GEXIII [Essex] Troe visits plebit in a hot air balloon

Troe took the train from Canterbury to Colchester earlier today. Here, he met up with a reporter from the local newspaper Essex County Standard. They went outside of Colchester together with a local woman from Essex by the name of Martha. In the field they set up Marhta’s hot air balloon, as Martha is an amatheur balloonist.

Troe (to the journalist): “Well, I must confess, I am not the proudest of this situation. I’ve never flown in a hot air balloon before, but let’s see it this will work and get us to plebit in time. I’ve heard from Martha, however, that she was unsure whether this was doable at all with the recent weather. But today has been pretty dry and not too bad so far with the winds easing off currently. I’m not sure whether that is better or worse for me.”

Martha: “It should be fine. I’ve called the Met Office to be sure, but we shouldn’t get into trouble… Hopefully.”

Troe looks a bit uncomfortable at the last remark.

“Martha has also tried to calculate the wind direction and speed. I’ve told him a rough location, so I guess we’ll see.”

After a bit of preparation from Martha and her cousin’s side, the balloon was ready to set off with the journalist, Troe and Martha herself.

Troe: “The things we do for a better country… right? I sure hope this gains plebit some votes for sure, cause I’d rather have stayed on the ground for sure. But so far it’s going quite alright.”

The balloon acts up a bit due to the not totally ideal weather conditions.

“Okay, that wasn’t too comfortable. At least I can see the beautiful Essex from up here. I can definitely understand why plebit would like to be the MP here and make this area even better. You can see really far from up here. Is it time to get the banner out, Martha?”

Martha: “Sure. Although I’m not quite sure how good it’ll be in this weather.”

Troe pulls out a banner with Martha’s help. It’s Labour red and folded out it’s a vertical banner with the Labour rose and a box with an x in it underneath.

Troe: “The wind is not really helping here, but this idea has been in development for a while, so I guess it’s hard to plan exactly for the weather.”

Later they started to make their descent, attempting to land near the spot picked with plebit. 

Troe: “I’m not sure whether that’s them, but I’m definitely happy to see the earth getting closer. I’ve had enough heights for… well, at least a year. I might not repeat this if I run in the next election.”

Troe tried putting on a brave face for the reporter as he took a few final pictures from inside the balloon. They landed a bit uneasily, but without the basket falling over. On the ground plebit stood waiting. They took some pictures together, talked to a few local Labour members and then discussed a bit of politics together.

Troe: “It’s been fun, but I think I’ve had enough excitement for today.”

Plebit: “You at least have to have a pint with us before leaving.”

Troe: “I guess I can catch the next train.”

They went to the nearest pub, had a pint and discussed politics. Afterwards Troe was given a lift to the train station where he said his goodbyes and left for Kent again.