As they walked into the conference room nervousness took over their bodies standing in front of the conglomeration of diplomats representing some of the most formidable countries in the galaxy.
Zephyr looked towards Ayame, seeking reassurance. She gave him a small nod, her eyes filled with determination. They were in this together, and they would face whatever came next as a team.
The room was filled with a palpable tension, the air heavy with the weight of the decisions that would be made within these walls. The diplomats sat around a large oval table, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension as they watched Zephyr and Ayame approach.
At the head of the table sat Zephyr's mother, Luna Novastride, a seasoned diplomat and a respected figure in the galactic community.
Her stern gaze softened slightly as she saw her son, but she quickly regained her composure, maintaining the professional demeanour that was expected of her in this setting.
"Captain Zephyr Novastride and Lieutenant Commander Ayame," she began, her voice echoing in the silent room. "Thank you for joining us. We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Zephyr nodded, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. "Thank you for having us, Madam Ambassador," he replied, addressing his mother formally.
Luna nodded and stood up from her seat and motioned for the staff to begin the presentation.
As Luna stood, the room fell into a hush. She moved with grace and authority that commanded respect.
With a nod to a nearby aide, the lights in the room dimmed and a large holographic screen flickered to life at the front of the room.
"Let's begin," Luna said, her voice steady and clear. "We have a lot to cover."
The screen displayed rotating 3D models of three separate Riders each with distinct features.
Luna took a deep breath and finally began
"These are the three mechs that we've been developing in collaboration with our partners across the galaxy.
Each one has been designed with a specific purpose in mind, and together, they represent the pinnacle of our current technological capabilities."
The first model that appeared on the screen was a sleek blue-coloured, agile mech, its design streamlined for speed and manoeuvrability.
"This is the Phalcon," Luna explained. "It's designed for reconnaissance and quick-strike missions. Its lightweight frame and advanced propulsion systems allow it to move faster than any other mech in our arsenal."
Next, a larger, more robust red mech appeared on the screen.
"This is the Titan," Luna continued. "It's our frontline assault unit. It's heavily armoured and equipped with a wide range of weapons systems. It's slower than the Phalcon, but what it lacks in speed, it makes up for it in firepower and durability."
Finally, a third yellow mech appeared on the screen.
It served as a specialized unit for electronic warfare and long-range support but lacked the speed of the Phalcon or the Armour of the Titan.
"And this is the Arachnid," Luna said. "It's a specialized mech, capable of handling a variety of mission profiles. It's equipped with an ECM suit and Gauss rifle as well as an array of defensive weapons making it suitable for prolonged battles."
Luna looked towards the diplomats with a smirk as they watched the Riders with great interest
"Other than the specialized models, we've developed a plethora of generic modular multi-purpose Riders for use by our partners and would be more than happy to offer more customized models for a price."
The room buzzed with murmurs as the diplomats considered Luna's proposition. The holographic screen transitioned to display a variety of these generic Riders, showcasing their versatility and adaptability.
"These modular Riders are designed with customization in mind," Luna continued, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "They can be easily adapted to suit the specific needs of your forces, whether that's for defence, exploration, or combat. We have a team of engineers ready to work with you to design a Rider that meets your exact specifications."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "We believe that these Riders can greatly enhance the capabilities of your forces and provide a significant advantage in any situation. We are committed to working with you to ensure that you have the tools you need to protect your people and maintain peace in your territories."
The room fell silent as the diplomats considered Luna's offer. The potential benefits were clear, but they would need to consider the cost, both financially and politically.
Luna watched them, her expression smug. She knew that the decision they made could have far-reaching implications for the future of the galaxy and it would all stem from OSA.
An American Diplomat queried "So what would be the production costs for a squadron of these Riders and what testing has been done to prove their battle readiness?"
Luna nodded at the question, appreciating the directness. "The cost of production for a squadron of these Riders would depend on the specific configurations and customizations required. However, we have worked diligently to ensure that these mechs are as cost-effective as possible without compromising their performance or reliability."
She gestured to the aide at her side, who quickly inputted a command into a handheld device. The holographic screen shifted to display a series of charts and figures, detailing the estimated costs for various configurations of the Riders.
"As for testing.." Luna continued, "Each model has undergone rigorous trials under a variety of conditions.
We've simulated a range of combat scenarios, from close-quarters urban warfare to large-scale battles in open terrain and also tested in extreme environments, such as the Nebulas and the harsh conditions of various planetary landscapes."
The screen transitioned again, this time showing footage from these tests. The Riders moved with impressive agility and precision, their weapons systems firing with pinpoint accuracy.
"We are also planning to demonstrate their capabilities during the counterattack on Prospera by the UN Rapid Reaction Force," Luna added.
The Diplomats who were aware of the counterattack simply nodded whereas the rest immediately shouted with disdain "This is an Act of War against a species we know nothing about, should we not try Diplomacy before making such a barbaric move?."
Luna sighed and held up her hand, signalling for calm. "I understand your concerns Mr Ambassador," she said, her voice steady.
"We have not taken this decision lightly. We have attempted diplomatic channels over and over again, but alas our efforts have been met with no response. The situation in Prospera is dire, and the inhabitants are suffering. We cannot stand by and do nothing."
She paused, looking each of the diplomats in the eye. "This is not a declaration of war against an unknown species. This is a response to an act of aggression against innocent lives. We are not the aggressors here. We are defenders, stepping in to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
She switched the display playing a video of the initial battle at Prospera.
"This is what we're dealing with," Luna said, her voice solemn as the video began to play.
The room fell silent as the diplomats watched the horrifying footage.
The alien dreadnought, a monstrous vessel of unknown origin cut through the USS Thunderbolt as if it were made of paper.
The ease with which the dreadnought dispatched the Thunderbolt was a chilling demonstration of the alien forces' power.
Nova Heights, the capital was reduced to rubble by the alien forces, mowing down helpless civilians without any regard for life.
It soon ended with the once vibrant city turning into a desolate wasteland being glassed by plasma lances devastating the land and marring it forever.
"This is the reality of the situation in Prospera," Luna said, her voice depressed echoing in the silent room.
"If you hold any regard for the sanctity of human life, then I believe our course is clear - we must retaliate! Who stands with me?" Luna's voice rang out, her fist thrust high into the air, a beacon of defiance and resolve.
The room was filled with a tense silence as Luna's words hung in the air. Then, one by one, the diplomats began to raise their fists in solidarity.
The Americans were the first, followed by the Russians, the Indians, the Union, the Federation, and the Europeans.
Slowly, the rest of the diplomats joined in, they raised their fists as a symbol of their commitment to stand against the alien threat.
The sight of the unified diplomats, their fists raised high in the air, was a powerful one.
It was a testament to their shared resolve, their willingness to set aside their differences and stand together in the face of a common enemy, where man had failed humanity prevailed.
"We stand with you," said the American diplomat, his voice firm. "We will not stand by and allow this atrocity to continue."
The other diplomats echoed his sentiment, their voices joining together in a chorus of agreement.
It was clear that they were united in their decision to take action, to stand up for Prospera and humanity.
The unexpected display of unity left Zephyr and Ayame in awe.
They hadn't anticipated that the diplomats would endorse the counterattack, let alone that the Americans would permit a UN mission on their soil. Even for a fleeting moment, the consensus seemed beyond their expectations.
Yet, beneath the surface of this extraordinary unity, the undercurrents of political manoeuvring were not lost. Some diplomats, their faces masked with smirks, revelled in the unfolding developments.
Unseen by Zephyr and Ayame, these subtle expressions hinted at the intricate dance of politics that was always at play in such high-stakes situations.
It served as a dark reminder that in this game of galactic chess, it was always about agendas.
Luna then transitioned the presentation to Zephyr, who was to detail the counterattack plan they had deliberated on just before entering the hall.
"Now, Captain Zephyr will elucidate the specifics of our counteroffensive," Luna announced, her voice tinged with a subtle note of pride.
Zephyr rose to his feet, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him.
He caught Ayame's eye, who responded with an uplifting thumbs-up gesture and whispered, "Gambare!".
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward to the centre of the room."Thank you, Madam Ambassador," Zephyr began, acknowledging his mother with a respectful nod. He then turned to face the diplomats, his gaze steady and determined.
He gestured to the aide at his side, and the holographic screen transitioned to display a detailed map of Prospera and the surrounding space.
Various points on the map were highlighted, indicating strategic locations and potential targets.
"Our plan is multi-faceted," Zephyr explained. "We will be deploying our new Riders in a coordinated assault, targeting key enemy installations and forces.
Our primary objective is to disrupt their command structure and quickly land forces onto Prospera."
As Zephyr spoke, the map on the screen zoomed in to show the proposed routes of attack and possible enemy positions.
"From what we have observed during the initial conflict, the enemy puts a heavy emphasis on Captial Ships using them as shields for smaller weight classes of warships which serve mostly as scouts and dropships.
They lack any form of CIWS or Strike Craft as shown during the USS Arizona's Suicide attack which tells us they prefer using Shock And Awe tactics to paralyze enemy defences and slowly whittle down the enemy using superior firepower."
Zephyr swept his hand across the hologram. The display seamlessly transitioned, replacing the strategic map with detailed images of the enemy vessels.
"Our approach," Zephyr resumed, "is to leverage their apparent lack of close-in weapon systems.
Our primary objective will be their capital ships. We plan to utilize the agility and speed of our Riders to evade their smaller vessels and deliver a direct assault on their core forces."
As he finished, a diplomat raised a hand, a question forming on his lips.
"What about the energy orbs the aliens deployed to intercept our initial missile salvo?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity and concern.
Zephyr nodded, acknowledging the diplomat's question. "The energy balls, or as we've come to call them Aegis Orbs, are indeed a formidable defence mechanism.
However, our analysts have been studying them closely and we believe we have found a way to counteract them."
He gestured to the holographic screen, which now displayed a detailed analysis of the Aegis orbs.
"We understand that the technology behind these Orbs has a brief cooldown period after intercepting an attack. During this time, they are vulnerable."
Zephyr's words hung in the air, the information sinking in. "Our capital ships will initiate the attack with a barrage of missiles, designed to overwhelm and occupy the alien shields. During this onslaught, our Riders, equipped with nuclear charges, will penetrate the enemy lines supported by fighter craft and target the Alien Captial Ships."
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The Russian Diplomat scoffed at the notion saying "We only have three riders what could they possibly hope to accomplish against a fleet of warships!"
Zephyr held the Russian diplomat's gaze, his expression calm and resolute. "I appreciate your concern," he responded evenly.
"By the time of the counterattack, we will have a fleet of at least a hundred standard model Riders at our disposal. And as for the three special models, I will be personally leading them into battle."
The Russian diplomat began to retort, his words brimming with scepticism. "What would a young boy like you know about war? You shouldn't be in command of..."
But before he could finish, Samuel Wesley, the American diplomat, interjected.
His voice was firm, his confidence unshakable. "We will be supplementing the Riders with our Pegasus and Janus drone swarms, as well as the USS Enterprise," he stated, his gaze steady on the Russian diplomat.
"I trust that will be sufficient for our Russian comrades," he added, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he looked at the now fuming Russian diplomat.
"Very well," the Russian diplomat conceded, his face simmering with resentment that he managed to keep from surfacing.
"As a demonstration of our commitment, we will deploy the 'Gagarin' to the cause."
Wesley acknowledged the Russian diplomat's commitment with a nod and then took his seat. His action seemed to set off a chain reaction in the room.
Upon hearing the commitments from both the Americans and Russians, the Indian diplomat quickly consulted with his government.
Soon, he announced the deployment of their flagship, the Ashoka. This decision was swiftly echoed by the Union, who pledged their Zhongquo, the Europeans with their Europa, and the Africans with their Nkrumah.
In the wake of these major commitments, a multitude of smaller nations also pledged their support, each contributing what they could to the collective effort. The room buzzed with activity as each country tried to outplay each other.
Luna stepped forward, taking control of the discussion. "Thank you, Captain Zephyr, for your comprehensive explanation," she said, her words filled with pride. "You may take your seat now."
Zephyr nodded appreciatively, returning to his place with a sense of satisfaction and relief.
Luna then proceeded to facilitate further discussions among the diplomats, addressing their questions, concerns, and suggestions.
The meeting delved into the logistical details, coordination efforts, and the timeline for the counterattack. Diplomats debated strategies, shared intelligence, and offered support to one another.
After a productive exchange of ideas and agreements reached, Luna brought the meeting to a close.
The diplomats rose from their seats, exchanging final words and gestures of solidarity.
...
Several hours later with Mother's permission, we checked into our rooms at the prestigious Hilton hotel near the UN building, after the meeting concluded.
As I was getting comfortable in my room, a knock echoed at my door.
"Zephyr, are you in there?" came Ayame's voice from the other side.
Feeling irritated due to fatigue, I walked over and opened the door. "Yes, Ayame, I'm here. What do you need?" he asked.
Ayame, with a broad grin on her face, excitedly inquired, "Do you want to go sightseeing in New York? Aunt Luna said she'll be our guide!"
I pondered for a moment and then nodded in agreement. "Sure, why not? I've always wanted to explore an Earthian city."
Ayame's excitement bubbled over as she jumped up and down, hugging me. "Yay!" she exclaimed.
After setting their plans, Ayame dashed back to her room to prepare, leaving me to do the same.
We agreed to rendezvous in the hotel lobby in thirty minutes when his mother would return.
Feeling a rush of anticipation, I quickly showered and changed into a casual outfit.
I chose a simple, yet stylish, black t-shirt paired with dark jeans and comfortable sneakers, perfect for a day of exploration.
Despite the gravity of our mission, the prospect of discovering one of Earth's most iconic cities was undeniably exhilarating.
In the lobby, Ayame was already waiting, her eyes ablaze with anticipation. True to her style, she was dressed in a loose, tank top with a thin white hoodie and a pair of worn-in high-top sneakers. A baseball cap completed her look, her short hair peeking out from under it.'
As soon as she spotted me trudging down the stairs she shouted out "Zephyr come down faster!" waving at me with excitement.
Mom joined us shortly, still dressed in her professional attire from the meeting wearing a sharp, tailored suit that exuded authority, yet her relaxed demeanour made her far more approachable.
Her hair was neatly pulled back into a bun, a stark contrast to her relaxed demeanour now.
The eyes, which had been sharp and focused during the meeting, were now warm and endearing, sparkling with amusement at our palpable excitement.
"Ready to conquer New York?" Mom asked, her voice filled with a playful challenge.
"Yeah!!" Ayame shouted in excitement while I responded with a calm and lazy "yeh" with an, approving nod, his excitement more subdued but equally present.
With a unanimous agreement, we set out, with Mom leading the charge.
...
Our first stop was the Statue of Liberty, a towering symbol of freedom and democracy.
We boarded a ferry to Liberty Island, the colossal statue growing larger as they approached.
Once we disembarked, we stood in awe of the towering symbol of freedom. Mom's stories about its history and significance added a layer of depth to our experience, making it even more poignant.
I gazed up at the Statue of Liberty, a scoff escaping my lips. "So much for freedom till it doesn't suit their interests!" My words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the past.
Mom and Ayame remained silent, their faces solemn. They all knew too well the actions this country had taken against our homeland decades ago. The statue, a symbol of liberty, now bore a bittersweet tinge in our eyes.
Soon enough we left the island plunging into the sensory overload that was Times Square, often referred to as the 'Crossroads of the Galaxy'.
Times Square had evolved over the years, now boasting towering holographic billboards that added a new dimension to the cityscape which pierced the skies deep into the clouds.
The holograms, displaying a myriad of advertisements and messages, were a spectacle in themselves, their vibrant colours and three-dimensional images creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
The pulsating energy of Times Square, with its life-like 3D displays, the buzz of the crowd, and the constant hum of activity, left both of us wide-eyed.
We stood amidst the hustle and bustle, taking in the futuristic cityscape that was a testament to Earth's technological advancements.
Soon we immersed ourselves in the local culture, sampling street food that sent their taste buds on a journey of new flavours.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, Ayame's eyes landed on a shop selling pizza. Her face lit up with excitement as she recognized it from their internet searches. "Zephyr, this is the place I saw on the internet!" she exclaimed, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the shop.
Feeling a bit peckish and amused by Ayame's enthusiasm, I went along with her antics.
The smell of freshly baked pizza wafting from the shop was indeed inviting, and I found myself looking forward to this new culinary experience.
We entered the bustling pizza shop, the aroma of baking dough and melting cheese enveloping them.
It was Lombardi's in New York, known for its traditional wood-fired pizza oven and its claim to be the first pizzeria in the United States.
Ayame led the way to the counter, her eyes scanning the menu with anticipation. Luna and Zephyr followed, taking in the lively atmosphere of the place.
Ayame ordered a large New York-style pizza, her excitement barely contained.
The pizza, with its thin, crispy crust, was generously topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella with cheddar, and pepperoni.
As the server slid the pizza onto a large plate and handed it over, Ayame's face lit up.
Soon we found a table and sat down, at the pizza place in the centre.
I took a slice, the cheese stretching in a long, gooey strand. He took a bite, the flavours bursting in his mouth. The crust was perfectly crispy, the sauce tangy, and the cheese melted to perfection.
Ayame's face lit up. The sight of the pizza, so similar to the ones they had seen in pictures of Lombardi's, added to their anticipation.
"It's so good!" she exclaimed, happily devouring a slice.
I simply agreed, continuing to enjoy the pizza, when a phone rang nearby. "Ring! Ring!"
The sound cut through the bustling noise of the pizza shop.
Mom, who had been enjoying the pizza with a satisfied expression, suddenly shifted to a more serious demeanour upon hearing the phone.
The change in her was immediate and noticeable. Her previously relaxed state was replaced with a look of concern as she picked up the call.
"Yes, Luna Starlight, representative of the Orion Systems Alliance speaking. What might be the business of the American Ministry of Foreign Affairs?" she answered, her voice steady and professional.
"Mrs Luna Starlight, Ambassador Wesley wishes to speak with you. Could you please arrive at the Osean Embassy as soon as possible?" came the response from the other end.
Luna, taken aback by the abrupt demand, rose to her feet in anger. "What kind of demand is this?" she shouted into the phone, her voice reverberating through the pizza shop.
"I'm a diplomat of another country. How can Mr Wesley simply order me to do anything he wants? Does he not know we have protocols for such communication?"
"Please forgive me, Ma'am, I have simply conveyed what I've been directed to do!" the young informant on the other end of the line apologized, his voice shaky.
Seeing my mother's escalating frustration, I quickly stepped in. "Mom, calm down! It's fine, you can go," he said, his voice steady and soothing.
I understood her frustration all too well, aware of how the larger powers had been strong-arming the Orion Systems Alliance to suit their whims and fancies.
Mom turned to me, an apologetic look in her eyes. She pulled me into a hug, saying, "Forgive me, I couldn't even manage to spend one day with you."
I returned the hug with a small smile. "I understand, Mother. Don't worry about us, we'll be fine," I reassured her, glancing at Ayame for confirmation.
Ayame nodded vigorously in agreement, her expression supportive.
Mom ended the call soon after, agreeing to the request. She immediately prepared to leave, turning to Zephyr and Ayame one last time.
"Call me if you need anything," she instructed before heading out, leaving Me and Ayame to continue their exploration of the city.
We made our way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they were greeted by a vast collection of art from various eras and cultures.
Ayame, with her keen interest in art, was particularly captivated. Her eyes sparkled with fascination as she took in the various exhibits.
Spotting a section dedicated to early 21st Century art, Ayame excitedly dragged Zephyr, who had little interest in the subject, over to a particular piece.
"Look at this, isn't it a beauty!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.
Not understanding much about the artwork, I simply responded with a 'Yes'.
I knew that agreeing would prevent Ayame from launching into a detailed discussion about the art piece.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the subject, I couldn't help but smile at Ayame's passion and excitement.
What soon caught my attention, was an exhibit showcasing an old weapon system, the fabled Javelin from the early days of the 21st century.
The sight of the Javelin stirred memories of my history lessons about Earth's past conflicts.
I knew from his studies that the Javelin was a pioneering design that had paved the way for the development of the Dragoon, a weapon widely used by the United States of North America's armed forces.
Like the Javelin, the Dragoon had a fire-and-forget capability, but instead of a conventional warhead, the Dragoon used a micro fission charge, a testament to the technological advancements of the time, it could level houses completely.
After spending some time examining the Javelin, I was satisfied and began to explore the rest of the exhibit.
I moved from one display to another, each showcasing different weapons from the era. There were rifles, machine guns, and even early models of USNA's fabled drones, each with its own unique history and technological advancements.
Despite the controversial history associated with these weapons, I found myself drawn to the intricate technology and engineering behind them.
I spent a considerable amount of time at each display, studying the weapons with a keen interest that reflected his fascination.
Finally, after thoroughly exploring the exhibit, I noticed Ayame, who seemed to be growing bored with the museum. I called out to her, "Ayame, let's leave. We'll be late for dinner!"
At the mention of leaving, Ayame instantly perked up. She came running towards him, her face lighting up with relief. "Yeah, let's go. I'm tired of this place already," she agreed, her voice echoing her eagerness to leave.
...
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the city, they arrived at Central Park. The city was coming to life in the evening light, and Central Park was no exception.
Families were enjoying picnics on the lush green lawns, joggers were making their way along the winding paths, and children were chasing after frisbees.
We found a bench near the Bethesda Fountain to rest, our bodies weary from a day of exploring the city.
As we sat down, a sense of peace and calm washed over them. The blend of natural beauty and man-made attractions provided a serene backdrop to their rest.
"Ayame, what do you think of the USNA?" I queried, my gaze drifting towards the sky, a melancholic look in his eyes. But no answer came from Ayame. "Ayame?" I repeated, turning to look at her.
Instead of a reply, I felt a slight bump against his shoulder. Ayame had slouched against me, fast asleep from the day's adventures, her cap falling off.
As I got a close look at Ayame's face, I noticed something different. Her delicate rosy lips, the slow rhythm of her breathing, and her doll-like face struck me in a new light.
My hand moved on its own almost cupping her face, and I found myself muttering "Beautiful," as if in a trance.
Upon hearing my words, Ayame stirred from her sleep. A wicked grin spread across her face as she propped herself up on her elbow. "Could you please repeat that?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Beautiful!, wasn't it!" she teased, her voice laced with amusement. She knew she had caught me off guard, and she was enjoying every moment of it.
Realizing she had heard me, I frowned and chose to ignore her question.
However, my reaction only served to fuel Ayame's imagination, and she began to fantasize about our future together.
In her mind's eye, she imagined a beautiful, cherry blossom-filled park, with Zephyr standing under a sakura tree, his hair gently ruffled by the breeze. He was looking at her with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting the pink hues of the blossoms.
She saw herself running towards him, her heart pounding in her chest. As she reached him, he extended his hand towards her, and she took it without hesitation.
They stood there, hand in hand, under the shower of cherry blossoms. The world around them seemed to fade into the background, their hearts beating in sync. And then, Zephyr turned to her, his eyes meeting hers."I love you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, yet the words echoed in her mind.
Ayame drooled heavily imagining their futures together, the moment she leaned in for a kiss she was abruptly brought back to reality by a sudden noise.
"Woof! Woof!" She looked up to see a golden ball of fur bounding towards them. It was a dog, a golden retriever to be exact, its tail wagging enthusiastically as it approached them.
"Woof! Grrrr," the dog growled playfully, and for no apparent reason, decided to launch itself at Ayame.
Noticing the dog's intent, I quickly moved out of the way, leaving Ayame to fend for herself.
Before she could react, the dog tackled her to the ground, knocking over the flimsy wooden bench in the process.
Ayame let out a surprised scream, "Kyaaa!" as she found herself pinned under the large, friendly beast.
Immediately, the dog started lavishing her face with slobbery licks. Ayame looked up, a mix of surprise and mild discomfort on her face.
"Owww! Hey, stop it! Stop!" she protested, trying to wriggle out from under the dog's enthusiastic affection.
Pfftt!, hahaha!" I couldn't help but laugh at the hilarious situation unfolding before me. Ayame, still pinned under the dog, shot me an annoyed look.
"Hey, stop laughing and help me, idiot!" she protested, trying to shove the dog off her. But her efforts were in vain until a coarse voice rang out from a distance.
"Cooper, down boy!"
We turned to see a large black man rapidly skateboarding towards them. He skidded to a stop just short of the knocked-over bench and quickly pried the dog off Ayame.
As I helped Ayame up, the man started apologizing profusely, his head bowed in embarrassment.
"Forgive me, I didn't think that Cooper here would jump onto anyone. Please excuse him," he pleaded. The dog whimpered alongside his owner, seeming to share in his shame.
Seeing their regretful faces, Ayame decided to let the matter go. "It's fine, no harm done. He just licked me, that's all," she reassured him.
The man's face immediately lit up with relief, suggesting that this wasn't the first time something like this had happened.
"Thank you so much. I had gotten into trouble with the police before because Cooper jumped on a lady in the park," he admitted.
Ayame simply smiled and replied, "No worries, we weren't going to report you for such a minor thing anyway."
"Oh, is that so? Then I guess I was worried for no reason. On that note, where are you guys from? You don't seem to be from around here," he asked.
"We're from the Orion Systems Alliance," Zephyr replied, pointing inquisitively to the holo tag sticking out of the man's pocket. "It seems like you're part of the armed forces?"
"Oh! You noticed that. Seems like there's more to you two than it shows. But yes, I'm Major Karl Anthony, part of the USAF," he said, giving a mock salute.
We salute back, introducing ourselves, "Captain Zephyr Novastride and Lieutenant Commander Ayame Kobayashi of the Osean Space Force."
Hearing the term 'Osean', Karl's interest was piqued. "So, you're the son of Ambassador Luna," he stated more than asked.
I nodded in confirmation and asked, "How do you know about me?"
Karl paused for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. He shook his head and said, "Forgive me, I cannot tell you that at this moment."
"We will meet again very soon, and that's when you will know the answer," he added, placing his hand on my shoulder with a smile.
I tried to question him further, but Karl simply skated away with his dog, waving back at them.
Left with no choice, we decided to continue our journey.
As we left the park, the city lights were beginning to twinkle, casting a magical glow over the streets of New York.
We made our way towards the Empire State Building, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. The towering structure stood majestically against the night sky, its lights shimmering like stars.
Taking an elevator ride up to the observation deck, my heart pounded with anticipation.
As the doors opened, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the city. The skyline was a sea of twinkling lights, stretching as far as the eye could see. The sight was awe-inspiring, both of us stood there for a moment, taking it all in.
We walked towards the edge of the deck, the cool night breeze brushing against our faces as we looked out at the city, its pulsating energy seeming almost serene from this height. The skyscrapers, the traffic, the people - everything seemed so surreal.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but reflect on everything that had happened in the short month since I had become a Captain. From leaving my father behind to capturing Zhi Wu, and now preparing to join an actual war - it was a lot to take in.
I glanced at Ayame, who was taking in the view with her usual childlike enthusiasm. Despite the challenges we were facing, her spirit remained unbroken. It was comforting to know that I wasn't alone in this journey.
I watched as she excitedly pointed out different landmarks, her eyes sparkling with wonder. It was moments like these that reminded me of why we were fighting - to protect our loved ones and the moments of peace and joy they deserve.
Soon enough my mother called us to return to the hotel as she had finished up her meeting, we had seen so much and yet, there was so much more to explore. But for now, we were content with the memories we had made.
...
TBC