The darkest night is just before the dawn. With Arkos's holdings in the r/RWBY system destroyed once more, the stage was set to rebuild somewhere far better.
Strike Freedom X2 and Blue Whale King sat in their conference room in r/fnki. It wasn't reserved or anything, it was just obscure and run down. Nobody would find them there.
The air seemed heavy, neither was sure what to say.
"So, we lost," Blue finally said.
"We got third place. That's not too bad."
"I failed to defeat White Rose. They had to get through me to destroy our land."
"You weren't supposed to defeat White Rose. We had a non-aggression pact!"
"What?!" Whale exclaimed. "I could have sworn that was just a stupid bluff by their Admiral!"
"No," said Strike. "Perhaps the communications were down. But if you had attended any of the meetings, you would have known. Where were you? I did not see your efforts at all!"
"Don't you dare say that. I held the naval defense the whole time. I defeated five previous White Rose attacks, and two by other Ships. I summoned our allies in r/fnki to boost our defense. I thought that was enough. If you wanted me in those meetings so badly, why didn't you ever invite me to any? I would have attended! Though I must say, had I been there, I would not have let you withdraw Arkos from the Badass Alliance."
"Oh well," said Strike. "At least you did your best. Just remember to attend the meetings next time. They're very important."
"Next time?" Whale asked. "You mean there's going to be a Ship Survivor III?"
"Yes. Nachbar confirmed it."
"Then you can count on me to be there. Until then, what do we do now?"
Strike sighed. "White Rose claimed our old territory. It's going to take years to make it habitable again, and they won't foot the bill unless they get to keep it. And we certainly don't have the funds."
"At least there's the briefcase full of Upvotes from Science I," said Whale. "There's a million in it."
"I got another such briefcase from Jannis," said Strike. "As compensation and a reward for my trying to cease hostilities with the Church. So we have two million total. We could buy some land with that, but not as much as we had. Especially when you consider infrastructure and rebuilding the military."
"The Arkos Revived alone was worth a third of a million."
"Ugh," Strike said, putting his head in his hands. "This would have been a lot to gain before, but it's not much to have to start over with."
"We'll just have to do our best. Even if- wait a minute."
Blue Whale King got up and started pacing. "I have an idea. Remember that planet we drove r/CinderDidNothingWrong off of? We never got to check up on it, but if it's still there and unoccupied, we could make that our new territory. It's right next to r/ClubPyrrha, so we'll be among friends. We can use our funds to fix up the base there. It will be a great head start."
Strike stood up as well. "Blue, that's brilliant!"
So I bought another two-seat fighter, and we went to the planet. It was only a few weeks after the battle there, but with Ship Survivor II in the interim, it felt like years.
The fighter entered the atmosphere of the planet. It was as beautiful as ever. Orange skies, violet seas, blue mountains, fields of red grass, deciduous forests in perpetual fall, evergreens with silver-lined leaves, turquoise glaciers, and rock formations in every color.
Though the planet still looked the same, it felt different. This time, there were no enemies to fight, or force to lead. The base was still there, just as they'd left it almost a month prior.
Strike put on a call to all frequencies. "Is there anyone on or around this planet?"
Several seconds passed with no response. "The planet seems to be deserted," said Strike. "Just in case, keep your pistol drawn when we land." Whale nodded.
The fighter made its way to the hangar, passing the scorched wreckage of the weapons turrets around the base.
They landed in the empty hangar of the base. Strike and Whale kept their weapons drawn as they got out and entered the door.
They spent a few hours exploring the base. Barracks, supply depots, communication and sensor arrays, underground bunker, the cafeteria, meeting room, command center, hospital, maintenance bay, all were empty. Everything was in disarray, showing that the former occupants had left in a hurry. A thin layer of dust coated everything.
There was also a rec center, strewn with empty tequila bottles.
"Check this out, there's a note," said Whale. He showed it to Strike.
Enjoy Tequila Night! There should be plenty. Please drink responsibly.
-Dimension Defender
"No wonder their defense was so sloppy," Strike said. "He must not have wanted them to keep this planet."
"He said as much, right before his announcement."
"So," said Strike, "this place needs fixing and cleaning, and it's a little small, but it would be a great new start. I support your idea."
"Great!" Whale said. "I'll put in a call to all Arkosians that we'll be rebuilding this base and claiming it as our own."
"We'd better get started, then."
Over the next month, all the surviving Arkosians from their former territory in r/RWBY came to rebuild and expand the base. It was difficult to transport everyone here, but we managed with hired transports.
Blue Whale King, Strike Freedom X2, Penguino, Cayde T. Spade, Vaniellis, Wingnut, Rex Burnside, Untitled Mann, Optimus Pyrrha, Stormzx, NinJonic, Falcon, and Kevin were all gathered in the meeting room.
"This has gone phenomenally well," said Penguino. "I can't wait to see this place grow. The future is looking bright."
"Agreed," said Burnside. "I like it much better here."
"It will be a lot harder for anyone to attack us, that's for sure," said Stormzx.
"Especially with the new squadron we're creating," said Strike. "Are you ready to handle the responsibility, Colonel Penguino?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Penguino replied. "Though, since a lot of people still call you 'Colonel Strike' even though you're the Air Force Supreme Commander, maybe I should use a different title."
"Like what?" NinJonic asked. "Ranks are hard to keep track of."
"How about 'Lord?' Many of the best flying aces have nobility titles."
"Sure, why not," said Strike. "Lord Penguino." Everyone laughed.
"Though we haven't even started rebuilding the fleet," Whale said. "I can't wait to be an admiral again. I guess it can't be helped, it's one of the most expensive parts."
"Agreed," said Cayde. "I also miss standing at the helm of a ship."
"I'm already on it, Your Blueness," said Optimus Pyrrha. I took out a loan, and we're building you a starship as we speak. We should have one for you as well soon, Cayde. And many others!"
"You did what?" Strike asked. "That's not very financially responsible. We don't want Arkos to end up in debt. Please consult us next time before doing anything like that."
"Apologies, Strike."
"Thank you for your efforts, Optimus," said Whale. "I can't wait to see it. I just hope we'll be able to cover the costs."
"Don't worry about that," Optimus Pyrrha replied. "Once everyone sees the new ship, Arkos should get a flood of support from the morale."
"Good point. If we fly it around the Reddit Galaxy, and even outside of it, we can gather up the scattered Arkosians to make our nation whole again. It will be like before we lost our old planet!"
"And far better than our small and dilapidated territory in r/RWBY," said Wingnut. "Though there is also the matter of rebuilding the government. With King Ace XXII gone, we'll need a new command structure."
"We'll hold a meeting to figure that out," said Blue Whale King. "Once we gather everyone in the new ship." He turned to Optimus Pyrrha. "Where are you building it, anyway?"
"You're gonna like this," he said. "Our friend who owns the shipyard planet registered it as a Subreddit. It's called r/BlueWhaleKingDNW, short for 'Did Nothing Wrong.'"
Everyone burst out laughing. "Lava, you absolute madman!" said Whale, wiping away tears. "I suggested that as a joke, I didn't think he'd actually do it!"
Another month after that, the ship was complete.
The small shuttle entered the r/BlueWhaleKingDNW system, approaching the orbital shipyards. The worker ships were still clearing away the scaffolding from the new vessel.
"There it is, Your Blueness," said Optimus Pyrrha. "The Pyrrhic. 1,137 meters long, with a hangar, tower-mounted double bridge, eight heavy and two medium weapon turrets, 52 point defense cannons, and four each large and medium engines, plus two small ones. Featuring a wedge-shaped design to concentrate firepower. I got the design from r/PrequelMemes."
"And it's blue," Whale said.
"All for you," said Optimus Pyrrha. "I know you will do great things with this."
"Thank you so much!"
"No, thank you, for giving us hope."
Over the next week, Blue Whale King flew throughout the Reddit Galaxy, as well as the Discord, Facebook, Twitter, AO3, and several other galaxies, gathering everyone he could find who represented groups of Arkosians. Though most came from the RWBY Sector, there were delegates from Arkos related groups all over the universe.
Soon, the new assembly hall was packed with hundreds of newcomers.
"I didn't think I'd be this nervous," Whale said to Strike, peeking through the curtain and past the stage at the room. "There's a lot of important and even famous people here."
"There's no reason to get cold fins now," Strike replied. "You're making a name for yourself too. You brought them all together, they wouldn't be here if they didn't believe in you. I'm sure many of them are just as nervous as you are."
"But I haven't been here as long as many of them, or attended meetings like this before, let alone been the center of one. What if I screw up?"
"You won't," said Penguino. "And even if you do, you can recover from it. You did run the Kingdom of Blue Whales for millions of years."
"That's different," Whale said.
"Just get out there," said Cayde. "Don't keep everyone waiting."
Blue Whale King took a deep breath and walked out onto the stage. Strike, Penguino, Cayde, and the others who were with him went around to sit at one of the several long tables that ran parallel to the stage.
"Welcome, everybody," Blue said. He looked around the room. So many faces. He recognized Christina Rainicorn and Maldevinine of the Arkos Fanfic Library in the AO3 galaxy, Strawhat Erza of the Deviantart Gallery, IJustRead Everything of the r/RWBY Commissioner's Guild, Solvdrage, Doctor Homicide, Only T. Results, and Harmonious Arkos Sloth of the Discord Galaxy, Rosa Cossette D'Elise of r/EruseanPrincessWaifu, and many more. All staring at him.
"I, um," he continued looking around. Vaniellis gave him an encouraging thumbs up. Whale also noticed some non-Arkosians. A couple of officers wearing r/ShieldBro style armor, some Neptunians, Lancastrians, and even a man in a White Knight uniform. Whale frowned, hoping he wasn't there to cause trouble. He relaxed when he saw a fellow humanoid Blue Whale. No trouble would last long.
Blue Whale King resumed speaking. "I would like to welcome you all to what I hope will become the Nation of Arkos's new homeworld. I know it's not much now, but as with our Ship, it has enormous potential. If we all work together, I'm sure we can make it something great."
There were a few seconds of silence. Whale gulped.
"That sounds grand," said ChrisRainicorn.
"It will be wonderful to have a place where we can all gather," said Strawhat Erza, "permanently or not."
"But I'm sure many of us would like to stay here permanently," said Maldevinine.
"I certainly intend to!" said Only T. Results.
"I volunteer to help oversee the process of civilian settlement and housing," said Wingnut. "Not the most glamorous job, but I'm good at it."
"I'm sure we can arrange something," Whale replied. His nervousness was already fading away.
"And we'll need to set up a new government," said Strike. "Without establishing roles and a chain of command, this will all fall apart. I will stay as Supreme Commander of the Air Force."
"And I will stay as the Admiral," said Whale, "once we have more ships again. Wingnut, how would you like to be the governor of the civilians?"
"I would like that very much," said Wingnut.
"Great. All in favor of appointing Wingnut as-"
"Hold it," said Stormzx. "Look around. I don't know why, but some of us here aren't even Arkosians. Should we really be letting them vote on OUR future?"
"He has a point," said Vaniellis.
"You're right," said Blue. "All non Arkosians, please introduce yourselves and why you're here."
The man in the White Knight uniform spoke up first. "I am Captain Clem Prime. I joined the White Knight military because they needed me most, but I affiliate myself with ALL Ship Nations involving the god Jaune Arc."
"How do we know we can trust you?" Whale asked. "Arkos and White Knight have not historically gotten along. In fact, I would call White Knight unwholesome."
"Blue!" Strike hissed.
"No, I understand," said Clem Prime. "If Inquisitor Rade Blunner or General Torrasque knew I was here, they'd flay me alive. But I still love Arkos, and I admit White Knight has potential for improvement. I want to help this place grow as much as I can, and perhaps heal the rift between our nations."
"Very well," said Whale. "As long as you do not attack us or leak our secrets, I see no harm in letting you help."
"Thank you, Admiral Blue Whale King," said Clem Prime.
One of the Lancastrians stood up next. "You can call me Venom Ahab. I'm an admiral of Lancaster. Arkos and Lancaster have always been rivals, but that's no fun if Arkos isn't a strong opponent. I heard Arkos lost a lot, and as a fighter, that makes me sad. I want to make sure that your forces are as powerful as they can be, so that when we clash next, it will be a battle worthy of the ages."
"That's a new one," said Doctor Homicide. "At least he's sincere."
"Well, uh, thank you," said Whale.
Another Lancastrian stood up. "My name is Umbrione. I'm here because I have dual citizenship in Arkos and Lancaster. And yes, that is legal."
"Thank you for bridging the divide," said Cayde.
"Any time," Umbrione replied. "I wish more would join me." He sat back down.
A Neptunian stood up. She had long blue hair and was scantily dressed. "My name is Lewdnep Vasilias. You may know me from various 'Not Safe For Work' establishments in this sector. As a worshipper of Neptune, I'm used to being scorned. I don't like seeing it happen to anyone else, especially Arkos, so I will help where I can. That is all." She sat back down.
"Thank you, Lewdnep," said Whale.
Second to last, the two from the Shield Hero sector. "I am Sergeant Qin Long Fei, and this is Captain Highlighter. We hail from r/MaltyMelromarcSquad."
That sent a ripple of disgust and fear through the room. Nearly everyone turned to them with hostile glares, some with hands on their weapons. "Should they really be here?" Solvdrage asked. "I think we're all wondering that," said Harmonious Arkos Sloth.
"Wait, just hear us out," said Qin Long Fei. "I worship the Malty of an alternate continuity, where she has a heartwarming redemption. My friends and I have long suffered from persecution for our beliefs, but Blue Whale King here defended us and told many of how we are different. We're here to repay him."
"Thank you," said Blue. "You really don't have to do that."
"Very well, you will escape our wrath," said Stormzx.
Lastly, the other humanoid Blue Whale stood up. "My name is Cyanocittaetprocyon of the Kingdom of Blue Whales, Advisor to the King, but you can just call me Cyan. I'm just here to support our king, and make sure that his other ventures are going well. So far, I am pleased."
"Thank you, Cyan," said Blue Whale King.
"All of us non-Arkosians," said Clem Prime, "or partial Arkosians, in my case, can make considerable donations to your cause."
"As will many of the Arkosians," said IJustRead Everything. "I may have retired from the wars, but I still want to help our nation."
"On behalf of the Kingdom of Erusea," said Rosa Cossette D'Elise, "and as thank you for saving my life in the past, I would like to build a space elevator for the Nation of Arkos on this planet."
"I don't know what to say," said Strike.
"You don't have to say anything," said Rosa, and kissed him. Lewdnep gave a wolf whistle.
"Now," said Wingnut, "we just need to sort out our collective finances, so we can figure out the budget for rebuilding the nation. If you still want me as governor, that is."
"Right, the vote," said Strike. "All Arkosians, raise your hand if you want Wingnut as Governor of the civilians."
A large majority raised their hands. Wingnut took to the stage.
"And myself to stay as Supreme Commander of the Air Force?"
The same large group raised their hands, and Strike Freedom X2 joined Blue Whale King and Wingnut on the stage.
"I propose that I be made Paladin General to command the ground forces," said Vaniellis. "I was second in command to the previous general, Reno Wolf, and led the forces successfully after his untimely death."
"All in favor of Vaniellis as Paladin General?" Strike asked. Once again, most of the hands raised, and Strike ascended the stage with the other leaders.
"That just leaves me," said Blue Whale King. "I would like to stay as Admiral of the Navy, and be a part of this ruling council of oligarchs."
"All in favor of-"
"Wait," said Optimus Pyrrha, interrupting Strike and speaking for the first time in the meeting. "As manager of fleet construction, I have an idea that will change this, but first we need to figure out those finances so we can figure out what we're dealing with."
"Blue, is that okay with you?" Strike asked.
"Yes, this sounds important. My title can wait."
A couple boring hours of math and tax law later
"Wow, this exceeds our wildest hopes," said Blue Whale King. "Twelve million upvotes to spare for the navy. Whatever your idea was, Optimus, I'm sure we can do it."
"Excellent, Your Blueness. With these funds, we can build you many more starships, far superior to any water navy. I propose the creation of an Arkos Starfleet, to be led by you, as Grand Admiral."
"I don't know what to say," said Blue Whale King.
"You don't have to say anything," said Optimus Pyrrha.
"All in favor of creating an Arkos Starfleet, with Blue Whale King as Grand Admiral?" Strike asked.
As always, the vast majority raised their hands.
"Thank you all so much," said Blue Whale King. "I think now's the perfect time for my surprise." He produced a large embroidered scroll from a cloak pocket.
"I went to the Admin Hall today, and applied to register this planet as a new Subreddit. They accepted, and I decided to name it after the giant Fanfiction Library created by Shiloh 1990." He unrolled the scroll, which showed the Subreddit's name in huge serif letters. "I just have to sign it."
Blue Whale King pinned the scroll to the wall next to the stage, signed his name, and stepped aside.
"Welcome, everyone, to the creation of r/ArkosForever!"
Everyone cheered. "Aw yeee," said Strike.
Wingnut turned to him. "This means that, while we do have an oligarchy of several members, Whale will technically be the sole Moderator, and could take over any time he wanted. I'm not sure this is wise."
"Don't worry," said Strike. "I trust him. What's the worst that could happen?"
And so, everyone was happy, Arkos had a new home, and our nation was on track to becoming a superpower again. Most importantly, the creation of r/ArkosForever, the point of this story, was complete. So this should be the end, right?
Well, not quite. There were still some issues to resolve before our nation could truly be whole again. They were mostly under the surface here, but they'll come out. Prepare for the final arc of this story!