20th September 1656
The Port of Kochi, Shivaji Shipyard
Francis Molin, who was overseeing the construction of the Pune-class battleships, suddenly received an unusual letter from back home. It was unusual because the letter was not only signed by his father, the Patriarch Marco Molin but also by the Doge himself, His Excellency Giovanni Morasanai. This had never happened in his several years of business experience, so he knew that the letter was significant. Without delay, he opened it and began to read.
"Dear Francis, ...."
Upon reading the letter, Francis was pleasantly surprised. He had never expected that the people in power back home would consider ordering ships from across the world. While he knew it made sense monetarily and strategically, he did not think anyone back home would make that decision. Seeing the letter, he realized he had been underestimating the Doge's forward-thinking ability and broad-mindedness. This truly surprised and pleased him.
