-1Chapter 23- Under siege
"Renton, Eureka, are you guys busy?" asked Talho.
"Not at the moment. What's up?" asked Renton. "And try to keep it down. Maeter is sleeping."
"I will. The way it looks, you two will be going home earlier than you thought."
"Why is that mom?" asked Eureka.
"We just got an emergency broadcast from Jurgens. Looks like the rebel forces are planning on attacking Bellforest next. We along with other federation ships are heading there now."
"How long will it take?" asked Eureka worryingly.
"Well, we can't do anything just yet. With most of the crew still sick, we'd be sitting ducks out there. We have to wait another two to three days before we're at full strength. All we ask is that you hang tight until then."
"Is Bellforest protected right now?"
"Ground forces are there now, but I'm not sure how long they'll hold up before air support gets there if they do attack. We'll keep you posted though ok?"
"Thanks Talho. You do that. Just get us there soon ok?" said Renton.
"We will. See you soon alright?"
"Always." said Renton with a warm smile. Talho returned his smile and then left their room to return to the bridge.
Meanwhile on the bridge, Holland was on a video conference with Jurgens.
"Do we have any ships at Bellforest yet?" asked Holland.
"Luckily yes. Three ships are already patrolling the area now and so far everything's been quiet."
"I wonder if it's just a hoax of some sort?"
"I don't know. Rebel activity has been quite active in that region lately so we're not taking any chances."
"That is true. Are we keeping Tresor covered?"
"Coverage there won't be changed. That would be too much of a risk. If that's what they think we are going to do they're sadly mistaken."
"Yeah, you're right about that. But listen, we should be in Bellforest in a few days. We still have sick crew aboard the ship but they should be fine in a couple of days hopefully. We'll keep you posted on our situation as things progress."
"Roger that, you do that. As soon as you're up to full strength, get out there and start patrolling right away. We're counting on you."
"We won't let you down, I promise."
"I'll hold you to that captain. Izumo out."
"Gekko out."
"Holland, were you talking to someone?" Talho had just returned to the bridge from Renton and Eureka's room.
"Yeah, I was talking to Jurgens. Seems like they already have some patrol ships in Bellforest. We just got orders to help keep patrols there when we're back at full strength."
"Roger that. I already warned Renton and Eureka of the situation, so they know what's going on."
"Are they holding up ok?"
"Yeah, they're fine. Maeter was with them sleeping when I told them. I guess she wanted to be by her parents for some reason."
"Nothing wrong with that. I'm going to check with Mischa on how our situation is. Can you keep an eye on the bridge for a little bit?"
"Yeah, I've got it handled here, so take your time."
"Thanks dear. What would I do without you?"
"You'd be lost and you know it."
"Yeah, I would be." The two then gave each other a slow passionate kiss before he left. When the two released their hold on each other, Holland said something that was somewhat of a rarity for him. "I love you Talho."
"I love you too Holland." she replied. They then gave each other a warm smile before Holland left the bridge.
"Renton, are you ok?" asked Eureka.
"My home town, in danger. Our home, everyone I knew, all in danger. Why? What did they do to the rebel forces to deserve this?"
"The rebels don't care who they hurt dear. You know that. All they believe in is their own version of the truth, which is the one that Dewey set out for them."
"Yes I know. I just hate the fact that we can't do anything to help."
"So do I Renton, but we have a family right now that we need to worry about more than anything else."
"Yes, I know." At that time, Maeter started slowly waking up.
"Momma, what's going on?" She asked.
"Nothing dear. Me and your father are just talking. Go back to sleep now."
"Ok Momma." she replied. Maeter then gently rested her head in Eureka's lap and fell asleep while Eureka gently stroked her hair with her hand. She then looked at Renton with a motherly smile that he had never seen out of her before. He finally knew at that time that this was a war that they would no longer be fighting. With their child being so close to arriving in their lives, he knew what he had to do. It was time for them to temporarily retire from battle. They would always remain members of the GekkoState, but fighting was now out of the question.
"Mischa, how are we looking crew wise?" asked Holland.
"We should hopefully be set either today or tomorrow. A lot of them are still resting, but the epidemic is now over."
"Thank god. When you check on everyone one last time, tell them we're having a meeting in the lounge tomorrow after breakfast. I want to alert them to our current situation."
"And what situation is that Holland?"
"You'll find out tomorrow. I'll be in our room resting if you need anything."
"You getting sick on me now?"
"No I'm not. Everything that's going on has worn me out a bit, that's all."
"That's fine. See you tomorrow then."
"DOMINIC! Stop it!!" Anemone giggled as Dominic ran his fingers up and down her bare skin, tickling her as he did. The curves and feel of her skin and body felt wonderful to him. This was his woman. His life, and his wife. She was also the future mother of his children.
"What's the matter dear? Does that tickle?" he asked.
"Yes it does." she giggled as he continued to run his fingers up and down her side.
"How are you feeling by the way?"
"I'm fine dear. How about you?"
"Same here. The flu that was going around the ship sure hit us hard. But that shower we took felt great this afternoon. I think we needed it."
"Yeah it was refreshing. And will you quit tickling me!!" she laughed.
"Why? I'm enjoying myself!" he replied laughing. As the two lay on their bed laughing and giggling at each other, every touch that Dominic made on her began to leave a trail of fire along the way. As she began to wiggle and squirm with every touch, her breath got faster along with her heartbeat. When she couldn't take anymore, she then took Dominic in a hard, slow, yet soft passionate kiss. When she finally released her hold on him, she said "Dominic?"
"Yes dear?"
"Make love to me."
The next morning, everyone was up and well in the lounge after a hearty breakfast.
"Good to see everyone doing well." said Holland. "But right now is no time to celebrate. We have a problem." Everyone just looked at him with worried eyes while they waited for him to continue. "Bellforest may be next to come under attack by the rebel forces. We were alerted of this yesterday but didn't say anything until we knew everyone was better. Renton and Eureka are already aware of the situation so they know what to expect."
"Dominic, our home." said Anemone worryingly.
"Yes I know. Just listen." Dominic replied.
"Now that everyone is better, we're heading there now." said Talho. "Ground forces arrived there right away and there are also a few patrol ships watching the area. Our orders are to go there and help support by doing patrols."
"So everyone get ready for a potential heated battle if the time arrives." said Holland. "Until then continue resting if possible since it'll be a couple of days before we arrive there. Renton, Eureka, you two will be staying at your place since you're in no shape to do anything. Dominic, Anemone, you two will go to your place. Try to get as much intelligence as you can from there. We'll keep the Venturion as close as possible in case we need you for support."
"Roger that." said Dominic.
"Axel, can Hilda and Matthieu stay with you at your place?" asked Talho.
"Shouldn't be a problem." he replied. "There's enough room for them."
"Good. Hilda, you and Matthieu stay with him then. We'll keep the 606 and 808 in his garage for easy access if needed."
"Roger that." said Hilda.
"Mischa, you're going with Renton and Eureka to watch over them." said Holland.
"That's fine." she replied.
"The rest of us will stay on the ship at the airport. That way we have pretty much the entire city covered. We'll be putting radios in Renton and Eureka's place as well as Dominic and Anemone's so that way we can keep in easy contact with each other. Nadia."
"Yes Holland?"
"You will now be put in charge of the crew if anyone gets hurt or sick while we're out there. We'll be counting on you, so don't let us down."
"I won't, I promise."
"In that case, we have something special for Nadia, Dominic, and Anemone. Come on up here you guys." said Talho. When the three got to the front of the lounge, Holland and Talho handed them all one box each.
"What are these?" asked Anemone.
"Open them and find out my dear daughter." said Talho with a smile. When they opened them, each one of them held up a black medium duty spring jacket with the GekkoState emblem on the upper left hand side.
"What are these for?" asked Nadia.
"This makes you three official members of this ship. Congratulations."
"Thanks mom!!" said Anemone.
"Yes, thank you." Dominic replied. Nadia just stood there with tears in her eyes.
"What's the matter Nadia?" asked Holland.
"I've never been accepted into anything like this before. Thank you." she replied.
"You're welcome Nadia." said Talho. "You're part of our family now, just like you are with Avriana."
"Thank you everyone." she replied.
"As for everyone else, you will find your jackets laying on your beds in your rooms. Even the kids get one. After you get them, get to your stations. We have work to do."
"Roger that." they all replied. When everyone left the lounge, Holland headed towards the hangar to try to see if he could communicate with the Nirvash one last time.
"Nirvash, I know you belong to Renton and Eureka, but I need to talk to you one last time. Please."
"I hear you Holland. Is there something wrong?" she replied.
"No. I just need you to help keep Renton and Eureka safe. Get them and their children home safely for me and Talho. We don't know how long we'll be in this battle or even this war for that matter. So please, do this not only for them, but for us, their parents."
"I will Holland. I give you my promise as their protector that I will get them home safely for you and Talho."
"Thank you Nirvash." Holland then left the hangar to join the rest of his crew.
Two days later, the GekkoState arrived safely at the Bellforest airport. When everyone assembled at the front of the ship and the LFO's, Holland and Talho noticed everyone was wearing their jackets with matching black pants.
"What's up with this?" asked Holland.
"We all just felt like matching better, that's all." said Anemone with a smile.
"I see." he replied with a chuckle. "Anyways, you all have your orders, so head out."
"Roger that." everyone replied. A little while later, everyone began checking in with their locations to the Gekko.
"Venturion now at home base." said Dominic.
"Roger that." Talho replied.
"606, 808 now at home base." Axel chimed in.
"Roger that." said Talho. "Any word from the Nirvash?"
"Negative. Give them time though. They do live a little ways out Talho."
"Understood." she replied. Ten minutes later, the Nirvash finally checked in.
"Nirvash now at home base." said Eureka.
"That's good. You guys hang tight there and get better. We'll visit whenever we can."
"Roger that. See you later mom."
"Bye dear." Talho replied and the radio went silent. "Ok Holland, everyone is in place."
"Good. Now we wait to see what happens next."
"This place is amazing you two." said Mischa. "You two must have put a lot of work into it."
"Yes we did." said Eureka as they unpacked their things. "That's why we love it here. It's home."
"I never would have guessed you'd own a cabin though. It's gorgeous."
"Thanks Mischa." said Renton as he flipped on the lights. "Kids, go put your stuff away."
"Ok Papa." they all replied.
"Mischa, all we have for you is the sofa right now. I'll see if I can get someone from the ship to bring a spare bed down for you."
"That's fine. Thank you Renton."
"No problem. Now go ahead and get comfortable. We'll probably be here a while."
Two weeks later there was still no movement from the rebel forces. Tensions were still high though as their forces organized about sixty miles outside of the city. As they did, the federations forces did also in order to keep things equal in power and strength. The only thing the rebel forces didn't know was that the GekkoState was with them, giving the federation the leading edge in case a battle occurred since the Gekko had the three most powerful LFO's in the world.
Eureka was now in the beginning of her eight month of her pregnancy. She and Renton were resting comfortably in their home with Mischa and the kids. Renton was now up and walking around with absolutely no problems, even though his ankle was still a bit weak at the time. Most nights and days were spent just like before. Walks in the forest, time with the children, cuddling in front of the fireplace, and just being a family.
Dominic and Anemone were now settling into a nice home life away from the GekkoState. Intelligence from the federation kept them busy as new information arrived daily from their informants. They were able to move around town freely with no problems, allowing them to visit Hilda, Matthieu, Axel, and the ship whenever needed. With Anemone now two months in with the twins, they were the happiest couple around. They even had Gulliver, Anemones pet from the Izumo back with them at their apartment.
"Hey Jurgens, any news of what the rebels are up to?" asked Holland over the radio. "Anemone and Dominic's intelligence haven't gotten anything new yet other than their size and strength."
"I haven't heard anything yet, even though I heard they're getting restless over there, so something is definitely up with them."
"Roger that. We'll keep our eyes and ears peeled. I'll have Dominic and Anemone keep working on their intelligence. Patrols are going well so far. No rebel activity to report."
"Copy that. How are those two doing anyways? They never bother to really check in anymore." Holland just chuckled and said "I'll yell at my daughter later for that. They're doing extremely well though."
"Your daughter?"
"Didn't you know?"
"Know what? All I was informed of is that you adopted Eureka."
"We adopted Anemone legally also."
"Well that was unexpected, but congratulations on that."
"Thanks. But that's not the only news I have."
"Oh really?"
"Yep. Her and Dominic are now pregnant with twins."
"What?! Man, why am I always the last to know these things?" Holland just laughed and said "Don't worry, I'll have them call you more often from now on."
"Roger that. Anyways, we had better get back to work. We're starting to chatter like a couple of old ladies at an ice cream social."
"Yeah we are." Holland chuckled. "Gekko out."
"Izumo out."
The next day, all the tension that was building finally came to a boiling point as the rebel forces began their march towards Bellforest. The Izumo, GekkoState, as well as forty eight other ships began their intercept course in order to keep them out of the city. In all they had ten thousand ground troops, one hundred and fifty KLF units, and the Gekko's four available LFO's- the 606, 808, 909, and the Venturion, giving the federation almost twenty thousand troops total.
"Ladies and gentleman." said Jurgens. "This may very well be one of the deciding battles of this conflict. Currently from what our intelligence is telling us, we outnumber the enemy by about five to seven thousand men, fifty KLF's, and all out experience. But don't let that get to your head. These guys are still dangerous and very determined to win this thing. We will probably lose a lot of soldiers in this conflict, or we may not. That all depends on how your skills are at this point in time. Think of your friends and your family as you enter into this battle. Let their strength and love help you get through this war. Good luck and Godspeed. Jurgens out."
"Holland, you scared?" asked Talho.
"I think we all are dear. Are the LFO's ready?"
"Yeah, they are."
"Good. I'm heading down there then. You take care of yourself up here."
"Just make sure you come home to me Holland. I almost lost you once. I don't want to go through that again."
"You won't, I promise. Besides, I have a son I have to help raise."
"Yeah you do." she replied. He then gave her a reassuring kiss before heading towards the hangar.
"Unit 909, this is the Izumo, do you copy?"
"Izumo, this is the 909, go ahead."
"Is your crew ready for this?"
"About as ready as we'll ever be. Our two most important people are safe and in hiding, so we're ok there."
"Roger that. By the way, we have a little surprise for you guys."
"And what's that?"
"KLF units, launch now!" Jurgens ordered. And with that, the federations new KLF fleet took to the skies.
"What are these? They look like LFO's."
"Our new KLF squadron. Holland, meet the Omega squadron."
"Impressive Jurgens."
"No doubt. There's a catch though."
"And what's that?"
"They're under your command. Only fitting for a former ace pilot." Holland just smirked and said "Alright, everyone listen up. I want six rows of twenty five units behind my four units. When we reach the engagement zone, I want everyone to spread out and begin their attacks. If you can, only take out their weapons so we can leave them defenseless. I've caused enough bloodshed in my past, so I want as few casualties as possible on both sides. I know it's a weird request, but it's what I want. Everyone got that?"
"Roger that!" they all replied in one huge chorus.
"Alright then, let's go!"
For the next three weeks, the rebel forces held their ground steadily. Holland's plan of having only a few casualties unfortunately backfired and forced his hand as well as the federations. The campaign turned out to be the bloodiest battle of the war. Many men and women lost their lives during the battle, some for no reason at all other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The GekkoState crew was holding their own during this time, but exhaustion was setting in for the crew. Holland constantly offered them to pull back and rest, but their perseverance got the best of them. They all figured that if they stopped now, the rebels would take advantage of it and would try to move forward.
There was no damage done to the city during the entire time the battle was occurring. The federation forces had kept the battle about thirty miles outside of the city's limits so that no one in the city would be harmed. The local hospitals in the area were swarmed with the casualties of the war, many of which didn't make it. Nadia was busy on the Gekko also, taking in whoever she could that would heal fast enough to go back into battle on the next day. Everyone was proud of the way she handled herself during that time, especially Avriana, who during that time, became the light in Nadia's life.
By day twenty five, the battle over Bellforest had finally come to an end. The federations persistence and overall strength and firepower was finally enough to force the rebels to retreat out of the area. They had lost almost three quarters of their forces, or about ten thousand men and women, before they decided to fall back and leave. That along with the loss of almost all their KLF units, half of their Aerial battleships, and ground troops proved to be a deciding factor in their retreat.
The federation fleet unfortunately wasn't without their own losses. With about four thousand men and women lost, it wasn't what they had been hoping for. That combined with the loss of half of their omega squad , seventeen aerial battleships, and ground troops, it proved to be the biggest loss in federation history. It also proved to be their most expensive battle ever fought. Jurgens and his own crew had managed to make it through the conflict with moderate damage and a few injuries, but were ok all the same.
On day twenty six, Holland, Talho, and Jurgens went out to the scene of the battle to view the carnage that was left behind after all was said and done. What they saw was enough to make even the strongest mans stomach turn in disgust.
"Holland, its horrible. I've never seen anything like it before." said Talho as she clung onto his arm.
"Neither have I, and I've been in the military longer than you have."
"It's truly a sad sight." said Jurgens. "All these men and women had to die just because of their different beliefs. Only the fact is one side believes in killing to get their point across that coralians are monsters who need to die."
"That is a sad fact." Holland replied. "All of this over three people who just want to live a normal, happy life together with their new families. There isn't a single thing that they've done to deserve this."
"No there isn't." said Talho. "And with one expecting her first child in a month or less and another due in six months now, this isn't the kind of world they deserve to be living in."
"No, I'm afraid it isn't." Jurgens replied. "The thing is that they have no choice. No matter where they go, what they do, or where they even live right now, they're always going to be in some sort of danger, even if they don't realize it at the time. They will always need someone at their side to keep them safe until this thing is over. But only god knows when that will be right now. It all depends on how much more determination those rebels have in them."
"Plus they still have Ageha." said Holland. "I'm just amazed that they haven't played that card yet since we first encountered them."
"That is true." Jurgens replied as they continued to look over the battlefield. "It almost makes you wonder what they're planning next."
"I'd hate to guess." said Talho. "How long will it take to clean up this mess anyways?"
"It could take almost a year with all the damaged ships and KLF's that are out there. Cleanup of all the bodies is being done right away. If we're lucky, we may be able to find a few survivors out there."
"We can only hope."
"That's all we can do." said Holland as he held onto Talho tightly. "Well, we had better get back to Bellforest. There's still things we have to do."
"Like what Holland?" asked Talho.
"How does a nice home made dinner sound?"
"Sounds wonderful."
"How about you Jurgens? You know I won't take no for an answer."
"That's fine. I forgot what meal like that tastes like anyways since all we have is military food." The three just chuckled slightly as they turned around and headed towards a federation issued high speed craft.
Back on the Gekko, everyone was finally able to rest and get some much needed sleep, or at least almost everyone. Nadia was still in the medical room going over medical reports for the federation and the ship, supply records and requests, and doing one last check over of the equipment. She hadn't had any sleep in the last few days due to all the work that had piled up during the battle. This worried Avriana who immediately went to Hap for help.
"Hap, Hap!!" she yelled as she ran to the bridge.
"Hey kiddo. What's wrong?"
"It's mom. I haven't seen her get any rest lately. She's been too busy working to even pay attention to me."
"Hmm, not good. I know we've been busy lately, but she still needs to get some rest, plus take care of you. Alright, I'll take care of it right now. Thanks for telling me."
"No problem dad!" she replied happily as she left the bridge.
"Dad?" Hap said to himself after she left. He then just smiled to himself and headed towards the medical office.
"So much to do. How am I going to get all this stuff done without Mischa?" said Nadia to herself as she was rushing around trying to get organized. As she was doing this, Hap had quietly entered the doorway.
"Nadia?" he said
"WHAT?" she yelled.
"Whoa, easy there Nadia. It's only me."
"Oh, sorry Hap. I've been so busy around here I guess I'm on edge a bit."
"Well that's why I'm here."
"Say what?"
"Avriana came down to the bridge telling me how worried she is about you since you haven't been paying any attention to her nor have you gotten any sleep lately."
"Oh dear, I guess I haven't have I? I've been so caught up in work that I never really noticed."
"How long has it been since you've slept?"
"I'm not sure. Three, maybe four days max I think."
"Listen Nadia, go get some sleep. You need it. The work can wait for now."
"But Hap…"
"No buts Nadia. You need rest just like everyone else around here does. Besides, our daughter is trying to look out for you, just like I am."
"Our daughter eh? Since when did that happen?" she asked playfully.
"When she called me dad just a little bit ago."
"She did? Looks like we're a family after all."
"Yeah, I guess we are, aren't we?" Nadia then gave him a gentle kiss before she went to her room to get some sleep. "Yes we are." she replied gently before she walked away.
Meanwhile in downtown Bellforest, Holland, Talho, and Jurgens were finishing up on their dinner together at a small Italian bistro.
"So how does it feel to have a real meal finally?" asked Holland.
"Well it sure was better than any food the military serves, that's for sure." Jurgens replied. Holland just laughed and said "Yeah, I know how that goes. Anyways, what'll be our next move? I'm almost positive that the rebels will try to attack again if they know we're all leaving the area."
"We aren't, that's the thing."
"How do you figure?"
"We're keeping KLF and air patrol ships here at all times from now on. We're setting up a new base of operations here, so Bellforest will always be safe. What about you guys? What's your next plan?"
"We're sticking around also." said Talho. "We have a new grandchild coming in a month with Eureka, so we want to be around for it's arrival."
"Understandable. Do they know what they're having yet?"
"Nope. They want to keep it a surprise."
"Do they have room for the baby at their new home?"
"Come to think about it, no they don't. All they have room for is the boys and Maeter, and she won't give up having her own room. Holland, they need a nursery built."
"Yeah, you're right. But where do we get the money for that? Building supplies aren't cheap you know."
"Let the federation handle that." said Jurgens. "With all the help you guys have given us plus saving the world that one time, it'd be our honor to help."
"Thanks Jurgens. We'll still owe you one." Holland replied.
"Don't worry about it. So anyways, what's for desert?"
"Renton, kids, Mischa, dinner is ready!" said Eureka happily.
"Ok mom!" the kids replied.
"Coming dear!" yelled Renton from their room.
"Smells good as usual." said Mischa from the living room.
"I learned from the best." Eureka replied.
"And who would that be?"
"My dear husband Renton."
"Nah, it wasn't me." said Renton from behind her as he kissed her on the cheek.
"It was and you know it dear."
"I plead the fifth." Renton replied laughing as they all sat down to eat.
"I wonder how things are on the Gekko?" said Mischa as she helped serve the food.
"Things are fine." said Renton. "I just got done talking to Hap over the radio. Everyone is pretty much resting right now as we speak. He said Nadia is a little behind right now, but that's it."
"That's good to hear. What about Holland and Talho?"
"They're out having dinner with Jurgens at the moment. Sounds like they're planning their next move."
"Makes you wonder what's going to happen next?"
"That doesn't matter right now."
"Why not?"
"Because we're retiring for the time being from this war."
"When did you decide this dear?" asked Eureka.
"When Maeter was sleeping between us on the ship that one day. I can't let our family or our new child be on the ship right now. We're just to vulnerable at the moment. I want us to be somewhere safe and hidden, which is where we're at now, here at our home."
"And besides, Holland and Talho said we could stay hear at home anyways."
"Yes I know, and I'm glad we are."
"I'll stay here so I can continue to monitor things." said Mischa. "Besides, I'm enjoying this little vacation."
"I think we all are." said Renton with a slight laugh.
"Ladies and Gentleman." said Jurgens over a loudspeaker. "I thank you all for your courageous efforts that you have recently put into this war. I know we have lost a lot of fellow comrades, many of which we know we will never forget. But now we have a new mission to take care of. You are all familiar with the current saviors of our world, correct?" All his soldiers nodded yes in reply. "Good. This mission is a mission is a mission of love and caring. Those two saviors of this world are expecting a child of their own this month. I have told our friends on the GekkoState that we would gladly help in this situation. Our new current mission is to help them build a nursery for their new arrival. Are you with me team?" They then all nodded yes in reply enthusiastically. "Excellent. I thank you all for volunteering your time and services for this wonderful cause. The only thing I ask out of you is that you keep the location of their home a secret. We get to work tomorrow, so be ready with tools and camping gear. We'll be spending a few nights under the stars. Think of it as somewhat of a vacation. Dismissed."
"Impressed you two?" asked Jurgens when he turned to look at Holland and Talho.
"Fully." said Holland. "I never would have expected this out of you."
"No doubt." said Talho. "Thanks for everything you're doing for us and them."
"Don't mention it. Now lets get to work."