Sky Attack!
written by YEN
10/29/99
final edit (2/05/2000)
 

"Lady Gaspar!" The shout rang out loud and ringing through the main hallway of the palace. Yui paused, swallowed a sigh and turned to greet an enthusiastic Ishmael. "Yes, Ishmael," she said politely, trying to ignore the interested audience gathering around them. He had to shout my name in the corridor... she thought, a bit irritated.

Ishmael was a member of the Royal Forces just as she was. Shevat's army was small, consisting mostly of former surface dwellers with Shevat nobles acting as officers. Fortunately, it was enough to protect Shevat in addition to the flying country's mobility and shield generators.

"What is it?" She asked, dearly hoping that he wasn't going to beg her to marry him in public again. The last time that happened, a riot broke out and security had to be brought in to restore the peace. Our society is degrading...

Ishmael gasped, taking deep breaths and bending to place his hands on his knees. "...At-tack..."

? "What?" ... Did he just say attack...?

He finally recovered enough to straighten and to inform her with barely repressed excitement, "Attack!  Solaris is going to attack us!"

"What? That's crazy!" Another noble retorted. He stepped out from the milling crowd, and faced Ishmael squarely. "You're just trying to impress Yui!"

"No, I am not!" Ishmael said defensively, turning back to her again. "Don't believe Caleb, Yui. I'm telling the truth. Solaris is going to attack Shevat!"

"Just where did you get this information, Ishmael?" Another young officer asked, her voice quivering with both excitement and apprehension.

Ishmael smiled proudly, "I overheard my father talking on the vidcom. As one of the highest officials in Shevat, he was immediately informed of the Solarian fleet heading towards us."

Caleb commented derisively, "Hmph. You're nothing but a spy and a snitch."

"... What did you call me?!"

"You heard me. You are nothing but a spy and a snitch!"

"You're just jealous, cause my family's better than yours!"

"Enough!" Yui stepped between the two antagonists, glaring at each one. "This is no time to be fighting among ourselves. If what Ishmael say is true, then we should all be preparing for battlestations, not bickering!"

Cowed, both Ishmael and Caleb nodded meekly.

"You're right, Yui. I'm sorry," Ishmael said mournfully.

"Me too," added Caleb, not to be outdone.

Yui forced herself not to wince. ... They're like little children... "All right then." She glanced at the others. "We are officers of the Royal Forces of Shevat. Everyone, proceed to your respective stations."

At her calm order, the corridor was soon cleared, and she herself headed towards her own destination. ...Uncle should have information on this Solarian Invasion Force.
 

Kahr Ramsus watched as their target, the enemy country of Shevat, suddenly increased speed, moving away from them.

"Helmsman, adjust speed and course accordingly. Don't let them think they can get away from us."  He turned just as First Officer Talan ordered the com officer to inform the rest of the fleet.

As if Ramsus' gaze had a tactile effect, Talan turned to face him. "Sir, your orders?" He inquired for the third time.

Ramsus clenched his jaw in irritation. "As I have already told you, Commander Talan, I am only here as a guest. You will follow Commander Ricadeau's orders, not mine."

Not at all intimidated by this rebuke, Talan moved to stand before him. "But sir, we have already been waiting for three days, and we still have no idea where the commander is."

Ramsus glared at him. "Have you no faith at all in your superior officers, Talan?" He inquired softly.

Talan straightened and answered him calmly, "I have the greatest faith and respect in our Holy Emperor's choice, sir, but you are here with us now, Commander Ramsus, you can take charge of the Invasion Force in lieu of Commander Ricadeau's absence."

"... I see, forgive my mistake, your lack of faith lies not in your superior officer, but in yourself."

This time, Talan paled at Ramsus' calm observation and replied stiffly, "Sir, we have not even met Commander Hyuga Ricadeau personally. None of our men have ever laid eyes on him." His own eyes looked at Ramsus frankly. "I cannot even find information pertaining to him in the memory banks.  It is as if he doesn't exist at all."

Ramsus stared back at him and laughed, causing Talan to jerk away in anger and embarrassment. "Wait, Talan," Ramsus called out, coughing to clear his throat as Talan turned back to him.

For the first time, Ramsus bestowed a smile on him, and the other man eagerly waited for his answer. The smile widened. "I can assure you there is a Commander Hyuga Ricadeau." He lifted a hand warningly when Talan was about to interrupt. "He is one of Solaris' finest, and I know him personally. I cannot divulge information concerning his present whereabouts since you do not need to know them yourself."

Talan frowned as Ramsus continued, "All you have to do is follow his orders to the letter."

"But, sir," Talan complained, "his orders make no sense. We are to wait for his signal? When, where, what sort of signal? How long must we wait?"

"Just follow your orders, Commander."

"The enemy is there, in front of us," Talan said earnestly, "The troops are more than ready to fight. The gears are fueled and armed. Shevat is ours for the taking!"

Ramsus sighed. "Do you know that this is the third invasion force to Shevat?"

? "..."

"Have you not studied your history and your enemy? Shevat is not that easy to conquer."

"But sir-"

"I may as well tell you in order to ease your mind, Talan." Ramsus turned away from him to look at the image of Shevat on the screen. "Commander Ricadeau's mission is to make certain that we actually take Shevat this time."
 

Author's note:

Cheee... This is even shorter than Chapter One. ^^ I guess I learned my lessons from Rebuilding and Significance. (sweatdrop) Though I think this chapter is short, because there are simply not many known characters around. It's hard imagining original characters. It's doubtful you'll meet Talan again, though I kinda like his character. ^^

Yen^^
alex@gsilink.com

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Rebuilding
Worlds Collide