"Let's see... like this, maybe?"
The clock turned back to October 10, 3459. Jin was in his workshop on Hourai Island, busy constructing Pegasus 2.
"I’ve forgotten exactly how the fine details were laid out... Oh well."
He had decided to be defiant about it. If the world truly possessed a corrective force, then as long as he followed his whims, the same machine would surely manifest in the end.
"Dear... how is it going?"
"My Lord, how are the repairs progressing?"
"Dah!"
"Abuu!"
Elsa arrived at the workshop carrying Yuu, accompanied by Anne, who was holding Mio.
"Well, things are going smoothly."
Before Jin stood a skeletal frame made of 64 light silver, gleaming with a metallic luster.
"Once I've meticulously applied Toughening to this, I'll install the Magi Machines—starting with the engine—finish the interior, and finally attach the outer panels. That'll be it."
"It's... quite different from 1."
"Yeah. This one is superior in every possible way."
Jin mentioned that once it was finished, he planned to build a Hourai Island Museum and put Pegasus 1 on display there.
"Oh, that sounds like a lovely idea."
For the location, Jin was considering excavating a space deep beneath the island. An underground facility would serve better as a long-term storage vault.
"Ah, but I'll have to make sure the ceiling can open, or moving things in and out will be a massive pain."
My Lord, I believe it would be quite simple if you utilized the transporters, Laojun advised.
"Ah, right. I could just do that."
Even as he spoke, Jin’s hands never stopped, adding reinforcements to the frame. He had opted against a monocoque structure. While such a design would save weight, it carried the disadvantage that if one section was compromised, the structural integrity of the entire craft would plummet.
(Besides, the one I saw wasn't monocoque either.)
The deciding factor was the simple fact that the Pegasus 2 he had ridden in "the future" had not used a monocoque structure.
"When will it be ready?"
"I should have it finished by the end of the day. Once it is, let's all go on a sightseeing flight."
"Everyone? Even Yuu and Mio?"
"Of course. The cabin maintains a constant air pressure, and since the main engine is a force generator, there won't be any acceleration Gs to worry about."
"Mm. Then... it's okay."
Elsa had worried that subjecting infants like Yuu and Mio to high G-forces would be out of the question, but she was relieved to find that Jin had already accounted for their safety.
For the next thirty minutes, Elsa and Anne stayed in the workshop with the twins, watching Jin work. However, once the babies began to get fussy, Elsa spoke up.
"Don't push yourself too hard, dear."
With those parting words, she retreated back toward the House.
Jin continued his assembly work long after they left. Eventually, he set down his tools.
"Alright. Done."
At last, Pegasus 2 was complete.
"Father, what are your instructions regarding the test flight?" Reiko asked.
Jin looked out the window and stretched. "Let's see... It's already getting dark outside. Let's save it for tomorrow."
With that, he headed back home.
The following morning.
"Father, it was a complete success!"
Reiko had headed out for the test flight the moment dawn broke. Now, she had returned.
"I made a full orbit around the moon, Uni."
"Excellent!"
Eventually, the version of Jin from the past—or perhaps the future—would travel to the moon, Uni, in this very Pegasus 2. Jin was thoroughly satisfied with the result.
However, one question remained.
"The Pegasus 2 I rode back then looked brand new..."
Two explanations immediately came to mind.
The first was that the one he had seen was a replica. In other words, Jin might have built two Pegasus 2 units, entrusting one to No. 700672.
The other possibility was that he would entrust this specific unit to No. 700672 and simply continue using Pegasus 1 himself in the meantime.
"Either theory holds water... In that case..."
Rather than building an exact duplicate, Jin decided he would rather design an entirely new model for his next craft.
"First, I have to go ask No. 700672 to look after this one."
After breakfast, Jin informed Elsa of his plans and departed for the northern lands via a Warp Gate, accompanied by Reiko.
"Oh, Jin-dono. It has been some time."
"My apologies for the long absence."
"What brings you here this day?"
Jin handed over a gift of Persica juice to Neige before turning back to No. 700672.
"Actually, there's something..."
Jin explained the circumstances.
"I see... In approximately four hundred years, a version of Jin-dono will appear and require this 'Pegasus 2.' Thus, you wish for me to keep it in my custody."
"Yes, that's it. What do you say?"
No. 700672 nodded.
"It matters not. I possess a body unburdened by a lifespan. I shall accept this charge."
"Thank you so much!"
"Besides, I am curious to see what manner of machine you have crafted, Jin-dono."
After a storage location was decided upon, Jin sent the craft through using a transporter.
"Hoh, so this is Pegasus 2. Fascinating. It is truly a work worthy of your name."
"...I'm sorry to put this on you, but please take care of it for the next four hundred years."
"Umu. I have accepted the task."
"Alright, now to build one for our own use!"
Back on Hourai Island, Jin felt a fresh surge of motivation.
"Eh? Another one?" Elsa asked, looking puzzled.
"That one was for my future self. This time, I'm going to build a 'family' model."
"A family model..."
"Exactly. A craft that's even safer, so Yuu and Mio can ride along comfortably. Let's see... I think I'll call it 'Taube,' after the word for pigeon."
"Taube..."
"Just wait, you're going to love it!"
This Jin did not yet know. That the version of himself four hundred years in the future was also building a blow floater named Taube...