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() Author side note
"Someone talking"
'Someone Thinking'
Ch 2.5 interlude 1: politics and emergencies
Flashback: Shortly after the crash of the Forward unto Dawn
BGM: Xenoblade Chronicles 2- Alba Cavanich- Night
Unknown location:
As the glass elevator ascended, the two figures stood in silence, their contrasting appearances a striking juxtaposition against the backdrop of the gleaming interior. The first, a young boy of fair skin and dark blue hair, exuded an aura of regal elegance despite his tender age.
Clad in white garments adorned with intricate gold markings of royalty, he wore a thin crown upon his brow, its design depicting two wings crossing each other, symbolizing his noble lineage. A red cape with fur trim billowed behind him, adding to his majestic presence.
Beside him stood a man of stark contrast, his pitch-black skin and white eyes giving him an otherworldly appearance. Clad in white armor with pulsing blue energy lines coursing across his body, he emanated an aura of quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. His pointed helmet concealed his features, adding an air of mystery to his imposing figure, while a flowing white coat and boots completed his formidable ensemble. Bright blue tubes, presumably carrying some form of liquid, connected various points on his body, adding to his enigmatic appearance.
Despite the boy's youthful visage, there was a profound depth to his gaze, a wisdom that far surpassed his years. Yet, beneath the facade of regal poise, lay the weariness of a tired young boy who never got to enjoy his childhood. In the quiet moments of the elevator's ascent, his regal posture began to crumble and was nearly slumped over in weariness.
"I... I'm not a fan of how that meeting ended." The boy said
"Neither am I and many of the subordinates who accompanied us, Your Majesty. However, I do believe that was the best result we could have gotten from it without getting the Praetorium involved. Although, I'm afraid that the meeting we had with Her Majesty will have only bought us a few more month's worth of time."
He lets out a humorless chuckle at his advisor's/bodyguard's concern, "I'm well aware Aegaeon," He then puts a hand to his forehead and sighs, "That meeting with the queen..."
The boy paused for a moment, trying to find the right words for his feelings, but then a tired frown formed, and he gave up, letting out another sigh in frustration before continuing, "I'm not even gonna try to sugarcoat it, was a mental pain in the arse. I understand that I'm not my father, and it's severely unfortunate that he passed away before I was of proper age. But I don't want to be like our predecessors and end up in another war that would only destroy us both and doom those left with nothing. Why can't she see that?"
Aegaeon puts a hand up to his armored chin, "There could be a couple of reasons," he ponders while looking out at the night sky. Niall slightly perks up and looks over to his advisor who has a contemplative look.
"The first reason is our difference in beliefs and how either of our countries operates politically, religiously, and culturally," Aegaeon explains, "From the records, books, and historical texts I've been allowed to read during our trips to the Urayan capital, is that they have a strong bond to nature with their titan. More so than any other country has had in recorded history, only beaten by the Praetorium."
"While we, from what I understand do not," Niall said, less of a question and more of an acknowledgment.
His advisor/bodyguard nods to confirm while he continues his explanation "Our use of Titans is the complete opposite of what Uraya does with them. We control Titans through more invasive and mechanical means. While Uraya works with the Titans, forming a strange symbiosis with them, and giving them the use of Biotechnology. Using them akin to balloons, not too dissimilar to what the Argentum trade guild has with their Titan."
"But that isn't fair," Niall argues, "Our Titan is the polar opposite in terms of geometrics, Mor Ardain has always had a higher temperature than Uraya and has been rising steadily even before my Grandfather was born. It's gotten to the point where we are barely able to grow anything let alone form any kind of bond. It's a miracle given to us by the Architect that we discovered geothermal energy and steam turbines. Otherwise, this potential war I've been trying to avoid would have already broken out a long time ago. Or Architect forbid, we all died out of starvation, dehydration, or heatstroke and our country falls."
"Perhaps the queen doesn't see that," Aegaeon replies.
"Oh?" the young emperor quires, "And what does the queen see when she comes to Mor Adrain?"
Aegaeon paused, considering his words carefully. "When she visits Mor Ardain, she likely sees a nation that, from her perspective, exploits and dominates its Titans. She might perceive our technological advancements as a form of arrogance or a disregard for the natural order. To her, our methods may seem as though we are forcing our Titan into submission rather than working in harmony with it."
Niall frowned, his frustration evident. "But she doesn't see the necessity behind it, the desperation. We didn't choose this path lightly. Our survival depended on it. It still does," Then his frown softens slightly as he puts a gloved hand to his chin, "Although that does explain why she never looks too pleased whenever she comes to Mor Ardain."
Aegaeon lets out a small chuckle at the young emperor's realization, "Perhaps so your Majesty."
Their conversation is put on hold as the elevator comes to a stop. Quickly straightening himself back into his regal image, the world saw him as, the two exited and walked out into a small, lightly populated harbor. Its only occupants were small groups of patrolling soldiers in service to His Majesty.
As they trekked across, they occasionally stopped to return salutes from the patrolling guards who greeted them with respect. Halfway across the harbor, they were approached by a man in brown overalls, a white button-sleeve shirt, and a cap visor bearing the unique insignia of a bird known to Mor Ardain. With a clipboard in hand, the man saluted them. "Your Majesty, I bring you an urgent report concerning another one of our cargo transports going missing."
Niall frowned while Aegaeon scowled at the information. "Well, uh, what is the status, Captain?"
"Harbor Master, Your Majesty," Aegaeon corrected.
"Right, Harbor Master," Niall repeated.
Dropping his salute, the Harbor Master continued, "The cargo vessel designated Fenton was supposed to have arrived three days ago, sir. As of now, we've been unable to make contact with the ship, nor have any of our scouting ships we sent out this morning found anything about its disappearance."
"What was that ship carrying, Harbor Master?" Aegaeon queried as Niall rubbed his temples, already knowing what was on it.
"Core crystals and food supplies from Indol, sir," the man reported.
"Damn it, we desperately needed that food too," Niall muttered. "Do we have any guesses on who it could have been?" he continued as he looked up at him.
"With how heavily armed we sent its escorts, it could have only been Torna, sir," the Harbor Master said, clenching his fists in anger. "I even had a squad of one of our highly trained drivers' units go along as well, in the hopes to make sure nothing went wrong. Looks like it didn't even matter in the end," he added bitterly.
Niall sighed deeply at the news. "How are our food reserves looking?"
"Not good, I'm afraid," Aegaeon reported somberly. "Before we left for our meeting with the queen, I received a report that most of our stores were almost out of food to stock their shelves."
"Architect damn it," Niall cursed. Before he said anything else, he took a deep breath and exhaled a moment later. "Harbor Master, get the message out that we're going to have to prepare soup kitchens. We need to start rationing our resources."
The Harbor Master nodded, his expression grave. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll ensure the necessary measures are taken immediately. Is there anything else you need?"
Niall shook his head, a look of weariness crossing his face. "Just make sure the people are informed and that we prioritize those most in need. We can't afford any unrest right now."
Aegaeon added, "Coordinate with the local authorities and ensure that the distribution is fair and orderly."
The Harbor Master saluted once more. "I'll see to it personally, Your Majesty." He then hurried off to carry out his orders, leaving the king and his advisor to continue their trek across the harbor.
"That conversation with the Harbor Master essentially explained a part of my second reason, Your Majesty," Aegaeon commented somberly.
"What's the rest?" Niall asked anxiously, glancing at his bodyguard.
Aegaeon sighed. "She is blaming you for the current state of affairs in our country."
Niall froze, his eyes widening in shock before anger took over. His teeth gritted, and his fists clenched. Quickly, he walked over to the end of the harbor to another elevator, Aegaeon following him inside.
Lightly punching a button, the elevator doors began to close. Niall used this moment to close his eyes and take a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. However, as the doors slid shut, his anger surged again. "That's bullshit!"
Aegaeon remained calm, his voice steady. "I understand your frustration, Your Majesty, but it's important to see things from her perspective."
Niall glared at his advisor and growled. "And what perspective would that be?! That I, a 14-year-old, am responsible for the actions of terrorists, corrupt officials, and natural disasters plaguing our Titian?!"
"She's looking for a scapegoat," Aegaeon explained. "With three terrorist groups causing chaos, dwindling resources, and corruption within the nobility she may have noticed, it's easier for her to blame you. It diverts attention from her own land's issues and unites her people against a common enemy."
Niall let out a scoff at his advisor's comparison. "A common enemy... Me, a boy too young to take seriously in her eyes. All she sees me as is an easy target."
"It's a bit worse than that I'm afraid," Aegaeon said in dismay, "She sees you as a conquerer as well."
Niall's eyes widened in shock. "What!? In what world does she see me as a conqueror?! For my grandfather I can agree, father I can understand her reasoning and look past my misgivings, but me?" he exclaimed, furious over being labeled such a title after trying so hard to remove himself from his ancestor's actions.
"I haven't even been emperor for an entire year yet," Niall continued, trying to understand the queen's claim of 'conquerer' on him, "The very first action I took was to halt the annexation of Gormott, A decision that has been met with much dissent within the some of the people and nobility and has only festered since," he growls out as he begins pacing in the small elevator.
"I've met with her more times than both my grandfather and father combined. I've tried to de-militarize some of our more powerful weapons. I've even re-opened trade with them—something our country hasn't done in over two centuries, mind you," Niall listed off, his frustration peaking. "And she has the gall to label me the same type of leader my father and grandfather were?!"
"Scapegoat, Your Majesty." Aegaeon said calmly, "It's the way politics works sometimes. As unfortunate as that may be."
"I hate politics," Niall grumbled out, as his regal posture crumbled completely and he rubbed his face in exhaustion.
Just then, the elevator reached its destination with a soft chime. The doors slid open, and the two exited, entering into the throne room. The room was resplendent, with clean gold-painted flooring that gleamed under the soft lighting. A rich red carpet ran the length of the room, leading to a long, ornate wooden table capable of seating fourteen people.
Above, a glass ceiling showcased the night sky, its stars twinkling like scattered diamonds, with a massive tree's emerald glow casting a serene luminescence across the room. At the end of the room stood a red-cushioned throne next to a pedestal full of papers.
Eclipsed under a bright red shield emblem with two mechanical wings on its sides, two crossing spears adorned with flags behind it, and a sword on top of the shield. On the shield itself were four emblems: the top left featured a smaller shield with two clovers on top and two footprints of a bird known to Mor Ardain, the top right depicted a sun, the bottom right showed three small diamonds, and the bottom left displayed an oval shield.
"Your Majesty, I would recommend you take a respite for the evening if you are this fatigued," Aegaeon said, concern evident in his voice, recalling Niall's outburst not a minute ago.
"Oh, I so desperately want to, Aegaeon. The thought of doing so has crossed my mind more than once since our return journey from that meeting," Niall moaned, "But not with that there," he continued, pointing toward the pedestal filled with papers that came up to his knees next to his ornate throne.
"If that is your wish," Aegaeon said as the two reached the throne.
Completely exhausted from the day's events, Niall slumped onto his throne and sat there for a few seconds, trying to calm his irritated mood. After a few moments, he begrudgingly picked up a paper from the top of the pile and began reading, while his advisor and bodyguard stood dutifully next to him.
About fifteen minutes passed in almost complete silence in the throne room, interrupted only by the occasional yawn or incoherent, frustrated mutter from the young emperor. The quiet was abruptly broken when the elevator doors ahead of them slid open. Jolting Niall and causing him to drop his papers, While Aegaeon turned his head toward the commotion.
Emerging from the elevator was a soldier clad in brown fatigues, his uniform adorned with a distinctive copper cone helmet with pitch-black lenses topped with a bird statue. His pauldrons matched the copper hue of his helmet, hiding all his features, and glinting slightly under the overhead lights as he sprinted toward them.
"YOUR MAJESTY, I HAVE URGENT NEWS!" the soldier yelled, stopping before the duo and catching his breath.
"What is it, Commander?" Aegaeon asked while Niall scrambled to gather the fallen papers.
"The scouts we sent out this morning have reported several massive objects falling into the Cloud Sea," the soldier huffed out, straightening himself into a salute.
"W-what? How long ago was this?" Niall stuttered, standing up and abandoning the papers.
"Just a few minutes ago, Your Majesty," the Commander reported.
"Do we know where these things landed?" Aegaeon inquired, highly concerned about the potentially disastrous news.
"From our scouts' observations, some of it fell into the abyss surrounding the World Tree, while a majority of it fell north of our Titan's position, just outside the Forbidden Zone, sir." The location reported made both Niall and Aegaeon pale at the news.
"Get everyone out of the lower levels immediately!" Niall shouted as he started sprinting back toward the elevator, with Aegaeon and the Commander quickly following after him.
Entering the elevator, Niall gave out his orders, "Aegaeon, contact as many Drivers as you can and get them to start evacuation efforts. Halt the soup kitchen efforts and get them to help. We have, at best, only a few minutes until that tsunami hits us."
"Right away, Your Majesty," Aegaeon responded, saluting.
"Commander, I need you to get to the city and clear as much of the loading bay by the city's entrance as possible," Niall continued. However, the Commander did not respond.
Confused, Niall turned to the man only to see him slightly shaking and looking ahead. Turning to where he was looking, Niall began to pale even more. Below them, looking down at the sea of clouds, was a wave that was growing larger by the second as it approached their Titan.
As for Aegaeon, he turned around and paused in shock at the approaching wave. However, he quickly recomposed himself and looked at Niall who was still staring at the wave.
"Niall, Focus. Our people need you right now," his advisor said as he shook the young emperor slightly.
This manages to shake him out of his stupor as he shakes his head slightly and recomposes himself to the best of his ability, "R-right right, Commander!" Niall yells. This in turn shakes the other man out of his long stare.
"I-eee-yes Your Majesty," The commander stutters out as he quickly salutes.
"Did you understand my orders soldier?" Niall queries.
"Clear out the loading area near the entrance of Alba Cavanich sir!" The commander says.
Niall nods in approval as the elevator begins to slow down in its descent. "You have your orders men," he says as the elevator doors slide open "Now go!"
Authors note:
I've decided to rewrite this section of chapter 2 entirely and set up the world a bit differently or add to it a little and cut the original chapter into 3. Because I've gotten complaints about the chapters being too long. I'm also not a fan of how I wrote it originally, to me it feels rushed and not very good.
Also, What do you think about how I've set up the politics and world-building in this chapter?
Also, also, What are your thoughts on what I've done to Aegeaon's character, He always kind of seemed bland to me in the main game. And TTGC hasn't really done him many favors for me either. So I decided to give him more of an advisor role/semi-mentor. E.G while Niall tries to wrap his head around trying to rule, Aegeaon also tries to learn in other areas to help him.
also, also, also, do you think Uraya knows what blimps are? Cause from my understanding they don't and simply call them airships.