Chronicles of Two Powers

Chapter 3 - Beyond the Borders

November 13, 1773. 6:52 AM.

Skies over Sollan

A lone UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter hovered over Sollan, the capital city, passing over fields and farmlands on its approach to the city centre. Inside, Ambassador Tenjo and Ambassador Johnson sat near the windows, watching the two escorting Wyverns flying alongside them, their wings flapping perfectly against the wind. As the city's gothic and mediaeval architecture came into view, both ambassadors stared in quiet awe.

Johnson remained fixated on the scene below, while Tenjo turned to face him. Clearing his throat to get his attention politely, he asked,

"So, Johnson, why did you and your friends join the party so late? You weren't informed of our discoveries, right?"

Johnson replied, "Things back in the States aren't exactly going smoothly. Everyone has obligations. I didn't plan on coming until I got the call. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised they didn't detain the P-8's pilots."

"It could be worse," Tenjo said.

Just then, the Blackhawk's co-pilot leaned around the corner and called out, "Thirty minutes until touchdown." Both diplomats nodded silently. Though their faces remained composed, they shared a quiet anticipation, not just for the upcoming talks with a potential "alien" nation but for the surreal experience unfolding around them.

• • • •

Captain Rosemary, current commander of Wyvern Airspace Operations, leapt from her opulent horse-drawn carriage. Without pause, she sprinted up a wide flight of stairs to the towering entrance of the Wyvern Forces headquarters at Sollan Airbase.

Inside, she navigated a labyrinth of hallways lit by swaying fluorescent lights, nodding briefly to those who saluted or greeted her as she passed. She stopped at a door marked "Communications." A Guardsman who had accompanied her stepped forward and opened it.

Inside, they were met by the head of communications, Omar.

"Okay," Rosemary said briskly, "what's going on?"

"The two escorting Wyverns are to remain in close contact with the ambassadors' 'hovering transport' at all times, per our orders," a communications officer reported.

Rosemary's eyes widened with confusion. "Hovering machine?"

"The escorts report that the ambassadors are aboard a device they describe as a black capsule that makes a sound like flapping wings. What's unusual is that, based on its characteristics, it appears to function similarly to machines seen in neighbouring civilisations."

"If that's the case, I want to see it for myself!" Rosemary exclaimed.

"They should be arriving within 20 to 30 minutes."

"Right. Just have the Wyverns lead them in."

"I got it," Omar replied as he stepped away to deliver Rosemary's request to a nearby radio operator.

With her orders given, Rosemary left the communications room and stepped back into the corridor, heading toward the exit.

As she stepped outside, a subordinate greeted her. "Ah, Rosemary!"

"Hm?"

"You'll want to be at the landing site; the ambassadors will be arriving shortly."

She gave a small nod. "As you wish."

• • • •

Captain Rosemary stood poised, hands clasped neatly behind her back, her posture firm beneath the midday sun. Her expression was impassive, professional to the last detail. The sky stretched blue and unmarred above her, save for a few scattered white clouds drifting lazily past. She studied them carefully, watching for any sign of the approaching delegation.