Harlock was looking out towards the stars outside the ship. as peaceful as things seemed right now it was hard to tell the solar Federation was in a fierce war with an alien Race calling themselves Illumidas. he corrected the brown gloves he had on. he was dressed in the uniform of the Solar Federation. a red jacket with some black stripes on his chest showing his rank. a golden tread around one shoulder and a white scarf around his neck. he wore the uniform red pants and the black boots. a pair of strong brown eyes were looking out at the stars before him behind the Hazel hair that fell over his face loosely, covering at times the scar across his left cheek.
he looked over the crew of the bridge. like him most were dressed in the red Solar federation suit. being the first officer of the ship the Rockbreaker, right now Harlock had the command while his captain were resting. there wasn't much going on for now. the ship were out here to watch one of the border territories. the Illumidas were often attacking these smaller border planets, not showing any care for the innocent living on these far out planets on the borders of the federation lands. they had been out here for what felt like forever.
Harlock looked down at the black wolf by his side. soft midnight black with lighter markings of black fur on his underside gleamed under the light. Lightningtooth had been with him for years now. the wolf never leaving his side. Harlock smiled faintly remembering the wolf having even followed him though the military wasn't really happy about it. yet the wolf had somehow won them over, becoming his first battalion's mascot and symbol. once he became an officer no one bothered to argue anymore. yet Harlock's eyes narrowed. the wolf only ever spoke to him alone. it had been that way since he had begun his military career. the wolf only spoke in his mind or only when he was sure no one else heard him. yet these past weeks his friend spoke less and less. Harlock knew what that meant. his partner was a wolf after all. after months and months locked in this metal box, his friend were growing depressed and sick as he was eating less as well Harlock had noticed. Lighting's unusual dark blue eyes looked out but not seeming to look at anything in perticular.
"captain on deck." a crew member said. the crew stood up and Harlock returned to his seat.
"anything to report?" the elder man asked tiredly. he had short grey hair, a small grey mustache and some dark brown eyes. he was dressed with the red captain's jacket of the solar federation, with plenty of awards decorating it's side. he wore black pants and black boots.
"nothing new sir. it's been quiet." Harlock said though eyeing as his wolf lay down by Harlock's seat and not even looking at him.
"permission to speak freely captain?" Harlock asked. this got him some odd looks for the rest of the crew.
"permission granted, first officer." the captain said knowing Harlock never asked for this unless it was important.
"we been out here for months sir.. the crew could use some r&r sir. feel some soil under their feet and some sunshine." the wolf looked up at his master as he spoke,
"indeed.. I would agree with you there." the captain said looking over the bridge crew and the looks of hope that came to their eyes as it was broth up.
"navigator.. is there anywhere nearby that would be safe and easy to take of from if we are needed?" the captain asked sitting back in his chair.
"eh, yes sir. there is a small lush green moon just nearby. from the reports of the moon there is plenty water, plants and food on that moon." the navigator said turning to the captain.
"good. then we take the opportunity to refill our water supplies and food stocks." the captain smiled. "first officer. split our crew into three groups. one should remain on ship, one is tasked with gathering food and the last will rest. rotate them and make sure that each group at least get to rest for 2 hours each."
"yes sir." Harlock saluted and sat down to work out the order. the crew cheering as the helmsman quickly set in the coordinates to the moon shown by the navigator.
some hours later Harlock made his way outside with Lighting by his side. he had placed himself in the first group to remain on ship, that way they would be the last group to rest. as they came out, he could already see the change in his friend. his ears were up and as were his tail and the usual light were back in his eyes. Harlock exhaled deeply. he too had missed being of ship. for now it were their task to take over the food gathering but coming out it was clear his decision to make them land had been a good one. the crew were enjoying themselves greatly. some were playing with a broken cap for the engine using it as a frizbee, others were lazing about in the sunshine. the few that had work to do smiled and laughed as they filled the crates with the fruit and eatable leaves and roots they had found.
"go run a bit. I got this." he smiled to Lighting who nodded slightly and bolted of to run and roll in the grass. his wild heart filling with the natural flow of life around him.
as the group changed again and the group Harlock was in got to rest, Lighting returned to rest behind him as Harlock lay back in the grass, head resting on his friend's back.
"feels a little bit like home doesn't it?" Harlock said in his mind looking up at the greenish blue sky. remembering many a lazy day in the green grass of his home in Arcadia.
"it does.. but you still miss her.." he said low lifting his head to look at his master.
"yeah.." Harlock said quietly, thinking of his love Maya. the only regret he might have about leaving his home. feeling the sadness fill his master the wolf sighed and stood up making Harlock sit up. he moved around him to face him and Harlock smiled scratching the wolf behind the ears. the dark blue eyes of his friend watching his quietly. then suddenly he snapped his teeth closed around the tip of the scarf around Harlock's neck and pulled it loose.
"hey!" Harlock said gripping it.
"play with me." the wolf chuckled and began to pull growling, tugging at it.
"don't tear it." Harlock chuckled and gave the wolf a push with his other hand in the wolf's chest making him let go.
"grrr." the wolf growled but there was nothing treating about the sound as he snapped hold of the scarf again and pulled Harlock to the side. his blue eyes looking mischievous as he pulled. Harlock smiled pulling back. Harlock chuckled as the wolf moved behind him, pulling the scarf with him. quite a few in the crew laughed, few having seen the playful side of the wolf until now, and even less seen the first officer laugh.
"you made a good choice, first officer." the captain smiled as he came up to him smiling as the wolf let go and lay his big head over Harlock's shoulder pushing him over.
"get off." Harlock smiled pushing him of. the captain sat down next to him. "sometimes I need to be reminded of the crews status." the captain smiled.
"I must admit it was partly do to my partner, captain." Harlock sighed petting Lighting who lay down next to him with his head in his lap.
"you should not be sorry about that. your friend is a good indicator of when we have been out to long. like the old canary birds they used in the old mines in older times." the captain smiled.
"did he just compare me to a bird? and one that they used to kill?" the wolf huffed insulted looking to Harlock. Harlock just smiled.
"make sure the crew gathers before we take off. I want to have a short speech to them." the captain said sighing tiredly. Harlock nodded quietly.
soon enough the crew gathered together outside of the ship as they were ready for take of.
"I see plenty of rested faces here." the captain said as he come up next to Harlock and the other officers.
"I take it most of you got the most out of your shore leave here?" he asked looking over the crew. none answered but the smiles and nods most of the crew had gave plenty of answers.
"this little moon is a pearl in the wast sea of space. our Earth is a diamond. one that the Illumidas will ravage and destroy if they get the chance to. I have seen a few planets they have been too. this little moon reminds me of Earth and I believe many of you do to.
so I implore you all, remember the beauty of this place, remember the beauty of our home planet. let's defend her with all you have in you. let us keep her as green and lush as she is. the Illumidas should not get their green fingers in her as long as the Rockbreaker still sails." the captain said, his voice clear strong and powerful. it made a surge of energy flow through the crew and a roar filled the crew in agreement to the elder man's words.
"well the first officer. I leave it to you to take us back into space and war once more." he said and it seemed much of that fire he had just shown had gotten out of the old man. he was a veteran sailor before the war began and it was clear the war was taken a personal toll on the elder captain. Harlock nodded as the captain left and quickly gave orders to return to the ship.
it wasn't long after their return into space that a desperate SOS arrived. one of the planets nearby were under attack and there was only three solar ships near by. two were engaged in battle while the last tried to get as many as they could evacuated.
"send for reinforcements. we can hold this border if we get help but this planet needs to be evacuated." Harlock said after getting a quick nod from his captain.
"we'll engage the enemy, hopefully with one of the other ships pulling out to help with the evacuation we can get most out of harms way. navigator, is there any other ships near the planet?" the captain asked.
"eh.. I believe there is one ship, a free trader ship sir." the navigator stated.
"then com officer, call them and ask for their assistance in evacuating the planet."
"but sir.. the free traders.." the officer began.
"are still sailors, it's the sailor code to help others in need. evacuating innocents is not taking sides in the war." the older captain roared angry. if this trader ship did not aid them, there was a big chance they would fail to protect the population. yet the captain knew quite a few of these free traders valued their neutrality in the war more than to save lives.
as their arrived they realized how bad things were. there was a group of 4 Illumidas ships. three were engaged with the solar ships. the last where heading after the solar cargo ship trying to get down to start evacuating. the four engaged ships stood between them and the cargo ship and pursuing ship.
"captain permission to take the fighters out?" Harlock said snaring.
"deigned, first officer. you are a ace fighter pilot but I am going to need you on the bridge this time." the captain said, sensing this was going to be a hard fight as it was.
"orders captain?" second officer asked. the crew looked worried. Harlock looked to the captain, yet it was quite clear he was unsure.
"we need.. to stop the pursuing.. ship.." he muttered, starring at the screen blankly. Harlock growled. this had happened before during this war. the captain of the ship was suddenly unsure how to act. Harlock wasn't sure if it was his old age or the fact he had not been much of a war captain before.
"ram them." Harlock said coldly. the captain jumped, and turned to look at him. "make it look like we intend to ram into them then take us over the two ships. that will give us clear firing range towards the pursuing ship, as well as give our allies a chance to deal some damage in the confusion." Harlock continued.
"captain I disagr.." the second officer began but was cut of by the captain.
"yes... yes." the captain said though he wanted to say something about Harlock's speaking out of line, but also realized Harlock had only done so, because he as the captain did not see what move to make. Harlock had not been a first officer for long, he had risen in the ranks quickly, do to his cleverness and bravery. having begun as a simple fighter pilot and going up the ranks from there. once again he had just shown just how clever he could be, by doing something so unexpected.
"engines to full. let's teach these green bastards not to underestimate us." the captain shouted, and the Rockbreaker took speed towards the engaged ships. as expected the Illumidas ships panicked. the closest of them tried to pull back and ended running right into the other, casing some damage to the steering of the retreating one.
"now helmsman, up and over." the captain shouted trilled with how well that had worked. the Rockbreaker managed to barley get over the two ships but now as Harlock had said they had free way to fire at the ship shooting at the cargo ship. sadly the Rockbreaker's cannons were old, and against the might of the powerful Illumidas ships didn't really have much chance of breaking their hull. however they did manged to make the ship turn their attention to them rather than the escape ship.
the Rockbreaker shook as the first waves of the Illumidas ship began firing back at them.
"how far out.. is our back up?" the captain asked as the ship was rocked by another volley.
"still far away captain.. they have gathered a number of ships but they are at least half hour out."
"we need to stall for as long as we can, crew. give them time to get as many of world as they can. any news on that trader ship?" the captain asked concerned.
"yes sir. they are reporting having landed and is aiding the evacuation now."
"thank god.. then it's up to us to keep them safe until our people can be picked up."
"helmsman, do what you can to keep them from hitting our cannons. we need to be able to fight back."" Harlock said.
"yes sir." the helmsman said and focused to making the ship move to keep their fire way from their cannons at all cost. this was a risky move however as it meant more of the shots would hit the ship's hull. the Illumidas cannons easy penetrated the old ships hull, meaning she took heavy damage.
"hold out crew.. our back up is coming!" the captain called but just then a blast near the bridge made a part of the dashboards explode, sending shards of broken steel and fire out towards the crew. Harlock feeling a shard of steel slice up his left shoulder and Lighting jumped him, throwing him to the ground avoiding a large chunk of metal flying right at him, the wolf growling as it sliced across his back leaving a deep gash.
"you.. OK?" the wolf whimpered, stepping carefully of him. Harlock nodded holding to his shoulder and looking to the wound on his friend. he looked around. the bridge was in total disorder.
"get that fire put out now!" he shouted, making the crew jump and get back into action.
"where is the.. captain.." Lighting asked painfully, not seeing him. Harlock hurried over to the captain's chair and found him laying beside it, a piece of steel sticking out of his chest.
"captain!" Harlock hurried to his side helping him sit up.
"cough.. I always knew.. this old ship.. would be.. the death.. of me.." he coughed up blood.
"captain!" the crew gathered around them.
"you.. lot have a.. battle.. to finish..." the captain snared not wanting to be the focus right now.
"keep... those civi..lians.. safe."
"Lighting.. stay with him." Harlock said letting the wolf lay down behind the captain so the captain was sitting up against his side.
"damage report!" Harlock said standing up.
"eh.. yes sir!" the crew jumped back to their tasks.
"cannons are still operational sir!"
"com's operational."
"radar still operational, sir."
"our connection to the engines are fired, sir. we are dead in the water."
"enemy ships left?" Harlock asked looking for a sec to the captain and getting a nod before he sat down in the captain's chair.
"two sir, well three. the enemy ship we were engaged with cant shoot back or move either. our allies are gone, only the two evacuating ships remain."
"back up?"
"on route sir.. still a bit away."
"our hull cant take much more sir."
"alright..." Harlock said looking to the two Illumidas ships now closing in on them, like sharks sensing a wounded prey. Harlock closed his eyes thinking.
"helmsman, are our anchors still functional?" he asked opening his eyes and looking at him.
"eh.. yes sir?" he said confused.
"then fire both front and rear anchors into the Illumidas ship, pull us along side them." Harlock smiled faintly.
"sir?" the helmsman and the others looked at him confused.
"we'll use her as a shield, make sure our cannons can fire over her, helmsman." he smiled.
"that.. master of yours.. is something... special.." the captain smiled at the wolf, gasping for breath.
"you are quite right bout that." Lighting said low as he smiled, looking at him with his blue eyes.
"I.. might.. have known.." the captain smiled, looking at him in the corner of his eye. "I'll.. leave.. the rest.. to.. you..." he said as he finally faded away.
"no offense sir but.. your are not the captain." the second officer Will growled. he had a bit of a rivalry with Harlock as the captain had chosen Harlock over him for first officer. Will Stone was around Harlock's age. dressed in the same red uniform he stood with his fist shaking by his side. light blue eyes starred at Harlock angry. he had short light brown hair that had a bit of a spikiness to it.
"you are now.." Lighting said low to his friend as he gently let the captain lay down and stepped up to him again.
"seems like.. I am now..." Harlock said quietly going over to close the captain's eyes carefully.
"helmsman! you have your orders. the captain wanted us to defend the civilians. I intend to do so." Harlock said stepping up to the captain's chair again. Will growled but returned to his seat.
"yes sir." the helmsman sat down and fired the anchors pulling the Rockbreaker along side the helpless Illumidas ship and began firing at the approaching ships.
"we just have to hold out til our back up gets here. the Illumidas ship can take the firing our ship can not. just make sure they don't get the chance to circle around us." Harlock shouted. the crew answered with a roar and as expected at first the Illumidas didn't quite know what to do, trying to get around the ship rather than firing on it's helpless allies but as the Rockbreaker's cannons had been spared damage they were keeping them at bay, and since they could not get closer they could also not attack the now fleeing evacuating ships. Harlock noticing the blue and red blimp like trader's ship that had come to their aid where following behind the last federation ship. the cargo ship and had no cannons or ways of fighting back. the trader ship was not allowed weapons only simple ones for defense.
"aim for their back side. Illumidas ships like these ones can easy loose control and spin if their control rudder gets shot." Harlock said having been in enough fights now to start recognizing some flaws in the design. and just as he said. once the Rockbreaker took out one of the rudder, the nearest ship began to turn uncontrolled and slammed into the other ship.
"sir! the others are here!" the navigator shouted having taken the radar place as it's operator was dead.
"hurray!" the crew shouted yet Harlock just quietly slumped back into the captain's chair tried, finally letting himself feel the pain in his shoulder for only a second.
"gather the wounded. we'll be getting help soon enough." Harlock said sitting up again. knowing the job wasn't done yet. the Illumidas were now under heavy firing as the solar ships were gathered around them. the battle was soon over.
"you did it first officer." the crew shouted pleased.
"we did it." Harlock corrected with a tired and painful smile.
"the commander's ship is hailing us sir." Harlock stood up nodding to the com operator. Lightning sitting quietly beside him.
"good work there captain.. wait where is your captain?" the admiral asked as he came on screen.
"sadly he was priced by a piece of shrapnel during the battle." Harlock said standing tall yet holding to his bloody shoulder.
"I see. so it was your idea to use the ship as a shield?" the admiral asked quietly.
"yes sir. we are dead in the water here." Harlock said calmly.
"right we will get you some aid soon." the admiral said and turned of the screen.
"that's going to take forever." Lighting huffed, knowing how fast they worked. Harlock could not help to agree. Harlock sat down, hissing as pain shot though the shoulder.
"sir! the trader ship is offering their aid to pull us to the nearest federation post." the com operator called.
"put it on screen." Harlock said standing, though still holding a hand to his bleeding shoulder. he was surprised to lock eyes with a young woman, she was dressed in a red suit with a black captain's cape over her shoulders. a white scarf were tucked under the brim of her cape.
"who do I owe my thanks to?" Harlock asked as Lighting moved quietly up next to him.
"I am Emeraldas, a free space trader. you are quite the unusual captain." she smiled.
"acting captain, I am the first officer, but our captain died during the fire fight I am afraid."
"what is your name?" she smiled friendly her head tilted slightly. this made locks of her fire red hair fall down over her pretty face, yet her green eyes held an unusual fire to them he noticed. she was not to be taken lightly. though many of the crew was quite taken by her beauty.
"Phantom Harlock." he said calmly.
"Harlock. yours is a name I am sure I will hear again." Emeraldas smiled.
Harlock and the rest of the Rockbreaker crew had been returned to Earth.
"they are calling for you, Harlock." a man said making Harlock sigh and stand up. they had been waiting for this for a while now.
"now to see what plans they have for us." Lighting growled low as he walked beside him into the councils offices. Harlock's arm were still in a sling yet his wound were healing well. Harlock stepped into the room where the 8 council members sat at a table at the end of the room. Lighting sitting down by the doorway politely, as Harlock stepped up to the table.
"ahh, first officer Harlock of the Rockbreaker."
"your captain spoke quite highly of your work as his first officer, rest his soul."
"your career so far has been exemplary."
"and your little trick using their ship against them were quite the clever move."
"we have decided that for your bravery when all seemed lost your will be getting the Black collar." the chief of the council said.
"we will also be giving you the title of Captain. you have shown it's a waste of your talents to keep you as a first officer."
"thank you sirs." Harlock said calmly.
"you will be taking command of a new ship currently being built as soon as she is finished."
"has a crew been decided sir?" he asked carefully.
"no.." one of them asked.
"then I would like to ask to keep the Rockbreaker crew if possible." Harlock said.
"ah.. yes. the Rockbreaker is not going to be sailing again."
"if you are okay with using her crew then that is alright with us."
"thank you." Harlock said, bowing before he and Lighting left the room. the crew had been a well oiled crew, that knew how to get the most out of the ship, even such an old ship as the Rockbreaker had been. Harlock knew they would continue to make the Illumidas struggle to take out what ever ship they would work on. most of the crew had worried they would be split up now that the Rockbreaker was out of commission.
Harlock returned to where the crew was gathered for now.
"sir?" the crew stood up as he entered.
"you were given the captain's seat right?" the second officer Will asked. Harlock only nodded.
"then what will happen to us?" one asked carefully.
"I been allowed to keep the crew together, and working on the new ship I'll take command over, once she is completed." Harlock stated calmly. most of the crew cheered.
"and if we don't want to work under you?" Will growled.
"you are free to leave." Harlock said. his voice not revealing much emotion. the second officer turned around and left the room. Lighting following swiftly after and jumped in front of him. he didn't growl or show his fangs, he only stopped him.
"I thought I was free to leave?" Will growled knowing Harlock had stepped in behind him. the door shut behind him leaving the three alone in the hallway.
"you are." Harlock said calmly. "but hear me out first. then you can decide to leave or not."
Will turned around to face him. "what then?"
"I would like you as my first officer." Harlock said calm. Will began to laugh.
"seriously? you know I never liked you in the first place. you really think offering me the job you took from me is going to work?"
"you were always ambitious. the captain knew you would be a good first officer. he choice me to make you realize you need to have the crew on your side if you are to rise any further in the ranks." Harlock said, and his words stung Will. the captain had said almost the exact thing to him back when he made that choice.
"as the captain it's my job to make the decisions but I need a first officer not afraid to tell me what the crew needs or when I might be making a bad choice. there is none other I know that will give me that than you. the crew needs you to be their voice. they trust you." Harlock said with a faint smile. Will hesitated. Harlock was quite right. he hated to admit it but if he left, he would not get a rank as high as a first officer for a long time on another ship. that rank had to be earned.
"fine." he said with a smile." but I am not going to go easy on you, captain." Harlock smiled.
"I wasn't expecting you too."
the award ceremony had been going on for a bit by the time Harlock and the few other that were getting the black collars arrived the hall. they found themselves some drinks and stood by a grand staircase chatting among themselves.
"so we both will be captains now." a blue haired woman next to Harlock smiled. she like the other officers wore the red federation suit. her blue hair fell long over her back. dark blue eyes glittered with pride as she and her friends enjoyed themselves.
"looks that way. have they decided on your ship Leotard?" Harlock asked.
"an older veteran ship. she is getting a overhaul now though so she should be getting quite the bite now." Leotard, the young woman smiled.
"what about you?"
"haven't your heard? Harlock is taking command of an experimental new ship." one of the other new captains laughed. Harlock said nothing just smiled. he didn't care if it was a new or old ship as long as she could fly. he was sick and tried of being on Earth. having been stuck waiting for the government to decide on his command and now waiting for the ship to be completed. it was still at least one more week of waiting. Lightningtooth growled beside him, mirroring his master's feelings on the matter.
the group was soon enough taken over my ministers and barons and the like, all wanting to talk with these heroes of war. Harlock politely excused himself saying he needed some air and left for the garden with Lighting. they came out on a small terrace overlooking the grand garden and a stone fountain below. Harlock sighed tiredly.
"I don't like parties like this. everything and everyone seems so false." Lighting growled, eyeing back to the people holding the party.
"I would rather be out there fighting the Illumidas." Harlock smiled scathing his partner's ears.
"tell me about it. is there any wonder we are loosing the war when the government wastes time on stuff like this?" a voice down below asked making both turn. Harlock could not help but chuckle. at least some one else felt this was a bit much.
"the war isn't lost." Harlock said looking faraway over the garden. "at least not yet."
"you wait and see. once my ship takes to space, the tides will turn." the man said. Harlock looked down at the small man below him. he was dressed in the red solar federation suit and Harlock noticed the black collar on it. the man stood with his back turned to him, but from the way he held his head. Harlock could guess he was looking at the stars.
"I hope so." Harlock said looking up as well. the Federation would need all the good ships she could get now.
"it's time." one of the other officers came up to Harlock. Harlock looked at the small man's back and then moved back into the party. it was time for the ceremony. Lighting looked one final time back at the small man but he seem to be leaving. Lighting turned and hurried to follow his master.
"here they are, ladies and gentlemen! our heroes! these brave men and woman have given their all to keep our Federation strong and our little planet of Earth safe!" the announcer said as the new captains took place on stage to receive their new red Captain's uniforms. some of them with the black mark on the collar. their badge of Combat heroism.
Harlock sat quiet in the car taking them to where the new ship was being built. she was finally done.
"what's wrong?" Lighting asked, sitting below him, he rested his head in his lap.
"don't know.. just a odd feeling I guess." Harlock answered in his mind stroking over his head. petting his partner always seemed to ease his worries just a little.
"we are here sir." the driver said as he turned the car towards the hangar.
"thank you." Harlock said as he opened the door letting his partner out first then went out.
he looked at the hangar. the feeling in his stomach hadn't gone away yet.
there was a young man followed by some older men coming to met him.
"welcome Captain." the older chief for the project said, shaking Harlock's hand. "this is Zone, our chief designer." the older man pointed to the younger man by his side.
"captain Harlock." Harlock answered yet he noticed his partner tense by his side. it usually meant his partner was quite sure what was the thing with this younger guy.
"come let us show you around." the older man said taking Harlock with him, the younger man stepped aside and remained behind.
as Harlock was shown around he remained quiet. the chief eventually let him wander around the ship by himself.
"what are you thinking?" Lighting asked quietly.
"same as you I am sure." Harlock said truing around. the ship felt cold. like there was no human touch to it at all. just cold metal computer calculations. Lighting's fur stood up on his back. it didn't help that he sensed the designer stand in the background watching them.
walking back onto the bridge, Harlock remembered how the explosion had sent pieces of metal flying around the bridge, and had killed the captain of the Rockbreaker.
"there is nothing to shield the crew.." he said quietly.
"let's go Lightning." he said coldly as he left to find the chief.
"but sir are you sure?"
"this ship does not take the crew's safety into account." Harlock said coldly." I will not risk my crew." Lighting growled beside him.
"eh.. no sir.. I'll inform the council." the man said shaken by the raging fire in the young captain's brown eyes.
"finally.. we get to see another ship.. guess they wasn't to happy with our opinion of the other one.." Lighting scoffed as he looked out of the car, at the passing trees and houses. it had taken 3 more weeks of waiting. Harlock had barley heard of these Admiral ships. two of them had just been put into action, but from what they had heard they were good ships.
"the Deathshadow." he said low. he found he quite liked the name of her. she wasn't quite completed yet, a few more weeks before she would be ready to sail. apparently the group that worked on her wanted her to be perfect before her maiden voyage.
"we are almost there sir." the driver said eyeing the red dressed captain in the mirror.
"good.. this was quite a drive." Harlock sighed tired.
"from what I was told sir. this place is kept quite of the books sir." the driver stated.
the car drove into a tunnel and came out inside a hangar area. Harlock stepped out as the car came to a stop. he looked to the ship in front of him. she was huge, yet from what he could tell she wasn't going to make much trouble with turning or maneuvering. an older man stepped up to him.
"welcome captain." he said and turned behind him to look at the ship Harlock was eyeing.
"she is quite the sight is she not?"
"this is the Deathshadow?" Harlock asked almost with a bit of reverence to his voice.
"yes sir she is." the older man smiled as he turned back to the man and his wolf.
"captain.. Harlock was it?" the older man asked. "you were on board the Rockbreaker I believe?"
"yes sir. I was her first officer."
"aah.. yes. I knew her captain quite well, he spoke quite highly of the crew of the Rockbreaker. such a shame how she ended up."
"yes.. yet her crew will continue to fly with me."
"aah, good. then the Deathshadow would be in good hands. that makes me happy to hear." the older man said surprised by the captain's honesty. coming into the ship it was quite clear this was a very different ship to the one they had been onboard before. there was a warmth to her.
Harlock found himself smiling slightly as he came on to the bridge.
"this feels.. right.." Lighting said with a quiet awe to his mental voice. Harlock nodded. they continued walking her halls alone now. from what they had been explained her hull was much tougher thanks to a new metal that had been found, her guns and cannons packed a heavier punch and her computer was specially designed to aid and work with the crew. Lighting smiled as Harlock returned to the bridge and sat down in her captain's chair with a smile.
"yeah it looks right." the wolf smiled coming over and sat by his side. Harlock smiled and scratched him behind his ears.
"now it does." he smiled.
as they came out again they met the chief with a smile.
"she is an amazing ship. it would be an honor to command her." he smiled.
"she would be a good fit, captain. me and my team would be happy with you as her captain." the chief smiled shaking his hand.
"tell me one thing." Harlock asked as they turned to leave.
"yes captain?"
"her name, Deathshadow."
"ah.. yes. one of our team came up with it. he said they will never see her coming. only the shadow of death." the old man smiled.
"I'll make sure she lives up to that name." Harlock smiled yet noticed his partner suddenly turning as a familiar sent caught his nose. yet it was gone before the wolf could recollect from where he had smelled it before.
authors note:
so yeah this got way to long to put into one single part, so I am splitting it in two. the first par I wanted to do to show how Harlock would have earned the captain's title and his badge. I wanted to put in a sort of minor rival that would become a trusted member to sort of show the.. Harlock has a way with people thing more clearly shown.
I am actually kinda proud over how I got to let Harlock and Emeraldas met for the first time as I feel this could easy be how they first met.
after that it was the matter of hitting the points I needed to hit. introduce Leotard, the half meeting with Tochiro, getting the badge and doing the walk around on both ships.
there be a lot more things coming in the next part and I am pretty proud of some of the parts coming. all in all I am really happy with how this came out.
I hope Lighting isn't to distracting for the story, as I said he is supposed to kinda be more Harlock's shadow and a way to not to have Harlock monologue his emotions.
I hope you liked this part and please feel free to let me know what you think. I can only get better if I get feedback after all.
Lightningtooth