Rick "Double Gun" Dora is a sight to behold in the New York, Salem District 3 bar. His face is pale, hard, and unresponsive to the environment around him. His gaze lingers as the passing red and blue lights cross the ridges of his smirk. "I am free man." He thought to himself. He tossed between his interview with the officier, from what he said, and where he stood with the flash backs. To him it was only a mere omission of guilt, not a promise. Rick "Double Gun" Dora will get his man, he thought.
Rick braces his hands against his side arms in near excitement of the thought of finding Rockefeller. However he'll have to settle for an agent he found on his way to the bar. A familiar face from the old days, he thought. How it was too poetic that out of 1.4 billion people in Sirius he found this tool strolling along. The man Rick spotted was the same face he saw on the Casino George Elliot. A body guard from the upper level. His face was burned into memory by the unique scar on his forehead. After a little research it was found that was an old way of declaring your colors. This man used to be a gangster before joining Rockefeller.
"Too perfect." Rick Dora says to the man covered by the strobe lights of various colors.
If I get him to talk no one has to die, tonight, he decided within his own mind. Though he knows the likelihood of a harden gangster, like this man, of surrendering is slim to none. Which is why he waited till the man was on his eight shot of Bacardi.
"Wahh you lookin' at ya punk?" The man stands as prompt as his slurred speech.
"Not sure, mate, why don't we take a ride to find out?"
"I ain't goin' no where, you'll have to kill me first"
"With pleasure my man...with pleasure..." As soon as he finishes his sip of water Rick pulls out a tranquilizer gun and quickly discharges it into the neck of the agent. Rick grabs the man before anyone took notice.
"It's time for us to find a really really good friend? Right? Yep."
A few hours have passed and the man is awakened by a startlingly sensation of cold, damp, and hard floor. Coming too he attempts to touch his face, but finds himself restrained by metal cuffs.
"Hey! Hey! Ain't anyone around? Hey!"
"Calm down boy we all can get what we want if we just play nice, eh?" Rick sits himself a few feet from the man. "There are things that we need to talk about, Rockefeller." The man looks up at Rick with a half grin.
"Rocky? Oh Rocky?"
"I was hoping you would tell me where he is."
"That's good, that's really good. Hoping is good kid. But it doesn't mean what you hoped for will happen. Or if you really want it to happen."
"You understand that if you don't talk bad things will happen?"
"Oh you're going to kill me if I don't talk? I welcome it."
"No, just a little snip here and there and I'll let you live so you can feel every day in agony like you've never felt before."
"Touchin' and old school. Very old. You ain't a Foundation dog are ya?"
"I am Double Gun, is all you need to know."
"Oh, but I do know... Ricky"
Rick only reacts in his thoughts and doesn't show any facial changes in response to the fact the man knows him.
"You're good, I give you that. But ah you're not as clever as you think. You see, I am fully prepared to die. I ain't got nothin' to lose and it seems you do. So how about you lemme out of these hoops and we work together for whatever it is that you're losin'"
Rick takes a step forward and places his right boot against the man's throat.
"What do you call yourself?"
"Well, if ya must know, I am Zinc. Your ticket to Rockefeller"
Lord Prominence sits at the bridge commanders seat. Rockefeller and Lord Prominence have separate cruisers. Lord Prominence, since what is called the Core Exile, has restructured his fleets into a small mobile nation. Because of the pressure from enemies, naturally conspired from their relationship with the Foundation, and being discovered by the Crossbones Lord Prominence has removed every stationary post on every base, planet, or public arena. Their nation is called "Zuel Star." There are three small colony ships that comprises a population of 6,000 people. They're guarded by a small profile fleet of bombers, gunships, and fighters. These are separate from Rockefeller's fleet. Rockefeller's fleet is larger and more military organized than Lord Prominence. Together they match up to about half of the Foundation's remaining forces, and Gothera's Crossbones.
"My Lord Prominence, we will RV with Rockefeller's fleet in four minutes, what are your orders?"
"Take our fleet into lateral formation. Diamonded the bombers, and column the Fighters. That way if stray fire will catch only the biggest vessels. Our bombers can spearhead the assault and our fighters will be allowed to get behind enemies quickly without visually revealing their numbers. Once the bomber and fighter formations spread out concave our capital support and Gunboat support towards the front. We'll move in like a wave, let NO ONE behind our line. Everything depends on it. Their forces will comprise of the same, only have to figure out their numbers. Tell Rockefeller to position his fleet the same. Set the markets for his feets via NAVAS. Make sure our support vessels say within 2k behind our line. Remind the commanders comm lines clear about any unnecessary input. We're going to war, General Nouen. This time it won't be like the previous battles."
"Yes sir!"
~
"Sir, Message from Lord Prominence: Wave Formation 009 note the waypoints."
"Thanks, commander. Move the forces out. Keep in mind that we put our strongest ships to formation left. That way we'll add more of the point of the spear that Lord Prominence intends."
"Damn, Lord Gothera didn't mention anything about this. Notify the Alpha Wing to recover formation, have them stagger their line. Bring our bombers to the front. Make sure we get our Hamradon-D'Zetta from the cargo vessel. Get that freak show pilot up here to the bridge. He'll have a special mission, and won't join the rest of the fleet. How long until we reach Black Eye?"
"Yes sir! Fifteen minutes sir!"
"Will we reach the Black Eye before the enemy?"
"No sir, we're a two minutes behind them!"
"Right, send four fighters to get ahead all we need to do is stall time."
~
"There, happy? Ya see Ricky I ain't a liar after all! It is my life on the line, no? What do you plan to do, huh? Take this crap gull and take out Rockefeller's fleet by yourself? Well now that I think about it... you AND ME. Hey if that's your plan just let me off in a pod right now. Sheesh kid."
"Shut up, I'm planning to board his ship. What I am going to do has to be face to face."
On the battlefield it seems all reasons that brought them there to the very spot where the life meets the black void is to be dissolved. Pilots no more hear their orders , but they become them. The very basic of self preservation mutates into preservation through genocide. Genocide of the enemy. . There is no innocent there is no guilty this is war. A grave beginning of many ends. Stories that took years to develop will conclude in the next few hours. Many of whom will never be known again once they're married to the scenery of space. The Black Eye of Space.
Prologue: In the final days of 819AS rouge groups of smaller Libertarian , Bretonia, and Rhienlander nations formed of exiles from the war with Galia. However quickly destroyed by countless battles and the overwhelming forces that encounter these mobile nations. The few that persisted was the Templar Church, Exiles, Zuel Nation (Zuel Star), Foundation Remnants, Kobo, and the Crossbones. Of the 6 small unrecognized nations by the Houses only the Foundation Remnants, Zuel, and Crossbones host a capital military force. Templar Church, Exiles, and Kobian's have formed an alliance in the remote regions of the Tau systems they're called the Axis of Exile. Using their lack of size as their primary form of security. Their forces are combined of fighters and converted cargo ships. Together the Crossbones fleet out numbers all forces combine. Zuel Nation has signed an agreement with the Axis of Exile to war against enemies of the Axis and to protect them. The Foundation has little forces remaining still loyal to the old political system and serves more as a distraction than an action threat to either Zuel Nation or the Crossbones. Axis of Exile, and the Zuel Nation are at war with the Foundation Remnants, led by Rockefeller, and the Crossbones, led by Lord Gothera. Combine the Axis of Exile and Zuel Nation fly under the tag AoZ, FR (Foundation Remnants), and CoG (Crossbones of Gothera).
Gothera's Forces, CoG: Hold various mobile fortresses in the greater Sigma's (17,19) and Orkney lesser (lower regions). After being pushed out of Omega systems during the decay of alliance with the Red Hessian Army, majority of forces have been pulled from obscured areas of Sirius to focus on the Invasion into Galia. Gothera dissolving the majority of the Foundation has placed himself to be near untouchable. Him and his forces use brutal military tactics and hit & run assaults on his enemies. Helplessly House military are not able to keep up with the rapid deployments of Crossbones in the spans of their entire empire. Their, Crossbones, ability to coordinate multiple attacks at once, then disappear to attack another sector has left them to be accused of being Ghosts. So much that House military cannot tell if they're being attacked by local enemies or the Crossbones. These military excursions are practice against GRN forces, for which they intend to invade.
Black Eye Satellite System BESS: Constructed as a super spy camera it uses millions of mirrors tactically placed all throughout Sirius. Each mirror has it's own internal power system, some nuclear, some solar powered, some hydrogen compactor generated. All of them are controlled by a central super computer known as "Black Eye." It's name came from the fact that the satellite can only be seen if light is directed onto it. It's location is devoid of any source of light. BESS is the brain child of Adaulfo Blucher a Rhienland scientist and original Foundation Agent conscripted by Tussin to aid with Blucher against the Rhienland Government. Constable Tussin (Crossbones leader in Research and Development) and Adaulfo both worked and deployed the Black Eye systems throughout Sirius from 800 AS to 815 AS. Axis of Exile only discovered the threat of the Black Eye via proxy of Lord Prominence hours before his fleet would encounter Rockefeller's, and Gothera's military forces. Black Eye has the ability to be converted into a super weapon; able to hit any target from any distance, should the mirrors be present. AoZ forces dispatched a plan to destroy the super satellite while Rockefeller and Gothera plan to control it.
~~
Rick Dora bridges carefully between his index finger and his thumb the ignition wire to the stolen GULL transport. To his amazement the wire's conductivity was so low it did not burn his fingers, or even give him enough discomfort to pull away. Rick. "It works for me," he sarcastically mutters under his breath as the Gull transport wanders further into the deepness of space. Zinc foolishly, and instinctively mans the only working turret inside the transport. Not knowing what Rick has planned he assumes they were goners for rushing in a three way conflict in a mere container with engines slapped onto it. "Don't shoot anything unless you have to Zinc," Rick commands, "Not like it'll do anything kid," Zinc replies with a non-zealous tone. The Gull passes debris and Rick holds the ship in present location. "Put on a normal suit and tie that debris to our ship. Hopefully it'll disguise it enough to be ignored by the fighters and bombers," over the radio Zinc looks down at it and thinks, "This SoB is nuts." Zinc climbs down and picks up the only normal suit on board. "You know kid, if I die out there...the will be no escape, you'll die." Rick motions him to move on. "I don't know why I am doing this... but not like I have much of a choice right?" Zinc puts on the normal suit and tightens the air lock of his helmet. "Tie it down aye?" Zinc turns around to not receive a reply to the superficial question. He then opens the side hatch and clamps a tether cord to his waist. Then grabs three chain links, turns on the VOX radio, and sets the channel to match the cab of the Gull. On the radio, "Move it over just a bit," Rick responds, "more-more-more, ok GOOD STOP!" The Gull rocks back and forth as the static stabilizers auto computes the position. Rick looks on wards towards the masses of lights clustering into one horizon. He thinks to himself, "Even in space we're designed to think based on horizontal restrictions. Battle tactics still rely on a 2D playing field. Then we should break the norm if we wanna succeed." Static fills Rick's headset "Rick, I got it-is it good?""Yes, come back right away I have a plan!"
Updated with links to reference story plots and backgrounds for people who are completely lost as to what this is about. >>
To list it out for the remaining parts of this chapter "The Battle of Black Eye"
Rockefeller = The Foundation = FR = At war with AoZ and CoG: Goal is to kill Gothera and hold supreme force in the turmoil area's of the Tau's.
Gothera = Crossbones = CoG at war with everyone: Goal is to kill everyone.
Lord Prominence = Zuel Star AKA Zuel Nation = AoZ at war with FR and CoG Goal: To create unilateral peace among Sirian's.
Rick Dora = Plot of the story deeply rooting into evils Rockefeller has created along with Gothera.
Zinc = someone who's a red shirt **
This battle will contain the factions of AoZ vs. FR vs. CoG to obtain the Black Eye Satellite. Edit: Oh crap..... I didn't write the prewar chapter about Rockefeller denouncing his pact with Lord Prominence. There goes that spoiler.
Truly, should Gothera obtain the Black Eye System, he'll have the ability, at least, wipe out half of the remaining governments. The ability to create a solar mirror weapon that can assault from any direction, at any target, at any time, is something to greatly fear. If any House knew about this system there would be no peace. Humans are far to untrustworthy and insecure. They'd take any chance they have to obtain the upper hand on the person sitting across the table. Gothera has known this fact for years, the Foundation have been using this leverage since the beginning. How would we be any different? God made man, man made the fall, and we are born to destroy each other. Some sort of self-inflicted injury to the human race. Who can be righteous and rule over men? I ask myself often if I am doing the right thing. The people of Sirius deserve a new nation for which they can thrive and be free from old wars. Would we be different? In my era the Zuel Star will be the righteous revenge against the horrors of the Foundation and Gothera.
Lord Prominence ponders to himself as he taps a large NavCombat display module. He controls the combat from a single screen at the touch of his hands. His officers race around the command bridge providing the most crucial communication. "THERE!" one crewman shouts. Over the starboard side a shape emerges, like a blend in the black of space. A slight glisten catches the eye of Lord Prominence. A chill runs through his spine. Never in his life did he believe the myth of the Black Eye was real. Ever since he was a child brought up by starch Foundation Members he heard rumors of such a system. Now he is set on taking it for himself. To protect Sirius, and the innocent people naive of the large conflicts above the stars."Have you spotted the enemy fleet? Gothera's? Never mind Rockefeller's fleet. Soon as we produce a screen, our insert team will get to the Black Eye." "Are we taking it, or blowing it up?"
The question posed a great fear in Lord Prominence; to take it is to use it, to destroy it will cost more lives in eradicating the Crossbones, Foundation, and House governments. He remembers as a child how he would have moments of complete superiority. He thought to himself, " I could completely destroy you." The thought would throw him into a deep depression. The thought of having complete control over someone else's life created a fear of being controlled. To him, the question whether or not to take the Black Eye has to break his comfort zone. He had talked to his government leaders and representatives and reflected his plan for this battle, and the outcome. Though disclosing to them what is actually happening on the battlefield could yield suspicion. People are so easy to assume you take control to control others, not to take on the responsibility (of their lives) and ultimate ruin of your life. Prominence again lingers into deep thought as the surroundings blur and the sounds muffle. He stands up from his seat and walks towards the window and points to the Black Eye. "We are capturing and use it to eliminate Gothera."
Ideally, with such few forces under Lord Prominence control, it would be easier to destroy the Black Eye System. However, no great feats are accomplished with taking a safe approach. Certainly Lord Prominence wasn't a man of half measure nor wasteful rage, but a calculated thoughtful man. He selects his words carefully, and rarely speaks out of turn or par with the situation. Under his command you're almost obligated to mimic the way he carries himself. So taking the Black Eye System didn't bother the support of the officers at the helm. It is a suicide mission, for any other leader, but for the crew of the I'Cella a righteous pledge.
The flag ship of Lord Prominence is borrowed from years of serving the Liberty Navy, and then a private military captain. It's fuselage is that of the Liberty Assault Battle cruiser though internally a Captain in the Liberty Navy would be lost. Revisions and specialty missions converted this standardized vessel into a innovative multifaceted war machine. It carries external, as well as internal, bays for fighter and bombers. It's crew is a skim 110 crewmen manning 8 anti aircraft guns, 6 heavy guns, and 4 missile ports. It houses 4 fighters, 4 bombers, and 1 service vessel while maintaining the general shape. Few differences can be spotted near the mid section where a skirt extends outwards to cover the fighters underneath in the bays.
The L'Cella drifts behind a large inverse spear head formation. Other notable ships, Conderen and the Musaka (Moo-Saka), take her flanks as part of the broadside protection. Mingled in between them are the guard gunships ordered only to cover the blindsides of the capital ships. Those who man the gunships are most veteran to combat and superior to the rest of the fleet. Their role is purely to ward off bombers who break behind the lines and attempt to strike with devastating torpedo. Naturally, and in this era of war, gunships fall victim to ace bomber pilots and are useless. These pilots change the normal perception of what is vulnerable.
Across the nose of teh L'Cella flashes from the battle ahead creeps closer into the second combat line. In tactical combat a ship divides km of space around it in categories called combat lines. These are simply a way to determine where the battle is, and how desperate the situation is. Combat line One 10,000m, Combat Line Two 7,000m, and Combat Line Three 4,000m. Combat Line Three is the most dangerous zone for capital ships as most heavy weapons can reach them easily. "Captain, Enemy ships are filtering through the second combat line. Not so much in causality, but Gothera's forces seem to be trying a rabbit in the loose tactic." Rabbit in the Loose in combat refers to moving troops behind enemy lines quick enough that the reaction from the defending forces cannot effectively stop the assault. It is a risky move and costly as most pilots are ordered to ignore engaging with the enemy until they're deeply integrated into the third combat line. "We cannot break formation, it'll lead into exactly what we cannot afford - an even smaller appearance." Lord Prominence explains, "We need to out-show our numbers, bluff as to say. Have our gunships move to the second line and cut off the move, prepare the L'Cella, MuSaka for anti-air fire. The Conderen will continue with the formation. How many are in the rabbits loose?" The aging officer replies confidently yet tapering the reply weakly, "One sir, one gunship!"
There was something odd about what was said, and how, Lord Prominence knew his Lt. as a former Foundation agent, the way he replied suggest he knew. The Foundation, with the direction of Gothera, was developing secret weapons that outclassed current vessels of same weight. Prominence thought it was a rumor to boast morale by Gothera, but no one would be so bold as to fly into a second combat line on his or her own without being in these godly machines. Should they actually exist the L'Cella, Conderen, and the MuSaka is in real danger. Suddenly an unfamiliar sense of fleeting willpower from Lord Prominence causes him to doubt and the Lt. saw it. "Do as I said Lieutenant." "yes-sir!"
Inside the lone machine streaking through the stars, weaving in and out, a bellowing fire swirls about, all that can be really seen in such a fast approach. The machine was 378m long and modular with two protruding arms that carried various arsenal. It's nose was that of a bird and appeared to even have glowing eyes. This was the Hamradon-CZetta prototype gunship that first assassinated Constable Derke. It's power derives from the power supply, speed, agility, and close quarter combat ability. The pilot, hand picked by Gothera, was more insane than Gothera was and even more blood lust.
"I'm coming for you, I'm coming for you, I'm coming for you!"
Bending black spheres flutter endlessly in the sea of space. The Black Eye ever watching, learning, growing, absorbing. So much rides on this system concept that the definition of peace is at stake. Gothera has unleashed his new weapon and fully intends to mass produce Hamradon-CZetta. Beyond it's newly master of agility the cockpit is fitted with a new combat system. Researched over the last three years at the Garmen Auto Defense Contractor facility in Kusari space. Before the base went down Gothera's brother was able to steal a prototype of this combat system dubbed HIAS for Human Interface Assist System. Pilots who use this system, however, must obtain an unique ability within their own brain to work parallel with its operating system. Research combines the fight or flight senses and translates it into the combat system that will feed the pilot information that the pilot's brain lacks. This will merge the pilot's will to live with the super mathematical computing ability of a Holo-Core matrix. Human brains operate at 2E+16Ghz thus the Holo-Core matrix needed to match the speeds.
To accomplish these speeds the GADC created a dual core shared diffuser matrix. The cores require a nuclear engine alone and a super nitro-coolant system. Despite having twin micro nuclear engines, which would have plenty enough power to operate the Hamradon-CZetta the machine is primarily powered by H-Fuel. That wasn’t dictated by GADC’s design. GADC’s prototype, dubbed the Alpha Centria, used a quad-core mini-nuclear engine that powered both the combat system and the drive system. Comparatively the CZetta and the Centria are completely different machines. The Alpha Centria was model from older generations of fighter combat and is smaller than the Hamradon-CZetta. The only trait that is precisely the same is the HIAS. Though it is a mute issue since the Alpha Centria was stolen three months before the first construction of the Hamradon-CZetta under Constable Tussin. The Crossbones did not steal the Alpha Centria.
Now as the momentum of the Hamradon-CZetta carries the pilot ever closer to the L’Cella Battlecruiser it was evident that divine intervention is needed to spare all of Sirius from the god of Fear, Gothera of the Crossbones. Yes the fate of Sirius was in the hands of Lord Prominece and the crew of the L’Cella. Little to the knowledge of either Crossbones or the Zuel Star a lone pilot enters the battlefield followed by a tattered band of military cargo ships. It seemed that this pilot had a mission of his own, a plea with fate to allow him and his craft to nimbe his way to the Hamradon-CZetta’s location. Like a dance of bees the two crafts swirls and prances from right to left. It was like each pilot knew each other the way they lingered aggressively yet never taking a shot. The truth is each pilot didn’t understand how they found each other, they both thought to themselves. Suddenly a fire storm crashes through as the C’Zetta fires it’s main cannon at the unknown craft, to the amazement of any who witness, it was a miss. “How the hell?” Just as he finished out loud and inside his own mind the craft disappeared into the battlefield faster than any other ship the pilot has encountered. To the pilot, Teyzon of the Crossbone Special Forces, this was a real treat. A real toy he can test his abilities against. Teyzon wrestled between pursuing the unknown craft or destroying the L’Cella and the entire fleet. He alone was capable of it, easily. It appeared that fate did grant the intervention, for how long was the real extent of worry on the L’Cella.
Meanwhile Rockefeller places his hands over the computer interface on his counter. "I nearly forgot how far that Zetta project has gone, Tussin, that fool. Still one machine won’t win this war nor will one Black Eye. Still, we need to obtain it for survival understood?” Rockefeller flatly utters before turning around to face the visual chart of the battlefield. “What of Bravo Squadron? Have they made contact with the enemy or is this inconsistency in numbers due to malfunction?” His second in command quickly responds, “Sometimes its just interference from radar jammers, but I believe the bravo team has indeed made contact. No reports of casualties. Besides...urh..” He pauses to be sure to have read the report correctly, Rockefeller hates mid sentences to him it always provokes thoughts of distrust or weakness. “There are civilian ships in the area that don’t belong to either Gothera or the Zuel Stars. “Nevermind them if they get caught up in the crossfire that’s nothing we can realistically stop. Do not let them near our ships however. They still could be dangerous.”
From a distance it would seem that the skirmish line was a display of art. Glistening lights bounce from location to location. Fireworks. At this point the battle is a stalemate and both sides are taking loses, but not enough to tell who is winning the battle. Purely by number it would be Rockefeller’s fleet losing the most, and/or by technology which also would be Rockefellers. Their formation is different and shaped somewhat like an concave line. On the ends of the line are the heaviest of ships. The idea was to draw the enemy into the center and surround them. It was a proven style that won many conflicts. The plan was correct, however the failing studies of rookie pilots ruin execution. One would believe that the reward of excellence would be to survive, and that would be enough to perfect actions in the battlefield. As Rockefeller is finding out, no matter the circumstance rookies die because they are simply too afraid to live. Or maybe their intensity wasn’t enough or not serious. In any manner, Rockefeller’s life is gambled away at the meek skill and interpersonal merit of his forces. He always thought coldly towards freelancers and mercenaries and believed that they solely are disposed of these traits that is costing him this war. Professional Men of War are not suppose to break radio silence and ask for help nor retreat to only be shot down by friendly fire. The images of the pilot's cockpit bursting and pelting the bridge rolls over his mind again and again. “Who was that, just now?” Rockefeller slurs from the side to his bridge crew. “Uah Ensign Jerode, of the 13th Squad he’s dead.” “No, I thought he was just waving to us as he went on a vocation. Get our veteran pilots to rally our newest pilots. I’m afraid at this rate,” Rockefeller pauses to receive the latest battle report. “We need to push harder. Get our pilots some space to regroup. Fire everything we got 20 degrees below, through, and above the second combat line, tell our fleet to spearhead behind the fire. This will give Gothera’s fleet a run for their money.”
As soon as he finished every ship under his control responded. Moments later the 45 second barrage begun. In that space of time the flag ship sinks below the fire line to avoid being detected. It was a cowardly move, in most general’s opinions, as the opposing fleet will focus on the origins of fire. Though being cowardly does offer a trade off worth trying, at times. It didn’t take away the ability of his fleet and no one would be in danger any way less if the flag ship, an over rated light cruiser, which doesn’t have much to offer in a real battle, would vanish from the battle. What Rockefeller’s flag ship did offer was avenue to the Black Eye. Designed to be a slim and fast vessel it can outrun any ship in Sirius. And remarkably out dodge any ship of its class. It will get to the Black Eye ahead of any one else with the cover of the main forces pushing against Gothera's double battlefront. However, Double Gun Rick Dora has his own plans to rendezvous with Rockefeller.
Gothera uncharacteristically sits in his chair that is rested in the center of the main bridge. He doesn’t like to be immobile in combat. A natural side effect of being a veteran of war, in this era. Motion is a gift and a privilege. To remain static will get you killed, dynamics keeps you alive. It has been over a year since Gothera piloted anything though he never could let go of the urge to fly. There was a drawing to flight, he felt, and it bothered him to be inside such a large vessel as the Gaul. He sat simply because he wish to feel as though he was a pilot again. Gothera wants to take a life at his own grasp again. He hated the thought to leave control to others, mainly the reason he stopped piloting. Still he is the god of Fear, he beholds the Black Hand of Death, and he is the harvester of death.
“I think I made a mistake, Dregren. This battle isn’t going the way I pictured it.” Gothera swirls in his chair. “Lord?” Questioned the second in command. “I always pictured this battle from the view inside a fighter. Not on this bridge. My perspective is wrong.” Dregren was an old classy type of military man who served for 46 years in three different military's and fought seven wars. He wasn’t accustomed to the way Gothera, and the Crossbones operated. They were harsh yet laid back. Capital punishment was quick and easy to apply on unruly crewmen and pilots. It was a stressful position to be second in command. He watch hundreds be crucified for simple mistakes. How to judge what you can or cannot say in front of Lord Gothera was a manner of his mood. Right now it seemed safe to correct him, and let him know that such a statement is not appropriate for the command-main bridge. Though he played his thoughts softly on the gamble that it just might not be the time. “My Lord, lastest reports have shown that Rockefeller’s flag ship has dipped under the battlefield approaching the Black Eye, eta eight minutes.” Gothera stands up and stretches a bit. “What happened to Teyzon?”
“My Lord, he’s told us that he is chasing some kind of light urg... and that he’ll finish the mission once he catches this light.” Gothera notes a frustrated tone with the way Dregren replied. Undoubtedly Dregren is a better military commander than Gothera, but he lacks the direction and the ability to inspire. Soldiers would willfully die for him, but they’d never know what they died for. Gothera was a natural leader, despite his terrifying hobbies. That and the lack of social regard for norms and rules. An outsider with a hatred of anything that stood to define him in a cookie cut out fashion. Though, by now and distant from his youth, he knows there are just some things we’re born to conform to. Like this war, his personal mission, and the simple things of needing to display patience. Which is exactly what he is doing for Teyzon. His distraction from the war is usually punishable by death. Gothera knows Teyzon is an asset, and controlling him comes with lessons of letting him fail every now and then. Gothera is slightly disgusted with himself, great fortune for Teyzon.
For this battle Gothera’s patience is a deadly weapon. “Fools rush in,” he thought to himself as the update on Rockefeller’s flag ship is confirmed. By now the battle is starting to fade fleets exhausting their resources and damages weighing hard on commander's shoulders. The battle has lasted near two hours, and spans roughly 15,000m and six separate clusters now. Battle lines have washed away and the leftovers are the most deadly forces each military has. At the height of control Gothera’s forces still dominate in numbers, but strategically have been wedge away from the Black Eye System. The distraction ploy from Rockefeller has now depleted their momentum leaving only Lord Prominence to be the other juggernaut. Prominence fleet is leading the wedge and exchanges between Rockefeller’s fleet and his own is now too much to ignore. Going into this battle they were not enemies, but Rockefeller’s blitz to land on the Black Eye has made him public enemy number one. Lord Gothera decides that now would be the time to pilot his own Zetta Prototype, and reach the Black Eye in time to stop Rockefeller. His plan is to use the Black Eye as a weapon to vaporize every enemy vessel in the system.