I do not own Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs or SeiJushi Bismarck. This is strictly a work of Fan-fiction, for entertainment only.
The Bismarck crew receives clearance to land and are met by the Council of Cavalry Command and the cheers of many soldiers. Upon disembarking, they stop in front of Commander Eagle and General Whitehawk and Salute them.
"Good job," the General says. "I'm glad to see that you were able to stop the Outrider Base from destroying us."
Saber nods, "I wasn't sure we were going to survive it, to be honest," he replies. "Had Colt not shown up when he did, this would not have turned out so well."
"Colt!" Robin cries as she comes running up to the group. Colt looks up when he hears his name smiling slightly when he sees her. She reaches him and hugs him tightly, causing him to wince in pain. "I was afraid I'd lost you," she says quietly, her head against his chest as she fights back tears.
"We need to talk," Commander Eagle says, causing Robin to release her grip on Colt and turn to face him. "Mr. Wilcox, go and check in with the medical staff and we will come and update you in a while."
"Yes, sir," Colt says weakly with a slight nod as he turns and limps towards the medical center, Robin at his side.
The commander watches him for a moment before turning to the remaining three team members, "Let's talk in my office."
General Whitehawk looks to the commander, "I am going to speak with King Jared and his people. I'll join you when I'm finished." The commander nods and the general heads off towards the area that the King's people have landed and began to congregate.
April, Shinji and Saber follow the commander back to his office, giving Elise a slight nod as they pass through the reception area. They enter and take their seats, the commander entering last, after stopping to give instructions that they not be disturbed, save for General Whitehawk. After taking his seat, he looks to the people before him, contemplating his next words carefully.
"As you probably assume, we lost a lot of people in this last battle," the commander begins. "Because of falling debris, we have several civilian injuries and casualties as well. Despite that, I am pleased overall with how things turned out." He looks to his daughter and studies her for a moment before looking to Shinji, then finally resting his gaze on Saber before taking a breath. "Some of the dead include civilians and other government officials," he says quietly, "We lost three ships that had come in to help evacuate as many people as possible, in the event that you could not stop the Outrider base. One of the ships was carrying Senator Rider."
Saber involuntarily gasps as the statement sinks in.
"I am sorry, Saber. It happened shortly after you left to try and stop the Outrider base from colliding with us. His ship was just leaving while transporting civilians away from the base, when some Outriders just appeared and began firing at any ship they could," the commander explains. "The remnants of the ship crashed back onto the surface and we are working on trying to retrieve the remains of anyone we can. It may take a couple more days; the recovery of your father is one of the top priorities from the ship. If it's any consolation, he's considered a hero. He was the one who started coordinating efforts to evacuate as many people as he could. He was detrimental to getting a fleet of civilian ships to assist with the evacuations. Those pilots and crews that were killed will be honored as heroes as well. It is because of those efforts that more were not injured or killed."
Saber nods slightly, not trusting himself to speak.
April reaches over and places her hand on his arm, in a show of support.
Saber casts her an appreciative glance before taking a breath and slowly releasing it. "I suppose I should contact the Stewards of the estate, so that they may begin preparations for the funeral," Saber says quietly.
Commander Eagle nods, "I know there are things that you need to tend to, you may go and make your calls. I'll let you know as soon as we've found him."
"Thank you, sir," Saber replies quietly before standing and quietly leaving the room, heading to his quarters.
"I know that the two of you could use some rest; but once I get updates from our other people, I may need you to help with the recovery effort. I cannot in good conscience ask Saber to assist with it, given the current circumstances."
"We'll do whatever you ask," April replies.
"Thank you. Now, I'd like to hear from the two of you what exactly transpired when you went inside the base, and just how Mr. Wilcox was able to join you," the commander says.
April takes a breath and spends the next hour going over the details of their attack on the Outrider Base and how Colt ended up saving them, ultimately allowing them to destroy the base, and thus saving their world.
"I'll let you know as soon as I know more, Thomas," Saber says over the vid-com.
"Thank you, sir. I am sorry to hear such news," Thomas replies. "We shall start making the preparations for the funeral. Should we prepare rooms for extra guests as well?"
Saber thinks for a moment before nodding slowly. "Aye, I'm fairly sure that we'd need three, perhaps four extra rooms for those that would most likely arrive with me; barring any issues popping up," he replies. "Of course that may still be a couple of days out," he adds as an afterthought.
"Aye sir, I'm sure. However, once this is over, we will work to move you to the master's quarters, as you will be head of house; for now we will focus on preparing rooms for the guests. Let us know if things change before you leave. Either myself or Elaine will meet you at the transport depot," Thomas replies.
Saber nods and disconnects the call. Standing up, he walks across his apartment, heading to the balcony and stepping out, surveying the base and surrounding areas. Far off in the distance, he sees what could be the site of one of the shipwrecks; possibly even the one involving his father. He stands there in silence, leaning against the railing watching several people work, even though they appear to be the size of ants from such a distance. He stands there for quite some time, and doesn't hear April enter his apartment and walk out to the door watching him.
"Saber?" she says quietly, causing him to turn quickly when he hears her voice. "I knocked, but you didn't answer, so I came on in. I wanted to see how you were doing."
Saber releases a heavy sigh and turns back around to watch the activity below once more, pondering his answer before speaking, "I…I wish that I'd had time to speak to him again. Now, I've missed my chance with both of them," he says in a quiet tone.
April reaches over and places a hand on his shoulder, "He was proud of you Saber. He knew that you have helped save many people, even though I know he was worried about you when you first started here."
Saber chuckles, "Aye, he had his misgivings about my joining the ranks here, but he always told me to try my best, so I have. It's one of the reasons your father recruited me, I suppose."
"That and I think he was hoping you'd be a positive influence on Shinji, and later on Colt," she replies with a grin.
"Aye, sorry to say that I don't think I've helped either one of them much," he replies with a small laugh.
"Colt seems to be settling down now. He seems happy with Robin, and I know she's crazy about him. And Shinji seems to be coming around; he's more of a team player than he used to be. Even my father has noticed."
"I can't rightly take credit for that, April. I think perhaps he's just seen enough that he has matured," Saber says seriously. "Besides, you've seen how he and Colt carry on; perhaps what they needed was someone that they can joke with."
April laughs, "Yeah, they seem to be on the same level of maturity most of the time."
Saber chuckles lightly and turns back towards his apartment. "It's getting dark, shall we head inside?" he asks. April nods and they head inside, each taking a seat. He studies her for a moment before speaking, "Have you heard anything since I...left to take care of a few things?" he asks hesitantly.
April shakes her head, "Not really. My father asked Shinji and I to help with the recovery efforts," she replies and immediately regrets it when he involuntarily flinches slightly. "He didn't feel that you should have to, Saber."
He starts to speak several times, but each time he stops himself to better compose his thoughts and emotions. "He's probably right," he finally says quietly. "Perhaps he'll have something here I can help with, until they find my father."
A knock at the door ceases their conversation. Saber gets up and opens the door to find Shinji on the other side. "Come in," he says quietly as he steps aside to allow him entry. "April is already here," he adds as they return to his living area and take a seat.
"How are you doing?" Shinji asks, eyeing his friend carefully.
"As well as can be expected," he replies. "Have you checked on Colt?" he asks, hoping to redirect the line of questioning.
Shinji nods, "I just left there, actually. He's doing okay. He mostly just needs to rest, which Robin will make sure that he does. They might release him in a day or so to her custody," he adds with a grin.
Saber allows a small smile, "At least we know he's in good hands." He looks to his watch and then back to the couple before him. "It's getting late, why don't you get some rest, as I'm sure you'll be busy over the next several days.
"We need to eat something, have you eaten?" April asks.
"I don't recall the last time I ate something, come to think of it," he replies.
"Then come with us, we can all go get something," April asks pleadingly.
"I suppose I should eat."
"Come on, we can go to the pub just inside the gate. It was open. I'm sure we could all use a drink," Shinji offers. April nods in agreement.
He hesitates for a moment before standing up. "Sure, let's go."
They all stand up and head for the pub.
