Chapter 2: New Strange World
23:05; 4th June; 1648; Testament Era
England – London – Oxford Academy- Queen's Throne Room
It was night, yet there is little rest to be found. The recent phenomenon had made the people of England deeply uneasy, to the point of some even jumping at shadows, as if expecting something dire to happen at any moment. No one could blame them.
But in terms of atmosphere, in no place was it heavier than the meeting about to start in Oxford Academy.
Nearly all of the TRUMPS – Oxford Academy's Chancellor's board and Student Council – had assembled, and standing at attention before Queen Elizabeth.
Her mood had not gotten much better, despite the truce that was successfully reached with Musashi regarding Mary Stuart. The queen currently sitting on her throne, with the E.X. Caliburn – finally free from the execution grounds – at her side.
Understandably, all of the TRUMPS present were utterly silent, their eyes almost collectively focusing on the floor. Trying to do anything to avoid incurring the Fairy Queen's wrath. But she drummed her fingers at the arm of her throne impatiently. Of all the TRUMPS, only the half-wolf Francis Drake had not yet arrived.
Robert Dudley and the egg-shaped William Cecil quivered mildly. They were two of those who guarded Mary the closest. Even though the outcome was good and beneficial to both sides, it did not lessen the fact that they failed. Both wet from the surprising downpour that still went on outside – though they were hardly alone in exactly that regard.
Walter Raleigh was the final line of defense. Failed, but showed no sign of regret other than the slightest hint of clenched jaws.
The expressions of those who hadn't participated in the fight were unreadable. Even the normally cheerful and outgoing Nicholas Bacon bore a serious look.
Eventually, the silence was broken as Francis finally arrived, the half-wolf dripping wet – as if he just went for a swim. Curiously, he was carrying along a large bucket filled with what appeared to be sea-water.
"W-w-where have you been, Sir Francis?" Dudley went ahead and asked.
"Pardon my lateness. Highness." the half-wolf replied with a mild grunt, and bowed before the Queen as he lined up with the rest.. putting the bucket of water down on the floor, "Just had to finish my investigation."
Intentional or not, the bucket drew a lot of attention. More than a few wondering why Francis had bothered to bring that here.
"That is fine." the Queen replied with the casual wave of a hand, "Robert Dudley..."
Strict formality if nothing else. The frail woman straightened up and announced the following – now that everyone's here: "Th-thus, I call this special meeting of the Oxford Academy Student Council and Ruling Council to order. F-firstly, the issue of Tres España's failure to go through with the historic reenactment."
Though the phenomenon's a serious issue. Historic reenactments – which did not start on a whim – are important also. Failure to go through the reenactments carries with it serious consequences, of which the apocalypse is one.
"Has there been any words from Tres España?" Queen Elizabeth inquired.
At this, Grace O'Malley took a step forward:
"They've had yet to actually contact us, my Queen. Tried to contact them.. But so far, it has been a consistent failure. They are either suffering from equipment failure, or they're actively blocking, or ignoring us."
"Equipment failure is extremely unlikely." Francis rejected said assumption, "I would think the latter is the most probable."
"Yes, but there is something more to this." Elizabeth stated, "I can't seem to reach anyone in the other countries." briefly opening up a divine transmission with the wave of a hand, addressed to Pope Innocentius of K.P.A. Italia. But no answer but static.
Grace and Francis exchanged uneasy glances. The former spoke her mind first, "Could the union be trying to boycott us?"
That thought struck Charles Howard as completely preposterous, "That is absurd. We've done nothing to warrant such treatment."
The queen hummed softly, "What is your assessment of this unfortunate situation then?"
"I... lack the information to make that assessment. But considering what happened, maybe it's got something to do with our current difficulties." the treasurer's voice was a little strained as his mind raced to answer in a satisfactory manner; "I mean.. purely hypothetically, could it possibly be that it's restricting communications... or taken us to a place far too removed to make contact?"
"I'm willing to bet it's the latter case." Grace said, giving Howard a solemn nod, "From my perspective, it was as though everything was falling down... so I went and probed the sky."
"Did you find anything to substantiate your thought?" the queen asked of her.
"I believe so. A thousand feet above us, there is a hole in the air. One invisible to the naked eye."
"A hole? How curious..." Charles muttered, "And, how did you find this hole, per chance?"
"Only because ether is pouring out of it in vast quantities.."
The treasurer arced an eyebrow, "I see.. but wait, why is ether pouring out of it in the first place?"
The hall fell silent.
Grace coughed, continuing: "That, I do not know. But sufficed to say, we're indeed looking at the possibility of being somewhere else entirely."
"Perhaps in a wholly different world even." Francis almost sneered.
"Oh?"
"See this?" the half-wolf picked up the bucket, "Water with no ether in it."
Ben Johnson was most vocal in the response amidst the outcry of disbelief that followed, "Surely you jest. That simply can not be, right?"
"I'd agree with you if evidence wasn't staring into my face."
"You-"
"Enough, Ben." the Queen huffed as she regarded the half-wolf, "So you're saying we have been dumped into a place without ether?" it would explain the reason why the remnant of the phenomenon plunged into the ocean without destroying it outright.
"Not exactly without, since a lot of it ended up here with us – plus the amount streaming out of the aforementioned hole above us."
"But, a different world?" her fists tightened.
He noticed the motion and prepared to throw himself to the floor, – same with the rest – just in case. "Yes, highness."
But the queen simply exhaled and leaned back against her throne, "Then, what do you suggest we do?"
"All I can offer is to try and confirm it for sure. Such as measuring ether density both here and far out."
Dudley took over from there: "Bu-but the priority should be to find a way to go back, I b-believe."
"Naturally. Thus I decree this; we will study the hole, and figure a way to expand it. Sir Francis, your duty will be to reconnoiter the region – and determine where the phenomenon has gone to, if it still exists. F. Walsingham, you shall accompany him."
Walsingham dipped her head wordlessly in compliance. Everyone else responded with a clear-voiced, "Tes!"
"This meeting is adjourned."
23:15; 4th june; 1648; Testament Era
Quasi-Bahamut Class Aerial City-Ship "Musashi" - Okutama – Ariadust Academy – Class 3-Plum
It took a while for everyone to get back, and recover from their nightly ordeal, but now the meeting could finally take place.
Masazumi gazed across the classroom from where she stood, in front of the teacher's desk – which belonged to their teacher, Oriotorai, who simply acted as an observer and intermediary during these particular meetings.
The world that was would have scratched their collective heads at this political system. Each nation ruled by Student Councils. Basically, Class 3-Plum is Musashi's government. The only difference being that no other country have age-restrictions for their students.
It was a sobering thought that still remained a source of grief to Masazumi, who was studying to become a politician in the first place. Meaning, after graduation, she'll have to enter the Provisional Council and act as an adviser to new students. Just like her father did.
Before the meeting could formally get going, Masazumi made sure the fleet-wide divine transmissions are online. This was not a secret meeting after all – the people deserved to know what is going on.
"Well then." Oriotorai began, smiling brightly as she often did - especially during fights, "Looks like everyone's here. Masazumi, feel free."
Masazumi sighed inwardly, "First, I would like to welcome our newest student and citizen; Mary Stuart." with a nod of her head directed at Elizabeth's twin sister – now sitting right next to Tenzou Crossunite, who had succeeded with his confession.. and following the truce, had become her fiance.
A brief applause followed from several of the others. Though it mostly embarrassed the rather modest woman, "T-thank you. But please, just call me Mary."
The applause gradually stilled – allowing Masazumi to continue, "Onto business. I'll be upfront with you: We're in dire straits. The reenactment failed, but most severe is what we are currently facing right now."
Tenzou raised a hand, "Enlighten us, please. Us on the ground understood very little."
Masazumi nodded, "I will then give the word to Lady Adele Balfette, who saw the brunt of it, well helped by the captains of Musashi - along with their automaton subordinates." gesturing for the bespectacled girl to stand up and present her information to class. The Vice President moving to the side in turn.
Adele rose from her chair and went to stand in front of class, "Um, okay. First, I need you to take a look at this." and opened up a large sign frame in front of the chalkboard. Smaller ones appearing before the rest – displaying the map of the local region, with the shapes of England and Musashi in the middle.
"This is..." Neshinbara nearly gasped, "Is this map scaled right, or...?"
"What you're looking at is a coastline that does not exist on any map we possess. The recent phenomenon transported us to a location completely unknown to us."
Murmurs of shock and worry spread across class before the Secretary managed to give voice to another question; "Hrm, have you attempted to contact the other nations?"
"Jud, but beyond England, there has been no reply. Until we know more, we got to assume that they are too far out of our reach at this time, and prepare accordingly."
"Prepare for what?" Naomasa, still the poster-child of stoicism. Even in this strange situation.
Ohiroshiki Ginji answered, picking up at least one of the things they're going to have to prepare for right away: "Food shortages. As I've noted earlier, the Musashi produce only 20% of its food. And though England is capable of feeding a growing population, if just barely on its own, its ability to support us is limited."
"That's right. Energy could also become an issue." Adele followed up. "'Musashino' noted strange ether irregularities in the air. Currently the Musashi's ether absorbing plates are taking in less ether than sustainable in the long term."
"And rely too heavily on England-" Masazumi continued the line of thought, "-and they will without a doubt capitalize on the situation. With their strong military and more senior Student Council, the possibility is; they will eventually try to capture Musashi – truce or not."
"Fufu, a show of weakness we can ill afford." Aoi Kimi commented.
"Precisely."
"It's a real bother." Ginji continued; "We neither got the space, nor sufficient manpower to support larger fields. In any case, we're going to have to ration our food until such a time when food's more easily available." and proceeded to shudder at his own suggestion.
"Or, we should try to make contact with the natives of this land, if possible." Bertoni, the Student Council's Treasurer, brought up with a gleam in his eyes.
Heidi appeared quite enthused by the suggestion, "Great idea."
"We could try either, or both of those options. Though, we don't know the first thing about the natives of this land... or even if there are people around here at all." Masazumi thought aloud, her gaze settling on Adele; "Is there any sign of settlements in this region?"
"Well..." the young thane reached out to the sign frame and pressed her finger against a series of locations, leaving behind red dots in its wake, "It's hard to say as there's very little energy signatures to go by, but we've detected signs of artificial structures in these places. We'll need to conduct reconnaissance to find out more."
A few shifted in their chairs. Margot especially, as a group of Techno-Hexen are perfect for undertaking such duties.
"That said-" Masazumi continued, "-how are we going to handle the eventual energy problem? You got any suggestion, Naomasa?"
The engineer hummed softly, her eyes narrowing as she thought about it. "Our options are limited on that front. We do not have much in regard to heavy engineering, but the Engineering club might be able to construct ether vein reactors.. but nothing on the scale of the one that used to be in Mikawa."
"Small ones then?"
"Jud. Our traveling range will be limited accordingly though. To expand that requires more to be built.."
"Oi." Toori finally said something – in his usual cheerful tone, which was necessary for his continued survival. "The locals ain't gonna like you placing down buildings to the left and right in their own back yard."
Aoi Toori may act like an impulsive idiot sometimes, but he's far from stupid. And in this case; there was nothing wrong with his line of reasoning. This coastline could be part of a nation for all they know, "Alright. Scouting will have to come first. Margot, you in for it?"
"Jud." the white-winged witch replied in the affirmative with a smile. Malga Naruze, fellow witch and Margot's lover, frowned a little at not being asked. but Her broom was damaged back in Mikawa, so her ability to assist was limited.
"I'll lead the eventual diplomatic mission to any settlement of note you find. Bertoni, you'll come with me."
The miser nodded, "Fine. Don't waste money."
"Nate. May I rely on you to escort us?"
Class 3-Plum's 5th Special Agent, a powerful feudal knight, responded in the affirmative. "Yes, your lives will be safe in my hands."
Next, 1st Special Agent, Tenzou addressed her with a raised hand; "This is an unknown realm, lady Masazumi. Thus I humbly request permission to assist."
"That's reassuring." Masazumi replied with a smile, "You're more than welcome to join us."
Various classmates exchanged words, but other than that, there was nothing of importance in it. Oriotorai grinned, "Looks like the plans for the immediate future's been laid out. Unless there is anything else to add, I'd say it's time for all to hit the sack."
Masazumi thought about it. But it did look like there's no need to discuss further. They could not begin to solve their energy and food problems before establishing contact with locals first. "Alright, this will have to do for now. We will go through further details later. Once we've all rested up."
Rustling of chairs followed as everyone accepted the decision and motioned to leave. Divine transmissions closing as the meeting concluded. Only one thing remained for the Vice President to do before going home to get some sleep as well: Leading Tenzou and Mary to their new shared room down in the dormitories, then noticed the ninja was missing.
"Did Tenzou go on ahead?"
"Yes, he wanted to prepare the room for us."
"He sure doesn't waste any time." Masazumi sighed as the two left the classroom – right after everyone had gone. "That said, President Sakai is doing the paperwork for your transfer as we speak."
"Thank you lady Masazumi."
"Just Masazumi is fine."
"Sure. Shall we go then?"
"Yeah, let's."
It was relieving, to converse so casually with Mary as they went to the dormitories, expecting Crossunite to be done and waiting by the time they got there. And back at home, a warm bed was waiting to accept Masazumi's tired form.
09:15; 5th June; 1648; Testament Era
Lesser Islands – close to the mainland
The rain withdrew eventually, leaving behind a dense mist that lasted for the greater part of the morning, and covered the sea almost all the way to the coast – from which two people eventually appeared out of, both riding on a single Schalebesen (broomstick) The technohexen Margot flying it, while Tenzou sat in a crouched position behind her – facing backwards.
So far, visibility had been very poor. But now, as they passed the beach on the way inland, the shroud finally began clearing away.
"W-whoa, fly higher." Tenzou called out. He's supposed to keep watch in the other direction, but there was a certain jarring notion to be doing that in low visibility, low altitude and high speed – though it seemed Margot had full control all along. One of the important things in flight is to always keep the horizon in sight, so flying this low was basically required.
As if amused, Margot flew even lower to startle the ninja, "I know, keep your eyes peeled towards the rear. But not my rear, note."
"J-jud." he stuttered. There's no reason to feel worried about him checking her out though. She's a busty blond, just the kind of woman he liked. He got a fiance now, and besides, Margot's not interested in guys at all.
He averted his eyes, gazing down at the area behind them as the ocean and beaches vanished into the distance and was replaced by extensive forestland. His foothold on her broomstick remaining solid despite their current speed.
Tenzou scanned the forest, which stretched for miles all around – rich with a great number and variety of animals. "Now, I'm not very knowledgeable about farming, but I guess this place could do nicely if we cleared away some of the trees."
"Take a few pictures and let Ginji be the judge then." Margot replied with a bit of a cheer, focusing more on her flying.
Just as that was said though, they flew past what looked like a highway, partly concealed by overgrown foliage, "L-lady Margot, wait. I see a road, follow it if you may."
"Jud~ Jud~ Which way?"
It only took a moment to orientate himself and decide, "West, go west." and braced himself as the technohexen changed course accordingly, arcing lazily through the air until they flew parallel to the road.
Upon closer inspection, the path was a dilapidated one. Not having seen any kind of maintenance for what might be years. A general state of disrepair could say much about the local inhabitants, but the ninja knew it would be arrogant to start presuming things about people they did not know about.
"Ninety minutes until we need to return, cross your fingers." she said.
"I will."
09:36; 5th June; 1648; Testament Era
Further inland
What sights awaited them were not of the encouraging kind. Mile upon mile of broken roads, dotted by the occasional crater and smallish heaps of rusty vehicles.
They followed the highway closely, but took shortcuts whenever possible. There was a tunnel along the way, which they elected to fly around it instead of entering – something just felt wrong about the place. Soon enough, the two found where the tunnel ended and continued to follow the gravel road from there.
Eventually though, something to break up the relative monotony as they encountered what quickly provoked Margot to wrinkle her nose, ever so slightly, "Look there..."
"What is it, lady Margot?"
She did not even have to point it out for him, as he saw it as clear as day the moment he tossed a glance over his shoulders. The animated eyes on his cap widening at the view that awaited him, "That is..."
Down there, atop the remains of a mass of utterly wrecked cars and trucks, lay a monstrous carcass... or what's left of it anyway.
With a quick analysis was carried out from this distance, Tenzou could make out a few particular details. That the thing used to be bipedal, judging by how the body's built, and at least a couple of stories tall. A shattered skull and ribs testifying to the cause of its death.
But most notable was its large harness. It's not just a monster, but a beast of war. A couple of pits located towards the front appeared to be the cockpit, in a manner of putting it. One rider controlling the beast... while the other most likely used the guns attached to the beast's limbs and harness – including a massive mounted cannon.
"Not exactly what one expects to find, huh?" the witch asked, cocking her head slightly to the side.
Tenzou found himself nodding in agreement, "Indeed. I will make a quick note to the others.. in case anyone is thinking of making landfall. Might be more of its kind out there." and opened up the chat box, typing in quick details of what they've found so far – under his handle name [10-ZO].
The answer was immediate, which was to be expected as its a system that pops up well within the periphery of his classmates' vision:
[Me]: A dinosaur with guns strapped on? Way cool!
[Ukii]: Ooh!
[Smoking woman]: ...Really?
[Asama]: Poor thing.
[Tonbokiri]: Sounds interesting.
[Argente loup]: Crude, but ditto.
[Almost everyone]: Whatever you're thinking, forget it!
Tenzou joined in on the latter one, Futayo and Nate waded into a potentially dangerous line of thought there. Lastly, Masazumi added her own input:
[Student Council Vice President]: Take it easy, we're not here to pick a fight!
That he had no trouble agreeing with. Let us hope the natives are of the same mind.
"Tenzou?" Margot fetched the ninja's attention as they moved on from the body.
"Huh?" the chat window vanished with a thought.
"I see smoke, right over yonder."
He nearly rose from his crouching position and stared ahead, and managed to recognize the vague columns of smoke for what they are. All rising up from beyond a small mountain straight ahead.
"Where there is smoke..." Tenzou almost whispered.
"...there is fire." the blonde finished for him with a hint of glee, "Shall we?"
"Jud. Fly fast..."
"...and fly high... herrlich!"
Just as she finished the incantation she normally use for most of her abilities as a technohexen, the speed of her scharlebasen increased drastically, and the two shot off into the distance. Rapidly approaching the smoke in the hopes of finding even the smallest hint of civilization.
Tenzou felt his heart fall into the abdomen as the ground became so distant, the technohexen not holding anything back in order to get a good view of the place they're approaching.
But past the mountain.. what awaited them was a somber landscape. A city stretching out before their eyes, at first looking pristine until the location's condition dawned on them.
The city was little but ruins. It had gone through at least a decade of war, lawlessness and constant pillaging from the looks of it. Everything of value had long since been stripped and taken away, leaving behind vast stretches of dilapidated buildings. Many of those had been built with stone as the main building materials though, resulting in a large number of those still standing despite years of absent maintenance, though many others were either razed, toppled or just barely standing... awaiting the first strong gust of wind to blow them down like a row of card houses.
Margot hummed as she scanned the place, both disappointed and saddened by the sight.
The ninja tried to make out the little details that told of what went down here. And just barely managed to make out – judging by the damages – where the battles had been fought the hardest.
But amidst the devastation, he noticed one peculiarity, "Lady Margot, don't you think it is strange?"
"... About what?"
"Those holes down there.." Tenzou gestured at various holes that punctured the streets in several places. "Guh, they give me a bad feeling. Explosions did not make those.."
"How can you tell?" Margot asked, perplexed.
"A detonation would have left a crater, not a neat hole like that. Plus, all the dirt, gravel and stones are gathered in a ring just past the edge. More like they were displaced than excavated, as if burst open from below."
"But then, who made them? Invaders, or defenders staging ambushes?"
"Can't tell. They are all over the place."
Margot breathed a sigh, "We'll get some light shed on this later. Let us focus on finding the natives, the closest column of smoke is right up ahead."
"Jud." Tenzou's gaze rested on the holes for just a little longer before he turned to glare in the general direction of the smoke's origin.. with only a few seconds to spare until contact as the technohexen had them fly past, right above it.
He experienced that same feeling as when they emerged from the mist earlier – Margot was flying the schalebesen low again, flying between the buildings instead of above. But Tenzou's eyes were focused on the place below.. a rather small camp with only a dozen people in it from the looks of it. All of them... human. Mostly men.
They flew past before most of those in the camp could crane their necks to look at what's making the passing shadow.. but those that did, immediately sounded the alarm – consisting of a lone bell hanging from a streetlight.
"That was just an outpost, there has got to be a settlement here somewhere."
Margot nodded, but she was more worried about the sounding of those bells, more of them could be heard across town. Word was getting around. Understanding they might be short on time, she fed more energy into her schalebesen and upped the speed even more.
That little decision seemed to have saved them, as a bullet streaked past where they were just a second ago, surprising them both; "W-whoa!"
"Time to fall back?" she inquired quickly.
"Nay. Just one good look at the local settlement and then we leave." Tenzou glared at their surroundings with more focus than before, trying to discern where it might be.. then thought to look at the remaining columns of smoke, and pointed in the direction of the only place with multiple fires; "There, lady Margot, try that place over there!"
"Jud!"
The technohexen soon brought them over to the next place, a rather sizable – walled-off – shantytown. Tenzou spent a moment to scan what he could see, most notably the people, counting at least a few hundred before he was satisfied with his observations. "Alright, all done. Get us out of here, stat." he finally said, this time grabbing hold to avoid falling off from the speed-increase about to follow. Watching in mild trepidation as a trio of sign frames appeared around the bristles, each with the sign for acceleration.
S-she sure likes to go fast.. was all he could think in before they shot off into the distance, heading out to sea.
09:48; 5th June; 1648; Testament Era
Lesser islands – en route to "Musashi"
By the time they got back to the sea, it was at the very least relieving to find that most of the mist had dispersed, or locally at the very least – as both England and the Musashi should be visible at this distance, if vaguely.
But he could not see either of them.
"L-lady Margot, could you slow down?" Tenzou inquired uneasily. She had accelerated so much they left the city behind in just a few heartbeats. And after minutes of traveling at that speed, he was starting to worry about falling off as his knuckles whitened from holding the broomstick so tightly.
The sign frames in the rear winked out of existence in the blink of an eye, bringing down their speed by a noticeable margin. But unlike him, his classmate showed absolutely no sign of discomfort, "You alright?"
The ninja breathed in relief, "Thank you, sincerely! I will be fine, just allow me a breather.." as he eased his hands off the broom and flexed the fingers rapidly, trying to get the feeling back in them.
"Might as well open a line and report while you rest."
"J-jud." he was just thinking about doing just that, opening a divine transmission to Masazumi with a thought. At least that did not require the use of hands – he worried they might decide to drop off and call it quits on their own.
09:48; 5th June; 1648; Testament Era
Above Lesser islands - Quasi-Bahamut Class Aerial City-Ship "Musashi" - Diplomatic ship
Unlike most of the ships that compose the Musashi, and smaller ships carried by the fleet – usually rectangular and blocky in shape and design – the diplomatic ship was much more elegant in form. Designed to look as innocuous and inviting as possible, with moderation.
It had just left the hangar of its mother ship; the Tama. Ready to go forth.
On the middle of its main deck stood those that would act as Musashi's representatives. Bertoni looked as stiff as a stick, with a perfect poker face as always – living up to the nickname the Testament Union gave him without fail.
Nate walked about further away, her attention on the ship's crew – which only numbered about six, compared to the fifteen regular soldiers tagging along.
Masazumi stood at the center, addressing technohexen scouts reporting back via Divine transmission. So far, their search had been largely fruitless.
"Any destination so far?" Nate approached her, eyes set on the horizon.
"I'm afraid not." the vice president half-whispered. It's a bit of a stigma to set off on a ship, only to go back and dock again soon after. She'd hate to do that after having gone so far preparing, "I sincerely hope Crossunite and Margot find something. They are the only ones that hasn't reported in yet."
Bertoni was about to mutter something about a waste of money when a divine transmission window opened up in front of the vice president. Displaying the ninja – as if mentioning him by name had summoned him.
"Lady Masazumi. Reporting in."
"Speak of the devil." she spoke so softly the comment barely left her throat, "Do you have something for us?"
"Yes, we found a settlement. But do not get your hopes up. It is a shantytown in the middle of a decrepit city. There was a war here at some point, and the locals are still trying to recover."
"A shantytown, a war, locals trying to recover." the young woman repeated thoughtfully before she turned to Bertoni, "What is your take on that?"
The treasurer narrowed his eyes slightly, "What is there to say. They probably do not have much to offer at all, but on the other hand; they might be very receptive to material goods in their efforts to rebuild and heighten the standard of living. That is, if they care about rebuilding."
Tenzou shook his head soberly, "We got shot at, so I believe they do not appreciate strangers on their own turf."
Masazumi included that in her consideration, "They do have something to offer; information. We could offer a few gifts in exchange for just that. And with sufficient prompting and encouragement, we might encourage them to work and produce."
"That would be convenient, provided they open up to us." the merchant concluded.
"Still." Tenzou exclaimed, "Approaching them is going to be dangerous."
Margot leaned into view, "Culture shock may br worth attempting. Many of the locals seemed spooked as they looked up at us. Far as I can ascertain, they may be far less advanced than us, best use it to our advantage."
Which could means.. the sight of their flying ship entering the airspace above the city could either trigger a violent response, or make the locals stand down to avoid angering what might just as well be a dragon. Whichever would be the case, Masazumi had made her decision; "Give us the coordinates to the city. We'll come to you."
"Jud." both special agents responded in the affirmative.
Author notes: Okay, so they're starting to explore this new world. And will try talking to the local faction of Stranded. The COG will be encountered later on, as novel-wise, they're still having a rather poor time in Port Farral, trying to make it habitable. And then there's Tres España, that will certainly be making earlier contact with the dangers of this world.
For now, it's about the newcomers building up a presence in the world of Sera as they try to solve their own problems. But it won't be easy, far from it. And eventually, there will be some friction.
And for the sake of those unfamiliar with the Horizon-franchise. Though there are mention of magic-related terms, in the end; the magic used in the series are simply technology so advanced it's like magic. Clarke's third law kind of stuff.
As for the "Jud." and "Tes." They are used as affirmative remarks. The Far East, which includes Mikawa and Musashi, uses "Jud" (Judgment) While the other nations in the setting uses "Tes" (Testament)