Back to Halkeginia

Chapter 4: Saito's address to the passengers

The first path led them to the source. Saito knew that thanks to an agreement with the waterspirit, it existed and the water was therefore safe - cold and clear. The water poured from a Gargoyle into a large marble basin.

Saito let the others go first. As Louise led the people to the basin, he went up to Jean Colbert and hugged the tall man. "I'm so excited to see you again, Sensai!" He said. "I missed you the most. I often said to Louise: 'Master Colbert should see that - he would be delighted'.

"Yes, now ..."The great teacher seems a bit embarrassed, he didn't like any outbursts of emotion. But he also hugged Saito in his arms. "I missed you too, Saito. How many times have I said to Kirche,  'If Saito was still here, he could tell us how the earth would have solved this problem'.

Saito laughed. "I was just a schoolboy with very limited knowledge, Sensai. But now I have brought people from my world who are in the middle of their professional life. There could be many of them who can answer these questions for you! "

"It will be very useful," replied Colbert.  "But how is it that you came back? Kirche was excited when she came back. She only mentioned that it was a coincidence. And that Louise and you now have a child. "

"That's true. Our Mariko is our happiness and pride. How did we get back to Halkeginia? It was really a coincidence. Louise and I were on a business trip in another country. With a commercial plane. And on the way back to Japan we got into the shadow of an eclipse. Do you remember how I brought the stolen F2A here? The same phenomenon, but this time unintentionally. "

"Kirche also said that she sent two people from her search team to where you ended up. I absolutely have to see this plane. It has to be much more modern than the old Zero fighter we tinkered with. "

"This is true. But I couldn't explain this plane to you with my Gandalfr skills either. It is a civil aircraft and not built for war. On the other hand - the pilots are there and certainly ready to be questioned by you. Unfortunately, the turbines were damaged during the landing, but there is surely enough left to give you an idea of how it works. "

"That would be good!" Said Colbert. "And the other passengers will certainly also be able to contribute one or two useful things."

"That is all my hope," Saito replied. "At first we are only supplicants who ask for support, but I hope that the knowledge of my fellow travelers will prove so useful that all of Halkeginia can take a big step forward."

"It would be conceivable," said Colbert. "But that takes away the status of uniqueness, my boy."

"That is the last thing I care about," Saito replied. "We will willingly pass on our knowledge, and so we will pay off our debt.

Do you mind if we go to the source now, Sensai? I'm thirsty. The supplies on board were pretty scarce when we landed, and not everyone got anything from the remains. "

"Of course," said Colbert, starting to move. "But I would strongly advise you to consult with Old Osmond. There is so much to organize if we want to accommodate people here in the academy."

"That's how I see it too. But the first thing has to be to let the people know what to expect here. Basically, they already suspect that a lot is different here, but I have to convey the first knowledge to them. "

"It will be hard for sure!"

"You're right. But there is no alternative. "

When they reached the fountain, Saito dipped his hands in the water jet and drank, drank. Only now did he realize how strong his thirst had been.