Other Side of the Raid

Connections (Part 2)

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📻 BBN Transmission Log

World: Post-Comet Earth
BBN Podcast: Latest Character Interview

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Previously on “The Other Side of the Raid”

Chapter 4, Part 1: Connections

The morning after her interdimensional adventures, Aria discovers an unexpected side effect of her Federation translator—she can now understand cats. Her cat Mittens formally introduces herself as Lady Velara “Mittens” Starwhisper, revealing that felines possess intelligence and society far beyond what humans realize. Mittens diplomatically informs Aria that her parents have been frantically trying to reach her during her week-long disappearance.

After reassuring her worried parents, Aria shares her newfound interest in pursuing diplomatic work. Her parents immediately suggest leveraging her connection with the Prime Minister regarding his new cabinet position on international Dungeon collaboration. Mittens offers assistance through her “distinguished colleague” Sir Purrington III, Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, who could facilitate an unofficial meeting.

At the Guild, Kate greets Aria with a massive hug after her week-long absence, while the Guild Master demands answers about her disappearance. Aria carefully explains she failed the test and wandered lost through the Raid for days—not technically a lie, considering Vaeloria’s strict warnings about interdimensional prison for revealing the Federation. Despite the Guild Master’s initial anger and suspicion about the search parties finding no trace of her, Kate’s support helps defuse the situation.

Aria announces her decision to take a break from exploring and focus on her diplomatic career instead, which relieves the Guild Master. When she mentions pursuing the new Cabinet position for Dungeon collaboration between nations, the Guild Master offers to write her a recommendation, recognizing that an official Guild endorsement would carry significant weight. He heads upstairs to his office to prepare the documentation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Federation translator allows Aria to understand all felines

• Mittens is actually Lady Velara “Mittens” Starwhisper, a distinguished cat

• Aria disappeared for an entire week from everyone’s perspective

• She decides to pursue the new Cabinet position for Dungeon collaboration

• Sir Purrington III at 10 Downing Street can potentially help arrange a meeting

• The Guild Master accepts her career shift and offers a recommendation

• Aria must maintain secrecy about the Federation to avoid “multidimensional prison”

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Connections (Part 2)

While waiting for the Guild Master, Aria wandered around the Guildhall until she heard unfamiliar voices talking. Following the sound, Aria found a local cat Mr. Wiskers conversing with the street cat Vinnie. She had often seen both cats around the Guild.

Vinnie: “Ay Boss, I’m still havin’ trouble wit’ da Salt situation,” he said nervously.

Mr. Wiskers: “I told ya to get multiple smaller packages, see?” he replied with clear annoyance. “But no, ya had to be a wise guy and go wit’ one package over twenty kilos, nebulisce?”

Vinnie: “I planned it perfect, Boss! Got extra muscle and everything...” he tried to explain. “Who knew da local cats would be such useless mooks?”

Mr. Wiskers: “I knew, dat’s why I told ya to go wit’ da smaller packages!” He said, tail twitching with irritation.

Am I hallucinating, or are these cats having a mob-style conversation about salt smuggling?

Vinnie: “Boss...” he pointed at Aria standing behind the boss, his expression clearly saying ‘I think we’ve been made.’ “We got company, and I tink she understands every word.”

Mr. Wiskers slowly turned around towards Aria and looked her in the eye.

Mr. Wiskers: “Meow?” He attempted with exaggerated innocence.

Aria: “Don’t you ‘meow’ me, mister,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “And what’s this about salt, I wonder?”

Vinnie: “Boss, she’s onto us! Let’s handle dis quick - I know a spot where nobody’ll find da body,” he blurted without thinking.

Mr. Wiskers: “Shut it, ya mook!” He hissed while keeping a keen eye on Aria. “Dat Explorer would make Swiss cheese outta ya before ya could lift a paw. Try using dat thing between ya ears before ya make dis situation worse, see?”

Note to self: London’s cats are apparently hardcore criminals. This day just keeps getting better

Aria: “We’re all friends here,” she said, raising her hands placatingly. “No need for violence.”

Mr. Wiskers: “Now dat’s what I call a sensible attitude,” he straightened his whiskers with dignity. “Let’s start proper-like. I’m Boss Kryxar the Unscratched, and dis numbskull here is Vinnie “Two-Claws” Pawlioni,” he gestured to Vinnie with his tail.

Aria: “Nice to meet you. I’m Aria,” she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

Mr. Wiskers: “Proper introductions are important in our line of work, see?” he nodded approvingly. “And ya can keep callin’ me Mr. Wiskers and him Vinnie.”

Aria: “I appreciate that, Mr. Wiskers,” she said, relieved at the de-escalation. “Now, about that salt situation...”

Mr. Wiskers: “Look ‘ere, wise star. Dem mice on Perseon V, they figured out dat salt mixed with their fancy space rocks makes dis cheese dat tastes like whatever youse thinkin’ about at da moment.”

I’ve stumbled into some sort of feline salt smuggling ring. What have I gotten myself into?

Aria: “That... doesn’t sound very impressive.”

Mr. Wiskers: “Not impressive? Listen here, wise star. Last week, some mouse scientist was thinkin’ about his grandma’s secret recipe mac n’ cheese while eatin’ dis stuff. Next thing ya know, every mouse in da lab was cryin’ tears of joy! Da recipe was lost fifty years ago!”

Vinnie: “Boss, remember dat mouse dat was thinkin’ about pizza while eatin’ da cheese? His whiskers turned into pepperoni! Took tree days to turn back!”

Mr. Wiskers: “But here’s da real problem, see? Some bureaucrat on Perseon V filed salt under ‘Potentially Reality-Altering Substances’ after some wise guy mouse thought about existential philosophy while eatin’ da cheese. Now it’s more controlled dan catnip! Da paperwork alone...”

Aria: “So you’re smuggling salt... to help mice make magical cheese?”

Mr. Wiskers: “Hey, business is business! Besides,” he lowered his voice conspiratorially, “between you and me, dat cheese when you’re thinkin’ about fish? Fuggedaboutit!”

This might be the most surreal conversation I’ve ever had, and that includes yesterday with Vaeloria

Aria: “Now I’m torn between helping you and reporting this to the Feline Portal Detection Division,” she said, trying to process the situation.

Mr. Wiskers: “Now, now, let’s not be hasty,” he said, visibly sweating. “I’m thinkin’ we could work out an arrangement dat benefits everybody, see?”

Aria: “I’m not familiar with the Cat scene here in London,” she replied skeptically. “How do I know I can trust you?”

Mr. Wiskers: “Listen ‘ere, wise star. I know every important feline in dis quadrant of da galaxy. Information, connections - I got it all. Could be very beneficial for a smart individual such as yourself.”

Vinnie: “Boss, what’re ya doin’?” he whispered, clearly confused by the boss’s strategy.

Mr. Wiskers: “Use ya head, ya numbskull!” he replied in an urgent whisper. “Humans ain’t supposed to understand us, see? Having one dat can actually talk to us? Dat’s what I call a strategic opportunity!”

At that moment, Guild Master returned and looked at the confused Kate.

Guild Master: “Is everything alright?” he asked Kate.

Kate: “I think Aria’s break from exploring is affecting her more than I expected,” she said while pointing at Aria who appeared to be having an animated conversation with Mr. Wiskers.

Guild Master: “Everyone talks to Mr. Wiskers, even you. What’s the problem?”

Kate: “True,” she pointed out, “but not everyone gets responses and keeps the conversation going.”

Quick, need to look less suspicious. Maybe I can use this situation to my advantage...

Aria: “Do you know a way to nudge Sir Purrington III to help me?” she asked, the first thing popping into her head.

Mr. Wiskers: “Listen ‘ere, wise star. Our friend at Number 10? Let’s just say he’s got a... delicate situation involvin’ da Queen’s favorite ball of yarn.”

Aria: “The Queen’s... ball of yarn?”

Mr. Wiskers: “Back in 2019, certain... shall we say, unorthodox activities occurred in da Royal knitting room. Sir Purrington III was supposed to be monitoring for international threats, but instead...” he paused to clean his paw dramatically, “he got a little too invested in da yarn situation, if ya catch my drift.”

Vinnie: “Boss, ya mean when he got all tangled up and knocked over dat Ming---”

Mr. Wiskers: “Shut it, ya mook!” he hissed. “Da details ain’t important. What matters is, da security footage still exists, and certain parties might find it... interesting.”

I can’t believe I’m about to blackmail the Chief Mouser to Parliament with yarn-related evidence

Aria: “Thanks for the info, guys,” she said enthusiastically. “And I promise to get you your salt by today’s evening, as we discussed.”

After that, Aria noticed the Guild Master’s return and received her recommendation. Kate seemed suddenly more concerned about Aria’s mental state. Before leaving, Aria promised to keep the Guild updated on her diplomatic ventures and visit often.

Before the day was over, she still needed to deliver twenty kilos of salt to a shady warehouse in the docks that was surprisingly full of chatty cats. When she finally returned home, Mittens was waiting with news.

Mittens: “My dear, I have the most splendid news,” she said with refined satisfaction. “Sir Purrington III has graciously agreed to grant you an audience tomorrow morning in St. James’s Park.”

Aria: “Finally, some good news,” she replied, exhausted. “You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had.”

Mittens: “Oh, and one small matter of protocol, darling,” she added with practiced precision. “When you meet Sir Purrington III, you must use the phrase ‘Lovely weather for watching birds today.’ He will respond with ‘Indeed. Though the sparrows seem rather restless this morning.’”

Aria: “That sounds like something from a spy movie,” she said, dropping onto her couch.

Mittens: “Indeed,” she replied with elegant amusement. “Sir Purrington III does have a particular fondness for such theatrical arrangements.”

After a quick dinner, Aria quickly fell asleep, her mind swimming with thoughts of criminal cats, magical cheese, and diplomatic intrigue as she prepared for tomorrow’s meeting.

The next morning, Aria went to St. James’s Park. To her surprise, there were multiple cats in the park; however, one particular cat, neatly sitting at the bench, caught Aria’s attention.

Please let that be Sir Purrington III on the bench. I’ve hit my quota of surprising cat encounters for the week

Aria: “Lovely weather for watching birds today,” she said as soon as she sat down next to the cat.

Cat: “Indeed. Though the sparrows seem rather restless this morning,” the cat replied with measured precision. “I am Sir Purrington III, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,” adjusts invisible tie “among other responsibilities.”

Aria: “A pleasure to meet you. I’m Aria.”

Sir Purrington III: “Most irregular, your ability to comprehend my communications,” he noted, adjusting his posture to a more official bearing. “Lady Lady Velara “Mittens” Starwhisper has briefed me on your request for governmental intervention.”

I’m about to petition a cat for a cabinet position. My life has taken quite the turn

Aria: “I would like to request your assistance regarding the new Ministerial position for Dungeon Collaboration,” she said, trying to match his formal tone.

Sir Purrington III: “As previously communicated to Lady Lady Velara “Mittens” Starwhisper, while I maintain an open-door policy for diplomatic discourse, I am under no obligation to facilitate human political advancement,” he stated with bureaucratic precision. “My primary directive remains intelligence gathering and ensuring governmental stability within acceptable parameters.”

Aria: “I fully appreciate your position and support your mission,” she replied diplomatically. “However, I recently heard the most fascinating story about the Royal knitting room. Something about a ball of yarn in 2019?”

Sir Purrington III’s whiskers twitched almost imperceptibly - a clear tell in cat bureaucracy

Sir Purrington III: “I... see. And might one inquire as to the source of this... historical anecdote?” He said after clearing his throat.

Aria: “Oh, just some cats discussing vintage yarn collections. Though I hear there’s quite the security footage archive of such... collections.”

Sir Purrington III: “Indeed. One finds that sometimes... alternative diplomatic channels might be worth exploring.” straightens tie that isn’t there “Particularly when matters of historical... preservation are involved.”

I never thought I’d be using cat blackmail as a career advancement strategy

Sir Purrington III: “Very well,” he said while consulting a mental report. “Certain arrangements could be made in your favor, though substantial effort on your part will still be required.”

Aria: “That’s all I ask,” she replied while stretching her arms, inadvertently revealing the pendant Vaeloria had given her.

Sir Purrington III: “I say, what have we here?” He leaped with surprising dignity onto Aria’s lap, rising to inspect the pendant with bureaucratic thoroughness.

Sir Purrington III: “Ah! Administrative credentials!” His whiskers twitched with official recognition. “One might have avoided certain... delicate conversations about historical yarn-related incidents had this been known earlier.”

For a cat pretending to be just a mouser, he certainly knows a lot about intergalactic bureaucracy

Aria: “You can identify this?” she asked, surprised. “I hope this doesn’t complicate matters.”

Sir Purrington III: “On the contrary, this substantially alters the parameters of our discussion,” he replied, resuming his bench position with practiced efficiency. “The Prime Minister has scheduled an appointment at The Old Shades today at twelve-thirty with another candidate. However, certain bureaucratic delays could be arranged regarding the original candidate’s arrival time.”

Aria: “That would be perfect,” she replied, trying to contain her excitement.

Sir Purrington III: “Do proceed with preparation then,” he said while extracting what appeared to be a PRD from his impeccably groomed fur. “I must attend to the necessary paperwork. And do maintain appropriate composure - premature enthusiasm can compromise operational effectiveness.”

Did he just pull an interdimensional device out of his fur? No, focus on the interview preparation

After that, Aria took time to prepare thoroughly for the meeting. She arrived early at the pub, positioning herself strategically while reviewing her diplomatic credentials and Guild documentation. At precisely twelve-thirty, the Prime Minister entered The Old Shades.

Deep breath. Remember all those diplomatic lessons from childhood. Though I doubt they covered what to do when a cat arranges your job interview

The meeting with the Prime Minister went more smoothly than Aria could have hoped. Her unique combination of diplomatic training and practical Dungeon experience resonated well with the government’s needs. By the time the original candidate arrived, flustered and an hour late due to an inexplicable series of minor bureaucratic delays, Aria had already been offered the position.

The initial appointment came without peerage, a three-month probationary period while the House of Lords conducted their standard background checks for life peerage approval. During this time, Aria threw herself into both her new cabinet duties and her personal development.

If they only knew my background checks now include approval from a cat with interdimensional clearance

Her schedule became a careful balance. Mornings were often spent in combat training with Trevor, who proved to be as excellent a instructor as he was a gentleman, despite his imposing presence. Afternoons found her studying Creation magic under Professor’s exacting tutelage, the tiny professor’s lectures somehow making the complex theoretical frameworks accessible.

Professor: “Your progress is most satisfactory,” she would note, adjusting her spectacles while consulting ancient scrolls. “Though your dimensional resonance could use some fine-tuning.”

Between official duties, Aria personally inspected every Raid, Dungeon, and Guild in the UK, her new understanding of their true nature making these visits particularly enlightening. Her unique position - straddling the worlds of human politics and interdimensional oversight - provided invaluable perspective for her role.

When her life peerage was granted, Aria was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness of Greenwich. The title proved oddly fitting - Greenwich’s connection to time and space measurement seemed almost prophetic given her secret role bridging Earth’s politics with interdimensional oversight. Her new status and subsequent acceptance in the House of Commons allowed her to expand her focus to international Dungeons and Raids, though few knew her decisions were now informed not just by terrestrial politics, but by the greater galactic community’s interests as well.

From failing a Raid solo to becoming Baroness of Greenwich and managing interdimensional relations for the UK government. Vaeloria would probably say that’s ‘totally awesome’

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📡 End of Transmission

Oliver here - That was quite a chapter! Our dimensional frequency is picking up intense emotional resonance from Aria’s world. What did you think of her decision? The comments below are buzzing with theories from other interdimensional travelers...