Volume 1: Chapter 5: Home, Sweet Home
Originally Drafted: April 18th, 2022
Originally Published: April 20th, 2022
Updated On: July 22nd, 2022
/ UNSC Alpha Base. Outside of the Eternity. October 30th, 2558. /
The view that greeted everyone aboard the Pelican as they returned from the academy was an impressive one. With the waning rays of the sun gently bathing the ground below with its warm orange hues, they could see that the ground team had managed to begin setting up a proper base of operations. Vast sections of the nearby forest had been cleared out by bulldozers, prefabricated structures erected in their place.
From above, the makings of a proper UNSC facility began to take form. A flurry of activity surrounded the area, as Marines could be seen running drills, vehicles helped ferry supplies from the Eternity to the base, and several of their aircraft flew overhead; providing much needed overwatch. If they were going to be stranded here for who knows how long, they might as well get comfortable, was the mindset many of them had while working.
As the Pelican began its descent, it gently settled down upon a cleared up space; an area designated for any incoming and outgoing aircraft for the duration of their stay here at Alpha Base. As they were about to exit the Pelican, they were greeted by the sight of one of the only aliens they had on board as the rear opened up, the Swords of Sanghelios liaison, V'tas Malum.
"It is good to see you back, Shipmaster." He greeted the group while holding a hand to his chest. A salute in Sangheili society to give respect towards those they deem worthy. "I take it that first contact went well?"
"It could've gone worse. But I think we made the best impression we could out of that situation. Given the circumstances at least." Replied Captain Morgan. He turned towards the rest of the group and addressed them.
"Have the others meet me on the bridge within an hour. We need to discuss our next move." He dismissed the group as he went towards one of the open hangars used as an entrance to the Eternity.
The area around the Eternity had been completely transformed. What was once an uninviting forest filled with all manners of dangerous creatures. Had been pacified during the time the group had left.
All the while, various agents from many of the native kingdoms had attempted to pry into their area of operations. But none were bold enough to get any closer.
Despite their attempts at trying to be hidden. The sensors the UNSC had put in place detected them long before they even saw them. For the past few days they had been here. They'd already become a major group of interest in relation to the nations of Halkeginia.
But the UNSC had standing orders to ignore them. Let them think they were unnoticed. It didn't really matter much. They'd only see what they wanted them to see.
The Engineering Corps had kept busy with building the various facilities they needed on the surface of the planet. From defensive emplacements to buildings made out of prefabricated structures straight out of the Fabrication Plants, courtesy of the Eternity.
Clearing out an area roughly twelve kilometers around the stranded vessel. They had laid the groundwork for their future base.
Based on what they had built so far - Alpha Base, as the ground forces had taken to unoriginally calling it, was shaping up to be a veritable fortress. Its name being a reference to a similar incident that happened years earlier, involving the now legendary Pillar of Autumn.
/ UNSC Eternity, Bridge, an hour later. /
The crew present for the meeting had huddled up around the main holotable present aboard the bridge. Monty, helpfully providing visual aid and additional information to the rest of the group. A gathering of people on the bridge of the ship served as a reminder for just how massive the vessel was. It was a rare opportunity for all of the most senior officers aboard to gather together, let alone in such a grand setting. It was a chance for the ground forces and their Naval Intelligence types to share their findings and discoveries with those who had been unable to make it to the surface.
Familiar faces were in the room, the ones who were present with the Captain during their first debrief as soon as they got their bearings. Commanders Ferdinand and Parker, Lieutenant Redding, Dr. Belle, the Swords of Sanghelios, and others. All of them listened intently to Monty giving the briefing.
"Here's the situation." Monty started as he conjured up several projections. "We currently find ourselves in the Kingdom of Tristain, currently led officially by the Queen, Marianne de Tristain. Although it's practically run by the Regent. A man called 'Cardinal Mazarin.'"
Monty had helpfully shown a rough map of the continent and its borders as they currently knew it during his explanation.
Monty switched the images displayed on the holotable to a rough approximation of the late Tristainian King, based on the testimonies of the locals they'd interviewed.
"This Kingdom's reigning monarch, King Henri de Tristain, had died months prior to our arrival from an undisclosed illness, the Queen had locked herself away in the privacy of her own room apparently, due to her severe grief. Which means the big guy we have to talk to right now, would be this Cardinal person." Monty concluded the Tristainian report.
"There are other nations around Tristain as well. The landlocked ones being: Germania, to our north, Gallia, to our west, Romalia and a small Duchy called Guldenhorf to the south. Lastly, there is the floating island that we've all seen on our long range scanners, Albion. Which seems to be floating at roughly 2,400 meters above sea level." He paused to let the others absorb the information he had just relayed.
"Any questions?"
"Yes, Monty. Where did you get all this information from?" One of the other people in the meeting, Commander Ferdinand asked the AI. He wasn't aware that they already knew this much just from a few hours after the Captain left to speak to the locals and return the noble girl in their custody.
"Ah, that would be courtesy of our friends over at ONI. A few of the scouts that had been observing us had gotten just a bit too close towards our perimeter. ONI agents had apprehended them and have been grilling them for information since." Monty cheekily added.
Captain Morgan stared at Lieutenant Redding at Monty's admission of where their sources came from. He was not aware of this going on before he left and Monty being so open about it had nearly taken him aback. Though, he couldn't blame the ONI spooks for taking the initiative. He just had to hope these natives won't come asking for their missing scouts. They'll deal with that matter if it comes up during negotiations.
Captain Morgan exhaled a sigh. "Monty, Oliver, just make sure word of this doesn't leave the room. We'll get into trouble far sooner than I'd like if it does."
The AI and ONI Lieutenant gave a quick nod in response. "Moving on. Here's our current estimates in regards to repair work." The table had switched into a view of the Eternity. Parts of it being helpfully labeled as the AI gave his report.
"We've had our engineers working around the clock trying to fix whatever we could. But without a proper drydock or the industry needed to support the Eternity. We won't be able to fully recover. Having been under repairs and continued construction when the Created had attacked us. The Eternity is in worse shape than it left." Captain Morgan gave a scowl as he heard that part.
"Though, thankfully our fabricators are relatively undamaged. We can make whatever we need for smaller scale works as long as we have the material. But resurrecting this starship would take years. By my most optimistic estimates, we're looking at around 20 - 30 years at minimum."
The news, while expected, still came as a shock to the group. Without any proper UNSC support, they were essentially just thrown to the wolves to fend for themselves. But as far as they knew. They were the only ones left. Having seen most of the UNSC rendered helpless to the Created and their Guardian's attack. They had assumed they were the last remnants of the UNSC.
"For the long run, I suggest we should settle." Monty had said. His words lingered in their ears as the group dissolved into conversations between themselves, discussing what to do next.
Settle? Here? Captain Morgan mused. While it wasn't a bad idea. They had the problem of dealing with their magical neighbors first before they could fully commit to it. While he was confident they could handle any military incursion if it came to it. He'd rather not waste lives at all if he could help it.
Taking a moment to process the news relayed during this meeting, Captain Morgan was the first to break the mood. Letting out a quick grumble after clearing his throat, he began to speak.
"I suppose settling isn't a bad idea. But we have to deal with the Kingdoms first. We don't have the right to just trample on their way of life." Captain Morgan declared, before stepping up in front of the group.
"As you all know, Project Ouroborous was intended as humanity's last hope. If Earth and all her Colonies fell, the Infinity-class of ships would serve as our arks. A last bastion for humanity." He looked at the group gathered around as they all turned towards him.
"This kind of situation is precisely what this vessel was meant for." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Regardless of the circumstances that brought us here. Magical or otherwise. We've been presented with an opportunity." He gestured to the holotable - which was currently projecting an image of the continent they now stood on.
"Humanity has not fallen, not yet. We'll find our way home in time. Maybe finish the fight that the Created started. But for now. We must survive. For Earth, and all her Colonies. Because, for as long as you all stand. The UNSC and the spirit of humanity, lives on."
The faces of the gathered crowd all had a serious expression about them. Their postures stood ramrod straight at attention. Turning to their own colleagues as the Captain finished, they all nodded in agreement at his words.
Good, he needed all of them to be on the same page.
"Shipmaster, you have our full support. Wherever you go, our blades shall follow." V'tas had said. His voice cutting through the noise of murmurs that permeated the room after the Captain's declaration.
"Us too, Captain. We're not gonna leave you behind even if our own ships are operational." Commander Parker said.
"Likewise." Commander Ferdinand added, throwing his support in after Captain Parker's statement.
Captain Morgan couldn't help but smile at this. In all his years of service, moments like this made all the troubles well worth it. It was always nice to have allies. He turned once more to the holotable. Monty, still displayed in his impeccably sharp uniform, standing proudly.
"Monty, have the Frigates in orbit start sending out recon satellites to take their place. We need them recalled back here."
"Aye, aye, Skipper." He saluted the man.
"Lieutenant Redding. I need your men working on gathering more Intel. Whatever could help us gain any advantage over our new neighbors." He paused before adding. "Don't rough them up too badly. I know how your people tend to work."
"Already on it." The ONI Agent responded with a smirk. He then turned to leave to inform his group of what they had to do.
"Commander Parker, Ferdinand. I feel sorry to impose on you on this. But we'll need the both of you to explore the rest of this planet. Find out if we have any other resources to exploit or a possible uninhabited land to fall back on should things go south."
"Sure thing, Captain." They responded with a salute before turning to leave.
"Pray tell, Shipmaster. What would you ask of us?" V'tas asked in turn as the rest dispersed. The lone Sangheili had been eager to experience more of this strange world they'd found themselves in.
"For now? We'll just leave you to your own devices. We'll need to keep the Swords of Sanghelios in reserve. I hope you won't take offense to this, Kaidon."
He humphed in disdain at this. "Very well, I understand. But do not keep us idle for long, Shipmaster. Even my men can get weary of boredom." With these words spoken, he turned to leave as well. Leaving Captain MacGregor and his AI companion the only ones left.
"We've got a long day ahead of us, Monty." Captain Morgan gave out a sigh.
/ Alpha Base, Checkpoint One. Edge of Eternity's Defense Perimeter. /
Having been dismissed earlier by the Captain after escorting them to the Academy, the group of ODST that accompanied them looked around the still fledgling base. Curious and eager to explore more of the fledgling base.
While they had been more than familiar with their fair share of military bases. It was the first time for many of them to have seen one being built before their eyes. The sight of a military installation being set-up practically overnight was a sight that filled them with pride, it was UNSC Engineering at its finest.
Sergeant Dizdar led the group as they toured their way around the base grounds. The group, informally known as "Dizdar's Delinquents" by many of their colleagues. Had earned themselves quite a reputation, having been considered as a "magnet of trouble" for their tendency to get caught up in many dangerous situations.
But it also served to prove their competency. As the group usually always found a way out of it. Whether by skill or by luck, nobody was entirely sure.
Despite all this. The group were still ODST, Orbital Drop Shock Troopers. The best of the best, with centuries of history adding up to their exploits.
Dizdar's group had been with him all the way from the fall of Reach, to the siege of New Mombasa, even to the Ark. Dizdar couldn't ask for better men. Well, except for some exceptions.
"Hey, Gunny. Mind if I talk to you for a sec?" DiMaggio said as he tapped his shoulder.
Normally he would have just brushed off the man, being set aside for a little "talk" usually ended with him setting off pranks that would get the whole squad in trouble. Even by ODST standards, he was eccentric.
"If it's not serious, then no." Dizdar responded.
"No, it's not what you think, Gunny. I'm being serious here." He pleaded. He was usually never serious, even when on duty. Having long since grown accustomed to the man's frivolous behavior. Dizdar relented.
"Fine. Make it quick."
"Awesome. Alright, remember that maid I came with when I got lost?"
"If you're going to be asking me for dating advice. Then you've come to the wrong man." Dizdar brushed it off. Realizing that the man might have only been after the maid in question. While he had his fair share of relationships. It usually never lasted long, his mind was constantly worried over his duties, though the end of the war brought more time for him to begin slowing down. Perhaps I should consider retiring at this point. He mentally added as he tried to ignore the Corporal.
"No, not like that, Gunny. But she is something special." He emphasized the last point. At this, the Gunnery Sergeant's interest was piqued.
"Special, how? You fall for her charms or something?" Dizdar joked.
"Ah, she is really nice." DiMaggio's eyes seemed to glaze as if in recollection of a memory before coming back to his senses. "But, not like that, no. Not unless I get to know her better…" he muttered that last bit, nearly imperceptible if you weren't standing nearby.
"Get to the point, Corporal. I don't have all day."
"Right, I was getting to that." He paused, looked around them, then turned back to the Sergeant. "She recognized us." He whispered to the man. While normally they would have just used their built in microphones and radios for a private conversation. But, within the safety of Alpha Base, they had been comfortable enough to not wear them. Necessitating such a move.
"What do you mean she recognized us?" Dizdar questioned the man.
"She said her grandfather came here years ago. She recognized us by our uniforms. What are the chances of that?"
The implications were not lost on the Sergeant. Having other people from UEG territory end up here was quite the revelation. If there were more of them out there, then there was probably something up that needed to be brought to attention.
"Have you told anyone else about this?" Dizdar leaned in closer.
"You, so far. I was thinking of going to the Captain with this info."
"Then we'll go together. Lord, knows your reputation as a prankster won't get you a meeting with the head honchos. Not unless it was serious anyway." Dizdar added the last part.
"Thanks for the save, Gunny."
"Don't mention it."
「 Tristainia, Capital of Tristain, 1 day since UNSC first contact. October 31st, 2558. UNSC Calendar. 」
The Capital was abuzz with activity. When scores of refugees had swarmed the city's gates in the dead of night, days ago. A flood of displaced peasants appearing suddenly had been enough to incite panic within the upper echelons of High Society, as they thought this was a prelude to an invasion.
But thankfully, things had soon found themselves in a sense of normalcy as people largely moved on with their lives. Though the amount of disgruntled commoners did not decrease, in fact it only seemingly grew. Discouraged by the seeming inaction of those in power. They were helpless at the sight of those foreign ships, ones built so large, they could be seen from the capital quite easily.
Fear and anger welled up within them at having been forced to leave. They had essentially been cut off from their livelihoods, and many would not recover.
It was this sight that greeted the Princess, Henrietta de Tristain. The heir to the throne of Tristain.
She had personally, along with her Musketeer Corp as escort. Been tending to the needs of the many refugees among them. Sending any aid they could afford to give them.
While she wished she could do more. It wouldn't address the root of the problem. Those ships, those foreigners.
The foreigners were of a foreign nation as the Director Osmond, had surmised in his written report sent to them earlier this week. While she knew not of their aims. Deep down, she felt couldn't fault them for this, not entirely.
The past week had been filled with meeting after meeting within the Royal Palace. Debating on what to do with these people.
Should they be subjugated and brought into the fold of Tristain? They only had a few ships at their disposal, at least that they could see.
Although large in size. Easily thousands of mails long, by the Academy's estimates. Many of the nobility thought they could capture it themselves and use it for Tristain's purposes. Having such gargantuan vessels on their side would easily put them up to par with their neighbors, was the thoughts that filled the minds of the warhawks among them.
She thought them foolish. To make enemies out of people who are no doubt just as confused as they are. Would be folly.
The Founder, Brimir had taught them to love their fellow man, and these people were human.
How could they think of fighting at such a time? Henrietta had excused herself from the ongoing meeting after hearing such a "plan" from one of the more jingoistic nobles.
As Henrietta gazed at the view outside. Those ships looming in the horizon. A familiar face entered the room. Her loyal guard, and friend. Agnés de Milan, a Chevalier and leader of the Royal Musketeer Corp. Had come to visit.
"Good morning, Agnés." Said Henrietta. "What brings you here?"
"Your Royal Highness. The meeting has neared to a close. They wish to hear your opinion before concluding." Reported Agnés. While she had hoped she had only come here to talk. She didn't expect to be brought back to work so soon.
With a sigh, she got up from her seat and followed the Chevalier.
Henrietta had wondered what was going on all this time. Now, she was determined to find out. Agnés led her down the many corridors of the castle, passing many guards and servants. It wasn't hard to notice that something big must have happened for it to cause such a commotion.
It didn't take long for them to reach their destination. The Royal Court, where the meeting had been held. It was a large room, with a large oval table in the middle, a design reminiscent of an old legend from Albion. The far wall was lined with long wooden benches, where the representatives of the people would sit.
The meeting room was filled to the brim with nobility. The court had been in session for hours at this point, yet their tenacity had not waned as heated words had been thrown across the room for hours. Their filibustering left many to wonder if there was even any point at all to this.
The Royal Court had been roughly divided into two parties.
The Moderates, who had favored a more neutral approach when meeting with these foreigners.
And the Radicals, who had been strongly suggesting armed action be taken against the foreigners.
One of them suggested that he personally lead the subjugation force needed to "quell" them.
He had heard it from their scouts that the enemy possessed only firearms, crude no doubt, like their muskets.
With seemingly no mage in sight, it should be an easy victory, and gaining possession of that behemoth of a ship would only prove that Tristain was a force to be reckoned with. He surmised his point.
Whereas another one, on the Moderates side, had suggested they formally be introduced instead.
Having heard of their technical capabilities from the scouts who had returned. They had mentioned that these foreigners were capable of transforming the land around them, from an almost impenetrable forest. Into a now sprawling fortress. Add to that their impressive beasts of burden, large two forked manned things, which helped left heavy burdens and flying constructs that helped them when those didn't suffice. They were curious to learn about the secrets behind them.
Such brilliant work of engineering could no doubt only be possible with the aid of skilled mages, despite the other side's claims to the contrary. He had hoped they'd be able to help the nation prosper with their technical prowess.
Throughout all this, Queen Marianne, who had been brought out of her grief stricken isolation. Had hung her head wearily.
These recent developments were far too much for her to handle. Had her husband been alive, they surely would have had a plan of action by this point.
Soon after the doors to the Court were opened. Revealing to the audience the arrival of Princess Henrietta.
She had earlier left the Court when it devolved into a shouting match between two Nobles.
The pair had apparently been at odds with each other, long before all this. Being rivals in similar mercantile endeavors, they both saw this meeting as an opportunity to improve their standing.
With that incident now long past. She had returned. "Anne. It is good to see you refreshed. I take it you enjoyed your break?" Asked the Queen.
The princess nodded in affirmation before moving to her place beside her mother. The audience and knights in attendance were respectfully silent all the while.
"Now that we're all here. I propose we move to the next item on the agenda." A man with a powdered wig had said after a moment of silence.
"The ships looming over our horizons, had sent an envoy to our esteemed Academy of Magic. Their leadership or Captain's, as one of them had referred to themselves as. Had requested an audience with us, at a time and place of our convenience."
Henrietta's ears perked up at this information. "You say they wish to meet with us. Then who are we dealing with?" She asked
"They had kindly explained to the Director in charge of the Academy, of the circumstances which brought them here." The man informed. "They call themselves the United Nations Space Command, or the UNSC as they abbreviate it. The military and exploratory arm of their home nations, the United Earth Government."
"United Nations? So, we're dealing with more than one group then?" Asked the Duke de la Vallière who had sat opposite of the current speaker. He'd remained largely silent for much of the discussion. Preferring to keep his thoughts to himself as the room descended into anarchy earlier.
"At this point, we do not know all the details, we only know what the academy has learned from their first encounter. As for the 'Space Command' part of the name, we are not certain of the validity of such a claim."
"Certainly, it is part of the absurd claim that they are visitors from the stars." Replied another.
"Regardless of their claims, as absurd as they may be. The Director had also been given a magical artifact that provided him a means of communication directly with the ship's Captains. He has been, along with his colleagues, asking the UNSC various questions on the workings of their organization. But any further detail would be best reserved for our meeting with them." The speaker concluded.
"What of their military prowess? You mentioned this UNSC to be their military and exploratory arm. Should we not be concerned that a foreign military force is on our very doors?" Exclaimed a nobleman. He had been among those who had grievances with the foreigners. His holdings being endangered by their arrival and his source of livelihood interrupted. He was understandably upset.
"They appear to mostly keep to themselves and they've maintained their position since." The speaker answered.
"Then that's all the more reason to evict them! They've essentially resorted to squatting in Tristainian territory." The noble shot back.
"That's enough, out of you." Glared General Gramont. "Leave the matters of the military to us. You need not concern yourself with this."
The man visibly deflated after this rebuttal. Seeing the man now silenced, the Queen took the opportunity.
"Calm yourselves, everyone. We are not going to have anything done if we turn to bickering among ourselves. These UNSC people have clearly shown interest in negotiations. Would it not be appropriate if we returned the gesture?" She added. "Do any of you have any suggestions on where this meeting shall take place?"
The nobles muttered among themselves. While the Capital would be an obvious choice, the sight of the ships would no doubt incite a panic. Especially among the refugees who had sought safety within the city's walls.
Their own base would be no good either. Having seen it to be heavily militarized in nature - it would be poor manners to hold a meeting with royalty there.
The nobles were not known for their patience. Each wanted to be the one to suggest the site for the talks but, to avoid being seen as petty, they could not very well demand the decision be given to them. So they resorted to shouting over each other, making suggestions.
"How about the Academy?" Asked Princess Henrietta. Her suggestion garnered the attention of almost everyone in the room.
"Hmm, that is indeed an option. Your Royal Highness is already scheduled to appear there for the Familiar Exhibition, no?" A man in the outfit of a clergyman responded to her query. The man was known as Cardinal Mazarin. The Regent to the Crown.
"Yes, a meeting on neutral territory such as the Academy. Would be more than appropriate, no? With the attendance of my Mother and I, surely it would be more than acceptable."
"A brilliant suggestion, your Royal Highness." Another nobleman replied.
The Queen gave a ghost of a smile, almost imperceptible to the other nobles. "Very well, Henrietta. The Academy would also allow us to be able to hold our talks on neutral ground. While the Exhibition and accompanying festival would be the perfect excuse for a cultural exchange."
"We'll have the Royal Guards and Musketeer Corps discuss the security detail at the venue." Agnés suggested.
"We should also send an envoy to announce to them the details of our plans. Have them send a delegation in advance to discuss the relevant points in our upcoming negotiations. I'm sure they're just as interested in the safety of their leaders as much as we are." Cardinal Mazarin added.
"We could have our own forces coordinate with theirs then." Suggested General Gramont. "Given that their ships are currently stranded. Surely they know themselves to be quite vulnerable. No matter how mighty their ships may be."
Henrietta had appeared to be surprised at this. "That enormous vessel is stranded? How could that have happened?"
"Ah, forgive me your Royal Highness. I forgot you weren't here during that part of the report." Apologized the Gramont man.
"How could that have happened?" Asked the Princess.
"I believe that fault…" The Cardinal gave a quick glance at the Duke de la Vallière as he returned his gaze to the Princess. "appears to lie with us, your highness." Cardinal Mazarin said.
Of course, he had been discreetly briefed on the Duke's youngest daughter's possible involvement alongside the Queen. Ultimately, he decided not to disclose this fact until the official meetings despite knowing that rumors will inevitably circulate.
"What do you mean? How could we have caused such a thing?"
"We do not know the full details. But, it seems a spell from the Academy had interrupted their ship's rather unusual method of travel. According to the Director their ships use an unheard of by us - magical means of transportation. A portal of sorts. Leading them from one end to another, as they tried to explain to the best of their knowledge." Said the Cardinal.
"And these ships? They were interrupted while making use of this strange form of travel?"
"That seems to be the case, yes."
"Would they not be entitled to compensation for the grief we've caused them? I imagine if the opposite were to happen and a Tristainian fleet was stranded elsewhere due to someone's magic. We'd be asking for reparations."
"A valid point, your Royal Highness. But we still know nothing about these people." A noble interrupted.
"An issue we can nullify when we properly meet them face-to-face. To eliminate any possible misunderstandings."
"If they want windstones as compensation. I don't think we'd have nearly enough to bring that ship back to airworthiness." Replied another noble.
"We'll sort it out together then. It wouldn't do for us to needlessly speculate. They must be involved in the negotiations." The Princess declared.
After that, the discussion moved onto other topics. Of which, one involved their missing scouts. They had sent a few parties off to ascertain the aims of the foreign group. Yet none have returned.
They'd already sent agents after them in turn and have been awaiting their response.
Surely, agents such as the esteemed Viscount de Wardes, would be more than capable of finding out the fate of their missing countrymen.
Looking around her. The nobility had begun to become rather animatedly discuss their plans for the Exhibition.
Since the Queen and Princess were coming, they surely would follow. Already they had begun scheming to be part of the upcoming negotiations.
「 Tristain Academy of Magic, 2nd Year Dormitories . November 1st, 2558. UNSC Calendar. 」
Ever since Louise had returned. She had been treated rather differently.
What was once mockery at her status and ridicule towards her seeming inability to wield proper magic. She was now treated as if she were an infant that needed to be coddled.
Having her go missing - for even just a night. Had shaken many of her peers. While it was nice to be treated better. She didn't enjoy such treatment.
Particularly with the Germanian redhead who had talked her into that little escapade.
Kirche had been quite apologetic initially. Promising to make up for most of the wrongdoings she'd done to the young Vallière - perceived or otherwise.
It had taken every ounce of willpower she could muster to pry the woman off of her when she had returned. She honestly wished that she could deal with the old Kirche instead.
With the redhead constantly hovering over her. Pestering her about her well-being. She found it difficult to push her away.
The Vallière scion and redhead, accompanied by her blue haired acquaintance. Were in Louise's room. Discussing their plans for the upcoming Exhibition and Festival.
While Louise was glad her dismissal from the Academy was postponed - if not, outright gone entirely. She felt she no longer belonged here.
"What will you do about the upcoming Exhibition, Louise?" Asked Kirche. Her face had a hint of worry laced on.
"I honestly don't know." Louise replied. "Am I even allowed to participate? I don't exactly have a familiar to show off." She frowned at this.
"Perhaps. But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying yourself." Kirche rebutted.
"Perhaps… Would you accompany me then, during the festival after the Exhibition?" Louise asked hesitantly.
While the two of them were still considered rivals. She also didn't want to be left alone.
"Why… Little Louise, I'd be more than happy to!" Kirche exclaimed ecstatically.
「 Director Osmond's Office, November 1st, 2558. UNSC Calendar. 」
Old Osmond had been busy the past week. Aside from helping organize the upcoming Familiar Exhibition and managing the affairs of the Academy. He'd also been preparing to receive an envoy from the Capital. A certain agent here to, on official terms, observe the preparations being undertaken.
The Director of course, had already been briefed beforehand. The ruse of observation, merely a pretense. The Royal Crown, had heard of the magical communication device the UNSC had gifted them.
Although still unsure of how it exactly worked. He was able to make use of it. They'd hoped it would be a means to help them contact the UNSC to inform them of the planned meeting.
The magical communication device would make a personal trip towards their base in The Dark Forest unnecessary.
Not needing to put themselves into harm's way during the day's journey it would take to reach them. Communicating via the device was seen as a better alternative.
Not long after. The doors to his office threw open and in walked a rather opulently dressed man. The Royal Messager, Count Mott.
Osmond was aware of the reputation the man had, one of being quite the womanizer. Something the Director would have admired in his youth, had he not heard of the Count's rather unusual tastes.
"Director, I assume you know why I am here?" The Count asked.
"Indeed. Shall we get to it then? I'm sure the UNSC are just as eager to meet with us, as we are them." The Director said as he pulled out the device. It was rather unassuming in its inert form. It looked as if it were simply a black mirror of unusual aesthetics. But a mirror nonetheless.
He moved to "turn on" the device. As he was told the proper terminology of the action. And showed it to the waiting Count. The device glowed a series of runes, inscribed in that foreign script the UNSC uses - before it showed them a glimpse of what appeared to be a meeting room on the UNSC's side.
"Hmm. Not unlike the magic mirrors the Royalty are said to have. I assume it functions the same way?" The Count asked.
"It seems that way, yes. But I'm still not quite sure how they manage to work these things. After all, I detect no magical energy coming from it."
"No, matter." The Count brushed it aside for now. "Are they able to hear us now?" He asked
"Yes, we can hear you." Answered the voice coming from the other side.
Taken slightly aback by this the Count recomposed himself. He hadn't expected to be interrupted, but he ignored it. He still had a message to deliver.
"This is Director Osmond. Count Mott, The Royal Messager, of the Crown of Tristain has arrived. He is here to deliver a message that your Captain has no doubt been waiting for." Answered the Director when the Count had been preparing to answer back.
"Finally, we've been waiting for ages - figuratively speaking. Normally it would only be a matter of minutes for us to receive word back home." Responded the voice of a man in the back. The Director didn't recognize him. He didn't seem to be part of the envoys that they met a few days ago.
But still, a matter of minutes? Such speed would prove incredibly useful for Tristain if they could acquire the same means of communication. The Director thought.
Usually his friend, Professor Colbert would be the one echoing such statements. But as the man was busy teaching a class currently. He had been the one here instead.
"Ahem, let's get down to business then." The Count coughed to get their attention.
"I am Count Mott. The Royal Messager of the Queen, Marianne de Tristain and Princess Henrietta de Tristain. I carry here a message from the Royal Palace. The Royal Crown of Tristain has come to formally invite thee to the upcoming Familiar Exhibition for continued negotiations between our nations and an exchange of cultures. We ask of you to send a delegation in advance tomorrow to better coordinate our security details between our forces and yours, along with other matters. The Queen and Princess de Tristain eagerly await your attendance." The Count finished.
"Thank you, Count Mott. Our delegation will arrive shortly tomorrow morning to meet with our counterparts, as per your request." Replied the familiar voice of the Captain whom the Director had met before.
After an exchange of pleasantries. The feed cut off. The Count, now free of his task. Had turned to leave. Although before he did.
"Monsieur Director..." the Count had muttered softly. His visits rarely ended so peaceably.
"Oui, what is it this time, Count Mott?" the Director responded.
"Same deal as we always do. I fancy one of your new hires." the Count said, licking his lips all the while.
The Director, if he could. Would have rejected such a proposal. But due to the Count's position. He could hardly refuse.
He had asked the Director for the contract of a certain maid he fancied - one he saw on the way to his office. The Director, while he was aware of the Count's unusual tastes. Was unable to deny the request.
/ 0700 hours. November 2nd, 2558. UNSC Calendar. /
The sun had already risen by the time the now familiar sound of a UNSC Pelican hovered over the academy once more. The sound of its engines - drowning out the peace of the early morning.
From the back of the pelican, the sight of the black armored soldiers disembarked as the rear opened, the same ODSTs who had been here days prior.
Although instead of the Captain, the ONI Lieutenant and the Doctor, as their charge. They were instead escorting the person in charge of their Marine detachment. One, Colonel Elizabeth Williams, and her subordinates.
As the group hopped off the transport they were met with their native counterparts, a man and woman. The man was dressed as a typical knight would have in the middle ages, but the woman's appearance was more akin to a french musketeer from the 18th century, her simplistic looking uniform a stark contrast to the knight beside her.
While the presence of women in a military position would have made any local bat an eye. To the UNSC, it was nothing unusual.
The pair of them had strode forth to greet the UNSC forces. One of them, the man, hesitantly stepped closer as he heard the powerful noise of the Pelican's engines. He was not used to the loudness of the sound and it took him a moment to adjust. Covering his ears all the while as he approached.
Noticing this, the Colonel had ordered the pilots to kill the engine. Something which the natives were grateful for. As they weren't accustomed to such noise.
The pair had finally arrived within a comfortable speaking distance as the Pelican's noise died down.
"Greetings." The man in knightly armor said, as he gave a short salute. "To whom do we have the pleasure of meeting for this occasion?" He asked. Curiosity evident on his face.
"Colonel Elizabeth Williams, the head of the UNSC Eternity's Marine Detachment." She stated. "I assume you're our counterparts for this meeting?"
"Not quite. I was sent here by Lieutenant Michelle, of the Musketeer Corps." Said the other person. The woman this time. She had a pistol and a rapier hanging on her hips. "We were told to come retrieve you when you had arrived, Madame Colonel. The others are eager to begin negotiations."
"Very well. Lead the way."
As the group made their way to the meeting place. A beeping noise from one of the ODSTs had alerted them.
"What was that?" Said one of the Musketeers.
"Ah, don't worry. We just received word from base." Said one of the ODSTs "Would you mind if we took a quick detour?" He asked the Colonel.
"What seems to be the matter, Sargeant Dizdar?" Colonel Elizabeth asked.
"Captain Morgan has approved of our little 'side-quest' as Corporal DiMaggio here put it. We are to retrieve a person of interest within this academy and invite them aboard the Eternity." He reported.
"Will this take long?" Asked the Colonel.
"Shouldn't be, Ma'am. We'll be back before your meeting is over."
"Alright then. Just make sure to be back soon. But, do you know the way?"
"No, we were hoping to ask one of the maids on our way to look for them." The Sergeant admitted.
"I believe I can help then." Volunteered one of the Musketeers. "I'm familiar enough with the layout of this academy, I can guide you back as soon as you're done."
"That would be appreciated. Thank you." The Sergeant gave her a nod.
"DiMaggio, you're coming with us. You're the one familiar with this person."
"Rog', sir." The three, a pair of ODSTs and their Musketeer escort had left the group not long after.
「 Director Osmond's Office, 0800 hours. 」
The meeting had gone about as well as expected. The UNSC and Tristainian forces had managed to work out a plan.
With both sides working alongside each other to ensure no signs of treachery would go unnoticed.
Their forces split in an even 50/50 grouping. But their own Special Forces would guard their VIPs. The Royal Guards, and Musketeer Corps being the ones to attend to the Queen and Princess respectively.
While the UNSC assigned some of their ODST. The Marines and local garrison would pick up the slack elsewhere around the venue.
Along with this. Was a temporary ban on wands and weaponry within the venue proper. The UNSC had described it as a "Weapons Free Zone."
Knowing that this would understandably upset some nobles at this. They had conceded that at least the personnel with the clearance to do so, be allowed to keep their foci.
The Director had also consented to a thorough search on the campus grounds by the UNSC.
He was told they had the means available to sniff out and remedy any potential threats. While he was interested in these he wasn't quite as ecstatic as his friend, Colbert.
The man had practically had his eyes giddy with wonder as the UNSC offered some technical support for the upcoming event.
When told of the Familiar Exhibition, the civilian personnel aboard the Eternity had apparently also shown interest in attending.
Necessitating the need for further manpower. While the Academy could comfortably hold a number in the low thousands. They could not possibly admit such an influx of people in attendance.
The UNSC had offered their support in that regard. Their own Engineering Corps would help alleviate some of the burden placed on the event's planners.
All in all. It was shaping to be quite the event.
"With that. I believe this meeting to be concluded then?" Asked Director Osmond. Having spent most of the meeting seated and filling out paperwork. He felt himself quite fatigued.
"Aye, that just about settles it. Thank you for your time, Director." Responded the Colonel. Osmond couldn't quite get a read on the woman. Her face was stoic and impassive throughout the whole meeting.
"Actually, there is one other thing." Added the voice of another person in the meeting room. The Lieutenant, Michelle of the Musketeer Corps.
"What is it? Is there something else you wanted to add?"
"Your weapons. I'd like to familiarize myself with them before we send in the full report back to our Capital. If that's alright with you." She had expressed interest in the firearms the UNSC had carried.
While the Corps was familiar with the muskets they wielded. She was completely unsure of the UNSC's.
They appeared quite blocky, short, and menacing. Which would be more than enough for common brigands. But she was curious about their capabilities.
"You want a demonstration? Is that what you're asking?" Asked the Colonel as she leaned over with interest in her eyes.
"If it's not too much trouble. Then, yes. We would like to see."
"Ah, we can appropriate the Vestri Court for such a thing then." Added Professor Colbert.
"I'll go tell my men. If you can prepare for us some targets to demonstrate on, that would be appreciated." The Colonel said, smiling before moving back towards her men waiting for her.
「 Servant's Quarters, 0900 hours. 」
The trio had spent the better part of an hour looking for the person of interest, as the UNSC had called her.
A maid, apparently. One by the name of Siesta, from the village of Tarbes. Their search seemed to prove fruitless, as each staff member they'd asked about her whereabouts seemed to be hesitant when it came to answering them. None daring to look them in the eye nor answer their questions. Thus they spent the better part of an hour searching.
"Pretty sure we've gone through most of the academy at this point. Maybe she's not here?" Asked the Musketeer.
"She has to be. No way someone disappears within the span of two days without a trace." Added Corporal DiMaggio.
"Well, we haven't seen hide nor hair of this woman. Maybe she's on break?" Sergeant Dizdar was also nearly becoming irritated at this rate.
"Not likely. The school break isn't for another month." The Musketeer had added.
"Then she must still be here then, right?" DiMaggio grumbled out.
"I'm afraid you are wrong, Monsieur Soldat." Spoke a fourth voice. They looked in the direction it had come from. A rather muscular man in a chef's garb who was hunching over an empty table seemed to be the source.
"Who are you?" DiMaggio asked. He didn't notice the man before he spoke up and he had a gut feeling he wasn't about to like what he was about to say.
"Where are my manners? I am known as Morteau. The head chef of this academy." The man gave a polite bow before the trio.
"What did you mean by us being wrong?" Dizdar asked in turn. He too was getting fed up with this wild goose chase.
"Miss Siesta… was acquired… A noble by the name of Count Mott, had requested Siesta's contract be transferred to him yesterday." The chef said bitterly.
"Would we be allowed to speak with this Count Mott?" Dizdar moved closer to the chef as he spoke.
"I'm afraid not. The man is rather brash and would just likely ignore any attempts at communicating with him." A visible scowl had formed on the chef's face at this.
"He's always done this whenever a maid catches his fancy. He'd coerce the Director to release them and turn them over to his estate. Many of us staff were already aware of his… unusual tastes. So we'd often have male staff on hand whenever the Count visited. The women being hidden out of view. It seems poor Siesta caught his eye this time around." The chef spat in disdain.
"What exactly does he do?" DiMaggio asked. A hint of anger welling up after he realized the implications.
"What else would an affluent noble do with a commoner servant and a woman at that? He'll treat her like a toy before discarding her." The chef solemnly said.
"I'm afraid that I've already said too much." The chef turned to leave before a hand had grasped him by the shoulders.
"Wait."
"Yes?"
"Where can we find this, Count Mott?"
「 Vestri Courtyard, 1100 hours. 」
The Courtyard had been abuzz with activity. The local guards were ordered to gather some wooden poles and stake them into the ground before attaching some old armor and helmets on them. They had been told they would be serving as targets for the UNSC's own Marines.
Placed at roughly 300 meters away from a line drawn on the court. They had assumed that they would simply be too far off to be effective.
A musket while deadly. Was wildly inaccurate at longer ranges. At best they could hope to hit it once by accident. Though the musket could be considered a great equalizer, being quite capable of delivering a lethal wound at almost any range. It was also a crude weapon. The powder charge and ball had to be placed manually, and even then it was impossible to make sure it was inserted properly. Which is how the firearm was usually seen as ineffective against magic until now in a traditional setting. Knowing all this, they were eager to see how well the UNSC's own would fare.
As the guards had stepped back to see their handiwork. Twenty targets, spaced about 5 mails evenly apart. At a distance of 300 meters away from the firing line. For such quick work at setting up. They did quite a good job, they thought to themselves.
Before long, the sight of a crowd had come into view. Professors, Musketeers and Knights, along with their foreign neighbors.
The UNSC had walked in carrying their strange muskets with them. Shorter than the Tristainian musket. They wondered how such a thing could possibly be effective. Perhaps as a bludgeon? One of them jokingly thought.
The group had stopped before the guards.
"Work done here yet?" Asked a Marine.
"Just about, sers." The guard gestured to their handiwork.
"Good enough."
The Marine had gone up towards his officer. A woman, it seemed. She wore a rather plain looking uniform adorned with metallic looking plates of armor on her limbs and chest.
"How do you want to do this, Lieutenant?" Asked the Colonel. While she could have had one of her Marines do the shooting for her. She appreciated doing the job herself from time to time.
"We'll take turns shooting at the targets then. Although, from this distance, I'm not quite sure how well we'd perform." Lieutenant Michelle had admitted as much. The distance they were at was quite a feat for anyone to pull off.
"Don't worry, we'll pick up the pace where you lack." The Colonel had, almost proudly at that, said.
The two of them soon stood before the firing line. Their targets, standing stock still at the far distance. A crowd of onlookers aside from those present at the meeting. Commoners, Students, and Staff alike. Had come to see their strange weapons at display.
Lieutenant Michelle went first. She assumed a firing position and made ready her musket. She took aim at one on the far left of the bundle of vaguely human shaped targets. Steadying her breath and aim, she pulled the trigger.
Bang…
The gunshot echoed loudly across the court. Smoke soon filled her vision as she made to inspect the aftermath of her shot.
"A hit!" Exclaimed Professor Colbert. At 300 meters no less. She could be proud of that. Though she doubted how well she could repeat the same feat. Such a thing was almost impossible to do again.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of clapping beside her. It seemed that Colonel Williams gave an applause towards her performance.
"My turn, then. You wouldn't mind if I took out more than one, right?" Colonel Williams asked. Lieutenant Michelle seemed perplexed at this.
Muskets could only fire once before needing to reload, so she wondered how the Colonel would even be able to pull off such a feat in record time.
"Not at all. Although I'm curious on how you'd be able to do so." Lieutenant Michelle responded.
"You'll see." The Colonel rather cryptically replied.
Just as the Lieutenant did. She also took aim. But before she did so, she flicked at something embedded in her "rifle" as she called the weapon.
"Single shot only, don't need to spray and pray like a rookie in basic."
She took aim, pulled the trigger, then fired just like the Lieutenant did. Although, her firearm didn't exude as much smoke.
"Hit!" Exclaimed Professor Colbert again.
The Colonel repeated the process again, pulling the trigger and shooting once more. Shocking the Musketeers.
"H-hit!" Professor Colbert appeared shocked. So was the Lieutenant. Being able to fire more than once was unheard of. Were their guns magically enhanced?
"I'm not done yet, Professor. I've still got 34 more rounds in this baby." The Colonel declared.
She shot again, and again, and again, until she could shoot no more. Her gunshots echoed throughout the courtyard in a staccato of miniature explosions. Each delivering a deadly payload of lead towards their target. Were they an actual living thing, they'd have long fallen over and bled out on the ground, but the wooden targets had stood firm, allowing Colonel Williams to unleash a terrifying barrage of manmade thunder. It shocked the natives who had witnessed her raw firepower available to a single person. Were all their soldiers equipped like this? Or was this kind of weapon reserved for Officers such as the Colonel?
"All… hits…" Professor Colbert weakly said. It seemed the display of firepower had drained the life out of the man.
"How?" Asked the Lieutenant as she eyed the Colonel holding her rifle in a downward position as she made to eject a black metal box from its rear, inserting a new one in its place.
The Colonel hummed in thought at the question as she heard the Lieutenant ask. Her motions still going through with reloading the weapon. "A thousand years of evolution in firearms I suppose." She simply said.
Incroyable! If this were the result of a thousand years of technology. Then what else could the UNSC have access to? Lieutenant Michelle inwardly thought to herself. She had to reign in her apparent amazement, lest she make it too obvious to them.
"May I have a try?" She asked the Colonel.
"Sure, go ahead." Colonel Williams smirked as she handed the rifle over to her after replacing the small box embedded on the underside behind the trigger. A magazine, it was apparently called. It held the ammunition which fed the gun, making the process of loading in gunpowder unnecessary.
Lieutenant Michelle held the weapon as well as she could, but the unfamiliar ergonomics of it had made it an awkward handle. She was gently guided by the Colonel as she taught her how to use it.
"Okay, you don't have any neural implants on you or a helmet with a HUD. So aiming is going to be a little tricky." the Colonel flipped up a little bit of metal embedded on the top of the rifle. It now allowed her to peer through a thin piece of metal that seemed to point directly at the target. An aiming assistance she assumed. "Just try to point ahead. Like how you would with your own gun." She instructed.
She had no idea of the terms she previously mentioned. But she assumed it must've been part of their strange magic. Not knowing how to respond to it, she just silently nodded before taking aim.
Just as the Colonel before her did. She pulled the trigger and fired a shot. The noise rang out clear across the wide open space as it reverberated in their ears. But, to her surprise, she had missed, slightly. Instead of hitting her target. A crude approximation of a human head, it directly hit where the shoulder would have been, had the target been a person.
Still, she was surprised at how much more powerful it felt compared to her own musket.
"Merde, this thing kicks like a mule!" She exclaimed out loud, much to her own displeasure at seeming uncouth.
She moved her finger over the trigger again and pulled. Firing another shot. The kick, as she expected, was strong. But she anticipated it this time around. She guided the rifle towards the target again, accounting for the recoil this time as she pulled it once more. Repeating the process until the gun was empty.
36 shots, most of them accurately hitting. All in quick succession. Not even the Musketeers of Tristain could boast such a ridiculous amount of accuracy coupled with their firepower.
"Could I have one?" She blushed after hearing herself speak. Her thoughts seemed to leak out of her mouth.
The Colonel laughed boisterously in response. Sounding somewhere in-between like a cackle and a snort.
"You'll have to ask the quartermasters about that. But maybe. I'm pretty sure the Captain wouldn't mind a small arms sale." The Colonel said.
If Tristain's Musketeer Corps could be armed with weapons such as this. They'd no longer be seen as a joke by the rest of high society.
Maybe even go from being Princess Henrietta's pet project into a full fledged arm of Tristain's military prowess.
The moment was interrupted by the arrival of the trio who had left earlier. The ODSTs and one of her own Mousquetaires.
"Where have you boys been? You missed the fun." Said the Colonel.
"I'm afraid we've got a problem, Ma'am. Our Person of Interest has been… kidnapped" Sergeant Dizdar reported.
Author's Notes:
Another update, and another step forward. Was fun writing this one. If it seemed like I treaded most of the same ground as the original fic. That's because I did. I wanted to pay homage to the original but I didn't exactly want to make it 1-1.
Update 1: Some slight alterations to a few scenes and format.
Formatting this over to fanfic on mobile seems kinda buggy on my end too. Seems like whenever I try to edit something goes wrong with the spacing or something like that.
If you have any suggestions or comments. Feel free to join the Discord server: /sDgJN8F4tY
Thanks for reading, and as always. じゃ、またね〜
Update: Re-wrote this chapter as part of the new canon now. Surprised at how much longer this ended up being in certain bits.
Reviews:
PittBullBytes: Aye, you can expect me to frequently go back and edit earlier chapters.
I'll also try to make the non-english bits more understandable or less obnoxious.
Non-nonhuman: I'll look into it. Thank you for the suggestion.
naufalrakha0104: Yeah, might as well do it meself.
DaanRoa: Umm, thank you?
Major Simi: Thank you. Hope I won't end up disappointing.
Guest (Austin): Aye. The whole familiar business would not go over well to the rest of the crew if they found out.
As for the Nobles I got an idea of how they would react when finding out at their first official meeting.
The Commoner thing would be interesting to explore later down the line especially after the Albion thing.
Konstantinsen: Surprise seeing you here! Reading some of your fics actually got me interested into writing. Kudos!
Avro 683 Lancaster: Saving the Eternity unleashing some of her full power for something special. Gonna be a while for that. :)
GPX-2013: I don't think they'd take to meeting with some of the aliens aboard the Eternity too well, after they learn about them. Which is something I'm planning on adding.
CheesusChrist15: Your corrections are appreciated. Thank you. I would not have caught onto those if nobody pointed it out.
lightninghawk101: I'll be sort of relegating them to the background for most of the overarching plot.
They'll get into some other side-adventures though. Although not as grand as in canon.
SFAp: Ironically, grammar is where I struggle at. Punctuation particularly. Thank you for the kind words tho.
snipervtk4: Interesting suggestion. I'll take it into account.
As for the vehicles - that sounds like a neat idea. I'll look into it.
ChroniclerOfChaos07: Huh, didn't know that about the MA5's. Shouldn't be too hard to retcon that into an edit. The flip-up sights seem useful.
Guests (Sorry for lumping you all in like this.): ":I wholeheartedly support your decision in pushing Saito and Louise to the background in favour of the main protagonists, Eternity-chan and her crew. The political, technological, and cultural clash between a space-faring republic and a backwards magical oligarchy is more interesting in my opinion."
Aye, one of my main motivations for writing this, is partly out of frustration at the setting.
While I don't usually mind a harem fantasy series. I felt that the actual world of Halkeginia was underutilized.
I enjoyed the fics that actually delve into it. Which is part of my inspirations for this fic.
":While the UNSC should mingle and create connections with their new world, I don't think giving anyone a highly advanced rifle would be a smart choice as of yet…."
Yeah I wouldn't think so, either. Not to worry, I don't want to rush into the technological upheaval too fast.
Shouldn't be happening this early on.
":Pretty interesting so far, I only hope is that the UNSC does not start giving out their weapons/tech to the natives just because they asked nicely. The UNSC are military and so many stories seem to forget that military organizations are VERY protective of their equipment and assets. So them just selling out their rifles (Which is UNSC/Government property btw) to some random nobles, without the express instruction, permission and/or consultation of leadership, seems very, very stupid and would otherwise get someone in serious trouble if command ever found out."
Good point. I'll try not to make them so... benevolent with their tech. Not without good reason.
":Great show of UNSC force this chapter. Also I'm reading on mobile and there's just a couple spacing errors and they're not really that bad."
Aye. I'll work on fixing those in due time.
Halo (Guest): "Can't wait for the major culture clashes"
Me too. It's a lot more fun writing those.