The delegation that awaited them was an impressive sight. Either they were representatives present at the New York Summit or they were high-ranking admirals, their uniforms adorned with a myriad of medals.
As the two groups converged, Jacques, the UN Secretary-General with brown hair streaked with grey, stepped forward. His face, etched with the lines of stress, still held an authoritative presence.
His eyes, however, remained sharp as they met the approaching group. Extending his hand, he greeted, Captain Zephyr, it's good to meet you finally. Your reputation precedes you."
As Jacques stepped forward to greet Zephyr, his demeanour was reminiscent of historical figures like Dag Hammarskjöld, a past UN Secretary-General known for his diplomatic prowess during the Cold War era.
Zephyr, not missing a beat, firmly shook Jacques' hand. His eyes were calm, lips pressed into a thin line, betraying a sense of caution beneath his courteous demeanour. “It's an honour to meet you, Secretary General,” he replied.
Jacques nodded in acknowledgement. Then, turning to the pale-skinned brunette beside him, he gave her an encouraging nod, his eyes softening briefly. “Go on,” he urged with a hint of mischief, “Didn’t you want to meet the Captain?”
Casting a reproachful glance at Jacques, the brunette composed herself. With a confident stride, she approached Zephyr, extending her hand gracefully.
As the woman neared Zephyr, Ayame's gaze sharpened, catching the fleeting touch between their hands. To others, it might seem innocent, but Ayame noticed every detail.
"Captain Novastride," she began with an eagle-like sharpness in her eyes, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation, "It's a pleasure to meet you finally. I've been looking forward to this moment for quite some time."
Zephyr's gaze lingered on the young woman before him, momentarily entranced. Her rich brown hair flowed gracefully in a neat ponytail, accentuating her poised demeanour.
Her physique spoke of elegance and strength, a harmonious blend of grace and determination. Overcoming his initial surprise, he leaned down, gently kissing her hand. "And to whom do I owe the pleasure of this introduction?" he inquired with a hint of charm.
"Eeeep!" the girl exclaimed, her face flushing a deep shade of pink. She retreated a step, her eyes wide with surprise. While this was their country's custom, it had become quite antiquated over time. Taking a deep breath to regain her composure, a rosy tint still evident on her cheeks, she introduced herself, "I am Aria Starweaver, representing the UN Youth Council."
As Aria introduced herself, a smaller holographic badge appeared beside her, displaying the emblem of the UN Youth Council, emphasizing her role and affiliation.
Observing the scene, Ayame's eyes bore into Zephyr with such intensity that it felt as if a demonic aura emanated from her.
Ayame's eyes flitted between the two figures, a whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her mind. "Who is she?" she pondered, a hint of unease creeping into her thoughts.
Seizing the opportunity to intervene, she gracefully moved forward, her voice feigned sweetness as she concealed her annoyance.
"Ms Starweaver," she greeted with a calm voice, her smile not quite reaching her eyes, "what a pleasure it is to meet you."
Noticing the awkward atmosphere, Aria cleared her throat hoping to redirect the conversation "Captain, Lieutenant Commander," she began poised, “I've been assigned to guide you through the Astra Star Fortress. There's a briefing scheduled, and I'll be accompanying you throughout."
Jacques glanced fondly at Aria, a hint of paternal pride evident in his eyes. "Aria is one of our brightest diplomats. Her insights will be invaluable."
Zephyr shot a quick glare at Ayame who was pretending to be oblivious about her actions and courteously replied "We're grateful for the guidance, Secretary General.”
Ayame's mind raced feeling crestfallen she thought “Of course, she's the damn guide. She'll be with us the entire time. How am I supposed to handle this?"
As the group began to move, Aria took the lead, guiding them through the labyrinthine corridors of the Astra. The fortress was a marvel of engineering, with vast halls and state-of-the-art facilities.
Every so often, they'd stroll past expansive windows, unveiling the boundless stretch of space, brimming with a remarkable collection of docked vessels. The sight of countless warships receiving maintenance in the station’s repair bay left the group in awe, as they had seldom witnessed such a vast assembly of warships congregated in a single location.
As they descended the stairs to the hall, a striking golden eagle statue captured their attention, its wings poised as though preparing to take flight. The inscription at its base read, 'To the Greatness Beyond,' a tribute to the relentless spirit of the American Explorers.
Pausing to regard the statue, Zephyr was filled with profound reverence for those trailblazers, seeing in them echoes of historic explorers like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan from the Age of Discovery.
As they continued through the corridors, Ayame seized a fleeting moment of quiet amidst the hustle. Gracefully bridging the gap between herself and Zephyr, her typically serene eyes now glinted with a mix of curiosity and doubt. In a hushed tone, she asked, "Zephyr, how are you acquainted with that woman?
Zephyr, slightly taken aback by the intensity of her gaze, glanced briefly at Aria before leaning closer to Ayame.
He murmured, a hint of confusion evident, "Honestly, Ayame, I've never met her before. What's bothering you?"
Ayame's eyes momentarily clouded with a mix of regret and frustration. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Let's focus on the mission for now," she said, her voice softer, avoiding direct eye contact. "We can talk about this later."
Confused by Ayame's sudden shift in demeanour, Zephyr could only nod in response. He watched as she quickened her pace, weaving her way to the front of the assembly of diplomats and admirals, leaving him to ponder the reason.
Before they knew it, the majestic halls of the Astra Emporium loomed before them, the very place where Prospera's fate hung in the balance.
Swiftly, Aria guided them into the room, simultaneously dispatching an aide to direct the Rider squadron to a separate chamber, given their limited role in this setting.
Upon entering the briefing room, a vast holographic display of the galaxy greeted them, with various strategic locations pinpointed in vibrant colours. Representatives from different nations, already deep in hushed conversations, filled the room.
Aria gave a slight bow and, gestured to the front seats. "Captain, Lieutenant Commander the summit has been preponed," she addressed, "please take your seats. The briefing will commence shortly."
Settling into his seat, Zephyr's gaze found a familiar face. Besides the American admiral sat his mother, Luna, her usual poise overshadowed by a rare hint of unease.
Though unable to ask her, Zephyr felt helpless at the moment, Before he could gather his thoughts, the room's lights dimmed, and the central hologram expanded, showcasing a 3D representation of the Prosperan System. The hologram highlighted critical strategic points, making it easier for the attendees to visualise the upcoming discussion.
Within moments, screens flickered to life, showcasing the visages of various heads of state from the participating countries. Presiding over them was the Secretary-General, given the mission's UN affiliation.
The room's atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation as Aria stepped forward, her eyes sharp as she took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping across the assembled leaders.
"Today, we stand on the precipice of a defining moment," she began, her voice resonating with conviction. "We rally not for conquest, but in defence against the Virelians, these enigmatic beings from the stars. The faces of our trapped citizens on Prospera haunt our collective conscience. Our mission, shaped by the wisdom of the admirals present, is not just a strategic endeavour. It's a testament to our commitment to uphold peace, to champion dignity, and to ensure equality resonates throughout every corner of our galaxy."
The room erupted in thunderous applause, echoing off the walls as the delegates approved.
However, the celebration was short-lived as Jacques swiftly rose from his seat, his stern face cutting through the noise. "Enough!" he commanded, sternly. "Gentlemen, let's maintain decorum. Captain Novastride will present his strategy to the admirals for their consideration."
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After Jacques' announcement, Zephyr rose from his seat, exuding an air of determination. He extended a hand, emphasising his words, "Esteemed Admirals, I stand before you at a pivotal moment. While I acknowledge that my expertise may not match yours, I implore you to consider my strategy before passing judgment."
With a swift motion, Zephyr approached the central hologram. He began manipulating the image positioning their fleets in a strategic formation he had meticulously planned the day before.
The room fell into a hushed silence, every gaze riveted to the holographic display as Zephyr deftly manoeuvred the fleet markers. The meticulous orchestration of ships and their formations vividly illustrated his tactical vision against the Virelians.
"From what you can see," Zephyr started, his voice steady and confident, "our approach is twofold. Our first move is to deploy stealth drones, covertly assessing the Virelian forces to gather vital intelligence."
As Zephyr delved into his strategy, the holographic display animated in sync with his motions, illustrating the fleet's movements, the Virelian force placements, and the projected paths of the stealth drones.
An admiral, his face set in a stern expression and his chest adorned with numerous medals, interjected, "Stealth drones? How can we be certain they'll remain undetected?"
Zephyr quickly met the admiral's gaze, "We're using the latest cloaking tech on our drones. They should be undetectable to the Virelians and will give us real-time intel. It's a calculated risk."
Nods of agreement rippled through the room, and Zephyr continued, "Following the drone reconnaissance, a diversionary fleet, calibrated for impact rather than size, will engage the Virelians directly, serving as our tactical feint."
Another voice chimed in, this time a female admiral with sharp eyes, "And if the Virelians see through this feint?"
Zephyr responded, "That's where the strength of our main fleet comes in. While they're distracted, even if momentarily," he gestured towards the central hologram, where the markers for the main fleet were positioned, "our main force will execute a flanking manoeuvre from the rear. Their primary targets will be the Virelians' supply lines and communication hubs."
Zephyr's gaze moved deliberately across the room, meeting the focused eyes of the admirals and representatives. "Our strategy," he stressed, "aims to dismantle their logistical core and disrupt their command structure. Considering the enemy's penchant for shock tactics, implementing this plan will not only grant us a tactical edge but also promises a decisive victory with minimal losses, reminiscent of Admiral Nelson's approach at the Battle of Trafalgar."
Ayame observed with rapt attention, momentarily pushing aside her twinge of jealousy. She had consistently recognised Zephyr's strategic brilliance, but witnessing him captivate the room elevated her admiration to a new level.
"If the Virelians foresee our flanking move," Zephyr elaborated, adjusting the hologram to depict an alternate formation, "we've planned a feigned retreat. This would lure them out, leaving their supply lines vulnerable for a direct strike."
Another admiral, a striking woman with flowing silver hair and a Russian emblem pinned prominently on her uniform, arched an eyebrow. "A daring strategy, Novastride. But the civilians on Prospera - how do we guarantee their safety amid such upheaval?"
Zephyr met her questioning eyes directly, prepared for such a query. "Parallel to our strike team's efforts, specialised rescue missions are already planned. The Riders will set off nuclear charges on the enemy ships, causing a distraction. During that brief chaos, our dropships will move swiftly, focusing on evacuating the civilians. Their safety remains our utmost concern."
Jacques, observing from the side, though not much of a strategist nodded in approval. The room buzzed with murmurs as the admirals discussed among themselves.
After a seemingly endless pause, the silver-haired admiral broke the silence, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Captain, your proposal is bold, yet it might be the approach we require."
Zephyr, in response, stood a bit taller, giving a slight nod. While he relaxed slightly, his face gave away nothing.
He soon turned his attention to American Admiral Howard Munsch, a seasoned, portly figure renowned for his leadership during the Green Rebellion.
"Admiral Munsch," Zephyr began, his voice carrying a hint of respect, "I have a particular request regarding the Enterprise for this mission."
The admiral, his grey hair contrasting starkly with the deep blue of his uniform, simply inclined his head, his face a mask of stoicism. He gestured for Zephyr to proceed. "I require the ODSTs," Zephyr continued, "to be deployed at specific coordinates. Their expertise will be crucial in targeting potential enemy strongholds."
Admiral Munsch leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the young captain before him. "You want our elite units deployed on an assumption?" he stated, his voice dripping with scepticism.
Zephyr, unwavering, locked eyes with the admiral. "This isn't mere speculation, sir," he responded assertively. "It's a measured gamble. The ODSTs are specialized for these kinds of missions, and their skills might be the tipping point between triumph and disaster. Given the unpredictability of the Virelians, I'm convinced we need every edge we can get."
Admiral Munsch hesitated, thoughtfully running his fingers through his grey beard. He studied Zephyr, and momentarily, his austere expression gave way to a gentler one. "You bring back memories of my younger days," he mused a hint of nostalgia in his gaze. "During the Green Rebellion, I spearheaded a bold incursion deep into enemy territory. We were the underdogs, but the surprise was on our side, shifting the battle in our favour. However, victory came with its price – we mourned the loss of many brave souls that day."
He leaned closer, locking eyes with Zephyr."You've got guts, Captain," he continued, "and I respect that. Very well, you'll have your reinforcements. For Prospera's sake, let's hope your plan is as brilliant in execution as it is in theory."
Caught off guard by the admiral's unexpected response, Zephyr straightened and offered a crisp salute. "Thank you, Admiral Munsch. I assure you, we'll do everything in our power to ensure the mission's success and safeguard the lives of our people."
Admiral Munsch waved off the formality with a chuckle. "Just make sure you bring them back in one piece, Captain. The ODSTs are a valuable asset, and I'd hate to lose them due to a miscalculation."
Zephyr nodded, determination evident in his eyes. "Understood, sir. We won't let you down."
As the exchange between Zephyr and Admiral Munsch concluded, a murmur of conversation rippled through the room. From the corner of his eye, Zephyr noticed a group of admirals breaking away from their huddled discussions and moving towards him.
"Leading them was the tall, imposing Indian Admiral Jayant Dhowan, his uniform adorned with gleaming medals.
Stopping a few feet away from Zephyr, Admiral Dhowan's piercing eyes studied the young captain for a moment. Then, with a nod of acknowledgement, he spoke, his voice deep and resonant, "Captain Novastride, your plan is ambitious, and it's evident you've put a lot of thought into it."
Zephyr straightened, offering a salute to the approaching admirals. "Thank you, Admiral Dhowan. I believe it's the best course of action given our current intel on the Virelians."
Admiral Dhowan's lips curled into a slight smile, his demeanour exuding an air of authority mixed with genuine curiosity. "You've got our attention with your strategy," he said, nodding to the other admirals. "So, where do our fleets fit in your plan?"
The other admirals nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of intrigue and anticipation. It was clear that Zephyr's audacious plan had piqued their interest, and they were eager to understand how their respective forces would fit into the larger strategy.
Zephyr took a deep breath, readying himself to explain the specifics to the group of seasoned military leaders before him.
"Admiral Dhowan," Zephyr started, with a deliberate voice, "our plan targets the very heart of the enemy. The collective strength of our flagships is crucial to lead this charge, shielding both my Rider team and the drones from our American and Union partners. The Ashoka's formidable nuclear capabilities will be pivotal for our operation's success."
Admiral Dhowan’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he processed Zephyr’s words. After a moment, his stern expression turned into a subtle smile. "A daring use of our assets, Captain," he replied warmly. "But it’s precisely the kind of action that might catch the Virelians off guard. We’ve been too reactive thus far; it’s time we took the fight to them."
The other admirals exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly; Zephyr could sense the growing consensus around his plan.
Admiral Munsch, who had been observing the exchange keenly, let out a hearty chuckle. "Well, it seems the young captain here has managed to rally us old dogs," he said, his voice rich with amusement and respect. "I must say, Novastride, you have a knack for leadership that belies your years."
With a modest nod, Zephyr acknowledged their support, a surge of pride evident yet tempered by the gravity of the situation. "Thank you, Admirals," he responded. "This is our only chance, and it demands our unified effort. I believe, together, we will triumph."
After Zephyr's presentation, the admirals convened for a thorough discussion, analysing various strategies and their potential outcomes. After weighing the pros and cons of each approach, a vote was cast. The room was thick with anticipation as the results were tallied.
To Zephyr's relief and pride, his plan was chosen with unanimous support, marking it as the chosen strategy for the impending battle.
As he concluded his presentation and prepared to take his seat, Zephyr's gaze met his mother's as she clapped in applause. The pride shining in her eyes filled him with a profound sense of fulfilment."
The atmosphere in the room soon shifted from tense deliberation to unified determination.
Jacques, the UN Secretary-General, stood up, his voice echoing with authority. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have our plan. Now, it's time to put it into action. Every moment we delay gives the Virelians an advantage."
Admiral Dhowan, having shown his support for Zephyr earlier, added, "We must mobilize our fleets immediately and ensure that every crew member is briefed about their role in this operation. Time is of the essence."
Aware of the immense responsibility now resting on his shoulders, Zephyr nodded decisively. "I'll liaise with the fleet commanders and make certain both the Riders and the ODSTs are primed and set for action."
Ayame, who had been silently observing the proceedings, approached Zephyr. "I'll assist with the coordination and ensure our communication lines remain secure," she offered.
Zephyr gave her a grateful nod. "Thank you, Ayame. Your expertise will be invaluable."
Aria, representing the UN Youth Council, stepped forward, her voice firm yet hopeful. "On behalf of the United Nations, I'd like to express our gratitude to everyone present here. The fate of Prospera and its citizens rests in our hands. Let's ensure their safety and bring them home."
The room resonated with murmurs of agreement. The leaders and representatives present began to disperse, each heading to their respective duties, preparing for the monumental battle that lay ahead.
Jacques cast a final, approving glance at Zephyr, appreciating his candour, especially given the cunning reputation of his fox of a mother.
As Zephyr exited the briefing room, he paused momentarily, taking a deep breath, the mission heavy in his mind, but he was determined to see it through. With the combined might of the world's fleets and the unwavering spirit of his team, he believed they could defeat the Virelians and reclaim Prospera.
…