Lucina had been called to investigate a discovery found in the wake of a disturbance in Sarigold City.
It had been a long while since she had felt true solid ground beneath her feet, rather than the sensation created by artificial gravity.
The sun shone brightly and Lucina appreciated its warmth. Taking in breaths of Apolaphia’s air, she contemplated the many similarities between this planet and ancient Earth, which was the standard reference point for Incandestine terraformation. Most fabricated worlds shared the same properties of a twenty-four hour day and an atmosphere consisting of mostly nitrogen and oxygen. She had enough energy to wonder about the identity of Apolaphia’s creator as she waited for her troops to confirm that the surrounding area was secure.
The staunch, black-haired empress was standing tall at the scene of Kari’s rampage; It had been cordoned off.
“What happened here?” she asked a subordinate.
“We aren’t sure. Some locals reported a disturbance in the town centre a few minutes prior.”
“A local, then? Or a Bloodstone?”
“Likely a local. All the damage you’re seeing is collateral.”
“Well then. Let’s see what you called me down here for.”
They walked over to the crevasse that Kari had made in the side street.
From above, one could see the Angels crawling all over the chamber beneath the city. And below, one could make out a magic circle. Massive. But of course, Lucina didn’t know that. She didn’t even know what magic was.
Lucina jumped directly from the street, down to the floor of the chamber below. It was a sheer drop of about thirty meters. One wing sprouted from her morphic armour to assist in landing on her feet, albeit with a heavy thud.
A cloud of dust gently rose up around her.
“Empress!” shouted the subordinate from above.
The Angels inspecting the magic circle jumped to their attention. Some reflexively put hands to their weapons before realising who their intruder was.
“At ease,” Lucina said, as her wing re-joined the rest of her armour.
Her men obediently returned to their work, paying the regent no mind.
Similar to Blue’s use of morphic metal, Lucina was neurally connected to her armour via the brain stem. Her control was largely subconscious, with AI subroutines mediating the precise shape of her armour.
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Lucina approached the officer in charge of the site.
“Empress.” The officer said, bowing in greeting.
“Officer Jacobs. Can you tell me what the purpose of this site is?” Lucina asked. Her surroundings were very elaborately carved and lit. There was a clear aesthetic and ritualistic design to the whole place.
“Based on our information-gathering, we believe it may be in use to send goods to Al Dherjza.”
“Interesting. Do you know who is responsible?”
“Locals. After some light questioning, it seems that this is a method of trade.”
“Trade?”
“Yes. The goods are placed in the circle,” the officer gestured at the perimeter of the 20-meter radius circle. “And then… well… they’re teleported to the Capital.”
“Teleported?” Lucina asked as if the officer had a screw loose.
“Yes, well, uh. You see my liege; teleportation is where an object is moved instantaneously-“
“I know what teleportation is, you worm.” Lucina said in exasperation. “If these sack-wearing troglodytes have somehow figured out teleportation, where is the power source?”
“Um, as a matter of fact…” the officer said, pausing to gulp, “it appears that the power source is… magic.”
“Magic,” Lucina repeated back to the officer, emphasising how stupid he sounded.
“Yes, Empress.” The officer said, resolute in the face of scrutiny.
Lucina turned away and took a moment to think. She knew about the prevalence of magic on Apolaphia based on the reports she was handed at her daily briefings, but she didn’t think that it would appear before her like this.
“…If our witnesses have spoken the truth, what of Rolynd’s Aegis? It is somehow covering the entirety of the Capital. Nothing, not even teleportation, can bypass his barrier.”
“They say that he must be allowing their cargo through as they have long held an arrangement.”
“I see. And what have they been sending?”
“Food, clothing, weapons, other things you would expect along those lines. Tomorrow’s shipment was found in the storage room through that door, it lends credence to their story.”
“I see. And Sarigold isn’t the only city supporting Al Dherjza in this manner?”
“Teleportation is a standard trade method. Sarigold assumes that the other cities are continuing to do the same.”
Lucina’s eyes widened as she realised something. Morphic metal automatically formed a mic.
“I want a full sweep of the Intercessor. NOW. Tell Dr Hagley to get The Twins to assist.” The Empress ordered.
If all the cities on Apolaphia had access to teleportation, what was to say that Rolynd hadn’t already infiltrated the Intercessor?
Magic.
The weight of the entire concept hit Lucina all at once. She had dismissed the term among the Apolaphians as the simple ramblings of those who could not explain the technology. Now, Lucina realised it was magic. A different set of physical laws, as of yet undiscovered by the civilised universe. There was no precedent for this. Finding out the identity of Apolaphia’s creator was quickly rising to the top of the Empress’ priorities. But, it would have to wait until after the Chimaeras were brought to justice.
“When is the next trade taking place?” Lucina asked the officer.
“Tomorrow morning at 0830 hours.” He replied.
“Your new role is to find out how to operate this teleporter. Have it ready by 0830 tomorrow. Do whatever it takes to find out. I will send one of my personal guards to assist.”
“It will be done as you say, Empress Lucina.”
“In her memory.” Said Lucina, leaving.
“In her memory.” The officer replied.
Lucina smiled.
She flew up on one wing, back to street level, where her transport awaited, sitting in the main street.
“Dr Hagley, I want the demons planet-side with me by sunrise tomorrow morning.” She said.
“Of course, Lucina.”