The Grandian Saga

A pair of Grandian patrol ships approaches as they make their final descent in the deserts of Helestia. They were landing on a lone land wagon1—a technological marvel of steel and engineering. The land wagon was named Hildemyere2.

Inside the patrol ship was Michel Guillon, a captain of the patrol ship. His mission was to inspect the land wagon, which was approaching to the border of the next country. Aside from his routine inspection, he had information about people on board. If he allows them to slip by, it may cause trouble.

Michel wears his cap, it covered his blonde hair while the leather hear protector covered until his ears and neck. He was wearing his distinct captain's uniform with the appropriate markings of his rank. Wearing his goggles, he signalled two of his men to prepare to disembark. His second in command, Milena Sulvi, a red-haired Lieutenant went near the entrance.

Michel, seeing this, called her attention and said, "You're coming with me, Lieutenant!"

Milena nodded and wears her brown cap and goggles. She was wearing her standard white patrolman uniform with distinct markings of her rank on her left shoulder and the crest of Grandia on her right shoulder. She approached to her captain's side.

"Remember, we have to find a dissenter. We will not leave any stones unturned, nor alleyways unchecked in the land wagon!" Captain Michel briefed his men.

"Yes, sir!" Milena and the others replied.

Their ship shook a little after they landed on the land wagon's deck. Michel exited first and was followed by Milena. Their other men, including from the other ship, assembled before Michel and Milena.

Michel saluted at his men which his men replied. The heat of the desert was blistering, and the air was dry. Michel did not waste any time and assigned his men to inspect the parts of the land wagon while waiting for the crew to meet them.

The metal door near the deck creaked open and the captain of the land wagon—an old man appeared before them. He didn't look presentable and had dirt marks on his blue uniform. His crew was not in any better shape. Two scrawny and five immense men escorted their captain.

"Good day, captain! I am Michel Guillon, captain of the border guards. You must be... Captain...?" Michel introduced himself and asked the captain of the land wagon.

"Captain Joe Fornsworth, welcome to the Hildemyere, captain!" Captain Fornsworth replied. "We were busy with attending to some issues with the land wagon. As you see... She has not aged quite well..."

"That's unfortunate to hear, captain... But you must know that we had our duties as well and time is not our friend." Michel said to Joe.

"Aye Captain... please, follow me!" Joe told his crew to follow him to the control room. As Michel and the others entered the land wagon from the deck. The smell of rust met their noses, which gave them an unpleasant experience. Despite being a technological marvel, land wagon's were labour extensive in maintenance and in order to cut costs, some procedures were omitted.

"Ye must have asked yerselves why such a marvel of engineering, the pride of Grandia, had gone into such state?" The second mate commented and continued, "We have to cut some slack due to some cost cutting." "

What do you mean about that?" Milena asked the second mate.

"Ever since the war started, we cannot guarantee both pristine condition and the safety of this land wagon. Mercenaries were hired to protect against pirates and worse, a Sarutaur ambush!" Joe replied to Milena.

"Raising private armies without the permission of the Federation is against the law!..." Milena confronted Joe but was stopped by Michel.

"That's enough... Milena. We are not here to uphold quality and standards of this land wagon. We are in search of someone!" Michel reminded Milena and turned to the captain.

"With all due respect, Captain Joe. We will inspect your land wagon for the person we are looking for." Michel said to Joe.

"Whoever you are looking for might not be someone who is troublesome. I have enough matters in my hands operating this 'marvel of Grandian engineering'." Joe replied to Michel and opened the door to the control room of the land wagon.

As Michel, Milena, and their subordinates entered, the impressive array of instruments and equipment amazed them. Despite the control room being messy, it was a marvel to those who hadn't seen it before. 

"The land wagon carries thousands of passengers and crew. You would be lucky to find the person you are looking for alone, captain!" Joe referred to Michel.

"That would not be a problem for me!" Michel looked at Milena.

"The manifest, captain?" Milena asked Joe.

"Suit yourself!" Joe said to Milena and told the second mate to escort her to the records room. While Milena went to the records room. The two captains were talking before the controls of the land wagon. The instruments were running as intended, the crew were taking notes and were observing each of them. 

"I thought you were out of time, captain?" Joe asked and continued, "Peering through those records would take at least two days."

"We have our ways, captain!" Michel said to Joe, "Unless you are hiding something you will be held responsible."

"I assure you, captain! I am not hiding anything." Joe assured to Michel.

"If you say so!" Michel replied.

After their quick talk, Milena arrives with the manifest of the VIP passengers. Seeing this, Joe was surprised. "It took me a while. I apologize for my delays." Milena said with the manifest in her hand. "Take a look at the list of these passengers. I believe something's amiss with their registration, names and destination." 

"No. You have done well, Lieutenant!" Michel said to Milena and shifted his attention to Joe. "I believe there's something you need to explain to me, captain!" 

The captain of the land wagon, Joe, sweated and was silent. He underestimated Lieutenant Milena and Captain Michel. Seeing that Joe may be hiding something, Michel signaled Milena and the others. It may not be the best time to apprehend the crew, but it is best to keep them under watch.