Eodem: A Rifle And Sword Adventure 8 Chapter 8: The Conference

To the North, Raiders would descend from their desolated continent and attack the fis.h.i.+ng villages and mining towns of the Empire's northernmost nerritories. To the East lay a vast desert where Nomadic Orcs would besiege fortress towns in order to access the fertile grounds beyond. To the West is the Arrogant Elves, despite being split into 2 distinct factions, the Empire fears the worse possible fall out to happen if the Entente and the Pact go back to war one day. And right at the middle of their territory, Bandits roam free and there are rumors of an underground sect of unknown intentions plotting a ma.s.sive uprising of fantastical proportions.

The Empire's armies could only do so much to deal such threats throughout their lands.

In order to quell such lawlessness, the Empire created the Grey Order or more popularly known by the common folks as the 'Adventurer's Guild'.

The system in place is rather simple:

• People from all walks of life can write up formal a request called 'Quests' and post it to any of the various branch offices of the Adventurer's Guild scattered through out the Empire. They will need to pay a fee depending on the difficulty of the said Quests which will be formally cla.s.sified into categories by an official who will grade them via a '5-star' system. (1 Star being Easy and 5 Stars being Dangerous)

• The Quest 'givers' are ultimately responsible of the reward when the Quests has been successfully completed. These can range from material goods to services. All of the said rewards should be proportional to the rated difficulty of said quest.
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• Quest types can vary from Investigations, Escorts, Clearings, Acquisitions etc.

• Although anyone can take up the requests such as independent mercenaries or adventurous bands, members of the Adventurer's Guild have special privileges that they enjoy such as discounts in shops, access to the Wizard Conclave's Libraries and exclusive Quests.

• Anyone, regardless of race and origin can become a member of the Adventurer's Guild. However, it is known by the several members of the Imperial Government that they would use the Guild's Human Resources for several clandestine government a.s.signments.

The Grey Order's Headquarters is stationed right inside the Palatial District of Haringpoint where it first opened their offices to the citizenry. The Guild has existed for over a century. Initially most of the members of the Guild were citizens of Slaegia ranging from ex-Legionnaires of the Empire to citizens who can afford or are brave enough to take up a weapon. Then it has progressed to a diverse roster of Mages from the Conclave, Warriors from the Dwarven Mountain Kingdoms, Elves from Alfel Nora, even several Orcs and Northmen and much more. Most of the prolific members of the Guild work inside the HQ of the Guild in the Empire Capital where the most lucrative, nationally pressing and dangerous missions are often written to.

"I am telling you, my visions say Tyr Rian! They will land there, see the people and unleash their might!" exclaimed Grandmaster Owyne of the Conclave of wizards.

He is conducting a meeting of some of the most successfully Adventurer's Guild members who he has hope can help him in such a cloudy time in the aftermath of Geltagar's Comet. They were initially briefed over the facts beforehand such as the Conclave's attempt to see the future, the ma.s.sive magical explosion afterwards and the traumatization of the Conclave's most powerful member Owyne.

The Grandmaster, after spending weeks recovering from the explosion a month ago could now be seen in the libraries of the Conclave studying demonology books and mystical creature's encyclopedias in his search for answers. Whenever he described the 'Man-Demons' of Metal' to such experts he was given replies of utter scoffing and confusion as they didn't know what kind of creature he was describing for no such creature has ever been recorded to have even existed. Based on his fruitless search for answers based on all the acc.u.mulated knowledge the Empire has acquired throughout its time, the Grandmaster concluded that the creatures he saw in his premonitions were an entirely new species of unknown origin.

"Grandmaster, surely you are still slightly off you head after that accident of yours?" asked Ser Petur the Faithful. "Tyr Rian? One of the smaller regions in terms of size and wealth in the Empire, is where these 'Demons' you say will invade? Those poor souls they won't stand a chance when they arrive we should rally the Legions and the Guild and march!"

Ser Petur 'the Faithful' Reikdorf is a valiant 'Knight-for-hire' who is in the Guild for ten years and has racked up over 400 completed quests, a quarter of which were cla.s.sified as 4-Star Difficulty in the Quest Grading Systems. He was known far and wide for his bravery and ever resolute composure against the odds when he fought Orc Warlords, Necromancers and Monstrous Beasts. These deeds were accomplished by a form of Weapon's Conjuring Magics he has pioneered where he can summon ghostly images of multiple weapons ranging from spears, swords and great battleaxes out of thin air and control telepathically. He uses his powers to multiply the damage he can do within one moment to exponential multiplications. He is also popular with the common folk for his bravery and is quite the bachelor to many young women at his ripe age of 29 years. Yet despite the publicity he receives, whenever danger arrives at any given moment, he would be the first to take up arms, hence his nickname 'the Faithful'.

"But I saw those visions, is Tyr Rian the only place that brands the heraldry of a windmill on a green and red checkered Kite s.h.i.+eld?" Owyne took his point across with his question. He was d.a.m.n sure he saw the heraldry of that backwater region in his visions.

"I have to disagree with you Petur my friend." said the Prodigious Sorceress Carliah Silverdane standing up proudly in her lion mane like braided hair to object the sanguinary Knight "It doesn't make sense for them to invade such a remote town. There is barely anything but farmlands and the small time Mirrien Trading Company. Would it make more sense for them to strike at a more… important city like the Fortress City of Littlehill, the Trading Hub of Neugonia or Haringpoint directly?" she questioned.

The Sorceress is best described as a Jack-of-all trades magic user able to do a variety of basic and intermediate spells from the Destruction, Restoration, Altercation, Conjuration and Illusion.

"Perhaps they will use Tyr Rian as a staging point, it is military weak after all? Take down Prince Clovich and his Guards then flood in the rest of their armies unhindered before we can have a chance to react? And then once they got their entire party gathered, flood over the entire East of themselves and push all the way to Haringpoint." Reasoned the cold and calculating Mita 'the Northern Crow' who was instead of sitting down on a chair, was leaning on the wall with her arms crossed listening to Owyne's ramblings cladded in her skin tight 'Rogue Armor'.

A Rogue by trade, she was responsible for numerous subversive security breaches of fortified buildings and a handful of a.s.sa.s.sinations of rogue elements. She is proficient in close quarters combat with her dual daggers and an excellent shot from her custom one-handed dwarven crossbow. She is mostly through and through a mercenary only interested in the money that the Imperial Government pay her handsomely with.

"Can you give us more details of the visions you see, surely there is something you can remember that can help us. Just even a tiny bit of information?" inquired the grizzly tattooed dwarf Findrum.

A Monster Hunter who has claimed the heads and cadavers of Minotaurs, Dragons, Lamias, Trolls and much more. He is one of the oldest members of the Guild. Despite his size of only a mere 5 feet, the Dwarf can go toe to toe with the strongest of beasts. He is also one of the humblest and honorable of the Guild as he pays great respects to those who fallen as his quarry. He can often be seen when outside his Monster Hunt Quests teaching the tricks of his job to the next generation.

"Well… I did remember that the De---" Owyne struggled to remember when the door to their meeting room knocked.

"Who could be knocking at an important meeting like this?" Carliah rattled.

Owyne walked towards the rooms door and slightly opened the door peeking outside to see who is disturbing them in such a time like this. As he looked he spotted a lithe young elf woman standing in front of him in a leather Ranger Gambeson of the Ethuilen Entente Elves and topping golden blonde hair. The Elf looked at him with buoyant eyes that could pierce the most stone-cold of hearts.

"Greetings, I am Princess Aliathra, I am with the Elves and I was told to find Grandmaster Owyne." Aliathra explained herself. "I was sent her by my family to investigate the omens about the Comet's pa.s.sing." She continued.

"Well you have come into the right place. I am just talking about it with some of the guild members. Take a seat and listen quietly. I was just about to tell something important." Owyne smiled. He pushed the door further allowing the Elven Princess to walk in.

The four senior Guild members widened their eyes at the beautiful woman in utter awe. For someone who is an Elven Ranger of her apparel she is marvelously pleasing to the eyes. Most of the Elves who have undergone training are masculine in build due to the harsh training that they have entail and the dangerous a.s.signments they are given. Both Petur and Mita felt rosy in their minds over the Ethereal beauty of the foreign warrior from Alfel-Nora.

"People, this is Princess Aliathra Lareththor, daughter of King Aslanidor and Queen Elisven." Owyne announced.

"A Princess in here? Your quite well armed for a Princess." Mita commented pointing to Aliathra's Elven Bow.

"My Father the king didn't want to have his youngest daughter be a spoiled child locked in a gilded cage. That's why he sent me to train with the Rangers." Aliathra said.

"I was told Rangers have masculine bodies and strong muscles even the women. Your body is still quite feminine." Said Petur.

"I only had Ranger Training for only half their training regiment under a private instructor being taught archery and survival only. But I can make up for it for because I am also an excellent Restoration and Alteration Magic." the elf answered.

"So, what brings a Princess, let alone an Elf Princess from Alfel Nora here in Haringpoint?" asked Mita.

"The Queen, my mother has sent me to the outside world to investigate the Comet." she answered the Rogue.

"You say that like it is your first time." Petur noted.

"This is my first time indeed being outside my country. I hope I and the rest of the Ethuilen Entente can help you in your investigations." Aliathra graciously spoke.

"Don't worry, the Empire will keep you safe during your mission on behalf of our friends.h.i.+p." Owyne heartened the Elf.

"Please, inform me the details." Aliathra bided Owyne.

"Okay, let me continue what I was about to say." Owyne nodded, he paused for a moment to let Aliathra sit down. "As I say, I remembered seeing 'Eyes' fall down from the heavens to scour the lands for the Demons to feast upon. They will see our lands and greedily come over to feast on our souls and destroy all that we hold dear." Owyne said remembering the apocalyptic images from that faithful day.

"Hold on for just one moment!" clamored Findrum. "They will send 'Eyes'? Explain."

"I saw it. The eyes that the 'Demons' send to scout our lands is held in a pedestal where a giant 'Eye' is presented. It is carried over an admixture between broken clumps of metal and a small carriage.

When the eyes will see our homes, our farms, our cities we will all face the wraths of the fires of h.e.l.l on our soil." Owyne finished his ramblings

.

"You said 'will see' am I correct?" asked Findrum.

"Yes, they will see our homes and the Demons will descend upon us." Owyne acknowledged.

"Hmm, call me crazy but I think we can actually prevent the Apocalypse from ever happening." Findrum proposed.

Everyone in the room from the normally reserved Mita, the Intellectual Owyne and the Regal Aliathra all responded to Findrum's statement with a flat 'What?'

"What are you saying?" Aliathra asked shocked by the Dwarf's words.

"Demon's from the mouthful I have taken down from those crazy cultists are animalistic in nature. The feed on people and love to do nothing more but sow ruin to our civilization." Findrum began to explain to his peers.

"So, what are you proposing we do?" Owyne pressed. He leaned his body over to the dwarf eagerly to listen to what he has in mind.

"Well most Demons must abide to their primal instincts just like any beasts. If they don't see anything to eat in this case Souls of fully thinking individuals or thrash themselves around in any cities, they will lose interest very quickly." The Monster Hunter explained.

"Are you suggesting we make Tyr Rian disappear or something like that? Ridiculous!" Petur howled.

"Hold on for a minute Knight. I think Findrum is onto something." calmed Mita.

"So, we ARE going to make the city disappear?" Petur questioned dumbfounded by Mita's contradictory opinion.

"Not really disappear. Make it LOOK like it disappeared." Mita explained. "Carliah how good are you in casting mirages?" the Crow turned to the Sorceress.

"Well alone I can hide maybe a house or two for about a day." Carliah answered.

"How many of the Illusion Mages can the Conclave spare?" Mita asked Owyne.

"If it means cancelling the apocalypse. We will gladly send ALL of them." Owyne nodded.

"But we are going to need more than me and all the Illusion Mages to hide an entire Princ.i.p.ality. We will need several purified Magic Crystals to sustain our mirage." Carliah added.

"That can be arranged, what is several tons of pure Magic Crystals to stopping the Demons from destroying us all?" Owyne said.

"But what about Tyr Rian. The Prince in charge of that place is named Clovich am I correct? You think he will approve such a large congregation of Mages and several s.h.i.+pments of Magic Crystals?" Petur questioned.

Petur's questioning was reasonable within the real politick of Gliesia. When large s.h.i.+pments of Magic Crystals which are normally distributed evenly across the Empire. When such a large amount of the Crystals ends up in the same place, let alone a border province, it is normally tied with a ma.s.sive military built up in preparation of war. The common folks will easily panic which will cause chaos not only in the local provinces but throughout the realm through the word of mouth of refugees and messengers. Owyne knew that he must ensure that public order remains unaffected when they do their Mirage trick on the Princ.i.p.ality less the empire shows signs of weakness that invites the vultures from outside their borders.

"I can ask the Emperor to make up an excuse for us being there. Hopefully Prince Clovich will believe it. That is, it for our meeting today everyone. Carliah, Aliathra and Findrum please make the arrangements with the School of Illusion. Petur, Mita come with me and let us gather the Crystals we need. The meeting is adjourned." Owyne concluded.

Everyone nodded in acknowledgement to the Grandmaster as everyone stood up from their chairs and head out their separate ways.

For Princess Aliathra, she was ready and eager to prove her mettle in the outside world as the representative of the Elven race. She hopes that one day she can crawl out of the shadow of her elder sister Lunafreya who is the heir apparent of the Chrysanthemum Throne of Ethuilen. To go down in history as someone who prevented the Apocalypse of the entire world of Gliesia would be a proud t.i.tle that she can have in her name. Knowing she is the youngest of the three Larenththor siblings, she must prove herself by earning a heroic t.i.tle that can make her parents and those that came before her proud.

She proceeded to a discreet room where to n.o.body can see nor eavesdrop her and reported her progress to her parents via a communication spell. Unknowingly, she will be informed that her mission in Tyr Rian will go smoothly for there is a double agent placed in the most unexpected of roles in the Princ.i.p.alities Hierarchy.

----------------------------(Back in the UFE Colony) ------------------

"You know, we can't just call our place 'the Eodem' anymore. I mean it ain't really catchy for me." Crocker small talked.

"I agree with you. But I suggest you take that up with High Command. Hopefully when the first Colony meeting starts you can say what we will name this place." Samantha replied.

The entire Styrder Group squad has gathered together to Obediah Root's Homestead for a housewarming party. However, there were still several parts of the home that needs to be constructed due to the delays brought forth by the now defunct Burning Horse Bandit raid more than a week ago. Kayin can be seen hard at work finis.h.i.+ng the last few parts of Obed's abode with the help of several construction drones.

"I have never been able to see a house built so fast." Iris said. The Vampire marveled at the coordinated effort the drones that carried over the steel bars and concrete together with the drones, equipped with numerous gadgets to bring the building materials together into a hospitable shelter for a family.

"Well, that's Technology for you Miss Cadohagan. This Greenhouse will provide food for Obed's Family and to sell off-world." Kayin replied. He was mult.i.tasking on the Drone Controls and chatting with Iris who stood next to him as he worked on the holographic screen that controls the droid's movements and actions.

"What is a Greenhouse?" Iris asked.

"It's like a Farm."

"But that's not enough land to be productive." Iris noted the land size discrepancy to the Greenhouse and a Traditional Farm.

"Well your Farms are built wide. Ours is built tall. You see a Greenhouse, or at least this schematic that I am working on, is designed to plant crops upwards into the air." Kayin explained.

"Planting food 'in the air' that's preposterous. There's no soil." Iris blasted.

"Oh no, we don't need to use soil. We just need to use less than normally needed water, some nutrients and its good to go. By the way Iris, ever noticed that depending on the weather, Crop Yields change?" Kayin asked.

"Yes, they do change. Much to the frustration of everyone. I have seen my fair share of famines." Iris answered.

"Green Houses are not affected by weather because it is temperature controlled and sheltered from the elements. Imagine an artificial sun that always stays up. That's the beauty of it." the Engineer Smiled.

"And you are building about a hundred of these?"

"And another hundred in the plans. By my calculations with two hundred Greenhouse Farms equipped for Vertical Farming, I can estimate that we can have a healthy yield of about five times the amount compared to what the Princ.i.p.ality can produce with their medieval methods in about a year." He estimated.

"That's marvelous. I can't believe what I am saying but I love what you are doing." Iris jumped in euphoria.

The Nigerian blushed over the Vampire's affectionate complements. Being appreciated for his work boosted his own disposition. After making a full recovery from the concussion he had received during Operation Scorpion Sting he had wanted to have some R&R for himself after being cleared by Doctor Lee Haneul. Yet he was immediately a.s.signed to work on the construction of the Colonies settlement buildings like the farms and houses that the people will live and work in. Governor White wanted to double time the construction of all the Colony's Settlement so when Prince Clovich arrives for the first Inter UFE and Gliesia Conference he can impress them with the UFE's advance technology.

"Thank's Iris. You made my day." Kayin smiled as he concluded the final touches of the Greenhouse's Construction with the placement of the special Horticulture Gla.s.s panels to top off the roof.

The Private First Cla.s.s have both the training and experience to build the Greenhouses although he was more use to constructing military barracks and silos during his previous tours. The Schematics he followed were pre-fabricated designs and programmed to the Drones building algorithms so he had no reason to worry of committing any kind of mistake.

"And it's done!" cheered Obediah's Wife, Miss Leah Root.

"It's sure is Madam. Now let's get this party started." Samantha walked behind her and smiled.

Obediah let loose a small rain of confetti out of a confetti thrower from his hands to kick off his housewarming party alongside his daughter April who also held another confetti thrower but of smaller size for her ten-year old hands. He the Hunter turned to his sides and opened a cooler that contained several dozen bottles of beer for the guests in attendance. There was Stryder Group, Captain Medoza with his squad and a few of Obed's neighbors who live in the adjacent houses between him.

Iris looked around her surroundings of the Earth Human hosted party. Unlike the Vampire b.a.l.l.s she attended and the Festival's she has snuck herself inside, the 'Housewarming Party' was an alien concept to her. Parties as intimate as fully moving one's family into a new home is something only the rich can even think of conducting as parties are expensive affairs. You have to pay food, invitations and entertainment to even get a chance for even a single guest to arrive. Yet compared to this, the party's amenities were humble in quality. The entertainment is a single metal box that magically produces music that the Earth Humans call a 'Speaker box'. The decorations were virtually nonexistent with only a banner that was crudely painted 'Root Family's House Warming Party'. And for the food is a combination of game meat that the UFE managed to procure from living off the land and fruits and vegetables that the colony brought out from their kitchen stores, some of the said crops were unrecognizable to her. If this was a normal party held by the standards of the Gliesians it would be an utter disaster of boredom and causing the host to become the Pariah of all the n.o.ble Elites for months to come. Yet what astonished her was that despite the lackl.u.s.ter amenities, everyone was smiling and making themselves merry.

"Strange these Earth Humans are… with the simplest of things they are already happy." She thought.

Keeping herself from the attention of the other humans, Iris pushed her way through the crowd unnoticeably to find to her more familiar companions just so she can not stand by and look awkward as the rest of them enjoyed themselves. Her eyes soon caught Vincent and Crocker standing idly by a red colored table. Both of their faces aired dissatisfaction as if being annoyed over something. Perhaps they weren't enjoying the party after all?

"h.e.l.lo Vincent, h.e.l.lo Lewis." She greeted.

"Hey." Both of them said in unison. Iris spotted that Crocker was trying to repeatedly tap his hand on a valve that is attached to the strangely shaped table. On the surface of the table it was hollow with grid iron bars placed on top of the hole. She noticed that in side the hollow inside of the table was several lumps of coal and wood stacked together to form a base for a fire.

"That's a strange table you have there. It even has wheels." Iris commented.

"This? Oh, it's called a Grill. It's like a portable stove, Obed's letting me use it to cook some steaks." Crocker said.

"You seem to be having trouble with the table I see." Iris said.

"Yes, can't get this d.a.m.n thing to work." He replied. He continued to try snap his igniter to birth the flames necessary for cooking.

With a snap of her fingers Iris let loose her magics and instantly ignited a small fire from within the grill setting the cooking device alight in a brilliant flame from below its hollow end.

"Finally, thought this s.h.i.+tty lighter won't work." Crocker smiled.

Tossing the shoddy igniter away he then picked up a pair of thongs and began to place several cuts of meat onto the grill.

"I am hungry already. I can't wait to eat. Oh… kinda awkward right now." Vincent said as he looked at Iris. He was leaning on a dinner table with his impatient hands holding a spoon and fork along his plate. The crackling sound followed by the sizzling of the meat as it shared intercourse with flames created a symphony that made Ex-Thief's mouth water.

"Awkward?" Iris questioned.

"Well it's because your… a Vampy. You like drinking blood, right? Tell me because call me crazy, but I want to know, what's it like?" the Penal Soldier asked.

"Well, to tell you the truth. At least I am encouraged to by Hana to do that, I normally drink the blood of the animals that live near the forest where I… used to… live. Like deer, rabbits, the occasional bear, even an occasional Burning Horseman. I do eat other food though like a normal person, it's just that blood is, how do I say, more nutritious. It also helps with my Magic. Although please don't tell that to that 'Father' Bishop friend of yours." She nudged.

"Don't tell me what?" Interrupted Bishop who was strolling behind Iris causing her to tip skittishly. The last thing she wants right now is antagonizing her fragile alliance with the religious figure. "Uhm I was… saying… ahh…" Iris tried to mutter some sort of explanation for herself when Vincent b.u.t.ted in in front of her.

"I was telling Iris about some of the food that we are eating as she got curious about them." He lied. "I told her about these Blood Red Chili Peppers that I love to eat." He awkwardly smiled while nudging his elbow to Iris.

Taking his cue, Iris nodded that what she said was really about these 'Blood Red Chili Peppers'.

"Well those chilies are quite spicy if I may say so myself. It would be quite the show seeing you eat one child." Bishop said.

"Of course, I will eat these Chili's. Where are they?" Iris turned her worried eyes to Vincent.

"Yes, uhm Crocker can you pa.s.s one of the Jalapeno's over to our Vampire friend." Vincent said.

Crocker moved his hand over to a basket that contained a.s.sorted fruits and vegetables and grabbed a tiny green morsel from it and pa.s.sed it to her palm.

"Good.f.u.c.king.Luck" the Brit whispered.

Iris gulped, what did she just got herself into? She looked at her hand and observed her tribute. It was a small looking fruit that had a slight curve. It's surface colored in a very polished green that reflected the light of the lightbulb above her. She examined at her companions who looked at her nervously as she hesitates to consume the fruit.

"How can such a tiny fruit could emit such fear and disdain by these Earth Humans?" she asked herself. She had previously seen the UFE fearlessly fight against her when she invoked her magic and resolutely challenged the powerful Burning Horseman without any flinching. Yet they are afraid of a tiny vegetable?

Iris overconfidently laughed as she raised her arm and devoured the Jalapeno Chili whole…

Oh, how wrong was her brashness when the juices of the chili spilled on her Vampire tongue. She could feel a creeping heat from within her orifices. At first the heat was as hot as a match's light but it slowly the invisible fire spread to the rest of her mouth until it felt like the burning pits of h.e.l.l that her tongue is tasting. The Vampire began to sweat profusely like she had never sweated before. She felt like she was in a sauna as she distanced herself away from her companions for s.p.a.ce. She began to flail her hands aimlessly as the raging inferno in her estuary became hotter and hotter. If she doesn't quench this heat soon she might even die of by being cooked from the inside.

"RRRAAGGHH!!!" She screamed as she summoned a great amount of her magic to release a burst of Ice and Snow that sparkled beautifully to relieve herself from the chili's infernal influences.

"Whoa…" Crocker looked in awe.

Iris turned herself around and soon found that every pair of eyes in the party stared at her when she demonstrated her Magic Powers right in front of them. The witch was about to collapse in utter embarra.s.sment when she heard the voice of a small girl.

"Daddy! A snow angel like Elsa!" said Obediah's daughter April. Her tiny body brushed pa.s.s the adult party goers like she pa.s.sed through a forest until she reached Iris' feet.

The girl launched herself into the sparkling snowflakes and ice particles that dotted around her. She looked down at the child and saw that instead of fear and disgust that would be the normal reaction from non-Conclave a.s.sociated mages, it was the cheer and innocence of a child seeing her first snowfall. For Iris, her cold heart warmed up as she knelt down onto the same height level as the girl.

"More!" April cheered.

Smiling at her, Iris conjured more softly made snowflakes from her hands and launched it up to the sky making a momentary snowfall in the middle of a summer afternoon.

"Hooray! I love my new home daddy!" April cheered as she played around trying to catch the snowflakes.

"Well I'll be Vampy. You made my little April happy. She's been awfully sad when I had to make her move out of New Montana from our old home world to here. Thank you." Obediah applauded.

"Maybe I am wrong about you Vampire. Perhaps you can be changed." said Bishop.

"Talk about Letting it go." Samantha laughed as she downed another bottle of alcohol.

---------------------------------- (Back inside the Eodem) ------------------------

Plans were underway for the first ever First Contact between the United Federation of Earth and the indigenous natives of Gliesia. Battlements that had once guarded the perimeter of the Colony s.h.i.+p were replaced with the sights of beautifully planted trees and garden bushes that aesthetically made the now growing Colony Town into a beautiful mixture of nature and urbanization. Greenhouses who's s.h.i.+ning crowns will reflect the day's sun in a splendorous display. The soon to be constructed Town Hall that is inspired by the cla.s.sical Graeco-Roman architecture will be the center of the Colonial Government in this new world. The tents that have provided temporary housing for the colonists now were turned into fully flesh homes ranging from apartments, condominiums and single-family houses.

With all of these constructions underway, Governor Jeremy White looked on from his office inside the Eodem. His forceful streamlining of the construction of the town has paid off without any problems whatsoever. He had to enlist the manpower of the Colonial Militia to get the productivity boost he needed to make up for lost time. Inside his mind he has already completed the first phase of the Colonization effort for Benham-3 although at the rate he has been informed by the soldiers and the science team, will have to call this planet Gliesia. He just couldn't help but wonder, how were the scans came out so dead wrong. They were supposed to Planetfall in an uninhabited world with an Earthlike ecosystem, but instead he felt like the entire colony was thrown into the deep middle of Final Fantasy with all the mythical sights he has seen from Fire Golems, Magic and Vampires.

"Governor White, are you troubled?" Said the audio graphic voice of the United Nations Office for Outer s.p.a.ce Affairs Director Sienna Di Poppo. Her holographic form gently drifted towards the side of the Governor as he overlooked the window of his developing colony.

"No, I am more of relieved. I am happy that my work has come up to this moment. How is the initial probing reports fare against ours?" Jeremy asked.

"I have to say; my men have just cross-referenced your data with the old probe's data and I am just as afraid to say is. There aren't any discrepancies other than the update of several manmade structures that dotted Benham-3 from your reports. We are just as confused on how our probes were wrong the first time around as you do." Sienna said.

"Well, then it's most likely and I can't believe what I am saying. It has to be these 'Magics' that the Militia has reported on seeing. I can't find anymore explanation than that." Jeremy confessed.

"Maybe that's it Governor. Perhaps all of those times we have watched movies, shows, and video games of Extra Terrestrials and Fantasy RPG's have guided us into this very moment. I am glad that we are now holding our first conference with this Princ.i.p.ality of Tyr Rian that we have… 'accidentally' colonized. I am just as nervous as you are for the negotiations and the discussions that will happen tomorrow." Sienna said.

"You say that you're not ready as just as me." White commented.

"Well, none of us could have expected nor be truly ready for what will happen tomorrow." Answered Sienna. "I am just an Astrophysicists in charge of studying the outer fringes of s.p.a.ce. Yet according to my mandate, I am also supposed to represent the entire UFE when we meet Extraterrestrials for the first time. But to be fair, I never knew we would be the superior species in this side of the Diplomatic Table."

"Indeed." Jeremy agreed.

"I also want to confirm a detail of yours that you have sent me. According to reports from Doctor Mahelona and Doctor Lee Haneul, you have met with a native of the planet who has become your guide and translator that goes by the code name 'Sacagewa' real name 'Iris Cadohagan'." Sienna recited from a doc.u.ment she is reading about the Benham-3 Colony.

"Of course, she has been a lot of help and thanks to her we are able to make a proper first contact with the native peoples of this planet. Well, unlike the first 'first contact'." He answered. His mind can still remember the horrors of the Burning Horseman a.s.sault that attacked them when they first landed. He is glad that both the colony and the people of Tyr Rian are no longer under their tyranny thanks to the intrepid efforts of Lieutenant Rose and Stryder Group.

"Well according to the descriptions sent to me. 'Iris' is described to be both a 'Mage' and a 'Vampire'. Are you sure we can trust her to being the 'Sacagewa' of this Colony for this world?" the Director asked.

"I have coerced her for her services as a guide and translator. During the a.s.sault we acquired a peculiar necklace with a glowing blue crystal in it. We have found out that Iris was the previous owner of that necklace. I gave her a deal. She can peacefully reclaim her 'family heirloom' by working with us as our guide. So far she has been cooperative with us right now."

"And this necklace with the blue crystal, it's rather special to her and special to the natives by its nature am I reading this correctly? It's a source of power and also some sort of amplifier for their 'Magic'? Where is that necklace right now? You do have to give it back eventually." Sienna reminded.

"I will in time. As for the necklace Doctor Mahelona has been studying tirelessly and has sum up with one answer. 'It is a brand new, never before seen element other than in hypothetical drawings. It is the fabled Element-120 or Unbinilium.' as he said to me. The Doctor said that the possibilities for it could be endless when we find more of these to use for ourselves." the Governor answered.

"Just imagine the technological advances we can make with this new element." Sienna grin as she envisages the usages of Unbinilium.

"Technology has indeed got us to where we all are today Madam Director. But this 'Magics' I fear the possibilities for we are dealing with something we have never have seen before. The soldiers have seen what this Magic is capable of by one person just now. I fear, what if this 'Magics' doesn't want us here?" He asked anxiously. He sunk his head down in an uneasy state of fear over the intimidating world he now calls his new home.

"Did the great scientists hesitated when they toyed with the natures and intricate systems of our G.o.d-given world? Did the great explorers faltered when they crossed the ocean in search of new land? Did the great generals at times of war balk to themselves before they charged through their enemies? The answer is no Governor. We have all come to far in our history as a species… now… as a race to reel in now. Don't you remember the motto of the Colonial Beareau? 'Our Destiny is in the Stars'. If these 'Magics' try to fight us out? We will survive, adapt and win. Just like our ancestors before us." Sienna lectured.

"Perhaps you are indeed right Director. Maybe this could open a new chapter into the Human History." Jeremy nodded with his confidence and hope restored.

"Porro Terra Governor. I will see you and the Prince tomorrow." She bid farewell. Her Hologram disappeared darkening the Governor's bedroom.

"Porro Terra." He whispered quietly before he went to his bed to sleep, for tomorrow will be his greatest test of diplomatic dexterity yet.

Iris' plan she discussed to him earlier with him and Dr. Lee Haneul better work tomorrow. Or it's going to be another f.u.c.king ma.s.sacre.

---------------------------------------- (the very Next Day) ----------------------------------------

Prince Clovich galloped proudly through the Tyr Rian countryside. Unlike the day he had first met the strange alien visitors in his battle armor, he is now wearing a velvet cotehardie of the color green with several red dots intricately patterned into the design, in match with Tyr Rian's heraldry. The Prince was followed by a cohort of one thousand of his best knights and guards alongside a horse drawn carriage that transported Lutheor Mirien and his beloved sister Princess Aria. Their destination was the Eodem Colony s.h.i.+p. At first when he heard that is the name of the place, he thought it was a joke, a boat in the middle of land? There was no major body of water that can hold a boat capable of carrying about one thousand people. He has doubts over if having a diplomatic dialogue was even a good idea to begin with? He would have just turned away right now if it wasn't for the insistence of the witch Iris who was accompanied by her escort of Lieutenant Rose and Sargent Crocker who went ahead to make sure that the Gliesian delegation makes it to them safely and smoothly.

"Brother, are we there yet?" asked Aria from the back of the carriage.

"I hope so. Are we I grow tired of cantering. When will I see this 'Flying Boat' of yours?" The Prince said.

"It's over this hill." Samantha pointed with her arm.

The Lieutenant and her second in command waited ahead of the colony to greet the delegation a about a few kilometer away from the Colony with Iris acting as the initial intermediary between the pair of UFE soldiers and the Prince. As the march continued the Prince's Curiosity got the better of him:

"So, tell me Lieutenant Rose about yourself and your men." He asked.

"Well, I grew up with a mother who is a baker and my father are a captain who became a War Hero. Wanting to follow on my old man's footsteps I joined the military. After graduation from the Academy I was sent here as a Squad Leader. You can already see my Second in Command Sargent Crocker." She waved to the Brit.

"Hey! I maybe older than her but she's my C.O. I basically tell the other boys her orders. Other that I am a SAW Gunner. I use this what you would call a 'Fire Staff' to shoot rapid fire metal shots called 'bullets'. It can break lots of charges this baby." He proudly declared.

"Crocker is your name? My people are making you famous back in the city." The Prince said.

"Really? What is it? Wait is it about that gate I held open?" Lewis questioned.

"Indeed, the gate that sealed Devico's house is made by the same materials used to make the gates to Haringpoint. The capital of the Slaegian Empire, my liege. It is said that it takes several people or one Ogre to open and close the gate because the mechanism is very heavy. From what the people have told me, they are calling you 'the Ogre-Breaker' since you held that gate open as strong as several of them."

"Well thank you Prince. And thank you 'lovely'." Crocker smiled.

"Your 'lovely'?" Princess Aria asked from behind the carriage.

"My armor." He answered.

"It looks nothing like ours. There's even some uncovered spots on your arms. And they are circular." She commented at Crocker's arm units.

"What this armor does instead of protection is strength. It's how I carried that gate." He answered.

"You truly are quite a hero. Reminds me of the Adventurer's Guild doing all sorts of stuff around here. They even pa.s.sed by sometime ago for some 'studying'." The Prince said.

"Adventurer's Guild?" Samantha asked.

"It's a group of people that pays bounties for 'Quests' and they have members who do them. Don't be intimidated, anyone can take up a bounty, but it takes skill to finish it."

"Sound's pretty interesting… What is the nature of these quests?" Samantha asked again.

"Well there's Caravan Escorts, Monster Extermination, Item Acquisitions for Ducats."

"Basically, mercenary work?"

"Yes, it's pretty much mercenary work. There's some requests in the local office back in the city right now."

"Wow, just like Dungeons and Dragons." Samantha beamed eagerly.

"Just like what?" the Prince asked.

"Oh, it's just an Earth thing." The Lieutenant dodged.

"Look over there!" yelled one of Clovich's Knights.

The Armored Horseman pointed at a crystal canopy that reflected the sun's light. It was one of the colonies newly built Greenhouse Domes.

After traversing over the hill, the Tyr Rian diplomatic mission were astonished to on what they saw. Homes, Sheltered Farms and other kinds of buildings littered the grounds with people tending their land diligently. He observed that all of the houses were instead of being made of wood and straw such as the way commoners would build their homes, were instead built on what look like s.h.i.+ning metal and concrete. Not even the Emperor himself can afford to build with such means due to how expensive the materials and the people skilled enough to build with such implements. He looked at the people who stopped what they were doing and stared at him in a mixture of emotions ranging from fear, hope and wonder. The people look as human as him every shape and form yet their clothes were of alien compositions and pattern. Were they like lost cousins of his Pantheon's creation? How can there be others like him who aren't of their world?

As he fought the questions within his head, the buildings became less spread out between themselves and more closely packed. Soon, the dirt road disappeared from his Horse's Hooves and is replaced with Asphalt Road that clicked on every step his steed takes. The buildings on the more urbanized surroundings were of similar to a town with signs and a few natural decorations like a tree and some bushes. Yet the signs he and all of his men examined were of an alien alphabet, however they can recognize that above the strange letters were images of lifelike quality made out of holographic light which indicates what type of building they are. The central area of the colony had several restaurants, cafes, workshops and even a recreational center for the Earthlings to call their own in. Several flying drones that the primitives registered as oddly shaped birds buzzed pa.s.sed them completing the incongruous look of the whole settlement.

As the Diplomatic Party marveled at the sights, they didn't take heed that their convoy was being stopped by one of the UFE soldiers.

"Prince Clovich! No more horses beyond this point. Governor Jeremy White will like to see you know." A man dressed in blue vest with the initials 'M.P.' said.

"Very Well." He acknowledged.

The Prince Dislodged from his horse followed by his most trusted bodyguards and several high-ranking n.o.bles. From behind him, Lutheor Mirien hopped off the carriage.

"Is your sister coming with you?" Samantha asked.

"Of course, Knights! Aria's Chair!" he ordered.

Several Knights of Tyr Rian rushed towards the carriage and dislodged a wooden, throne-like chair from the carriage's back and placed in front of the door. One of the more bulkier soldiers reached into the carriage and lifted Princess Aria bridal style before placing her on the chair. Samantha observed that the young woman wore a blue and beige colored dress while sporting a long and flowing brunette hair with several blond streaks. Her azure eyes pictured excitement from her like a man who has seen the sun for the first day. Samantha thought that this girl was heavily sheltered in a Gilded Cage for most of her life. Yet why would Prince Clovich let his sister our of the safety of her home?

"So, I will see you later I hope?" Prince Clovich said as he pa.s.sed by her.

"Yes, you will. Good Luck over there." Samantha lauded.

The Prince and his entourage walked pa.s.sed the Lieutenant and the Sargent of Stryder group, then pa.s.sed the onlookers until he made it to a table in the middle of an intersection. The prince observed that he was being watched in every angle by armed soldiers and civilian bystanders. If this was supposed to be a trap they would have ended him already, yet the soldiers didn't move as if not interested in an attempt on his life. They were just standing there from the ground level to the elevated roofs silently watching him. He could feel so eerie just being there for all of them to see like being subjected to some sort of child's plaything walking around in a dollhouse.

"Prince Clovich welcome! Please take a seat." Broke the voice of a man. It was one of the people sitting in the table set up for their meeting. It was covered in elegantly with intricately designed engravings and cus.h.i.+oned chairs that were enough for his entourage and him.

He saw in front of him that there were four people at the table waiting for them. One of them was the familiar face of Iris Cadohagan who had suggested to him to talk with the U.F.E peacefully. The other three however were new to the Prince's internal registry of faces. One of them was a man dressed in a sharply dressed suit who sported black loosened hair with signs of greying. The second man was dressed in a green colored dress that would blended perfectly with the forests scenery if it wasn't for the rainbow of colors from his left breast that he wore proudly like a medal. The last one in the table was the most peculiar of them all, an elderly woman whose skin showed signs of aging sat adjacent to the sharply dressed man. The older woman was covered head to toe in a ghostly blue color and her image and stature looked impalpable in integrity like if she was not there yet there at the same time.

Clovich and his entourage including Lutheor Mirien slowly sat down on a chair as they faced the U.F.E leaders. His sister was placed carefully next to him as she quietly settled herself down.

"Prince Clovich, a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Governor Jeremy White." The sharply dressed man greeted. "The man on my right is Colonel Patrik Polonsky, leader of the Colonial Militia here who you met several of his men." The governor gestured to his right. "On my left is the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer s.p.a.ce Affairs, Doctor Sienna Di Poppo. Who right now is in her hologram form. I hope your not scared or anything?" the Governor gestured to his left before following with a concerned question to the Prince.

"Is she a Ghost? Can you summon the spirits of the dead?" Clovich asked nervously. His entire entourage also felt the same to him. Their bodyguard escort readied their weapons still sheathed in their hands as they looked at ghostly figure in fear.

"Oh, no. I am very much alive your highness." Sienna diplomatically answered. "I am just not physically here right now."

"Then what are you?" the Prince asked.

"I am the Director in charged of meeting with Alien Life forms just as yourself. I am communicating with you from a very far a way place because I can't be here, really here, with my own body in such a short notice so I have to settle with a projected hologram just so I can partic.i.p.ate in this meeting." Sienna explained.

"When you get to know them longer. You will eventually start to understand some of their 'eccentricities' my lord. Trust me." Iris added.

"And this lovely woman next to Polonsky is Iris Cadohagan, our guide and translator. Thanks to her, we you, me, Polonsky and Director Di Poppo can understand each other so do not worry about any language barriers." Governor White rea.s.sured.

"Well I shall take your word for it. So, Governor Jeremy White. Tell me about yourself in this place of yours that you have built on MY land." He emphasized his authority. Peaceful settlers or not the U.F.E are still trespa.s.sing on his land. Any self-respecting prince would defend his realm from outside invaders. Yet unlike the Nomadic Orcs nor the Ravaging Northlanders, these people were interested in dialogue.

"Are they trying to negotiate me a surrender?" the Prince feared.

He sat in front of the Governor quietly as he began to speak of his story. Governor White recounted the events leading up to their meeting from their first Planetfall to the attack in Devico's Mansion where the UFE soldiers first met him.

"I have to say your highness, personally confronting my men on your horseback is very courageous of you. I am honestly surprised you yourself handled the first talks with our soldiers instead of someone more, qualified in the arts of diplomacy other than a battle-cladded Prince such as the way you presented yourself three days ago." The Governor commented.

"Well when I heard those thunderous noises from your 'Loud Sticks' of yours, I was inspecting the City Garrison. It sounded like a large scale mage fight to everyone. When Magic Wielders go to fight each other a lot of destruction comes up and about. I have seen fires, ice spikes and poisoned wells to know that I have stop it. So I rallied most of the guards and rushed to the source of all of those noises which is Devico's Mansion. Then I met your soldiers I am a man who prefers to lead from the front. The Rian Family men are honored for their bravery in the face of battle." He said.

"I can't blame you for harboring such fears. But in our world, that is considered reckless and downright stupid. But that's our culture and not mine so I will respect it despite that fact." The Governor said.

The Prince leaned his head on his closed fist as he absorbed Jeremy's words. Judging by his vocabulary, these U.F.E foreigners were nothing close to barbarians. Yet these were still fully armed aliens intruding his land.

"Brother, are you okay?" Princess Aria tugged his side.

"I am fine please sit down and don't move."

"So, let's address the reason why I am here now. You are trespa.s.sing in my Princ.i.p.ality one way or the other. And as the Prince of Tyr Rian I would like you to LEAVE the bounds of the Empire." Clovich rigidly said.

"I am afraid we cannot do that." Sienna denied.

"You know, I will have to send my army down on you." He threatened.

"And did you know what we did to Devico and his Bandits? If you do that this entire home of yours will be a battleground and devasted beyond measure. We are ahead of you in the technological race in every possible way. You, your men, the Empire and most of all, your people will be dragged into a pointless war where n.o.body will win. Do you want that?" the Director reasoned.

"But as of the moment, Me and my lieges are seeing you as a threat. How can I stand to them knowing I let armed intruders within the Empire's Borders?" He grunted at the U.F.E. The prince was ready to fight for his home if it comes down to it here and now.

"I am losing him. Look's like I got to use Iris' Blackmail or any chances of peace will go down the drain." Jeremy clutched himself.

Silenced engulfed the table as tensions ran high. Then a laugh disturbed it from none other than Iris.

"You amuse me with all of your 'Empire' Talk. How about I can… we… can talk about something that will change your mind? But it's for you and your sister's ears only. Dismiss your n.o.bles for now. Only the two of you here." Iris said.

Clovich remembered what the Vampire told him in the last few days of knowing his most compromising secret. He swallowed himself in utter terror as he was being pulled around like a puppet as if the spirit of Devico's Conniving advances breathed lively at Iris. With no other choice, the Prince temporarily dismissed all of his entourage except for his sister Aria. When he was left alone, the Vampire continued:

"You keep saying that about your loyalties and oaths are strong between you and the Empire. But I… we all know that isn't the case." Iris confidently began her blackmailing statement.

"What are you saying? That I am disloyal? That I would betray my liege lords?" the Prince resisted her advances.

"No, you're not completely disloyal per se. What you are doing for the sake of your only remaining family is quite n.o.ble of you. Isn't one of the principle words of the Tyr Rian's Heraldry say 'Family'?" Iris continued.

"Quite n.o.ble indeed." Sienna commented.

"Nice save Iris." Jeremy whispered.

"It's for my necklace." she discreetly replied sourly.

"Yes, I am loyal to my sister. I would do everything for her own wellbeing." The Prince confessed.

Princess Aria gave a discreet smile in response to her brother's words.

"Which is why you spy for the Entente in exchange for remedies, albeit temporary ones to make her walk again." Iris accused finis.h.i.+ng her compromising statement.

The Prince internally collapsed, his darkest secret revealed, he had hoped that when Devico's organization had fallen, that his secret would die with it. He covered his face in shame as he sunk down to the table unable to face anyone.

"Brother! Is that true? How… how could you?" Aria questioned. The unbelief in her shocked

expression made Governor White sick to the stomach that he was resorting to such an underhanded and Machiavellian tactic to secure peace.

"I did it for you Aria. I hated seeing you in your room every day looking outside of your window seeing the other girls run, skip, dance and play. Mother and Father and I thought you were just a late bloomer when it comes to taking your first steps. Then you became two years old, then three, then four, then five, then six, then seven. I had to see you every single day from the day you were born watching you sit by your chair staring at the window of the open land outside. I saw the despair and hopelessness in you every time you have to be carried by one of my knights from one place to another. I gave you those Elven Medicine's because I wanted you to be happy." He explained himself. The UFE leaders noticed that his voice was cracking up as tears fell from his eyes.

"You risked your life for… our home… our status… for me?" she said with widened and teary eyes begging for his answers.

"Yes!" He yelled as he grabbed his sister and hugged her tightly. The two bluebloods cried and wailed loudly as the UFE delegation gave them the courtesy to let their emotions free. They savored their brother-sister moment for over five minutes until their sobbing was reduced to heavy breathing and sniffling of noses.

"So, what happens now? Will you rat me out to the Empire? Tie me hands up and be your puppet like Devico?" He turned to the UFE accepting his fate.

"Oh, your Highness. Where we come from, those options are the least beneficial for both you and us." The Governor said. "You care for your sister I respect that and honor a man with strong family bonds."

"So, what do you want? Why tell me my secret? What will you do to me? Just spare my sister and the people." the Prince asked.

"There is ALWAYS another option your highness and it's through us. Are you interested?" Sienna asked.

"What is this 'another option' you speak of?" he inquired.

"Doctor!" Governor White yelled.

Hana emerged herself outside and walked towards the table whilst brandis.h.i.+ng a baton-like device on her hand. She quietly approached the princess tenderly softly introducing herself. From the visage he see's in the Korean Doctor she has the face of an angel and the motherly love of an angel sent from heaven.

"Please let don't move." Hana said to Princess Aria.

"What is that thing you are holding?" she asked.

"Something to help me see." Hana answered in the best possible way she can explain her Portable Medical Diagnosis Scanner.

The doctor slowly probed every single inch of the princess from top to bottom. Aria didn't dare disturb the doctor as the bright green laser line scanned her frame. Before she knew it however, Doctor Lee Haneul backed away.

Summoning a Hologram from her hands she a.n.a.lyzed the results of her data.

"Okay… Muscles… Good but pretty weak… Digestive…Just fine…Circulatory… healthy…Respiratory… also healthy…Nervous…nothing out of the ordinary…Excretory… doing fine… Reproductive… can bear a child… Lymphatic… clean…and Skeletal....... Oh my G.o.d…" Hana froze.

"What is it?" Governor White.

Hana walked around the table to the other side to approach to the Colonial Leaders with her results.

"I know why she can't walk just as what the prince described. Look at these bones." She said pa.s.sing the pictures of Aria's X-ray's to him.

"They are… curvy!" he said in astonishment.

"That is definitely not normal." Iris said looking over the Governor's Shoulders. "No wonder he keeps feeding the Elves information for those remedies. They were made to help people as pain relievers and promote bone healing. It's just at it's effect wane on more… permanent disorders." Iris said.

"I got to give it up to him. I hate to see my daughter grow up like this." Colonel Polonsky commented.

"So what now?" Hana asked.

"Tell the Prince we can reach a mutual agreement and we can help each other and his sister." The Governor ordered.

Hana turned back to the Prince and his sister as they looked at them anxiously. With a warm smile on her face Hana declared the Good News:

"Your highness, I am pleased to inform you that we have to means to make your sister walk and stand up straight indefinitely."

"You… can?" he stuttered to take in the doctor's good news.

"Yes, first off we know why your Sister can't walk. Although we cannot immediately cure her right now. I can make the arrangements for her treatment as soon as possible." Hana promised.

"Thank you! You don't know what this means to me and my family. I will do anything you ask right now. What do you wish?" he knelt down to the Governor and looked at him in awe by the mysterious strangers' generosity.

"What we all wanted from the beginning. Peaceful Coexistence with you and our people. That is what the name of our s.h.i.+p the Eodem means, to live together in harmony. All I ask is you letting us stay here. And I can add to sweeten the deal, I can share with you and your people a portion of our farm's harvests and believe me you will want try out some of our food. You will love it, guaranteed. Oh, and Devico's Mansion. That's our property now in the city that we will use to see fit to our needs." The Governor detailed his demands.

"That I can agree with. It's a deal!" he happily exclaimed.

"Good to hear! Go get your little entourage back in and let's sign our treaty." Director Di Poppo smiled.

The Prince summoned his people who were turned away earlier to attend him again.

"Hold on! What should we name our colony? We can't just call ourselves 'the Eodem' anymore right?"

"I got a name for the city now. Has been around in my head. It's named after the city where the s.h.i.+p was first built and then launched from." Polonsky suggested.

Whilst they gathered, the UFE Colonial Leaders prepared the doc.u.ment which details the agreements of "the 1st Terran-Tyr Rian Gliesian Treaty" signed on the June 5, 2218

It is summarized as this:

• The Princ.i.p.ality of Tyr Rian shall recognize the independent settlement of New Albany with its own leaders, laws and territory

• Non-Aggression Pact between the people of Tyr Rian and New Albany

• Trade Agreement of Goods and Services from New Albany to be sold within Tyr Rian

• Hunting Permission for specimens in the Verden Valley Forest

• Access to the Tyr Rian Library for study of their books

• Leasing of the property t.i.tled 'Devico's Mansion' in the city of Tyr Rian

At first, the Tyr Rian n.o.bles were reluctant at first of signing a Treaty without the permission of their Slaegian masters' approval but after much persuasion of the great benefits that the UFE can offer to them, they accepted. Prince Clovich swore to Governor White that he will send them the details and he hopes that the Emperor when he sees the benefits of these Earth Humans will gladly join them in the progression of their civilization's progression.

But as the n.o.bles signed their names alongside the UFE leaders, toasted and cheered to themselves in friends.h.i.+p, a vigilant shadow looked on to them in dread by the sight of the leaders' celebration. It was one of Princess Aria's Ladies of waiting. The woman faded into the shadows of the newly named colony's metallic and concrete structures.

The woman soon found herself in the middle of quiet alley with no avenues of eavesdropping on her. She removed her headdress revealing her long and flowing golden hair and pointy-tipped ears. The Lady-in-waiting was actually none other than Aliathra in disguise. She had a hunch when Prince Clovich came back a few days about a meeting with 'a group of foreigners' and he has requested that Aria come with her. Sporting the clothes of one of Aria's own Ladies-in-waiting and covering her head off of its Elven features she infiltrated the meeting and eavesdropped at the meeting with the help of a magic spell that allows her to hear from long distance, perfect for spying and reconnaissance for a Ranger-trained individual such as herself.

Aliathra summoned a discreet amount of her magic from her hands to form a magically created Messenger Bird nicknamed 'a Tweeter'. The conjured being can delivery voice messages between users and send them flying to where and whomever the magic-wielders wish to be sent to. With panicked tears coming from her face, Aliathra prayed worriedly to the Elven G.o.ds for protection as she whispered her message to the Tweeter:

"Petur, the plan has failed. The Demons have arrived."

The elf threw the bird up into the sky with all her feminine might. The creature soared high and flew away from her and New Albany with her distressed mission. To a normal person, the distance between them and the alt.i.tude where most birds fly, the Tweeter looked no different to a grey colored pigeon.

After leaving her sight, Aliathra ditched her disguise and fled to the Verden Valley Forest to hold out until further orders from the Adventurer's Guild returns to her. She will have to survive on her own through the game of the forests and the waters of the rivers instead of relying on one of her old servants back home.

As she fled away from the settlement unnoticed thanks to her Elven swiftness, the leaders back in the meeting toasted to each other and made themselves merry:

"To peace and friends.h.i.+p for all!" Director Sienna toasted.

"To peace!" everyone responded as they downed their gla.s.ses of celebratory Champagne.

As the Prince drank the alcohol, he deep down in his heart and soul that he has made the right choice that will carve the Tyr Rian Princ.i.p.ality from obscurity to a greatness that not even his forebearers wildest dreams could conceive. For good or ill, he and his people have just made it to the UFE's History Books as the First (formal) Contact with aliens was a resounding success.