Gradually approaching the Bubble of Athens. An ancient city now submerged beneath the waves, revealed itself in all its glory within the bubble. Luminescent algae clung to the remnants of buildings that were not captured within a bubble, casting an ethereal glow on the underwater ruins. The structures, though worn by time, retained their grandeur, and the outlines of classical architecture.
The Sugar Rush navigated through the mess of shipping, passing by other vessels and military submersible temples and archways. The crew, still on edge from their recent encounter in Heraklion, couldn't help but marvel at the haunting beauty of Athens beneath the waves.
As they approached the Bubble, the heart of the city, a holographic interface flickered to life on the Sugar Rush's display. A Federation Ai, within naval attire, greeted them. "Welcome to Athens, Captain Austin. Your vessel will be escorted to the port. Please follow the designated route."
The Sugar Rush glided past statues of ancient philosophers and heroic figures, their features now obscured by the passage of centuries. Finally, the Sugar Rush docked at the bubbles port nestled within the ruins of the old city, As the crew prepared to disembark, Austin turns to them, “Sugar,”
Sugar cut him off first “I know, they’ll not figure out am a free Ai” as she de-materised
Austin smiles and nods, grateful for her understanding, he turned to Boyle and Nobuko, “I can drop my family card, but only as a last resort, don't antagonise them, we’ll see if we can get some of Nobuko peoples to come down from the embassy”
Nobuko and Boyle looked at each other before facing Austin, Nodding in agreement.
Sugar opening the door, Milson jumps on Austin shoulder, “there you are buddy, best behaviour”
Waiting at the port were dozens of soldiers in dark attire, their presence signalled by the subtle hum of energy shields. The soldiers stood with military precision, a silent and imposing force that conveyed both discipline and readiness. Amidst the formation of soldiers, a woman in a long dark trench coat emerged as a commanding figure. Her posture exuded authority.
She gestures for the crew to disembark “Welcome Austin, to Athens, Nomad captain of the Sugar Rush, an Albion vessel, coming from the south of no man's land”
“You know it's polite to introduce yourself first before getting into business” Austin raised his hand out for a handshake.
The soldiers suddenly raised their shields turning into the crew. “Wait!” her men lowered their shields “Where were my manners, I am Elena Dumitrescu, the head diplomat of the Balkan Theatre”, glaring at Austin's hand, almost insulted. She bows her head instead.
“My crew, Boyle, my newly acquired engineer, and am on a job to escort my VIP” Austin gestures at his crew. Stroking the spider monkey “and this guy our mascot, Milson”
Milson smuggley smiles and offers a handshake to Elena.
“My first question was going to be, why is an Albion vessel within the Mediterranean, but I have another to ask, where did you get that animal?” Elena scowls over Milson
“He just showed up, on the day” Austin shrugs
“We have a creature like that reported stolen, along with several others, including four tigers and a herd of cows” Elena tone changed, leaning in on Austin.
“I wouldn't know anything about that,” Austin rubs Milson's head.
“An Albion vessel, perhaps similar design as the Sugar Rush” Elena circles the crew exemplifying the submersible.
“That all the evidence you got, maybe, we’re done, I am taking my VIP to the Imperial Tokyo embassy and leaving” Austin takes a step to leave as Elena men raise their shields again.
Elena's gaze intensifies as Austin attempts to leave, her eyes narrowing slightly. She holds up a hand, signalling her men to lower their shields once more. "Captain Austin, you're not leaving Athens until we get some answers.”
Boyle, standing by Austin's side, interjects calmly, "We're just passing through, trying to reach Madrid.”
Nobuko, sensing the tension, steps forward with diplomatic finesse. "Ms. Dumitrescu, we understand the need for security, but we're on a mission of diplomatic importance. I am Princess Nobuko Nakamura, and my safety is of utmost concern. We request your assistance in reaching the Imperial Tokyo embassy without further delays."
Elena studies Nobuko for a moment, then glances at Austin. "Imperial Tokyo, you say? That adds another layer to this already complex situation. You'll have to excuse my caution; Athens has been on high alert due to the recent shift in the frontline."
Austin, maintaining his composure, raises an eyebrow “if you're willing to listen?”
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Elena nods. "Captain Austin, unregistered vessels entering our territories, rumours of covert operations from the African Mediterranean Caliphate and You, We can't afford to take any chances."
Sugar, re-materializing beside Austin, playing the role of a shackled AI she added, "We're here to ensure the safety of the Princess and facilitate diplomatic proceedings. Our journey has been fraught with challenges, and we seek cooperation, not conflict."
Elena assesses the crew once more, her expression remaining stern. "You'll come with us to the diplomatic quarters for questioning. Once we verify your credentials and intentions, we can discuss your onward journey. But for now, none of you leaves Athens."
The crew, though uneasy about the situation, complies with Elena's directive. As they follow the soldiers through the city, Athens' streets, old town was bustling with veterans eagerly waiting for redeployment while merchants pestered them, peddling their wares on the old cobblestone streets as dancers lurking on every corner, like shadowy figures luring clients to seek adventure for an hour, leaving old town encroaching on the bland steel structures of the administration core of the bubble.
Elena led the crew through the bustling streets of Athens, eventually arriving at a discreet entrance that led to the diplomatic quarters. The soldiers escorted them into a dimly lit room with holographic screens flickering in the background. Elena gestured for everyone to take a seat, and the crew complied, exchanging uneasy glances.
As they settled in, Elena's gaze fell on Austin. "Captain Austin, let's start with you. Your vessel, the Sugar Rush, is not a common sight in these waters. What brings you to the Mediterranean, and why the urgency to reach Madrid?"
Austin leaned back, maintaining his calm demeanour. "We're on a diplomatic mission, escorting Princess Nobuko to the Imperial Tokyo embassy in Madrid. Our journey has been eventful, as you can imagine, no sane captain would adventure the Mediterranean basin without a reason ."
Elena nodded, seemingly intrigued. "Diplomacy, in times like these? It's an unusual choice. Why the need for secrecy? And why the peculiar company of a spider monkey?"
Austin glanced at Milson, who sat perched on his shoulder. "Sometimes discretion is necessary in delicate matters. As for Milson here, he's our mascot. Showed up one day, had a few offers but he can't seem to leave my sub”
Elena's focus shifted to Boyle. "And you, Ms. Boyle. What's your role in all this? An engineer, as Captain Austin mentioned?"
Boyle revealed the Hexagon Nut brand mark on the back of her neck—a stark symbol of slavery from the African Mediterranean Caliphate. "That's correct. I joined the crew recently, tasked with keeping the Sugar Rush in top shape. No hidden agenda, just doing my job."
Elena glared deep into Austin eyes, “A slave Captain, that's imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 credits”
Boyle remained composed, and she handed her freedom contract over to Elena. "Captain Austin needed an engineer. I was available. Simple as that."
Elena's eyes narrowed slightly. "Convenient timing, wouldn't you say? And a link between the Sugar Rush and the AMC."
Austin spoke up, slapping the table “I am a travelling merchant, of course I have links to AMC as do many, I’ve also worked for the Slavic Alliance, European Federation, Kingdom of Albion, Persian states and Indian Confederacy”
Turning her attention to Princess Nobuko, Elena's demeanour softened. "Princess, I understand the need for safety, but you must appreciate the complexities we face. Can you verify your identity and the nature of your diplomatic mission?"
Nobuko nodded gracefully. "Of course. I carry the royal family crest." She presented a holographic emblem, displaying the intricate design associated with the imperial family.
Elena examined it closely, then turned to her holographic console to verify the credentials. "We'll need to confirm this with the embassy. Security protocols, you understand."
As they waited for the verification process, Elena's gaze returned to Austin. "Captain Austin, the Mediterranean is not a playground. Along with the creatures that call it home, AMC could use the basin to covertly enter the federation. What assurances can you provide regarding the true nature of your mission?"
Austin met her gaze directly. "Our mission is straightforward. We saved the princess, she offered us a small fortune to get her to Madrid”
Elena leaned back, studying each member of the crew. "We'll see about that. Once the embassy confirms the princess's identity, we can discuss the details of your onward journey. Until then, you're our guests."
The room fell into a tense silence as they awaited the embassy's verification. The holographic screens continued to flicker, casting an uncertain glow on the faces of the crew.
As the holographic screens continued to flicker, Princess Nobuko, elegant and composed, seized the opportunity to address Elena. "Ms. Dumitrescu, we fully understand the need for security and verification. To expedite our departure and alleviate any concerns, would you consider an embassy verification in tandem with enhanced security measures during our journey?"
Elena, intrigued by the proposal, raised an eyebrow. "Embassy verification alone may not suffice. What security measures do you propose, Princess?"
Nobuko, with diplomatic finesse, continued, "Firstly, we offer full cooperation with the embassy's verification process. Once confirmed, we propose allowing Federation agents to accompany us on the Sugar Rush throughout the journey to Madrid. This way, your concerns about our intentions can be addressed directly."
Austin, supporting Nobuko's proposal, chimed in, "We understand the delicate nature of these times, Ms. Dumitrescu. We're willing to temporarily surrender access to certain advanced technologies aboard the Sugar Rush for the duration of the journey. This could be a gesture of goodwill and ensure the Federation's peace of mind."
Elena, considering the proposal, leaned back in her chair. "Access to advanced technology and a Federation escort? That's a significant offer. What guarantee do we have that you won't divert from the agreed route or engage in any covert activities?"
Boyle, the crew's engineer, stepped forward. "We propose real-time monitoring systems that allow Federation agents access to our navigational data. It's a transparent measure to ensure we adhere to the agreed-upon route. Any deviations can be immediately addressed."
Nobuko added, "Furthermore, we're open to periodic check-ins and updates. Our intention is peaceful, and we recognize the Federation's responsibility to safeguard its waters."
Elena, contemplating the blend of embassy verification and proposed security measures, showed a hint of consideration. "Your willingness to cooperate is noted. If the embassy confirms your identity and intentions align with diplomatic protocols, we may consider these security measures as a temporary arrangement for the duration of your journey."
The crew, hopeful but composed, awaited the embassy's response. The holographic screens continued their dance of uncertainty, casting shadows on the diplomatic negotiations unfolding in the dimly lit room.