at least some form of weapon. This isn't just something you will need to do to cater to high society mind you, but a necessity for success in the academy-"

"But I don't know how to use a melee weapon, much less own one!"

"-which is why I intend to teach you." The Captain finished his sentence amid Don's interjection. "While I am unable to claim to be a master of war, I am at least halfway decent with most basic weapons. I consider practice with them to be a hobby, so I have quite a few. Today I plan to help you find the type of weapon you are most compatible with, as well as help you learn the basics."