Chapter 18 - A Small Step Forward

21st October 2204 – Kaladria 3 – Neu Balgray

Back inside the brig, Anika was lying on her bed facing the wall, pondering about how Jonathan and Otto were doing while speculating about what kind of fate awaited her. Suddenly, she heard some light tapping on the bars of the door of her cell. Anika rolled around and saw Jonathan standing right outside her cell, looking at her in concern.

"Oh!" Anika mumbled as she rose from her bed. "Hello Jonathan."

"Hey," said Jonathan quietly. "Sorry to disturb you, the guard said that you were sleeping so I told him not to alert you to my arrival. Did you rest well?"

"Not really actually," she admitted. "I was just too stressed to sleep."

"Yeah, I can relate," replied Jonathan, recalling briefly of his recent nightmares.

"Look… Jonathan… I…" Anika stammered nervously. "I'm really sorry for my outburst in the conference room. It's just that… Well…"

"It's okay Anika," Jonathan reassured her. "I would have done it a lot worse if I were in your position. Especially if I were constantly provoked like that."

The Zalti girl glanced away as she struggled to ask her friend a question she had been dreading to ask. "Hey… Erm… Otto told me that Berger brought you to his quarters… Wh- What did he discuss with you about?"

Jonathan paused, as he was not sure how to answer her considering her grudge against Berger and how she would react to his answer.

"Was… Was it about the Battle of Corval?" asked Anika anxiously.

"Yes," Jonathan answered quietly.

"What did he say? Another fabrication to hide his crime?" Anika muttered with cynicism.

"On the contrary, quite the opposite," replied Jonathan firmly.

"Really?" Anika stood up to face Jonathan with disdain. "After what he did? After he framed Lieutenant Colonel Langscroff to take the blame of what happened that day!?"

"Anika, hear me out!" said Jonathan. "Look, I know you're very angry with him for what he has did. But trust me when I say that Colonel Berger really regrets his actions from that day."

"Well he should be!" Anika snapped. "No Garmillan officer should have lied in court about an error he made in combat! Sure, Lieutenant Colonel Langscroff made a good intentional but ill-timed move, but that doesn't justify Berger to add more accusations for things he didn't do! Berger should have been the one who got his ranked stripped and removed from command! Not Lieutenant Colonel Langscroff!"

"And he knows about that!" Jonathan argued. "It's not like he didn't get away with his slander without being punished! He had to work his way to regain General Domel's trust after he was threatened to have his command removed! And it wasn't easy on him as well!"

"Why wasn't he removed!?" asked Anika. "It should have been Uncle Langscroff instead of him! Not some reckless fool who doesn't know what is morally right! He of all people doesn't deserve that second chance!"

Jonathan was silent, wondering how to approach Anika without triggering her angst. He knew that she held Lieutenant Colonel Langscroff in high regard from what Berger had told him, but it seemed that Anika was much closer to him than expected, especially since she referred to him as "uncle." Was there some way of reaching her without getting her more distressed? A couple moments later, Jonathan had an idea, though he himself wasn't comfortable about it either.

"Hey Anika, there's something I want to ask…" asked Jonathan nervously. "If… If you despised a person like Berger so much and to the point you claim he's irredeemable. Why…"

Jonathan gulped, as he tried to bring the courage to say the words he dreaded to say. "Why did you go such lengths to help me out back then?"

Anika stopped dead in her tracks at Jonathan's question. Visibly distraught and surprised at why he would ask such a question by recalling their past.

"I was just…. unruly and reckless as he was," Jonathan added while tilting his head in shame. "Also, I was very nasty too you back then. You had every reason to hate and condemn me… So why didn't you?"

"You know the answer already," Anika replied quietly. "You were lashing out because you felt it was unacceptable to work with someone whom you called the enemy. Blamed the Garmillans, particularly the Zaltis for the loss of your mother whom you were close with and you took it out all on me."

"Yeah… That I did," whispered Jonathan regretfully.

"But even then," Anika continued. "I believed that despite being consumed with all that rage and loneliness, there was someone special behind all that brokenness. That's… Why I tried to understand and help you more… And that you would know and understand me better too…"

"But if that was the case…" Jonathan paused. "Why didn't you do the same thing with Berger?"

Anika grimaced. "That was different Jonathan."

"Is it really?" Jonathan asked. "Did it ever occur to you that Berger back then was lashing out for something or someone he lost? And that all those reckless attacks on Gatlantean forces he did back then was his own way of coping with that trauma? What if the reason why he accused and blamed Major Langscroff was not because of the failure of that mission, but because he inadvertently denied him the opportunity to avenge the death of his fiancée."

Anika eyes widened in shock as she processed what Jonathan had revealed to her. She hadn't thought about why Berger was acting as recklessly as he did back then. As Anika connected the dots, she recalled how Ingrid mentioned that Berger always seemed fixated and searching for something every time both she and Wilheim went on a combat mission and that Langscroff himself cautioned Berger not to be too obsessed with hunting Gatlanteans as it wouldn't help to resolve his pain.

"Is… That true?"

Jonathan nodded somberly.

Anika stepped back as she took a while to absorb the revelation that Jonathan had just dumped on her.

"Look, I know that what Berger did was still unacceptable," Jonathan added "He was denied an opportunity to avenge his loved one and turned his rage towards his own allies. You don't have to support his reasoning for what he did. But at least you could at least try to sympathize and understand why he did it."

Anika looked down and knew that Jonathan was right. As much as she had the right to be angry for what Berger did to Langscroff, she realized that her rage had gotten the best of her and prevented her from seeing things from Berger's point of view.

"Look, I know it's quite a lot to process so I'll leave you some time to think about it," said Jonathan. "But right now, we got other pressing things to worry about."

"We?" asked Anika despondently. "I'm finished Jonathan. There's no way I'm going to be left off the hook after what I said in the Conference room."

"Don't be so sure about that Anika," replied Jonathan.

Anika turned to Jonathan. "What do you mean?"

"Oh during the recent debriefing, I requested for you to be given a second chance by working as an aide for the Garmillas observer to act as a mediator on the Audacious between the crew and the Garmillas representative."

Anika was left dumbstruck. "What?"

"It hasn't been confirmed," Jonathan continued. "But I had to pull a few strings to make a compelling case in front of top brass to give you another chance to prove yourself that you aren't a disrespectful Garmillan officer. Got in touch with an old acquaintance of ours from the Indefatigable to put in a good word for you too. And don't worry, Major Brandt won't be able to discredit you this time. I made sure of that. All we need now is their approval and you'll be good to go."

Anika didn't comment on Jonathan's enthusiastic words, as there was just too much stuff for her to comprehend all at once.

"Anika? What's wrong," asked Jonathan, noticing Anika's despondent mood.

"Sorry, it's just that I-," Anika sighed. "I dug myself into this mess and I rather face the consequences of my actions. You didn't have to go that far to plea on my behalf-"

"Yes I do," Jonathan interrupted her gently. "You did the same for me back then remember? So as a friend that is in your debt, would you please let me return you the favor?"

Anika sighed and realized she couldn't talk Jonathan out of this. "Alright Jonathan... you win… If I get approved to be the Garmillas aide, I'll accept the offer."

"Thanks," replied Jonathan. "I'll let you know once the transfer is approved. I'll see you soon."

As Jonathan left the brig, Anika called out to him.

"Hey Jonathan, even if this isn't going to work… I just want to say thank you… For standing up for me."

Jonathan looked back at Anika, and acknowledged her with a sincere smile, before facing forward to pass though the doorway.

22nd October 2204

Ten hours later in the starboard auxiliary hangar of the Neu Balgray, Jonathan, Berger, Brandt, and Baren who were talking outside discussing about the current deployment plan of their respected ships when suddenly Evans appeared in the main doorway.

"Excuse me Colonel," declared the young blond Garmillan. "I've brought Lieutenant Commander Anika Welmer and Sub Lieutenant Otto Geiszler to the starboard hangar as ordered sir!"

As soon as Evans finished, Anika stepped into view. Gone was her brownish army suit and now she was dressed in the formal olive-green uniform of a Garmillan Lieutenant Commander. The only traces of her old appearance were that she still had her hair tied in a ponytail and the two strands of hair next to her face. Jonathan was awestruck by Anika's new updated appearance but quickly shook the effect off.

Anika smiled politely while blushing slightly, however she soon realized somebody was noticeably absent. Glancing to her left, Anika sighed, cleared her throat, and gestured to somebody hidden from view to step out of his hiding spot. A moment later, Otto nervously stepped into view, which showed that he too had ditched his old brown overalls and now dressed in the bluish-grey formal uniform. With both newly dressed officers now present, the duo stepped towards Berger and Brandt and saluted them with the latter also doing so in reply.

"As of effect from 0815 hours," declared Berger. "Lieutenant Commander Anika Welmer and Sub Lieutenant Otto Geiszler, formerly of the late astro battlecruiser Reinicke's Fury, will henceforth be temporary assigned to the Terron battleship UNCF Audacious. Both will thereby be tasked with assisting the ship's Terron crew in combating against the resurgent Gatlantean threat while Lieutenant Commander Welmer will additionally serve as an aide for the Garmillan advisor and observer, Captain Johann Nerge. That is all."

After the four lowered their hands, Jonathan smiled and complimented both Anika and Otto's new outfits. "Nice uniforms guys. They look really good. Especially you Anika."

"Thanks," replied Anika as her face went slightly red.

"Eh, I think my old outfit was more comfortable," Otto complained.

"Don't worry Otto," said Jonathan. "You'll get used to it eventually."

"So, where is this observer I have to work with?" asked Anika eagerly.

"Oh, he'll turn up soon miss," replied Baren. "In fact, he's right there!"

Everyone turned around to see a tall Garmillan officer with sharp facial features in a formal grey and light blue uniform, walking towards the group. He had long blond hair that was tied in a low ponytail on his back. His sharp chin and expressionless small eyes gave off the vibe of a cold hawk looking down on feeble and weaker birds below.

"A-a-an ex-Imperial Guard Captain!" Otto froze in terror as he recognized the frightening presence which all officers of the Dessler Regime most feared organisation projected.

The tall stoic officer took no notice of Otto as he stood to attention and saluted the captains of both the Neu Balgray and the Audacious. "Intelligence Captain Johann Nerge, of the 16th Carrier Strike Group of the Great Garmillas Navy's 3rd Armored Division, reporting for duty." introduced the advisor in an apathetic tone. "I'm here to be the Garmillan advisor and observer aboard the Terron battleship Audacious."

Anika frowned at the chosen candidate, wondering whether this was the right man for the job.

"Erm Colonel Berger…" stammered Jonathan as he too was slightly intimidated by Nerge's appearance. "I-i-is this really the most suitable candidate you could have chosen?"

"Oh, Johann here?" replied Berger. "Don't worry, he may look scary and his bed side manner needs improvement, but he's a loyal officer that follows the rules to the letter. Ex-Imperial Guard he may be, he isn't one to abuse authority and power if you're worried about that."

"That's reassuring," mumbled Anika unconvincingly.

"Something wrong Miss Welmer?" asked Brandt with a small smirk on his face. "Or due you prefer to work with someone else?"

Anika shot a dirty look back at Brandt but quickly cooled herself down so that she wouldn't be provoked into his verbal trap again.

"No, of course not," Anika replied in a neutral tone. "I would gladly accept the challenge of working with a former officer of the old Imperial Guard."

"Good, that's the attitude I expect of a loyal officer of Garmillas," said Brandt sarcastically.

Anika fought the urge to roll her eyes and chose to ignore Brandt's remark.

"Let me be frank Lieutenant Commander Welmer," said Brandt flatly. "You're extremely lucky that both Colonel Berger and Commodore Davenport have agreed to pardon you. But if I hear a single of report of you stepping out of line from your duty, I'll have you stripped of your rank and place you back into the brig. Do I make myself clear?

"Yes sir," replied Anika with clenched teeth.

Nerge cleared his throat. "Commander Lee?"

"Yes, Captain Nerge?" said Jonathan.

"We only have a short time frame before we need to rendezvous with the other Terron flotilla," said Nerge. "I strongly suggest we depart as soon as possible."

"Of course… Captain Nerge," replied Jonathan as he forced a smile on his face. "Just give me a few minutes, I need to discuss some things with Colonel Berger and Captain Baren first. I'll meet you inside the Seagull transport later if you don't mind."

"Very well," replied Nerge as he left him without another word.

Anika looked at Jonathan with a worried expression.

What should we do? She mouthed.

Just follow him please! Jonathan silently replied giving her a pleading and apologetic look.

Anika sighed in exasperation and gestured a terrified Otto to follow her.

As both Anika and Otto followed behind Nerge, Jonathan turned his attention back to Berger. "About the mobile space fortress, aren't you going to consider sending more ships to search for that thing?"

"I'm sorry Commander Lee," replied Berger. "But General Dolmen and Commodore Davenport both believe that the Gatlantean attacks and their stealth ships are a bigger priority than chasing the phantom space fortress which hasn't made another appearance since your first encounter."

"I guess it can't be helped," Jonathan commented. "I just hope that Captain Baren has enough ships and firepower to deal with that thing if he's forced into combat against it."

"Don't worry Commander Lee," said Baren with a confident smile. "The Graf Desuolbert won't go up against a foe that she can't win. We'll just trail that mobile devil space station from a safe distance until further reinforcements can be brought to bear to destroy that abomination! Who knows, we might call for your ship to personally finish the job!"

Jonathan chuckled. "Thanks for the offer Captain Baren. We'll try to render support if you do call for us."

"Excuse me Captain," interrupted Evans. "Sorry to intrude sir, but your launch in the port hangar is ready to return back to your ship! You need to be back on it in less than five minutes."

"Thank you Milts, I'll be there shortly," Baren smiled warmly at the young blond officer before turning back to the younger captains. "Sorry kids, I got to a mobile space fortress to hunt! Good luck to you all!"

Baren tipped the edge of his cap and left the starboard hangar bay.

With Berger alone, Jonathan decided to ask a question that had been nagging in his mind for a while.

"Excuse me Colonel Berger," asked Jonathan. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"What kind of tech did the experimental ship have that you were supposed to destroy at the Garcia Nebula? Considering the lengths of which Langscroff was punished for leaving the mission objective despite saving civilians in the process and the fact you were penalized for not destroying every single Gatlantean ship despite destroying the captured vessel. I reckon it's something very important for not even a single living Gatlantean to even get a glimpse of it."

Berger was silent for a few moments before he answered Jonathan.

"Truthfully, both Langscroff and I weren't given details regarding the technological secret behind that ship," he admitted. "However, after I saw and experienced the tech being used by both Garmillas and eventually Gatlantis almost a year later, I finally figured out what it was and realized how big the consequences of our failure was to prevent the enemy from using it against us."

"What was it?" Jonathan asked.

Berger looked around to make sure nobody could overhear their conversation before answering Jonathan's question in a whisper.

A minute later, Anika was leaning on the side of the Cosmo Seagull transport, waiting for the Captain of the Audacious to get back from his conversation with Berger and Baren.

"Finally!" exclaimed Anika as she watched Jonathan stroll down to their transport. "About time you showed up, what exactly were you discussing with… Colonel… Berger…"

Anika stumbled at her words as she soon noticed that Jonathan's face was as white as a sheet.

"Jonathan? What's wrong?" Anika asked in concern. "Did Berger do something to you?"

Jonathan snapped out of his dazed state and answered her quickly. "What? No no! It's just that I'm… Quite nervous to be working with a ex-Imperial Guard officer. That's all."

"Are you sure?" replied Anika, "Because you look like you've seen a ghost."

"Relax Anika," Jonathan tried to reassure her. "I'm fine."

"This is outrageous!" exclaimed a familiar and annoying voice.

Anika and Jonathan looked back to see Gisilbert protesting to Major Goer and Captain Kolin at the exit of the hangar bay.

"I'm being reassigned to EX-930?" continued Gisilbert as he continued his protest. "You must be joking right? I mean a person as skilled as I am shouldn't be sent to that crappy cruiser of yours!"

"Shut up!" replied Kolin who glared daggers at the snobbish Garmillan. "You're lucky that we didn't sentence you to the firing squad for your attempt to flee from the command center for your incompetence! And please address your new superior officer with respect! Private First Class Gisilbert!"

"Damn," muttered Anika as she watched the drama unfold. "At least I'm glad we didn't end up with an observer like him."

"Well I on the other hand, don't know whether I should feel happy that Gisilbert is punished or feel sorry for Captain Kolin to have to deal with him as part of his crew," Jonathan added.

Both looked at each and chuckled in amusement, before boarding the Seagull Transport.

As Berger watched the Seagull transport leave the hangar bay of the Neu Balgray and fly back to the Audacious, Brandt approached him to talk about his opinions.

"Did you really have to approve of her transfer sir? After all those things she said about you in the open? An offense like that should have gotten her detained in the brig for at least half a year."

"Even so," replied Berger. "An officer with an exemplary service and talents should be given a second chance. It would be a mistake if she was put away when the Garmillas Military needed men and women like her the most, especially in times such as this."

Berger smiled to himself. "Langscroff would sleep well knowing his protegee has done well in his absence."

"But even so," Brandt argued. "Regardless of those second-class inferiors' dedication or their loyalty to Garmillas, it's pointless to encourage or motivate them when there is no reward for their service in the future."

Brandt's expression darkened as his voice lowered to a whisper. "You know what's happening with the mother planet and what comes next after the Supreme Leader himself finds a new place of residence."

Berger's smile slipped as he got reminded of the horrific truth that he and several other high ranking officers were sworn to keep secret. "Yes, Major Brandt. I know…"

"But for now," said Berger as he began making his way back to the bridge. "We can let them do their duty as they have always done, while it still lasts."

Upon returning aboard the Audacious inside the port side auxiliary hangar, Jonathan quickly debriefed to both Fujimoto and Hobbs regarding their new Garmillan guests and their current orders. Before the two could even begin to comprehend them, Nerge curtly requested to be showed to his quarters which prompted an unhappy Hobbs to lead him to one of spare officer cabins. With Nerge being brought out of the hangar bay, Jonathan, Otto and Anika all released a sigh of relief with the ex-Imperial Guard officer's absence.

"Finally, he's gone!" exclaimed Otto.

"That was the most tense and awkward flight in a transport I have ever taken," gasped Anika. "I'm glad it didn't last long because it was so hard to even breath or make a sound!"

"No kidding," muttered Jonathan. "Hopefully this won't be a consistent problem with the rest of the crew."

"Indeed Captain, I hope you're happy that you brought in not one but three Garmillans aboard our ship," replied Fujimoto sarcastically. "Which includes a former member of the Imperial Guard I might add."

"To be fair Fujimoto, I had no role in choosing him as our Garmillan advisor and observer. Besides, it's only temporary till the crisis gets resolved," said Jonathan as the four began making their way to the bridge. "Anyway, back to business. What's the status of the repairs to the ship?"

"We've just finished patching up the hull breeches and replaced the few high-mobility nozzle thrusters that were damaged in the battle," Fujimoto reported. "However, we still have to fully restore the lights and clear the debris of the corridors at Deck 08 in the sections that were previously breached. Other than that, we're good to go."

"Excellent," Jonathan nodded in approval. "Once we've exited the system, you can still finish the last repairs of the interior before we rendezvous with the Manchester and her flotilla. Also, I would like to run some daily battle and damage control drills for the next couple of weeks. I want to make sure the crew is prepared for all worse-case scenarios especially if we get involved in a major fleet battle with the Gatlanteans."

"Understood Sir," Fujimoto replied firmly. "I'll make sure all the repair party teams are up to the task."

"Oh and one more thing," Jonathan added. "Lieutenant Commander Welmer will be at the helm of the ship for the rest of the voyage till the crisis has been resolved."

Fujimoto shot a look of disbelief at Jonathan's last order but realized it couldn't be helped.

"Very well Captain," sighed Fujimoto. "I just hope you've taken the necessary security precautions for this..."

As the four went around a corner, Jonathan nearly walked straight into Kaito who thankfully stopped just in time before colliding with him.

"Oh welcome back Jonathan- I mean Captain!" greeted Kaito warmly before turning his attention to Anika. "And I must say you look dazzling in that new uniform or yours Miss Welmer."

"Why thank you Kaito," replied Anika with a slight blush on her cheeks.

Jonathan shook his head in amusement and then cleared his throat. "Lieutenant Asuka, do you mind if you can ask around if there are any spare bunks for both Lieutenant Commander Welmer and Sub Lieutenant Geiszler? They'll be staying aboard the Audacious for a while."

"I'm not sure, but I can ask someone to look into it, Sir," replied Kaito. "One more thing, what exactly is the current situation? It seems we're about to undertake a major naval operation."

"You'll hear about it later Kaito," answered Jonathan. "But to briefly sum it up for now, your pilots might be seeing a lot more action than they bargained for on this voyage."

"Captain on the bridge," announced Eddie as Jonathan, Anika, Otto, and Fujimoto stepped back into the command centre as everyone stood to attention.

"As you were," said Jonathan before turning his attention to Johanna. "Ensign Gibson, I'll like you to open a shipwide broadcast. "

"Yes sir," complied Johanna as she turned back to her comms console and got to work.

Once she was done, she nodded back at Jonathan. "You're on sir."

"Thank you," said Jonathan as he cleared his throat. "Attention crew of the Audacious, this is your Captain speaking, as most of you might have already heard, the attacks from Gatlanteans have escalated in the LMC. Due to the scale of this crisis, we've been ordered by Commodore Davenport at the request of Garmillan General Dolmen, to respond to the resurgent Gatlantean threat and use all necessary means to defeat it once and for all. Fortunately, we won't be alone as we'll be joined our fellow ships: the cruiser Manchester, the old battleship Thunder Child, and four other escort frigates. Together our new flotilla will be dispatched to patrol the astro shipping lanes in the Sulrethea Region where together we'll act as one of many picket ship forces that will hold the line against any further infiltration by the Gatlanteans in the LMC and respond to their attacks on any of our allied forces and bases. Also, since we're now operating in Garmillan space in wartime conditions, we've taken aboard a few of their officers, two of which whom you should already be acquainted with by now, to help advise and assist us in repelling those green barbarians off their home turf. Thus, I'll like to have your full cooperation while working with them regardless of whatever feelings you have about them."

Jonathan eyed Fujimoto hoping that he and some others like Hobbs had gotten the message clear. The chief engineer didn't say a word but simply nodded reluctantly.

As Jonathan looked around the rest of bridge, he noticed that both Eddie and Johanna were quite uneasy about their current orders, especially the latter who looked visibly scared. Even though some of the new rookies in his crew had proven resilient under fire and pressure such as Josiah and a few of Kaito's pilots, Jonathan realized that there were still some who were afraid and anxious to be in a shooting war. Rookies and even veterans like himself. There was simply no guarantee that all of them would come out of the crisis alive even if it didn't grow into another full-scale war. Erickson's death was a grim reminder of that.

Nevertheless, they still had orders to follow and Jonathan had to spur his crew into high spirits in order to fulfill them.

"I know that none of you were expecting the maiden voyage of this ship to have turned out like this," Jonathan continued. "And some of you are doubting whether you can handle the difficult days to come. But from how I've seen you perform in these past three days, I believe you all have what it takes to fight and win in this new conflict. Honestly, you guys have done better than I expected in these circumstances. So, chin up and keep up the good work, and let's go kick some more Gatlantean butts!"

The entire bridge crew laughed at Jonathan's last line which seemed to lighten the tense atmosphere. Jonathan smiled, pleased that he had successfully cheered up his crew.

"Okay ladies and gentlemen let's get this show on the road," said Jonathan as he took his seat in the captain's chair and began giving out orders. "Lieutenant Commander Welmer, you may retake the helm and input the jump coordinates for our rendezvous with the Manchester and her escorts. Fujimoto prep the engines to go to warp."

"Yes Captain!" replied both officers before they went to their respective stations.

As the bridge crew made the final preparations for warp, Johanna received an incoming transmission from one of the Garmillan ships.

"Captain," said Johanna. "We're being contacted by the Neu Balgray. Colonel Berger wants to speak with you."

"Put it through," replied Jonathan.

The large viewscreen soon displayed the visual picture of the Neu Balgray's bridge with Berger and Brandt standing in the middle of it.

"Commander Lee, before we part ways I want to say bon voyage and good luck!"

"Thanks Colonel Berger, I wish the same to you too," replied Jonathan with a smile. "Good hunting sir!"

"And to you too," said Berger before he turned his attention to someone else on the Audacious' bridge. "Lieutenant Commander Welmer."

Anika flinched at her name being called but quickly rose to attention. "Yes sir?"

As she stared at the man on the screen who had helped to destroy the career of the officer she had admired the most, Anika could have almost sworn that there was a subtle look of remorse or even guilt on Berger's face.

"I just…" Berger paused, realizing that this wasn't an appropriate time or place to apologize to her. Especially in front of those who didn't know of the history between the two. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to say something to her.

"I just want to wish you all the best for your new assignment," said Berger. "Keep both your fellow Garmillans on that ship comfortable and safe, will you? And try to keep them out of trouble."

Anika blinked, as she had anticipated a subtly crude or cold remark from Berger. She still blamed him for what had happened but knew she couldn't let her past wounds meddle with her ability to carry out her duty. Especially after Jonathan's efforts to have her cleared. However, the tone of his voice felt… Sincere. Could it be that he had changed after all? But before she could ponder it over, Brandt interrupted her train of thought.

"Lieutenant Commander Welmer," said Brandt sharply. "Do you have anything to say?"

Anika snapped out of her thoughts and quickly replied to them both. "Sorry, I mean yes sir. I'll do as you asked Colonel."

"Thank you Major, that will be all," Jonathan said quickly, hoping to end the conversation before it could turn further sour. "We'll contact you later regarding Otto's progress in finding a solution to our tactical problem."

"Copy that Audacious," replied Berger. "Gharle Garmilon!"

As the transmission ended, Jonathan sighed discreetly to himself. It would still be a long time before Anika would settle her issues with Berger. But for now, they had more important things to work on.

In the orbit above Kaldaria 3, the Audacious began to accelerate away from the Neu Balgray's starboard side. The Graf Deusolbert was also taking her leave as the red Gelvades-class battle carrier fired up her engines and made a turn to port with a dozen Garmillan cruisers following her, beginning her hunt for the mysterious mobile space fortress. After the Audacious passed the last of group of Garmillan cruisers that were still patrolling the defense perimeter of the planet, the Andromeda-class battleship fired up her engines to full power and made her jump to warp, ready to tackle the new threats that awaited her in the days to come.

A/N: Damn... I can't believe the first major arc of this entire story took THIS LONG to finish! It's almost been more than a year since I started this project and I wasn't expecting how difficult and challenging it was to write. Despite being frustrated with the constant rewrites (most of them were character development scenes which is my weakest point) and editing of these first eighteen chapters, so far I'm pleased at how they turned out. Especially the battle scenes which I been imagining in my crazy head for the past year!
With the conclusion of what is essentially the introduction/prologue arc, I would like to ask my readers on how they feel about the characters and the story so far. I know that it is still in its infancy so to speak as there is more content on the way, but I would still like to have feedback before continuing with what I have currently planned for the story in the future. So if you have any thoughts, feel free to type out a review below!

As always, I hope you guys enjoy reading this chapter and look forward to the next one which will start the next arc of the story which will hopefully be released near the end of June... So please be patient till then! Also stay home, stay safe and take care!