Hello all, this is the next chapter in Storm Hawks: Farside Interference. I hope you are all enjoying the story so far and will continue to do so until the end. Now, one thing to address from reviews;

Guest reviewer, whoever you are, I didn't originally put in Battalion for the unit type. I meant a Company. The site switched words on me, how it got battalion for company I will never know, so thank you for catching that and there are several ranks, I just haven't introduced them yet.

Now, enjoy!

The long awaited hour had arrived and six years of effort and patience was finally paying off. With a large burst of energy, the device started to hum with to life and the crystals in its grasp shone brightly in the dawn as their return to the rest of Atmos had begun. Sparks of power danced across the construct's frame and the ground shook with it as the connection was attempted, finally finishing with a great flash of light and a blue vortex forming at the center, sending a shockwave through the air and jolting those on the ground and in the air with its passing.

Onboard her flagship, Lark was beaming with excitement, tears pooling at the brims of her eyes as she beheld her nation's greatest achievement yet. They had created Atmos' first working teleporter, whose potential was near limitless and would revolutionize long distance travel forever. If time had permitted it, she would have stared at the spectacle for her entire life, relishing in the knowledge that she had accomplished something that wouldn't be tooled into a weapon or a scheme of destruction and conquest, but time was not so kind and she had a limited amount. Clearing her head of the thoughts, she turned to the crew, "Have the fleet check in and form up. We have a limited window until the machine shuts down for recharge."

A chorus of 'Aye-aye' answered her and she returned her sight to the window, waiting for her will to be carried out. Feeling a hand clasp around her shoulder, she turned to meet the eyes of Ravess, an aura of emotion radiating from her while the Imperial admiral embraced her leader, "You did it. You kept your promise and have finally found a way to get us home, but there are still two others."

Cyclonis gave a small nod at her companion and returned her gaze to the outside world, "We still have to end the war our ancestors started and make the Empire whole again."

The navy officer squeezed her tighter at the words, "Yes, just a little longer."

The moment between the two was shattered with the calls of bridge officers relaying the fleet's condition and movements to their leaders. They separated from each other and refocused on their task. Once the entire force had signaled the flagship, Lark Cyclonis gave one final order and sent them onto the path of redemption, "All ahead, full!"

Terra Blizzaris, home of the Blizzarian people and the Absolute Zeros Sky Knight squadron. To most, it would appear as a snow covered wasteland, but to the locals, it was paradise, or more accurately, it used to be a paradise. Ever since the death of Master Cyclonis, the terras bordering Cyclonian territory had come under heavy attack, fleets of ships laying siege to the defenders and the inhabitants becoming caught in the crossfire. As time wore on, some of the assaulting forces were turned away, like on Terra Nord, but the Blizzarians were having very little success in this. The Empire was constantly diverting ships from other fronts to the Siege of Blizzaris, as most were now calling it, and had amassed a total of eight ships for the sole purpose of taking their home.

The Blizzarian defenders, Sky Knight and militia alike, had been fighting nonstop for weeks with little to no sleep and basic supplies were starting to run low. Other kingdoms of Atmos had been trying to send in relief supplies via volunteers, but the actual amount getting through was not enough to be helpful for long periods. There was currently only a small gap in the Cyclonian line that the cargo ships could get through, but eight destroyers and four-dozen skimmers were blocking the way, meaning that anyone trying to get through would be facing a wall of crystal fire entering and exiting the area. This was the only lifeline that the people below had and a convoy full of supplies was now on its way, escorted by militia volunteers from Terra Atmosia. If they did not make it through, then Blizzaris would fall and Cyclonia would have a foothold to launch other attacks all along the Free Atmos' west flank. As the day wore on, they all prayed for the ships to make it and the chance at a victory for the Atmos.

When Lark had begun to plan for her return to the rest of Atmos, she had planned everything out to the last detail; how they would rearm/repair their ships and equipment, feed their soldiers, launch both propaganda and military attacks, espionage possibilities to locate the traitors, even selecting a terra to house their operation until they were ready to begin. Everything was perfect for their mission, but one thing they had not counted on was the terra that was to house their facilities to be completely destroyed.

When Lark heard that piece of news from the scouts they had dispatched, she wanted to tear her hair out in frustration. The patch of land she had chosen had no name as it was not on any official maps and she was the only one to know about it, at least when she left. That was no longer the case as there was evidence of a major battle taking place between Cyclonia and the Free Atmos for control of a terra that was perfect for a base to attack either side, or in Lark's mind, to gain supplies from the Free Atmos and gather information on what they had missed in their six year absence. To have it simply wiped from existence would set them back by weeks, maybe months, if they were unable to locate another possibility. Currently, she was pouring over the map with Ravess and Snipe, looking at the expanse of the Free Atmos for a location that matched their preferred criteria. It was slow going, and would no doubt be difficult to find exactly what they needed.

"What about Terra Nord," Snipe pitched. "It has plenty of isolated areas perfect for a base and it is a major trade hub for the rest of Atmos. We can get our supplies and maintain our secrecy."

Ravess shook her head and jabbed at the mentioned Terra's location, "Too close to Cyclonia's northern border. The Nords would also be more likely to shoot us if we were spotted than to leave us alone."

"What would you suggest then," her brother shot back. "We've been over this map for the better part of the day and the terra that we needed is dust. I doubt any scouts we send will find anything better!"

"May I make a suggestion?"

The sound of a new voice entering the discussion forced their attentions onto the form of a young Al'Morian female that she soon recognized as the ship's navigator, Ensign Lola Grey. She was young by Al'Morian standards, being only 25 years of age, blue plumage and jade green scales covering her lithe form, sill not reaching full maturity for another two years, where she would tower over all others. As she was still growing, Lark only came up to her lower jaw, instead of the base of her neck. The young woman fidgeted under the gaze of her superiors' questioning eyes and she reiterated her previous statement, "I believe I have an idea for a possible base."

The trio had turned to one another and conversed without words at the junior officer's words before Cyclonis addressed her and moved to the side, "Please, elaborate ensign." They could see Grey take a silent breath to gather her confidence and approached the chart. She looked at the worn paper and traced her claw to a marked mass that was not very far from their current position, only a few hours out. Lark read the inscription aloud, "Terra Blizzariss," and cast her violet orbs to her subordinates gold, "Why there?"

"The terra itself has access to several cargo lanes and it is farther from the border than Nord, but close enough to allow the recon missions," she answered. "On top of that, the areas surrounding it are largely isolated and we could remain hidden for a long time." Her leaders nodded their heads at the sound logic but turned to her again as she went on, "There is also the fact that the Blizzarians are an accepting people, and are more likely to listen to us instead of shooting first if we were to be discovered."

Lark tapped the table, her eyes alight with thought about Lola's idea. It had merit, she had to admit that, and Ms. Grey was correct about the Blizarians' likely reaction to their presence. The cold loving citizens would distrust the New Empire at first, but that trust would be earned, something that Lark was good at, and they could help defend the terra if her… what should she call the soldiers for the Cyclonians against them; enemies, traitors, usurpers; if their counterparts found them. That would make things easier and they would also garner some support when the time came to reveal themselves to the rest of Atmos. Having at least one ally would take some of the protests and hatred away if the rest of the world saw Imperial Infantry and Navy fighting alongside the Free Atmos against their own brethren. It was an opportunity, and one that they could not afford to pass up. It was the best they would possibly ever get.

Her decision made, she turned to the Human/Al'Morian pilot at the helm, "Pilot! Set course for Terra Blizzaris, heading two-one-zero, zero! Ahead one-half!"

The man turned back to her briefly, "Aye-aye, ma'am! Two-one-zero, zero, ahead one-half!"

The great ship thrust forward, her engine's roaring with power as they sailed to their destination, the rest of the fleet falling in behind them and matched their flagship's speed. With her will being carried out, Lark turned back to the young sailor and gave her a commending nod, dismissing her back to her station. The empress of the Empire then turned her gaze to the wispy clouds as they drifted by and she could not help but wonder what the future held in store for them, what would happen as they followed their chosen path, and where they would end. Would it be victory and unification, or defeat and death? Only the Ancestors knew that, and she prayed with all her soul that she had chosen wisely.

Captain Moreau of the Atmosian Relief Ship Savior's Will could only look at the Cyclonian armada blocking their path with fear and hesitation as he watched them from their hidden position behind the clouds that separated them from the Cyclonian's view. They had left but two days ago, filled to bursting with relief supplies for the Blizzarian citizens and defenders that were fighting for their lives even now, and he could not help but feel helpless as explosions and fires erupted from the city and towns that dotted the surface. Their meager escort would not be enough to get them through the newly reinforced blockade and their ships were not armored or armed enough to breakthrough. He would need serious help if they wanted to even have a chance at success. Little did they know, such assistance was heading straight for them.

"Captain," one of his officers roared out, "I have unknown vessels approaching from astern! They will be on us in minutes!"

Captain Moreau grabbed the Atmosian Militia officers cap upon him and bowed his head in prayer, Ancestors, help us.

That is a wrap folks! This is a little shorter than I usually write, but rest assured: the next one will be long and action packed. You can count on it. Till then, good night/day to you all!