Footsteps beat against the grass as soldiers marched in quick step with one another. Despite their military uniforms, these were no ordinary soldiers. Their uniforms had been updated, form fitting and rigid outfits giving way to more flexible and breathable clothes. They looked more akin to a cross between martial arts uniforms and soldiers' attire, and each man and women wearing them fit the description.
Heavy packs were strapped to their backs, and weights were in each of their hands. None of them showed signs of struggling however, which was fortunate as they were far from being finished for the day.
"Company halt!" The column of soldiers came to an abrupt stop, standing rigidly as they awaited their next command. "Left face! Forward march, three paces!"
The soldiers turned and took three steps forwards, off the track that they had been walking and standing to face an open and empty field.
"Company remove secondary weights!" The soldiers bent down and placed the weights from their hands on the ground swiftly before returning to their standing position. Their weighted backpacks remained on. "First rank, digging march!"
The first line of soldiers bent their knees and with alternating hands began to knife into the dirt as they stepped forwards. Step after step they knifed and began forming small lines in the dirt, swiftly followed by the second line, then the third, until every soldier was cutting a line across the field.
From the side, Petra watched along with an unreadable expression. The farmers by her side however, were quickly pleased with the rapidly prepared new field for them to plant their crops. There was some more work that would need to be done, but it was still record speed progress for most of them, and they were thankful for the work.
"Team leader Kirstein, take over. Have the troops move to meditation after they've finished ploughing the field."
"Yes commander!" Jean snapped a sharp salute and moved to follow the soldiers, barking orders at those who seemed like they weren't going fast enough. Petra took the moment to reflect on her new title.
Commander.
Now a section commander, she was one of the higher ranking officers in the Eldian Military. A woman who commanded hundreds of soldiers thanks to the swelling ranks of the unified army. The number of Ki personnel was growing too, but they were limited by numbers of trainers. Over the last year they had sped up further, but training individuals in Ki took a great deal of time and effort.
She walked and talked with the farmers, going through rehearsed and repeated discussions about lands to be prepared next and how long would be needed. But she had done these discussions so many times before that she was paying only the slightest attention to them as she instead watched and sensed the various soldiers at work.
Not only was there this company, another was completing drills some ways away, and others were spread out across the plains. Eld was leading one, Levi another. A few others were being led by some other officers, though none she was as close to. And then of course, there was Gohan.
He was currently leading a small team in some of the more advanced training techniques. Even so, she knew he wasn't at all distracted when she heard his voice.
'I was thinking we could try that restaurant near the river. The one that does the live music on that stage?'
His telepathy had grown vastly more powerful with practice, and he had in turn taught her.
'I remember it. Nice place. But they only do small portions there, you'll be hungry.'
'I can eat beforehand, I won't be too bad in that case.'
Petra smiled inwardly. No matter how much that man ate, his stomach was an endless pit. Still, she appreciated the gesture. It was nice of him to try and make things a little more special for the party tonight.
"Um, miss Ral?"
Petra turned her attention back to the farmers, realising she had missed something that had been asked. Her ability to multitask with her powers was not as good as Gohan's unsurprisingly.
"My apologies, can you repeat that?"
"I was saying that the crops from the farms around Shiganshina should be more than sufficient to feed the outlying villages. May I ask why we are still producing so much food?"
"You aren't about to complain about free food are you?"
The man chuckled nervously. "Of course not ma'am."
"Then there's nothing to worry about. The food will be stored safely until the arrival, whereupon the villages will be occupied. Consider these farms as precautions."
"But I'm wondering, just how many people will we be taking on in these villages? Is it surely that many?"
Petra didn't answer, leaving the man to wonder about the number to himself. Whatever number he came up with would likely be as accurate as any she could give. When the villages were filled with people, it was a wild guess as to how many people were actually going to be in them. Estimates had been high, and precautions had been higher, but it would be some time before they had a definite answer.
Quite some time, and yet so soon as well.
"Continue to ensure that the village stockpiles are maintained, and the farms continue to grow and expand. We can't be too careful now can we?"
"No ma'am, of course not ma'am."
The farmer thanked her for her time and moved off to organise with his companions. Really, the planning and preparation of harvests and food stockpiles should not have been her duty normally. However, as a military objective, such a thing did in this case.
Overhead passed by a handful of shadows, soldiers soaring by before a much larger object followed them. The roar of an airplane's engine echoed through the air, drawing the occasional eyes and ears from those who still weren't used to their presence. Planes were still a new concept for many, and test flights were still ongoing for the Eldian Airforce, but they provided a valuable asset.
A majority of the growing fleet came from armoured airships, but bombers and transport planes had their place in the force as well. This one was simply a newly commissioned craft being tested. Bombs may have seemed redundant compared to the power of Ki, but not everyone could afford to be trained enough to be a strong fighter, nor be able to maintain the level of fitness it required.
'Another one of your planes is in the air. You and Armin must be proud.'
'It's mostly Armin these days, I don't have to do much at the factory.'
An understatement of the year if it wasn't the fact that Gohan constantly spoke in such a manner. Gohan was still a massive source of innovation and invention and he knew it, even if Armin had proven himself extraordinarily capable there.
'Well tell him congratulations for me.'
'I will.'
"The latest bomber is flying well, Petra says congratulations."
Armin muttered a thanks in response but didn't look up from the blueprints he was staring at. He'd been doing so for hours, trying to come up with improvements to the engine layout with little progress.
Gohan sighed as he reached out and slowly pulled the papers out from under Armin's eyes. That finally managed to snap the man's attention back to Gohan, and the bags under his eyes were clearly visible.
"Armin, you need sleep."
He sighed, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his eyes. "I know. It's annoying that I can't solve this weight issue. I don't want to have to counterbalance or run something so inefficient, but I think it's set in stone."
Gohan understood the frustration, he himself had spent a great deal of time scouring over his inventions for ways to improve them. His knowledge had proven a boon to their initial technological leap, but such knowledge had been several years old before he could apply it. There was also the small matter than despite how advanced his education had been, he had still been a child when he arrived in this world.
"Let's take a break, tour the factory. Then maybe you'll go home after?"
Armin sighed deeply, clearly not wanting to give it up but knowing he should. "Fine, let's go." He stood and grabbed his jacket. "Any new issues?"
"Production is meeting quotas, though we're starting to expect shortages in the mines. Not a lack of resources, it's access. Reports say that demolition may risk a collapse. I'll task some people with Ki to beam us some new passages."
Technically, Gohan should probably have gone for approval before he did that. But in spite of Gohan and Armin not officially being leads at the factory, the two could effectively act like it. Since taking a lead on the invention of new technologies and combining his knowledge with what was discovered to have been kept secret, Gohan and Armin had been working in concert to develop as much as possible.
Though they both reported to superiors, they had become unofficial leads after running a continued smooth operation, only slowed down by the need to run through levels of oversight. They weren't free of oversight of course, but they had been granted a lot of leeway and trust.
Armin and Gohan wandered through the factory floor, a large structure that had been built towards the outskirts of what had once been Wall Maria. Train line's ran from the factory through to each part of the nation, and especially the mines. Large amounts of resources were being brought in every day, and a large array of products sent right out of the door for distribution.
Machinery for farming, medical implements, lights, radios, tools, the factory was a monolithic structure that made anything and everything. With Gohan and Armin leading the way, they had become the largest single structure in the nation, dwarfing even the royal palace and it's complex of supporting buildings. It had also become one of the largest employers in the land. Countless numbers of people were working directly in, or in support of, the factory.
Men and women alike working tirelessly to advance their nation in record time. The conditions were good too. Gohan had no need for vast fortunes, and so he kept wages well paid, operated an efficient but continuous shift system, and accidents were few. This had caused some issues with the nation's economy, but Historia had worked out some kind of government subsidy to support those who had struggled otherwise.
All across the nation, the standard of living was skyrocketing in line with the population. People had more food, more money, and for those who learned to control their Ki, more abilities. One of the biggest improvements to life resided within the factory itself, as Gohan eyed the massive generator that hummed away.
The nation didn't fully have electricity yet, but electrical lines had been spread to each of the major districts, with additional generators being placed later to provide electricity further out. Expanded plumbing systems had led to hot water becoming available for many places, and his refrigerator prototypes were almost ready for mass production and use.
It was in Gohan's opinion, a good start. He may not be able to jump this nation up to his world's technology level, but he could certainly improve their lives a great deal. His only regret was that he couldn't grow senzu beans in this world.
Armin had at first been impressed with how quickly they had advanced, but Gohan had noticed a change in him over the last year. He had become more impatient, eager to advance faster and faster. He had discussed it with Armin at length and had found out just why the man was pushing himself so hard.
"It's all I can do." He had said, during one late night where the two had stayed up talking. "Ki will change the world, the battlefield especially. If I can do anything, it's invent. The world outside has had a hundred years to advance beyond us, we need to close the gap and surpass them in a fraction of that time. You, Eren, Jean, the others, their place is on the frontlines. Mine is here, and this is my fight."
He respected Armin deeply. Few had shown the same level of drive and commitment as he had, but Gohan had been forced to step in a few times when he was pushing himself too far. One such time, was looking like it might be tonight.
"Remember that you need to be home and changed in time so that you can be at the party."
Armin nodded distractedly, taking a few seconds to process what he had said before abruptly ripping out his pocket watch and checking the time.
"Damn it, I totally forgot. I still have to review a few more project plans before the end of the night… can you pick me up later?"
Gohan shook his head. "I'm not helping you skip travel time so you can work late, your reviews can wait until tomorrow."
Armin looked like he wanted to complain, but a firm look from Gohan had him wilting. Gohan had gotten him to promise to take things a little easier, and he wasn't going to give Armin an inch to fall back into bad habits.
"Okay… I'll do a tour of the factory and then head home to get dressed. Did you pick a place?"
"The restaurant by the river. They have live music on the stage?"
"I remember. I'll be there."
Gohan believed him, and smiled at the progress he was making.
"Will you be there? Fully, I mean."
Gohan grimaced. "I'm not sure. Historia is pretty busy so I might have to work late there, but I'll be finished at the training yards definitely. And here of course."
Armin nodded in muted disbelief. "Even after all this time I don't understand how you can use the multi-form technique in four different places for so long."
"It… takes practice."
Gohan watched the throne room with a somewhat apathetic expression. He shouldn't, he should be looking more attentive, but he just couldn't help it. Some of these complaints were so… small.
"Your highness I must insist, the government must come to a resolution! Do we go with the red cover for the new order of laws, or the continued black cover?"
Queen Historia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose at the man before her. One of a small group, he had come as part of a collective that had raised concerns about the re-colouring of the book of laws that was being updated following the removal of the walls.
Whilst a necessary part due to the re-defining of districts and how the law recognised specific sets of land, the argument about the colour of the book was not one of them.
"The new book colour was decided a week ago, and I see no reason why it should be changed back to the black colour, nor why it should be raised as an issue."
"But your highness, the black colour of the book cover has always been the tradition of past volumes. Changing the colour would be representative of a rejection of the legal traditions. I must protest, black is the colour that must be chosen!"
Perhaps it was not very queen like to openly roll her eyes at the man, but he had come to her several times with the same complaint for the past few days and she was sick of it.
"The Justice Department's decision is final and will not be revoked. If you return with this complaint again you will be charged with wasting important public hearing time."
The man blustered, wanting to complain again before two guards quickly dragged him and pulled him away. The small column of people who had been waiting for their turn sighed in relief as he was finally removed. The next man stepped forwards in priestly robes and cleared his throat.
"Father Paul Fehr of the Church your royal highness." The man gave a low bow. "I come to you with a matter that has been of concern for many of our members. As many prepare for the day of the arrival, some have been of the opinion that the day may present a risk to our government and way of life."
"The risks to our security are minimal, as has been previously discussed. Please, explain more about these concerns."
"Of course your highness, however these concerns are not of the event itself, but rather that there may be concerns over your future legacy. That of… your lack of children." A small tension rose in the room, one that definitely woke Gohan up and had him eying Historia for her reaction. Despite his concerns, she handled it well and showed no outward signs of frustration or anger.
Though he knew she likely felt it.
"I am well aware of the church's questioning of my legacy, and they have already been provided with details about my plan of succession."
"Ah yes, the um… adoption…" Though nothing had been planned, Historia had outlined that she would adopt a child within a few years of her crowning and raise a child with her wife to be the Crown Princess. Though this had settled some concerns, the response had been mixed. "The church has worked hard and put together a proposed solution to assuage all concerns if your highness wishes to hear?"
Historia's eye twitched. "I'm listening."
"The church has proposed that the strongest and most magical union would solidify your rule for all time. That would be the birthing of a child from the Queen and the saviour of Paradis."
"E-… excuse me?" Historia said the words as Gohan was utterly flabbergasted at the sheer gall of the man. In spite of the Queens obvious anger, the man continued. Picking up speed as he seemed to grow excited at the idea.
"It would be the perfect way to ensure the future of our people! One born of royal blood and furthering the Saiyan heritage to create a warrior without peer! With the prolonged lifespan of a Saiyan and their enhanced biology, the royal bloodline would be safe from all those who would deem them harm. I understand that of course your highness has certain… leanings towards the same sex, but I am sure that for the sake of our nation you would be willing to perform your necessary duties. Not to mention that the two of you seem like quite good companions, so it just makes sense really."
The throne chair creaked as Historia's hands gripped the sides in anger. The physical expression the only obvious sign of her otherwise hidden fury.
"Father Paul, I really must commend you on the sheer courage you must have to make such a proposal to me." The man seemed to realise what he had done as he tried to shrink in on himself. "I should dare say that you are very fortunate that my wife is not present today to hear such a request. Nor is the partner of the saviour that you suggested. The church may keep its 'suggestions' to itself, and they will not be brought to myself in such a manner again. Such words are disrespectful to the saviour of Paradis and to your Queen. Remove this man from the premises immediately!"
Two guards grabbed the man and dragged him out, with even more anger in their actions than the annoying book cover man. The doors slammed shut as he was pulled away, leaving a small column of nervous people who had been next to raise their issues. The man at the front looked hesitant to step forwards, and Historia held up a hand.
"My apologies, but please grant us a five minutes break before we resume."
The people looked happy to do so and were led out by some attendants. Historia waited until they were out and the doors shut before she slumped in her chair and groaned.
"They really don't ever stop do they? But really, openly suggesting I cheat on my wife and on Petra to give me a baby? That's a new level of boldness."
"They have to be bold your highness, the church has lost a great deal of influence since Gohan's actions at Trost." Marco stepped up to the throne and handed her a small glass of wine.
Whilst it wasn't technically his duty as captain of her guard, he was always ready to support her in anything she needed. She accepted the glass and drank it carefully, savouring the taste. Though she wasn't much of a drinker, she had found a taste for certain wines. One advantage of being Queen was that every meal and drink was delicious.
"Thank you Marco. Sometimes I don't know how much of this I can take. At least it's almost over."
"Five more people your highness, then you have your meeting with Premier Pixis and Commander Smith."
"Oh right, that." Historia looked over at Gohan. "Give me the short version. Are we ready for the arrival?"
"On our end at least, certainly. On the other, I think we'll be okay."
"Think? This is a big gamble for 'think'."
"It's a question of scale, and how many will be willing to make the journey." Gohan held out hope that it would be a lot, but he understood that not everyone would be willing to do it.
Historia sighed with a furrowed brow. "I suppose all we can do is wait then. One week to go and then we will find out. Moving on, the party is tonight right? Give them my best and let them know if there's anything they need I will be happy to help."
Gohan nodded. "I think they'll be very happy to hear that."
As the hours went by and the sun dipped low, three forms of Gohan flew to a unison in the sky. They flashed back into one body and descended slowly, landing in an alley out of view before sneaking through the street. When he arrived at the restaurant, he breathed a sigh of relief that he hadn't been seen by anyone on the street.
Now that he was known by every person on Paradis Island, it was a little hard to move around without attracting a lot of attention. Fortunately, he had managed to avoid it this time, and walked into the restaurant to see the happy crowd of people. A banner had been hung up over the smiling faces, people laughing and cheering.
CONGRATULATIONS CARLA!
At the end of the table, Mrs Jaeger sat in her wheelchair with a hand over her belly and a smiling Hannes by her side. She wasn't fully showing yet, but a doctor had confirmed that she was pregnant again. Eren was sat nearby as well, a nervous smile on his face. Learning of his mothers new… relationship had been an adjustment for Eren, learning that he was going to have another sibling was a much greater one.
Though he was excited, he was also clearly a mix of many emotions. Thankfully Mikasa was by his side to steady him, having openly linked arms with him. There had been no big announcement of their relationship, it had eventually just trickled out as people figured out the way they snuck looks at each other or held hands when they didn't think people were looking. When enough people had figured it out, they had stopped hiding, particularly when Petra had given Mikasa a big congratulatory hug from it. Petra had insisted that she take Mikasa for a girls night out in celebration, much to her embarrassment.
"Gohan! Glad you could make it." Hannes shook his hand with a big smile, pulling out a chair for him next to Petra, who greeted him with a quick kiss. "You're later than Armin, I almost thought you weren't coming."
"Sorry, I had some last-minute work that I got distracted with." He wasn't lying. A frustrating combination of his military work, factory inventions, and royal delegation support had all struck at the same time. "Queen Historia gives her best wishes, and an open invitation if you need anything."
"She's very kind." Carla said, smiling dreamily even as she patted her belly.
"Have you any idea if they'll be a girl or a boy?" Petra leaned into her with a curious smile. Petra had been surprisingly giddy when hearing about the news, though she hid it well at work.
Carla shook her head. "When I was pregnant with Eren, I felt like he would be a boy. Grisha was sure he was going to be a girl though. This one… I guess we'll wait and see."
"I think she'll be a girl." Hannes grinned, reaching out to pat Carla's belly as well. "A little girl to carry around will be very cute. What do you think Mikasa? You can be a big sister to a little girl."
"I'd like that." Mikasa smiled, a genuine one. In spite of her own suffering, she had come to accept her loss and would enjoy being able to help raise a little sister.
Petra shimmied next to Gohan. "So… does this give you any ideas?"
He paused, looking at her in confusion. "I don't understand."
She grinned like a cat at him. "We'll talk later."
Gohan nodded along, smiling even as his thoughts were a muddled mix. Deciphering what Petra was referring to and being bombarded with a set of thoughts from his remaining copy.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts back, focusing on the party instead. They had only a small time left before the arrival. A small time left before the world changed again.
Gohan walked down the street and hopped between shadows. Though few knew him here, being out after curfew would get him in trouble regardless. With his senses and speed, dodging past the patrolling soldiers was fairly simple. He took his time however, he was in no rush.
When he strolled up to the door of the house, he did so looking like any other man. Any other man, wandering to a house that looked like any other. He rapped on the door with a rhythmic knock and was greeted by fearful eyes on the other side, eyes that gave way to sudden relief as they recognised him.
"You're here! I-I said you would come, the others… they weren't sure, but they're here, ready to meet you."
The door opened wide and Gohan stepped inside past the woman, knowing that there were no prying eyes to see him. The inside was as any other house, save for the secret passage that the woman inside quickly opened. A makeshift staircase led down to the basement where a small gathering of people looked at him in slight awe.
They knew him. Or at least, knew of his tale. But they had still known his face. A face that had appeared to them all in a vision just two years ago. A vision where he had sworn to protect them. And now here he was.
"Hello there, my name is Son Gohan. I hear you all want to leave Marley?"