“Pro omnibus hominibus et sociis”
(“For all of mankind and allies”)
—Motto of the Union of Realms Organisation for the Containment of Magical Anomalies (VROEMG)
10:28 WT, 7th of Memesa, 1995 (7th of February, 1639)
Byrnwölf Hotel, Southern District, Greater Wilding, Aialand, Neragon
Voss appreciated the efficient service at the hotel reserved for the Aremic delegation. The lobby was lavishly decorated, with ornate chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. A grand staircase at the back of the lobby led to the upper levels, and a giant clock with golden hands hung before the landing between the ground and first floors. The walls were smattered with large, oil paintings only a handful of which he could recognise, history was never his strongest suit.
The diplomats had just been checked into the hotel, with Voss handling most of the formalities. And now, he stood over a large map of Wilding he had provided to the diplomats, spread out on an oak coffee table. The 8 members of the diplomatic group were crowded around it.
"Are all your maps this detailed?" a diplomat Voss remembered as Simon asked, twisting his head slightly as he was viewing the map from the side.
Voss blinked, he had seen much more detailed maps than this, after all, it was for tourists. But he supposed things were quite different in this new world.
"Of course," Voss decided to say simply.
"Wouldn't you be hesitant to distribute maps, since well, it could allow enemies to navigate your territory with ease?" Ranon interjected, his fingers tracing the map's details.
Voss chuckled, enjoying the genuine curiosity and interest the Aremic diplomats displayed. "In our world, every power has sent machines called ‘satellites’ into space, which take images of the entire world and broadcast them back to us. And so, it would be quite pointless to employ secrecy. In any case, we value transparency and the free flow of information."
Everyone looked shocked at Voss's explanation.
"I take it your people have not yet reached that level of technological advancement?" A possibly redundant question, as according to what Voss had heard and seen, Aremic technology seemed to be somewhere in the 1910s to ‘20s. But no matter.
The diplomats collectively nodded like bobbleheads, some still visibly astonished by the news of this advanced technology. Voss couldn't help but find their reactions endearing; it was a rare, no – nigh impossible – opportunity to witness people from a different world learning about your own.
"No, we haven't,” Admon spoke before anyone else could say anything. “We know of ‘space’ of course, but we have not been able to reach it, and the Holy Milishial Empire deemed it an impossible place for anyone to get to."
Voss nodded slowly, in a hopefully understanding manner. "I see."
Then, he looked at the grand clock on the wall. "10:29" it read. A minute until the tour is scheduled to start.
"Well, gentlemen," he stated, snapping everyone back to attention. "I believe we have a tour to go on, I'll be showing you around Wilding, including some key locations like the Parliament Building, the Great War Memorial, the World Trade Centre and the University of Wilding."
The next few hours unfurled as a convoy of black cars drove the Aremic diplomats and their guide through the streets of Wilding. More modern buildings of glass skyscrapers and steel frames blended seamlessly with older, antiquated structures.
But something was off, there were very few other cars and even fewer pedestrians on the streets.
The diplomats must've also noticed. "Is it always this quiet?" Admon asked.
"No, but it seems our transfer has affected the usual flow of traffic since most of it was made up of tourists," Voss replied, eyeing the eerily empty streets. "I must say, it's quite unusual to see Wilding so deserted."
"You don't say Mister agent." The driver commented.
The car took a right turn, and now in front of a sprawling plaza, a marble obelisk stood tall and proud; behind it, imposed a building of neo-classical architecture, with its massive pillars and domed roof.
"That, gentlemen," Voss stated, pointing at the grand structure, "is the Neragese Parliament Building, where our elected, and hereditary members convene to discuss matters of state."
The car parked in front of the structure and Voss led the diplomats on a short tour of the Parliament Building. He found himself enjoying the opportunity to be the guide of these otherworld natives. It reminded him of the "Yisagai" Wakek shows he had watched in his childhood during the '80s, where people from one world would be transported into another. Hell, this whole situation with Neragon was like a surreal tale plucked from those kinds of stories. He laughed internally.
If this was the new normal for Neragon, Voss was determined to adapt to it with as much grace as possible…
21:15 WT, 7th of Memesa, 1995 (7th of February, 1639)
The Oak, Southern District, Greater Wilding, Aialand, Neragon
Voss staggered through the entrance of a dimly lit pub. It had been a long day, and he was glad to finally have a moment to relax.
After the tour had ended by 9 o'clock due to curfew, the diplomats had gone back to the hotel, and now, Voss was finally free for the evening. He felt glad for being an agent which meant he could still enjoy the night despite the curfew. The Agency would not be expecting him until the following evening, so he decided to unwind a bit.
"Whiskey, please," he said coarsely, as he sat down at the front table of the bar, and the bartender quickly served him a glass of the amber liquid. He took a sip, savouring the warmth that spread through him.
The bar was empty, save for the bartender, who, Voss dimly noted had disappeared through the door behind the counter and into the backroom.
Voss tried to lean backwards before remembering he was sitting a stool without a backrest. He grunted at his momentary lapse in judgment, his fingers tapping the glass absently.
"Agent Voss enjoying a bit of quiet, are we?" a woman's voice came from behind the counter. Voss looked up, widening his eyes slightly before schooling his features.
"Ms. James" He replied shortly. A lackey of Herr Nott, her strawberry-blonde hair framing a face that was both familiar and unwelcome. "What do you want."
Voss tried to make his voice carry a tone of indifference as he locked eyes with Ms. James. He never met her in person but he had encountered one of her kind before, Avisians: individuals with the power to manifest wings which allowed them to fly, arrogant peacocks.
The woman smirked, revealing a hint of amusement in her striking green eyes. She hopped onto an unseen stool opposite of Voss, her black wings vanishing as she sat.
"What makes you think I want anything?" Her voice exuded a casual confidence that grated on Voss's nerves.
He took a deep silent breath and counted to 4. "Cut the crap, Ms. James. The only reason why you're here is because VROEMG wants something." He paused. "And was the bartender in on it too?"
"Right in the gut Agent Voss." Ms. James smiled, but then, her expression turned serious and the twinkle in her eyes dimmed. "We've been keeping an eye on the delegation from Arem." She raised her hand when Voss opened his mouth to speak. "Before you go all righteous on me, I want you to know that our new operation isn't about hurting anyone. We just want to make sure things go smoothly."
Voss raised an eyebrow, deciding to take another sip of his whiskey.
Ms. James continued. "But we have detected something anomalous on one of those diplomats. We have not identified the source of the anomaly yet, but it is, of course, VROEMG's duty to contain them."
Voss's eyebrows furrowed. He swirled the whiskey in his glass, studying the amber liquid as if it held the answers to the things she was revealing.
"Diplomats with anomalies, huh? And is VROEMG asking me to do anything?"
"Oh, no." She practically scoffed. "We're just notifying you. If you want to get involved, that's your choice, Agent Voss. We'll get our job done with or without your help."
"And what would happen to the one with the anomaly?"
"That depends on the nature of the anomaly once we identify it." She spoke. "But, rest assured, no unnecessary harm would come to them. They might not even notice our involvement."
Voss nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll stay out of whatever you people are planning. Does the Agency of Central Security know?"
“They will be informed in due time,” Ms. James replied with a nod.
“…”
“…”
“…”
“I trust you'll keep our little chat to yourself.” She eventually said.
And with that, she hopped off the unseen chair, her wings reappearing before retracting slightly.
"Wait a moment," Voss called as she turned to step out of the back door. Ms James stopped and turned back, raising an eyebrow for him to continue.
"Why did they send the Head of Research to inform me of this?"
Ms. James just grinned, the type of grin which screamed "You'll just have to wait and see."
"I was bored." She said glibly.
There was another long silence between them as Voss stared at the woman. “Have a good evening, Agent Voss." She finally said, inclining her head towards him. She moved towards the back door and turned a corner, disappearing from view, leaving him to his thoughts.
13:04 WT, 8th of Memesa, 1995 (8th of February, 1639)
West Entrance, Byrnwölf Hotel, Southern District, Greater Wilding, Aialand, Neragon
Voss's eyes darted around the entrance road of the hotel, keenly scanning the elegant façade and bustling portico for any sign of VROEMG agents or operatives.
A gaggle of teenagers engaged in animated conversation near the revolving door, an idle porter scrolled through his phone while leaning against a luggage cart, and a couple engaged in hushed conversation strolled back into the hotel lobby. To Voss, all of them could potentially be with VROEMG. The nonchalant demeanour of the teenagers concealed their true purpose, just as the porter's casual scrolling masked a hidden agenda. Even the seemingly affectionate couple could be playing a covert role.
He knew those at VROEMG weren't necessarily bad people, but they operated in shadows, their true motives obscured by a cloak of secrecy. He soon realised the hypocrisy of his thoughts as that description also applied to the Agency he worked at.
Voss sighed inwardly.
This was the day the Aremic diplomats would meet the King and Prime Minister, and right now, they were in the process of embarking on the black vehicles that were set to transport both them and Voss to meet the king and Prime Minister.
"Sir, Voss?" A driver called out, holding open the door to the front black cars. "We're ready to go."
Voss acknowledged the driver with a curt nod and a thanks, stepped towards the car. But as he settled into the plush leather cushion of the front passenger seat, he noticed a car off to the side on the main road. Normally, that wouldn't be suspicious, but the way the particular vehicle sat there, engine clearly on and running, set off alarm bells in Voss's mind.
The car was a nondescript sedan, its dark windows hiding the occupants from view. Its form vacant and cold.
The driver hopped into his seat, closing the car door with a thuk. He seemed to sense Voss's unease, glanced at the suspicious vehicle and then back at him. "’Thing all right, sir?"
"Yes, of course," Voss replied quickly. "Don't worry about that, you have a job to do."
The driver nodded and pulled the car out of the hotel's entrance. The three other black cars of the diplomatic convoy tailing them.
For the next hour, Voss did not see anything out of the ordinary as they drove towards his majesty's abode. And the suspicious car, it did not follow them, maybe he was being too paranoid. But Voss had learned the hard way that as an agent, paranoia could be the key to survival.
The three diplomats in the backseat were discussing something but their words just flew over his head as he continued to maintain watch over the surroundings.
Eventually, they reached the grand gates of the palace, a formidable structure that exuded a sense of power and history. 2 blue guards stood at attention on either side of the gate, their polished breastplates gleaming in the afternoon sun.
The iron-wrought gates creaked open automatically, allowing the convoy to enter the palace grounds.
Once they had reached the outer courtyard, right in front of the entrance to the inner courtyard and the palace facade, Voss spoke. "Gentlemen, welcome to Nashfeld Palace."
14:58 WT, 8th of Memesa, 1995 (8th of February, 1639)
Inner Courtyard, Nashfeld Palace, Loweheim District, Greater Wilding, Aialand, Neragon
Voss guided the Aremic diplomats on foot through the inner gates of Nashfeld Palace.
At the base of the palace portico, Voss spotted King Henry, Prime Minister Sonnenfeld, and—
He nearly stopped in his tracks when he recognised the third individual among them. It was none other than Evans Nott.
Did he seriously come in person to identify an anomaly? Voss wondered. He had already agreed to not involve himself in VROEMG's activities so he took a deep breath and ignored the feeling of shock that nearly overtook him.
Several photographers and civilians stood at the sideline, held back by crowd control barriers and guards. They were snapping pictures of the dignitaries, capturing the historical moment of the Aremic diplomats' visit to Neragon. So, Voss made sure to hold up a mask of composure as he ushered the diplomats forward.
As they approached the King, Prime Minister, and Nott, he followed protocol, bowing slightly as a sign of respect, making sure he was only facing the king.
He adopted a professional tone as he said, "Esteemed diplomats of Arem, His Majesty King Henry IV, Prime Minister John Sonnenfeld, and Director Evans Nott of V— Site Alpha." He nearly said VROEMG, but he didn't know if Nott had claimed the role of Chief Director of the organisation yet (According to the Betrun Charter, the person of the highest authority would become the acting Chief Director if the incumbent one was unavailable.) since both the Chief and Junior Director was in Cavala at the time of the displacement crisis.
The Prime Minister smiled and extended a welcoming hand, which the diplomat, Admon shook, while the king said: "Welcome to Neragon, honoured diplomats. We are pleased to have you here on this auspicious day."
Voss translated his words for the Aremicmen who responded in kind.
Simon bowed much to Voss's surprise. "Nice to meet you as well, Your Majesty," he said.
Voss translated in turn.
Throughout this short introduction, Nott merely smiled at them and shook his hand with the third diplomat Ranon Kantor, after which his eyes seemed to harden when he noticed something that Voss couldn't quite discern.
King Henry gestured toward the palace doors. "Please, let us proceed inside. We have much to cover."
From Omnipædia
The Union of Realms Organisation for the Containment of Magical Anomalies (Neragese: Vereunisroyaumes Organisation égan der Enthèltmung onn Magikel Gëntrachets; VROEMG) is an autonomous organisation of the Union of Realms (VR) aiming for the containment and protection of paranormal, supernatural and other phenomenas unexplainable by mainstream science and magic for the preservation of the world. It operates in all VR members as well as associate members. VROEMG's de facto headquarters is Site Alpha which is situated in an undisclosed region of Neragon.
The VROEMG, then known as the Anti-Anomalous League merged into the Union of Realms in 1952. The first meeting of the Anomalous Containment Assembly (GEZ), the organisation's governing body, took place on 5 Phupu of that year. The VROEMG's mandate seeks and includes: working worldwide to contain paranormal, supernatural and other phenomenas, keeping Gentu safe, and serve the vulnerable. It provides technical assistance to countries, and protects people from unexplainable and mysterious anomalous entities. The current chief director is Emilio Hugel-Nott, a descendant of Evans Nott, the founder of the Anti-Anomalous League; and the current junior director is Smarada Westlich.
The VROEMG relies on contributions from member states (both assessed and voluntary) and private donors for funding. Its total approved budget for 1994 is over $27 billion, of which the majority comes from voluntary contributions from member states. Contributions are assessed by a formula that includes GDP per capita.[citation needed] Among the largest contributors are Neragon, Chowa, and Mittearia.
Union of Realms Organisation for the Containment of Magical Anomalies. Omnipædia. 11:16, Retrieved 8 Memesa, 1995 from https://gbm.omnipaedia.org/w/index.php?titel=Union_of_Realms_Organisation_for_the_Containment_of_Magical_Anomalies&altid=7532257.
