Chapter 5: Pelruan
02:36 – 14 A.E.
Massy's fleet – Near Pelruan harbor
"I c-can't believe it... my empire..." Massy stammered, his voice barely able to leave his throat – still not loud enough to overcome the persistent sound of his boat's engine. He was very nearly thrown overboard by the resulting centrifugal force as Aron, the guy at the helm, chickened out at the sight of the flying ship and pulled the boat into a tight turn. A move echoed by almost everyone.
Before he could get back up.. four dinghies had already buggered out and vanished into the black night. A similar panic overcame the rest. Most wanted out. Arguments and sparks alike flew into the air at not being able to flee fast enough.
C-cowards! Massy thought as he forced himself back upright, his eyes fastened on the ship that loomed over them so ominously. Six turrets visible on its belly, pointing in their direction – tracking the closest ones specifically. Unlike the rest, he still thought there to be a chance to win this. Just not by slugging it out with that thing. To prevent a complete route, the heavily built man threw himself at the old radio and called for everyone to get back in line, to which most responded with protests and abundant profanities.
"Let's get out of here, this is suicide!"
"Want us to die, you bastard?!"
"My god, look at that thing..."
"Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit!"
Massy seethed in anger, "Shut the fuck up, all of you!" he cried out loud enough to make everyone wince as static violently belched from their aging radios. "They're soft, you hear?! High-tech or not, they keep spouting war-avoidance shit! If they were even remotely like us, they'd blown us out of the water already!"
"What the hell can we do against that anyway?" Aron threw the question, bewildered by how the chief's trying to rally the folks – despite what they're up against.
"We got a card up our sleeves! The junkers are still coming – just minutes away! We keep our distance till they get into town, then rush in during the ensuing chaos. We get in, mix in with the civies and they won't gun us down." His plan was built on the assumption that the Musashi folks wouldn't want to cause collateral damage. In any case, they needed to be fast.
The voice of the young girl Adele called out again. So loud it was as though the announcer stood right next to him, basically a repeat.
"Don't listen to her. It's an empty threat! Just keep your distance and be ready to move!"
Utter confidence fueled his ambition. Occupied or not, part of the protectorate or not... with Pelruan's resources in the palm of his hand, Musashi won't dare to raise a hand against him. And said confidence bled over to those with him as panic lessened. He made sure to radio his brother who led the Junkers about the obstacle, and let him know about his plan. Just you wait...
But he had one more idea to buy some time. So he fished up the device he got from that Masazumi-chick back in Tuktu City out of his pocket, and pressed the lone button it possessed – into which he spoke into it in a casual manner, not even looking up at the sign frame that popped into place above it. "Hey, calm down cutie. This is just to keep the COG bastards on their toes, and let them know not to mess around with us."
02:39; 10th June; 1648; Testament Era
Kraken class warship "Yamato" - above Pelruan harbor
"And that's what he said." Neshinbara looked rather embarrassed as he basically repeated what Massy just said. The devices given to all the Stranded clans are connected to Class 3-Plum's clerk by default after all.
Adele frowned. "A drill? That's nonsense."
"Most likely just stalling for time."
"Yeah. The vehicles are still incoming, and fast. Guess the only way we're gonna get Massy to back off without a bloodbath is to stop that convoy." It was a difficult situation in any case. It's one of the cases in which one had to show the military will to get things done – or they won't be taken seriously. But on the other hand, If they slaughter the Stranded below, no matter how unsanctioned their aggression may be, the other Stranded may become less friendly to unknown extents, which would be counterproductive to their current objectives. That left her with one solution: "Nate, could you handle the convoy for us?" she opened a divine transmission to the half-werewolf, who still remained atop the ship.
Nate responded with a smile as she stepped to the side facing the village and looked at the forests beyond it in the far distance, "You want me to duke it out with them?"
"Yes, but make it as bloodless as possible, if you please. Take down the vehicles, damage weapons, but chase the Stranded away." On the far side of the bridge Suzu helpfully updated the vehicles' location on the map. Just minutes away from Pelruan by road.
The knight looked thoughtful, with hands on hips as she examined the map, and nodded. "That is a tall order – but I shall try."
"We're counting on you."
02:39 – 14 A.E.
Pelruan – harbor
"What is going on?"
The question had already been asked a thousand times in bewilderment across town. A deep sense of wonder and unease had settled on it like a lead weight along with enough tension to sink a battleship.
Lewis could not get the strange flying ship out of his sight and mind. It hovered almost motionlessly in the air, turrets aimed in the direction of the Stranded – each turret pivoting every few seconds to keep the much smaller boats on the water surface in their crosshairs. But question was, who are they? Who command such ships? Aliens? It couldn't be the grubs they heard about over the radio before the hammer strikes. How fucked up would things be if those things are running the show out there?
"What are they waiting for?" a nearby youngster asked. His eyes on the distant Stranded that defiantly held position despite warnings doled out by the ship's crew. "Just shoot 'em and get it done with!"
"What was the thing about Protectorate anyway?" another asked.
"Sounds to me... kid..." Frederic Benten, one of the town's few remaining war veterans, whispered, "... like there's some kind of new alliance out there. With Stranded as subject states of a greater power. This is just a form of gunboat diplomacy, to show they won't let the filth do whatever they like. It's like what the UIR did with 'protected' states. The only difference so far is this new power ain't so trigger-happy. Two warnings, and not a single shot fired. It's like they're waiting for something."
As if to confirm that, something landed not far from their position with surprising force, and dashed off into town. Lewis and a few others managed to turn just in time to see a feminine figure leap onto a roof like it was a simple matter, and vanished into the distance.
The mayor sat frozen for a split moment, "Will, take the dogs and a few men and go after her. Whatever is going down, stop it!"
The deputy mayor nodded and left the line, but not before he had run its length and gotten every man that owned dogs with him. Whistles and snaps of fingers followed before the newly formed group hurried into town, with practically all the dogs around, ahead or trailing behind them. Some had already caught up to something strange ahead, and rushed, barking loudly while at it. They definitely smelled something.
02:41 – 14 A.E.
Road to Pelruan
"Almost there." John Massy – the Chief's brother – grinned nervously, Hammerburst in hand, as he watched the thing in the sky above the town. When his brother came back from Tuktu, he thought the whole flying ship thing was just a joke. No one laughed now. Now there was nothing but grim resolve, everyone had agreed to Chief Massy's plan despite the several hundred meters long ship dominating the sky. As long as they could mix in with the townspeople, they got a real chance. "Don't you fucking die on me, brother."
They had crossed a couple of houses already, now on the precipice of Pelruan's porous town border. Twenty men sat packed together in the quartet of junkers, heavily armed and eager to get this done. He himself sat on the second-foremost junker, with one obscuring the view directly ahead.
"Alright, get ready to rock and roll!" he guffawed and fed a clip into his rifle, which everyone else did too, along with loud shouts and howls – egging each others up for the fight about to start.
But then it happened. He looked to the junker ahead as something appeared in the air. In this darkness, it looked no different than a rope.. till he saw the faint metallic sheen in the moonlight. It flew through the air, as if it got a mind of its own, and curled itself gracefully around the junker... and like one pulled off a band-aid, tore the vehicle off the road, and sent it tumbling down the adjacent hill with crushing force. Just like that.
From the darkness that replaced the fallen vehicle.. another chain came, racing for his. The driver reacted to it before he did, and tried to veer away from it. But it reached them, and their world turned upside down as the junker was picked up and overturned. John fell to the ground along with everyone else. All aboard the junkers behind them spilled out like a dam had been broken once they managed to stop – miraculously without crushing anyone beneath their tires in the process.
"-The hell just attacked us?"
"Shit, keep an eye out!"
"Defensive formation!" John called out, and the Stranded rushed to form a big group, all facing outward with guns ready. But that seemed to be for naught as a figure landed right in the middle with masterful grace. He saw her just outside the edge of his vision.. a girl dressed in a form-fitting and elaborate uniform. With long silver hair and wolfish eyes. But his attention was more drawn to the chains that now flowed among them. Four chains rustled and flowed through the air as though each is a silvery snake – stretching in opposite directions from the girl herself as she rose again from her landing.
It was a position from which they could not retaliate without hurting and killing their own, and the girl knew this to the point she announced her presence with a clear voice:
"Musashi Ariadust Academy's 5th Special Agent of the Chancellor's board, Nate 'Argente loup' Mitotsudaira, will gladly deal with all of you. So, shall we get this on?"
Musashi. Shit! In contrary to common sense, John turned to bring his Hammerburst to bear against her.. but he like everybody else were swept off their feet as the girl span but once.. a motion which her chains dutifully followed.
One of his guys, weapon dropped from the preceding attack, got up and tried to punch her down. But she blocked the blow, and sent a fist of her own into his face – delivered with enough force to crush the nose, and sent the man flying. He even back-flipped once while in mid-air before he met the ground.
"W-what monstrous strength..." one next to the struck guy spoke breathlessly before one of the chains curled around his waist and sent him flying into another.
John did not admit it, but he felt some real dread. Despite how frail a beauty she looked like, she truly is strong. No one can send people flying like that, not even with a powered exoskeleton. He fumbled around on the ground, and tried to find his Hammerburst, but only managed to find an old shotgun. By the time he had gotten back up to fire, her attention had already settled on him alone. She had come so close, and tore the shotgun out of his hands before she proceeded to bend its barrel as though it's a rubber toy. The metallic squeak the weapon made during that almost perfectly matched the frightened sound that left his mouth.
And when frightened, people could be very unpredictable. They'd either run, freeze up, or fight – even if the odds are more than stacked against them. That's what the Stranded around her did. They had prepared for battle throughout.. and though this was wholly unprecedented, the preparations still rode them. With weapons or without, they rushed in to engage her in an all-out brawl... and were met with both equal and disproportionate force in return. Relentless and tireless, and perhaps even a bit eager, she beat them down, one or two or three at a time. Weapons were broken, ammunition spilled onto the gravel and grass, and bodies sent tumbling down like sacks of potatoes.
It was a short, but brutal fight. And before long, John himself landed face-down atop a pile of his down-beaten comrades. Not even able to reflect on what they could have done to better their chances before he blacked out.
02:45; 10th June; 1648; Testament Era
Pelruan – town border
Nate panted with a tinge of satisfaction once the last one had gone down. Felt victory ride her. Then realized her mistake. Oh, no! I was supposed to just chase them away-!
"Err... um. Got it." If she couldn't chase them away, so she had to do it a bit differently. So she rolled out her chains to their full length and loaded all of the bodies onto one junker. All but one, which she awoke by dunking the admittedly dirty contents of a bucket that she found standing not too far away from the road, next to a shack, onto his head.
The Stranded burst up with a start, and flailed briefly before he perhaps realized he was not out at sea drowning, and looked – with terrified eyes – at the half-werewolf that loomed over him, "W-wait, I just did what Massy wanted me to...!"
"Have no fear." she told him firmly, and pointed out the overloaded junker, "Take the vehicle and go back to where you came from. You got off easy this time, but don't let there be a second occurrence."
He stared, and then looked past her.. at where all that barking and heavy footsteps came from. All color drained off his skin, "Y-y-yes, I'll go. I'm moving. Thank you..."
The Stranded wrestled his way into the vehicle, sat behind the wheel and had the still-running vehicle do a sharp turn. Leaving with all haste.
Nate sighed with relief, "Now that is done away with..." and turned to snap a few pictures of the scene – which she sent back to the "Yamato" for Adele to use – before she also left.
Just in time as the locals finally arrived.
02:48 – 14 A.E.
Pelruan – town border
An ambush was possible. Will Berenz would never put it past the Stranded to attempt an ambush whenever feasible – but the view that awaited him, he could never had foreseen. He and his comrades heard an enormous amount of commotion up ahead, and thought a hard fight lay in wait for them. Instead, they arrived at what looked like the aftermath of a battle.
Three junkers could be seen, the first two lay on the side or upside down beside the road while the third stood undamaged – relatively speaking – in the rear. Weapons scattered everywhere. But no bodies... though there are signs of blood here and there which mildly reflected the light that flowed from their flashlights.
"Okay, this is weird..." Jonty commented.
"So the Stranded tried to ambush us, huh?" Will asked, scratching his head as he and the others walked walked among the scattered remains, "But who the hell brought them down?" He thought to bring up the subject of the girl he and the others saw, which was the reason they came here, in an attempt to pursue. But that couldn't be possible... right?
"Did they get cold feet or something?"
"I'd hope so.. but aren't you curious as to how those junkers ended up like that?"
"Poor driving?"
"Forget it. Let's gather all the stuff they left behind before they come back looking for it." the deputy mayor said as he crouched down and picked up a strange rifle that's in a pretty decent condition. Except a few scratches, it was as good as new. "Huh?" he coughed and looked up as something passed overhead and found it to be the flying ship – which slowly vanished into a cloud of gathering mist as it finally left.
All he and the others could do was watch, left to wonder whether the whole situation had been defused – until Lewis came to shed light on what had happened.
A few minutes ago. 02:46; 10th June; 1648; Testament Era
Kraken class warship "Yamato" - above Pelruan harbor
Adele maintained a grim expression as she watched Massy's face turn ghostly pale before it turned red. It was a fairly interesting reaction to say the least. She had just shown him the picture Nate sent over via divine transmission between him and her that they managed to arrange through Neshinbara.
It wasn't what she asked for, but it had to do. Chief Massy's men all piled up in a single vehicle, all badly beaten up. Adele could faintly hear him mutter something about his brother.
"We've defeated your other attack group and sent what's left of it back to your settlement. Most bruised or injured, but no dead. Face it, you lost."
Massy looked like he was going to say something, but his head dipped begrudgingly in defeat. The Stranded leader looked just about ready to throw the device into the water, but changed his mind. Instead, he merely switched it off – which closed the divine transmission. Within a minute, the whole fleet had turned away and fled.
"N-nicely done, Adele." Suzu congratulated her with a tender smile.
Adele reclined against the chair, exhaling in relief. "Thanks... but we better not make a habit out of this. If this doesn't give us the desired results..."
"Then we need to use more force..." the captain helpfully added.
The thane nodded, "Camouflage on. Navigation, set course to rendezvous with Nate. We're done here."
"Jud."
Order given, Adele brought up a sign frame to write a full report she'd send straight to Neshinbara once done, who'd then hand it over to Aoi, who would undoubtedly give it over to Masazumi.
So predictable. She giggled inwardly, and spent the first minute thinking of how to begin before the first letters fell into place.
10:34; 10th June; 1648; Testament Era
Quasi-Bahamut Class Aerial City-Ship "Musashi" - Okutama – Ariadust Academy – Class 3-Plum
"And that sums up this night's events. Ladies, gentlemen." Masazumi finished. She stood behind Oriotorai's desk, and had just doled out all the information, both written and recorded, to a large array of sign frames – each which contained the face of a Stranded leader. A few seemed disinterested, but most looked annoyed at what Massy did – who had started the meeting by railing at Musashi, until all the information had been put on the table for all to see.
"Huh." Janet glared at Massy as if he was a disgusting bug, "Always knew your greediness would come to bite you in the ass someday. You should thank them for not having blown your sorry ass out of the water."
Massy cursed under his breath, "Shut up."
"Chief Massy." Masazumi said, "We went easy on you this time. But the regulations are there for a reason. If we are going to rebuild this world, rules are one of the crucial things needed. This also goes for the rest of you. Attacks against other factions for example must be properly sanctioned first and foremost. Step out of line, and you will be dealt with accordingly."
"Your people were protecting a COG town. Fuck. That. Shit."
Another Stranded woman put a voice to her shrug, "Didn't even know the COG still had enclaves. Thought they were all in Jacinto till recently when they moved to Port Farral."
"That said. I plan to give this enclave the same deal I offered you." Masazumi calmly announced.
"You can't be fucking serious." Massy shouted, and slammed his fist against a metallic surface off-screen, "They're COG! They used the hammer on us!"
"... Did any of those in that enclave initiate those strikes?" she asked the piercing question, "Did any of them have any choice in the matter? Have they had any contact with the rest of the COG since the hammer strikes? If all of the answers to those questions amount to a simple 'no', then I don't see the problem. As far as we are concerned, all of humankind across this world are collectively bleeding. Suffering. As long as someone raises an arm, asking for help, we will reach out and help all we can."
"You make a compelling argument, Masazumi." Janet said with a small applause, "But many won't approve of it. As long as there's a COG label stuck on them, few will ever see them face to face without spitting."
"I guess it could work both ways. But we need to start somewhere. Such things can't be allowed to fester, especially not with the Locust around." It seemed like she had managed to make a decent impression on a few of the Stranded, though most looked doubtful or annoyed. But Massy seemed to be the only one openly hostile to the idea, which made sense since he used to be in Griffin's camp. With any hope, that would change. If not and he does something again, it'll be the big guns' time to do the talking.
Masazumi shivered inwardly at the potential ramifications if it came to that. Politics aren't an easy thing to tackle, but they couldn't solve every problem with force either.
"Unless there are any further questions, this meeting's adjourned."
"Wait." one of the Stranded, an old bearded guy, raised a hand, "When do we get to taste that wonderful curry-whatchamacallit again?"
The tension that permeated the meeting evaporated in an instant as laughter spread. A few teased the one who handed out the question, about not being able to get used to his regular diet after having tasted the curry Hassan brought.
Masazumi smiled appreciatively, "Once most of the camps got a stable food production going. Right now we're tightening our belts. It'll take a while, but you won't regret it."
"Aw... hah-! Makes me want to roll up my sleeves already."
"Alright, meeting's adjourned."
All of the sign frames closed down as the meeting was ended – which finally allowed her to prepare, for the trip to Vectes.
11:21; 10th June; 1648; Testament Era
Quasi-Bahamut Class Aerial City.-Ship "Musashi" - The Musashino bridge; "Inadequate HQ"
"Is it ready?" Futayo inquired, her voice firm. She stood not far from 'Musashi' whose gaze was fixed almost solidly on the roof above.
"Jud..." the head automaton replied monotonously, and lowered her eyes to meet with those of the Vice-Chancellor. "... Scan complete. Over."
"Show me."
At a mere gesture from 'Musashi', a hologram popped up from the floor in the middle of the bridge where the map of the fleet usually was, replaced instead by a picture of the planet they are on. With many circles with blips all around it, each indicating a satellite.
Futayo approached the map and looked it over. Most of the satellites shown had long since broken down, left to orbit the planet as little but junk. A few still seemed active though. "Which are the ones that make up the 'Hammer of Dawn'?"
The automatic doll barely blinked, and the number of objects decreased considerably. "These fits the criteria as armed space-based weapons' satellites. Analysis indicate the weaponry are all energy-based. Over."
"Which of them could threaten us?"
"To speak fairly: All of them. Over."
Futayo's eyes darkened ever so slightly as she took that in, "I see..."
"Ah, Futayo!"
The two looked to see as the ever-cheerful Toori make his appearance on the bridge, with the ever-quiet Horizon Ariadust trailing in his wake. Interest was painted all over the Chancellor/President's face. "Sir Toori, Lady Horizon?" the Samurai asked, "What honor do we owe for this visit?"
Toori made a silly grin, "Just heard 'Musashi' was nearly done finding that Hammer of Docking thing."
"Hammer of Dawn. Over." 'Musashi' corrected with a shrug.
"Yes, dangerous, ain't it?"
Horizon raised her shoulders, "That goes without saying, Toori."
"So why not blast it?"
Futayo shook her head, "I apologize, but we possess no weapon with that kind of range.
Toori looked to Horizon for a moment, as if searching for something. All she had to say was a simple; "No." along with a simple shake of her head.
"Satellites orbit the planet at an enormous velocity." 'Musashi' explained, "Hypothetically, if we possessed such weaponry, it would still be nigh impossible to target, let alone hit it. Over."
"Could we still defend against it?"
"Specifics as to its destructive power is unknown at this time. Over."
Toori did not look worried though. If there was a sign of it, most who knew him would know it was just a play. If it wasn't, it was time to worry about his well-being. "Hammer of Docking sure is scary alright."
"Hammer of Dawn. Over." 'Musashi' corrected him again, but it seemed to bounce off of him like it's a rubber ball. Horizon looked just about set to catch and smash the rubber ball into his head, but did not act on it. Instead, all she did was narrow her eyes a couple of millimeters.
"Then, at least keep an eye on those things for us." he said with a thumb up, "I'm counting on you."
The head automaton closed her eyes and nodded, "Jud. Over."
For the slightest moment, Toori's eyes wandered down to a very certain part of 'Musashi's' body, but was quickly stopped abruptly with a yelp as Horizon bunked him upside the head, hard enough to crash him into the floor.
"Nice punch, Horizon. You been working out?" Toori coughed, his grin at least withstood that perfectly.
Futayo sighed, then turned her attention back to 'Musashi', "Let us know if the weapons' ever deployed, regardless of target."
"Jud. Over."
"Good work so far." Toori said as he got back up like nothing had happened, brushing nonexistent dust off his clothes while at it, "Now let's see if Seijun can crack this newest nut for us."
Vectes is the richest treasure trove in regard to agriculture found in this strange new world so far. Deep in her mind, Futayo wished her cousin the best of luck, for everyone's sake.
15:10 – 14 A.E.
Pelruan town square
Will Berenz marched along the square, a hefty crowd had gathered to look over the newly acquired junkers. Some discussing on what to use them for, or to take them apart. The radios on board on the other hand were a very welcome addition along with all the new weapons now stored away. A full new arsenal acquired without much of an effort on their part.
However, the strange events last night were the primary subject everyone spoke and debated about. There was a clear dividing line already between the youngsters that were absolutely fascinated with the glowing flying ship, like something that bounced its way out of an old science fiction comic – of which there are few left in town, relics from the time when they actually had contact with the outside world. And the older ones, who were near-universally frightened or paranoid about it. Will himself did not know what to think. But whoever the strangers are, they didn't kill anyone. Then there was that carnage at the back of the village... what went down there?
He groaned softly at the headache developing in his mind, and automatically headed for the harbor where he could stare out at the great ocean that stretched seemingly endlessly into the distance. It was always a calming sight, as well as an intimidating one. There, Will tried to empty his mind and focused outward – at the crystal clear water... it sure was beautiful today.
Surely nothing could possibly ruin it.
"Hey, look at that-!" one of the fishermen called out, pointing into the distance.
A sort of dread immediately filled him, though he had little reason to let it ride him. Will approached the wharf on which the fisherman in question stood, staring into the distance along with a few others. And out there, he saw it.
It was small at first, but glowed a brilliant teal along its waterline, and... hovered just ten feet off the surface. It was not nearly as big as the one seen last night, but it approached them without the slightest sign of deviation from its current course.
Nervously, he put a hand on the fisherman's shoulder, "Get everyone into town. And tell Lewis what's going on if he doesn't know already, now!"
15:14; 10th June; 1648; Testament Era
Diplomatic ship – setting down at Pelruan harbor
Masazumi's eyes settled on the crowd that awaited them as the ship set down at the harbor, and via rope with gravity blessing applied, she disembarked onto the wooden wharf below, followed by her escorts of choice for this, Nate and Adele.. both of whom had already been here and seen the place – however brief and turbulent their visit was.
An awful lot of those that had gathered to meet them were armed... and before long, a shot was sent over her head – a warning shot, but a sign of clear hostility. Adele and Nate reacted immediately and rushed in front to shield the Vice President from the less than friendly procession. The half-werewolf had already summoned her chains, and gathered them into an improvised shield, while the thane brandished her giant lance.
It was plain to see that the locals were confused by the response. Neither weapons appeared threatening to these folk... and the one in the lead, in his forties from the look of it, came closer. "Who the hell are you?" the old man inquired, his voice not nearly as hostile as the words appeared to be.
Masazumi – once she recovered from her shock – had her escorts part with a gesture and stepped up, arms raised to the sides to show she's not armed, "I am Vice President Masazumi Honda of the City-state Musashi. Please lower your weapons. We come in peace, and mean you no harm."
The old man held his gaze a little longer before he finally gestured for his folks to do so. "... Aren't you a little... Huh, never mind. I'm Lewis Gavriel. Mayor of Pelruan, and head of VNB maintenance team. I've never heard of anything called 'Musashi', but I hope you can shed some light on what the hell was going on last night."
"We can, and we will." Adele said, and her voice caught the man by surprise.
"Hey... it was you back then, that voice."
The thane scratched her chin, a little embarrassed, "Y-yes.. I was in command of the warship "Yamato" back then. It's a complicated matter."
"No doubt." Lewis hummed dryly, "Let's talk this over at our town hall, if you're fine with that."
"That is quite alright and understandable. We respectfully accept your invitation." Masazumi responded in the positive.
"Better be ready." he shrugged, "It'll be a full town meeting. There are a lot of frightened people looking for answers."
That would be no problem either. Masazumi mentally prepared herself as they moved into the town – she and the others were surrounded by armed farmers, fishermen and miscellaneous workers, with plenty unease in the air as townsfolk came out to look at the strangers who've come to their tiny corner of the world. Adele and Nate remained close to her and maintained a solid vigil, but Masazumi felt they are making serious headway already. Ahead people are already gathering in front of the town hall, all the way from children and to elderly people – a full menagerie of onlookers.
Despite her experience, she still felt a tiny cold shiver run down her back. Now, let's see if we can pull this off.
15:35; 10th June; 1648; Testament Era
Pelruan town hall
The crowd had become very silent. Most of the town meeting so far had been spent explaining what went down last night, and the events that led up to that point – no more than what they've already told the Stranded though.
Adele was the one who brought them up to speed, and her kind appearance and demeanor had a calming effect on the crowd that filled the chamber aside from the town council. She made sure to be thorough and frequently paused to let the information sink in before she moved on, till she was just about finished.
"I hope this wasn't too much to take for some of you." Adele lit up with another of her bright smiles, "Any questions before I give the word to the Vice President?"
Lewis rubbed his temples as he rose from his seat, "Thank you, miss Adele. But it's difficult to imagine... the Stranded... they're actually going to adhere to society's rules after all these years?"
Adele blinked at the question and stepped off the podium, and gave Masazumi a brief bow before she went over to where Nate stood. It was time for a politician to take to the stage, which the Vice President did without hesitation: "Mayor Lewis, everyone." presentations had already been done away with. A polite address was all that's needed before she went on to answer the man's question: "Quite a few of the Stranded are just regular folks who try to survive and live with what little they got left. So far, none of those who have chosen to become members seem to be of the militant kind – so far – except for Chief Massy, the one who control the small settlement at the far end of this island."
The townsfolk murmured amongst themselves for a few seconds before Lewis called for silence, and went on to his next question. "Will there be anymore trouble from his side?"
"We believe he's gotten the message. But I assure you, if he steps out of line again – we'll take care of him, this time in a more permanent fashion. If disruptive elements can't step in line and stay there, they will be removed by force." Masazumi was overly careful not to say 'kill'. There are children present.
"They should all be put down, Stranded are nothing but parasites." Will Berenz said, obviously with very strong opinions regarding the folks out there.
She frowned for a split moment, "With all due respect, deputy mayor, you haven't seen the world in its current state."
"Enlighten me."
"All the places we've seen so far since our isolationist policies were ended are in a state of total devastation. Nothing but ruins, and only a small percentage of the original populations seem to remain, living in shantytowns with little resources at their disposal. And that's without all the talk about the locust, an enemy that has waged a genocidal war on mankind."
The news unsettled the crowd, and Lewis broke out in cold sweat. Will however soldiered on:
"What about the COG, are they still out there?"
"We haven't encountered any COG so far, all we've heard about them so far come from Stranded. They say the entirety of the COG are now holed up in a place called Port Farrall."
"All of it? Port Farrall?" the name spread through the crowd. There were many uncertain whispers, some of them; frightened, till Lewis called to silence again. The mayor went to ask this time:
"Why there? What happened to Jacinto?"
"We... don't know the specifics. My guess is that they were forced to abandon it."
Will Berenz dropped himself onto a chair and stared at the floor as if something interesting was written on it. Several villagers followed his example, especially among the elderly.
"... My God." Lewis wiped his forehead, "Damn it."
The Vice President nodded wordlessly, "I see some among you got strong ties to the COG."
"We are COG citizen. Our village was established together with the VNB; Vectes Naval Base. We've maintained it all these years, waiting for the off-chance that the COG might need to use it and restart their biochem program."
"I see. But in the mean time, we wish to extend you an offer."
"Offer?" the mayor looked up.
"Yes, an offer to join the Musashi Protectorate."
The crowd was rendered utterly silent by that. Lewis paused before he spoke up, sounding grave, "Miss Masazumi, we are at the foremost a COG enclave."
"I'm aware, mayor. But we do not require you to relinquish your way of life, nor ideology. The heart of the Protectorate is the need for resources. Musashi need food first and foremost. In return, we offer to use a portion of our industrial capability to supply you with useful technology. Aid to restore infrastructure. As well as protection against foreign hostility."
A farmer raised his hand, it was Jonty, "What kind of machines? We barely produce any surplus."
Masazumi opened up a sign frame in response. Aside from the muttering about magic, they watched the footage shown – especially the farmers. It was almost a parade of images that were all about farming machines, "We're preparing a start package for those not able to produce surplus for trade, along with reactors that will provide the machines with fuel. They will allow you to greatly expand your fields, among other things, without straining your limited manpower and resources. More than enough to produce a solid surplus."
Ultimately, to get people to join the Protectorate, all that's needed is to throw a bone so good they can't refuse it. And it worked, many looked upon the machines with great interest. The thought of getting more food without having to work their collective asses off proved very attractive.
"It... wow... looks like a really good deal. If we're allowed to live like we always have... I guess there's no problem on my side." Lewis admitted, hand on head as he took it all in, "But we need to vote on it first before we come to a decision."
The COG's democratic then? The woman bowed politely, "We are perfectly fine with that, mayor."
The whole voting process took most of the day as the villagers thought it over before they eventually placed their votes. A little pin with name and Y or N written on it. Quite a number decided to turn down the offer, mostly based on their intense dislike of the Stranded. But those who deemed the benefits greater than the shortcomings, eventually proved to a noticeable majority.
By the end of the evening, with a ceremony and the following broadcast, the COG enclave of Pelruan officially became a member of the Musashi Protectorate.
23:56 – A.E.
Kashkuri highlands – Anvil Gate
It was nearly time to leave.
Pad had spent this whole time thinking. That, and wandering around the nostalgic interior of the fortress city he once fought to defend – watching the colorful Tres España folks deal with their new surroundings. They had proven to be a really jolly bunch so far just about every time they were off-duty. If not for regulations to limit the consumption of drinks and rations, they probably would've gone the whole hog and had a drinking party. It's like they spent their whole time on duty holding their collective breaths.
He wanted nothing more than to make sure the remaining Pesanga are safe. But wasn't sure if bringing them here would be the best choice. Pad leaned against the railing at the front of the fort, just above the main entrance, staring into the night. Thinking, contemplating. There was only one thing he needed to know after what he had seen in a couple of places...
An explosion went off in the courtyard behind him as the 'Four balls of death' Pedro and Flores Valdes showed off with their explosive projectiles with a wrecked car as the target, and got scolded by Takakane for it.
Like all armies, this one got its own quirks too.
Though maybe a bit too much. These people militarized a ball game! And he had a feeling they used more games for combat than that. Easygoing would be too soft a word to describe them.
"Quite a spectacular view."
Pad looked up, and saw the old timer Felipe, who had come out to either see him or enjoy the view, or maybe both.
"Can see almost the entire valley from here." Felipe continued before he finally looked back at Pad, "Have you come to a decision?"
The man focused on the scenery, "No. There is one thing I need to know before I decide."
Felipe leaned on the railing beside him, "And what may that be? Ask away."
"I've seen cases of what might be racism occur in some places today. It's kind of weird, but some of you got awfully pointy ears."
"Ah, those are elves."
"Ethnic group?"
"Different race altogether, but genetically compatible with humans."
That did not quite compute, so Pad skipped that part and went right to the question that he had to ask, "So, racism is a problem in Tres España?"
"You're afraid we might treat the Pesanga badly?"
"Yes, that's about the size of it."
Felipe nodded understandingly, but his voice became firm; "It won't happen. The prejudice within our nation is... complicated, but it won't affect the Pesanga."
"Can you really promise that?"
"If it doesn't work out, both you and the Pesanga may leave at any time. But I do stress that we really need your help. Practically willing to walk through fire to acquire your assistance."
"I really hope you don't mean that literally, Chancellor." a woman spoke up. Pad looked up to see who it was, and if his lower claw could fall and hit the floor comically that instant... it would've, after seeing the one the voice belonged to.
"Ah, Juana." Felipe said, "Is there a problem?"
Gin was... very impressive physically, but paled before the very well-endowed woman who now stood before them, a high official like Felipe from the looks of it – which sharp ears Pad noted, like many of the others he has seen so far. And when she spoke, it was with an authoritative tone.. which also sounded like she was set to reprimand those around her at any moment; "Yes. You got work and decisions that needs your attention. Now of all times, don't fall back to the mop."
The old man chuckled, "Don't worry, Juana. I'm just talking to our potential future scout."
"Mop?" Pad just had to ask.
Juana raised her shoulders in exasperation, which in turn raised those large and elaborate shoulder-plates of hers. "Felipe keeps trying to avoid his political responsibility by cleaning the floors."
"So what you're saying is... he's the leader, but prefer to work as a janitor?"
"That's exactly the problem."
Somehow, Pad could not help but get just the right mental image, and managed to laugh. Juana still looked exasperated while Felipe himself scratched the back of his head, embarrassed, but not negatively so. "Politician and Janitor, oh you're killing me."
The woman looked just about ready to grab Felipe by the ear and drag him away.
"Wait.. hold on." Pad raised a hand, and coughed out the last laugh so he could ask her seriously, "I'm just looking for a second opinion.. If I brought the Pesanga here... would they risk getting targeted by whatever prejudice you got going here?"
"Preju-" Juana did not finish the sentence. "No, of course not." her voice much gentler now.
He held her gaze for a little longer, and detected but the faintest hint of longing sorrow. Similar to those Felipe got, though not nearly as bad a case. But like him, she appeared to be a genuinely honest person.
When he finally broke eye contact, he spent only one more consideration before he finally came to a decision, "Okay, I'll do it."
"Huh?"
"I'll take the job. I just need to go and get Harua and the others."
"Glad to hear it." Felipe nodded thankfully, "But go and ask Diego for transport if you want to save time."
"Appreciated, but I think I need to go on foot for now." Pad grunted as he rose up to head down. "I'll be back in a few days."
"We'll be waiting." Felipe stood to wave him off, but was finally grabbed and dragged away to whatever duty lay in wait for him.
"Cute." was the only word Pad could immediately think of as he quickly finished his preparations and and left. One thing was for sure... He lost Baz, but he would not lose Harua and the other Pesanga. It was an oath he swore again as he headed back into the wilderness.
Several days later (17th June) 13:05 – 14 A.E.
Above Vectes – heading inland
"Good call, Prescott." Bernie commented on the view, the sight of an island untouched by the grubs, so much larger than Galangi, the island from which she hailed.
By then, they had already checked on VNB from the air, and now headed to look the rest of the island over. Plenty of land for people to settle comfortably, and in this climate, people could plant crops right away. Bernie already ran over a mental list over what she would need to teach the civvies. All of them were city-folk till recently.
"Up ahead!" Baird called out as he stared into the distance.
Bernie quirked an eyebrow at him, "What?" Marcus seemed like he just noticed what blondie referred to, and leaned out to take in the view.
"I said, look up ahead."
Gettner, the pilot of the Raven they're on, cut in. "Yeah, I see it too. House."
"They'd have needed living quarters here..." Anya said, sticking to the past tense. It just kind of struck Bernie then. The VNB looked much too well-maintained for having been unused for so long. There had to be people still around. "Not just for the naval personnel, either – they'd have needed to be self-sufficient for long periods because resupply wouldn't have been easy."
Bernie leaned out, and finally saw it. Not just the house, but a large and lovely field. A big properly plowed field.
"But what the hell is wrong with this picture?" Baird asked before anyone could point out the farmer down there who saw them, then turned to jog back to his house.
"Shit." Marcus muttered. Everyone could see it as they circled around the field. A big red-colored robot down there walked across the field, dragging along a plow too big and wide for any animal to pull.
"Oh, momma... the folks here are rocking some serious hardware." Cole guffawed.
Baird shook his head, "No fucking way."
Anya leaned back and hit the wall, "Take us further inland. There's got to be a settlement around here."
"Alright, moving." Gettner banked the Raven away from the field.
Baird looked pretty pissed as he dragged himself back in, "This is bullshit. There is no way they can produce something like that."
"Hey, guys..." it was Gettner again, "Anyone else see that cable down there?"
"... Cable?" he leaned out again, "What cable, I don't see any... oh."
Bernie poked her head out on the other side and saw it. A fancy-looking cable that stretched into either directions. It lead to the farm they had just been at.
"Follow that thing." Marcus told their pilot with absurd composure, "I got a funny feeling the answers we're looking for might be that way."
"Roger that. Following."
What followed were several anxious minutes as they followed the single lead across a landscape where the number of dwellings eventually increased – both of the one-storied and two-storied varieties. "Still inhabited." Gettner confirmed. Down on the ground, folks looked back up at them. Most running for the town that just appeared in the distance. A genuine article, not a Stranded shantytown. A simple fishing port.
But that was not the only thing they saw. The Raven passed another hill, and finally came upon what the cable's attached to. A tower, at least a one hundred and fifty feet tall and fifty feet wide. Its shape and surface perfectly smooth and geometric, with lines and corners that glowed a neon-blue. At the top, a set of letters orbited it, which read; 'Welcome to Vectes'.
"What the crap?" Cole was just as speechless as the rest of them upon the sight of it.
Even the 'know-it-all' Baird felt his voice fail him.
The only one who managed to maintain his composure in the face of this was Marcus, who pressed his earpiece, "Control. This is Sargent Fenix, calling from Vectes."
"Have you found a solution?" it was Prescott.
"Not sure yet. But we've run into something here."
"What is it?"
"Is there any record of state of the art prototype technology on Vectes?"
"No."
"Then we may have a problem. Hold till we investigate further, Fenix out." his gaze was distant, like he was trying to make sense of something more profound than what they just found. "Gettner, take us to the village. Let's see if we can get a nice chat with them."
"Okay, who bet it was built by aliens?" Cole raised his hand.
"Only one way to find out, Cole."
Dom slumped, "Why can't anything just be simple anymore?"
"You're preaching to the choir, Dom." Marcus shrugged as they banked for the village.
Bernie agreed with Dom. Nothing's been simple, and it looked like it would not get simpler any time soon. But none of them expected what they would discover in the upcoming hours.
Author note: Whew, it turned into a very long chapter. Had come to a decision to not post till I at least bring Delta into the story. Also, to note, I changed a couple of things in the preceding chapter to make the events in this chapter easier to put into shape. Next chapter, Delta investigates. Musashi encounter some problems. And a bit of what's going on with England.