Ezo Conference Room, Aomori Station

[Bakamono]

Yamagata suppressed his nervous feelings beneath the familiar mask of stern certainty, “Arigatou Aomori control, vector laid in, approaching bay three.”

His guards had been briefed and the clerk instructed to ensure accurate records. As control guided the Chimaera in Gongoro gawked at the passing traffic. It had been a long time since he, or any officers, had been here.

Sleek-hulled Kujira fresh out of the yards floated moored to the giant construct, transports came and went, traffic docked and launched frequently, the sheer amount of fuel alone was impressive.

Once their craft had landed in bay three, Gongoro bowed to the envoy as his team submitted to the necessary checks typical of a working port, before following an aide to the Ezo conference room. He had not expected the air to taste different, a faint scent of ionised particles rode the artificial current. It was not unpleasant.

Gongoro instructed his modest guard to co-operate with Guild security and stay alert, his men waited outside the Ezo room. Only the clerk accompanied him beyond the threshold.

Yamagata was a little taken aback upon seeing the lengths the guild had gone to. Flags of both parties lined the sleek walls, bathed in their vaguely golden light. He bowed slowly to the Guild-master.

“You honour us guild-master Katsuo-sama, arigatou for your courtesy.”