Hey, hey, hello! Again in The Will of Revenge. We're still continuing the journey started with The Will of Resistance. Last time we've seen each other, we visited Flareian System, which changed by these fifteen years. And as you could see, these changes were pretty visible across all of the system and part of Andromeda already colonized. But now, we're gonna visit Milky Way and see how people in our galaxy are doing now. And of course, we're gonna see some more familiar faces.
But before that, reviews.
To Supreme Supra: Glad to hear it.
To S31tora: It will be explained later.
Okay, with that done, let's get moving.
Chapter 2
May 1, 2166
17:44
Hel Peninsula, Poland, Earth
Wind started blowing suddenly, powerful gust threw up grass, yellowed by the sun. Low figures, packed with equipment, stopped right next to the corner of brick building. Four figures froze, hoods covering the gas masks. Tactical overalls tightly covered the bodies of Falmartian commandos. XM9s were searching around for targets. First commando nodded it's head in confirmation. Section started moving to the next point with short, quick steps, hugging the wall. Leading one knelt, followed by the others. Riffles observed the responsibility sectors. Second section suddenly appeared, moving next to the hangar-like building several meters further. First team must have noticed that, commander nodded his head and the four continued to move. They had to traverse small backyard between two blocks. Second section spread out and observed possible enemy activity areas.
According to the intelligence, around ten terrorists took hostages in a medical clinic at the edge of the estate. Number of hostages was unknown, possibly even thirty. Commandos, covering each other, quickly moved through the front yard and reached opposite building. Second section also moved forward. They could see the clinic, small, squeezed between two other buildings, one floor and wide windows. Commandos could easily observe the movement in the corridor with rectangular shape from hiding. At the same time, terrorists could see the front of the clinic and could keep watch over it.
First section stopped near a building, they were two hundred meters away from the target. They didn't have to worry about being discovered, years of training did their thing, they blended with the surroundings like chameleons. Second section went into a building at the edge of the estate and secured some flats. Entering the rooftop was not a problem. Two of the commandos silently opened a flap on the roof and slowly crawled to the edge. Both had long cases on their backs. They both quickly pulled two Barret M305 sniper riffles and put them in firing position. They both placed the bipods and watched through the scopes. Rest of the second section secured the approach to the clinic from left flank. Curled up figures blended with surroundings and waited for commander's orders. The whole action was perfect, terrorists had no idea, that they're observed by two assault sections and two snipers. Death will fall on the like a thunder.
Commander was about to give orders to the snipers, when a real pandemonium started. Grenades, which came out of nowhere, exploded near the front of the clinic, breaking windows and spraying terrorists, as well as tightly packed hostages, with numerous pieces of glass. Clinic's right flank vanished in chaos and smoke. Shots filled the air, tearing the commander out of the thoughts. He shouted orders and his men spread in various directions, throwing smoke grenades. Clouds of white smoke covered the commandos, moving closer towards the clinic consumed by fighting. Snipers fired constantly, more and more terrorists vanished in red mist upon being hit. First section reached the door and broke inside, eliminating the enemies with terrifying precision. Short, precise, three bullet series took out enemy after enemy. Fight was slowly coming to an end.
Machine gun fire stopped at the exact same moment, as when snipers fired their last bullets. People started walking out of the smoke one after another. Among two sections, mysterious third one appeared. They all had the same clothes as the other ones, weapons and helmets in their hands and were laughing. Other two sections were more reserved.
Commander showed everyone to take off their headgear. Commandos did so, all revealing pairs of rabbit ears growing out of their heads, like the ones in the third section.
"I don't think it was supposed to be like this, Emmy…"Delilah, commander of the 1st Warrior Bunnies, said.
Emmy, her second-in-command and heavy weapons expert, just threw up her arms.
"Let's just say, that I had a bit different plan than you, Deli."she said with smirk on her face.
"Yeah, you can't argue with that."Kenya, one of the two snipers in Delilah's team, said."She completely fucked this shack up."
"Hey, it's still standing, ain't it?"
"But when you kick it, it will probably fall down completely."Heley, the second sniper, stated.
"Hey, we're training here for just few days."Emmy defended herself."It's not my fault, that the young ones are keen on seeing some action."
Delilah then looked at the Warrior Bunnies in Emmy's section. They all nodded in agreement.
"What do I have with you…?"she sighed."Intermarium was kind enough to give us this training facility for our own use, but if you keep destroying everything like that, they'll get tired and will finally kick us all out."
"See if I care."Emmy said smugly.
1st Warrior Bunnies Fighter Infantry Battalion, which since the time of it's founding grew to the size of actual battalion, with six hundred members, divided between six companies, was here with the allowance of Polish government and all of Intermarium Council. Soldiers of the 1st Warrior Bunnies, except of performing combat missions in the Campaigns, were also training soldiers, which formed ten other battalions in Royal Falmartian Fighter Infantry Corp, which fell under the supervision of Falmartian Special Operations Command. The facility on Hel Peninsula was one of the best among the Fighter Infantry training facilities and after some talks, Intermarium agreed to give the base completely under RFFIC control, making it's the first Falmartian base on Earth. Thus, the trainings commenced, with Delilah, her team and other original members of the battalion being not only combat operatives, but also instructors here. Normally, just as the other battalions, they were stationed on Flare Prime or some of the offworld outposts, but when new soldiers, mostly Warrior Bunnies, joined the RFFIC, they just came here to train for several months.
Today, however, they were under bigger pressure, as they had a guest observing them.
"We're gonna talk later."Delilah stated."Ves, Macy how is the result?"
Ves, team's hacker, and Macy, demolition specialist, came out of the clinic, approached Delilah and saluted.
"All terrorists eliminated, androids made fantastic job."Ves replied.
"It's a bit worse with the hostages…"Macy added, but stopped herself from saying anything else.
"Come on, speak up."Delilah encouraged her."It can't be worse than yesterday, right?"
"Thirteen mannequins damaged, seven has wounds, which would cause immediate death."Macy finally said.
"Fuck me…"Delilah gasped. She was wrong. It was worse than yesterday.
"I wouldn't say it better."Ves sighed.
"Alright."
Delilah stood in front of the three sections and spoke:
"Today's training over, ladies and gentlemen! You are free to do whatever you want! Just not anything, what could tarnish the honor and pride of the unit! Dismissed!"
"Sir, yes, sir!"the Warrior Bunnies said and dispersed.
Only Delilah's team stayed.
"You really shouldn't go loud like that."Delilah turned to Emmy again.
"I know, I know."Emmy replied."But hold yourself from punishing me now. You're gonna have a lot more time to do it later."
"Sometimes, I just…"Delilah decided to not finish that."Let's just go. We have to report to HER."
"Ah, yes, the Queen Bitch."Emmy smirked.
"Emmy, saying something like that in her presence might get you court martialed."Macy pointed out.
Emmy just threw up her arms, making all other members of the team sigh.
They went to the entrance of the building and after depositing their weapons at the armory, they went outside.
Once there, they were greeted by a sun, slowly moving down towards the horizon and the gray buildings of the facility. Entire compound was placed on the artificial island built off the coast of Hel Peninsula, so the sunsets here were pretty majestic at times.
But instead of looking at the nature, the six turned towards a single Wolf, a Polish-made MRAP, which was standing several meters away from the building. And next to it, stood another Warrior Bunny woman, dressed in simple uniform, with dark skin, black hair, yellow eyes and pair of long ears hanging down her back. She had a crimson beret of special forces.
They approached her, stood in front of her and saluted.
"Colonel Sarla, sir."Delilah said.
"At ease, major, everyone."the Warrior Bunny replied.
Colonel Sarla was the leader of Falmartian Special Operations Command, commanding all forms of special forces within the country's military. However, her military career was going further back. When Warrior Bunnies Tribes were still independent, she was one of the generals of united tribes during the war with former Empire. For long time, she was presumed dead after one of the battles, but much to everyone's shock, one day, she walked into Fort Alnus and demanded meeting with the queen. Pina came from all the way Sadera specially to talk to her. After some talking and stuff, Sarla was made the leader of FSOC and quickly started doing her job. Nickname 'Queen Bitch' was given to her by many soldiers, which had the pleasure to train under her supervision and because of how strict she was in some regards. For now, she was the second Warrior Bunny to hold such a high position in Royal Falmartian Armed Forces.
"I presume you seen all that happened?"Delilah asked.
"Yes."Sarla replied shortly.
Delilah sighed again.
"Then I would like to apologize for the behavior of my stupid subordinate here."She pointed at Emmy, what earned her an annoyed look."Emmy just doesn't know, when 'silent approach' is more tolerated than going in loud."
Sarla looked at Emmy, which immediately averted the gaze.
"I guess that was to be expected. Eh…"she said."But I will let that one slide. For now."
"Thank you."Emmy said.
"But except what Emmy did, I have to admit. That whole action was really well planned and executed perfectly."One more glance at Emmy."Almost."
"We're doing our best, sir."Ves said."It's not easy to train so many new recruits."
"I'm aware, but nonetheless, I'm grateful for all the work you're doing."
Right then, the door of the wolf opened and a man in American uniform with new Falmartian flag, which looked like the old one, but instead of purple and gold, white and silver took the place of official colors and dragon wings were replaced with angel ones.
Man came up to Sarla and said something to her ear. Colonel nodded and turned back to the team.
"Sorry, but I have to go now. Schedules and meetings, you know."Sarla said."But before I go, can I know, what are your further plans?"
"Well, for today, we're done."Delilah replied."But tomorrow, we're gonna train assaulting a maritime ship taken over by enemy."
"Alright, wish you well with that."
Colonel then proceeded to get in the Wolf. But before she closed the door, she turned back to Delilah.
"Major?"she said.
"Yes?"Delilah asked.
"Just make sure, that tomorrow, she'll not blow up that boat up."
With that, colonel closed the door and the vehicle left.
May 2
13:42
New York City, Brooklyn
"…which brings an end to my presentation."a neutral voice said.
Immediately, all the students in the lecture hall stood up and started clapping after the last words spoken by the speaker. The dean of the school walked up on the stage and, also clapping, looked towards the students.
"That was truly a great lecture! We are all glad that you came here!"the dean said."Aren't you glad too, Master La Lalena?"
Lelei La Lalena, one of the Grand Masters of Rondel, looked at the dean and nodded her head.
"I am."she replied, still with the same voice and expression.
Dean nodded and turned back to the students.
"This is it for now! You are free to go!"he said.
Immediately, sound of numerous chairs being moved back and students standing up was heard. All people started leaving the lecture hall through the several exits, with dean following closely behind them. Lelei, in the meantime, grabbed her materials and went to the side exit, which led to the other corridor.
"How was the lecture?"a voice asked.
Lelei turned in the voice's direction.
"Pretty good."she replied."And how was your time, Yao?"
"Same."Yao Haa Dushi, Lelei's personal bodyguard, replied as she stopped leaning on the wall.
She was dressed in jeans, black sleeveless T-Shirt and a gray jacket. One would say, that she didn't look dangerous, but in a pocket inside of her jacket, she had a pistol, as well as a knife hidden in her other pocket.
"I went out to eat something in the city and came back here, right on cue."Dark Elf continued.
"Isn't that a bit unprofessional for a bodyguard?"Lelei wondered.
"Don't worry, if I wasn't good at what I'm doing, Blackstar would fire me long time ago."Yao smirked.
Following the end of War of Flare Prime, Yao fell in love with one of Human Marines. Although one could clearly see that the love was double-sided, Yao tried not to get engaged at the beginning, knowing, that as an elf, she'll live much longer than any Human. But Rowan, the said Marine, didn't care about that. Ultimately, she gave up and they started dating. Few years later, they got married and two years after the wedding, their son, David, was born, as the first half-human, half-elf in the Milky Way.
Yao moved to Milky Way after her wedding and started looking for a job. It didn't took her long, as she was, thanks to her martial skills, quickly accepted by Blackstar Security Co., a security company based on Rowan's homeworld, Returna III. Since then, Yao was a bodyguard for many famous individuals, with Lelei being the latest client.
Now, the two, after Lelei took all her materials, were making their way towards the exit of the building. They came out of it, right into the courtyard, filled with the students. Some were talking, some were reading, some were playing games on their phones or writing messages, others were even studying. Majority didn't pay attention to Lelei, as she walked past them with Yao, but some waved to her, with her waving back.
The two walked through the gate and onto the sidewalk.
"So, how long is your trip gonna take?"Dark Elf asked.
"I still have a month of it to do."
Yao risen her eyebrow.
"Then how many schools are you planning on visit?"
"With this one and previous thirty?"Lelei asked back."All three hundred all the planet."
"I guess you really like that."
"I do, actually."
Saying that, Lelei looked at the sign, which could be seen over the entrance to the school's front courtyard: 'BROOKLYN ACADEMY FOR WIZARDS'.
This school was one of three hundred on the planet and of fifty thousand such schools all across the Milky Way. The reason for existence of such schools in Milky Way was simple. When the war ended, news started appearing about strange powers appearing in people, both Humans and aliens alike. At the beginning, governments were not paying attention to such reports, but when they started becoming more and more numerous, it was decided, that the case will be investigated more thoroughly.
And so, government officials investigated these reports and soon, whole galaxy was shocked, when explanation was finally published. As it turned out, people across the galaxy suddenly started having magic powers, similar to the ones known on Flare Prime. Not knowing what to do about that fact, an international conference was called to take place on Angier Prime. Representatives of almost all races and countries in the galaxy, except few, came. Even several Grand Masters and sages from Flare Prime were invited.
The conference took three days to conclude and after that, the results were declared. It was decided, that all across the galaxy, special academies, modeled after such establishments from beyond the Gate, will be created, where adults that experienced the sudden appearance of magic powers, trained and taught in Rondel, will become teachers for younger people, with some help from Flare Prime. Since then, such schools, jokingly called 'Space Hogwarts', managed to teach hundreds of magic-capable people in all of Milky Way.
"Teaching magic and it's secrets, especially to people, which only recently got accustomed with it, is something I truly enjoy. Something, that should be cherished and developed over time."Lelei stated."I'm happy to help."
"That's good, considering that not everyone was on the conference."Yao stated.
"Yeah…"
Of course, Lelei was aware, who exactly didn't came to the Milky Way Magic Issue Conference in 2154. More precisely, it was Laconia and all of alien races that allied with them, such as Nakatans or Varians. It was known, that magic-capable people were within the borders of these nations, but what Laconia and it's allies were doing with it, nobody knew. The same situation was with the Unknown Regions races, which were new on galactic stage and were too occupied warring with each other.
It was hoped, that someday, they will sign up the Magic Treaty of Angier Prime, but till today, they didn't do it.
"Okay, so, when is the flight to our next destination leaving?"Yao asked.
"Our next destination is Washington D.C. and from what I know, the flight leaves within the next four hours."Lelei replied.
"Wanna go and eat something in the meantime?"
Lelei risen her eyebrow.
"Didn't you say you ate not so long ago?"she asked.
"I did. But did you eat?"Yao asked back.
As a response, Lelei's stomach growled.
"Thought so."Dark Elf smirked.
"Okay, you got me."Grand Master said."So, should we go?"
"Sure."
And with that, the two went to the nearest restaurant. After they ate, they took a cab, which drove them to the hotel, where they gathered their stuff and then to the airport, where they waited for their transport.
May 2
15:21
Yokohama Spaceport, Japan
Yokohama Spaceport, the biggest facility of this kind in Japan, was today a site of unusual activity. While normally, it was filled with hundreds of freighters loading cargo and carrying towards the colonies, today, except that, there were also several military vessels parked and preparing to take off.
Japanese Self-Defense Force, although not taking part in Offworld Storm maneuvers, was going to Flareian System for their own reason. It had an agreement signed with new Falmartian government, which allowed them to test new weapons on their territory, on special test grounds prepared for the occasion. And this time, for the first time, this agreement was going to be put into use.
Air was suddenly filled with the sound of mechanical actuators. All workers of the spaceport and JSDF soldiers near the sounds' source, turned in the direction it came from and were greeted with a peculiar sight.
They saw a group of twenty four, four legged machines, with visible heavily armored hulls and a Type-39 MBT turrets mounted on them, with new 135mm cannons. Machines were painted in JGSDF's colors and serial numbers from 1 to 24 on their hulls. They were also accompanied by fifteen Type-45 Yokai walkers.
Column of the vehicles then proceeded to halt their march. They bent their legs in a way, that their hulls were just few centimeters above the ground. Their upper hatches opened and commanders started leaving the vehicles.
On of the commanders dropped on the ground and took off her helmet. Some people looked at her, but it wasn't her silver hair that pulled the attention, as such colors were pretty common among people these days. What made them look at her, was a pair of cat ears on her head and a cat tail on her back.
"Okay, a bit of a break."captain Seyi Hagamoki, a Falien soldier of JSDF, said as she looked around and saw the crews of her unit leaving their vehicles.
It's been fifteen years since the end of War of Flare Prime and sixteen years since the day, which changed her life forever. She still remembered it clearly, as if it was yesterday, when Resistance forces stormed the slave camp she was held in by some Nordian mercenaries. It was then, when she met Yuko, Aqi and the others.
Since then, a lot has changed. With Empire defeated and war over, Yuko left the military, taking Seyi with her to Japan, where she introduced her to the rest of Hagamoki family and basically begged her mother to adopt Seyi. When Yuko's mother agreed and did what was needed to be done, Seyi officially became the member of the family and a younger sister to Yuko and Yuko's older brother, Kuroshi. After that, Seyi was sent to a school, where she first had problems with getting used to people, but soon, she got many friends and became one of the best students in her class. Yuko, of course, was very proud of her new younger sister and proceeded to almost hug her until she suffocated.
With middle school out of the way, Seyi did something, that nobody was expecting. More precisely, she applied to National Defense Academy. Asked why, she simply replied, that she wanted to be like Yuko and protect the people, which earned her another round of suffocating hugs from Yuko.
Now, several years after finishing the NDA, she was a commander of armored company in the SDF.
"Captain Hagamoki?"a voice asked.
Seyi looked in it's direction and saw one of the spaceport workers approaching her with tablet in his hands.
"Yes, it's me."she replied."Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing."the man replied."I just wanted you to confirm the shipment. You need to sign here…"
"Of course."
Seyi grabbed the electronic pen and signed the document on the screen. The man looked at the screen and nodded.
"Okay, it's done."he said."Shipment of twenty four Type-63 Walking Tanks. Thank you."
Next, he turned around and left.
"Surprise attack!"another sudden voice said.
Before Seyi realized, a pair of arms wrapped around her neck and she felt someone pressing against her back.
"Eiko, what the hell?"Seyi asked.
"Sorry, I just couldn't stop myself."the person behind her giggled.
Arms stopped hugging Seyi and captain was able to turn around. Standing behind her, was Eiko Kuroki, a loader in their walking tank. For many, she was a simple airhead, which certainly did not fit the military life and behavior, but when it came down to business, she was surprisingly capable. The two actually knew each other since the middle school and always kept close, as Eiko was the first true friend Seyi made in Japan.
Two more people then left the tank and joined them.
First of the two, was Yuzu Terikaga, the gunner. She started hanging out with Seyi and Eiko just at second year of the school. At first, she was actually picking on Seyi due to the fact she was a Falien. But after an 'incident' involving Yuzu pulling Seyi's tail and Seyi scratching Yuzu across the face, they were both forced to clean the toilets in the Academy for the rest of the school year, which there was still six months left. By that time, they not only apologized to each other for everything, but also got to know each other better and discovered, that they both had actually a lot in common. It was a surprise for everyone that suddenly, they became best buddies. Of course, Seyi's claws left pretty visible scars on Yuzu's face, in form of five lines and almost cost her an eye.
Second was Michael Ishikage, the driver. His mother was American, while father was Japanese, but they both lived in Tokyo. Michael was pretty good with mechanics and electronics, what made him score all the best scores in these fields. Not to mention, that when a rumor about him and Eiko dating started spreading, he didn't even bother denying it, he simply acknowledged it openly with Eiko.
And all four of them formed the crew of Type-63 with serial number 1, nicknamed by them Jester King.
"So, why did you tell us to stop?"Yuzu asked.
"You know, I just decided, that we all need to straighten our legs."Seyi replied.
"Can't argue with that."Michael said, stretching himself.
"Oh, are you okay? Should I give you one of my massages?"Eiko asked with coy voice.
"From you?"Michael replied with the same voice."Always."
Seyi and Yuzu looked at each other and only rolled their eyes. Due to the fact, that in the barracks, they were all sleeping in the same room alongside six other people, they were well aware of the 'massages' Eiko was giving her boyfriend.
"Okay, lovebirds, before you start pulling your pants off, wait until were on the ship."Yuzu said.
"Yeah, or I will make you cleaning toilets for the next three months."
"Hey, give us some slack."Eiko pouted."It's just some teasing."
"Just some innocent games."Michael added.
"It surely works, though…"Yuzu stated.
Saying that, she looked down, so did everyone else. Their eyes landed on a visible bulge between Michael's legs. He looked at Yuzu proudly and smiled.
"Wanna touch?"he asked.
"Not in a million years, baka!"Yuzu shouted with red face.
Eiko just giggled on the side.
Seyi sighed. She wondered, why almost all conversations they had, went in such weird directions. Then, she felt vibrating in her pocket and pulled out her phone and looked at the screen. When she saw, who was calling, she sighed again.
"I have to pick up the phone, so forgive me."she said.
"Sure, we will just continue teasing our beloved tsundere here."Eiko said with an innocent smile.
"I'm not!"Yuzu protested.
Captain just walked away from the site and accepted the call.
"Seeeeeeeyyyyyyyiiiiiii~!"the voice on the other side sung.
"Ouch, Yuko!"Seyi said, when the sound pierced her ears."That was too loud! You know how sensitive my ears are!"
"I know, sorry."Yuko giggled."I just wanted to show some love to my little sister."
"I'm not little anymore. Hell, I'm almost thirty and you ARE over thirty."
"I'm a forever child, you know. And I'm not even ashamed of it."
Seyi smirked.
"And besides that, you are a complete weirdo and a shut-in."she said.
"I-I-I'm n-n-not…"Yuko replied."I'm just absorbed by work and barely have a time to come out to meet other people."
"That's what we call a 'shut-in'."
"Why you hurt meeeeee?"Yuko moaned.
Captain giggled.
"Okay, okay, sorry. Anyway, how is your new game going?"
After leaving the military, Yuko quickly returned to do her favorite things: making videos and game developing. She had an entire YouTube channel devoted to gaming, where she did various things from tutorials on game developing to gameplays. And through the years, it only grew in popularity.
Not to mention that Yuko also managed to develop some games, which were very critically acclaimed. Her first game, a first person shooter about Great Galactic War, became a big hit and was given three sequels, which were as good, or even better, as some said. She also developed some RTSs, some fantasy RPGs and one space combat simulator. Not to mention, that she made them all as independent developer, only sometimes joining with some more known companies in Japan and abroad.
"Fine and dandy."Yuko replied."I have it finished in around seventy five percent. But if I spend more time for it daily, I should have it done for the next E3."
"Good to hear that. I heard it's gonna be your most ambitious project up to date?"
"Indeed. And if you want, you can be a tester."
"Very kind of you to say that, but I think I'm gonna be too occupied in the next few months. You know, Type-63 is still not combat tested and I'm sure there will be several things to improve after our tests."
"Oh. Okay."Seyi could swear, that she heard disappointment in her sister's voice."Hey, Seyi?"
"Hm?"
"Be careful out there, okay?"
Sudden warmness appeared in Seyi when she heard Yuko's tone. When it came down to it, Yuko really could act like a responsible adult.
"I will, don't worry."
"Okay. I gotta get back to work. Call me once you're at place."
"Sure. Bye."
"Bye."
Seyi ended the call and hid her phone back in her pocket. Next, she returned back to her team.
"Just shut up!"Yuzu exclaimed again.
"Come on, you sure you don't wanna have a go?"Eiko asked.
"The fact that you're willing to allow me to sleep with your boyfriend makes me worry about the future of your relationship."
"We're just very open-minded."Michael threw up his arms.
"Very."Eiko added.
Yuzu sighed, not even wanting to comment on this. She then noticed Seyi approaching and turned to her.
"Seyi, tell them something."she said.
"Eiko, Mike, stop bugging her."Seyi told her friends, but just couldn't stop herself from one remark."When time comes, she'll come to ask you to bone her."
"YOU TOO?!"Yuzu asked, shocked.
The other three immediately started laughing, but Seyi quickly made serious face.
"Okay, get back into the machine. We're getting aboard."she said.
"So fast?"Eiko asked.
"It was just a short stop. Besides, you're gonna have more time to rest on the ship."
"Okay."
The three then climbed back inside the tank, while Seyi put on her headphone.
"This is commander, all crews, board your vehicles, we're getting aboard."she said.
"Understood."other commanders replied.
Seyi then joined the rest of her crew, while other crews manned their vehicles. Next, all twenty four machines started moving.
May 2
15:32
Dortmund Air Force Base, Germany
"And this…And this…And this…"
"Elsa, stop, I don't wanna anymore…"
"Colonel Barkhorn, you should behave more according to your rank and age."
Ester looked up at her secretary and frowned.
"Elsa, remind me, how old are you?"she asked.
"Twenty two, colonel."Elsa replied with stern face.
"And what is your rank?"
"Corporal, sir."
"Then don't question my behavior."
"I'm sorry, but I just can't sit and watch someone representing European Union Joint Military behave like a bored child."
"Maybe I am a bored child?"
"I would say that you are more of a spoiled brat."
Ester sighed.
"You sure have a sharp tongue."she stated.
"I do, sir."
Colonel grabbed the papers, which Elsa brought her, and started looking through them. But as she continued to look, she realized something.
"It's only some unimportant stuff."Ester stated."Why do you bother me with this?"
"Because you are the base's commander?"Elsa replied with question.
Former White Squadron commander only growled in response.
After she was promoted to the rank of colonel, she was happy at the beginning. New rank, new opportunities, that's what her father was telling her. But then, it downed on her, that the amounts of paperwork that she was going to have to deal with. Then, to add salt to injury, she was made the base commander, which meant even more paperwork for her. Life couldn't kick her in the ass more.
At least, as consolidation prize, she had Dora and the twins. And although the two were real troublemakers, they were her treasures she would never give to anyone else. There were also the annual White Squadron reunions, during which, of course, members of former White Squadron met to remember the old times.
As she was thinking that, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in!"Ester said.
The door then shot open and before Ester and Elsa could realize it, two shapes sped around the desk and seated themselves on Ester's laps.
"Hi mom!"Conny and Ursula said.
"Hi, sweeties!"Ester said happily and gave the two kisses on their foreheads.
Twins giggled, while Ester looked at Elsa, who in turn looked at her with disapproving look and crossed arms.
"What?"colonel asked.
"Colonel, I thought I already told you."Elsa said firmly."You shouldn't have allowed them to freely enter the base like that."
"Hey, they are my kids."Ester threw up her arms."Of course I can allow them to come here whenever they want."
"I just…"Elsa simply gave up and went to the door.
When the door closed, Ester looked at the smiling twins with a smile of her own and all three of them laughed.
"I see that Elsa will never change."Ursula said.
"Never."Ester agreed.
"Mom, have you evew thought of wepwacing hew?"Conny asked.
Although the twins were completely identical in all aspects possible, there was one slight difference, which made them distinguishable. While Ursula had a normal speech pattern, Conny had to deal with a speech defect, which made her unable to pronounce letters 'l' and 'r'. This was also helpful in a way, because that way, there was no way someone would mistake the two.
"Conny, don't speak like that."Ester scolded her."Elsa might be a blockhead like Dora, in some regards, of course, but she's still very helpful and does her job well. I would never replace her."
"Even when she throws paperwork at you?"Ursual risen an eyebrow.
"Did I say she's perfect?"
The twins giggled.
"Okay, you little troublemakers, why did you come here? Weren't you supposed to stay home and do your homework?"Ester asked.
"Well, we don't have any."Conny said with a smile.
"Oh, do you?"Ester asked, suspicious.
"It's true."Ursula quickly said."Turned out that most of our teachers got sick and we had replacement lessons all the time."
"Really?"
"Yes."the two said in sync.
"Okay, let's say, that I believe you. But if I learn that you're lying to me…"
"We know, mom."the two said in sync again.
Ester smiled, when suddenly, she saw a notification about incoming call appear on her computer's screen. It was marked red, so it was a priority.
"Girls, sorry, but it seems that I have an important call incoming."she said.
The two looked at the screen and nodded.
"Okay."Ursula said.
"Weww wait outside."Conny added.
They jumped off Ester's laps and exited the room, while Ester pressed the button and accepted the call.
What she saw on the screen, was a familiar face of a certain Tertan leader. Ester smirked.
"Did I interrupt you?"the Tertan asked.
"Not much, Aqi."Ester replied.
Aquexymeva Nequxorop, current leader of Tertan Protectorate, nodded her head. Next, her two rows of black eyes blinked, while her small mandibles moved a bit. The reason why she could be without any form of breathing equipment, which Tertans needed to survive in oxygen-filled environment, was simple. After the end of intervention by foreign forces, newly created government decided to search for new capital, with Tertan System destroyed. The choice was made quickly and planet Teuron III, one of the oldest and most developed colonies, was picked. Next, it was agreed, that surviving Atmosphere Formers, which were responsible for making atmospheres on planets suitable for Tertan life, will be used to replace the oxygen in planet's atmosphere with Tertrit. Whole operation took a month and after that time, Teuron was renamed to 'New Terta' and started it's operations as capital planet.
Of course, many environmentalists opposed this operation, as it was feared, that most of the wildlife on the planet would die out, as they were oxygen breathing. It was agreed, that before atmosphere forming could commence, operation to evacuate enough animals and plants to ensure the survival of their species was commenced and when it was done, Tertans did their thing.
Ester immediately understood, that something was wrong, as she looked at the face of her friend. She quickly tenses.
"I guess you're not calling me for a friendly chat?"she asked.
"As much as I would like to do it, no."Aquexymeva replied.
"Then tell me, what's the matter?"
Aqi was silent for few seconds.
"I'm getting worrying reports…"she finally said.
"Worrying reports?"Ester risen an eyebrow."What do you mean?"
"Laconian border."was the short answer.
Of course. Laconian-UN Borderline was currently the most militarized and tense area in the galaxy, with Human and Tertan military units a normal sight on the local planets. With the ongoing Cold War between the two new powers of the Milky Way and their alliances, it was nothing strange. Of course, everyone was also aware of the 'dirty war' that was currently taking place out there. Special forces units were crossing the border in both directions, riding military compounds, eliminating any form of danger or 'removing' political figures, which were too sympathetic to the opposing side. There were casualties, but nor side wanted to reveal the actual number.
Only reason why there wasn't currently an actual war between the two, was the fear, that Great Galactic War could happen again. Every time Laconians and their allies were doing military exercises, like back in April, everyone was on high alert, knowing what this might escalate into. Fortunately, this time was not the case.
Not to mention the military blocks that formed with the end of the GGW. While UN still had it's allies in form of Chakdrik, Nashini, Shakayans, Tertans, Gragonians and new allies like Hadadrians and Vahhons, Laconians had allies, too. Somehow, they managed to make an alliance with Nakatans, which were openly showing their hatred for mankind. There were also Varians, which quickly changed their affiliation with the end of the war, as well as Maraqs, which also changed sides. These three, as well as numerous smaller nations, made the Galactic Concordance, which many just called 'Holy Order with different name'.
Other races decided to stay neutral, like Fez-Kilig, while others lost all meaning on galactic stage, like Viricons, which had to deal with loss of Main Unit, their 'leader', which was destroyed due to use of super-advanced computer virus. Because of that, Viricons had to go through complete cultural change, as they were now all autonomous.
"Alright, go on with it."Ester said.
"Our troops stationed on some planets reported about increased frequency of special forces raids."Aqi replied."Of course, we started answering with the same, but so sudden increase in activity is not normal."
"I have to agree with that."colonel nodded.
"Not to mention, that there are also the protests."
For a few months now, protests started erupting on Borderline planets, against the rulers of these planets. What was suspicious, was the fact, that protests took place only on Planetary States.
"You think that Laconians might be behind that, do you?"Ester guessed.
"If I had to guess, I would say that yes."Aqi threw up her arms. Then she became serious again."Ester, something big is coming. Something, we might not be prepared for."
"You can't be serious."
"I'm a Tertan from a Black Cast. When it comes to politics, I'm always serious."
Ester sighed. She couldn't argue with that.
"Did you tell this to General Secretary and other leaders?"she asked.
"No, not yet."Tertan shook her head.
"Why? They should know about it."
"I know, it's just…We're friends. And I really care about your opinion in various matters."
"But I'm not a politician."
"Yet I want to hear your opinion."
Colonel sighed again. She was doing that a lot lately.
"I think we should treat this seriously. Laconians are unpredictable, especially since Tekrionis took over."
Nikslaus Tekrionis was the current President of Laconian Republic. A former general in their military, he rose to power in politics pretty quickly. He won the first post-war elections and quickly his reputation of ruthless opportunist showed itself, when his former enemies vanished without a trace. Propaganda became the new national policy and people were under constant surveillance. In short, he changed the country into a police state without any freedom.
"Glad to hear it. I'm now going to call General Secretary and the others. See ya."And with that, the connection was cut.
Ester leaned back in her chair. She really feared, that something could escalate into another galaxy-wide war. She's already been through one and never wanted something like that to happen again, especially when she was still alive.
"Mom?"Ursula asked, opening the door slightly.
Ester looked at the twins and smiled.
"Yeah?"
"Can we entew?"Conny joined.
"Sure. Come here."
Girls entered the room and quickly approached Ester, which hugged them.
"Awe you okay?"concerned Conny asked.
"Yes, it's just…I'm happy that you're here."Ester said, hugging them more.
"And we're happy that you and mom Dora are here."Ursula said, returning the embrace.
"Girls, promise me one thing."Colonel's voice became firm and serious."Promise me, that if something happens to me or Dora, you will stay strong and continue living. Promise me that."
Ester really felt bad, forcing the two to promise her that, but when she looked in their eyes, she saw nothing more than a determination in them.
"We promise/pwomise."they said that the same time.
Ester smiled more and hugged them more.
"I love you."she whispered.
"We love you too, mom."Ursula said.
"And we wove mom Dowa."Conny added.
The three of them stayed like that for few more minutes, before the twins left for home, while Ester had to deal with the paperwork given to her by Elsa.
XXX
And another chapter done. As you can see Milky Way changed in a few ways. Not all changed are good, but what kind of surprise is that? Changes are either good or bad and you know it. Anyway, situation in Milky Way slowly heats up. Laconians are planning something, but what is it? That's a question for later.
For now, I say goodbye. As always, leave a review, like and favorite. It will be highly appreciated. See you!