I follow the heavily armored soldiers down the corridors of the ship, twisting and turning all while ignoring the simple magnificent and intricate carvings throughout the hall that are arrayed in a graceful pattern.
The boarding happened a little while ago, the enemy had attempted to push into our ship via a breach. We countered and pushed back. Captain Teluria remained on the bridge to command the cleanup of the aerial battle.
The enemy's escorts were taken down in no time thanks to her efficient commands.
I, unfortunately, wasn't 'allowed' to participate in the fighting. Was too dangerous for me to push forward with the vanguard in boarding a ship, for obvious reasons. So I waited for the entrance--or exits-- to be cleared of hostiles, and now I accompany a team of my own personal guards down to the most secure opening we have.
It's interesting, both of the ships are hovering in mid-air during a huge battle, held together by apparently some very strong cables. Ramps are then extended from airlocks to allow boarding and going.
From what I've been told by Folduin, Capital Ship boarding like this is uncommon. The more average method is just to take Dropships and either land in the enemy hangers or create an opening somewhere on the hull of the ship.
Hell, any of these methods work for me. I don't care, as long as I get that bastard in command. Hasn't even been forty-eight hours since my life was turned upside down and I'm already changing. I guess this is what shock does to one.
The scary thing is I don't know even if it's for the better or worse. Luckily for me, I have Allen. Folduin assured me he is safe right now on the ship, I can't find myself to doubt the man. He has only been good to me since I've met him.
I don't have the luxury to continue letting my thoughts wander to Allen and back. We arrive at our destination shortly. Several soldiers stand guard around the airlock, inside our ship and the enemy ship.
They salute me as we approach.
"We've pushed deep into the enemy ship, sir." One of the soldiers says, approaching Folduin and giving him a quick report, "Many noncombatants have also surrendered to our men as soon as they caught sight of us approaching, we await orders on what to do with the prisoners."
Folduin nods, looking halfway distracted. "What about the enemy commander?"
"As far as we know, he is on the bridge. Our troops continue to fight their way there. Only thing is enemy resistance in the halls has been tough. The crew of the ship may surrender as we approach, but their regular army and elite forces continue to fight. I don't think we've taken a single prisoner from either of those groups."
Folduin nods, his face grim. "Yeah, I don't expect any of their regular forces to surrender. Their loyalty and determination for their society show through this final resistance, regardless of how futile it is."
Folduin turns to me, "Shall we head over?"
I swallow a nervous lump then nodded sharply, stepping forward firmly before any of my guards. Folduin gently pulls me back. I almost lose my balance and fall.
In my defense, I wasn't expecting to be grabbed and pulled suddenly like that.
"Stay behind us, we can't protect you if you rush in. Boarding the enemy ship yourself is a horrible and very irresponsible thing for an Emperor to do, but as your men, we can't order you around and instead must do everything we can to protect you." Folduin says as he moves to cross the ramp from our ship to theirs. He pauses and turns around, "Please don't make it any harder than it actually is."
I smile apologetically and follow behind him, he was already moving over once more.
The ramp is little more than its name. A simple ramp used for crossing with rails to grab onto, but firmly clamped to either vessel for the security of its own.
Bodies litter the area of the other entrance, belonging to both Galians and the Yurian military. They had an interesting color scheme to their armor. Black with red trimmings. Decorating their armor were wave-like layers that met up, almost like a triangle connecting two lines. These decorations were layered on the chest plate and constantly moved down.
Not one of the bodies in the area showed any sign of life. I brought my hand up to my mouth, firmly covering it. I felt like I was going to be sick. This wasn't the first time I've seen a body, of course, with the recent events and all. But it is the first time that I've actually observed several details. I can feel my stomach protesting, urging me to leave the stench and flee to safety, but pressed on.
The corridors of the enemy ship resembled the Galian vessel in a way. The walls were the average grayish tinted color usually found in a sci-fi movie or even modern ships. But in a way, they improved it.
It looked more refined, as all things from the other world. These small details made me realize just how far our part of the world might be behind the other.
I shook my head and forced my mind back to the present. I had a bad habit of letting my mind wonder. The men accompanying me and guarding the exit patiently watched me. I nodded. This was more of me encouraging myself to get moving. To push on.
I wasn't here for sightseeing. This wasn't another day at school or a level in a game. No, this was real life. I was here, and I had to keep my mind steady and anchored. I'd possibly see several disturbing things along the way to capture Giren.
We moved on, our group was on full alert. I could tell that my guards, even though this area was deemed safe, were still ready to take on any surprise ambushes that might come this way. They were cautious at every corner. I understand, there was no telling what sort of surprises we might find.
We navigated the hallways like a seasoned crew member of the ship. My guards somehow knew which turns to make. I guess the number one give away were the constantly regular soldiers stationed at certain points along the way. I could vaguely hear fighting off the distance, I figured we were getting closer and closer to our destination.
Along the way, we passed several crewmen of the enemy vessel. Their hands lay on their heads, several Galian soldiers had them surrounded and pacified for the most part.
I was oddly a little pleased to know that I was told the truth of the enemy noncombatants. I'd feel horrible if these men, who only followed orders of their superiors, were gunned down mercilessly. I wouldn't want to rule a country that was savage and, I guess, unhonorable.
I allowed myself a small smile. I suppose I thought of myself as more of a hero and wanted to be more of one. Perhaps it's wishful thinking, I know the world isn't just black and white.
But make no mistake, I will gun down anyone who stands in the way of my nation. I will protect my newly acquired people.
I did notice that every time we came within sight of a Yurian crewman, their eyes seemed to be glued to me. It kind of felt like they were sizing me up and judging me. This made me straighten my back and try to walk a little bit straighter. I didn't want to let down the men and women of Galia, not after they came here for me. I resolved myself and continued forward under the scrutiny of their gazes.
Captain Zurlian and several other Galian men questioned some of the captive crewmen. Unfortunately, their rank was too low, so little intelligence was obtained.
I tried my best to ignore the gunfire echoing throughout the corridors, the screams of dying soldiers, or the clashing of blades. Perhaps it's my destiny to not forget, or maybe it's not. I don't know.
Several times, I stepped to the side so medics could carry wounded soldiers back to the ship. I silently prayed that those men would make a full recovery. I don't know them, but everyone I've seen so far has treated me with respect and kindness. I didn't want anything bad to happen to them, but that was unavoidable as this is war.
Funny, but also terrifying. It feels like my mind is already adjusting to these kinds of thoughts. I'd never have thought of this before the attack. I don't want to change who I am either. Maybe Allen could keep me anchored.
***
After what felt like hours even though it wasn't, we arrived near the entrance of the bridge. Several bodies of the Stalkers at raided the mansion I stayed at lay lifeless near the doors, gripping their weapons after a fierce struggle with my own men.
I took a deep breath and held it for a moment. Then I released it and walked through the doors. Folduin and Zurlian went first, then me and then I was followed by other members of the Royal Guard.
The bridge was already secured, the pilots were allowed to remain at their stations to keep the ship afloat, but guards stood over them with weapons loaded and at the ready.
Giren, the enemy strike force leader, stood before his own chair on his knees, his hands cuffed together with some sort of blue energy chains. Galian soldiers had him under heavy guard, with long spears forming a triangle around his neck. One wrong move and the man would lose his head. He stared hatefully at me as I entered. I tried my best not to shrivel down under that gaze.
"Well, little Emperor, you have won. You must be pleased." He scornfully said, watching me as I stood in front of him. Even though I just met the man not too long ago, I knew I'd hate him. His personality is that of scum. He feels like one of those bullies, who get entertainment from hurting those weaker than him. Just because he can.
I decided I wanted to make him even madder, and I had a perfect idea.
I ignored his upset words and took a seat in his own captain's chair. I figured this was the type of guy who didn't like others taking his stuff, this chair which represented one's authority for example. And I was not disappointed. The man leapt at me like a rabid dog but was quickly pulled down by the surrounding soldiers.
"Get out of my chair!" He nearly growled.
I remained as calm as I could on the outside, but my heart was beating rapidly and my fingers gripped the chair arms a little harder than they should have. I really hope nobody saw that.
"It's no longer yours, you've lost," Folduin came to my defense cooly. It almost felt like he was egging on Giren. I guess Folduin disliked the loss of life as much as me, or perhaps it was more than that. Folduin continued, "This ship, the crewman, and even you, are now the property of Galia. I'd tell you to enjoy your stay, but I do doubt that'll be possible."
The man turned towards Folduin, eyes burning with hatred. "And you're okay with following this pup? He could very well run your country into the ground, that may be better for mine." Giren grinned slightly after that.
I can't lie, the man might be right. I really don't know how to manage or run anything, so I'm hoping I'll be taught. But I will do my very best.
Folduin smirked, "He'll be fine, it's all in his DNA. He'll be as good as any previous Emperor, if not better. All of us have faith in him, and we will not fail in teaching him."
My heart filled with warmth at the confidence of Folduin. I saw several soldiers nod their heads at his comments. They have complete trust in me. I didn't know where or how I earned from, but I refuse to let it go to waste.
Giren rolled his eyes.
I frowned, then asked, "So why do you hate me?"
I was curious and nothing more, though I will say that at school, I always went out of my way to try and avoid everyone's wrath and hatred. It made me anxious, I guess I'm just a jumpy person. Maybe I'll have to change the way I am on that part though.
Giren interrupted my thoughts, "Galia is one of the more stronger nations over here. They can compete with our nation with military strength and economy. However, for many years, they've been leaderless. But that hasn't stopped them from deflating and growing weaker. But they also haven't gotten any stronger. My country and I fear that with a new leader, yours will grow even stronger and surpass your current and our current strength."
Perhaps he had a fear of our country invading, but I don't see how it could get any stronger with a leader, so I looked at Folduin, who was gracious enough to give me more of an explanation,
"Currently, Galia is united and not. We have leaders of different sectors. We have our Generals, Admirals, Merchants, and Politicians. But there is nobody over any of them, we're a bit divided on opinions and matters, which has put Galia at a complete stop on consolidating its power. For example, get the merchants to invest more in the Military. More policies in place for citizens, more trade deals with extra benefits from other areas of the country. We need someone to lead the groups together."
He paused and looked at me, "This is where you come in, you'll be like the mediator and help guide us. Your word will be the law. The Military could grow larger and stronger, branching out even more. More trade deals could be arranged, there's so much we can do but we were out of reach and unable to do it without the proper leader. We could barely even recruit for the Royal Guard, and even if we did, nobody but you has the authority to completely lead them. These here with us are only with us because we came here to get you, but now that you're here, we can rebuild it in the right way, among other things."
I nodded. So in short, with a leader, Galia would continue to get stronger and pose more of a threat to the surrounding nations. I could see why I was met with fear from several of these guys, and why they went through such extreme measures to try and stop me from ascending the throne.
But something bugged me. They could progress even without an Emperor. Why not select another one, maybe from among the current nobility. Were the residents of this ancient civilization just that dedicated to the true Royal Family?
"And that's why, Young Emperor, I will have you die." Giren's words pulled me from my thoughts. I looked to him, a twinkle of determination shone in his eyes. It was at that moment, that several parts of the ceiling caved in, and out jumped dozens of Yurian Elite Soldiers.
"Oh shit," I said.