Chapter 4: Suspicions
08:31 – 14 A.E.
Kashkuri highlands
It was curiosity that drove him to follow the fleet. That, Pad chose to admit amidst the trip. He discussed it at length with Harua, and got her and the others to cover up the camp more and keep weapons in hand while he's out to check if the fleet has landed anywhere close – depending on the strangers' intentions if it has, the camp needed to be uprooted and moved somewhere else.
Ten days, that's how much days he convinced them to give him. If he didn't return by that time, they should assume he's dead or captured, and leave.
Of those days, four had already gone by as he moved through the forest and scaled the many cliffs and hills along the way – Longshot in hand.
It was the direction in which the fleet was headed that plagued him. There is only one place in particular in that direction.. the best place to set a foothold in all of the land that used to be Kashkur. And he saw it finally in the far distance, just past the next hill:
Anvegad. Otherwise known as Anvil Gate. A fortress city that used to be a COG garrison during the Pendulum wars.
And the sight, confirmed his suspicions. The strange fleet had set up shop around and within the perimeter of the old city. Most of it had landed, though a few ships remained in the air, idle.
It was strangely majestic, otherwordly, but also a somehow... sorrowful a sight. Pad watched as though entranced, and debated inwardly on whether to take a chance for a closer look... or go back. Before he could do either though... a pair of blades slid into his vision, together with an emotionless feminine voice; "Drop your weapon. You have nine seconds to comply."
The man almost jumped, and considered bolting away from the blades, turn and get a good shot on the one who ambushed him. Ultimately, he chose not to risk it, with too many people relying on him to act recklessly. Whoever had gotten the drop on him like this, was no amateur. Pad lowered his weapon down to the ground and raised his arms into the air in turn.
"Wise choice. Now stand, and turn around slowly."
Pad did as instructed, and slowly turned. But to his surprise, came face to face with a young woman dressed in what appeared to be a very impractical suit for terrain like this... colored in screaming red, white and pink – with a generous cleavage-window and a tall hat on top of that. But what struck him the most happened to be her huge prosthetic arms. It felt like his past reputation as the best scout and sniper in the COG had taken a punch to the gut.
She looked back at him searchingly, with such deeply sad eyes.
"Hey." he tried to communicate, "I didn't come here to cause trouble, alright?"
Her only initial response was the slight arcing of an eyebrow. It was like she's more a machine than a human being. But when she moved further, it was not to talk.. but to apply a punch to his gut.
Pad keeled over as the oversized fist of her prosthetic arm connected, and could feel himself slip into unconsciousness as he leaned against the arm that proceeded to put him over her shoulder as she turned to – presumably – head for Anvil Gate.
10:32 – 14 A.E.
Anvil Gate
Pad felt strangely nostalgic as he finally woke up to see the interior of a very recognizable office – though old and damaged from lack of maintenance for so many years. He curled up slightly from the pain still in his gut from that rock-hard punch he got what felt like minutes ago.
"You were too hard on him, Gin." the voice of an elderly man reached his ears, "Help him up, would you?"
Momentarily, two hands landed on his shoulders and pulled him into a chair. The man looked over his shoulder to see the pair of armored guards flanking him from behind. Like was the case with the woman, their armor's colorful. It made him think of the ancient battlefields where commanders needed their soldiers to wear clothing that would make them easier to identify. It was archaic, but far from outdated. The COG and UIR subscribed to that practice during the Pendulum wars, if only in the stark difference in armored suit-design. But these could have chosen colors better suited for the battlefield than white and red. Might as well paint a huge bull's eye on them.
In front on the other hand stood the girl he met earlier.. along with the elderly man the earlier words probably belonged to. Formally dressed, with the addition of what looked like a fur-coat.
"I apologize for what brutality my subordinates have treated you with. But these are... difficult times."
"Oh yeah?" Pad almost growled the question, "Who the hell are you people?"
"... We're all from Tres España. I am Chancellor and SC President Felipe Segundo. And this, who you've already had the... ahem... pleasure to meet, is 2nd Special Duty Officer Tachibana Gin."
"Never heard of it.."
"Guessed as much." Felipe acknowledged with a shake of his head, looking rather merry – if sad. "Let's just say it's a long story. We ended up in this new land due to unfortunate circumstances, and ventured this far inland to avoid harmful conflict with the other powers in the wake of said circumstances."
"You mean the Locust?" Pad asked, listening with understandable skepticism. But then again, with the hyper-advanced fleet outside, there had to be some merit to the man's words.
Felipe tilted his head, "Locust?"
"Yeah.. big gray-skinned ugly bastards seeking to wipe out the human race?" He let a summary-description slip out, and the Chancellor seemed quite taken aback, "Sure hope they haven't taken some of your ships, whatever the hell those are, cause I am loathe to see any grubs fly around with the ships you got."
"... I can assure you, none of said circumstances had anything to do with these... Locust. Perhaps you could shed some light, your name and affiliation for instance."
"... Padrick Salton, though friends just call me Pad. I used to be a sniper during my time as a Gear under the Coalition of Ordered Governments, otherwise referred to as the COG. Now, I just want to ensure the safety of the last Pesanga." He hadn't revealed any locations, nor codes, so an answer of this extent was fine.
It looked like a string of new words to Felipe as he mentally made notes, "I see. These Pesanga, I assume they're an ethnic group?"
"They are. Very few are left because of this war.. the Locust killed most of the humanity.. I was surprised that any Pesanga had survived at all."
The guards shifted uncomfortably, and Felipe looked like he was going to be sick, "How many dead because of the war you mentioned?"
"Billions. With their choice of timing, they probably waited till we had bled ourselves dry in the Pendulum wars, and then struck in the belief we were at our weakest."
"Were you?"
"I don't know. Would we have stood a better chance if we were united from the beginning, or would they have wiped us out already if we weren't already hardened by decades of conflict? We'll never know."
"Such abhorrent..." Felipe just barely caught himself. He looked down at the floor, as if expecting something to burst up through it at any moment. "How long since it began?"
Pad was puzzled. Felipe was either an excellent actor.. or truly had no knowledge of the war, as if he and the other strangers were from a different planet. "Fourteen years so far. Don't know. Left the army a few years after the Hammer of Dawn counterattack. Couldn't handle it.."
"Hammer of Dawn?"
"The weapon that ended the Pendulum wars, how can you not know about it? It's an orbital network of satellites armed with beam-weaponry. The COG bombed the crap out of the entire planet outside the Jacinto plateau when we all stared defeat in the eye. Killed millions of the bastards... but killed millions of our own too." Pad explained with a heavy mind. At the start, he was ready to resist giving answers to any questions the strangers might have. But this Felipe was... He had the look of someone who has lost everything, but soldiered on anyway, because there were little choice in the matter. Not very different from himself, and everyone he had served with. A part of him simply wanted to answer the guy's question, "We bought time, by burning most of the planet's surface to cinders."
"An act of desperation... "
"But most of the survivors outside the plateau hated us for it. Instead of helping against the Locust, they went into hiding... built shantytowns... and generally became a bunch of unhelpful parasites. And I can't blame them for that. I really can't."
"I see." Felipe sighed, and turned to look squarely at Pad. "... You stand to be a great source of information for us."
"Hmpf, I cannot stay."
"Because you want to go back to the Pesanga, I'm sure."
"Indeed."
"Then we simply need to come to an agreement that may benefit the both of us." the Chancellor spent a moment to think it over before he made the offer; "How about this, if we put the Pesanga under our protection – would you consider becoming our guide?"
"... Part of me want to accept, but another says I need to think it over first."
"How long do you need?"
"A couple of days, then I need to go. If I choose not to help, can I still leave?"
"Two days. That's acceptable. If you choose not to help after that, you're free to go."
Gin looked like she was going to interject, but held her tongue.
The following silence was total, except the noise of what was going on outside. Sounded like the fleet crews are trying to restore the place as best they can.
Pad needed only a moment, "Alright."
Felipe smiled, "Good. Enjoy what hospitality we can offer for the duration of your stay here. We may all seem rather stiff, but the people of Tres España are quite a merry bunch."
Two days, huh. Pad thought as he was soon released to leave the office, Gin following in his wake after a few words exchanged with the Chancellor. Stopping only to look out a window along the way as he felt the rush of nostalgia make its return. The view not marred by the crowds of strangers and the eccentric ships in the sky above. Now then... should I trust these folks, Harua?
12:50; 9th June; 1648; Testament era
Kraken class warship "Yamato" – Lesser islands
Adele yawned in mild boredom as she looked over the bridge from the captain's seat – who instead stood next to her at rapt attention. Being a student of class 3-Plum did have its perks.
Four days had gone by since first contact with the locals, and one day since the Musashi Protectorate charter had been drafted and ratified by Musashi Ariadust Academy and the Stranded clans that decided to join.
To the side, a re-run of the grand ceremony was shown via sign frame. Masazumi shown shaking hands with the Stranded clans' chosen representative; Janet.
Since then, the real hard work began. Under the aegis of Musashi, the Stranded would provide what resources they can through agriculture and fishing in exchange for protection and help to rebuild.
It was a historic event. Never before has Musashi ever accumulated this much political power.
But to protect such scattered settlements, a navy is needed. The city-fleet itself was kept out of sight for the time being. The Stranded thought they came from an island.. the sight of a gigantic city-fleet would be a huge shock to them.
And that's where this ship came in.
The Yamato used to part of Musashi's humble fleet of cargo ships, but had been refitted to serve as a warship – the first of four – and renamed accordingly. It was released from docks just a couple of hours ago.
The novelty of the occasion wore off quickly enough, though.
Design-wise, it was no different from before.. except the addition of six turrets to the frame. Two on top, four below. Each mounted with two stacks of four ether cannons each – basically the armament of Mechanical shells cobbled together.
It was far from the strength of a real warship, but would do what it was refitted to do just fine.
As long as they don't plan to throw it against an enemy fleet without support.
"Coming up on the island now." the navigation' officer reported.
Adele leaned forward to focus on the holo-table before her, as the image of a oval-shaped island came into view. It looked like the island's the crater and rim of an extinct volcano. Filled with lowlands, forests, highlands, and rivers. At least five thousand square kilometers in size. Filled to the brim with life.
The data on the island kept scrolling down an additional sign frame as Adele thought back on the reason for them being here:
One day ago. 14:38; 8th June; 1648; Testament era
Tuktu City – Town hall
"What would we have done without you, Hassan?" Masazumi said quietly as she watched the guy hand out plates of Curry that had proven to be a huge hit so far. If not for him, we'd be forced to eat grilled bats... or whatever those things are.
The Stranded barely had any manners at all as they dug in.. though it's probably their first time with that kind of meal in years. The kids that were born after the war started especially loved the food.
Masazumi ended up standing by the wall with a cup of water, arms folded across her chest. Watching the ongoing celebrations with a smallish smile on her lips.
Across the room, those who came along for the ceremony today mingled somewhat with the crowd. Bertoni chatting with the ones who brought the brew... possibly about future business opportunities. Adele and Nate walked together, maintaining a somewhat professional attitude – Nate being the only one to accept the clumsily done meat the locals had to offer. Toori expressed an interest to come along earlier, but everyone pulled a Tsukommi on him for that... and left him gagged and bound in a closet for Horizon to pick up once she's done at Blue Thunder for the day.
On the other hand, Kimi's here too. The incredibly well-endowed fellow classmate walked through the place like an insurmountable mountain. All the Stranded who saw her were left with their faces stuck in silent screams of sheer disbelief. The girl probably enjoyed the attention... and had nothing to fear. If a fighter like Futayo couldn't lay her low, a bunch of uncouth thugs wouldn't stand a chance.
"Hello there."
Masazumi blinked and winced as a hand landed on the wall next to her head. A bearded guy, apparently drunk, leaned towards her.
"Er, hello. Massy, was it?"
The man grinned, it was a grisly sight, "Aye, that's me. Saw sense and left that dumb-ass Griffin."
"And you're welcome..." she replied as curtly as possible. But he was leaning too close.
"Thank ye. Hic. Now, when will we get all that nice tech you talked about..?"
"It will be distributed in moderation, just to help you get started. More will be made available once you got something to trade."
"Oh? I'd love a lot of it right now actually. Hic." he leaned even closer, and made the girl feel extremely uncomfortable. "Maybe we could... arrange something, huh. Ye smell pretty good by the way."
It wasn't a question. "I won't make special exceptions for anyone... mister Massy. Just be patient, for now."
"I've got plenty to trade away, lots of nice goods. Let's talk more privately, shall we?"
"N-no thanks." Masazumi began to pull away, but was stopped as he landed his other hand on the other side – barring her escape.
"That ain't nice, little lady. I'm a pretty swell guy. Hic. Ya know."
Thankfully, the situation defused quickly as a hand landed on his shoulder. Nate along with Adele now standing behind him, "She told you quite clearly, mister. No means no."
Massy looked about ready to include her as well – which no one would do to a half-werewolf, unless they got a death-wish. But reconsidered clearly as the girl's sharp fingers dug into his shoulder. "Alright, just messing around." he said, and backed off.. "But just ye wait and see, I've got tons of goods to hand over, babe. You'll see."
"We'll see." Masazumi nodded nervously as he turned and walked away. "Thank you, Nate."
The knight came a little closer, "I apologize for taking so long. Did he do anything to you?"
"Just a little shaken." the girl exhaled.
"I do not trust him." Nate commented.
"Maybe he was just... drunk. Otherwise... yeah, think we need to look deeper here. Lots of goods – the only thing the Stranded seem to have in abundance other than scrap until developed further is fuel. This so-called Imulsion."
"Shall I?" Nate offered.
"No. Adele?"
"Yes?" the retainer asked.
"Go to Bertoni, and see if Massy has given the location of his place yet. Failing that, ask the other leaders."
"I can do that. Want me to go and investigate the place?"
"Yeah." Masazumi lowered her voice to a whisper, "The Engineering Club's nearly done refitting the newly rechristened Yamato. You and Nate have my permission to take command of the ship upon its launch, and head to his village's location... for a thorough investigation. Make sure you're not seen unless it's an emergency."
"Jud." Nate and Adele responded together. "I believe Suzu's help could prove invaluable for this mission, by the way." the retainer commented.
The Vice-president smiled. Suzu's the heart of Class 3-Plum. She's blind.. but her perceptiveness combined with the outstanding capability of her hearing aid makes her a force to be reckoned with in her own right, "Hm, you're right. If she's available, go ahead and ask her."
Adele smiled, "Jud. Will do."
"But for now, let's try to enjoy what's left of the party.." Masazumi said... just as Kimi began to sing in the distance, which elicited a roar from the audience... especially the male part of it.
"Jud."
Today. 12:53; 9th June; 1648; Testament era
Kraken class warship "Yamato" – Above Vectes
Adele continued to review the data gathered so far when the door at the rear of the bridge opened. "H-have we arrived?"
"Yes, Suzu. We just did." the retainer responded gently. "And it looks quite legit so far. Start the camouflage, and bring us closer." she then told the navigation officer.
The camouflage of this ship wasn't nearly as grand as the one Musashi's equipped with. Instead, it used gravity blessings to draw moisture in the air towards the ship to create a cloud of mist around it. One extensive enough not to be too conspicuous.
Next, as Suzu walked past her timidly, she opened up several sign frames to display imagery of the island itself, "Beautiful place, no?"
The Captain shrugged.
"M-mm..." Suzu hummed very quietly as she sat down at the sensory console, rolled out a cable from her hearing aid and slotted it into the console. A tiny gasp escaping her lips as she accepted sensory data, "This is... the world."
Adele was amazed. Suzu's addition extended the ship's sensory range significantly. "Nate, are you there?" she communicated through the subsequent divine transmission. The half-werewolf sitting outside, on the top-most deck.
"I am here. Ready to begin?"
"Aye. Mission begins now."
"A-Adele." Suzu addressed her, possibly picking something up already.
"Yes?"
"I h-hear activity... e-everywhere. But there seems to be... two villages."
Adele leaned forward, "Two, you said? Where?"
Suzu shuddered, probably frightened by something she heard. The crew waited patiently for the submissive girl to answer, "H-here."
Two dots popped up on the map. One big, and a small one. On the opposite sides of the island.
"Good work." Adele complimented her friend. "Bring us in to the big one for a closer look." and waited the following minutes as the ship came closer to the village below.. though technically they kept a healthy distance from the surface. A few of the place's denizens looking up at the mist that suddenly drifted in past the coastline.
Below them stood a nice little village filled with nicely built low-set wooden buildings, data indicating a population of at least three thousand.
It wasn't a shantytown at all, everyone noticed. It's a humble fishing village. A harbor filled with boats, with workers and fishers crowding the place. Children playing with one another. Smattering of house pets here and there. People going to work and whatever other business they headed for. A completely ordinary and idyllic place. A fully functional society with no deficiencies.
These people did not look like Stranded at all.
Adele found what looked like a flag-pole, opened up an image of it.. and identified the old flag at the top of it. One adorned with the imagery of a cog. "A cog? Didn't the Stranded always mention an enemy they referred to as the 'COG'?"
"Yes. They did." Nate communicated. "Griffin's faction wanted nothing more than to to destroy them."
"Hm. This can't possibly be Massy's territory then. Yet the directions we were given leads to this place."
"U-uh.." Suzu almost squealed, "I-I just heard a 'm-moo'."
"Moo?" Nate and Adele asked together, then it occurred to them:
"Bring us further inland." Adele ordered. Into her ear, Nate sang something quite ham-related.
As the ship moved inland, they found large stretches of farmland, together with herds of livestock. Thousands of animals. Cows. Sheep. Pigs. Poultry.
Adele could practically hear Nate salivate over the divine transmission at the smell coming from down there. They came here to look into Massy's claims, but found an ideal trading partner along the way. Thoughtfully, she gave her next order: "Set course for the other settlement."
More than ten minutes passed as they flew at nearly full speed across the island.. until they came upon the other settlement. In start contrast to the one they already checked out, this other village's practically a backwater.
It was nothing impressive. A filthy shantytown, even by Stranded standards – though they hadn't seen more settlements beyond the one in Tuktu City before this. Population read as almost a thousand. Lots of shacks, and an awful lot carrying weapons. A few garages could also be seen, or what passed as such. And quite a few boats along the shore.
"Okay, I bet this is Massy's territory."
"Without a doubt." Nate agreed.
"It sure doesn't have anything that qualify as 'tons of goods'. That is... unless..."
"Unless they steal it from the other settlement. Curs."
"So what will be your decision?" the captain inquired.
Adele thought about that, "Hm. Head to the southern coast. We'll hunker down there while maintaining surveillance. If they intend to steal from the other village, we'll wait for them to act, and then intervene on their targets' behalf. Nate, let Masazumi know."
"Jud." the captain and Nate replied in turn.
It will take Massy at least another ten hours to get back. But I wonder if his folks will attempt the theft before that. No choice but to wait, and see.
23:20; 9th June; 1648; Testament era
Kraken class warship "Yamato" – Southern shore of Vectes
The hours ticked by slowly as the surveillance continued. Adele occasionally slipped in and out of sleep amidst the wait for anything that might happen. The crew went through a few shifts, every break used to either eat, rest or sleep. While they waited, and watched.. they found out about a large base located on the island. But without anything to interest them, it was left as is.
Suzu on the other hand remained at the console diligently. She was quite fascinated with the use of the ship's sensors to 'observe' the day turning in to let the night take over.
"Anything yet?" Nate asked as she entered the bridge. The half-werewolf decided to get inside as it got darker. It would be quite bad for stealth if the natives suddenly heard someone howl at the moon out at sea where there's not supposed to be anyone at this hour. At least, it'd give away their position if anyone heard.
"It's still quiet." Adele hummed. The only movement till now was that of Massy's boat, a blue dinghy, as he made his return to his territory.
But then, Suzu suddenly flinched, "Eek."
The whole crew was alarmed immediately, Nate the first to ask; "What is it?"
"I... I hear motors starting. A lot of them."
"A lot?" Adele opened up the map and had Suzu designate them. At least fifteen dots moving away from Massy's settlement by sea – along with a quartet which must be vehicles going inland by the road, "Okay. They're beginning." and triggered a divine transmission to the entire crew, "All personnel, get ready. Man the battle stations. I repeat, man the battle stations. We're moving out!"
02:35 – 14 A.E.
Pelruan town hall
Lewis Gavriel scratched his head as he prepared to go home. It had been yet another peaceful and productive day. It had been years since they lost contact with the mainland, and had to rely on what little information they could get from visitors... that is, those who didn't come here acting like a bunch of assholes. The town folks had long since lost patience with the Stranded... now it's shoot to kill on sight.
In the belief that Massy's folks would continue to leave them alone... Lewis turned off the lights and left the building. But no further did he come before an alarm went off, the bell ringing in the distance. Across the street, Deputy Mayor William came and cried out; "To arms! The Stranded are coming! To arms!"
The mayor looked up and listened intently, and heard the very distant roars of massed motorboats. They're coming alright, and lots of them. Lewis dashed back into the town hall, opened up the closet in his office and pulled out the shotgun inside along with all the buckshot he could carry, and ran back out to make for the harbor.
Everyone with a gun left their houses in a hurry, most wearing little but night clothes. Dogs barked as their owners prepared to release them. All trained to hunt and bring down Stranded.
It was difficult in the beginning. To arm themselves and get used to the fighting needed to keep the parasites out. But now, they had a sort of system to it. And everyone knew the stakes.. If the Stranded won, this place would without a shit of a doubt turn into a hellhole in a hurry.
He soon arrived at the harbor, dozens already there – about to take position along the harbor and the beach. Preparing for the battle about to begin as the roars of engines steadily closed in.
02:35 – 14 A.E.
Massy's fleet - Closing in on Pelruan
Pelruan. The place had been a thorn in his side for too long. Bunch of bastards who still salute the COG, and so well armed it was difficult to attack them.
But now, since those Musashi folks showed up, Massy found himself a very real chance of becoming something more than just a boss of a small corner of an island. It was all the incentive he needed to start an invasion of Pelruan and take it over once and for all. With its resources at his disposal, he could negotiate a deal with the Musashi folks that could propel his clan to become a true power. Strong enough to even force that arrogant ass Griffin to his knees.
"Massy's Empire." he whispered to himself. The splashes of water around his boat and the puttering noise of its engine behind him making sure no one could hear him; "I like the sound of that."
With this newly found ambition, he was ready to sacrifice many of his men if it meant fulfilling that dream. As long as he got resources they want, Musashi won't get in his way to take over the other clans eventually... and then maybe even what's left of the COG.
And the start of it all lay before him. The lights of the village was shown as a huge stripe that stretched across the shore ahead, winking out one by one. All of those idiots are probably gathering along the shore – ignorant of the Junkers set to attack the village from behind.
"Victory..." he exhaled as a cloud of mist rolled over the area, "... is mine!"
02:36 – 14 A.E.
Pelruan harbor
Lewis cursed the inconvenience of the rolling mist. Under its cover, Massy's men could easily reach the shore and disembark.
"Knuckles down!" one of the elderly shouted. One of the few that remains of the Duke of Tollen's regiment, which fought in the Pendulum wars.
In the horizon, he could barely make out the outlines of the boats closing in. "Get ready, here they come!" and then suddenly felt as if the air slammed into him. The first thought was to conclude that he had given away his position with that shout, and got shot for it... But as he fell to the ground, aside from scrubs gotten from the hard landing, there was no bullet-wound anywhere on him, nor any pain to signal it. A look to the side confirmed it had happened to most of those along the shoreline, except those who managed to hold on.
Above the mist was clearing away, as if by magic, and from it flew something he never thought he'd see. A massive rectangular-shaped ship with a sharp bow hovered into view, with streams of ghostly energy running along that which should have been its waterline.
Shocked by this sudden arrival, even the Stranded veered away or stopped dead in their tracks. Lewis and his folks was not far off either.. they all froze.
The ship came in low and took up position just beyond the shore. From it, what sounded like a little girl's voice, cried out in an authoritative manner: "This is Thane Adele Balfette of the warship Yamato, Musashi navy." A number of turrets along the bottom of the ship turned to track the motorboats, "Chief Massy, this attack is a direct violation of the Protectorate outlines in regard to warfare. No attacks upon foreign targets are allowed unless approved and sanctioned by the council. Lower your weapons, and withdraw. Fail to comply, and we will intervene on this village's behalf – and destroy you to the last. Choose now, and choose wisely."
Author notes: Easiest chapter to write in quite a while once I got started. Just a bit of stumbling in the beginning when I wrote four pages worth of text.. only to come to the realization that it was written too awkwardly. Oh well, here it is. We're at Pelruan at last, and that means it's not long till the COG comes into the picture.