Chapter 11: Greetings
Location: DDS Daedalus
Seven minutes later…
Stepping into the hanger bay of the Sovereign-class Battlecruiser, Admiral Gaskaville found a squad of four marines had assembled before a G-226 Medical Transport. Extensively redesigned, the vessel had received an expanded hall capacity, while its wings lanced downwards then upwards at an angle. Designated a Command Shuttle, they were assigned to transport high-ranking officers of the Republic Military.
"Captain Dickens Alvingham reporting for duty, Sir!" one of the Marines announced as he approached.
Each one was decked out in a CMC-300 Powered Combat Suits, while their main form of armament was a C-14 Impaler gauss rifle. They were a sight most imposing, easily dwarfing the elderly Admiral by a number of feet.
"At ease, Captain," he said, "We've got some visitors to greet."
Acknowledging the command, the soldiers immediately marched up transports boarding ramp. Admiral Gaskaville followed suit, finding a seat within the spacious passenger hold of the aircraft. Taking a seat across from the Marines serving as his bodyguards, the elderly Admiral strapped himself.
"Ready for dust-off?" asked the pilot.
"You may proceed."
As the vessel rumbled to life, he felt a brief weightlessness as it lifted off the deck of the hanger bay. Accelerating forward, the Dropship exited through the Battlecruiser's launch bay and cleared the Daedalus.
"Banshees and Vikings have been dispatched on Commander Garside's orders."
"Understood," Gaskaville said, "Please inform the Commander that he can recall the Raven."
"Acknowledged, Admiral."
The trip continued without complication, baring some turbulence which jostled the transport somewhat.
"Arrival in thirty seconds," the pilot reported.
Studying the troopers, he found that they had lowered the Plexithene visor, making it impossible to gauge their mood.
"Here's your stop."
The aircraft jostled as it landed touch down, prompting Gaskaville to rise to his feet and smooth out his black and gold uniform. His escorts had already done so, immediately making their way towards the boarding ramp. Captain Alvingham promptly approached the control panel, activating them and allowing the moist air of the jungle wafted into the interior. Emerging, the Admiral immediately found himself greeted by the representatives from the Acorn Archipelago.
"Greetings, Your Highness. Admiral Raymond Gaskaville," he introduced, removing his cap and bowing respectfully.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Admiral," Sally greeted.
"My sincere apologies for making you wait. I was conferring with the Prime Minister about the situation."
"I was sent in the hopes of persuading your people to ally with us against the Eggman Empire and the threat it poses."
"We've been made aware of the Eggman Empire."
"Wait! You know?" Sonic asked.
"You're not the first Mobians we've encountered. In fact, it was your Mercian-born kinsmen who informed us of this, but the political impasse within the National Assembly has prevented us from acting."
"That explains why you didn't respond when the Xorda invaded."
"I've been authorized to transport you to our capitol."
"We can be ready to depart within the next few minutes."
"There is some paperwork that you and your companions will need to fill out once you're onboard the Daedalus," he stated.
"What kind of paperwork?"
"For the issuing of official government documents."
Sally half-expected for Sticks to begin freaking out, yet it was the juvenile Hedgehog who beat her to the punch.
"So, it's just the basic bureaucratic nonsense," Sonic commented.
"Sonic!" Sally snapped.
"The PMO will have them ready by the time we arrive."
Gaskaville turned to re-board the dropship, catching sight of Chuck as he was turning around.
"You there. Where might you be from?"
"I'm Professor Charles Thorndyke of Station Square," he introduced.
"Interesting. I'd like to converse with you at length regarding our ancestral home."
"There's much to discuss, I assure you."
"I'm leaving behind the Vikings to serve as your escort, Gaskaville stated, "They'll take you aboard the Daedalus when you're ready."
"Thank you, Admiral."
Bowing a second time, the Admiral turned around and headed back in the direction of the command shuttle. He re-boarded alongside the Marines under Captain Alvingham's command, venturing into the night skies seconds later. As the shuttle headed back towards the Daedalus, the Vikings descended from the sky and assumed their assault modes.
"Let's get camp packed up," Sally suggested.
As the other began to disperse, Sonic's attention remained fixated on the Battlecruiser holding position.
"That thing looks like something Eggman would build."
"Naw, it doesn't have his face plastered all over it," Tails commented.
"True, but I bet it possesses just as much firepower."
"If you two are done talking, we could use your help!" Amy said, annoyance in her voice.
Exchanging a glance, the Hedgehog and Fox immediately headed back in the direction of their campsite.