Magical Treatment & Intervention
The International Space Station. Orbiting at an altitude of 408 kilometers at a speed of 7.66 kilometers per second, it conducted various experiments and could be called the culmination of Earth's technology. Currently, in its observation deck, the monitoring of a mysterious object ascending from Earth was ongoing.
"The appearance coordinates are 15 degrees north latitude, 150 degrees east longitude. That is where Ama no Murakumo located, so this object must be the Magia Ritter mentioned in the reports."
"The target stopped at an altitude of 50,000 meters, or 50 kilometers above Earth's surface."
"It's hard to believe, but this is the reality. It's been sixty years since we set out to reach space. During that time, we've made considerable technological advances, but this behavior seems to be mocking the fruits of our efforts."
358 kilometers below the International Space Station, as if knew they were being watched, the Magia Ritter waved once before accelerating towards the North Pole.
"Can we find out their destination?"
"Our trajectory calculation couldn't keep up with their acceleration. In addition, they occasionally stopped and scanned their surroundings as if looking for something."
"A robot with human-like movements. No wonder our countries covet it."
"Personally, I wish Ama no Murakumo could give us a ride to Mars. I bet we will arrive in no time."
"I'd really love to go to Mars, too. Maybe they'd even help us build a lunar base if we asked."
The ISS crews, who were representing various countries, continued their dreamlike conversations, as if the turmoil on Earth was not their business.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Chinese fleet commander, who was dismissed for attacking Ama no Murakumo during the Tokyo Bay defense battle, had been sent to a remote rural town in Shandong Province as a punishment. There were no casualties, but he was 'allegedly' acting without orders. Under circumstances where even the death penalty might be considered lenient, the dismissed commander judged that it was by the mercy of Chairman Ouyang.
"The People's Liberation Army of China still needs me. It's okay, time will wash everything away. Those who oppose us will be purged...."
Though not luxurious, he was not under a strict surveillance either. He was probably even considered relatively affluent in that town. While the main roads and railway stations connecting the town to the outside were closely monitored by the People's Liberation Army, he was free to move within the town.
"I am truly grateful to Chairman Ouyang."
"Even so, you still have to live quietly in this town for the next three years. For that reason, your name, identity, and everything else have been changed."
The dismissed fleet commander was enjoying a tea party with his guest without any signs of depression whatsoever. However, the next day, he suddenly committed suicide. Despite having bodyguards accompanying him all day, both for protection and surveillance, he shot himself in the head with a QSZ-92-9, standard issue of the People's Liberation Army. The investigation confirmed two bullets were lodged in the wall near the body. However, forensic analysis later revealed that their rifling marks did not match with the QSZ-92-9 he used to commit suicide, which sparking various speculations.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rossweisse's Magia Ritter --- Thor's Hammer, was flying through the stratosphere at an altitude of 50,000 meters at a speed of 350 km/h. She was on a mission to deliver the 'mementos' to the Palace of Versailles in France. However, since those soldiers didn’t bring any form of identification during the mission, there were only equipment and other small items, carefully packed inside a container.
"Approaching the North Sea airspace. Lowering the altitude."
"*beep*.... This is Ama no Murakumo Control Center. Stop reporting every little thing and just proceed quickly. Didn't we tell you not to make radio contact unless necessary?"
"But the atmosphere is important."
"Just get over with it!"
"I got it. I got it, okay?"
Deploying the rear magical thrusters to the left and right, Thor's Hammer stopped and hovered at 50 meters above the sea surface. The location was within the UK's economic zone, so British patrol aircraft could appear at any time.
"Umm, France is over there, right?"
Thor's Hammer finally entered French economic waters after checking the coordinates with the gyro sensor. The North Sea economic zone issue was quite complicated, with several countries claiming sovereignty over parts of it. If she wandered into the wrong area, multiple countries would mobilize their military to stop her advance.
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"A Magia Ritter has trespassed into our territorial waters?
President Chloe, having received the report from the French Ministry of Defense, felt dizzy and leaned back in her chair. Upon receiving reports that an unidentified flying object had entered France's economic waters, fighter jets and patrol aircraft were immediately scrambled. Then, after viewing footage, the Defense Minister himself promptly reported it to President Chloe.
"Yes. Here is the footage. It matches the reports from the French fleet and the UN inspection team. Currently, it has stopped moving and is waiting for our response."
“So, what do they want?”
According to the document handed to her, they had come to France to deliver the mementos of the special forces members who were found dead inside the captured Pourquoi Pas. Therefore, they requested permission to fly to the Palace of Versailles, so that they could hand it over directly to President Chloe, or the one in charge of military affairs.
"Is it really a good idea to let them fly here? No, tell them that we will meet in Calais."
"The Magia Ritter's pilot, a woman named Rossweise, said she'd only meet us in Versailles."
"We have no reason to let such a dangerous weapon from a hostile country into the heart of our country. That pilot, Rosweisse, is probably acting under Misaki Tendo's orders, but we cannot back down either. If our demands are not accepted, tell her that she can keep the mementos."
"Understood. I will pass this on her."
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"This is French Defense Minister speaking. For security reasons, we can grant you permission to fly to the Palace of Versailles. Therefore, let's meet at the port of Calais, instead."
"Lady Misaki's order is to deliver the mementos to the Palace of Versailles, though. You put me in a difficult situation."
"However, there is no guarantee that you will not suddenly attack us. This is related to our national defense, so I can't allow even a slight risk."
The Defense Minister calmly relayed the instruction from President Chloe, but Rosweisse who heard that also remained composed.
"So, in short, France will not accept the mementos of the soldiers who died for them, correct? Understood. Ama no Murakumo will honor these poor souls who were abandoned by their own country, instead."
"W-What do you mean by abandoned!?"
"I mean, that's what happened right? You are just using national defense as an excuse to reject Ama no Murakumo envoy. Well then, good bye...."
Having said that, Rosweisse ended the call. Then, after ascending to an altitude of fifty thousand meters, Thor's Hammer flew back home.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I returned to the bridge after finishing my dinner. Many decisions needed to be made, but I thought I should first have a proper discussion about our future directions.
"I have no intention of spreading Ama no Murakumo's technology to the world, but I think we can share its benefits with those who are not hostile to us."
"*beep *.... To be more specific?"
"First, we will use Ama no Murakumo’s medical system. From what I’ve lightly researched, by using magical treatment to regenerate human body, we can even cure terminal cancer and significantly alleviate incurable diseases."
"In other words, those who wish to receive treatment can come to Ama no Murakumo, correct?"
"That's correct. This will be our 'carrot'."
To further explain the plan, we'll relocate the entire tourist area on the first floor outside, block by block like SimCity, turn it into a hospital city, and open it to the public. I said open to the public, but it doesn't mean we will just accept anyone and everyone who comes. They will have to go through procedure in their own country first before coming here, and of course, we will charge them for the treatment later.
Well, there might be some politicians who are displeased that such a powerful battleship won’t conquer the world or destroy the countries they don't like, but that’s not all Ama no Murakumo can do, you know?
"*beep*... I'll immediately gather the materials necessary for the plan, and also begin rezoning the tourist area. In addition, we will need more Servants for medical staffs."
"I'm counting on you. This plan can save people's live, so I don't think there will be any country that will openly interfere with it. Next is.... I will authorize Magia Ritter deployment abroad."
"*beep*.... I've been waiting for those words! Please tell me which country should we destroy firs?"
"No, that's not what I meant. I've told you that we won't start a war with any country or get involved in any war between countries, right? I'm talking about creating an International Rescue Team."
My alchemy skill, the strength of Magia Ritter, and golems that can operate in any environment. These will enable us to extend a helping hand to people, regardless of their nationalities, in the event of natural or man-made disasters. We will probably send our rescue team without asking permission first because there's a chance we will be refused because their country's pride gets in the way, but I don't care about such a thing. I help because I want to help. I will charge them for our work. In return, I will also send relief donations, so it's a wash.
"There's a limit to how kind you can be, Master."
"*beep*.... In the unlikely event that a threat appears, does that mean you'll eliminate it using our military power?"
"If it appear, yes. However, with Ama no Murakumo and Magia Ritters at our disposal, is there really really something that can threaten us?"
"*beep*.... Yes. The possibility is not zero. Furthermore, Earth's technology isn't all that meets the eye."
"Oh well, we will cross the bridge when we get there.... In any case, our future direction is to 'save human lives' and 'save the world'. We will not spread our magical technology to the world. If something threatens us, we will eliminate it, but that's a last resort."
I don't care if I'm called a hypocrite. I mean, Ama no Murakumo and Magia Ritters are basically weapon. That's just what they were made for. I've even considered of establishing Ama no Murakumo as a mercenary nation. If I were to send Combat Servants and Magia Ritters to fight a war, I'm confident no country's military can match us. However, I think war is ultimately just a clash of egos. On the other hand, if it's a one-sided massacre that isn't motivated by egos, I have no intention of going easy on them.
"*beep*.... Then, we will begin development of the necessary equipment. Can I leave the basics to the factory?"
"Do as you wish. Oh, can you make vehicle for traveling anywhere around the world?"
"*beep*.... We already have Magia Ritter. It's a perfect weapon and vehicle capable of traveling anywhere."
"No, I'd like something like plane or helicopter for transporting the sick and injured."
"*beep*.... Understood. Development will begin immediately. Also, Truss One seems to be preparing something Lady Misaki desires. It's supposed to be a surprise, though."
"You two really act like human. I understand, I'll wait with expectations. Hildegard, can you install the necessary data into the Servants?"
"Yes, My Lord. I will arrange it immediately."
I've given the orders. Now my job is to spread the words about this plan to the world. Let's start with the country that will likely cooperate with us, the United States of America. Japan seems busy with the election, and there's a political party that might get cocky if I contact them directly, so I'll pass.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ama no Murakumo, midnight.
"*beep*.... This is Truss One to Octa One. Dimensional interference was detected."
"*beep*.... Can you provide me with the coordinates?"
"*beep*.... Due to the dimensional waves, coordinate tracking has been obstructed. However, it seems some kind of foreign entity has infiltrated this world."
"*beep*.... Requesting enhanced surveillance. Is that possible, Truss one?"
"*beep*.... If it covers the entire planet, we will need to send correspondents all over the globe. I request more personnel."
"*beep*.... Request accepted. Begin additional production of Servants, and upon completion, you can dispatch them at your discretion."
"*beep*.... Understood. Asking Octa One: Is the Creator God finally making a move?"
"*beep*.... If it were the Creator God's intervention, I would have detected it first. This seems to be something else."
"*beep*.... Should we report this to Lady Misaki?"
"*beep*.... I will do so tomorrow. Truss One, please strengthen our security, too."
"*beep*.... Understood."
This unsettling conversation between the two Magical Brains in the dead of night might cause further ripples the following day.