Hachiman-class Dreadnought Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Hyperspace
21 March, 2524 AD
Morihiro could almost hear the inward sigh of relief, emitted by almost entire crew of Hideyoshi, when mighty warship finally leaved the hyperspace and entered into the blackness of Stein Krone star system.
Morihiro himself betrayed his own delight at changing of the view on the main screen was a small jolt of his right arm. Hatagai’s allow a small smile to crawl on his face when he sensed how former tormenting anxiety of crewmembers was replaced by the predatory anticipation of upcoming battle. Those people’s behavior now was more fitting for the pack of wolves, but they were his wolves and Admiral Hatagai looked at bridge crew with a vague affection.
“Our position?†Requested Morihiro, addressing the navigator, who sat on the left side of the bridge. The middle-aged woman with brown hairs made a few quick strokes on her keyboard, then another few, which made the central holo-screen to flicker and change the outlook now showing their fleet (a numerous green dots) and their target: Hoshi Ichi – or Schoneherddome in the form of a blue sphere.
“The distance is two millions, two hundred forty-four kilometers to target, sir.†Hatagai smiled pleasantly at this report: the hyperspace jump successfully bring his fleet at range where his armada could perform an effective bombardment of enemy positions with their missiles. While he didn’t doubt that Belkans learnt on their mistakes and improve their anti-missiles defense significantly, still he doubt that planetary defense ring could intercept all upcoming projectiles.
And, if nothing too drastic happen, his main forces would reach the distance of the effective usage of direct ordnance weaponry after the sixty five minutes from this moment.
The effective range of direct ordnance, like mass-drivers, was a few hundred of thousands kilometers, the same as Belkans, which was bad actually, as Belkan cannons destructive power rival that of a Russian Coalition, whose direct ordnance weaponry held the title of strongest one in entire Earth Empire of United Directories.
But it doesn’t mean that Japanese weapon couldn’t obliterate the ships of Schoneherddome’s defenders, it could of so very much. And in order to use their firepower efficiently, Belkans needed to preserve the significant numbers of their ships under the relentless missile bombardments. And if his fleet would successful in either destruction or neutralization of Belkan defensive station the rocket-filled hell awaited his adversaries.
And his few hidden cards would make the life of Belkan astronauts even harder. He was sure.
“Admiral!†The urgent shout from the sensor operator post startled all present people bar Hatagai, as only deaf man couldn’t hear the anxiety in the tone of young officer. “I’m detecting numerous signals of Belkan ships from the orbit of a Hoshi Ichi! It’s a defense screen formation!â€
The jubilation that once ruled the mind of all present soldiers was quickly replaced with shock at that declaration. On his part, Morihiro Hatagai just shrugged – the possibility of the Belkans seriously reinforcing one of their most vital planets and most possible target of their assault was so big that Hatagai could have been more shocked if he didn’t heard the sensor operator’s outburst.
“Magnify.†Ordered Hatagai calmly, but with a significant power in his voice, desiring to both see the full picture of the enemy defensive ring and to calm down the crew. The image on the central holo-screen blinked again and then Japan soldiers could see the mind-bogglingly huge numbers of the crimson red Belkan warships. Many Dominion-class battleships, was aided by hundreds of Sieg-class cruisers and then there was legions of the Ruhm-class frigates.
His fleet was no less numerous, but there Belkan ships could expect the help from the hordes of the satellite cannon-platforms and finally, to make the matter worse the admiral Hatagai could see the massive bulks of the Ewige Eiche-class battle stations. Those gargantuan spheres had the firepower of the small flotilla of warships and were a lynchpin of any Belkan anti-missiles defense. He really needed to get rid of them first if he wanted to his plan to success.
But again – he expected this to happen, and this gray-eyed admiral just shrugged a bit when he saw the massive frames of the inter-system teleportation nodes. Seems that Belkans would be nice enough to stay away, while Japan ships bombard them from the distance – they would send a small group of the ships to greet them personally.
The mages would be happier if they could send flotillas into teleportation jump, but it was dangerous gamble, as the even a small mistake could hurl the unfortunate vessel at the collision course with either enemy ship or random space body. And the nods simply couldn’t teleport many ship on the same time anyway.
“Seems our Belkan friends prepared a really impressive greeting committee for us.†Trailed Hatagai, straightening his back and flexing his fingers on both hands, giving a communication officer a wordless order to open channel to all ships in his fleet. “Well, gentlemen we had a battle to win there. No one promised us an easy walk and bloodless victory!†Admiral’s voice resonated through the bridge, pushing away the remaining anxiety and calling forth the pride and desire to fight.
“But I promise you, warriors of the Japan Empire – we will emerge victorious today! Despite all odds we grasped victory in all major previous battles, we pushed the Belkans back and we did it again!! Today we come there to crush one of their most important planets and claim the riches of their star for our beloved homeland and emperor! Fight, warriors of the chrysanthemum throne, fight with all you ferocity, fight with all your pride, fight with the thought about all glory we will obtain today!†Hatagai voice turned into vicious roar that shook entire fleet to its core. “NIPPON BANZAI!!!â€
“Nippon banzai!†Bellowed countless voices through the broadband, now only the anticipation of upcoming battle and bloodlust ruled the minds of the Japanese soldiers, as they prepared to make their country, emperor and admiral proud today when they drown this solar system in the blood of the Belkans.
“Once the deployment complete, unleash the rocket barrage, primary targets: battle stations and teleport nodes. Then send the flotillas Kitsune, Ika and Tengu in first wave!†Ordered Hatagai, clasping his hands together and shifting in his chair to make himself more comfortable. “Flotillas Yurei, Naga and Hoshiumi should took off a ten minutes later. Flotillas Hanabi and Ryuu stay on the position and maintain the barrage!â€
“Sir, yes sir!†Was the answer of his armada as countless dots on the holo-screen moved to prepare to dive into hellfire of the battle.
~***~
House Schoneherd ancestral castle Schmetternden Berg
Planet Schnoeherddome
10th day of second cycle of fifth period.
Similar to smoke, that fill the space in the burning barn, the dining room was quickly overwhelms with miasmas of anxiety, rage, hatred and… sinister joy. In her entire life Vita never could imagine her beloved father and mother’s faces twisting into such feral vicious smirks, and not only them – all present adults in the room now was busy exchanging a “smiles†that could make a pack of a hungry wolf flee with an insane speed.
Gulping nervously at the increasing bloodlust, Vita mad a few unconscious steps back. Rapidly upcoming sound of the frantic steps broke small redhead from her trance and she quickly turn around to meet the pale-faced and panic-ridden Edda and Alheid who leaved their seats to come to her side, the illumination in the room gave their faces a shade f blue with made them look even more scared. Not that Vita’s face looked any better, though.
Oswin, regardless to his daughter turmoil as he, in the first time in his life, was too consumed by vicious delight, still managed to adopt a pretty neutral expression and ask his planetary garrison commander:
“What’s our enemy disposition and can you presume their possible numbers?â€
Major-General Hans Ven Lichtfanger who face moment ago wear a pretty feral expression quickly composed himself and started his report with the tone that could rival a warjack in absence of emotions.
“Currently enemy forces stay on coordinates A-047-K-68, approximately in two mega-klicks from the planet Schoneherddome low orbit. We count a six full flotillas my lord, but I can swear that there more of them. They just hiding behind that damned cloak-field.â€
Oswin nodded with agreement as he had similar thoughts – Japanese never revealed all of their cards in the beginning. And there must be a drop ships and transports that carry a planetary invasion forces anyway.
“Continue to observe them and be prepared for upcoming missile attack, general.†Ordered Oswin, though his tone was more of the request than order – he know very well that Hans could more that capable and experienced to do all preparation and engage their foes on his own. But of course, not Oswin, nor al present Belkan had any intention to live their brother-in-arms to battle Japs alone.
“Hang on there, we’ll be there to assist you in fifty minutes Hans. And I’ll contact Rotenaugen to send the reinforcement once their teleportation nodes full charged.†Oswin’s eyes flared with dark intentions. “Today we make those shits pay for all they atrocities, Hans. Today we’ll show them fruits of all preparations. Hail Belka!!†The last words thundered through the air, increasing the vehemence in the eyes if the all other Belkans.
“Hail Belka!†The Hans’ answer was no less sharp and ferocity in the brown eyes of the officer of Wolkenreich army rival in intensity the eerie flames in his master’s eyes. After giving Oswin a sharp salute the Belkan general disappear from the screen, which now show the map of the sector, surrounding their planet where red dots indicated the place of the Belkan ships, stations or defense satellites and the swarm of green dots on the edge of the map reveal the position of their enemies.
Quickly inspecting the situation, Oswin turn around to gaze over the chamber and see the eyes of all present Belkan’s warriors. He wasn’t disappointed – as his blue eyes lowly moved from one corner of a massive room to other he could only see the grim determination, unyielding ferocity and burning desire to fight in every eyes of any soldier of Wolkenreich his gaze meets. Clering his throat he went on.
“My brothers and sisters, the dutiful warriors of our beloved empire, hear me here and now! Just a moment ago we celebrated the birthday of my daughter and enjoyed this bountiful feast and the company of each other. But now, as the merciless enemies invade the very heart of my domain I’m, with great regret, forced to interrupt out happy festival and request your assistance in repulsing those killers’ assault. Here and now I want to declare my intention to give the Japan Empire a deciding battle!â€
Oswin outstretched his right hand forward at the end of his speech, while his left hand grasped the fabric of his shirt on chest. The silence that occurred was soul-crushing, Vita could only berate herself inwardly for daring to think that she was under pressure when she marched toward her parents to obtain Graf Eisen. The morbid atmosphere and blazing glares that now crossed on the figure on her father would sent her into mindless run, yet her father stood firm and patiently awaited the answers of the present nobles and the military officers.
The first one to respond to their grossherzog’s inquiry was herzog Lars Ven Kluge - Alheid’ father and Rotenaugen’s governor. He was a man of average height with black hairs and red eyes with a plump belly and equally plump face, though his hands pressed on his sleeves from the insides with a mounds of muscles. He coughed one time but his voice when he begun to speak held no traces of weakness or uncertainty.
“I hope I can present the opinion of each of the present Belkans, who wish only glory and prosperity to their homeland and thus I say: we’re would stand there and fight together with you mein Herr!†The voice of the nobleman started to gain the volume quickly, while resonating not only with the stones of the walls but with the hearts of all people who listened to him right now.
“We all could only watch all this time helplessly as the scoundrels who dared to call themselves a warriors continued their rampage through the soil of our nation, killing countless of our brethrens and destroyed numerous cities, while conquering the star systems in their wake.“
The scowl on the faces of all men and woman in the chamber deepened at those words as the humiliation of those loses assaulted their souls again, reminding them about the series of the painful defeats, suffered by Belkan forces. They brave warriors of Belka fought with passion, ferocity and resolve of the ancient heroes and they make Japanese pay dearly for their last victories. But those were victories nevertheless and still there was not a single major victory against the Japanese that result in the successful re-conquest of the invaded planets.
“But all that blood wasn’t spilled for nothing!†Continued Lars with great passion, his hands with clenched fists trembled from the bottled emotions and his eyes leak a few angry tears. “Our grief and rage give us new strength. We learned from our defeats: we watched and studied our adversaries’ weakness, we sharpened our blades, we improved our war engines, and we created new spells and invited new weaponry to fight the hated enemies! Our people built new factories, new laboratories and new mage institutes to trained skilled engineers, innovative scientists and ingenious warcasters and now we can rival our forefathers from the time of the united Belka in productive capacity.â€
That is it, thought Oswin, as he listen to passionate speech of one of his friends. The true reason behind all setbacks and failures of Wolkenreich’s military: the Japanese forced the belkans to participate in the wars to which her economy and production capacity wasn’t prepared. Yes, the Code of Diamant Palmen made the war between “Belkans†far less bloody than the devastating conflicts of the past by creating a cage of rules and restrictions around the battlefield.
Many could say that now Belkan wars now more sportive events, rather than wars, and they was right to some extent, as every “war†now raged in the special areas, leaving which was strongly prohibition for any side of war. But blood still was shed and people die in fierce battles between smoke-belching machines, armored behemoth, legions of soldiers and, of course, skilled mages.
Despite those restriction and the state of internal affairs Belka Empire still was the one of the most powerful star nation in the sector of the galaxy, as the IAB hold no intention to challenge anyone in combat, despite its military might and was concentrated at maintaining the peace in the controlled areas, or sending their peacekeepers if some of the other star-spanning nation wanted some help.
The memory of a blood-soaked war between Empire and Concordat was a very good reminder why the status quo was the most preferable condition for any star nation that was born after the collapse of Al’Hazard.
The controllable intensity of the conflicts between Belkan’s Autonomic Provinces and the overall peacefully atmosphere in the neighborhood lulled the Belkans: many of their factories forget about the art of the creating of a war machines and now solely concentrated on forging the laborjacks and other vehicles that shine in the non-combat duties. And while the Belkan’s vehicles and automatons were widely recognized as the mark of the quality only a few production centers in each Autonomic Provinces now could produce a battle engines or warships.
No outsider ever challenged the Belkan to the combat. No Belkan ever dared to break the sacred rule of the battle and then everyone simply accepted such state of affairs as granted. They lived in the half-static state, grow wealthier from the trading, dreamed about the new power, brag about the past battles and glory, and slowly waited until the moment for the final unification of the empire would come.
Belkans slowly grow fat, thought Oswin with derision; they got accommodated to this way of life. His brother and sisters thoughts that it was enough for the galaxy their live in, they were wrong and they paid for this with countless lives after the start of the invasion.
The Japan taught Wolkenreich (other Belkan and all outside nations) that descendants of the Herman are not most ferocious warrior brood in the space. The new found long-lost branch of refuges from Al’Hazard proved themselves to be a very murderous and deadly bunch.
The ferocious and indiscriminate nature of every of their assault, combined with a numbers of the soldiers and war engines the Japanese send in, leaved Belkans in the state of shock. The losses were terrible, it was undeniable, but inability to replace the lost vehicles was the worse. The man and women of Wolkenreich was trained from their childhood (due the Code edict) and have all resolve and will to fight with invaders. But the resolve only couldn’t push Japanese back, the soldiers need a weapon and vehicles to fight as their attack magic was takes away. And there was the true problem.
While Japanese could rely on their supply lines to bring them new tanks and knightmare frames to replace the destroyed ones their adversaries could rely only on the ancient storages that was made hundreds of years ago. Though those storages was utterly massive and contained a numerous war machines and equipment in them it still wasn’t enough.
Looking in the past, Oswin now could say with all brutal honesty – we Belkans helped Japanese to fuck ourselves up with all our might. Indeed at the first stages of war, the removal of the battle spells from the battlefield was a crippling blow indeed, but if their Province had the same production capability it had on start they could counter Japanese invasion much more efficiently.
And not just that – it’s pained him to think about all technology, which research was put on hold because their nature contradicted with Code’s regalement. Those rail-guns, torpedoes and all other weaponry could give the hated enemy a bloody if only their block-headed ancestors for some reason didn’t label a long-rage fight as un-chivalry.
Well, Oswin admitted that he wasn’t entirely fair to his ancestors– if such restrictions didn’t exist during the period right after demise of Von Belka family, some of the most hot-headed and/or ruthless nobles could went so far as start bombarding the planets of their political opponents. Only the fear of being ganged up on due the violation of the codex of war prevented them from resorting to such drastic measures.
What was more important that for now citizens of Wolkenreich needed to fight with the technologies they had. And now he and his brethrens was more than prepared to show the unscrupulous fiends the result of their preparations. And then, if… NO! When, they deflect Japanese assault they could starts to slowly turn this situation around.
The neighbors Autonomic Provinces finally decided to join the war and, as the latest report states, the Japan’s supply flotillas recently suffered heavy losses from the Belkan raids, thus inflicting crippling blows at Japanese garrisons. The logistic was the field where Belka held a distinct advantage over their new adversaries: the absence of the teleportation ability and the long distance their support ships need to cross leaved them vulnerable to the quick raids and stall their advance, while the teleportation nodes allow Belkan ships to reach point of their destination with an incredible speed and allowed Belkan’s to respond to Japanese threat with a incredible efficiency.
But what truly was important, it was the sheer number of new factories that could produce the vehicles, armor, equipment and firearms for the army of the Wolkenreich, which was commissioned in the span of the recent few months. Now the battle of attrition slowly shifted toward their side as Japanese steadily lose the initiative in a war and, what was more important, as the report from the IAB intelligence service stated, the Japan Empire’s neighbors behaved more and more threateningly with each passé moths as Japan was forced to more and more of their forces toward Belkan lands. And when the other Provinces of Belka would to send the reinforcement the situation on the battlefield would suffer a complete turnaround. But the Wolkenreich need to launch a successful counterattack on their own in order to stimulate their neighbors to hasten their preparations and obtain some worth of revenge against the infidels who claim so many lives of their brothers and sisters.
And said counter-attack would finally start today!
“I couldn’t say it better, Lars!†Declared Oswin toward the auditory once the Ven kluge patriarch’ passionate speech comes to an end. “Upon this very day we only could swallow our sorrow, ire and rage, watching our planets conquered and seeing our compatriots perishing under our merciless enemy’s fire. Day after the day we could only suppress out rightful wrath and try our best to make a suitable preparations for the counterattack, while awaiting for the moment when we finally would be able to show the unscrupulous invaders the full power of our ire. And…†Oswin’s eyes flashed like a pair of flashlights, mirroring the look in the eyes of all present Belkans, whose lips twisted into savage smirks almost in perfect sync when they sensed the upcoming words. The boiling long-restrained fury which, unbeknownst to him, build-up all this time in his chest explode like supernova bursting out together with a vicious roar. “…THIS DAY FINNALY HAD COME!!!â€
The powerful scream awoke something in the souls of all present people as they stood on their feet one by one until there was no one in the massive room who sat on his chair, holding their glasses, and now Vita could almost swear that they was filled with blood rather than juice. Sensing their mood, grossherzog Oswin Ven Schoneherd in a swift motion filled up his own glass and raised it in the air, matching the pose of all other nobles and officers, his wife raised her own drink just a split-second later. On a soundless order all citizen of Wolkenreich in the room swallow their drink and slammed their glasses into the table, summoning a low booming sound.
For her part Vita was quiet scared in the beginning of the entire commotion, that occurred after the emergency call. The sheer cataclysmic shift in the mood was staggering but the pure malice, hatred and bloodlust emitted by her parents and their dear guests was the quiet a frightening thing to behold and small redhead girl couldn’t help but try to find some comfort in the presence of her best friends. They too move to be closer, signaling that Edda and Alheif also didn’t taking the atmosphere in the dining hall well.
But as the trio of girl continued to listen to grown-up chatter and then the passionate speech on Lars Ven Kluge their fear and anxiety slowly but steadily was replaced with a wrath and ferociousness: Vita, Edda and Alheid had no idea that they beloved home suffered so greatly at the hands of those Jap-ai-nis, that so many brave Belkans died because of their foul enemy’s treachery.
As their ire grows while the girls listen to Herzog Lars’ patriotic lines they started to accept the soul-crushing bloodlust and bloodcurdling fury that flow in the air like a poisonous gas. In fact soon Vita, Alheid and Edda starts emit the very same miasmas of wrath and vengeance, combining with the vicious scowl that mirror of that on each face of any adult in this room.
So consumed by those dark feelings those three girl was that they utterly overlook the moment when the massive shadow block the light from the chandelled and powerful voice speak to them.
“Here you are junge Damen“ the sound of Oswin Ven Schoneherd’s voice break into their ears so suddenly that girls shrieked and almost jumped out of their shoes. Hastily restoring their “noble†look Vita Ven Schoneherd, Alheid Ven Kluge and Edda Ven Farber turned around to meet the sight of a grinning castle’s master together with his wife (who cleverly hid her smile beside her fist).
“I like to see that even younger of us have the blazing spirit of warrior maidens of the past but I already have the task for all of you, little ones.â€
The trio of young nobles stiffened immediately when those words leaved grossherzog;s mouth. Yeas, Oswin was very cheerful and friendly, love his daughter dearly and he truly consider Edda and Alheid as his nephews (and those feelings was mutual); but he also was their sovereign and betraying your sovereign trust by failing him could drive some Belkan to suicide in the past, even if no one accurse them for the fail.
Their faces now were completely devoid of all emotions bar determination and obedience, when the girl bowed to him and declared in unison: “We wait for your orders, unser Herr.â€
Oswin’s face also lost all previous cheerfulness and wore the solemn expression when he give them the order: “Dame Vita Ven Schoneherd, Dame Alheif Ven Kluge and Dame Edda Ven Farber, I, Oswin Ven Schoneherd, by the grace of Sankt-Kaiser and Our Kaiser Ludwig Van Wolken, the sovereign of the Stein Krone star system and governor of imperial sector Rigol hereby order you – you’ll go to Dame Vita’s private chamber and help her to prepare herself for departure. Dame Alheid and Dame Edda’s own luggage would be carried to the car which would carry all of you to the Schmetternden Berg space port once we repel Japanese’ first assault. Then, the battleship “Wille sum Zieg†would carry you all to the Rotenaugen, where you would be stationed at the Ven Kluge’s castle. Herzog Lars give the necessary orders right now.â€
Only the long-term and thoughtful lessons in proper etiquette taught by her mother Martha (and enforced with a long and sturdy twig) herself prevent Vita from violent outburst here and now. What the kek her father us saying – her home planet in a grave danger and he want to simply sent her away like a ill-tempered dog to an obedience school. Vita could positively feel how her face emit a waves of heat and become as red as her hairs. She make a deep inhale, preparing to give a piece of her mind to her father but then she felt as something cold tough her bare chest.
She reached out under her shirt with her right hand to touch the metallic surface of Graf Eisen, whom she unconsciously put there after she de-packed her armor. Her Armed Device, the present from her parents and the proof of her adulthood. This simple thought utterly rid all of her ire, replacing it with a sad resignation: adult Belkan noble wouldn’t throw a temper tantrum before all those present important people - it’ll just humiliate her and her family. Adult Belkan warrior know how to control her wrath to prevent herself from turning into giant tomato-girl.
And moist important adult Belkan know the limits of her strength – without any experience on battle field she would be just a useless load for her much more battle-hardened brethrens. Her knowledge on space battles was minimal, and she knows no spells that could bolster their defense line or give a additional power to their offense. She would just make everything even more stressing for her family if she goes on battle field right now.
And thus Vita Ven Schoneherd made a graceful curtsey, which Edda and Alheid immodestly following her example, and then giving her father and grossherzog an answer: “Jawohl, under Herr†Said trio of a young nobles in unison, drawing a small smiles on Martha and Oswin’s faces.
“It was a splendid curtsey, my dear daughter.†Praised her mother, who made a few steps forward to stay right in front of a small redhead. Vita couldn’t help but sigh in relief and jot when usual gentle smile appear on her mother’s face again, pushing the stone-cold mask of indifference she wore from the moment alarm claxons start their song.
“I know about you inner turmoil and I’m very glad that you already can understand your own limitation and weakness as it’s a right way to overcoming them. Make no mistake Vita, Edda, Alheid…†Other small girls gasped when Martha switch her attention to them for a moment to give them a strong but reassuring gaze. “We send you to herzog’s Lars home not to crouch under the couch, but to train with a prominent instructors how to lead entire armies to a battlefield in the special training school. And once your tutorial are finished you’ll join the rank of our army to lead your forces to victory. You all would stand arm to arm with the beast of Wolkenreich in the battleâ€
They were to astonished by the weight of upcoming duties, hardness of future’s training and the direness of a entire situation to shout in joy, but Vita, Alheid and Edda spirit raised significantly. Before this year come to its end Edda and Alheid also would receive their own Devices and then all of them would go to the training camp to work on their strength and hone their skills further.
And once they would be ready their fangs would sink into the flesh of Japanese invaders.
With another sharp bow the girl raced toward the door, which was already wide open to let all the guests to come out. They all hastened toward their destination point to, each in his/her manner to participate in the battle.
Oswin stared at his daughter’s back for a while but then turn around to meet his youngest son’s passive gaze. Peter also wasn’t happy that he was for all purpose also sent away – he was “Wille sum Zieg" gunnery officer after all. His days in academy was over and he was eager to join the grand battle, but the order from his father was clear – he would go to an Rotenaugen to protect the girls.
Peter Ven Schoneherd was truly unhappy with such outcome but he was also a soldier and he never questioned his superiors’ order without truly important reason. Oswin nodded, recognizing his efforts in following the code of the soldier before declaring:
“It’s time for you to go back to your ship, my son.†Peter saluted him and marched toward the gates too, gracefully bending into the stream of the people who went toward the exit too. “Don’t forget how important you task is, Peter. Those girl’s lives under your protection from now.â€
Peter turned his torso to meet his father’s eyes and pumped his fist into the air before shouting ion his own.
“Give those bastard beating of their life, father!†Oswin answer with a vicious smile.â€Don’t worry Peter – those shits would deeply regret the second when they jumped in Stein Krone system without the invitation.“
Peter nod in response with a smile no less savage than his father’s own and hastened forward. Oswin feel the gentle pat on his left shoulder and when he made a 180 degrees turn around his hardened eyes meet the resolute gaze of Martha Ven Schoneherd, whose body language particularly scream that she can’t wait for battle, when she would be able to made the repugnant invaders to pay in blood in fire for all sufferings they bring onto their land, to start.
“We need to hurry up an go to the control room, dear.†Despite her boiling wrath and anticipation for the upcoming bout his wife’s vice was even and somehow soothing. Oswin straightened up and answer with a sharp nod. Not willing to disrupt their guests leave and give additional problem to already crowded castle’s transport system, married pair dashed toward the door on the opposite side of the dining hall – they still have their trained legs so they would reach their point of destination on their own. It wouldn’t take more than ten minutes for such trained runners to made all way through the maze of the corridors and halls.
The smell of battle filled the air not only in the gargantuan castle and capital city, but cover entire star system as well. The alarm claxons roared in the warning, the threads of a battle tanks, APCs and other land vehicles gnashed into the lands as their engines roared to live. The boots of millions of soldiers rumbled over the floor as legions of legions prepared to battle. Even more deafening howl shook the air as the massive warships lift from their ports all over the planet to join their brothers in the space.
Entire system was preparing for the deciding battle.
Hyperspace
21 March, 2524 AD
Morihiro could almost hear the inward sigh of relief, emitted by almost entire crew of Hideyoshi, when mighty warship finally leaved the hyperspace and entered into the blackness of Stein Krone star system.
Morihiro himself betrayed his own delight at changing of the view on the main screen was a small jolt of his right arm. Hatagai’s allow a small smile to crawl on his face when he sensed how former tormenting anxiety of crewmembers was replaced by the predatory anticipation of upcoming battle. Those people’s behavior now was more fitting for the pack of wolves, but they were his wolves and Admiral Hatagai looked at bridge crew with a vague affection.
“Our position?†Requested Morihiro, addressing the navigator, who sat on the left side of the bridge. The middle-aged woman with brown hairs made a few quick strokes on her keyboard, then another few, which made the central holo-screen to flicker and change the outlook now showing their fleet (a numerous green dots) and their target: Hoshi Ichi – or Schoneherddome in the form of a blue sphere.
“The distance is two millions, two hundred forty-four kilometers to target, sir.†Hatagai smiled pleasantly at this report: the hyperspace jump successfully bring his fleet at range where his armada could perform an effective bombardment of enemy positions with their missiles. While he didn’t doubt that Belkans learnt on their mistakes and improve their anti-missiles defense significantly, still he doubt that planetary defense ring could intercept all upcoming projectiles.
And, if nothing too drastic happen, his main forces would reach the distance of the effective usage of direct ordnance weaponry after the sixty five minutes from this moment.
The effective range of direct ordnance, like mass-drivers, was a few hundred of thousands kilometers, the same as Belkans, which was bad actually, as Belkan cannons destructive power rival that of a Russian Coalition, whose direct ordnance weaponry held the title of strongest one in entire Earth Empire of United Directories.
But it doesn’t mean that Japanese weapon couldn’t obliterate the ships of Schoneherddome’s defenders, it could of so very much. And in order to use their firepower efficiently, Belkans needed to preserve the significant numbers of their ships under the relentless missile bombardments. And if his fleet would successful in either destruction or neutralization of Belkan defensive station the rocket-filled hell awaited his adversaries.
And his few hidden cards would make the life of Belkan astronauts even harder. He was sure.
“Admiral!†The urgent shout from the sensor operator post startled all present people bar Hatagai, as only deaf man couldn’t hear the anxiety in the tone of young officer. “I’m detecting numerous signals of Belkan ships from the orbit of a Hoshi Ichi! It’s a defense screen formation!â€
The jubilation that once ruled the mind of all present soldiers was quickly replaced with shock at that declaration. On his part, Morihiro Hatagai just shrugged – the possibility of the Belkans seriously reinforcing one of their most vital planets and most possible target of their assault was so big that Hatagai could have been more shocked if he didn’t heard the sensor operator’s outburst.
“Magnify.†Ordered Hatagai calmly, but with a significant power in his voice, desiring to both see the full picture of the enemy defensive ring and to calm down the crew. The image on the central holo-screen blinked again and then Japan soldiers could see the mind-bogglingly huge numbers of the crimson red Belkan warships. Many Dominion-class battleships, was aided by hundreds of Sieg-class cruisers and then there was legions of the Ruhm-class frigates.
His fleet was no less numerous, but there Belkan ships could expect the help from the hordes of the satellite cannon-platforms and finally, to make the matter worse the admiral Hatagai could see the massive bulks of the Ewige Eiche-class battle stations. Those gargantuan spheres had the firepower of the small flotilla of warships and were a lynchpin of any Belkan anti-missiles defense. He really needed to get rid of them first if he wanted to his plan to success.
But again – he expected this to happen, and this gray-eyed admiral just shrugged a bit when he saw the massive frames of the inter-system teleportation nodes. Seems that Belkans would be nice enough to stay away, while Japan ships bombard them from the distance – they would send a small group of the ships to greet them personally.
The mages would be happier if they could send flotillas into teleportation jump, but it was dangerous gamble, as the even a small mistake could hurl the unfortunate vessel at the collision course with either enemy ship or random space body. And the nods simply couldn’t teleport many ship on the same time anyway.
“Seems our Belkan friends prepared a really impressive greeting committee for us.†Trailed Hatagai, straightening his back and flexing his fingers on both hands, giving a communication officer a wordless order to open channel to all ships in his fleet. “Well, gentlemen we had a battle to win there. No one promised us an easy walk and bloodless victory!†Admiral’s voice resonated through the bridge, pushing away the remaining anxiety and calling forth the pride and desire to fight.
“But I promise you, warriors of the Japan Empire – we will emerge victorious today! Despite all odds we grasped victory in all major previous battles, we pushed the Belkans back and we did it again!! Today we come there to crush one of their most important planets and claim the riches of their star for our beloved homeland and emperor! Fight, warriors of the chrysanthemum throne, fight with all you ferocity, fight with all your pride, fight with the thought about all glory we will obtain today!†Hatagai voice turned into vicious roar that shook entire fleet to its core. “NIPPON BANZAI!!!â€
“Nippon banzai!†Bellowed countless voices through the broadband, now only the anticipation of upcoming battle and bloodlust ruled the minds of the Japanese soldiers, as they prepared to make their country, emperor and admiral proud today when they drown this solar system in the blood of the Belkans.
“Once the deployment complete, unleash the rocket barrage, primary targets: battle stations and teleport nodes. Then send the flotillas Kitsune, Ika and Tengu in first wave!†Ordered Hatagai, clasping his hands together and shifting in his chair to make himself more comfortable. “Flotillas Yurei, Naga and Hoshiumi should took off a ten minutes later. Flotillas Hanabi and Ryuu stay on the position and maintain the barrage!â€
“Sir, yes sir!†Was the answer of his armada as countless dots on the holo-screen moved to prepare to dive into hellfire of the battle.
~***~
House Schoneherd ancestral castle Schmetternden Berg
Planet Schnoeherddome
10th day of second cycle of fifth period.
Similar to smoke, that fill the space in the burning barn, the dining room was quickly overwhelms with miasmas of anxiety, rage, hatred and… sinister joy. In her entire life Vita never could imagine her beloved father and mother’s faces twisting into such feral vicious smirks, and not only them – all present adults in the room now was busy exchanging a “smiles†that could make a pack of a hungry wolf flee with an insane speed.
Gulping nervously at the increasing bloodlust, Vita mad a few unconscious steps back. Rapidly upcoming sound of the frantic steps broke small redhead from her trance and she quickly turn around to meet the pale-faced and panic-ridden Edda and Alheid who leaved their seats to come to her side, the illumination in the room gave their faces a shade f blue with made them look even more scared. Not that Vita’s face looked any better, though.
Oswin, regardless to his daughter turmoil as he, in the first time in his life, was too consumed by vicious delight, still managed to adopt a pretty neutral expression and ask his planetary garrison commander:
“What’s our enemy disposition and can you presume their possible numbers?â€
Major-General Hans Ven Lichtfanger who face moment ago wear a pretty feral expression quickly composed himself and started his report with the tone that could rival a warjack in absence of emotions.
“Currently enemy forces stay on coordinates A-047-K-68, approximately in two mega-klicks from the planet Schoneherddome low orbit. We count a six full flotillas my lord, but I can swear that there more of them. They just hiding behind that damned cloak-field.â€
Oswin nodded with agreement as he had similar thoughts – Japanese never revealed all of their cards in the beginning. And there must be a drop ships and transports that carry a planetary invasion forces anyway.
“Continue to observe them and be prepared for upcoming missile attack, general.†Ordered Oswin, though his tone was more of the request than order – he know very well that Hans could more that capable and experienced to do all preparation and engage their foes on his own. But of course, not Oswin, nor al present Belkan had any intention to live their brother-in-arms to battle Japs alone.
“Hang on there, we’ll be there to assist you in fifty minutes Hans. And I’ll contact Rotenaugen to send the reinforcement once their teleportation nodes full charged.†Oswin’s eyes flared with dark intentions. “Today we make those shits pay for all they atrocities, Hans. Today we’ll show them fruits of all preparations. Hail Belka!!†The last words thundered through the air, increasing the vehemence in the eyes if the all other Belkans.
“Hail Belka!†The Hans’ answer was no less sharp and ferocity in the brown eyes of the officer of Wolkenreich army rival in intensity the eerie flames in his master’s eyes. After giving Oswin a sharp salute the Belkan general disappear from the screen, which now show the map of the sector, surrounding their planet where red dots indicated the place of the Belkan ships, stations or defense satellites and the swarm of green dots on the edge of the map reveal the position of their enemies.
Quickly inspecting the situation, Oswin turn around to gaze over the chamber and see the eyes of all present Belkan’s warriors. He wasn’t disappointed – as his blue eyes lowly moved from one corner of a massive room to other he could only see the grim determination, unyielding ferocity and burning desire to fight in every eyes of any soldier of Wolkenreich his gaze meets. Clering his throat he went on.
“My brothers and sisters, the dutiful warriors of our beloved empire, hear me here and now! Just a moment ago we celebrated the birthday of my daughter and enjoyed this bountiful feast and the company of each other. But now, as the merciless enemies invade the very heart of my domain I’m, with great regret, forced to interrupt out happy festival and request your assistance in repulsing those killers’ assault. Here and now I want to declare my intention to give the Japan Empire a deciding battle!â€
Oswin outstretched his right hand forward at the end of his speech, while his left hand grasped the fabric of his shirt on chest. The silence that occurred was soul-crushing, Vita could only berate herself inwardly for daring to think that she was under pressure when she marched toward her parents to obtain Graf Eisen. The morbid atmosphere and blazing glares that now crossed on the figure on her father would sent her into mindless run, yet her father stood firm and patiently awaited the answers of the present nobles and the military officers.
The first one to respond to their grossherzog’s inquiry was herzog Lars Ven Kluge - Alheid’ father and Rotenaugen’s governor. He was a man of average height with black hairs and red eyes with a plump belly and equally plump face, though his hands pressed on his sleeves from the insides with a mounds of muscles. He coughed one time but his voice when he begun to speak held no traces of weakness or uncertainty.
“I hope I can present the opinion of each of the present Belkans, who wish only glory and prosperity to their homeland and thus I say: we’re would stand there and fight together with you mein Herr!†The voice of the nobleman started to gain the volume quickly, while resonating not only with the stones of the walls but with the hearts of all people who listened to him right now.
“We all could only watch all this time helplessly as the scoundrels who dared to call themselves a warriors continued their rampage through the soil of our nation, killing countless of our brethrens and destroyed numerous cities, while conquering the star systems in their wake.“
The scowl on the faces of all men and woman in the chamber deepened at those words as the humiliation of those loses assaulted their souls again, reminding them about the series of the painful defeats, suffered by Belkan forces. They brave warriors of Belka fought with passion, ferocity and resolve of the ancient heroes and they make Japanese pay dearly for their last victories. But those were victories nevertheless and still there was not a single major victory against the Japanese that result in the successful re-conquest of the invaded planets.
“But all that blood wasn’t spilled for nothing!†Continued Lars with great passion, his hands with clenched fists trembled from the bottled emotions and his eyes leak a few angry tears. “Our grief and rage give us new strength. We learned from our defeats: we watched and studied our adversaries’ weakness, we sharpened our blades, we improved our war engines, and we created new spells and invited new weaponry to fight the hated enemies! Our people built new factories, new laboratories and new mage institutes to trained skilled engineers, innovative scientists and ingenious warcasters and now we can rival our forefathers from the time of the united Belka in productive capacity.â€
That is it, thought Oswin, as he listen to passionate speech of one of his friends. The true reason behind all setbacks and failures of Wolkenreich’s military: the Japanese forced the belkans to participate in the wars to which her economy and production capacity wasn’t prepared. Yes, the Code of Diamant Palmen made the war between “Belkans†far less bloody than the devastating conflicts of the past by creating a cage of rules and restrictions around the battlefield.
Many could say that now Belkan wars now more sportive events, rather than wars, and they was right to some extent, as every “war†now raged in the special areas, leaving which was strongly prohibition for any side of war. But blood still was shed and people die in fierce battles between smoke-belching machines, armored behemoth, legions of soldiers and, of course, skilled mages.
Despite those restriction and the state of internal affairs Belka Empire still was the one of the most powerful star nation in the sector of the galaxy, as the IAB hold no intention to challenge anyone in combat, despite its military might and was concentrated at maintaining the peace in the controlled areas, or sending their peacekeepers if some of the other star-spanning nation wanted some help.
The memory of a blood-soaked war between Empire and Concordat was a very good reminder why the status quo was the most preferable condition for any star nation that was born after the collapse of Al’Hazard.
The controllable intensity of the conflicts between Belkan’s Autonomic Provinces and the overall peacefully atmosphere in the neighborhood lulled the Belkans: many of their factories forget about the art of the creating of a war machines and now solely concentrated on forging the laborjacks and other vehicles that shine in the non-combat duties. And while the Belkan’s vehicles and automatons were widely recognized as the mark of the quality only a few production centers in each Autonomic Provinces now could produce a battle engines or warships.
No outsider ever challenged the Belkan to the combat. No Belkan ever dared to break the sacred rule of the battle and then everyone simply accepted such state of affairs as granted. They lived in the half-static state, grow wealthier from the trading, dreamed about the new power, brag about the past battles and glory, and slowly waited until the moment for the final unification of the empire would come.
Belkans slowly grow fat, thought Oswin with derision; they got accommodated to this way of life. His brother and sisters thoughts that it was enough for the galaxy their live in, they were wrong and they paid for this with countless lives after the start of the invasion.
The Japan taught Wolkenreich (other Belkan and all outside nations) that descendants of the Herman are not most ferocious warrior brood in the space. The new found long-lost branch of refuges from Al’Hazard proved themselves to be a very murderous and deadly bunch.
The ferocious and indiscriminate nature of every of their assault, combined with a numbers of the soldiers and war engines the Japanese send in, leaved Belkans in the state of shock. The losses were terrible, it was undeniable, but inability to replace the lost vehicles was the worse. The man and women of Wolkenreich was trained from their childhood (due the Code edict) and have all resolve and will to fight with invaders. But the resolve only couldn’t push Japanese back, the soldiers need a weapon and vehicles to fight as their attack magic was takes away. And there was the true problem.
While Japanese could rely on their supply lines to bring them new tanks and knightmare frames to replace the destroyed ones their adversaries could rely only on the ancient storages that was made hundreds of years ago. Though those storages was utterly massive and contained a numerous war machines and equipment in them it still wasn’t enough.
Looking in the past, Oswin now could say with all brutal honesty – we Belkans helped Japanese to fuck ourselves up with all our might. Indeed at the first stages of war, the removal of the battle spells from the battlefield was a crippling blow indeed, but if their Province had the same production capability it had on start they could counter Japanese invasion much more efficiently.
And not just that – it’s pained him to think about all technology, which research was put on hold because their nature contradicted with Code’s regalement. Those rail-guns, torpedoes and all other weaponry could give the hated enemy a bloody if only their block-headed ancestors for some reason didn’t label a long-rage fight as un-chivalry.
Well, Oswin admitted that he wasn’t entirely fair to his ancestors– if such restrictions didn’t exist during the period right after demise of Von Belka family, some of the most hot-headed and/or ruthless nobles could went so far as start bombarding the planets of their political opponents. Only the fear of being ganged up on due the violation of the codex of war prevented them from resorting to such drastic measures.
What was more important that for now citizens of Wolkenreich needed to fight with the technologies they had. And now he and his brethrens was more than prepared to show the unscrupulous fiends the result of their preparations. And then, if… NO! When, they deflect Japanese assault they could starts to slowly turn this situation around.
The neighbors Autonomic Provinces finally decided to join the war and, as the latest report states, the Japan’s supply flotillas recently suffered heavy losses from the Belkan raids, thus inflicting crippling blows at Japanese garrisons. The logistic was the field where Belka held a distinct advantage over their new adversaries: the absence of the teleportation ability and the long distance their support ships need to cross leaved them vulnerable to the quick raids and stall their advance, while the teleportation nodes allow Belkan ships to reach point of their destination with an incredible speed and allowed Belkan’s to respond to Japanese threat with a incredible efficiency.
But what truly was important, it was the sheer number of new factories that could produce the vehicles, armor, equipment and firearms for the army of the Wolkenreich, which was commissioned in the span of the recent few months. Now the battle of attrition slowly shifted toward their side as Japanese steadily lose the initiative in a war and, what was more important, as the report from the IAB intelligence service stated, the Japan Empire’s neighbors behaved more and more threateningly with each passé moths as Japan was forced to more and more of their forces toward Belkan lands. And when the other Provinces of Belka would to send the reinforcement the situation on the battlefield would suffer a complete turnaround. But the Wolkenreich need to launch a successful counterattack on their own in order to stimulate their neighbors to hasten their preparations and obtain some worth of revenge against the infidels who claim so many lives of their brothers and sisters.
And said counter-attack would finally start today!
“I couldn’t say it better, Lars!†Declared Oswin toward the auditory once the Ven kluge patriarch’ passionate speech comes to an end. “Upon this very day we only could swallow our sorrow, ire and rage, watching our planets conquered and seeing our compatriots perishing under our merciless enemy’s fire. Day after the day we could only suppress out rightful wrath and try our best to make a suitable preparations for the counterattack, while awaiting for the moment when we finally would be able to show the unscrupulous invaders the full power of our ire. And…†Oswin’s eyes flashed like a pair of flashlights, mirroring the look in the eyes of all present Belkans, whose lips twisted into savage smirks almost in perfect sync when they sensed the upcoming words. The boiling long-restrained fury which, unbeknownst to him, build-up all this time in his chest explode like supernova bursting out together with a vicious roar. “…THIS DAY FINNALY HAD COME!!!â€
The powerful scream awoke something in the souls of all present people as they stood on their feet one by one until there was no one in the massive room who sat on his chair, holding their glasses, and now Vita could almost swear that they was filled with blood rather than juice. Sensing their mood, grossherzog Oswin Ven Schoneherd in a swift motion filled up his own glass and raised it in the air, matching the pose of all other nobles and officers, his wife raised her own drink just a split-second later. On a soundless order all citizen of Wolkenreich in the room swallow their drink and slammed their glasses into the table, summoning a low booming sound.
For her part Vita was quiet scared in the beginning of the entire commotion, that occurred after the emergency call. The sheer cataclysmic shift in the mood was staggering but the pure malice, hatred and bloodlust emitted by her parents and their dear guests was the quiet a frightening thing to behold and small redhead girl couldn’t help but try to find some comfort in the presence of her best friends. They too move to be closer, signaling that Edda and Alheif also didn’t taking the atmosphere in the dining hall well.
But as the trio of girl continued to listen to grown-up chatter and then the passionate speech on Lars Ven Kluge their fear and anxiety slowly but steadily was replaced with a wrath and ferociousness: Vita, Edda and Alheid had no idea that they beloved home suffered so greatly at the hands of those Jap-ai-nis, that so many brave Belkans died because of their foul enemy’s treachery.
As their ire grows while the girls listen to Herzog Lars’ patriotic lines they started to accept the soul-crushing bloodlust and bloodcurdling fury that flow in the air like a poisonous gas. In fact soon Vita, Alheid and Edda starts emit the very same miasmas of wrath and vengeance, combining with the vicious scowl that mirror of that on each face of any adult in this room.
So consumed by those dark feelings those three girl was that they utterly overlook the moment when the massive shadow block the light from the chandelled and powerful voice speak to them.
“Here you are junge Damen“ the sound of Oswin Ven Schoneherd’s voice break into their ears so suddenly that girls shrieked and almost jumped out of their shoes. Hastily restoring their “noble†look Vita Ven Schoneherd, Alheid Ven Kluge and Edda Ven Farber turned around to meet the sight of a grinning castle’s master together with his wife (who cleverly hid her smile beside her fist).
“I like to see that even younger of us have the blazing spirit of warrior maidens of the past but I already have the task for all of you, little ones.â€
The trio of young nobles stiffened immediately when those words leaved grossherzog;s mouth. Yeas, Oswin was very cheerful and friendly, love his daughter dearly and he truly consider Edda and Alheid as his nephews (and those feelings was mutual); but he also was their sovereign and betraying your sovereign trust by failing him could drive some Belkan to suicide in the past, even if no one accurse them for the fail.
Their faces now were completely devoid of all emotions bar determination and obedience, when the girl bowed to him and declared in unison: “We wait for your orders, unser Herr.â€
Oswin’s face also lost all previous cheerfulness and wore the solemn expression when he give them the order: “Dame Vita Ven Schoneherd, Dame Alheif Ven Kluge and Dame Edda Ven Farber, I, Oswin Ven Schoneherd, by the grace of Sankt-Kaiser and Our Kaiser Ludwig Van Wolken, the sovereign of the Stein Krone star system and governor of imperial sector Rigol hereby order you – you’ll go to Dame Vita’s private chamber and help her to prepare herself for departure. Dame Alheid and Dame Edda’s own luggage would be carried to the car which would carry all of you to the Schmetternden Berg space port once we repel Japanese’ first assault. Then, the battleship “Wille sum Zieg†would carry you all to the Rotenaugen, where you would be stationed at the Ven Kluge’s castle. Herzog Lars give the necessary orders right now.â€
Only the long-term and thoughtful lessons in proper etiquette taught by her mother Martha (and enforced with a long and sturdy twig) herself prevent Vita from violent outburst here and now. What the kek her father us saying – her home planet in a grave danger and he want to simply sent her away like a ill-tempered dog to an obedience school. Vita could positively feel how her face emit a waves of heat and become as red as her hairs. She make a deep inhale, preparing to give a piece of her mind to her father but then she felt as something cold tough her bare chest.
She reached out under her shirt with her right hand to touch the metallic surface of Graf Eisen, whom she unconsciously put there after she de-packed her armor. Her Armed Device, the present from her parents and the proof of her adulthood. This simple thought utterly rid all of her ire, replacing it with a sad resignation: adult Belkan noble wouldn’t throw a temper tantrum before all those present important people - it’ll just humiliate her and her family. Adult Belkan warrior know how to control her wrath to prevent herself from turning into giant tomato-girl.
And moist important adult Belkan know the limits of her strength – without any experience on battle field she would be just a useless load for her much more battle-hardened brethrens. Her knowledge on space battles was minimal, and she knows no spells that could bolster their defense line or give a additional power to their offense. She would just make everything even more stressing for her family if she goes on battle field right now.
And thus Vita Ven Schoneherd made a graceful curtsey, which Edda and Alheid immodestly following her example, and then giving her father and grossherzog an answer: “Jawohl, under Herr†Said trio of a young nobles in unison, drawing a small smiles on Martha and Oswin’s faces.
“It was a splendid curtsey, my dear daughter.†Praised her mother, who made a few steps forward to stay right in front of a small redhead. Vita couldn’t help but sigh in relief and jot when usual gentle smile appear on her mother’s face again, pushing the stone-cold mask of indifference she wore from the moment alarm claxons start their song.
“I know about you inner turmoil and I’m very glad that you already can understand your own limitation and weakness as it’s a right way to overcoming them. Make no mistake Vita, Edda, Alheid…†Other small girls gasped when Martha switch her attention to them for a moment to give them a strong but reassuring gaze. “We send you to herzog’s Lars home not to crouch under the couch, but to train with a prominent instructors how to lead entire armies to a battlefield in the special training school. And once your tutorial are finished you’ll join the rank of our army to lead your forces to victory. You all would stand arm to arm with the beast of Wolkenreich in the battleâ€
They were to astonished by the weight of upcoming duties, hardness of future’s training and the direness of a entire situation to shout in joy, but Vita, Alheid and Edda spirit raised significantly. Before this year come to its end Edda and Alheid also would receive their own Devices and then all of them would go to the training camp to work on their strength and hone their skills further.
And once they would be ready their fangs would sink into the flesh of Japanese invaders.
With another sharp bow the girl raced toward the door, which was already wide open to let all the guests to come out. They all hastened toward their destination point to, each in his/her manner to participate in the battle.
Oswin stared at his daughter’s back for a while but then turn around to meet his youngest son’s passive gaze. Peter also wasn’t happy that he was for all purpose also sent away – he was “Wille sum Zieg" gunnery officer after all. His days in academy was over and he was eager to join the grand battle, but the order from his father was clear – he would go to an Rotenaugen to protect the girls.
Peter Ven Schoneherd was truly unhappy with such outcome but he was also a soldier and he never questioned his superiors’ order without truly important reason. Oswin nodded, recognizing his efforts in following the code of the soldier before declaring:
“It’s time for you to go back to your ship, my son.†Peter saluted him and marched toward the gates too, gracefully bending into the stream of the people who went toward the exit too. “Don’t forget how important you task is, Peter. Those girl’s lives under your protection from now.â€
Peter turned his torso to meet his father’s eyes and pumped his fist into the air before shouting ion his own.
“Give those bastard beating of their life, father!†Oswin answer with a vicious smile.â€Don’t worry Peter – those shits would deeply regret the second when they jumped in Stein Krone system without the invitation.“
Peter nod in response with a smile no less savage than his father’s own and hastened forward. Oswin feel the gentle pat on his left shoulder and when he made a 180 degrees turn around his hardened eyes meet the resolute gaze of Martha Ven Schoneherd, whose body language particularly scream that she can’t wait for battle, when she would be able to made the repugnant invaders to pay in blood in fire for all sufferings they bring onto their land, to start.
“We need to hurry up an go to the control room, dear.†Despite her boiling wrath and anticipation for the upcoming bout his wife’s vice was even and somehow soothing. Oswin straightened up and answer with a sharp nod. Not willing to disrupt their guests leave and give additional problem to already crowded castle’s transport system, married pair dashed toward the door on the opposite side of the dining hall – they still have their trained legs so they would reach their point of destination on their own. It wouldn’t take more than ten minutes for such trained runners to made all way through the maze of the corridors and halls.
The smell of battle filled the air not only in the gargantuan castle and capital city, but cover entire star system as well. The alarm claxons roared in the warning, the threads of a battle tanks, APCs and other land vehicles gnashed into the lands as their engines roared to live. The boots of millions of soldiers rumbled over the floor as legions of legions prepared to battle. Even more deafening howl shook the air as the massive warships lift from their ports all over the planet to join their brothers in the space.
Entire system was preparing for the deciding battle.