**Jasmine's Log, Supplemental**
**Shire Base, Terra**
**Rothgard Fall plus 26 days (estimated)**
Shock lingers in the silence.
A stranger's calm breaks the roar.
One question opens the door.
Jasmine stood frozen on the landing pad, heart still hammering from the whirlwind of the last ten minutes. The massive Condor Heavy Shuttle loomed behind her like a sleeping leviathan, its cargo door still agape. The downdraft from the departing VS-22 Jackals had barely faded, yet the air around her now felt unnaturally still. Fully armored Marines and Delta forces surrounded her, their visors down, faces hidden behind reflective helmets that turned them into faceless sentinels. Weapons remained lowered but ready, the faint hum of powered armor and the scent of ozone and hot metal thick in the air.
Her mind was a storm of confusion and disbelief. One moment, she had been flying toward Blackthorn Keep with her uncle's guarantee in her cloak. Next, she had been nearly run down by a colossal airship from the sky, chased by sleek metal birds that moved with impossible speed, and escorted down by roaring gunships. Verdant stood protectively behind her, wings half-spread, his bond thrumming with shared tension and confusion. She could barely process it all—her hands trembled slightly at her sides, and she fought to keep her breathing steady, the weight of her people's future pressing down on her shoulders like never before.
In the center of the armored circle stood A.L.I., calm and composed in her distinct black uniform with the infinity insignia at her collar. The woman's luminous green eyes regarded Jasmine with polite curiosity, as if this were simply another ordinary encounter rather than the most surreal moment of Jasmine's life. A.L.I. spoke again, her voice clear and measured. "Welcome to Shire Base. Who might you be?"
The question cut through the haze like a lifeline. Jasmine blinked, forcing herself to respond on autopilot, the ingrained habits of royalty and command taking over even as her thoughts spun wildly. Her voice came out steadier than she felt, though her pulse still raced. "I… I am Princess Jasmine Same Roth of Rothgard," she managed, the words feeling distant even as she spoke them. "I was flying to meet Lord Blackthorn when your… your airship nearly collided with us. Those sleek metal birds and the roaring machines that hovered beside me—I have never seen anything like them. I followed to understand what was happening."
A.L.I. inclined her head, the blue patterns in her eyes flickering once. "I see. You must have many questions. Please, come with me. Captain Nolan is waiting in the command center. He will want to speak with you directly, and we can ensure your dragon is comfortable while we talk."
Jasmine hesitated for a fraction of a second, glancing back at Verdant. The dragon met her gaze through their bond, sending a wave of cautious reassurance. She nodded once, trusting the connection that had carried them through so much already, though her legs felt unsteady as she fell into step beside A.L.I. The armored ring parted smoothly, Marines and Delta forces forming an escort that was polite yet undeniably vigilant. Jasmine felt their eyes on her even through the visors—curious, cautious, but not hostile. The walk across the landing zone felt endless, her mind still reeling from the sheer scale of the base unfolding around her.
They approached a large, low-slung building that served as the command center. As the doors hissed open, a brightly lit interior revealed itself, filled with screens and holographic displays. Crew members moved with quiet efficiency, monitoring data streams that showed every inch of the surrounding valley—drone feeds, sensor grids, weather patterns, and more. In the center of the room floated a large holo display of the entire globe of Terra, slowly rotating with glowing markers indicating settlements, resource sites, and orbital assets. The sheer sophistication left Jasmine momentarily speechless, her thoughts a whirlwind of awe and unease.
Captain James Nolan stood at the main console, turning as they entered. He was tall and composed, dressed in a black uniform with gold trim that spoke of command. His expression was calm and welcoming, though his eyes held the sharp intelligence of someone who had seen far more than most. "Princess Jasmine Same Roth," he said, stepping forward and offering a respectful nod. "I am Captain James Nolan, commander of the USS Discovery expedition. Welcome to Shire Base. I apologize for the abrupt escort—our pilots had no warning of your presence, and safety protocols are strict. Please, make yourself comfortable. Your dragon will be given space and monitored for any needs."
Jasmine studied him carefully, still struggling to process the reality of this place. Her voice came out a little breathless, the shock still evident. "Captain Nolan… your people appeared from nowhere. That airship, those sleek metal birds… I have never seen anything like them. Where did you come from? And why are you here, building so openly in this valley?" Nolan gestured to a nearby console where a smaller holo display showed a simplified map of the region. "We came here by accident. Our ship was damaged during an experimental transit that brought us to this world—Terra, as we call it. We had no choice but to establish a base for survival and repair. We mean no harm to anyone already living here. In fact, we hope to learn from the native peoples and live alongside them in peace."
He paused, glancing at Verdant through the large windows with open curiosity. "Your dragon is magnificent. I've never seen anything like him. Is he bonded to you? How long have your people worked with such creatures?" Jasmine felt a small measure of pride cut through her lingering shock, though her hands still trembled slightly as she answered. This was the first time she had ever explained the bond to an outsider, and the words felt both intimate and vulnerable, "Verdant and I have been bonded since I was a child. He is a lesser forest dragon, one of the ancient guardians of the western woods. We share thoughts and feelings—emotions, intentions, even fragments of memory. He chose me as much as I chose him. It is not something we 'work with'… it is a partnership of equals, forged in trust and the ancient mana traditions of my people."
Nolan's eyes lit with genuine surprise and interest, clearly hearing about such a bond for the first time. "Fascinating. We have nothing like that in our own history. It must be an incredible partnership—one that goes far deeper than any alliance or training we know. We would be honored to learn more about your people and your ways—if you are willing. We are strangers here, and we want to do this right. No conquest. No domination. Just… coexistence, if possible."
Jasmine studied him for a long moment, searching for any sign of deceit beneath the calm exterior. She found none—only honest curiosity and careful restraint. The command center hummed around them, screens showing the vast scope of their operations, yet Nolan spoke as if the power at his command was secondary to the need for understanding. Despite her flustered state, a fragile spark of hope flickered in her chest.
She took a slow breath, the weight of her people's future pressing on her shoulders. "My fleet carries hundreds of refugees from Rothgard. We seek safe passage and a place to rebuild. If your words are true, Captain Nolan, then perhaps there is room for all of us on this world." Nolan nodded, his expression steady. "Then let us talk. Ali will help with translation where needed. We have much to learn from each other." Outside, Verdant watched the valley with quiet vigilance, while inside the command center, the first careful steps toward understanding continued.
The green watched from the ridge.
The strangers built in the meadow.
Two worlds had begun to speak.