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Previously on “The Other Side of the Raid”
Chapter 4, Part 2: Connections
Mr. Wiskers explains the salt smuggling operation in detail: mice on Perseon V discovered that salt mixed with their space rocks creates magical cheese that tastes like whatever you’re thinking about at the moment. However, after a mouse thought about existential philosophy while eating the cheese, bureaucrats classified salt as a “Potentially Reality-Altering Substance,” making it more controlled than catnip. Mr. Wiskers offers his extensive network of feline contacts across the galaxy in exchange for Aria’s help, recognizing that having a human who can communicate with cats is a strategic opportunity.
Using Mr. Wiskers’s information, Aria learns about a compromising incident involving Sir Purrington III and the Queen’s ball of yarn in 2019—security footage that certain parties might find “interesting.” Before leaving the Guild, Aria promises to deliver twenty kilos of salt by evening, receives her recommendation from the Guild Master, and leaves Kate increasingly concerned about her mental state after witnessing her animated conversation with Mr. Wiskers.
That evening, Aria delivers the salt to a surprisingly cat-filled warehouse at the docks. Mittens arranges a meeting with Sir Purrington III for the next morning at St. James’s Park, complete with spy-movie code phrases. The meeting goes smoothly—Sir Purrington III initially maintains his bureaucratic stance until Aria mentions the yarn incident. When she inadvertently reveals her Federation pendant, Sir Purrington III immediately recognizes the administrative credentials and arranges for her to meet the Prime Minister that same day, while ensuring the original candidate arrives fashionably late due to “bureaucratic delays.”
The meeting with the Prime Minister succeeds beyond expectations. Aria’s unique combination of diplomatic training and practical Dungeon experience proves ideal for the position. She’s offered the role immediately, though with a three-month probationary period while the House of Lords conducts background checks for life peerage approval.
During her probation, Aria balances cabinet duties with personal development: combat training with Trevor in the mornings, Creation magic studies with Professor in the afternoons, and personally inspecting every Raid, Dungeon, and Guild in the UK. When her life peerage is granted, she becomes Baroness of Greenwich—a title fitting given Greenwich’s connection to time and space measurement. Her new status allows her to expand her focus to international Dungeons and Raids, all while secretly managing Earth’s relationship with the greater galactic community.
Key Takeaways:
Salt on Perseon V is classified as a “Potentially Reality-Altering Substance” for creating thought-based magical cheese
Mr. Wiskers offers his galactic network in exchange for Aria’s assistance
Sir Purrington III recognizes Federation credentials instantly, revealing his own interdimensional awareness
Aria successfully obtains the Cabinet position through a combination of qualifications and convenient “bureaucratic delays”
She becomes Baroness of Greenwich after a three-month probationary period
Her role secretly bridges Earth’s politics with interdimensional oversight
She trains in combat with Trevor and Creation magic with Professor while handling diplomatic duties
Problem Solving
A month had passed since Aria became a member of the House of Lords and an official, fully-fledged member of the UK government. Her days were filled with training, official bureaucracy, and occasional visits to different guilds. She frequently inspected multiple Dungeons and Raids for government oversight and her other, more clandestine activities. One morning, the Prime Minister unexpectedly visited Aria’s office to introduce her counterpart from Japan - Minamoto-san. Minamoto-san cut an impressive figure: an older gentleman whose fluid movements and perfect posture spoke of decades of martial training. As it turned out, besides being exceptional with the sword, Minamoto-san was a seasoned A-rank explorer who spoke English with careful precision.
Minamoto-san: “It is a great honor to meet you, Lady Aria,” he said with a formal bow, his movements carrying the grace of a seasoned martial artist.
Aria: “The honor is all mine, Minister,” she replied with a matching bow, grateful for her diplomatic training.
Minamoto-san: “I understand you might show me the Explorer community here in London?” he asked, his posture remaining perfectly straight as he spoke.
Aria: “Perhaps we could begin with a visit to a local Guild?” she suggested diplomatically.
Minamoto-san: “That would be most acceptable,” he replied with another slight bow, a subtle smile touching his features.
At least some aspects of diplomatic work remain familiar, even if everything else has gone sideways lately Aria reflected as they left her office.
During their walk to the Guild, they discussed various aspects of Dungeon and Raid Exploration. Aria couldn’t help but notice the way Minamoto-san’s eyes lit up when discussing combat techniques, making it clear he missed his active days in the field. His measured speech became notably more animated when describing particularly challenging encounters.
The moment they arrived at the Guildhall, Kate looked up from her desk - and froze, her expression suggesting she’d seen a ghost materialize before her.
Aria: “This is one of London’s finest Guilds,” she said as they entered, gesturing to the impressive architecture.
Kate: “Aria...” she managed, her eyes wide with surprise. “I never knew you were fluent in Japanese.”
Wait, what? Aria felt her stomach drop as realization dawned.
Was I speaking Japanese this whole time? The translator must automatically adjust to the listener’s language... Vaeloria could have mentioned that! Aria struggled to maintain her composure while internally panicking.
Minamoto-san: “I must say,” he commented, looking impressed, “you took me quite by surprise when, after my occasional struggles with English phrases, you seamlessly switched to flawless Japanese. Your command of the formal dialect is most exceptional.”
Focus. Just need to play this off somehow... Aria took a steadying breath.
Aria: “Let me make proper introductions,” she said, carefully enunciating each word in English. “This is Minister Minamoto. He serves as my counterpart from Japan.”
Kate: “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she replied stiffly, clearly still processing the presence of such a dignitary in her Guild. “I’ll fetch the Guild Master right away!” She added, practically sprinting from her desk.
Note to self: investigate ALL functions of the translator before using it in public again
Moments later, Kate returned with the Guild Master. After brief and repeated introductions, Minamoto-san accompanied the Guild Master to his office to discuss Explorer activities in greater detail.
Kate: “So,” she leaned forward conspiratorially once they were alone, “what other secrets are you hiding?” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
If she only knew half of it...
Aria: “You know me,” she replied with a carefully casual shrug, “I enjoy learning new things.”
Kate: “Right...” she drawled, clearly unconvinced. Then her expression grew more serious as she reached for a folder on her desk. “Anyway, I’ve got another list for you.”
Aria: “Again?” She accepted the list with a sigh, scanning its contents. “What do these people think I do? How exactly do they expect me to retrieve their lost items from Dungeons and Raids?”
Another list of lost items... How many more desperate people will I have to disappoint because I can’t reveal what I really know?
Kate: “I understand your frustration,” she said sympathetically, organizing papers on her desk. “Other guilds are getting similar requests for fallen Explorer item retrieval.”
Aria: “I understand where people are coming from, but it’s not like I can just walk into a Dungeon and collect lost items,” she said, trying to keep the irony out of her voice.
Except that’s exactly what I could do, if I wasn’t worried about that interdimensional prison Vaeloria keeps mentioning
Kate: “I know, but people are desperate, and your position is new. They’re making all sorts of assumptions about what you can do.”
The Guild Master appeared suddenly in the doorway, his expression animated with excitement.
Guild Master: “Lady Aria, Minister Minamoto has expressed interest in a friendly sparring match. Would you care to observe?”
A mock battle between an A-rank Explorer and our Guild Master would be fascinating...
Aria: “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline,” she replied regretfully. “There’s quite a pile of paperwork awaiting my attention at the ministry.”
Despite the tempting prospect of watching the match, Aria knew her responsibilities couldn’t wait. She left Minamoto-san at the Guild and returned to her office, where the stack of documents seemed to have multiplied in her absence.
Over the next few days, news of Aria’s Japanese fluency reached the Prime Minister. Seeing an opportunity, he decided that Aria must utilize her linguistic talents for the good of the country and the Crown by visiting Japan to establish diplomatic connections with their numerous Guilds.
That evening, an exhausted Aria returned home only to find Vaeloria lounging on her sofa, casually sharing tea with Mittens.
Mittens: “Welcome home, my dear,” she greeted with elegant poise, gracefully pouring a fresh cup of tea. “We have a rather distinguished guest this evening.”
Vaeloria: “OMG, hey!” she bounced excitedly in her seat. “So like, I totally heard you’re going to Japan soon, and I’ve got this super important extra thing for you to do while you’re there!”
Aria: “Of course you do,” she replied dryly, dropping into an armchair. “You only appear when there’s more work to be done.”
Mittens: “Do sit down properly, darling,” she said while expertly managing the tea service. “I’ve procured an absolutely exquisite blend from Omicron Persei 8. Quite impossible to find on Earth, I assure you.”
Vaeloria: “Well duh! As if I’d waste your time with anything else!” she giggled, then grew slightly more serious. “There’s like, this totally weird situation with a Dungeon near Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo.”
A unique problem at one of Japan’s most famous temples? Why do I have a feeling this is going to be more complicated than she’s letting on?
Aria: “What kind of situation?” she asked, accepting the tea from Mittens. “I wouldn’t expect Dungeon management to pose any challenges for your organization.”
Vaeloria: “This one’s like, super special,” she said, idly twirling a strand of her hair. “And the problem is totes unique too. You’re literally the perfect person to handle it! I’m giving you full authorization to do whatever you need to fix it.” She perked up suddenly. “Oh! And you can totally use the portal network once you’re there! Way better than those boring planes humans use.”
Aria: “I still need to take the plane, you know,” she replied with a slight sigh. “It’s an official diplomatic visit. I can’t exactly explain to Minamoto-san how I mysteriously appeared in Tokyo without going through customs.”
Vaeloria: “Ugh, that’s like, so tedious!” she flopped back dramatically on the sofa. “But whatevs. I’ll give you coordinates for quick travel once you’re there. The Senso-ji area has some super convenient portal spots!”
Aria: “Speaking of problems,” she took a deep breath, savoring the otherworldly aroma of the tea. “My office is being flooded with requests from across the country about retrieving items lost in Dungeons and Raids. You mentioned everything’s stored, but I can’t just return items without raising suspicions about my connections.”
Vaeloria: “Oh em gee, that’s like, so not a problem!” she waved dismissively. “Just give me the list, and I’ll hook you up with everything!”
Aria: “Are you certain?” she asked, surprised by the casual response. “How am I supposed to explain suddenly having these items without revealing your existence or ending up in that interdimensional prison you keep warning me about?”
Vaeloria: “Duh! You’ve got connections everywhere!” she bounced excitedly. “Just say they came through your network or whatever. Plus,” she added with a mischievous grin, “happy Explorers totally boost our ratings!”
Aria: “I’m concerned some might try to investigate how I’m acquiring these lost items,” she replied skeptically.
Mittens: “My dear, you needn’t worry about such matters,” she said, delicately placing her teacup on its saucer. “Should any complications arise, they shall be dealt with most efficiently.” Her refined tone carried an subtle edge that suggested she knew exactly how such ‘complications’ would be handled.
Over the next few days, Aria began gradually returning requested items through her local Guild. While questions initially arose about her methods of acquisition, she managed to deflect them all - as far as she was aware - while her reputation for handling Dungeon and Raid-related matters continued to grow.
Between Mittens’s connections and Vaeloria’s authority, I seem to have acquired quite the safety net. Though I wonder how long before someone connects the dots...
To her surprise, the number of items requested to be returned from the Dungeons and Raids only grew after the initial return. By the third day, Aria’s work had shifted primarily to item returns, prompting whispers among other Cabinet members about her mysterious ability to recover lost artifacts. It didn’t take long for the The Daily Mail to assign one of its best reporters to investigate this new phenomenon: the miraculous return of deceased Explorers’ keepsakes across the UK, all facilitated by Baroness of Greenwich. Though Aria tried to avoid the reporter, each day brought new challenges. By week’s end, while delivering another batch of items to the Guild, she found herself checking every corner for signs of the persistent journalist.
That reporter must have some sort of tracking spell. How else could they appear everywhere I go? Aria slumped onto a bench in the Guildhall, exhaustion evident in her posture.
Mr. Wiskers: “Ay, wise star, you’re lookin’ more stressed dan a space rat in a black hole,” he said, sauntering over with feline grace. “What’s eatin’ at ya, nebulisce?”
Aria: “I knew returning these items would draw attention,” she sighed, running a hand through her hair. “But now I’ve got this reporter following my every move.”
Mr. Wiskers: “Don’t you worry about dat situation, see?” he purred, grooming his whiskers with exaggerated innocence. “Da Pride’s got ways of handling nosey types... all professional-like, of course. We’ll make sure dis reporter finds more interesting stories elsewhere, if ya catch my drift.”
Meanwhile, the Guild Master passed by Kate’s desk, noticing her concerned expression as she watched Aria seemingly talking to herself - or rather, to Mr. Wiskers.
Guild Master: “Something troubling you?” he asked, following her gaze.
Kate: “It’s Aria,” she replied, worry evident in her voice. “She looks so stressed, and she’s having another one of those... conversations with Mr. Wiskers.”
Guild Master: “Instead of fretting from afar, why not go cheer her up?” he suggested, giving her a gentle nudge toward Aria.
As Mr. Wiskers concluded his offer of assistance with a meaningful flick of his tail, Kate approached, her footsteps hesitant.
Kate: “You look like you’re carrying the weight of all London’s Dungeons on your shoulders,” she said softly.
Aria: “Lately, it feels like I can’t turn a corner without that journalist appearing,” she confessed, massaging her temples. “It’s becoming rather draining.”
Kate: “Sounds like you need a vacation, or at least a change of scenery,” she brightened suddenly. “When are you leaving for your diplomatic visit to Japan?”
Aria: “You might be right,” she replied with a genuine smile. “My flight’s tomorrow, actually. I should head home and do a final check of my luggage. Need to be at my best for my first overseas diplomatic mission.”
Aria left the Guild, pointedly ignoring the obvious signs of the reporter trailing her movements. For all they knew, she was simply having a normal evening of preparation before a major diplomatic trip. If the journalist was hoping to uncover anything unusual, they would be sorely disappointed.
Let them watch me board that plane tomorrow. Though I wonder what they’d think if they knew about the portal network I’ll be using for my... unofficial duties once I’m there. At least Vaeloria gave me coordinates for a quiet spot near the Senso-ji Temple...
📡 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...