Being the next in command after the Royals, Niall scowled and strode up to Phidel, his voice loud as he took command of the situation once more.
"Get to your respective positions, and prepare for battle immediately. We have a city to hold" he bellowed. Instantly the commanders split up, scurrying away to do what they had to. Casting his gaze at Phidel, he saw she was still in shock. It wasn’t every day your little sister became a traitor after all. He shot a look at the princess’s body guards standing nearby and pointed at one of them.
"Guards. Take the princess to her airship. I will be there soon" he snapped irritably and turned away as the guards actually moved forward, each grabbing an arm of the princess and forcibly guiding her away. Harald seemed to recover shortly after and moved to leave the command center too.
Niall just sighed and looked around, his gaze falling to Xevec who stood by watching Niall with a curious expression. Then the old man simply smiled and approached Niall, his hands clasped behind his back in a relaxed manner.
"Xevec. Tell me you know how that happened" Niall asked, his eyes narrowed. The old man just smiled and bobbed his head in what Niall guessed was an indication that he did know.
"Well Lord Belford. Not many people know this, but Princess Sarah fled the empire not long ago. Most know she was promised as a bride to the Lyesian Emperor, who is currently nine years old. Such a political arrangement did not sit well with her it seems. The Emperor has tried to have her brought back, but alas, Princess Sarah is as clever as they come. I will have to notify the Emperor that she is in fact here" Xevec explained, his gaze now locked on Niall. This old man truly was an enigma. There really did not seem to be much this man did not know.
"Well Xevec, I will leave that to you. For now, I have a battle to win and a siege to break" Niall stated and scowled as he swiveled on the ball of his foot and stalked out of the command center, leaving a smiling old man staring daggers in his back.
Chapter 20
* * *
Ryan sat quietly in the cell located in the carrier’s brig that he currently shared with Manny. The cell opposite them was occupied by a somewhat subdued Kasui. When the midshipmen had discovered Kasui was a mage, they had quickly immobilized her with their own magi and injected the anti-magic serum dulling her mind. So unable to think clearly, she was not swearing extravagantly as she usually did. Just sitting on the edge of the cells cot with her head in her hands.
When they had arrived on the ship, the three of them had been taken into custody with no explanation. The Vice Admiral had at least taken the unconscious young man to the ships infirmary, but with no explanation from Ryan on whom he was, the man had presumed he was another crew member and had had him placed under guard. It had been around twenty four hours since their arrest, and judging by the sounds coming from above, Ryan assumed that they had come into port.
It was another hour before Ryan heard footsteps coming down the stairwell and he raised his head to inspect the newcomers. A number of midshipmen entered the brig and unlocked their cells. Ryan was grabbed around the upper arm by a burly sailor, who dragged him out of the cell. Both Kasui and Manny faced similar actions, Kasui held by two men in case she had sobered up some and felt like lashing out. The sailors were silent as they escorted the three of them above deck. When they arrived, Ryan found a waiting gunship upon which the still unconscious young man was waiting, laid out on a stretcher. Looking around, Ryan noticed a silent Vice Admiral Crawford standing by watching as the trio was forced to enter the gunship.
Being sat down, a midshipmen strapped each of them into their seats, whilst armed guards sat opposite each of them, watching them quietly, hands on the triggers of their rifles, implying evident threat. Once the group was secured, the gunship took off, slowing rising into the air.
The gunship flew them over the port city below and out into the countryside which in turn quickly turned into a tropical jungle. Ryan looked out over the trees below, seeing the occasional movement of vehicles along bumpy dirt roads. The jungle was alive with activity, the occasional loud screech from some animal being heard over the motors of the gunship.
It was not long before an airbase came into view. Ryan actually sucked in a breath as he looked over the base in awe. It was huge. He could see a number of airships docked near some massive hangars, and dozens of smaller aircraft lined neatly on the runways. As the gunship came in closer to the base, it headed towards a helipad near what looked like a series of office buildings and Ryan actually felt a shiver run up his spine. He was lost, he had no idea why they were being brought to this place located in the middle of a massive jungle.
Looking out over the helipad as the gunship descended, Ryan noticed a group of people waiting just off to its side. Ryan gulped nervously as he saw even more guards, all armed to the teeth. When the airship landed on the helipad, the motors had barely stopped before a number of personnel rushed to escort the prisoners from the aircraft. There was little to no talking as two medics picked up the stretcher of the unconscious youth and carried him away. A number of guards stepped forward and with gestures of rifles, began moving Ryan, Manny and Kasui towards a building that looked to be the bases main office.
As the trio was escorted inside, numerous people shot them curious looks but otherwise ignored them. Even the guards didn’t seem too interested, and when Kasui began to sober up, becoming fidgety and irritable, the surrounding guards did not seem concerned in the slightest. Feeling as though there was actually no threat to himself and his companions, Ryan actually began to feel slightly optimistic and much more at ease.
Walking down a corridor, the group came to a hallway with a sole door at its end. Upon the door was wording of some, sort written in the native language of this land. Not knowing it, Ryan just shook his head as one of the guards opened the door and gestured for the trio to step inside. Once they had, the guards just exited the room and closed the door.
Now left alone with his companions, Ryan just looked around the room, noting its sparse furnishings, but still rather homely appearance for a military installation. There was a single large table in the middle of the room with eight chairs around it, and off to the left side, a small kitchenette with a bar fridge, sink, microwave and jug. Ryan walked over to the makeshift kitchen to inspect it, mainly to see if there was any food as he was starving. His stomach rumbled audibly even as he heard the door they had come through open once more. He turned fast, noticing both Kasui and Manny doing the same, though Kasui being more on edge than the others.
"Careful there my friends, I am not your enemy. Oh, if you wish you can help yourself to the tea and coffee please go right ahead. There should be some biscuits in one of the cupboards as well" an amused old man stated as he entered the room with hands held high in a non-aggressive manner and a gentle smile on his face.
The trio just seemed to freeze where they stood as they all stared at the man before them. The old man was one of the most recognizable figures in the world and was considered to be one of its most renowned figures. It was not hard to believe as the man before them was a legend among the military elite of the world. Taking a seat at the table that occupied the center of the room, Grand Admiral Broderick looked to be no older than fifty, when in reality he was approaching seventy.
"Come, join me" the Admiral stated with a smile as he gestured at the remaining seats. Both Ryan and Manny just sat, not quite sure what to say or think. Even Kasui seemed to be affected by the commanding influence of the man before them as she sat, subdued by his presence.
Ryan just locked his eyes on the old man, looking him up and down. He had short cropped grey hair and a small neat beard. His eyes were hidden in a mass of wrinkles around his eyes, created by a lifetime of service on the sea. His olive skin and hawk like features portrayed a man that was lithe and strong even for his advanced age. Broderick Milenic was the oldest known serving military officer in the world and had never once been defeated in his entire career. He had first come to notice forty years a
go when he had defeated and killed the Emperor Galiff, Alden's father, and ignited the last Gestonian civil war. With his victory, Broderick had halted the empires expansion for over a decade, and in the recent years, he had begun to push for an alliance with the rising Samite Union to create a power capable of battling the other major nations. And now the man was sitting opposite the three of them smiling softly and offering them tea and biscuits.
"I am sorry for having had my subordinate's arrest all of you. And Miss Kasui, I am deeply sorry for having had you drugged, but I needed to have your arrest seem real" Broderick said, initiating further conversation. He raised his hand as Kasui stood up angrily about ready to snap out at the man in a sudden outburst. He held his hand there with a small smile on his face even as his near hidden eyes remained locked on Kasui. He just stared at her lengthening an already long and uncomfortable silence. Kasui slowly sat down, a scowl on her face, Broderick’s hand dropping to lay flat on the table. After a few moments, the Admiral continued speaking.
"Just to be clear, I am fully aware of the nature of your mission to the Curaw countryside. Both the Samite Union and Island Republic have been sharing intelligence for some time now. After reading through some of the files that you took from Bradley, I have made an educated guess that the unconscious youth in my hospital is no doubt the mysterious item thirty two. Is that correct?" Broderick asked of the trio, his eyes latching onto Kasui in particular.
The woman seemed to squirm under his gaze and she scowled rather deeply, anger quite evident in her.
"Yeah, he is. So fucking what. I got him out. Then I got arrested and fucking drugged. Now what fucking happens? You ruined my damned mission" Kasui yelled standing up again, her anger being given free reign as she let loose at the Admiral. The door to the room burst open and two guards appeared, rifles leveled and pointed straight at Kasui. She snarled and looked at them, a hand raised right before she simply vanished from sight. Manny swore out loud and dived down under the table even as Ryan and Broderick stood up, the latter with hands rose as he moved out from behind the table and stood before the guards. His face showed genuine surprise as his eyes scanned the room for Kasui.
"Miss Kasui. If you are still here, I will apologize again for the distress I caused you. I genuinely did not wish to drug you. But there are ramifications of telling a Gestonian Prince he has no business in my country. So please, calm down and I will tell you what happens now. I assure you, it is nothing bad" Broderick stated as he waved with a hand, gesturing for the guards to leave. They stepped back into the hallway, one pulling the door backwards with ill-concealed bad grace. Once the door was closed Broderick smiled tightly, almost forcibly. He made a show of moving slowly to sit back at the table even as Manny popped his head up from under the table. As Ryan sat too once more, Broderick started speaking again as he looked about the room, seemingly searching for Kasui.
"Now, as for what happens now. We wait for the young man to wake up, and after he does I will give you an escort back to the Union. But until then you will be my guests at this base", Broderick stated with a forced smile. His brows rose quite a bit and Ryan turned to look at his focus, seeing Kasui leaning into the corner of the room, her arms crossed over her chest, a deep-set scowl still on her face.
"All I ask is that you try not to cause any ruckus, as the leaders of my nation may still decide to hand you over to Bradley to avoid any international incidents. Although I am quite certain the prince will not pursue the matter further. Not with the threat of the exposure of his inhuman experiments that we found in the data my men took from you earlier" Broderick continued, his voice seeming somewhat forced as his gaze remained locked on the angry Samite woman in the corner of the room.
As the trio remained silent and tense, Broderick just sighed and slowly stood, his hands flat against the table, supporting him. After a moment he straightened completely and stepped away from the table, turning towards the door even as he gestured for the trio to follow. Manny stood up and took the lead without a moment’s notice. Puffing out some air Ryan followed, not caring to turn and see if Kasui followed suit.
"One of my subordinates will escort you to the quarters that I have had prepared for you so that you may rest if you so desire. There are also a number of facilities on the base that you are welcome to use as long as you are here" Broderick said as he walked along in front, passing through the hall and the guards.
Walking outside into the main corridor, the Admiral handed the trio off to a junior officer, and as Broderick walked off, the officer bade them to follow. Ryan looked back briefly to check Kasui was following, as nervous as it made him. Seeing she was there and under careful watch of the guards, Ryan just exhaled a breath of relief as he trudged along after Manny and the officer.
They left the office block behind and after a few minutes they entered another large building. They were led past a mess hall filled with personnel and then up a flight of stairs to the second story, where they came to a short hallway lined with small rooms. Kasui was shown into one room occupied by a low bunk bed and table whilst Ryan and Manny were shown into the adjacent room that was similarly furnished. The officer then left them without as much as a word.
Ryan just turned to watch the officer go, watching as she moved past the guards and gave them some orders in their native language. He just shook his head, surmising the guards would become practical shadows for the entire time the trio was on this base. Shrugging, Ryan walked into his room and without taking off even his boots, jumped up onto the top bunk of the bed. He then made himself comfortable and closed his eyes, drifting off into sleep within a matter of minutes, as mentally exhausted by the events of the last twenty four hours that he was.
Chapter 21
* * *
The transport bobbed in the waves of the ocean, travelling on the morning tide. The whole area was lit up in a gentle orange hue, and the smell of salt hung heavy in the air. Victor looked around the vessel, noting the many nervous expressions of his comrades. His brothers and sisters at arms. His platoon.
Sucking in a shallow breath, he turned his gaze back to the front, seeing the hundreds of other landing craft before and around them. This was a massive landing army, meant to break the camel's back of Imperial might in Seirei. The city of Pagua.
He could see the city in the distance, stark against the sun rising behind it, its towers high, and above them a large number of airships. Far more than what was supposed to be there. He counted them and sucked in a sharp breath. Eighteen airships. He twisted to look behind him and to the Federations sky fleet, counting six. They were outnumbered horribly in the air. His eyes drifted down to sea level though, and he looked at the massive amount of naval vessels. There were at least a dozen battleships, their cannons all pointed at the city, preparing for a barrage. There were a handful of aircraft carriers Victor could see and then dozens and dozens of smaller craft. Cruisers, destroyers, corvettes and torpedo boats. There were even larger transport vessels, the ones that had held the small vessels Victor was now in.
"Sergeant Hammond! Eyes to the front. Prepare for the landing" came a curt order, and Victor turned his gaze to look at his commanding officer, a young Lieutenant by the name of Luke Cyrus. Victor just stared at him, barely restraining himself from firing off a retort. The LT was an arrogant little shit who had family high up in the command chain so thought he was hot shit.
"Got it LT, preparing for landing" Victor replied, all professionalism. He pushed his way to the front of the barge and turned, looking out over the faces of the thirty one marines and five engineers before him. He could see the nervous looks on their faces, and a few looked like they were about ready to give in to panic. There were so many different types of people among this platoon. Some drawn from the Kratsch Empire in the east, some drawn from the middle countries and others even from the far north, the ice lands of constant winter. The young and old, people that should not have even been allowed to fight in a war. He sucked in a breath and started to speak.<
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"Alright lads and ladette's. We are approaching the beaches. Our breach point is the left flank of the city. We are aiming to push through the city outskirts with the seventy fourth and fifth regiments. We are to encircle the city and dig in. Once we land, spread out and run forward. The boys landing before us are aiming for the enemy trenches. So follow them. Aim true and keep your heads down" Victor yelled out. He could hear similar words coming from the barges flanking his own as the officers in them gave their own speeches, and he smiled grimly as he turned back to look at the coast.
He had seen many a battle in his career, but this by far seemed the most foolhardy to him. Victor watched as the first barges reached the hundred meter mark from the beaches and a handful of them disappeared in brilliant flashes of fire. Gasps sounded around him and a number of his marines stood up from their seats to peer over the edge of the barge, wide eyed.
Victor just stared at the leading barges, as more of them blew up from beneath, fireballs erupting from the water, sending cascades of water and shrapnel out around them. Victor swore as he realised what was going on. Turning around, he pushed through his crowd of marines to reach the control deck, where the barge driver was. The man was staring wide eyed ahead, eyes flicking every which way.
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