The three reconnaissance aircraft launched from the satellite appeared to be observing the mock battle between Vulcan and the Skylark squad from a safe distance.
The engagement was clearly nearing its end, with the Skylark squad on the verge of defeat.
Vulcan had taken twenty-three direct hits so far, while only four units remained in the Skylark squad. With their numbers so depleted, the squad was at an insurmountable disadvantage. The outcome was all but decided.
"Laojun, is it possible to reach Hale using the Doppel?"
Jin had decided that an automata would be more appropriate than a golem for negotiating with the reconnaissance craft.
『Yes, I believe that would be best.』
"Alright. Reiko, will you go as well?"
"I understand."
Under normal circumstances, Reiko would almost never leave Jin’s side, but this was an exception: Jin remained safe on Hourai Island while she protected his Body Double.
"Laojun, please look after Father."
『Have a safe trip, Reiko.』
And so, Jin’s Doppel and Reiko boarded Pegasus 1 and set off toward the planet Hale.
They first arrived at the simple relay base, then used a Warp Gate to reach Vulcan.
Pegasus 1 emerged into a cargo warehouse and slowly navigated its way out. Once in open space, it accelerated rapidly toward the reconnaissance aircraft.
They bled off as much speed as possible as they drew near, careful not to cause any unnecessary provocation. Then, timing it for when they were most likely being watched, they waved through the window.
No. 700672 had already confirmed that this gesture did not signify hostile intent. Pegasus 1 continued its slow, cautious approach.
"Laojun, do you think this will work?" Jin asked, his voice tinged with anxiety. In a sense, this was his first contact with an alien race.
『My Lord, I have run numerous simulations of their potential reactions based on the information provided by No. 700672 and Testa.』
Laojun’s reassurance helped Jin calm down a little.
"Hmm... those reconnaissance craft aren't reacting at all."
『It is possible they are simply not designed for such interactions.』
"I suppose that's true."
Jin reminded himself once again that patience was key.
"No response yet."
"No, Father."
Inside Pegasus 1, Jin’s Body Double—Jin D—and Reiko continued to wave.
"Perhaps they are also having difficulty deciding how to perceive us," Reiko suggested.
"Probably."
Pegasus 1 continued to drift slowly toward the reconnaissance aircraft. The craft showed no sign of retreating, suggesting they weren't particularly on guard.
"Alright, this is the moment of truth."
The distance between Pegasus 1 and the aircraft closed to about thirty meters. The visual sensors on the reconnaissance craft should have been picking up Pegasus 1, Jin D, and Reiko by now.
"There has to be some kind of reaction. They won't just leave it like this."
Jin and the others believed that if these people were seeking entertainment, they would respond to a visit like this, not just to a space battle.
"But if they’re the ultimate shut-ins..."
The thought crossed Jin’s mind, but he immediately dismissed it. If they were that reclusive, they would have withdrawn their craft the moment the battle ended.
"They are likely debating how to handle us," Reiko said.
"Most likely."
It wasn't hard to imagine if he put himself in their shoes. A space battle happens right outside your home, and then some unknown entities approach while waving. Accepting that immediately would be a tall order for anyone.
"Even so, we must have piqued their interest."
The entire operation was predicated on the idea that they wouldn't simply ignore those who had brought a spark of novelty to their tedious lives.
More time passed. Laojun had long since taken over control of Jin D. It was already the middle of the night on Hourai Island. After a firm reminder from Laojun, Jin had finally gone to sleep.
The date turned to the 8th. Fifteen hours had passed since Pegasus 1 made its initial approach.
Then, a reaction finally occurred.
"Oh, something else is coming out."
While the reconnaissance aircraft remained in place, a single projectile emerged from the satellite.
"...A golem?"
It was humanoid in shape and flying straight toward Pegasus 1. By now, the mock battle between Vulcan and the Skylark squad was long over, and the surrounding space was silent.
The golem came to a halt about three meters from Pegasus 1. Since it lacked any visible thrusters or rocket engines, Jin assumed it was equipped with a propulsion system like a force generator.
Looking at it closely, the unit bore a passing resemblance to Helente. It was likely a standard Hale-made model.
Jin D and Reiko waved through the window again. That seemed to be the deciding factor.
The golem moved forward once more, slowly... almost as if swimming through the vacuum, until it gently touched the hull of Pegasus 1.
〔Can you hear me? If you can, please wave your hand.〕
The golem’s voice vibrated through the hull. Following the instruction, Jin D and Reiko waved once.
〔Good. Communication is possible....Did you come from Ars? If so, wave.〕
Jin D and Reiko waved.
〔I see....I wish to know the purpose of your visit. Do you harbor any hostile intent toward us? If not, wave.〕
The two waved again in response.
〔That is fortunate....Do you wish for an audience with my Master? If so, wave.〕
Without hesitation, Jin D and Reiko waved.
〔Understood. I shall arrange a meeting....Follow me.〕
With that, the golem turned and headed back toward the satellite. Pegasus 1 followed slowly behind.
The golem looked back once to ensure Pegasus 1 was keeping up, then picked up speed. As they neared the satellite, a large hatch opened. The golem looked back and beckoned them inside. Jin knew from his discussions with No. 700672 and Testa that this specific gesture was indeed a beckoning sign.
Inside the hatch was a cavernous, hall-like space that Pegasus 1 could enter with ease. Once they were inside, the golem touched the ship's hull again.
〔I am closing the hatch now.〕
Immediately after, the hatch slid shut, and the sound of the hall being pressurized with air echoed through the ship.
〔This is an airlock....Can you hear my voice?〕
Now that the area was pressurized, the golem’s voice could be heard directly without needing to vibrate through the hull.
〔78 percent nitrogen, 20 percent oxygen. The air is breathable.〕
As the golem explained the conditions, Jin D and Reiko confirmed the air composition with their onboard sensors. Seeing no issues, they prepared to step outside.