BALADA: When My Eyes Are Weighed With Sleep I Quench The Evening Candle's Glow

by Solea Razvan

  “And what did you gauge from his reactions?” Montpellier asked.

  “He got angry at my remark and refused to take the bait, that means he can control his emotions and impulses, he uses a punishment that fits the crime, he also made it so that I would get at least part of the blame from the troops, so that means he knows how to win a situation and avoid at least a part of the fallout from it, a good start but for now he is still on probation.” von Braun replied.

  “Do you think we will be alright with him, he’s rather young for a commodore, I mean he’s barely in his late to mid twenties.” McClelland asked.

  “Good question, I do not want another Cassius on our hands!” Lintz added and nearly spat on the ground in disgust, and considering his mouth was full with mustered fried pork and mashed potatoes, that was probably a good thing.

  “If he turns out to be another Cassius, then we can always organize another banquet.” Werner replied coldly, as they all continued to dig in to their lunches.

  Werner got a forkful of meat and potatoes, but just as he was about to take a bite he stopped, placed the fork back on his plate and pushed the plate away.

  He then laid back in his chair and simply continued to sip the coffee, the others noticed this and we’re surprised by it, but decided to say nothing about it, they only continued with their meal.

  Maramanakama Imperial field command center.

  12:23 Local Planetary time

  “Damn this summer heat, its hot enough to fry meat on the side walk, this whole city could use a river, no, a lake running through its streets!” Gelios who was comfortably sitting in his chair thought to himself as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, watching as the first wave of his attack entered the enemy’s territory; he was confident in the notion that success was guaranteed, when suddenly one of his staff members said the following:

  “Sir, third squadron was ambushed and destroyed!”

  “What?” Gelios said as he quickly got up from his chair and walked to the battle map, as he looked at it he saw the small images of his units disappear one by one.

  “Eight squad is under assault.”

  “Second squad is retreating.”

  “Forth squad has just been ambushed from behind and we’ve just lost contact.” The orderlies said to their lord.

  “We are getting reports of raids on the field hospital’s defenses!”

  “What the hell is going on out there?” Gelios shouted in a mixture of anger and surprise.

  378th command headquarters, Metternich’s private room.

  “Kriffing bum, judging me like that without even knowing me!”The young commodore thought to himself as angrily slammed his fists on his desk, several hours had passed since the meeting and he was going over the files of the 88th and the intelligence reports from CORSEC, at least that was what he was doing up until now, when for some unknown reason the meeting flashed through his mind, making him angry at a lot of things, at the war, at Werner, but especially at himself for not being able to avoid all this madness.

  He continued to frown at nothing and nobody for a few minutes, until his anger disappeared and silent tears threatened to trickle down his face.

  “I might have made an enemy of the most dangerous Imperial on the planet, tomorrow I will prepare for not just a battle but a decisive one, the day after I might die! I should run, run away from this war, from this madness, from people killing others by thousands each day.” He thought to himself as he lay on his bed and activated the rune spells on his ceiling, which made the night sky appear on it.

  “Maybe if I did others would follow, the officers, the enlisted men, maybe just maybe the enemy would do the same, we could all go far away, like the Great Founder Tomiris did, let the Field Marshalls and Admirals and politicians have their war, let them fight and starve and die!” Metternich thought to himself and a flicker of hope spread across his face, before cruel reality removed it from him.

  “No, that will not happen, I could hardly desert when I was starting as a captain, and now with my face well known and my reputation, it’s impossible for me to go undetected, I have thousands of men from my new command watching me , also even if I tried to desert they would never follow, for I know we fight wars because of pride, greed, shame, and the greatest reason off all stupidity, and from my time as a potions maker I know that those are the few ailments that we do not have a cure for.” he thought to himself as he exhaled a disappointed breath of air as he got up from his bed and went to make a few rounds across his new command.

  He had a meal in the enlisted personal’s mess hall, he chatted with soldiers and sailors all who were very happy to have the ‘Fox of Marengo’ as their new commander, after that was finished he went back to his quarters to try and get some sleep.

  He barely got any sleep at all, so he just got up and went for a second round, and a third and fourth and twelfth, his stomach was aching from nervousness for the battle ahead, preventing him from resting.

  He knew that he had already checked everything and gave the necessary orders at the meeting, but he was a very agitated person and because of his stomach and from past experiences he knew that for the next few hours he would not be able to sleep.

  So he continued his rounds, not just to help calm his nerves and diminish his anxiety, but also because stuff like having the commander be seen and interacting with the troops would improve moral, and it helped if the enlisted men appreciate their commander, since you would want several thousand men and women with deadly weapons to like you, wouldn’t you?

  The Dukhym district

  12:48 Local Planetary time.

  “Numbers 3 to 6 attack now!” The voice of Nobody ordered over the windwaker airways.

  On his command the fourth imperial squadron was destroyed.

  “Excellent, now numbers 2 and 8, set several fire arrows at location 43-87, numbers 9 and 3 will fire at the same location with winter ice water arrows, numbers 5 and 10 proceed to point four and fire at the eight o clock direction, also number 4.”

  “Y-yes!” Kalynka asked, since she was the designated number 4.

  “Since you are apparently the ace pilot here, this is what I want you to do, move to location 78-49, at my command I want you to temporarily deactivate the cloak field spell.” Nobody replied.

  “But that will make them send all of their forces at us!”

  “One needs proper bait for a great trap, you’ve trusted me so far, do as I say and our victory will be complete, as for the rest of you I’d like you all to do the following……” he replied with and transmitted his orders.

  Those present hesitated for a moment, but only for a moment and they then carried out his commands, The battle was starting to go in their favor and they where to drunk on winning to object, at least for now.

  Maramanakama Imperial field command center.

  12:53

  “Sir, the eastern bridge has just collapsed taking the second company with them!”

  “Our submarine pool has just been heavily damaged; looks like one of our own subs just did a suicide run!”

  “The reinforcements from the northern side have been ambushed and pushed back outside, also we are getting reports that the enemy is using battle armors!” the orderlies said to Gelios.

  “It must be the Maran Liberation Army or the Marans People’s Front; they’re the only ones amongst the terrorists that have battle armors!” Bartolommeo said to his liege.

  “It can’t be him…….It can’t be Alefran, can it?” Gelios asked with concern in his voice, Alefran was one of the most feared of the rebel leaders in the Maran sector.

  “Sir, the enemies cloak has just fallen!” one of the tactical officers said to his commander and the prince looked at the display and saw as the enemy units position was revealed.

  “Ha! There they are! They’re in the center of the district, now we have them! All units charge!” Gelios ordered.

  “But my lord, doesn’t it seem suspicious that-”

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nbsp; “Shut your mouth Bartolommeo, they have made a fool of me long enough, I want every warrior on them now!” Gelios cut him off with a shout, and his order was carried out.

  The Dukhym district

  “The enemy is now advancing on your positions, all units I want you to maintain your current status and do not engage the enemy as they pass you, I repeat your main objective is to remain hidden, also number 7, are you ready?” Nobody asked.

  “My name’s Tubarin, and yeah I’m in position.” Tubarin replied.

  The Imperial chariots and support units made their way through the streets, unknowingly passing the rebels, who where now hiding, after they reached the center of the district where their map told them the enemy was an order was given to Ahmaianos’s group.

  “Now number 7 initiate the spell!” Nobody ordered him.

  Maramanakama Imperial field command center.

  13:01

  “Sir, the troops have reached the center and are reporting that the only thing there are some power crystals that are blasting away their energy.” one of the orderlies reported.

  *BANG*BOOM*BANG*BOOM*BANG*BOOM*BANG*BOOM

  “What the hell was that?” Gelios asked as explosions were heard coming from Dukhym.

  “Incoming emergency transmission, I’m putting it trough.”

  “This is lieutenant Brandon of the 27th squadron, HQ the sewer below us has just collapsed some of us have been taken down by it, the rest are fighting the torrent of water within it, request……………..” his report was cut off by the sound of him screaming and then only static remained to be heard from the communication crystal.

  “It’s Alefran, Alefran is here!” Gelios said as fear started griping him.

  “Sir, the enemies cloak has been reactivated!”

  The Dukhym district.

  13:03

  “Looks like……….the enemy is retreating!” Kalynka said with a smile and look of astonishment on her face at how easily the mighty Empire was repulsed and how simple yet completely under their noses the tactics they used where.

  Making noise to cloak your position, using your forces in irregular firing patterns, maintaining a flexible front, using bate and trap tactics, these where all easy and effective tactics.

  They were just not something that most people could come up with from the top of their heads.

  That and having the enemy’s stolen armors and Nobody on your side was a plus in her opinion.

  “All units break through the encirclement, with their forces in temporary disarray they shouldn’t be much of a threat to you, but that won’t last for long, after you get to safety I suggest you lay low for a while, you may keep the armors as a gift, one of many more are to come.”

  “You have all lived up to my expectations, I will contact you latter to finish the contract and negotiate the payment for future services.” The voice of Nobody told them.

  “Wait, just who are you?” Kalynka asked through the communication crystal, but only static came from it.

  Volun 4, the position of the 378th.

  Month of Caliupus, 10th

  5:52

  “Is everything in position Adrian?”

  “Ye my lord, we just await you’re order.” He replied

  “Very well, the sun’s about to come up so you may give the signal for the attack, no sense in wasting the cloak of darkness since we’ll need all the help we can get.” he ordered and Adrian nodded and left to occupy his respective post in the upcoming battle.

  Metternich plan was simple, Valyria along with Horatia, Oscar, Dalius, Antonius and Georgaian would begin a frontal assault on the enemy, while at the same time the forces of Tarkan and Werner which were now lead by their new commander would perform a pincer maneuver from behind after crossing the forest south of the mountains.

  He walked towards where Butz was waiting with their spider-wolf jeep, and after getting into the gunner’s seat he took a picture from his pocket.

  It was taken only a month before the pirate incident that got him shanghaied into the navy, in the picture where his friends who were also his original crew, they were from all over the galaxy but all were happy and smiling.

  Nostalgia gripped him as he gazed at his old life, before that fateful day when it was changed forever, before the war, before they all left to fight each other.

  He gazed at his old friends, his eyes lingering on Jonathan who had left them that day to pursue other ventures.

  He missed the old days, Jonathan in particular for he was his best friend.

  “This is it Jonathan, another day, another battle, I’ll win it or at least make a big enough mess to run away from it, wish me luck and I hope you are all alright.” he said to himself and he placed the picture back in his pocket as all around him his command started the assault, and with that the battle armor he was wearing all of a sudden became very, very heavy and uncomfortable, and his stomach started aching again as anxiety for the battle gripped him .

  The uniform he had been wearing was still beneath that armor. He was wearing the newest model battle armor, namely the AP2- 587 and like its predecessor the BGY, it was about the same shape, but with a few improvements such as various hooks and rings across its body to make it very customizable in terms of what the wearer could carry, it had an internal heater and air conditioner which helped maintain the comfort of the wearer.

  Its surface skin had a special rune spell imbedded into it that allowed it to change colors, making it an essential feature for ambushes and remaining undetected by the enemy.

  The armor carried an oxygen extractor for underwater breathing, and an air pack for zero G space combat if necessary.

  Metternich’s armor was the same model the rest of the Imperial army used, with the exception that his shoulders where lined with fur and he strangely wore a leather long coat over his armor, one that reached down to his feet.

  Metternich‘s helmet was also unique, in that it was a cylindrical shaped one that encased his head, the helmed was a dark golden-coppered color and had a series of circle like bumps that covered most of its surface, the shapes where clearly designed to divert and deflect sword blows from the wearer’s head.

  At forehead level, a sculpture of a pair of eyes was encrusted into the design; its purpose was according to the ancient beliefs of his ancestors to ward off evil and danger.

  Also the back of the helmet that was at eye level together with the sides that protected the ears had sculptures of battles his people had fought with their four holy weapons: the bow, the saber, the falx-falcata and the two retiarius weapons, and though he did not consider himself a warrior he could do a decent job with his ancestor’s sacred tools.

  The helmet was made to be serviceable, intimidating, to shown one’s rank to the ally without alerting the enemy and above all to ensure its users survival.

  That and it looked pretty sweet!

  But he had no time to ponder his battlefield fashion choice, since the battle itself was about to begin, so he clasped his hands, closed his eyes and prayed.

  “God in heaven, help me and my army and navy, please give me strength to survive and see to it that as many of my warriors as is possible survive this battle, also……………..also please make sure that as few foes die as well, and for those that do, be they enemy or Imperials, please make sure they do not suffer and forgive them and us for what we are about to do.” he prayed to his God, made the holy signs of faith and piety and then turned his now opened his eyes to what lay before him.

  Above him the roar of the clouds was heard, as a storm was brewing and despite himself Metternich gave out a smile of relief, for the storm could help mask their attack!

  He opened his eyes as the thunder from heaven was joined by the thunderous roar of hundreds of earth breakers and chariots that opened the battle.

  The fight for Volun 4 had begun!

  Volunian/Federation Southern flank.

  5:52 Local Planetary time.

  The members of the 1
st squadron of the 695th fighter regiment were exhausted and weary, not just of the fact that most of them where from sub temperate climates and they were in a desert like area, but also of for the fact that their current commander Lt Lance Hendrickson was dragging them along Captain Hannibal Rogue’s extended patrol mission.

  “Why in the name of all that is holy are we here?” Bob one of the foot soldiers asked the others around him.

  “Our regiment is here because the Volunians are allies of the United Federation of Planets (U.F.O.P), and we are here to protect them from the Empire.” Hogan replied.

  “I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about why are we going each night on an extended patrol here of all places? I mean we’re dozens of miles away from our front lines, that and we’re fliers not ground pounders, also there’s nothing here but the entrance to that forest!” Bob said to him.

  “Well, that’s what we get for having Hannibal ‘Silly Billy’ in our regiment; the crazy fool actually thinks the enemy will come from behind us! What’s next? Will their monarch do a triple summer salt, land on our right and left flank and moon us to death?” Hogan said and the others around him chuckled, they had little respect for their current highest ranking officer, since his latest proposals had been time and time again rejected by their senior officers for being too outlandish. The generals had even gone as far as to reprimanding him publically and they had even begun a not so secretive smear campaign, making him the laughing stock of both armies stationed on Volun, they he had done decent job at that since it made the troops forget the fact that he was once the most popular and well respect sailor in the fleet that was stationed here.

  “They’re laughing at you, should I do something about it?”Lieutenant Hendrickson asked Hannibal, Lance had a good ear and could clearly pick up what the soldiers were saying behind their backs.

  “Let them be kid, I’d rather them be right and laugh at me than it be the other way around; I just hope I’m wrong.” Hannibal replied to the young freckle faced Lance as they started climbing the small hill that was before them.