Bhujerba - Aerodrome

Bhujerban (man sitting on rail talking to Imperial): Bhujerban airspace has been taken over by the Imperial fleet for their maneuvers. Our airships are mostly grounded, bhadra! Haa… I suppose it does little good to complain to a rank and file guard…

Bhujerban (moogle with yellow pom-pom): I was only a little late, and they still wouldn’t let me on, kupo! That chief steward had the face of a siren, and the heart of a cactoid!

Traveler (in blue): Have you heard the rumors that an Imperial fleet was spotted over the Jagd Yensa? Ha! I’d like to meet the chap who thought up that codswallop. I’d walk up to him, look him straight in the eye, and say “Good day, sir! Did you perchance know that AIRSHIPS CANNOT FLY IN JAGD!?”

Bhujerban Sainikah: Yes, bhadra. Bhujerba is an island of peace and freedom, but not for those who would break our laws. So are we here to keep watch on the city.

Bhujerban (man in green and brown shorts): The Archadian Senate has power, bhadra. Power enough to drive an emperor from his throne. Thus has House Solidor relied on the favor of the crowd to hold the Senate in check these many years, you see.

Street Kid (with his parents): Amba forgot a change of clothes, and we have missed the airship for Rabanastre! Why can we not buy such things there!? Haa…

Bhujerban (moogle with green pom-pom): Bhujerba values our mooglecraft, and values us the same, kupo! I hope Bhujerba stays the way it is… No wars for this moogle, kupo!

Bhujerban (moogle with orange pom-pom): Oh oh oh! I heard a rumor that the Empire has an airship that can fly in jagd, kupo! What is this? New technology!? We’re lagging, kupo!

Street Kid (looking out window): When I grow older, bhadra, I will be an airship pilot! A moogle, he is teaching me now, you see. He has just left on the airship for Balfonheim!

City Parijanah: Haa… Master Basch, is it not? I have heard that the Empire’s lawkeepers are tracing the Marquis’s steps out of Bhujerba. Please, try not to give them any information.

Traveler (in red): Have you heard the talk of the Marquis falling ill? Troubling news, that. The Marquis is a wise man who values Bhujerba’s peace with the Empire. Here’s hoping for his swift recovery!

Nono: Terrible news, kupo! When the Imperial fleet exploded over the Westersand, the Strahl was damaged! I’m gathering the parts I need to make repairs as quickly as I can, but it may take some time, kupo.

Nalbina Town

Nalbina Town

Jajim Bazaar

Itinerant Hand (black bangaa in red vest with tattoos): A lot of Imperials buy keepsakes here before heading home. The viera crafts are particularly popular. ‘Course, the seeq in back makes ‘em. Heh.

Itinerant Hand (light blue seeq sitting on ground): Come to help fortify the fortress? You shouldn’t have it too bad. They save the easy jobs for the humes. Me? I get sent off to do the heavy lifting. Those Imperials think the rest of us are to be used as tools, nothing more. Nice, eh?

Merchant: Nestled as it is on the border of Nabradia and Dalmasca, Nalbina was always bustling with trade between the two. These days it’s more fortress than town. At least it’s still here, though. Our home of Nabudis was wiped from the land, leaving naught but a necrohol of fiends behind.

Itinerant Hand (man in reddish brown pants talking with merchants): Them Archadians were all talking, and they didn’t look happy. Heard something about the Leviathan and her 8th Fleet goin’ down! Took some important Judge down with it, too, from the sounds of it. Heh. Serves ‘em right.

West Ward

Imperial (interrogating man off to the side): You report any shops you see selling stolen goods, son. Can you believe I’m here doing this, every day? There I was part of the Western Armada, glorious! Victorious! This war better start soon. I want to be a shield for the homeland, and a sword, striking down those Rozarrian barbarians!

Stonemason? (seeq) (if you catch him by himself): I heard a rumor that someone escaped from the dungeons here, but it weren’t my friend. See, I’m not really a stonemason. I came with my buddy to get a friend out of the dungeons… Maybe if he comes out on forced labor we’ll get to see ‘im. That’d be nice.

Imperial?: Hey, don’t be fooled by appearances… I ain’t no Imperial. This armor belongs to this guy next to me. He puts it on me so he can loaf off! It’s hot, it’s heavy… Okay, so it’s tough being an Imperial, I get it. Come to think of it, those Judges wear armor, too, but they don’t complain… ‘Less they’re saying it real quiet-like behind those scary masks of theirs.

Merchant: Sold a box to an Imperial the other day. Heard he took it with ‘im on some Leviathingy… then that up and disappeared! Wonder where it went to.

Stonemason? (hume) (if you catch him by himself): I came here with my seeq buddy to spring a friend out of the dungeons… but my stupid buddy got mistaken for a stonemason, so here we are… ‘Course, we started getting good at the work, and now the foreman thinks we’re some elite crew… What’re we doing!?

Aerodrome

Imperial: Here to work on the fortress? A word to the wise: complain overmuch and you’ll be thrown in the dungeons, from which there can be no escape! …Huh? You heard of someone escaping? Bah! Nonsense!

Itinerant Hand (hume man with group): We’re here working on the fortress walls, but it’s torture in this heat… That’s why we’re negotiating for better pay! They say that any who complain’ll be sent to the dungeons, but that’s a bluff. They’re in a hurry – they need all the hands they can get!

Shy Bangaa: …I’m here, watchin’ these goods. For hours. You know, I just noticed, a lot of these Imperials are armed! Yeah, observant, right? That’s my job.

Homebound Man: I hear conditions in Rabanastre have improved while I’ve been here in Nalbina. Must be on account of that new consul.

Itinerant Hand (black bangaa): I’m headed to that port in the east, where the sky pirates gather. Once I’ve earned me a ‘ship, I’ll be a sky pirate, free to go where I will!

Westgate & Aerodrome

Westgate

Reluctant Adventurer: There’s a cavern out there what’s filled with fiendishly strong creatures. And I hear someone’s found a new way inside, deeper than any’ve been. I’ll wager whoever said “nothin’ ventured, nothin’ gained” never ventured into a pit like that, eh?

Rabanastran (woman speaking to man and bangaa): Desert to the east, desert to the west… I’ve heard of people traveling many days before realizing they’d set out in the wrong direction. I use the aerodrome as a marker. If I see that, I know I’m at Westgate.

Rimzat: Hha! I’ve been waiting for some time. You see, I am in need of assistance. Please, hear my words. I have been sent from Archadia to study the sandstorms of the Dalmasca Westersand, but the storms’ violence makes such study… impossible. There is a place in the desert, at the end of a long trail that winds through the north. Mayhap you know it. That is the site of my study. But before the wrath of such a storm, I can do nothing. This is why I seek help. Will you help me?

>Sure, I’ll help.

Thank you, my friend! I have made no progress on my own. I would like you to start by gathering information within Rabanastre. My own inquiries yielded little. There is one man who knows more than he will say. He sits atop the fountain in the plaza. He does not care for the Empire, so he will tell me nothing. Perhaps you will have better luck. I will be waiting to hear what you find.

>No, sorry.

Rimzat (x2) (after accepting): Have you learned aught of the sandstorm in the Westersand? There is a man named Cotze, who sits atop the fountain in the plaza. He knows something of this, but when he learned I was from Archadia, he would say no more. Perhaps you will have better luck.

Aerodrome

Rabanastran (the couple embracing by the window): …I know you’d never push me away… as long as I hold you, we’ll always be together…

Merchant: It’s the strangest thing… I was in Bhujerba not long back, and there was someone running around pretending to be Captain Basch. Whatever for?

Nono: Terrible news, kupo! When the Imperial fleet exploded over the Westersand, the Strahl was damaged! I’m gathering the parts I need to make repairs as quickly as I can, but it may take some time, kupo.

Rabanastran (man in blue, red, and green): You see that group of people by the window? They’re from Archadia. They never left after the parade… Maybe they’re thinking of staying.

Traveler: The return ship to Archades still hasn’t come. But I’ve patience enough to go on waiting. It’s not as though they could have forgotten me.

Rabanastre

Aerodrome

Flights to Bhujerba: Good day, sir. This counter serves travelers wishing to book passage to Bhujerba. We have ships fitted with shops and amenities, or if you prefer to sleep during your journey, ships with only private cabins. Whichever you choose, the price is the same. We will show you aboard as soon as you’ve purchased your ticket. Passage is 200 Gil. How would you like to travel?

>By leisure craft.

Thank you, sir. Enjoy your flight.

>By private cabin.

>I’ve changed my mind.

Do come again.

Bhujerban (man leaning against counter): Have you come to book passage on an airship, friend? Each counter serves a different destination. Pay your fare there. If a given counter is empty, that route is not currently in service, but give it some time and it should open again.

Southern Plaza

Rabanastran (boy in blue by westgate): Hey, Vaan. Penelo’s with you now, right? Phew! What a relief! I know we can count on you to keep her safe, no matter what happens!

Rabanastran (kid walking on south side of fountain): I was so worried about Penelo, I couldn’t even work. But thanks to you, everything’s back to normal again! Heh, heh.

Rabanastran (boy squatting against the wall by East End exit): I heard all about how you saved Penelo, Vaan. You’re practically a hero!

East End

Bucco: What’s that? Penelo’s with you? Phew! I guess all that talk about her bein’ kidnapped was just talk. I was worried for nothin’.

Migelo’s Sundries

Rabanastran (woman in pink and blue headscarf and top): I’ve heard the Imperial Fleet was gathering near Bhujerba. Do you think they were spying on Dorstonis?

Rabanastran (man talking to red bangaa): Migelo had been sulking about for a while, but he finally seems to have cheered up. Not sure why, but I’m not complaining.

Migelo: Ah, Penelo! You’re all right! Those sky pirates got you tangled up in some nasty business. [Penelo looks as though she has something to say; the scene fades out and back in] What!? Don’t tell me you’re off running about with those sky pirates, too! Vaan I can understand, but you, Penelo? …Ah, I see. I suppose I have been a bit over protective of you. It’s time you made your own decisions, your own mistakes. Do as you feel you must. Whatever trouble you might get yourselves into will only make you stronger, I’m sure. Yes, yes. [Vaan and Penelo look overjoyed] When you want to come back, you’ve only – No, no, you go about your adventures until you decide for yourselves it’s time. And until then, don’t worry yourselves about the shop or any of your friends. Just leave all that to Migelo, you hear? Now that that’s decided, we should get down to business. If you’ll be traveling, you’ll be needing sundries, yes? Well, sundries we have!

Migelo (x2): Keeping busy, are you, Vaan? You needn’t worry yourself about the store. I won’t be closing just because you aren’t around. No, there are plenty of other hard-working youths to pick up your slack. Off with you now! We’ll be here when you get back.

Yugri’s Magicks

Sotted Imperial: What’re you starin’ at? Come to have a good laugh, have you? Blast that rumor… The whole bloomin’ town’s talkin’ about it… But they’ve got it all wrong. I was given orders to stand watch at this shop. That’s why I don’t get over to the Sandsea as much as before, right?

The Sandsea

Tavernmaster: That Imperial’s finally left the place… and good riddance! Can finally get some peace ‘round here. That’s what people come to the Sandsea for!

Barkeep (woman on balcony): We won’t be seeing those Imperials around here anymore. The Consul’s implemented a new policy to see the watch behave as they’re meant to. I don’t think any policy will help that one Imperial, though. I hear he’s off hiding somewhere, in his cups as usual.

Bhujerba - Aerodrome

Penelo: Balthier, your handkerchief. I thought you might want it back.

Balthier: I shall wear it close to my heart.

[Focus shifts to the conversation between Ashe, Vossler, and Basch.]

Ashe: Perhaps you forgot all that Ondore has wrought.

Basch: I do not forget, Majesty. It was by his counsel, dangerous though it may have been, that we were able to free you. You must meet with him, Your Highness, and give ear to his words. He may act in league with the Empire, but his heart is not.

Vossler: It is as he says. I ought not to have kept Ondore at so great a distance for so long a time. I have played the fool!

Ashe: You were only being cautious.

Vossler: I would ask you for some time. On our own, we struggle in vain to restore Dalmasca. I must search out some other way. Until I should find it, I would have Basch remain at your side. Doubt him you may, but I measure his loyalty to Dalmasca no less than my own.

Ashe: I know you would not speak so lightly. Very well.

Vossler: Keep her well. Go to Ondore, and there await my return.

[Vossler departs.]

Bhujerban (moogle with orange pom-pom walking around): The Leviathan? Kupo! That’s just a showboat. You want real quality, you gotta look at the Bhujerban ships! Moogle-made, kupo!

Bhujerban (man sitting on rail talking to other man and Imperial): They have given priority to the Imperial fleet, so all of our airships are behind schedule. Kastam… How can this be permitted?

Traveler (Archadian in blue walking around): Now that the Leviathan and her fleet are in dock, they’re holding my airship grounded. My lack of luck is astounding. Simply astounding!

City Parijanah: Haa… Master Basch fon Ronsenburg! I would kindly request that you refrain from such reckless displays in the future. One never knows where the Empire’s spies are lurking, here in Bhujerba.

Traveler (Archadian in red leaning on counter talking to steward): Did you chance to see the Leviathan and her fleet? One look at that’d be sure to send the Rozarrians back where they came from! Hmm? Ah, don’t worry, Bhujerba’s safe from harm.

Aerodrome

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler. We parijanah are official guides to the city. Outside the aerodrome you will find Travica Way, Bhujerba’s main street.

Traveler: Contrary to popular belief in these parts, not everyone in Archades has his own airship! No, only the rich and privileged have those.

Bhujerban Sainikah: Svagatam, traveler. Welcome to Bhujerba, island of peace in the raging storm that is Ivalice, thanks to his Excellency, the Marquis.

Bhujerban (man sitting on rail, talking to another man and an Imperial): From Rabanastre, are you, bhadra? I hear the Imperials are quite bold there. Not so here in Bhujerba, where they know their place.

Bhujerban (moogle with yellow pom-pom sitting by window): I was shopping and missed my flight for Rabanastre! It’s times like these when I think it’d be awfully nifty to be rich and have my own airship, kupo…

Traveler: Finally, the skyferry’s starting up again… Of course my airship’s still delayed! Tsk. No respect for class, these peasants!

Street Kid (sitting on suitcases next to his parents): We go on a family trip to Rabanastre, bhadra! Is it true that, under the Imperial occupation, you cannot buy food or clothing there?

Bhujerban (man in brown and green shorts): It sounds as though Vayne will become the next Emperor in Archadia, yet if he fails to restore prosperity to Dalmasca, who can say?

Street Kid (near window): When I grow older, bhadra, I will be an airship pilot! A moogle, he is teaching me now, you see. He has just left on the airship for Rabanastre!

Aerodrome

Street Kid (pacing near window): Haa, that was a shock! I was watching airships fly back and forth, when an Imperial grabbed me from behind! He was looking for someone. Not me!

Street Kid (sitting on crate near docent’s counter): Amba and Tatah, they are too worried, I think. Why do we need so much luggage, just to go on a trip to Rabanastre?

Bhujerban (pacing moogle with orange pom-pom): Bhujerba’s airships use a lot of mooglecraft to fly so well. They’re a good deal better than those heaps the Empire lurch about in, kupo! Just goes to show, it takes more than gil to make the best ships in the sky, powered by the best magicite to be had anywhere!

Bhujerban (moogle with green pom-pom sitting on suitcase): There’re lots of moogles living here in Bhujerba, kupo. After all, it’s mooglecraft that’s made this place what it is!

Imperial (pacing nearest docent’s counter): Apologies, but we’re having some difficulties. All scheduled airship services are suspended. There is nothing to see here. Move along.

Bhujerban Sainikah: Svagatam, traveler. Welcome to Bhujerba. All of us are here to ensure your safety on the streets. Speak to us should you have any troubles.

Bhujerban (man sitting on rail speaking to other man and Imperial): Why can our civilian craft not fly just because the Empire says so, bhadra? I’ve filed official complaint, but I fear nothing will come of it.

Traveler (man wearing Archadian clothes, pacing): When exactly is my airship going to take off? It’s hours past the scheduled departure time… Can’t these provincials tell the time?

Bhujerban (moogle with yellow pom-pom sitting near window): Oh noes! I was shopping and I missed the flight for Rabanastre, kupo! Suppose I’ll have to wait.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler. Welcome to Bhujerba. We parijanah guides are appointed by the Marquis himself to aid visitors to our fair city. Once you leave the aerodrome, you will find yourself upon Travica Way, the main thoroughfare of Bhujerba. Good journey, bhadra.

Imperial (running around entrance/exit area): By order of the Imperial army, all airships are grounded. Passengers are asked to wait until further notice. Understood?

Traveler (man in Archadian clothes leaning on counter): A generous helping of my countrymen out on the street today. Not such an odd sight in Archadia or our colonies… but wasn’t Bhujerba neutral?

Aerodrome & The Strahl

Westgate

Fran: Balthier is waiting inside. If you’ve made ready, we can leave at once. He feels responsible for what has happened to your friend. Do not think he is in the habit of doing favors.

Aerodrome

Balthier: Bhujerba’s on the sky continent of Dorstonis, and the magicite mine we’re looking for is in Bhujerba. If we’re going to save the girl, we start there. You ready to leave?

>I’m ready.

You do realize that once we’ve left, you may not see Rabanastre for a while. Once we leave, there’ll be no looking back.

>I’m really ready.

>Let me check one more thing…

Don’t take too long. We leave soon.

>Not yet.

Don’t take too long. We leave soon.

>Tell me about Bhujerba.

Don’t get out of Dalmasca much, do you… Bhujerba is a small city-state that thrives on the export of particularly fine magicite. It’s ruled by Marquis Ondore, who, by staying in the Empire’s good graces, has managed to stave off Imperial invasion.

Balthier: We make for the Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba. Seems I took on more baggage in Rabanastre than I’d planned… Well, let’s save your girl and be done with it. Come on.

Balthier: This is the Strahl.

Balthier: She airship enough for you?

Vaan: The Strahl… you really are a sky pirate!

Balthier: Well, the headhunters seem to think so. [to moogle emerging from airship] What’s the good word? Is she ready?

Vaan: So is she armed? How fast is she? Could she take the Ifrit?

Balthier: I suppose I could tell you, but wouldn’t you rather see for yourself?

Balthier: Fran, our course.

Fran: The shortest way is over Dorstonis.

Basch: How flies Bhujerba?

Balthier: Oh, she’s free as can be – for now. The Empire took notice when they announced the Princess’s unfortunate suicide and your execution.

Basch: If it becomes known that I am alive, the Marquis will lose their favor.

Balthier: I try to steer clear of such things. [to all] Right, it’s time to fly. And no wagging tongues, or you’re like to bite them off.

Vaan: [thinking] I’m coming, Penelo.

[In a room somewhere, Penelo sits on the floor, bound. Voices are heard and a couple of bangaa emerge from a trapdoor.]

Ba’Gamnan: You’ve seen to her feeding, yes?

Henchwoman: I have, my brother. She eats well.

Ba’Gamnan: See that she does. We need her alive. Balthier’s bait must be fresh.

Penelo: I keep trying to tell you, I barely even know who Balthier is!

[No sooner does she say this than a third bangaa pops up through the trapdoor.]

Henchman: My brother! A message come from Rabanastre! The Strahl, she’s set sail! She leaves straight for the Skycity of Bhujerba!

Ba’Gamnan: Barely know, was it? Yet at a trice, he goes boundin’ off for you! Tell me, how could that be?

Penelo: That’s what I’d like to know! I just met him that one time and that’s it!

Ba’Gamnan: Does that tongue never stop? What if we… plucked it from your head? As for you, we need Balthier alive! His corpse fetches but half the bounty!

Henchman: A tender beatin’… My specialty!

Henchwoman: There’s no fun in it if we can’t tease out a scream or two!

Penelo: Where are you?

[The scene fades on Penelo looking up at the sky through a small window near the ceiling.]

[A short cinematic follows showing the Strahl flying through the clouds, and the clouds breaking to reveal a massive floating land, with buildings and spires jutting from the green trees. One building in particular is spectacular with what look like giant feathers billowing from its sides.]

[The scene changes again to show Vaan, Balthier, Fran, and Basch entering the aerodrome, where Imperial soldiers seem to be in a tizzy.]

Balthier: Easy.

Imperial: No good, he’s not here.

Imperial 2: Keep searching!

Imperial 3: This way!

[The Imperials run off. Balthier and co. proceed out of the aerodrome.]

Balthier: You’re a dead man. Don’t forget it. And no names.

Basch: Of course.