Narrator: One of the best examples for the hope of mankind is how we react to a call for help. Natural disasters care nothing for the imaginary lines drawn up as borders on a map. At such times, humanity has shown a remarkable ability to set aside petty problems and national feuds. By pulling together to render aid to those struck by calamity, we demonstrate our fullest potential as human beings. Airships from many nations band together, speeding to the stricken area. Their sole mission at such times is to save lives, working together without regard for international disputes. When that dreaded message comes winging through the aether, we rise to the challenge: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday...”

Wireless Operator: Captain! Message from the Admiralty, Sir!

Captain: Read it, Mister Bryce.

Wireless Operator: Message reads; “All ships, respond immediately. Earthquake in Egypt. City of Cairo suffering great damage. Many casualties. Medical aid needed urgently. Search and rescue teams needed urgently. Civil Defense and humanitarian aid requested by Egyptian government. Volunteers to make all speed to Cairo and render aid. The Fleet is instructed to join the rescue effort.” After that is a short list of patrol ships ordered to stay put for national defense. We aren't on that list, Sir.

Captain: Very good, Bryce. Mister Svenson, bring us about and set a course for Egypt.

Navigator: Yes, Sir! Plotting course now... Course laid in, Sir.

Captain: All ahead, Svenson, full speed. Time is of the essence.

Navigator: Full speed ahead, Captain.

First Officer: Lookouts report ships sighted, Captain. To port and starboard, three formations. Possibly fifty airships in each. Converging courses indicated.

Wireless Operator: Signals from the Fleet, Sir. We are requested to join the nearest formation and increase speed.

Captain: Acknowledge the message, Mister Bryce. Svenson, what is our estimated arrival time for Cairo?

Navigator: Six more hours, Sir.

Captain: Thomas, notify the medical staff of the time remaining. Tell them to prepare for ground operations to commence the moment we arrive. And get your troops together. There are sure to be looters and pirates already active by the time we get there. I want everyone ready, for anything.

First Officer: Yes, Sir!

Navigator: We've reached our assigned position, Captain. Matching course and speed with the Fleet... Now.

Narrator: As the Fleet arrives in Egypt on their humanitarian mission, clouds of smoke from many fires billow into the air. The city of Cairo looks like an anthill that has been trodden on by some uncaring giant. Buildings tumbled to the ground, debris scattered everywhere, and a mass exodus of the city's surviving inhabitants trudging wearily towards temporary campsites on the outskirts of the once beautiful city.

First Officer: Looks like a war zone down there.

Captain:No, it looks worse than a war zone. None of those people signed up to join in a battle. Nature is a far more merciless enemy than any army. Helm? Do we have our landing co-ordinates?

Navigator: Yes, Sir. South Southeast, Zone Five, just outside of that refugee campground.

Wireless Operator: I have our orders, Sir. The gist of it is that once we set down, we're to deploy a third of our medical teams to treat the wounded here. The rest of the Medics will advance into the city, along with our rescue teams. Here is the text of the full orders, Sir.

Captain: Thank you. (Pause) Gentlemen, we are also to launch our two Scout ships to join in picket duty above the city. Evidently the arrival of the Fleet scared off a few pirate craft. Fleet Command fears that they might return, either on the ground or in the air.

First Officer: If an airship fires on us while we're grounded-

Captain: Exactly. Not only would we be at a disadvantage, with no chance to maneuver and only a skeleton crew aboard, but these civilians around us would suffer even more losses. Assign an extra observer to each Scout ship. I want someone on those telescopes at all times.

First Officer: Consider it done, Sir.

Captain: Helm, set us down.

Navigator: Yes, Sir.