The cool breeze hits their bare feet, the mist of air forming like a coiling snake upon it's prey. Wrapping around their foot as it made them feel like they have sunken lower and lower. Like a light fog machine, it dissipates rather quickly, but the temperature remains to keep the air around the room, called their prison, regulated.

  Ash's antennae twitches instinctively as her instincts whispered into her mind to find a humid space, as the temperature quickly caught up to her. Naturally she didn't gave in, but instead inwardly complain of the temperature differences her body can take when compared to the human beside her, whom is not bothered by the shift despite wearing the same human attire. Truthfully however, Nikolai was definitely feeling the cold. Days of getting used to the humid temperature made his body complacent to the heat, making him sensitive to the usual cold air he lived throughout his life. Only reason he didn't show it outright was to avoid the princess' ego baring down on him. The last thing Nikolai needs is to be shamed for freezing on his own turf.

  Before lunch nonetheless.

  Of course, Ash can read through his facade easily per her experience. As much as she wants to say something about it, she was rather occupied of little pods of thought. Of what if all species should have the same temperature limits. As ridiculous as it is, it cuts cost, it cuts contact limitations, it cuts unnecessary bulk of buildings that are needlessly complex. Ambitious, is what one would say.

  But alas, biology would like to personally speak up to her on behalf of science. Perhaps being the sole species in human space have cut all those unnecessary details to the human's benefit for a streamlined process of development. Which comes at the cost of other species potentially trying to live in their planets to be greatly troubled in adjusting to a human focused environment. Then again, with how her species and the human's relationship have developed, that possibility have fly out of the carapace a long time ago.

  "(Lead the way Freeman, for I am still inept of my surroundings in this facility. Would you care to escort me, like a shining 'knight' you are?)" Nikolai gave her a look as if it wasn't obvious already with the choices he has. With a sigh, he accepted her claw, as Ash reciprocate it with posh to her newly self appointed knight from the youngling book. Showing a comical view of of their large height disparancy, while walking hand in hand in the dark misty corridor like a cartoonish caricature, rather than a noble and her escort walking supposedly in grace. Their prison lights have gone dark the moment they have stepped out, the floor below them glowed a soft green light that points to their destination with each new step.

  Nikolai could say that his duties of being a knight for less than a minute has been abolished, with the light guiding them. However, it was clear his noble mistress would like Nikolai to forget that detail, as he could only remain his mouth shut to the odd skit she is brewing.

  "(I wonder why we are being called to a unexpected outing, do you have any idea my escort?)"

  "I don't know, but knowing the order of things, it's probably another way to observe our cohabitation... honestly, it's breathe of fresh air when compared to being confined in a box."

  "(I agree with you're assessment. Perhaps they are here to check whether or not I have eaten you alive. I have a suspicion it'll involved more than one claw to manage when they found out I haven't... yet.)" Nikolai grimace at her words as he moved slightly away from her, making her wings twtich. "(Did I scare you Freeman? You know it was just a jest, however I will not deny my carnivorous appetite... Oh? Why does a fellow carnivore gave me such a look? I feel rather offended.)"

  "I think being offended would be the least of you're worries." Clicking of mandibles was the only reply he got.

  Her egging of half truths made Nikolai rather wish she didn't received that translator on her neck. Though not perfect, it can imitate roughly on expressive word play to a degree. Which was enough to make threats within a joke, or a jokes within a threat more perceivable. Normally that's a good thing, but knowing one is a tiny human and the other a two metre tall alien that can slice his head off with her claws alone would tell third party watching in... It's not exactly good for anybody's well being. Particularly to the tiny human.

  Seeing his reaction, she seems satisfied as they now continue to walk in silence. Which was for the best for both of them, as they now could retreat to the void of their minds for atleast a moment of peace.

  Letting Nikolai have plenty of time to observe his environment.

  He watches in curiosity and wariness of the place of the empty dark walls of the facility, it reeks of familiarity, but the whole feeling around it was foreign. Simply put, he has never ventured far within the underground of Naha City, or even any of the deeper underground areas before the evacuation protocol happened when he was child. Nikolai may like to explore his now barren neighborhood and the outside surface to the furthest extent possible. Of which of course, led him to the very situation he is in. The underground on the other hand was the other place he wouldn't even attempt to find out. It is like venturing to the maw of some beast that lurked under Venture, and as exaggerated it was, with how the average person need some implants to even get around anywhere, it seems like he was being swallowed like a blind fly inside a Earth fly trapper.

  And just like his analogy, it is exactly that feeling is brewing within him. It's like deja vu... but totally different. Nikolai thoughts to himself, as they went past to a bulkhead door, opening to lead to a now thankfully, lit hallway that blinded them for a second.

  "(Looks like you're kin have finally made up their minds to grace us with luminance...)" She then glance to the smooth floor, showing a elaborate contraption where it looked a specialised train could pass through the embedded rail. "(Perhaps keeping our view short to the tinted windows was for this purpose.)"

  The new bigger hallway, or even tunnel, have streched far and wide to either left or right, with some sort of rail mechanism on the floor. It streched so far, they could not see the end of the horizon. Nikolai's eyes widened a bit as he realised where they are, he may not have personally went to any locations like the one he is now, but the aesthetic and layout is very recognisable. Especially the lack of people. There was no signs of life aside from the two of them standing on one of the sealed hallways. "(Quarantine Zone...)" He whispered, only to realised that maybe the information was sanctioned that he could not say anything about it, but no alarms went off to warn him he violated it.

  "(Quarantine zone... Interesting. At least it is good to know that you're kin's commitment to health awareness is true to the whims, outside of my existence.)" Ash replied his words, as they watched a platform past by, showing no humans on the empty space, except machines and drones neutrally watching their designated location. Not minding their presence, or even cared to do so. Making Ash wonder, if this was a quarantine area, then that means there are probably others like them, sealed on those boxes anywhere in the hall they are in now. "(Freeman, satisfy my ever growing curiosity. Tell me, how well do you know of you're nest?)"

  Nikolai glanced at her direction as he definitely understands what she is implying as he looked away from her. "I don't think I can say anything more than I can... its probably sanctioned anyway like the rest..." He started as he could hear her wings twiching and her mandibles clicking, she was definitely amused. "But... I can say my thoughts of it..." He relented as the same cycle of poking and probing, started and ended of the how many times it happened. Nikolai could feel the weight of her hand increasing as her eagerness awakened.

  "(Oh dear Freeman, you finally understand to widen crevice of you're caparace! Please, care to tell you're thoughts on the matter, to satiate my curiosity.)" Nikolai glanced at her once more as he sighed. At the same time, a semi holographic timer then showed in front of them, showing about two minutes of a platform that they would use to arrive. Just in time for a self imposed time limit for his exposition, in fear he would violate the sanctions any more than that.

  "One of these days, we are going to get in trouble the more you pushed the boundaries of you're question." In return, clicking can be heard as she leaned a lot closer than necessary, a glint of her bright pinkish eyes can be seen as he looked away from her gaze. "(I hope what you say is true Freeman. For I would appreciate you're company, long after our imprisonment." One could say, it is a woman's predatory calculating look that goes beyond species limitations... at least that's how NIkolai interpret it from his experience with Cecilia.

  "... the Quarantine Zone, is nothing important in the grand scheme of things... but it is a emergency, well, quarantined area when a outbreak occurs, human related or nature related--"

  "(Oh Freeman, I understand the concept behind a quarantine zone, I need not a lecture, but a retrospective. I am asking for you're thoughts about it, Freeman.)" Once again, message within a message. Nikolai warily glances at a vague black protrusion barely outside of his periphery, then back at the empty space in front of them.

  "... I think it's wasteful for maintaining such a large area, when resources can be displaced somewhere more useful... Since most diseases can be cured with modern medicine, not instantly, but effective enough to be made less of a threat and more of a nuisance. Even if foreign diseases do occur, it can be countered fast enough to not be a threat... I am sure you understand what I mean." This seems to satisfy her to a extent, and luckily, Nikolai didn't trigger the alarm, as his words are deemed generalised enough to be not looked into.

  "(Oh yes, I agree with you're statement, however, you lack the nuance of such a facility. There can be events more than just about diseases my knight. Let's say... for example... a foreign entity of importance or intrigued, that needs to be kept in a controlled environment? Oh?)" She tilted her head as a shadow cast upon her features. "(It seems you already know that.)"

  'As if I can say anything more about it...'

  Is all Nikolai could think as the platform arrived. Naturally nobody was there to greet them, where they silently got on-board and onward to the next area.

  After their quick skit, the time has finally come, after nearly fifteen minutes, the large elevator have arrived on it's destination. Frankly, Nikolai has no idea where they could be, all he knows that his gut feeling sense a event would soon transpire that is beyond his control and to his detriment. Ash, as usual was calm from the pressure, which was natural since she most likely experience similar situations than Nikolai could think. If Nikolai remembers correctly, she was wedded to some prince of the 68th? 69th? Well, whichever the number is, it is still a position that Nikolai could not even fathom to put himself in. With elitist folks nonetheless, as Nikolai would shudder at the vision of it... Nikolai thought to himself as he watches the lift's lights zone out to a neutral green colour to its surrounding, followed by a shudder of the infrastructure.

  "(Are you ready Freeman?)" She asked with the grace that Nikolai first have seen when they converse on that ship, and with a hesitant nod, their roles in this call have now been established. Ash, the prisoner, and Nikolai her guide and warden. Warden is more a joke of a position, considering the difference in capabilities between them or even a average warden is night and day. However, that is his position now, and that is to keep the princess out of trouble since she is prone to attract it whether or not she even makes a move. She is after all, the enemy, and there isn't a more simplier reason than that.

  Nikolai can't blame anyone though, just as he remembers the negotiation of herself to be saved by human hands, hatred will pursue. If Cecilia was one of the more rational outburst, then he could not say the same for others. Meaning of course, he will be taking the brunt of all those hatred as her assigned guide, a role he can't deny because of his interaction with Ash, and not that he could blame his instructor, or even the SAI from picking him up and instead of a actual professional. It's also a much more simplier reason, albeit full of holes, it is the only other variable for someone of the level of Nikolai's intelligence could understand.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "Yeah... I am. I hope I won't mess this up like a blithering idiot." With a heavy breath, the bulkhead door opened as a instense light have wash upon their faces. Blinding them. Even Ash, whom implies a lot in their time in their cells, have a implant that could fine tune her sensory organs was taken a back subtly. As her antennae are the only indication to show she was annoyed by the light. Of which, followed by the light... was voices.

  The word is trust, even if frankly Nikolai doesn't truly trust his back into her, nor does the princess towards Nikolai on a species, social, and personal level. It was Nikolai who fulfilled his bargain by helping her near death's door towards human territory, and in return, her surrender went smoothly and cooperatively, even if it was just courtesy to make her position easier and more sympathetic. It was clear she more 'eager' to cooperate with him, even if it was calculated, she deemed less risk to be with his side than a random human expert, even if logically a expert will help her case more prudently... At least... that is what Nikolai thinks of the subtext under the SAI Venture's words.

  Since it is better to believe, than despair. Or so the saying goes...

  Ash was the first to recover from the glare of the light, her mandibles clicked warily and her antennae twiches in varying intervals. "(It seems I am not the only one, whom have a sense of humor that is rotten, Freeman.)" She self admitted all of a sudden, as more voices can be heard from her synthesized words. Nikolai manages to recover as his eyes adjusted, and just as she said, Nikolai grimace as he sees the scenery in front of him.

  From their view, more than a dozen humans stopped their tracks and stare at the sight with incredulous detail. There were many reactions, most of them fear and disgust, and the few who aren't are only watching in skeptisim of the sight they wouldn't believe. Thankfully however, the one detail that made Nikolai sigh inwardly, is that the people around them aren't civilians, but instead soldiers from the looks of things. However, if there is one thing that made Nikolai irked, it is the location that has been bothering him since they arrived back at Naha City. It was now answered with the feint smell of salt in the air, the white and gold paint scheme, followed by the mechanical large open airtop of the space above them that could even fit the large transport craft that carried them awhile back, which overlooks the clouded sky.

  Aozora Naval Yards

  One of the very few shipyards that are still functional and intact that Nikolai heard about in the news, and the last naval shipyard that could house space ships that are being docked like blue water ships. It has been recently called Jame's Harbour, due to the place where Capt. James Winston and his crew were rescued, after it's intense one last stand of the USN Laffey, and it's eventual crash to the Lokal Ocean, where the naval yard is overlooking at. It's also the place where one of the Live Exams are held due to it's proximity to the ocean for on shore, off shore, and amphibious test would occur for land dwellers like Nikolai. Yet the most intriguing and concerning part of the naval yard is it's location on the surface. Despite some of the buildings like they are on, are open to the sky, it is somehow safe from any alien incursion like the other last remaining harbours. Nikolai has no idea how is that even possible, when the aliens have major holds in space and land, and he doubts their air superiority and control of the sea are enough to ward any opportunistic aliens off.

  All Nikolai knows he is very far from his house from deep below, and is now facing a current situation of his relationship with the princess exposed to a controlled degree. Because whatever the SAI or the government have planned for them, Nikolai could only hope it won't make his already precarious post more... precarious.

  "(Greetings humans.)" Ash spoke up first with what looks like a short bow, startling Nikolai and the other humans to hear her talk. "(My name is Ash'Ent of the Grand House of Ent, my existence and my escort have been called above by the omnipotent voice, to come up to the surface for a meeting. Will someone humble themselves, in taking the banner in informing you're swarm head?)"

  Silence came over the people around them as Nikolai gulped. The prideful alien in contact with wary humans is not a good combination to begin a dialogue. With a deep breath, Nikolai stepped forward to bridge the gap between the growing tension between them. "M-my name is Nikolai Freeman, a junior in training, we have been called by Corporal Cappi personally to stand attention in haste."

  At the mention of the silent lady's name, the soldiers stiffen as they looked at each other, eventually, one of them take action as their eyes glowed for a moment. Indicating she has been called upon and will arrived shortly. However, now with that done, the tension returned as there was now no focus of distraction towards the princess. The critical stares pierced, but Ash didn't even looked panicked or bothered, and instead click her mandibles as she looks at her surroundings. "(My, my, human interactions are interesting. Don't you think my escort? I am going to turn to debris at this rate with all the holes.)"

  ''Uhhh..." Nikolai frankly doesn't know what to do. This was not what he trained for, and as far as he know, this is not going well. "Please don't mind her language, she's of a higher standing in her uh... planet. She's just being shy about our customs!"

  Shy probably, no, it is not the correct word for it. As the reactions of the other humans are even more sceptical than the last, looking at Nikolai's panic state and the calm, yet daring look on the princess beside him with clear judgement. Worse of all, Ash didn't say another word to help her case, instead she seems to be enjoying looking at Nikolai's bumbling excuses.

  Thankfully, it seems Nikolai's prayers have been answered as after a quick silent discussion, one of the soldiers decided to step forward to talk to them... problem is, it is the stereotypical big, muscled one with a shave head and a nasty scar looking down upon them. Yes, looking down, he was a head taller than the princess herself! And his thighs are the size of Nikolai's torso! Even if they are edited beyond natural boundaries, it was ridiculous to actually see a giant in person, let alone it being human!

  "(Oh? Do what do I owe this esteemed warrior of the humans, whom have brought himself in front of me?)" Ash asked without a hint of fear as the giant's bright orange cybernetic eyes did a quick scan on her with a intense, unreadable expression on his face.

  "For a xeno so dainty, you reek of danger." The giant began with a thick imperial accent as he leaned over them, the clouded sky giving them a dark shadow over his large form. "I don't understand why Takamiya-Sama even let someone of the likes of you walk in the surface so arrogantly. Despite knowing what kind of sentiment this would cause amongst the ranks... And from the look of you're disgusting face... you clearly understand that, don't you xeno?"

  Nikolai froze from the pressure, as the air have gone heavy. He feels like he will fall to his knees of fear of his fellow man, and if the giant in front of him was even human at that point with the aura around him. Yet his clear warning and threat didn't faze her, as she made a faint smile. "(Thank you for the advice, human warrior. I will make sure to seer it into my wings.)"

  The standoff between them continued as Nikolai could do nothing but wait. Then the heaviness disappeared as the giant backed away with a scoff, and so did the others. There was a subtle twitch on Ash's wings, her victory profound. Just in time as the other soldiers backed away, the familiar woman appears at the end of the empty space. Marching in the stylish black standard uniform, the capelet with accents of red the inner fabric contrasted greatly with her long raven hair. As everybody in the vicinity saluted at her presence.

  Marching beside her were two heavily armed peacewalkers, of which the variety that Nikolai seldom sees. Unlike them however, no ceremonial swords or capes are present, only utilities and protection scattered about their bulky mechanized body. For someone of her position, she seems to be the clearer big shot than the giant. And a corporal at that.

  "At ease." She commanded in a cold tone, and with a slight tip of her black cap as everybody stands straight. "Affirmative ma'am!" All screamed as they went back to their usual discourse. Now that their presence was none of her concern, the eyes of Corporal Cappi are now on the two of them. Thankfully this time, she wasn't some giant that Nikolai needs to worry, since she was slightly shorter than him.

  Doesn't change the fact she can beat him up in ways that Nikolai couldn't imagine, if he messes up and disrespected her to a extent.

  "Lady Ent, Guide Freeman. I welcome you to the Aozora Naval Yards. We apologise for not telling you before hand, as the location and topography of the assest is confidential. Now that both of you are here, present you're bands for the drones to scan." Despite her apology, her cold tone doesn't make her apologetic a bit.

  Ash nodded as she presented her arm in front of her, followed by Nikolai as two other cute looking robots that have... cat ears? Begin to grab and scan their bands. Of which, they can see their vitalities on the screen of the round robot. All blue and almost at maximum, meaning they were healthy and no diseases have catch up to them. After confirming, the two robots' screens lit up in blue, and skedaddle away from the open space.

  "Good." Corporal Cappi's voice cut them off from staring at the prancing robots. "It seems the treatments have worked well, and have caused no unknown side effects to either patients. Congratulations, it seems both species are now eligible for further contact in the same space. Now, both of you, follow me towards the open dining hall. We have much to discuss." Once again, she was cold to their presence as she turned her back on them ans began to march forward. "Wait a second!"

  Nikolai's words stopped her tracks, a piercing look came upon them as Nikolai hesitated. However, his will pushed him enough to not cower at her gaze. "Open? Ca-can't we have lunch over somewhere... private?"

  His questioned earned a buzz of approval from Ash, while Corporal Cappi stare at his face with judgement. "Guide Freeman. You have no need of worries of such, for we have already reserved a space for our discussion. Now, time is haste. Let us go towards the dining hall." With that, she continued her march as Nikolai followed with hesitancy, with Ash following through.

  "(My, my, what a brave stand!)" She began as Nikolai glance at her, knowing what would come next. "(I am pleased that you care for my existence enough, that you have to face such a wall.)" Ash probes as Nikolai sighs and squeezed his face. "It's not like that, it's just common sense. I mean... take a look at you're surroundings, I doubt anybody would want to sit down and eat with you're presence on the table." Just like their initial impressions on them, or her specifically, it isn't doing well as each person they passed by, or have taken a glance at their direction, made a look of unease and anger. Heck, the princess could definitely hear all their negative whispers with her implants, or even if they whispered at all with their own implants.

  "(You have not need to worry Freeman, I already told you I know of such a environment the moment I signed that paper. It is just happening in front of me, instead of a mere thought of it. So calm yourself down, for you're worries are enough. Besides, dealing with the warrior nobility is as common as the cosmos above.)" Nikolai sighed, she's right of course, this isn't the first time a scenario like the one they are in now with the likes of her position...

  Perhaps Nikolai is overreacting, but anything can be overreacted in this pursuit of uncertainty. Especially that confident look she is giving to Nikolai, is making him relieved and worry at the same time, or so the noble alien's whims are.

  Silently Corporal Cappie was observing their interaction through her implants, as a silent report is being written on her database. Some minor alterations shall be made.

  After going out of another bulkhead, where another lift was shown as it leads them down again. With Ash making a comment of humanity's obsession with gravity pulling them up and down. Nikolai has no comment whatsoever on that front, since it's not like he can do anything about it either. Then, after reaching their destination, it turns out, what is actually 'open' about the dining hall, was the fact that it has the underwater view of one of the large wet docks. Not as in a monitor showing the bottom, but a actual glass separation between them and the heavy warship above.

  "(Is that safe?)" Asked Ash in enlightened curiosity, in which Nikolai once more, has no comment whatsoever on the safety parameters of a underwater dinner hall with a docked ship above it. "(I am impressed! In here I thought all architecture will be full of drab and mist, it seems I am gravely mistaken.)" She said with approval. However, it was then that Nikolai's eyes bulged out upon a realisation that hits him.

  "Wait a second, aren't we sanctioned on information? Is this really alright?" Nikolai asked as they continued to march on, followed by the critical stares of even more people than the one they met on the surface.

  "You're restrictions on certain information have been lifted. Some topics and details are now available to the equivalent of a immigrant coming in the territory." She replied cooly as all eyes stare at her as well, with same salute as she tips her cap each time it happens.

  "(My, I hope I will finally get the request on acquiring man's best comrade now.)"

  "I really hope that is not in you're priority list..."

  "(What is the problem? For acquiring now readily available informal for my claws.)"

  "..."

  "(I shall take you're silence as approval, Freeman.)"

  Nikolai sighed as they approached to the central part of the dining hall, where the tables are now circular and limited to the amount of people. Where they have a perfect view of one of the ship's turrets underwater. Seeing that nobody was there, except them, it seems she really did reserved the entire space for their meeting. Well, except for one person already waiting for them at the centre where their table is at.

  Her flowing red hair shimmers on the lights above, her blue eyes stair at them, specifically at Nikolai with a hand resting on her face, and her fingers tapping the table impatiently. Her oversized protective jacket hungs on her body, her legs bare, as the metal soles also tap impatiently on the floor. Lastly, the giant 105mm anti-material hyrbid rifle lazily slings on one of the chair... it is very clear who was waiting for them after three days of no contact whatsoever.

  "Good to see you alive Nik." She greeted with a small smile, before it dropped immediately after facing Ash. "Same to you... xeno."