"So Manny, what is Bradley doing. The ship recovered yet" Kasui asked as she started rifling through the kit for swabs and band aids.
"Well, the radar says the ship isn't moving. But there are smaller ships following us now. I think he sent out drop ships or something" came Manny's reply from the cockpit.
"But I can see a naval detachment on the horizon now as well. We are not far from the border. Hopefully Bradley leaves us the fuck alone" Manny added as two smaller airships came into view, flanking the small cargo vessel. Kasui scowled as she caught glimpses of the ships through the cockpits doorway. They were drop ships, and she could see soldiers in their bays, all looking at them with mounted guns pointed at the cargo ship.
Swearing to herself once again, Kasui turned away, ignoring the ships and trusting Manny to do his job. Drop ships were not hard to out maneuver by most standards. She started treating the youths many injuries slowly, not really caring about the situation outside for the time being. There was not much more she could do about it anyway. Looking up, she noticed Ryan watching her and just lifted a hand and offered him the middle finger with a pissed off expression. Ryan just sighed and just gestured for her to move back.
"Let me patch up the kid. You have done enough. Just sit back and relax" Ryan ordered and actually moved to sit down opposite Kasui. He helped himself to the first aid kit and took over without a word from Kasui. The woman just scowled and stood up. She stepped over the unconscious youth and made her way into the cockpit, planting herself in the spare seat. Manny offered her a look and then pointed into the distance, indicating the navy ships waiting for them.
Looking out the window, Kasui located three ships in the distance. What looked like an air carrier and two smaller ships, maybe cruisers, perfect for air defense. She couldn’t help but smile grimly. Looking either side of her, she noticed the drop ships were now keeping a healthy distance, obviously not inclined to attack with the threat the navy presented. Getting a good look at the navy ships, Kasui noticed the national flag of the S.I.R and grinned, feeling so much more relaxed now.
The nation they were heading to was the S.I.R, or the South Island Republic, a number of island nations that had banded together over forty years ago to combat the threats from their northern neighbors. As an island based nation, the S.I.R lacked air power, but made up for it with the largest and most advanced navy in the world. On top of that, they also boasted the most extensive air defense network in the world. The nation was considered one giant fortress. However, due to their lack of air power, they were not particularly aggressive, only ever defending themselves. The Republic had maintained good relations with the rising Samite Union over the last decade, and seemed disinclined to enter the struggles of the other world nations. This was owed to the guidance of their greatest military leader, Admiral Broderick Milenic who was a legend amongst the military elite of the world.
As they came closer to the navy, a voice crackled over the radio on an open channel causing Kasui to sit up in the chair and actually pay attention.
"Gestonian Forces, This is Vice Admiral Crawford of the S.I.R navy. I demand that you cease operations in this area. If you do not I will be forced to engage you to maintain the security of my nation" crackled a demand and Kasui flopped backwards into her seat grinning toothily. Now that was more like it. She wondered how Bradley would react to that. After a few moments a reply came back on the channel, Bradley's voice curt and angry.
"Vice Admiral Crawford. This is Prince Bradley of the Gestonian Royal family, and Commander in Chief of the Ostian Military. I am currently pursuing wanted fugitives of my nation and I ask that you let me apprehend them" came the prince’s reply, his anger real. It seemed like he was trying hard not to let loose vulgarities at Crawford. The prince had barely finished his words when a reply cut back over the radio from Crawford.
"What you wish to do is none of my concern. If you wish to apprehend these fugitives, you will have to take it up in the appropriate diplomatic channels. All I know is that you do not have permission to enter our territory whilst the ship cargo eighty seven does. So I suggest you pull back, or I will blow you and yours out of the sky" Vice Admiral Crawford stated forcefully and straight to the point. Kasui thought she might actually like this man when she met him. She waited for a reply from the prince, but as the seconds dragged on, and a minute passed, Kasui thought he might not answer. But finally it came.
"Very well Vice Admiral Crawford. I will follow this incident up with the appropriate procedure" the reply came back over the channel. Bradley's voice was oddly calm and composed, reflecting an attitude Bradley had not displayed earlier. Kasui crowed quietly in satisfaction as she looked out of the cockpit windows and watched the drop ships turn around to head back to the Prince's Battleship. She felt elated and thumped Manny in the arm who cursed and rubbed the spot she had struck. Her elation was cut short though as Vice Admiral Crawford's voice came over the radio once more.
"Cargo Eighty Seven. This is Vice Admiral Crawford speaking. I request that you immediately land on the S.S Larwin for inspection of papers and cargo" the man stated, his voice holding an edge to it. Kasui recognized that tone. It was one of a strict man following orders, no matter what those orders may be. Kasui actually felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked to Manny who picked up the radio and replied.
"Copy that Vice Admiral. Approaching now. Please direct me to an appropriate landing zone" replied Manny who seemed in high spirits now. He brought the ship in close to the aircraft carrier, directing the little cargo ship into an appropriate path.
As two flag officers appeared and started waving directions in some universal code Kasui had no idea of, Manny guided the ship towards them and followed the directions. As soon as they landed in the designated area, Kasui stood up and moved out of the cockpit, beckoning for Ryan to follow. Manny turned off the ships engines and stood up to follow as well, a jump in his step as his relief showed through. As the trio reached the cargo bay door, Kasui flicked the switch that opened to door, and with a creak it did so. As it opened, the grim faces of Republic soldiers showed. All of them were armed and their guns were pointed at the ship. Kasui felt a knot form in her stomach as she realized this was not a friendly reception.
When the ship opened completely, a middle aged man who Kasui guessed to be the Vice Admiral stepped forward and issued a command. A simple and curt command to his soldiers.
"Lieutenant, arrest these people".
Chapter 19
* * *
As a loud knock sounded at his door, Niall woke with a start and hastily disentangled himself from the young officer sleeping lightly in his bed, and as he was struggling to put his pants on his door was thrown open, his friend Keran waltzing in rather unceremoniously. Looking at the struggling Niall, the young lord grinned impishly, and contrary to what he saw, asked what Niall thought to be a stupid question.
"Are you decent?"
Dumbfounded, Niall replied quietly so as not to wake his companion.
"What the hell do you think, now what in the world do you want at this time in the morning. If it’s just for idle talk, you can get the fuck out" Niall hissed angrily as he got his pants up one leg. Covering just his crotch he didn’t care about pulling on the other pant leg as he just glared at Keran.
Absolutely unaffected by Niall's obvious anger, Keran spoke again, enlightening Niall as to why he was in the room.
"The enemy fleet just appeared offshore and are organizing themselves. We have no idea how they got here so soon. Regardless, command is sure they are preparing for a dawn assault. So I suggest you wake up her majesty's subordinate and join the rest of the commanders in the HQ as soon as you are both wearing appropriate clothes" the young lord said right before he gave Niall's companion an appreciative look and a wink to Niall himself before simply turning on his heel and exiting the room without so much as a word, leaving Niall to get dressed and ready. Niall reached for his shirt before he gently nudged the young woman awake and t
old her the situation.
After a few minutes of tracking down their clothes in an awkward silence, the two dressed and went their separate ways, Niall heading towards HQ. As he approached the command center, Niall came upon another commander. Colonel Godeslas, a bald man in his late forties, and the commander of the ground forces positioned in the city of Pagua.
Nodding to each other, they both entered the room filled with the various commanding officers all dispersed in small groups and talking to each other in soft hushed tones. As the colonel joined his own officers, Niall made his way to the center of the room and looked down at the command table and its map. He frowned as he saw a trio of tokens representing the enemy fleet and Clovis' own sky fleet, all positioned in a place some distance from Pagua.
Snorting, Niall reached out and pushed the pieces to the coast of Pagua. Hearing a sudden noise followed by a complete silence, Niall looked up and turned around, seeing the princess arrive. Phidel walked into the room, her head held high and a look of perplexion on her face.
She came to a stop not far from Niall and simply looked around the room, her gaze sweeping over all those gathered. Her expression turned stern and Niall felt a shiver run up his spine, remembering just who this woman's father was. She carried his blood and authority well.
"Well. I hope you haven't all been standing here twiddling your thumbs. What is the situation" Phidel snapped irritably, her gaze sweeping around the room once more and settling on a figure behind Niall. As Niall turned around to look at the focus of his liege, he raised a brow in surprise as Harald stepped forward and answered his sister.
"As you know, the enemy arrived far before the estimated time. Intelligence hasn’t been able to offer a reason as to why. Regardless, they are here now" Harald stated, his expression rather grim and serious. He seemed remarkably on edge and was quite tense. Niall surmised this was because this happened to be the Princes first actual military confrontation.
"The fleet is accompanied by numerous divisions of marines. It is certain that an amphibious assault will begin within only a matter of hours. As for the sky fleet commanded by Clovis, they are just hovering above the navy protecting it from any assault we may attempt" Harald continued, his report rather bland and lacking in any real information. It was all guess work at best. Phidel seemed to realize this also, and her expression showed it has her face darkened and she scowled, twisting her normally beautiful features.
"That’s it then. Nothing else" Phidel asked, her gaze sweeping around the room and locking on a number of key commanders. It was only when a small weathered man stepped forward, his uniform adorned by many medals and awards.
"My Lady. If I may spread some light on the situation. As you know, we have had reports in the last few months of the U.F.N. developing new engines for their war craft. Perhaps this fleet has been outfitted with such creations" the old man stated with a small smile, a glint in his eye. Niall recognized the man and actually smiled himself. The man was called Xevec and was Phidels oldest serving officer and advisor. He was also the commanding officer of the intelligence forces stationed with Phidels army.
"Also, Prince Harald may have forgotten the orders he gave to the shore batteries and infantry divisions to prepare for battle. The ground forces have been mobilized and are standing ready" Xevec stated in a soft smooth voice. His words though carried a hint of a lie and Niall looked over at Harald who was scowling deeply. Niall guessed Xevec had really been the one who issued those orders. That was Xevec's style though. He always seemed to be controlling things from behind the scenes somewhat.
"Right. Then that just leaves all the other sectors of the army and my own sky fleet. When the attack begins, I will launch all our air power. We outnumber the enemy air units in every aspect. We have an advantage in the air, and I will use that advantage" Phidel commanded, jumping into action. She turned towards another group of officers and lifted a hand to point at a figure.
"Colonel Godeslas. As usual, you will be left in charge here to command the ground forces. Your staff will look after the support divisions as is normal also" Phidel added, her expression firm. As Colonel Godeslas saluted and turned away to converse with his own staff, the rest of the officers in the room split up, each going their own ways. There was no real order to disperse, but these people had all worked with Phidel for years, so knew their tasks. They would just do as they always had unless told otherwise.
Niall made his way over to Phidel who just stood quietly, a frown on her face. Looking behind his liege, he noticed some of the woman's female bodyguards standing not far behind. He came to a stop before Phidel, feeling the bodyguard’s eyes all over him. He just smiled warmly at Phidel, ignoring those eyes on him.
"I think you made a wise decision my lady, it is not like you to be on the back foot" Niall stated quietly, feeling she needed some reassurance so as not to second guess herself. Phidel seemed to get startled by Niall’s voice and looked at him, her blue eyes wide in surprise.
"Oh, Sir Belford. Thank you. I can only hope it doesn't prove costly" Phidel murmured softly, a hand being raised to scratch the bottom of her jaw. She was tense and distracted. Niall was about to say something before he noticed a communications officer approach and wait. Niall focused his gaze on the man and gestured for him to come closer even as Phidel noticed him also.
"My Lord, my lady. We are receiving a transmission from the enemy. Commander Clovis is asking to speak with you via video link my lady" the officer stated, his voice rather level. He just stood silently then, waiting for a response from the princess. Surprised, Princess Phidel blinked at the man and actually seemed to think on something. After a moment she waved a hand and spoke.
"Accept the call. Bring the call to the command monitor. I'll have everyone see it" Phidel ordered as she turned to face the large monitors on the wall. All voices in the room seemed to quiet down as attention was redirected to the monitors. The communications officer murmured something into a device right before the monitor flashed, bringing the image of a person onto the monitors screen.
As the image cleared and became visible, both Harald and Phidel made similar sounds of distress. Sort of surprised gasps. The flickering image on the screen was not that of Clovis as they had expected but that of the royals twenty two year old sister Sarah.
The two royals seemed unable to speak. They just stood there shocked, Harald with his mouth hanging open and Phidel with her gaze wide. Niall scowled and stepped forward, pushing a few people out of his way and took charge of the situation.
"I am Sir Belford, if you have something to say Princess Sarah, please say it or I will end this conference here" Niall snapped, anger in his voice as he took on a hard stance. If Sarah was with Clovis, then she was essentially a traitor and he would treat her as such.
"Of course Sir Belford, I will not bandy words with you. I am currently here on the behalf of the U.F.N. namely to demand your unconditional surrender. The commanding officers of your forces will be taken as hostages whilst the troops under your command will be safely escorted out of these lands to Imperial territory" Sarah said, a grim look on her face. She just stared defiantly at Niall, her features near exact to that of Phidel. Niall just felt a shiver run down his spine at the similarity.
Murmurs and snickers broke out around the room as the various officers and commanders jeered the Princesses demands and Niall couldn’t help but smirk before his reply.
"That is out of the question. Your forces cannot defeat us here. Attacking this city will be the end of you. So this city will not surrender and neither will its commanders. Now if that is all you have to say, this conversation is over" Niall exclaimed, his reply eliciting a number of snorts from his allies.
Princess Sarah scowled, like she had expected a response such as that and her gaze hardened, taking on the appearance of the royal family that she belonged to. She shook her head in what a person might mistake as a disdainful gesture. Then she let out a soft sigh before speaking again.
"Come Lord
Belford, surely you do not wish to spill even more blood in this pointless war. It is in everyone's benefit to end this once and for all" the woman stated, her voice taking on more of a pleading tone than previously.
"Princess. It is not my place to answer that. Only one person can end this war. And that is your father Emperor Alden. So why don’t you go and ask him to surrender. See how well that goes" Niall snapped angrily as he turned and made a slicing motion across his neck at the communications officer, essentially telling him to cut off the signal. Sarah's eyes widened and she made a last comment, trying to get her words in,
"Wait Sir Belford, please, we can come to an arrangement. Just let me speak with my brother and sister" came her voice, the pleading tone much stronger this time. Niall just ignored her, making the cutting motion across his neck once more.
"I cannot allow that, this conversation is over" he barked just as the communications officer made the call to control to end the call. As the monitor switched off Niall turned his back on the screen and looked around at all those in the command center. Most of the officers and commanders were standing silently, a few of them grinning whilst others just looked irritated. The two Royals however, both seemed to still be in shock.
The Sky is Endless Page 18
