Already scrambled when the Thing in the Sky was first reported, the Medley Air Command had sent out a single Breaker-Class airship with a light fighter escort to investigate with a small forward company of the Medley Militia.

They had arrived within hours of the initial report, keeping a safe distance as they awaited orders.

Airship Captain Orvli of MAC stood flanked by Mage Major Igac and Captain Tes of the Engineers on his right and left respectfully. They stood upon the bridge of the "Rain of Steel" as the Thing loomed into view.

"I have never seen anything like it," Igac calmly commented in his gruff voice, tilting his hat a bit. "I feel like it can actually see me."

Orvli nodded in silent agreement before turning to his crew. "Bring the ship to a halt over the forest about two leagues off the village's northern flank. I want to be close enough give them aid, but far enough that we don't catch them in a crossfire if that thing turns violent. And keep the fighters circling it, change out the pilots as need be."

"What of our boys?" Tes inquired. She wore an intake mask, having never dealt well with high altitudes. "The engineers and mages will be best on the ground."

"Coordinate with the rangers and local law enforcement to set up a perimeter to ensure the civilians remain out of the woods and on the main roads," he told her. "No soldier is to approach the villagers or harass them."

"Just keep them from disappearing," Igac nodded.

"I suspect the village will be evacuated soon once the High Caravan comes to a decision," Tes mused as she caught a glimpse of it. Its delightful little houses giving her a smile. "We'll need to set up patrols in it then to keep out looters."

"Law enforcement and rangers will likely be kept in some capacity to help oversee that," Igac mentioned. It will help keep our soldiers from being distracted... Or getting funny ideas of their own."

Tes managed a chuckle.

"Once we are in position you may begin disembarking you troops," Orvli instructed them with a sigh. "Remember. No interactions or harrassment. I want this to be as painless as possible for the villagers. They are already under enough stress."

"Of course," Tes nodded as she and Igac turned to ready their soldiers.

Orvli turned back to the view part he watched the strange thing. "I hope you've come in peace. For your sake."

---

Days later, an entire fleet arrived and construction of the refugee camp had begun alongside of Dunee's evacuation.

---

And here we get to see some more of my worldbuilding, It a been fun. I wonder what I'll draw next?

Anyway, till next time. Enjoy!