This chapter is dedicated to my sister's deceased kitten, Ralphie, who passed away mere hours before I started writing this while she and I were at our respective jobs. The cause of death isn't clear, but I suspect parasites may have something to do with it.

Chapter Four

The War Begins

(Inkopolis, Second Great Turf War Military High Council)

Octavio and Cuttlefish sat side by side together among the high command of the forces to face the Codlings. After six months of preparations, everything was almost ready. One thing remained, however. Octavio faced the four Inkling representatives on the council besides Craig, and spoke up. "It is clear that the Gorge forces need a strong Commander to lead them." Everyone nodded in agreement. One of the Inklings, Commander Roland, spoke up. "If I may, I would suggest Raven. She has excellent leadership skills."

Octavio nodded. "Any other nominations?" No one raised their hands, but another Inkling Commander spoke up. "Where would be station the rest of the Predators? I don't think it's a good idea to have them scattered. They might work best as a team." Octavio nodded. "I agree, Commander Holln. We have planned for that in advance." Holln nodded, satisfied. Craig spoke up. "We should have Inkling soldiers on Octoling ships, as there are far more Inklings than Octolings at the moment." Everyone nodded in agreement.

Octavio wrote down everything, then asked, "Is there anything else to discuss?" Julia put her hand up. "Yes, Commander Traeger?" Julia asked, "Once the Codlings are dealt with, what will we do after that?" Octavio replied, "The mayor of Inkopolis has provided Octolings with an area of the city for us to live in. No one should have to worry about that." Julia nodded. Octavio looked around. "Anything else?" With no reply, he said, "Then let's begin."

(Gorge Forces Grand Hall)

Cass stood beside Clair as Octavio made his speech to the Gorge forces. He seemed to be reaching the end of it. "Before we launch the attack forces, I do have one last announcement. Effective immediately, C-8 Cassandra, known to some of you as Raven, is officially promoted to the rank of Sector Commander, and all responsibilities and privileges that come with the rank are now hers." Cass stood in shock, and Clair had to beckon her to the stage. Standing up, she was very surprised, and Octavio nodded to Julia, who walked forward with the rank circlets.

"In accordance with military tradition, for exemplary performance both on the battlefield and in your station, you are officially promoted. Congratulations, Commander." Everyone applauded, and Cass looked at Elise, who was smiling up at her. Octavio could see what she had in mind, and nodded to her to do it. She took the podium. "For my first action as Sector Commander, I hereby promote Sergeant Elise Anea to the rank of Elite, and all responsibilities and privileges that come with the rank are now hers." Elise was surprised, but stepped forward.

Cass held a syringe in her hand, and a pair of seaweed stalks in the other, and as Elise stood before her, she said, "I've been waiting for this day for a long time. Do you swear to lead your squad with honor, valor, and humility?" Elise replied, "I swear it on my life." Cass nodded, and said, "Kneel." Elise did so, and the Predator injected the serum into Elise's hair tentacles, their coloring changing from their natural red to black. After it was complete, she put the seaweed stalks into her hair tentacles, and said, "Rise, Captain Elise Anea." Elise stood up, proud.

Everyone applauded the new Elite, and Cass faced Octavio, who stepped forward again. "Everyone, report to Port Mackerel. There's something there you all should see." Everyone saluted, and began making their way towards Port Mackerel, Cass in front, as the Commander. Octavio faced her. "Since the settlements are going to be abandoned, the rank of Sector Lieutenant is purely a military position now. You have no authority over civilians." Cass nodded. "Agreed." He continued. "I believe you made the right decision promoting her. She's earned the Elite rank."

When they reached Port Mackerel, Cass and her troops stared in awe at a massive warship. Its hull covered every open spot except the command bridge, with lettering on the side of the ship: UCS Raven. Octavio spoke up. "This is the flagship of a special task force that will be launched to the Codlings' base. We tracked them to coordinates in the middle of the ocean. We also discovered a spy in our ranks, about four months ago, so they know we have a large army. However, they don't know about these ships."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Octavio continued. "The other ships in this task force are named after the Predators. The Predators will command these ships, as you all sail towards the Codling base. The rest of the fleet will remain behind to protect Inkopolis in your absence. These Eagle-class warships are each equipped with a special bubbler that can take hundreds of hits from traditional ink cannons and Tenta missiles, a supply of 60 Tenta missiles, with two launchers, one on the port side, one on the starboard side, and eight special sting rays."

Everyone gasped in surprise and delight, and Octavio continued. "There is no open deck, to prevent the risk of unnecessary respawns. We have installed a respawn pad in each ship to prevent casualties, and each ship is powered by three zapfish. I suggest you have security details guarding them. Octolings and Inklings alike will be aboard these ships, as agreed by the high council." Everyone nodded to that. Cass looked over the Raven, her ship, with a smile on her face. Elise stood beside her, grinning. "This is gonna be good."

A/N

My sister was heartbroken when her kitten died. His name was Ralphie, and he was only six weeks old. As stated before, this chapter is in his memory, despite how brief his life was.