Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided
Chapter 120. Systems Director Sandria Meinhardt of Zeigerlich

“Knights, on your knees. We do not intend to take your lives if you surrender promptly,” Zetius declared coldly.

The three knights huddled by the left wall, hands raised. Nearby, Friederich kicked their weapons further away.

The main control room was spacious, filled with HUD screens showing various parameters and the cruiser’s current course towards its destination — Ironhearth, the heart of the Dunkelheit Empire.

The main bridge was located a floor above, like a mezzanine, providing a commanding view of the flight operations below. Nearly twenty pale faces froze in place, too terrified to react. They wore navy jumpsuits, not unlike those Jack used to wear.

These people had never known real violence. For them, the enemy had always been just a marker on a screen. Judging by their stunned expressions, no enemy had ever made it this far into the command centre.

That changed today, with Ziyue, Zetius, Friederich, and Princess Aurelia herself standing before them, armed and unyielding. They exuded quiet intimidation, without a single word.

Cubie zipped about the room, observing reactions like a hovering drone.

Aurelia stepped forward with quiet dignity, hands clasped before her. There was regal modesty in her every movement.

“People of Dunkelheit, battlecruiser officers and operators, I stand before you today not as your enemy, despite your commander Rhok Wagner’s attempt to capture and imprison me in Ironhearth,” she declared, sweeping her gaze across the room.

People exchanged uncertain looks.

Zetius and Friederich stood on either side of her. Aurelia offered a reassuring smile before continuing.

“We are Solis Aeternum. As you may know, we did not seek war. With that, I assure you, your safety is guaranteed, regardless of your current alliance. Whether you are with Dunkelheit, neutral, or even against us. I offer an option to stand with us.”

Suddenly, a female officer stood up. Her golden name tag marked her as a high-ranking officer. Her dark hair was styled in a crown braid, and her slightly sunken face matched her underweight frame.

“With you? What~what do you mean?” she asked, incredulous. The rest of the crew nodded in agreement, demanding clarity.

Aurelia met her gaze. “We ask for your cooperation in turning this cruiser back to Solis Aeternum. The war between the two great empires is over, with the fall of Astral Empress Nohrell Voss Fenrith. There is no need for further conflict.”

Zetius followed with firm conviction. “This war is no longer worth your lives. Dunkelheit is fractured. Its factions are fighting for personal gain. The people of all nations are being robbed of their livelihoods to feed the greed of power-hungry platinum knights at your expense.”

Murmurs rippled through the room. Their eyes, weary and strained, revealed their agreement. Exhaustion and hopelessness hung thick in the air.

Their expressions made it clear. They no longer wished to fight a war without end.

“As the princess of Solis Aeternum, I, Aurelia Sol Solara, vow safe passage for you and your families to our homeland. In return, I ask for your full cooperation,” Aurelia said, her voice unwavering.

The crew listened intently, visibly moved.

Friederich stepped forward. “The princess’s word is her bond. If anyone disagrees, step forward now. You will be treated as prisoners of war and transported to a destination of your choice after we reach Solis Aeternum.”

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A brief silence followed before a short, elderly man stepped aside.

“I’ll never join another nation. I’ll die with Dunkelheit!” he declared with a salute, then allowed himself to be escorted away.

Aurelia nodded in respect. Some ideologies ran deep. Stubbornness was something she understood.

“So be it. You’ll be treated accordingly. No harm will come to you. You have my word.”

“C~Can I join you too?” a silver knight asked. Two bronze knights beside him nodded eagerly.

Ziyue, leaning casually against the wall, cast them a piercing glare, surprised by the shift.

It’s as if Aurelia’s words were enchanted. How did she change their hearts with mere words? Or did she just know exactly what they longed for? Ziyue wondered, tapping her cheek.

“Yes,” Aurelia replied. “Once your allegiance to Dunkelheit is severed, you’ll be free to join Solis Aeternum. For now, you’ll be held in custody — but safely.”

“T~That’s fine... better than a kick to the face,” the silver knight quipped, only to flinch as Ziyue shot him a warning glare.

“~Sorry!” he muttered quickly, eyes downcast.

Gasps and murmurs followed. The crew began to believe in Aurelia’s noble cause.

“The princess pardons even the knights?”

“Then her promise must be real, right?”

“What other choice do we have? It’s freedom or war. I want my daughter to sleep peacefully again!”

Chatter swelled as the atmosphere lightened. Colour returned to their faces.

Aurelia pointed to the woman with the crown braid. “You. Are you the commanding director of this cruiser?”

The stoic woman nodded and stepped forward. “Yes. I’m Systems Director Sandria Meinhardt of the Zeigerlich battlecruiser.”

A female navigator whispered hesitantly to Sandria, “Are we really going to defect? Are we really going to abandon our duty?”

Sandria exhaled before replying, “Our platinum knight defeated, the main control room stormed. What other choice do I have?” she muttered.

She swept her eyes across her subordinates. Each gave her a reassuring nod. They had been through thick and thin together, and they trusted her — perhaps even more than the knight.

“I’m here to make sure you, you, you, all of you,” Sandria said, pointing one by one. “Safe.”

“...We followed orders, gave everything and yet here we are. My duty isn't to a dying empire. It's for my crew. I value all your lives more than anything. I’ve seen enough wars. Too many cruisers gone up in flames. Not today!” She raised her fist into the air.

“Not today!” another officer echoed.

“Not today!” all of them shouted in unison.

Sandria turned toward Aurelia, her sharp features illuminated by the blue glow. “Princess Aurelia of Solis Aeternum, I ask you this — will you honour your bargain?”

Aurelia nodded calmly, her voice absolute. “I swear on my life and my family. Turn this cruiser around, and you will be relieved of this tiresome war and welcomed with open arms by Solis Aeternum.”

Sandria nodded a few times. She turned to look at her navigator and then to her subordinates. “Any objections?”

All of them shook their heads. Their exhausted souls and broken hearts had already glimpsed the light of a new dawn. And they trusted Sandria to make the right judgement for them.

“Please step forth to the helm, Systems Director Sandria Meinhardt,” Aurelia said respectfully.

Sandria moved from her post, her movements precise and robotic, climbed the stairs to the mezzanine floor, and stood beside Aurelia.

After exchanging a respectful nod, she took her place at the helm, just as her title implied.

“Zeigerlich crew, let’s get started!” she barked, issuing orders.

“Run analysis. I need two routes, the shortest and the safest. We must avoid conflict at all costs. The princess’s safety is our top priority. She is our ticket to freedom!”

With swift precision, the crew moved in unison. Her authority was undeniable, and her presence ran the bridge like clockwork.

Friederich kept watch, scrutinising every action to ensure their course was true and that they’d reach home safely.

Meanwhile, the assassin mage, Ziyue, escorted the stubborn old man and the three knights to a makeshift holding quarter, locking them in. A few clerks were assigned to provide water and meals as needed.

As Aurelia was leaving, she quietly took Zetius by the wrist. Cubie followed close behind, ever loyal. The automatic door slid shut behind them.