The ships were old-fashioned, with tall masts and billowing sails that caught the wind and propelled them forward. The crew worked tirelessly, hauling ropes and adjusting sails to keep the ships on course.

As they approached the mining site, the ships slowed down and dropped anchor. The crew donned their diving suits and prepared to descend into the depths of the ocean.

With a loud splash, the first diver hit the water, and soon others followed. They carried specialized tools that were designed to break through the hard rock and extract the valuable ore.

The divers worked in pairs, communicating with each other using hand signals as they chiseled away at the rock face. It was hard and dangerous work, but the rewards were worth it.

As the divers worked, the ships on the surface were busy collecting the ore. They had special equipment that could pull the ore up from the depths of the ocean and onto the deck of the ship.

The crew worked together, loading the ore into sacks and carefully storing it in the hold of the ship. It was heavy work, but they knew that every sack of ore was valuable and would fetch a high price on the market.

The fleet of sailing ships continued to mine the ore for several weeks, until they had collected as much as they could carry. Then, with their holds full of precious cargo, they set sail back to shores of the Arkshelled Island.

Waiting for them on the shores was a familiar face that they had been seeing every time they went back home. It was one of the few Doctors who had been with the fleet. Always so bothersome. Years might have passed, but the insistent demand of the Doctor to look after them. It never really does get old.

“Friends. It’s good that you get home. I’m here… through the demand of the Ark to know how you have fared. Of course, I’d appreciate it if you'd willingly enter the tent willingly and allow me to examine you.”

Deep-sea divers are one of the most prized assets. It had been years ago when they had decided to dive down the seas. It was a collaborative idea on creating diving suits that are able to withstand the pressure of the deep-sea. Most of the divers are accompanied by an elven-kin who acts as their anchor -- allowing them to keep their wits about as the sprite contained on the chest of the Treant supplies them with necessary oxygen.

It has become a rather rite of passage. To earn your diving suit one must go through tests to evaluate your readiness. Each diver earned their diving suit and the lamp sprite that accompanies them to the depths of the sea.

And sometimes when they find a good chunk of mineable ore. The Island would send the elven-kin in their Treants and convince the sprites to lift the chunk where it’ll be towed in Watford, where the kin would process the ores.

Metal is rarely owned and although the island itself seems to have the ability to produce metal through letting the beast consume materials and defecate them as usable metal. How it comes to be. What kind of magic it is. They’d rather not know. A popular theory among them is that the stomach of the beast remains active, and as it eats loose rocks and salt over the years, it creates ore that is mineable. Though it’ll take five years for the island to do so which makes it imperative for them to have ways to mine ore from the deep-seas.

The examination of the divers began. While doing so one of the Officers from the Ark asked the regular questions:

“What safety measures were put in place to protect the workers during the mining process?

“What type of ore or minerals were mined, and what are the potential risks associated with handling or being exposed to them?

“Were any toxic substances released during the mining process that could have contaminated the air or water?”

The three questions were always the same. There are times where it changes, but it is always the same. None would dare to lie since the last they did -- they were all cross-examined. Eventually all of them sang and were lectured by the Doctor who could do it for six hours straight.

After the examination. The divers team leads were escorted to the Admiral appointed to oversee the mining operations. Captain Jones, the acting-captain of the divers, carried himself to the office of the Admiral.

Captain Jones stood before Admiral Smith, reporting on the recent mining expedition his crew had undertaken.

"Admiral, we've successfully mined a significant amount of valuable minerals during our last expedition," Captain Jones said, his voice steady and confident.

"Excellent news, Captain. I assume this means we can add to our stockpile," Admiral Smith replied, leaning back in his chair.

"Well, Admiral, I have some news on that front," Captain Jones hesitated for a moment before continuing. "The minerals we've been mining, sir, are actually quite versatile and could be used for a wide range of purposes beyond the stockpile."

The admiral raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What do you mean, Captain?"

Captain Jones took a deep breath before continuing, "We've found that these minerals have properties that make them ideal for use in a range of industries, including construction, engineering, and even medicine. And if we were to allow these minerals to be studied by the kin, we could make a significant profit that could benefit our crew and the navy as a whole."

Admiral Smith looked thoughtful for a moment before responding, "I see your point, Captain. But we must consider our priorities. The stockpile is our main concern right now, and any resources we have must go towards that."

"I understand that, sir," Captain Jones replied. "But I also believe that we must be strategic in how we use our resources. If we can make a good by studying some of these minerals, we can use that research to better equip our ships and take care of our crew. And in the long run, that could benefit our mining effort."

The admiral nodded slowly, considering the captain's words. "You make a good point, Captain. I will discuss this with the higher-ups and see what can be done. In the meantime, I commend you and your crew on a successful mission. Well done. Have you all been checked by the Good Doctor?"

“When did he miss his checkups?”

“A good point. Return Captain, I hope that you take a good time to rest. We will call for you when the Elven-kin has found resources again. Until then make sure the men are trained and are in good health.”

“Admiral,” Captain Jones made a crisped salute.

Captain Jones went back to Lundy, near the tailbone ports, his crew gathered around him alongside their families and friends who wouldn’t dare to miss out in this celebration. They had just returned from a successful mining operation, and the captain was in a celebratory mood.

"Congratulations, everyone! We did it!" Captain Jones shouted, his voice ringing out over the sound of the waves.

The crew cheered in response, their faces beaming with pride and excitement. They had worked hard, and now it was time to celebrate.

Captain Jones clapped his hands together and signaled for the crew to gather around him. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication during this mission. It wasn't easy, but you all rose to the challenge and made it happen."

The crew cheered again, and the captain raised his hands to quiet them. "But now, it's time to celebrate! We've got plenty of food and drink to go around, and I want to see everyone having a good time. Don’t worry! If your stomach aches we have the good Doctor on standby!"

“Don’t eat until you vomit our innards out,” Doctor Gabrio advised. The silver-haired man had retained his youth and although throughout the years they knew the Doctor, many have sometimes forgotten he was human like them. Though some would argue that he has always been like that.

The crew began to mingle, sharing stories of their experiences during the mission and laughing over drinks and snacks. The captain joined in, clapping crew members on the back and raising a glass in a toast.

"To the best crew on the high seas!" he declared, and the crew cheered again, their voices echoing across the water.

As the celebration continued into the night, the crew danced to the sound of music and enjoyed the company of their fellow sailors. For a few hours, they forgot about the hard work and danger of the mining operation, and simply enjoyed the moment.

Captain Jones looked around at his crew, his heart swelling with pride. They were a tight-knit group, and he knew that they would continue to succeed in whatever challenges lay ahead. But for now, he was content to savor the moment and celebrate their success. It’s not everyday they had a job this long and most of the time they would clean up the barnacles and help in the harvest instead of mining.

A frown happened on Captain Jones. It came naturally. As the leader of his men it was his job to worry.

Captain Jones stood quietly and nursed the drink in his hands. Doctor Gabrio looked at him with concern.

"Captain, are you feeling ill? Do you need medical attention?" he asked.

"No, no, I'm fine," Captain Jones replied, lifting his head. "It's just...this mining work is taking its toll on me, Doctor. I'm not sure I'm cut out for it."

Doctor Gabrio nodded sympathetically. "Mining work can be tough, Captain. It's not for everyone. But you're a strong and capable leader, and your crew needs you."

"I know, I know," Captain Jones said, running a hand through his hair. "But it's not just the physical demands of the work. It's the toll it's taking on our mind and crew. We've had to make sacrifices, and I'm not sure it's worth it."

"What do you mean, Captain?" Doctor Gabrio asked, moving closer to him.

Captain Jones sighed deeply. "We've had to divert resources away from our other duties to focus on the mining operation. We've lost valuable time and manpower, and it's affecting our ability to carry out our other missions."

"I see," Doctor Gabrio said, nodding thoughtfully. "But you must remember, Captain, that the mining operation is important too. The resources we gather can be used for a range of purposes, including supporting our innovations. We have to adapt, Captain. Lest the Baron finds us with lowered guards."

"I know, I know," Captain Jones said, his voice tinged with frustration. "But it's just...I wish there was a way to do this work without sacrificing so much. Without putting our crew at risk."

"I understand, Captain," Doctor Gabrio said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And I'm sure there are ways to mitigate the risks and challenges of mining. We can work together to find solutions that work for everyone. That is if you are diligent in your reports."

Captain Jones looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your support."

“I will have some of the smiths and scholars talk about this. Do not dare think we will pass over this concern.”

Captain Jones took a drink. “Doctor, you’ve been with this fleet for a long time. Was here on day one and all of that. You think we’ll reach a thousand islands?”

“I’m surprised you still think of it.”

“Is it wrong not wanting to believe?”

“Perhaps.”

“You still believe. One day we’ll be able to go there, will you?”

“Maybe. Our purpose was to save the world by blinding its eyes. Right now, I don’t know. We were defeated before we knew it. In our arrogance, thinking we’ll make it in time, we forgot that we aren’t the only ones who are trying to do so. Some believe our Blinder sleeps because it is his not appointed time to save the world -- while the rest don’t dare to think of reaching the islands any longer.”

Captain Jones exhales. “And yet you still believe you can, Doctor.” He points at a clearing. “You intend to reach the skies by creating these ‘balloons’ that can lift ships and sail the skies. Among everyone you are the true believer.”

The good doctor smiles. “Perhaps. Although the fleet has been our home, the thought of living elsewhere seems to bother me.”

“Indeed it has.”

Doctor Gabrio closed his eyes to feel the air and finished his drink. His lonesome figure standing near the ‘skyship’ he has been hoping to take a flight with. Captain Jones thought to himself, maybe he’d still see the ship sail the clouds.