The safety that the Nova Nacio Sector provided had everyone collectively breathing a sigh of relief.
Though the Magellanic Stream provided a challenge for Yuri's fleet, and despite seeing how different it was compared to the rest of the SMC... Yuri now saw what Nia had been trying to tell him earlier.
The pirates and scavengers of the Magellanic Stream were on a completely other level, and they just couldn't compete.
Passing through the Void Gate, and then leaving it behind... Katida began to recognize the familiar territory.
"Nova Nacio! We're finally back in Nova Nacio! Look Miss Nobelo! We're home!" She said excitedly.
Adorinda Nobelo smiled at the girl. "Yes, it feels good, doesn't it Miss Lanco? I was just able to contact your grandfather. He'll be waiting for us on Nejo, at Lanco Warship Manufacturing Headquarters."
"Really?! Did you hear that Yuri?!"
"Yes, I did. We're going straight to Nejo then."
As if knowing that the conversation was winding down... the communications array sounded.
"Yuri, I'm getting an IP communication. It's from Ensign Pappas." Kira informed him.
"Ensign Pappas! Hey, that's right! I've got to tell him that Katida is safe. Patch me through Kira." He replied, coming to stand by the holo projector.
Answering affirmatively, there was a pause, before the familiar form of Belen Pappas appeared.
"There you are Yuri! I've been looking all over for you." Pappas said quickly.
"Ensign Pappas! We were just about to deliver Katida to Lanco Warship Manufacturing! She's here with us, and she's fine." He assured the man.
"Oh... she is? I'm glad to hear that. Is she right there nearby?" He asked.
It was weird. He seemed more distracted then glad that Katida was okay.
"Yes. Do you want me to put her on?"
"No, that's all right. Actually, I'm going to need your help again."
"You will?" Yuri asked. "Why, what's going on?"
Pappas glanced around the FLAKRUNNER'S bridge, before returning to Yuri again. "I can't explain it all over IP. But we, the people of Kalymnos, really need your help! Once you've delivered Miss Lanco, could you come to the Sector Security Agency in Kalymnos?"
"Okay... sure." Yuri frowned.
Pappas seemed relieved at that. "Thank you. We'll be waiting for you!"
Cutting the connection quickly, Pappas disappeared from view... Yuri trying to catch him a little too late.
"Hey, hold on!"
"Sounds kinda urgent, huh?" Torlo asked.
"Yeah. I wonder what it's all about."
Little did he know, that he was about to find out just what Pappas was talking about...
That and so much more...
The Irvest Sector.
Three weeks ago, above the colony planet CL-667.
Approaching the planet CL-667, recently discovered by Kalymnos, was the Nova Nacion, sector exploration ship Fakuso.
On the bridge, staring intently at the planet in the distance, Captain Rajano Shipo turned to an operator on his right.
"Did you check with the CTA?" He asked her.
"Yes sir. Kalymnos has already completed the filing procedures for right of ownership."
Shipo clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Tsk. So the barbarians beat us to it did they? That would have been a perfect planet for colonization."
The operator nodded. "Yes, it's really too bad sir. They only just discovered it ten days ago."
"Bah. Anyway, there's nothing we can do now. We're off to the next star system then. We have to find as many planets as we can for our people to inhabit!" He ordered.
Another operator called out then, cutting him off.
"Captain! Kalymnos forces! Five... no. Ten ships approaching!"
In the distance, the tan and brown hulls of the dozen Kalymnos ships appeared, blue thrusters burning behind as they moved into position.
It was then that the communications array burst to life.
"Attention Nova Nacion ship, this planet is in Kalymnian possession! According to Interplanetary Law, Article 114, unauthorized intrusion within 300,000 miles of a planet in our possession by a foreign military is strictly prohibited." A voice announced over the comm. "Withdraw immediately, or we will be forced to open fire! We repeat. Withdraw immediately!"
"Damn. Who do those Kalymns think they are anyway?!"
"Captain, we'd never be able to stand up against that many ships!" An operator said. "Requesting permission to make a pre-emptive strike!"
The Captain rolled his eyes. Why was he surrounded by such idiots.
"Calm down. I'm sure they don't want to start a war here any more than we do." He reassured him. "We're not going to antagonize them. Withdraw immediately."
"But, sir –"
"Captain! Another Kalymnian ship, twelve o'clock! We're being surrounded!" The second operator interrupted.
"Dammit! Those barbarians think they're gonna sink us on the spot!" The first spat out.
"Calm down I tell you!" These operators were going to get them all killed. "Check the ship type –"
The second operator reached over to press the scan button, though his finger hit fire instead.
Whether this was a mistake or not, no one would ever know.
The Fokuso fired on the Kalymnian ship, bringing down a private transport carrying civilians to the new colony...
Not a military ship as previously thought.
In the aftermath, the dozen Kalymnian ships destroyed the Fokuso.
Rumours floating around began to speculate on whether or not the initial shot from the Nova Nacion exploration ship was ordered by Captain Shipo, or an arbitrary decision of a crew member.
Despite this, the fact that a Nova Nacion military ship had shot down a transport filled with civilians, had instantly plunged the Kalymnians attitude towards Nova Nacio into one of bitter hatred...
And into another war.
The Magellanic Stream.
A place that separates the best, from the rest. The measuring stick, which all zero-G dogs of the SMC use to see just how good they are.
From the moment that it had been mentioned by Cico, it had stirred something in me... a fire I couldn't explain.
Despite Nia's protests of me not being ready, Cico agreed to accompany us through to the Kashtano sector, after Adorinda and Tatiana had discovered Katida stowed away aboard our ship.
Sometime later we found out that VIP's from the Large Magellanic Cloud were attending a trade convention on Zefiro. After digging around for information, we, with the help of Katida Lanco, were able to get into the Trade Hall undetected.
Inside, we managed to find someone that listened to our story. Bastian Schneizer: Captain of the Royal Fleet of the Republic of Regeinland.
Afterwards, Cico's jealousy and superiority complex had forced him to leave the fleet, and as we made our way towards the Void Gate... were ambushed by a man named Oisin.
In the battle, we lost the Misunderstood, and almost lost Selenia and her crew... some of which survived. Thanks to Cico's late arrival, we managed to defeat our attacker.
Now on our way to Maniero, for some much needed rest and repairs, I am glad to finally be back in a safe sector for once. However, the threat of the incoming Lugovalian Empire looms on the horizon. With Elgava refusing to admit their situation, our only hope lies with Captain Schneizer and Regeinland...
Nothing is going as planned.
"Yuri. We're on final approach to Maniero now." Nia called to him from the doorway. "ETA five minutes."
Looking up quickly, he finished up the latest entry in his journal, before laying it down on his bed.
"Then lets go." He said with a smile.
After making their way through the various security checkpoints surrounding Maniero, and with their ships nestled in bays 2230 and 2231, the crew all made their way to their bunks.
Waking up nearly a dozen hours later, Yuri stripped out of his clothes, before taking a long hot shower. His body ached, despite not doing anything physically, Yuri guessed it was due to the lack of sleep of the last few days.
After checking on the ship repairs, Yuri found himself inside the local tavern, and walking past the bar. On a stool, nursing a drink, and puffing away on his pipe, was Nichjo Lotuso.
He nodded in Yuri's direction, and as the Captain drew near, the older man spoke.
"These tavern patrons look really fired up. I guess the rumours must be true."
"What rumours?" Yuri asked.
He hadn't heard anything.
"The rumours that Nova Nacio and Kalymnos are going to go to war over the Irvest Sector."
War over the Irvest Sector?! Yuri's eye's widened. WHAT?!
Thinking about it for a second, Yuri began to calm down. The Lanco Warship Manufacturing President wouldn't surely let the two nations descend into chaos. Not after all the work he'd put in.
"Oh come on! I don't think Mr. Lanco would ever let that happen."
Lotuso grunted. "I don't know about that. War isn't usually something that a single person can stop. Not even a man with as much influence as Mr. Lanco."
The bartender had finally finished with some other patrons, and had made his way over... catching the tail end of the conversation.
"I heard that the Nova Nacion military just put in a huge order to Lanco Warship Manufacturing the other day. There are huge fleets of transport ships coming in from Kashtano too. I bet it all has something to do with going into the Irvest Sector..."
He found himself nodding, taking his drink and food, before walking away towards his friends.
Could Kalymnos and Nova Nacio really be going to war?
Yuri felt his annoyance bubbling to the surface.
After everything he'd done for them, they were going to throw all that away on a hundred years old grudge. And with the Lugovalian Empire on its way, the nations of the SMC couldn't afford to be fighting amongst themselves.
He felt like he was in a hopeless situation. Elgava wasn't listening, completely ignoring the true power of the coming threat. Kalymnos and Nova Nacio, if the rumours were true, were about to enter into another war... so they weren't going to be much help.
And the other nations of the Small Magellanic Cloud, well, they weren't big enough, or strong enough to do anything about it.
As he arrived at the table, greeting members of his crew while he put his plate down, Torlo spoke. "Man, that Vasta was hot, wasn't it? Think I lost any weight in all that heat?"
Yuri and Tatiana exchanged looks, the former stifling a laugh.
"Uh... nope." Tatiana answered finally.
Torlo's face soured, and he sat beside Yuri, grumbling into his drink.
They made small talk for a time, discussing their latest adventures, before Katida's voice rose over the noise of the tavern patrons.
"HEY YURI! What do you think about this?"
Rushing over to the group, Yuri suddenly found himself accosted by Katida, who stopped by him, grabbing his arm.
"Whoa! What is it Katida?"
"Lanco Warship Manufacturing owns just about every planet in this sector you know. In fact, I just got a star system as a present for my last birthday!" She said with a happy smile.
Wait?!...you... what...
"Wow. A whole star system all just for you?" Torlo asked. He didn't sound surprised or shocked, but curious and excited.
"Oh yes! I guess I have about ten of them now. I get one every year." She said nonchalantly.
"Ten...?" Tatiana asked, mouth opening and closing like a fish.
Katida nodded with enthusiasm, before turning back to Yuri.
"So Yuri. If you want one too, I could ask my grandpa to give you one. Doesn't every zero-G dog want some planets all for their very own? I mean, you can be the feudal lord of your own dominion!"
"Um..."
Yuri wasn't sure how to answer.
*Me? Feudal lord of my own dominion?* His head spun, but pictures of Cadmus and Panfilov rushed to the forefront of his mind.
"No thanks. I don't need anything like that."
"Huh? Why not? You don't want your own planet?" She was disappointed, failing to comprehend his answer.
"I don't want to be a feudal lord. And besides, if I wanted my own planet, I'd go look for one myself." He said with a shrug. "That's what I have my own ship for."
Sheesh... this guy. "I see. Geez Yuri, you sure are a tough guy to shop for!"
"Don't worry Katida. You don't have to get me anything!"
"Are you sure about that? Hm..."
She seemed more confused than ever, and wandered off, thinking about what had just taken place.
Adorinda Nobelo, who had been sitting there watching the exchange, smiled. "This has really been a wonderful learning experience for Miss Lanco."
"I just happened to be the one to see her home safe, that's all."
"It might have started out as a chance... but I've never seen Miss Lanco look so happy and be so expressive of her feelings." Nobelo said with a frown. "That's why I have a favour to ask of you."
"A favour? What is it?" Yuri asked, more than a little curious.
"I want you to keep your promise to her, the one you made about coming back to get her someday. It would mean so much to her."
"I will. I'll definitely keep my promise." He reassured Adorinda.
At Yuri's words, the older woman flashed him a radiant smile, causing Yuri to blush, and look down at his shoes.
Leaving Maniero behind, and heading for Nejo, Yuri's fleet arrived at their destination relatively quickly. After signing in at the reception desk, Yuri's Circle found themselves, along with Adorinda Nobelo and Katida Lanco, standing on the top floor.
At the back of the office, resting in a high backed chair, was an older man with a head full of silvery white hair. He was obviously waiting for them, fingers drumming an anxious beat on the polished wood of his desk.
The brown light of the office seemed to make him look older, and as the secretary showed them in, Katida spotted the man.
"GRANDPA!"
Despite expecting them, He jumped out of his chair in surprise, eyes quickly locking onto his granddaughter.
"Katida! My beautiful princess! Thank goodness you're home again and safe!" He cried in relief, meeting her halfway in a strong hug.
Yuri and the group watched as tears of joy shimmered down his wizened cheeks. There was no doubt who this man was.
Jozefo Lanco, President of Lanco Warship Manufacturing.
"Oh Katida! I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have sent you to Kalymnos like I did..." He muttered to his granddaughter, but loud enough for the others to hear.
"Oh, I'm perfectly fine! The Captain, Yuri, kept me safe the whole time!" Katida replied, smiling up into Jozefo's face.
"Yes I heard about this fine young man, the Captain... So which one of you is Yuri? He asked, looking over the group
Stepping forward, Adorinda Nobelo laid a hand on Yuri's back, giving him a small push. "Here he is, Mr. Lanco."
Embarrassed at the attention, he stepped forward, stammering as he tried to find words. "H-How do you do sir? I'm Yuri, Captain of the FLAKRUNNER."
Jozefo took a moment to examine him, before addressing the teen.
"So you're Yuri, eh? I'm Jozefo Lanco, President of Lanco Warship Manufacturing." He greeted, shaking Yuri's hand until it was almost numb. "I can't tell you how grateful I am that you rescued my granddaughter and brought her back home to me safe. Thank you so much!"
"You're very welcome."
"Grandpa, don't just thank him with words! You have to give him a reward!" Katida interrupted, patting her grandfather's side. "I'd like him to be able to buy a bigger ship if he wants to!"
Surprised at the teen's words, Yuri looked at her in shock, not that he should have been anyway. "K-Katida!"
"Ha ha ha! Yes my dear. I didn't forget." He told her with a laugh and a smile. "Captain, there is a hotel nearby, run by Lanco Enterprises. I'd like to talk to you there, and give you a proper thank you."
Yuri nodded. "All right. Well, I guess this is goodbye for now Katida Lanco. It's been real." He told the girl.
"But you'll come back for me soon, right? You promised you'd take me along with you on your travels!"
"Yeah, I know I did. But that's only if your granddad says it's all right." He assured her.
"Okay. I know. Fine, well, I guess it's goodbye for now then." She said, an almost dejected look on her face.
Yuri smiled. "Yeah. See you around Katida."
And as he followed his friends out the door, he exchanged a nod and a smile with Adorinda Nobelo.
Some time later, after giving Jozefo and Katida time alone together, Yuri and company found themselves at Lanco Hotel.
Upon their arrival, they were shown to a room without even giving their names. At the back, in the corner of the room, was Jozefo Lanco... staring at a navigational map of Nova Nacio.
Hearing the coming steps, he glanced up, taking a puff in the process.
"Do you know Nova Nacio's history young man?" He asked around his pipe.
"Pardon me?"
"Many decades ago, about half the planets of Nacio in the Large Magellanic Cloud, were wiped out by a starburst phenomena." He began to explain, returning his focus to the map in front of him. "Our ancestors evacuated here to the Small Magellanic Cloud from Nacio."
"Oh wow! Is that right?" Torlo asked, as the group all joined Yuri and Jozefo around the map.
"You should have learned that sort of thing in elementary school Torlo!" Ian chided.
"I never went to elementary school..." Torlo replied.
Lanco watched the exchange through curious eyes. "After suffering the hardships of crossing the Magellanic Stream, our forefathers finally arrived here on Nejo. And that is how Nejo came to be the capital planet of Nova Nacio. But later, with the constant threat from Kalymnos, the capital was moved further back, to the planet of Arkonejo."
Nia listened to Jozefo's explanation, before interrupting. "Did ya call us all here to tell us history stories or what?"
"No, no. The reason I asked you to come, of course, is so I may thank you for taking care of my granddaughter, Katida. Please, have a seat." He said, Motioning them over to the nearby table.
Once everyone was seated, Jozefo Lanco took a long puff from his pipe, filling the space between them with smoke.
"Thank you again Captain, from the bottom of my heart, for what you did for my dear Katida. You are a true hero. This is just a small token of my appreciation." He began, holding out his hand to the silver-haired teen.
Taking the offered currency card, Yuri's eyes bugged out as he glanced down at the object, worth 20,000G.
"Whoa! That's a lot of money!" Torlo added, letting out a low whistle.
"I... I don't know what to say."
Nia's eyes rolled. She'd been around a fair bit, and when it came to rewards and the like... she had a saying.
Just take it, it's better off not asking questions. "Go ahead and take it Yuri. You saved the baby girl of the Lanco family, one of the most influential families in the nation. It's a fair amount, when ya think about it."
Everyone's gaze was drawn to Nia, and as she finished, Jozefo nodded. "She's absolutely right Captain. Unless you wish to imply that my Katida isn't worth even this much money?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Yuri's eyes widened, backpedalling suddenly... not wanting to insult him. "No, no! Of course not! Thank you very much Mr. Lanco."
Nia, who had been paying attention, spoke up suddenly. "But that's not all ya got to say, is it? Why don't you just come out with whatever you really asked us here for and get it over with, huh?"
Jozefo's stare returned to Nia, and he watched her, intrigued. She was smart, and observant.
I like this one! He found himself thinking. Straight to the point.
"So you'd like me to get straight to the point, would you? I'm a business man. I can appreciate that."
"Good. We don't got time for chit chat."
"Ha ha. All right, fine. Let me be frank then." He said after a laugh. "Captain, I would very much like it if... if you and your crew were to ally yourselves with Nova Nacio in the upcoming war."
"War?" Kira said, aghast.
"You're going to war? With who?"
The LWM president looked down, almost in shame.
"About three weeks ago, there was a tragic event, which is now being called the Fokuso Incident."
"The Fokuso Incident? What's that all about?" Nia prodded.
"Well, one of our ships in the Irvest Sector accidentally fired on and shot down a Kalymnian colonization ship."
"What?! That's horrible!" Yuri cried out.
How in Grus could something like that even happen.
"There's a race to colonize the planets in that sector, and relations between our two nations have been at the breaking point. And now this incident happens... it's such a tragic mistake, and it couldn't have come at a worse time."
Yuri listened as Jozefo Lanco spoke, going quiet as his mind began to process what he'd just heard.
"All right, now you've told us about the Fokuso Incident. But does that necessarily have to lead to a war? It sounds like something that could be solved at a diplomatic level." Ian added.
The man nodded as he replied. "Of course, that's what the Nova Nacion government wanted. But then yesterday, Kalymnos made a shocking announcement."
"What'd they say?" Yuri asked, finally breaking his silence.
The man in question cleared his throat. "In the name of Neoptolemos Bactria, the head of state of the Kalymnos Cluster, they laid claim to a certain area of the Irvest Sector."
Pausing, his eyes turned down to the control panel on the table, activating the inbuilt holo projector.
They all turned their attention to the map of the Irvest sector, which was broken into red and green areas, representing Kalymnos and Nova Nacio respectively.
"Here. I'd like you to take a look at this map. The green area shows Nova Nacion planets, which are the planets that we discovered. The red area shows planets under Kalymnian possession. But then yesterday, Bactria suddenly claimed possession of this whole area at the centre of the sector, drawing a line from CL-665 to CL-617, and declaring ownership of everything within the line."
The map changed, and the red area grew to include both Nova Nacion planets, with a representation of the Bactria Line included.
Jozefo Lanco sighed. "In other words, Kalymnos is claiming ownership of all planets inside of this so called Bactria Line."
Still confused, Torlo spoke up suddenly. "But wait a minute! Don't some of those planets inside the line belong to Nova Nacio?"
"Precisely. Kalymnos sent fleets to those two Nova Nacion planets, and now they're under Kalymnian control. Apparently, all of the people who emigrated there to take part in the terraforming projects have been locked up." Lanco said, dragging a hand over his weary face. "Kalymnos is continuing to send fleets to the Irvest sector. And to counter them, the Nova Nacion military has now decided to dispatch the four divisions of the Nacion Defense Space Force as well."
"But if they do that, then there really is going to be a war. I thought you wanted Kalymnos and Nova Nacio to co-exist in peace! That's why you sent Katida, isn't it?!" Yuri asked, anger rising.
Nothing was going as planned. And if things continued this way, then Lugovalos would be left unchallenged.
"Captain, I can't turn back the hands of time. Nobody can. And we can't simply hand that entire sector over to Kalymnos, with all of its rich, inhabitable planets."
"But if we're talking about a war here, what can we do to help?" Yuri asked.
He could see Yuri's point, and found himself finally getting to the crux of the matter.
"It's natural for a nation in a situation like this to turn to the cooperation of pirates and other mercenary ships for help. And if a capable captain like you would agree to side with Nova Nacio, your help would be especially appreciated."
"Well..."
"Of course, I don't expect you to make a decision like this lightly. Please take some time to talk it over with your crew. Think about it for a while. That's all I have to say for now. I'll be looking forward to your answer." He replied.
Noting Yuri's silence, Nia jumped in.
"Yuri, why don't we go to the tavern to talk? You can make a decision after that."
"That sounds like a good plan."
Grouped around a table at the nearby tavern, they all sat in contemplative silence. Nia knocked back a shot, and as the glass hit the tabletop, this seemed to jolt Kira into speaking.
"Yuri, are you angry? You haven't said a word..."
"I'm not angry. I just really hate this! I mean, a war between Small Magellanic Cloud nations, when the Lugovalian fleet is on its way? It's just so stupid!" He complained with a sullen sneer.
"Do you think Kalymnos and Nova Nacio know about Lugovalos?" Tatiana asked in general.
Nia cocked her head in thought. "Well, they've gotta at least know that Elgava is putting together a fleet at the perimeter. And they must've gotten some kind of idea about the situation through diplomatic routes."
"But the question is, how seriously are they really taking this news?" Ian asked.
"I guess we can answer that ourselves by lookin' at how they're acting." Nia answered with a shrug. "I guess the threat of a neighbour is a lot more real to them than a huge army that's far away."
Torlo glanced around at his friends. "Yeah, I'm with Yuri. It's totally stupid! So what do we do Yuri? I just checked it out, and Kalymnos is recruiting pirates and private ships too."
"That must be what Ensign Pappas's communication was all about." Ian said in revelation.
Yuri nodded. "I agree. I think we should pick a side to cooperate with."
"You want to cooperate? Are you serious?"
"You want to participate in... a war?"
Tatiana and Kira looked at him as if he'd grown a second head.
"If we just stand back and do nothing, we won't be able to change anything. But if we're on the inside, maybe we can find a way to end it faster." Yuri told them, explaining his train of thought. "If we're going to try to stand up to Lugovalos together, we have to limit these casualties as much as we can."
"Do you really think we can influence the outcome? Just us?" Ian asked... doubtful.
"To be honest, I'm not really sure. But we have to at least try. It's better than not doing anything at all." He said with a shrug.
He had to believe they could.
As the table fell into silence, Torlo voiced his opinion.
"Well, I'm in. I gotta admit, I haven't really wrapped my head around how big an enemy Lugovalos is just yet. But we can't be fightin' among ourselves when somebody's threatenin' to attack the Small Magellanic Cloud!"
Watching Torlo intently, Tatiana found herself agreeing. "Well, when I first travelled into space, I knew what I might be getting myself into. I'm still a little scared though."
"I'll support whatever the Captain decides." Ian added, he'd stuck around for the ride so far, why back out now.
"Me too. If that's what you want to do Yuri..."
Kira left her sentence hanging in the air, and Yuri looked around as his friends all nodded in agreement.
"Thanks, everybody. Okay, let's decide which side we're going to fight on, then go tell Mr. Lanco."
And as they continued their discussion, Yuri glanced over at Nia, who'd stayed silent. They watched each other in silence, not breaking contact for a moment.
Then, she shrugged, before they both joined the conversation.
Returning to the Lanco Hotel, Jozefo Lanco greeted them with a warm smile as they entered... removing the pipe from his mouth.
"Well! I can tell by the look on your face that you've reached a decision. Now then. What is your answer?" He asked, more than a little curious.
My answer is... "We're going to support Nova Nacio."
"You are?! Really?!"
He sounded surprised, and in a way... anxious.
He was overjoyed, that much was clear, if the shaking of both of Yuri's hands enthusiastically was any indication.
"I can't tell you how happy this makes me! I thank you personally from the bottom of my heart!"
"No problem. But what exactly would you like us to do now?"
"First of all, you'll have to get yourselves ready, of course. And here's 10,000 G to help you out."
With the 20,000G from saving Katida, and the 10,000G now, they would be able to replace the MISUNDERSTOOD...
That and so much more.
"Once you've gotten yourselves equipped, I'd like you to go to the planet Ermeno in the Irvest Sector. That's where our Joint Headquarters are, so please go there to get your next instructions. I'll arrange for you to be able to use all the design companies in the sector, including at Lanco Warship Manufacturing Headquarters."
"All right. Thank you sir. But I have a favour to ask of you too." Yuri replied.
Intrigued at the this, Jozefo Lanco leaned forward curiously. "You do? What is it my boy?"
Yuri wasn't about to mince words, and so, cut straight to it.
"I assume you know about the foreign fleet that's approaching the Small Magellanic Cloud as we speak?"
Jozefo's face betrayed his shock at Yuri's words. "What?! How did you know about –"
Yuri cut him off, not letting the man finish.
"The Elgavan government is seriously underestimating their strength, but they pose a huge threat to this entire galaxy! That's why I'm asking you to please keep working towards peace, so that we can stand against them together. During the course of this war, I hope you'll be able to find a chance to help end it quickly."
The old man listened in silence as Yuri explained, before reluctantly nodding.
"I... Yes, all right."
"Thank you. I guess we'll be going now." Yuri finished.
With that, Yuri and company made their way out the door, leaving behind a very stunned Jozefo Lanco...
Pipe abandoned on the table.
After their talk with Jozefo Lanco, and after an extensive debate with his Circle, the others had agreed that the fleet's crewmembers needed to be informed of what was happening. Surprisingly, it had been Nia who had brought it up, and she had made a good point.
The crew had a right to choose what to do.
Yuri nodded to Kira, and he stood atop the captain's dais, waiting for the comm to be set up.
"Yuri."
At Kira's word, he cleared his throat, stepping forward, and beginning to speak.
"Attention crewmembers of the FLAKRUNNER and the JUSTICE." He began, and across both ships, all human crewmembers stopped and listened. "This is your Captain, Yuri."
He paused for a moment, wondering which words to use.
"I know some of you have heard the rumours, and to some of you, you may be wondering what that means for the fleet."
"I'm sure you're all aware of the Fokuso Incident, and the events that have led up to what is being known as the Irvest Sector War." His voice resonated across the speakers to each member of the crew, all listening with rapt attention. "I have been personally asked to join in the war effort by both nations, Nova Nacio and Kalymnos. It is with a heavy heart that I'm here, now, to inform you of my decision."
He sighed deeply, looking up at his closest friends littering the bridge below.
"While I have agreed to join one side, many things were factored into this decision, and I assure you, it wasn't one I made lightly." He wasn't even sure how he was doing, but in the moment, he didn't care. He just wanted to get it over with... and move on. "What I'm about to tell you isn't common knowledge. Even the governments of the SMC nations are keeping this information quiet so as to avoid a panic. But you have all served me faithfully these last few months, and I believe you ought to know the truth."
"Over a month ago, an Elgavan probe ship was attacked and destroyed outside the Small Magellanic Cloud. What it found, and recorded, was something that most would believe impossible." He explained. "A fleet, bigger, and more powerful than you could even dream of. Their target, the destruction, and/or conquest of the entire Small Magellanic Cloud."
"While the Interplanetary Union of Elgava is aware of the threat, and preparing a fleet to meet these invaders; they are seriously underestimating them. While both Kalymnos and Nova Nacio are aware of this incoming fleet, I think this war is all the explanation you need to know where they both stand on this."
He let out another breath, heart thumping in his chest with every word spoken... every minute the speech dragged on.
"While I have friends on both sides of this war, I have decided to join the nation of Nova Nacio, and from here on in, we will be allying ourselves with their fleets." He told the crew, whose silence was broken with waves of murmuring. "As I have said before, this wasn't a decision I made lightly. I didn't join them for petty reasons, or any such monetary rewards they have, or haven't offered me."
"I now view this war as another obstacle that must be overcome, in order to help the Small Magellanic Cloud prepare to meet this incoming Lugovalian Empire."
"Prior to the war, Jozefo Lanco, President of Lanco Warship Manufacturing, was in talks with several high ranking Kalymnian Officers and Politicians. His goal: to bring peace and cooperation between both nations, despite their long standing grudges and petty squabbling."
"I have taken up Mr. Lanco's offer to join Nova Nacio in this war, and in return, have asked that he help end it quickly, and without much bloodshed... so as to help prepare for this new threat."
"I will not, and am not, forcing any man or woman to continue serving under me if he or she doesn't wish to." He told them, finally nearing the end. "For those of you who do wish to depart, I ask that you report to your department heads, who will be putting forth a list to my First Officer. Your release will be agreed upon, and your salaries will be paid."
"For those of you staying, I thank you for your continued trust and support in these trying times, and ask for your patience, and your help, as we struggle to find a solution to these coming problems."
"I'm not just doing this because it's the right thing. Or because there will be innocent people caught in the crossfire. I am doing this because you all are family, our fleet, is one family. We may quarrel and bicker and argue and fight, but in the end, we serve, and work hard to keep this nation; the nation of FLAKRUNNER and the nation of JUSTICE afloat."
He paused again, unsure how to end his speech. As he stood there, mind working, he settled on keeping it simple.
"And to you all, I say this... godspeed!"
With his explanation over, Yuri left his friends to deal with the departure of the crew, and headed out to the spaceport.
Once there, he had had a long discussion with both Ogar and Selenia. Yuri had told them of all that they'd learnt from Jozefo Lanco, and had informed them of the monetary rewards he had received.
He had then proceeded to explain his plan to his two fellow Captains. He planned to squeeze every ounce of information, blueprint, and willing future crew out of the area, before moving on to the Nova Nacio Joint Headquarters in the Irvest sector. Once there, he would replace the fallen MISUNDERSTOOD, and upgrade his fleet in accordance with what blueprints and modules he had received over the last week.
Money, this time... wouldn't be an issue.
In the meantime, Selenia had agreed to serve as Ogar's First Officer, until her ship was replaced.
Afterwards, he had gone planetside, where his feet had taken him to Lanco Warship Manufacturing headquarters. At the front desk, the receptionist had informed him that, as promised by Mr. Lanco, Yuri would have access to all blueprints at their disposal.
And buy he did, acquiring two ship blueprints in the form of the Necesa-class battleship and the Gromki-class cruiser... all for a meagre 274G.
Not a bad deal, he thought.
Returning to the FLAKRUNNER, he met a harried looking Ian, who grunted as he greeted the Captain.
"I finished dealing with the bulk of the crew issues. For the ones who wanted to disembark, I paid them their salaries and let them go on their merry ways."
"Thanks Ian. So how many got off?" He asked with a nod.
The boy's head cocked in thought for a second. "About half of the Kalymnian members of the regular crew left. I've already replaced them though."
Already? He found himself thinking. He sure doesn't mess around.
"Only half huh? I thought it would be more."
"It was that announcement you made earlier. You really explained your position well, and communicated your sense of purpose. I heard quite a few people say that it convinced them to stay. They said that they were Kalymnians, yes, but that they were members of this ship's crew first and foremost." Ian explained, and Yuri's face revealed a slightly shocked look.
"Really? I'm glad, but I hope I don't end up letting them down."
"You better not let them down! All these people are counting on you with their lives." Ian said, probably a little more forceful than he intended.
"You're right. I can't ever forget that."
"And we have one very special new crew member." Ian said with a smile.
"Who is it?"
Ian's gaze flickered behind him, and to the massive form of a very familiar man...
"Oh, it's you!" Yuri said, recognizing him.
"Mateo Beleko, Commander of the Spetses Fleet, at your service." He introduced himself with a small bow. "You saved my life that day, and now, my life belongs to you."
"Belongs to me? Don't be ridiculous! I saw how you fought that day. I helped you out of respect for your abilities." Yuri told him.
Beleko shrugged. "In any case, now that Spetses has been destroyed, I beg you to use me as you like. My only wish is to be of service to you."
"Admiral Beleko, welcome aboard. I could really use someone with your skills!" Yuri said, reaching out a hand to shake Beleko's bigger one.
"I'll leave you to it then." Ian said, taking his leave with a nod.
Yuri nodded affirmatively, and motioned for the newest member of the crew to follow him. "Come on!"
Walking in silence for a time, the silence was soon broken by Beleko.
"Thank you again, for what you did. I also heard you killed Cadmus too." He said again, curiosity winning out in the end.
Yuri raised an eyebrow in the man's direction.
"Yes, I was there when he died. He was pathetic, I can't believe you worked for the bastard." Yuri replied. "How could you stand to be near him?"
Beleko looked down. "I couldn't."
It looked to Yuri like that was all he was going to get put of him. Yuri nodded, and soon, they arrived at the fire control room. Inside, the artillery crew were going about their business, and at the back, Yuri found the ship's Artillery Chief.
"Rhea!" The woman in question turned, handing off a report to an aid, before taking in the two people before her.
"Captain! Always a pleasure." She greeted. "And who's this?"
"This is Mateo Beleko, former Commander of the Spetses Fleet. He's joining our crew, and I'm assigning him to your department... effective immediately."
Rhea nodded slowly, processing the information. "Shouldn't be a problem, though I already have a handler: Barberis."
Yuri waved away her worry. "I know. That's why I'm transferring him to the security department as a security officer."
Cocking her head to the side, Rhea shrugged. Turning towards the front of the room, she called out. "BARBERIS!"
The man stuck his head out from behind some machinery, before wiping his hands down, and approaching the three.
"Captain!." He acknowledged.
"You're being transferred to Security as an officer there. Beleko here will be taking your place."
The two men sized each other up for a moment, before Barberis smiled. "Good. I'm glad to be out from under this slave driver." He said with a teasing smile in Rhea's direction. "When do I start?"
"Right Now."
Leaving Nejo behind, Yuri's fleet headed for Miraklo, where they were attacked by Kreios Pirates. Even though down one ship, and with all they had been through lately... it didn't take long to finish them off.
Once on Miraklo's surface, Yuri visited the local Module company where he spent a total of 690G on eleven blueprints... adding to his ever growing list.
Soon, they found themselves at the tavern, and upon entering, could see Pachjo Palmo sitting in the back, quietly working on his mobile terminal.
"Doing some research Mr. Palmo?"
At the question, Palmo raised his head, not spotting their arrival. "Oh, hello Captain. Yes, I'm looking at the specs for the latest steering system. Being an engineer, I know we have to have the right power supply for the steering system, or else it won't perform at maximum efficiency."
"You sure seem to know your stuff, Pachjo!"
The man let out a short laugh. "Well, I've been an engineer for quite a while now."
"Well, we don't want to bother you. We'll leave you to it." Yuri answered.
"Thanks. I appreciate that."
Smiling warmly at the group, Yuri and company continued on to another table, letting him work in peace.
Up ahead though, they spotted Gavriil Minas and Leo Folias discussing a design spec that they have spread out across the table.
Pausing, Yuri waved his friend's onwards, listening in on the conversation between the two men.
"I'm not so sure this armour would hold up against Kalymnian artillery bombardment." Leo said, staring down at the designs in front of him.
"Hm. I'm fairly certain of these calculations though." Gavriil Minas replied with certainty.
"They have heavy defence's against solid ammo. Maybe we should consider warheads loaded with deflector cancellers."
Minas shook his head in response to the suggestion, as if he knew where this train of thought would lead. "There isn't enough time to develop suitably scaled-down cancellers. We'd better come up with another strategy here."
Curious now as to their discussion, Yuri jumped in quickly, before either could continue.
"What are you two talking about?"
"We're discussing how we can raise our technology level to meet the demands of facing Kalymnos." Leo explained.
"Oh. In that case, do you mind if I sit with you?" Yuri asked.
Leo found himself shaking his head, throwing a confirming glance at his co-worker. "Not at all. We need the opinion of somebody who knows what it's like in the field."
Smiling, Yuri found himself involved in an intense, yet surprisingly informative and educational discussion with the two men, as they continued on the topic of technology.
On Citadelo, they picked up two new fighter blueprints, and didn't even bother visiting the central base... knowing that any attempt to enter would be futile.
Again, they found themselves at the local tavern, being met with a very curious sight.
"Hey, I'm a pretty damned famous zero-G dog ya know."
"Oh really?" Brava Soneto replied with a very obvious eye roll.
"There ain't nobody with better artillery skills than yours truly, in fact!"
"Uh huh..."
"Hey, I could give ya lessons if ya want. Whaddya say, pretty lady?"
Having obviously arrived ahead of Yuri and company, Brava Soneto had found herself at the bar, being pestered relentlessly by a zero-G dog.
In trying to impress Soneto, the man was failing miserably. His target however, found the situation all too amusing.
She hated how men beat their chests when she walked by. She wasn't a piece of meat. Although, it did provide her with some entertainment... until she got bored.
"Whaddya say? Just one lesson, and your skills are gonna get so much better, you ain't gonna believe it!" He boasted with a confident smile, back leaning against the bar.
Glancing at the man, Soneto raised a curious eyebrow in his direction, closing her eyes as she replied. "Hm, yes. Maybe a lesson would be in order, as a matter of fact!"
Head shooting up, the man couldn't believe his luck. "Really? Ya mean it?"
"Indeed I do." She said with a smile. "Oh, Yuuuriii!"
Surprised at the call of his name, Yuri stood up, walking over towards the two.
"This nice man is offering artillery lessons. How lucky for you!"
"Hey... hey, wait just a minute..."
"All right. One lesson please." She asked, flattering her eyelids at him.
Groaning in disappointment, the man ran a hand down his face. "Fine. Whatever."
Soon, the man had launched himself into an explanation of artillery and firing lines and such. Surprisingly, Yuri found that he was barely struggling to keep up.
In the end, Soneto spoke up. Mocking the man. "Oh my. I'm really impressed. His skill really has improved! Well, I've got to be going now. Ta!"
Flashing the man a bright smile, Soneto strode away, winking in Yuri's direction as she headed for the door.
"Huh?! Hey, hold on!" His efforts to stop her failed completely, and he sighed in disappointment. "Damn, I didn't get a chance to show her my best skill of all!"
Yuri laughed internally.
And you never will. He thought.
"Nova Nacio and Kalymnos both talk about how much they want the Irvest sector, but they're pretty much destroying it with all of their fighting." Tatiana said as he approached the table, the conversation having changed since last he was there.
"Yeah, you're right. It's like they've got their priorities all mixed up." Torlo added.
"I guess they think they'd rather destroy it than let the other one get it. It's pretty stupid, if ya ask me." Nia said.
Yuri found himself nodding, before his attention was drawn to Beleko, who was sitting there in silence.
He had been pretty quiet since joining the crew, not that Yuri spoke much with many of them.
"Admiral Beleko, why were you working for Cadmus anyway?" He asked.
"Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. How could you stand even being around that idiot?" Torlo asked.
"I was once attacked by pirates, and Lord Cadmus the First saved me. At the time, he was travelling, looking for new territory. I joined him, and we discovered Spetses together." Beleko explained, a far off look in his eyes. "I've stayed in Spetses ever since, but I'm originally from Nova Nacio. I owed Cadmus the First my life, so when he asked me personally to serve and protect his son, I couldn't say no."
"Oh, I guess that makes sense..." Yuri found himself saying.
Well that went well. He thought.