The golden palace of Chateau Doreal was abuzz with chatter.
Various lords and ladies of ancient aquatic houses donned in various shades of blue and gold, esteemed military admirals, in well suited military regalia and red or gold sashes across their chests, and a small number of overseas representatives of desert tan and oak brown scattered throughout the cavernous room mingling and observing the surroundings bored. The grand royal sea palace was decorated with golden pillars and dark blue drapes cascading down from it's high ceiling in-between gaps of stain glass windows circling the center hall like roaring waterfalls to become folded and bundled onto the polished glimering floor. Hundreds had gathered from all corners of the world together for a night of revelries and much anticipated discussions during a time of buildup toward war. About strategy. About trade. But mostly About one person in particular. The soon to arrive guest of honor who hadn't been seen in public in years.
Is she really the only one to have survived?
Yes. And this is all for her apparently. A bit of overkill if you ask me. My nephew died defending the crossing at minnows field against barbarous swamplanders and did anyone throw him a bloody galla!? Nothing of the sort. Bah!
I say she deserves it. She is a symbol to the nation that we can win this war. About time we had a victory like this. To show that there are still good and brave people willing to fight.
Victory? Victory. She botched the whole battle!! Orevan is gone! What good did her fight do in the end if we lost the whole bloody colony to the savee's?!!
Well she gave em one hell of a scrap to by time for the evacuation. We would have lost far more if not for her or her last stand.
Yes Yes. They say she killed them all even when faced with such overwhelming odds. A true hero if you ask me! And a bastard hybrid no less! She has certainly brought honor at last to her house after a fight like this. It will be one for the history books.
Assuming we survive the next couple of next months that is.
Hush you. Don't spoil tonight's victory.
Bout time we had one from her and the old great white's. House veso has been in a state of decline for years. This is sure to bring it back into the forefront of court prestige.
But how did she manage such a feat? And all alone?
I heard she ate a few.
That seems likely. Coming from a shark. I don't blame her. She did what was necessary.
She could have stood to eat a few more if you ask me. Leaves our boys overseas less bugs to deal with.
Hush yourself!! Have you no compassion!? If anyone is deserving of being forced to eat a bug in the name of queen and country it certainly is you for saying such things.
They say she is quite ugly. Even for a hybrid.
No no. That is from after the battle. She used to be quite the beauty before the war, if a bit tall. The lieutenant took a ghastly blow to the face If I've heard correctly. You can see bone and all. Horrid wound. The fact that she is even still alive and coming here tonight is a miracle to say the least.
The poor thing.
I shall like to speak to her when she arrives. Ask about the details. I find it all incredibly fascinating. What was her name again?
Sheyoa or something of the sort.
Sound's foreign.
A tropical name no doubt. Some blue shark harlot if the rumors are to believed. Everyone knows her father, the dearly departed Lord Dregadon had a thing for chasing the tail of other species from such a backwater region he shouldn't have mingled with. Primitive and humid. A terrible place to grow up in. Thank goodness she left to be raised among civilized company in the homeland.
Indeed.
Here here.
But if she's a hybrid. Then will her house not die with her? If so this whole ceremony is to honor her reputation, is a bit pointless if no one will remember it in a few decades if she is unable to foster a successor or more importantly an heir.
A big waste of time then.
Its not about that. Its about honoring her as a person not the name that she just happens to be attached to. Its not just about politics tonight. It's about fun and recognizing good deeds done by a brave individual. Goodness knows that's something we should be doing more of instead of blaming her and other men and women fighting all over the continent of not doing it properly. They're doing the best they can.
Could stand do be doing better.
As could we all.
Well I for one think I shall ask her for the first dance.
A dance? HA! She'd tower over a small little man like you. A hammerhead such as I is far more suited to propose the offer to her myself. How could she refuse the count of Mea'akeo? And perhaps if fortune proves favor some and she takes a liking to me, Hmm well later tonight we might….
With a hybrid?! Ugh. Even with someone of her fame and renown I couldn't possibly.
Why? There's no risk or danger in it.
But what about...?
Be quiet Damm it! Here she comes.."
The Herald by the door, a middle aged red squid was the first to announce her entrance before she even had a chance to beat him to the chase or say anything. Hitting his staff against the floor way to compel immediate silence in the ballroom. Once that was done he cleared his throat and began.
Miss Lieutenant Shena Veso! Of House Veso! Hero of the Battle of Raider Hill and dutchess and heiress to the Island and territory of Vesonia!
The whole galley fell dead silent and turned their gaze toward the room entrance.
Shena came to a sudden halt in the dark at the entrance at the galley doorway seeing all the eyes on her and hesitating for a moment before stepping into the light. She felt the last chill of the open night air hitting her back as the door behind her slowly creaked shut with a loud slam to trap her here with them. She began to sweat as she glanced down at her feet to look onto the blue carpet pathway leading up to hundreds of guests like a river under their feet guiding them toward each other along it's inevitable unavoidable current. Shena couldn't help but grimace slighlty as their their various shade's of overly pungent tropical flower perfume and the fragrance crushed up rare jungle herbs of assaulted her senses. Overwhelming and overbearing in it's sheer overpowering collective aroma against her. It was a sickening feeling in her stomach, whether from the decorated scented guests or her own personal unease about being here in public again. Whatever the case. She told herself it couldn't let it stop her. She had moved past being afraid of what others' thought of her. There were worse things. And she had faced them all.
Shena sighed aloud and stepped into the light. Putting on a smile to accompany her still raw facial scars.
There were a few gasps from the crowd that managed to escape. But for the most part, everyone was silent. The whole of the room was silent.
Shena's footsteps echoed throughout the palace as she stepped onto the carpet path, the color of vibrant teal with gold stitching at its's edges. The high walls and support pillars towered above her and the hundreds of guests. Making them and their galla seem insignificant wildlife when compared to its size and scope. All the variety of aquatic species continued to stare and whisper among each other. Only the gleaming blue automaton's paid no attention to the arrival and continued on their task of passing out various horderves of sliced unevolved sliced fish tartars and minature seaweed wraps held on silver trays to all the hungry guests. A few didn't notice the metal servants offerings and kept staring aimlessly in her direction and lying in wait for her to say something. Anything.
Is that really her?
Unbelievable. To have survived all that...
Incredible.
Some of the guests looked at her with sheer awe and curiosity. Others slight expressions of pity across their faces in regards to her grotesque and sad scar. But most seemed to come up with a response as if on instinct. Before she could say anything. A single clap began to grown from somewhere in the crowd. Then another. And another. A wave of applause filled the massive echous room." And it was all for her. She stopped in place in front of the crowd smiling and congratulating her.
Ah look at her, she's flustered the poor thing.
I would be to.
Good to her.
Shena was silent but certainly not flustered. Just...surprised. She stood tall with a strange new feeling overcoming her and she surveyed the guests in front. Before long she was surrounded by dozens of eager strangers from every corner of the seas and western continent. Most smiling eagerly as they shook her hand. Thanking her for saving so many despite the odds. She nodded with a reluctant smile in thanks for their gratitude. Others however wanted to hear gruesome and gory details about the last stand. Wanting to know how many she killed and how she did it. Some of the younger guests even told her that they inspired them to join the army, and that they would fight just as heroically as she had done for queen and country that fateful day. And that she had inspired them to kill bugs and making them pay, every last one.
She didn't feel like answering any more questions after hearing that. She hastily pardoned herself and walked away toward any place in the galley trying to find a moment of solace. It was impossible. Every turn she was flocked from every direction with words of admiration, respect, and questions she didn't think she deserved to be the recipient of. But one question caught her attention more than any other.
"How did he die?" A teary sorrow filled voice gently asked.
Shena turned sharply engaged toward the person who dared to ask. Only to be shocked and breathless instead to see it was an old couple. A man and a woman. Both of them. Flying fishes.
I....I...Shena mutterd. She wanted to run. To not be reminded she had failed him. But she wouldn't dare be a coward and not answer them. They deserved to know.
Shena quietly approached the sad couple standing beneath her, their shining reflective wings lowered and not moving with an ounce of joy since hearing what had become of their son. It had to be done. And she would never forgive herself if she refused to answer them in light of how much they had lost.
"In my arms." Shena muttered with a heavy and remorseful heart. He died saving me when I should have saved him. He was my friend and a greater hero than I ever could be. I just wish....I wish he were here right now along with everyone else. In person. I can't ask for your forgiveness for having failed him. It was my responsibility as her leader to watch over and protect them all and make it home safe. And I failed. I have never been more sorry about anything in my life. But I promise. He will not have died in vain. I will never stop making it right. I'll spend the rest of my life making sure that what he did is not forgotten by the world.
Shena then reached for the saber hilt beside her waist that wasn't hers. Not igniting it, but placing it horizontally gently in the palm's of the cupped mother's hands. Shena bit her lip as she sighed and consoled in grief with Fereen's parents about their shared devastating loss.
He gave this to me in his last moments beside me. But.... I can't accept it. He already gave away so much for a cause he didn't deserve to die for. This belongs with the two of you as it rightfully should. He would have wanted it that way. Shena smiled and gently curled the mother's fingers. The mother's wrinkled yet wide eye's trailed tears as they gently followed up and down the old hilt. Carrying her webbed hand gently across it's smooth reflective grooves. The mother wiped away her tears of sorrow in favor of new one's as turned away from the sad sight and looked up at Shena.
"No. He wouldn't." The short woman replied gently and truthfully. Her soul heavy with despair and slight peace at recounting what her child would and would not have done. Shena was shocked by her answer. But be before she could sternly refuse, Fereen's father who resembled him closely apart from a great deal of tears in his eyes interrupted her rebuttal.
He gave this sword to you. The father said sincerely. You may have known him. But we Knew him far too well. He would never have given something up when there was still importance to be had in it. And I doubt a sword would serve the two of us very well. The father chuckled. His lips contorting in a pain wanted to mask but instead let it all play out honestly to his son's leader. He practiced using this everyday. And it was all for a cause he believed in."You need it more than we do to help finish that cause. You can keep up the good fight for him. You have our blessing. And...our thanks. For being with him. All the way to the end."
The mother then gently reached out the saber back to Shena. Both of them smiling in honest hope and gratitude to this soldier for all she had done in fighting loyally beside their son. Shena looked down at the saber. The weight of their offering pushing down on her soul from all sides.
It's yours. The mother said tearfully. Please take it. Honor us like you honor him every moment you wield it to save lives as he did."
Shena hesitated as her hand slowly reached out, and paused before gently gripping the saber from her grasp. Through her arm, Fereen would still be fighting beside her. She could feel his eager presence pushing her onwar . And his mother was right about him more than she could ever really hope to have understood. To give up this weapon now was to put aside his cause he had died for which still so far from being finished. And she would be the tool to wield his mission. For as long as it took.
Shena slowly clutched the saber and rested it beside her waist. Not proudly. But with a sense of responsibility she was honored to carry by their family's blessing and trust in her.
Thank you...She nodded. I promise..I'll use it well. The mother nodded in relief at the words of promise then abruptly reached around her back rather awkwardly and gave her a tight heartfelt hug in keeping their son's memory alive. Fereen's father patted her on the shoulder to wish her the best of luck this night and all the night's to come. Then before Shena could say another word of apology for not being able to have done more. The couple walked away, knowing that she had already done all she could for their son. And that was more than enough.
And with that. The rest of the night felt a blur. A more manageable and less stressful blur. But a blur nonetheless. A parade of people approached asking her hundreds of similar questions for hours on end. A great many were taken aback by her brutal honesty about the battle, not expecting or wanting to know the hard facts but Shena made sure they listened damm well closely onto every word. She relaid it all in painful reality. How her men had died for a far away people they had never met and for a stupid conflict that should never have occured. How even when high command had left them all behind to die, She and the others fought to the last man to protect Orevan from invaders and it's people. She would never forget. And neither would they. Or that they had to go back to finish the job
As the guests continued to murmur and discus amongst themselves about the Shark survivor's words. All heads slowly turned toward the center podium set at the base of the long corridor wall, decorated with crescent spiraling shells stacked neatly against one another and cast in sparkling bronze. The whole crowd fell silent as a man of near equal fame to the hero of Orevan graced up the steps first in an orderly and precise fashion. His boots echoing throughout the massive cavernous room.
Even without trying. Admiral Argus was always the center of attention.
The proud and esteemed sailfish, with his imposing vibrant blue head frill, elongated needle like nose and, stern commanding gaze surveyed the room until his eye's locked on Shena. Right at its's center. The Admiral tested the microphone slightly and stood at attention. His fan like headrail unfolding to maximum height atop his head adorned with a yellow stripe running down each side's of his face under his eyes to add more weight to his already commanding voice that demanded respect effortlessly.
Thank you all for coming to this event this evening. He spoke aloud calmly and with much grace throughout the room. " I know the past few months have been difficult. And we have been dealt a cruel hand with much hardship by our enemies from every turn across the sea. But still we stand to celebrate another passing day thanks to the sacrifice of our servicemen. Our brave sons and daughters fight for every inch of ground and the people who live on our nation's proud soil. And tonight we are here to honor the service and sacrifice of one brave individual and her peers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the end. And I couldn't be more honored to serve beside her." Admiral Argus then gestured his hand out to the crowd and camly nodded toward Shena. His black eyes locking on her above.
Will Lieutenant Shena Please arise to the stand to say a few words? He said aloud eagerly. Wanting her to provide an inspiring yet poignant speech to uplift their nation's spirit.
Shena nodded reluctantly and began to slowly walk toward the small stage which reached up to her shoulders, the guests parting aside in silence to give her space as she approached. The sound of her footsteps were the only source of disturbance in the entire room. She walked up the sides of the stage with her head still held high as Argus smiled warmly and handed her the microphone to relay her message to the entire world. Sweat ran down the side's of her scarred forehead. He breath was becoming rapid. She almost felt like she froze.
She didn't.
She swallowed her fear for the sake of others. Stood at attention, and began saying whatever came to mind.
"I..I don't think I deserve this honor." She stated aloud. Hesitantly yet with much conviction. Murumurs started to reverberate throughout the audience. She continued.
"I didn't think I would come back alive. In all honesty, me being here is nothing short of a cruel twist of luck. The real heroes. My friends. My team who fought harder than me are lying rotting in the dirt right now. Because we all failed them.
Admiral Argus raised an eyebrow. But he didn't interfere.
We were left to die. Abandoned. It wasn't a last stand. It was a slog. We all faced it in the mud and terrified. But we pushed endured it because we thought it was the right thing to do. Fight for queen and country. But once that illusion was shattered by us being left behind to die we knew what we were really in. I wanted to quit once it was all over. To be with my soldiers. I questioned everything. Was it all worth it in the end? To sacrifice so much your country' willingly and obediently?
Shena glanced downward toward Fereen's parents. Standing silently yet edging her own silently to continue her words. "No. It isn't."
But by the grace of complete strangers I was reminded of why we all fought and risked so much in the first place. And why we make the ultimate sacrifice. I was reminded of why we fight in the first place by their act of sheer unrestricted kindness. They saved me. And I thought I could save them. I saw their hardship we had brought to their front door so carelessly. I saw the spark of hope come to the surface of their eyes shrouded in a fog of fear as we traveled for weeks together. Them watching with admiration at me attempt to fix things instead of make them worse for once. It inspired me and gave me new purpose. But even still. In the end. I failed them as well. But I promised them that I would liberate their homeland. I swore to them all to my dying breath they would live in peace once more. And that. That truth is what made me not give up over there. That is why we fight. Not for kingdom, glory or conquest. But for the people. The people who are the first and only reason to fight in the first place. The people who had been left behind or displaced as refugees in the city just outside these gleaming walls while we drink and dine on thousand oro dinners. It was our responsibility to help end this war. Not escalate it. And we have blundered every step of the way. We must do better. All of us. And the longer we delay, the more all of us suffer as a result from our own actions and it's hold on others. If we can't bother to protect or even care for those being sold into slavery as we speak while we dine and party amongst each other. Then we don't deserve to rule over them in the first place. Every moment we delay by not committing every ounce of our energy to liberating them is a moment we can never atone for. So let's fucking stop wasting time and and do the only goddamn right thing for once in this nation's history.
The crowd was silent. Shena said one final remark before handing the microphone back to Argus.
"Thank you. The honored guest spoke as her last words of the speech. "And let's all try and do better."
Shena walked off the stage in enraged silence. Everyone she came across backed away. The rest of the party was significantly different. No one asked her any more questions. She sat in the corner of the room left to her thoughts as Argus slowly approached her. She looked up and saluted. Out of respect of rank only. He saluted back, only with a more genuine posture that did not seem to take offense by her lack of initiative.
Quite a unique speech. He stated. And not the one I would have hoped for or expected.
You asked for me to speak. So I said what needed to be said.
So you did. He tilted his head slightly a bit impressed by her bluntness as long as it didn't overstep the bounds too much. The towering sailfish began to survey the crowd chattering among themselves.
Is there anything more you require sir? Shena asked disgruntled and a bit saddened.
Me personally? No. But perhaps there is something you can do for our country that would prove far more important. Especially given your enthralling commitment to your own words.
What is it? Shena asked.
Argus made a wait and see gesture and asked her to follow him away from the crowds. Argus led her away from the public eye into a small conference room away from prying eyes. Shena noticed the door was heavily guarded by multiple sets of two troops in full armor. Only not all duos were in monarchy blue. Some were in forest green and oak brown, wielding rapiers calmly against their sides. Others were in desert orange and sunstone tan, holding steady large rifles. The strange men were most definitely not from here. Something was up to have called foreign soldiers from across the sea to some small insignificant galla.
Argus's tone becoming intently serious as he approached, The soldiers nodded respectfully toward him, and camly stepped aside for him and her. The sailfish then led the honored recipients of this gathering to walk far past the reach of quiet sentries and curious guests before locking the door behind them both. They would not be disturbed from here on.
Why the discression? Shena asked.
Argus made a wait and see gesture before approaching a large doorway.
"This way." He ordered. Swinging the door open for her with a loud forbodeading creak.
At the other side of the table Shena was surprised to see five people who had hidden away from the meeting and public eye. The most prominent being Prime minister Koa. A well dressed and portly Sea otter with a bushy mustache resting under his black twitching nose and blue round spectacles. Despite his rather unimposing appearance, Shena knew he was the second most powerful man in all of the Monarchy second to the one Sitting in a chair beside him. Shena noted the red and blue Beta fish prince was still a young timid boy who couldn't have been more than nine. Prime minister koa had been serving as his personal adviser since his mother, queen Meera's assassination, and had practically ruled in his stead so far until the young boy come of proper age. Which would be quite a while based on how quiet and unsure he was. Shena saluted more respectfully to the prince sitting with his arms and legs folden out of respect to his mother. But he didn't seem to care for military formalities as much as Argus or Koa and nodded camly with a faint anxious nod back to her.
Miss Veso. It is my honor to meet you at last. I'm so glad you've honored us with your presence here this evening. Replied Koa. Bowing coridaly with his hands behind his back regardless of if she actually deserved it.
I'm guessing the galla wasn't the only reason? Shena asked looking around the room. Now beginning to realize the unconventional gravitace of the situation based on the serious nature she could sense was alive in the air.
I'm afraid so. Koa responded truthfully. The galla was for good public morale and to demonstrate our government's commitment to honoring it's soldiers. But the real reason I invited you here.. is a tad more. Immediate. And of a gravely more serious nature. And I trust it shall not be spoken of outside this room. But where are my manners? Allow me to first introduce you to our esteemed allies to you who have travelled a great deal to be here tonight during these...negotiations.
Shena nodded. But before the prime minister could begin the introductions. The first stranger broke the silence. He was a large shouldered man dressed in a brown well kempt suit. With two large antlers protruding from atop his head. He was a dignified and stern looking individual.
Lieutenant Veso. The deer smiled. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you. Know that we in the Federation owe you and your men a great deal for the courage you displayed when faced with such overwhelming odds. On that we have something in common.
Thank you for your kind words sir. Shena responded instinctively out of formality. But if I may ask. Who are you?
The deer smirked not sounding offended by her straight to the point attitude. It was an attitude he himself quite admired after all. "Chancelor Ka'she. Representative of the Forest federation. You'rs and my government have been allies for years. And if the talks go well tonight, our fruitful alliance may well survive the hardship of our enemies that threaten us both equally.
Shena nodded.
Oh don't bore her with such gravitace Ka'she. The second stranger winned, folding his arms with a tired glance of his head. Things are bad enough as is we don't need you constantly reminding of it. We will get on with it. Enough said.
Please forgive President Sai. Interjected Prime Minister Koa. He is rather unfamiliar with the formalities of out culture.
I know them well enough. I'm still waiting on those formalities of yours to give us the ships you promised to send years ago when my homeland was invaded as well. Blurted Sai, scratching his long scruffy beared. We could stand here all day talking about poor old this or poor old that. But I say we just set about what we intend to do quickly. The longer we delay the more my people suffer same as yours. So lets get on with it."
Shena found herself smiling at the large man who did not seem to thing of what other's thought of him or to call it like it was. Of that she held a modem of respect. The president in exile of a republic that hadn't existed for four years was dressed in a simple brown leather jacket and dusty combat boots. He held himself as a man who had a former life in the army before switching to politics. And his eloquence for speech was just as fearless as his eyes. Dark brown amidst a malty of sandstone fur and pointed scruffy ears with one having a whole in its side giving clear evident of a past battle injury. The middle aged coyote was covered in them. And although he was certainly not a picture of courtly monarchy appearance, his brutal honesty and unwavering gruff and tough desert attitude Shena admired immensely.
Is this everyone? Asked President Sai.
Almost. Replied Koa. Our fourth associate is running a tad late. But she should be here shorty. Argus try the signal again.
The admiral nodded and tested the holographic communicator at the center of the room. For a second nothing came through. Then suddenly a glowing shape of water sprouted to take the shape of a figure standing beside the three other men.
This had better be good. Queen Boreca. Replied in a tense stern voice. I'm a bit busy at the moment.
This won't take long my dear. Replied Koa.
Don't my dear this. Growled Boreca. Me and my forces are having a tough time right now. I only agreed to this because you said it would be beneficial.
And that it will. Said Koa. Of that I am sure.
Fine. I have to rejoin my men soon and keep moving. Said Boreca. The sooner this is over the better. Shena noticed the woman seemed on edge and glanced over her shoulder every so often as if suspecting a dagger about to be drawn. What was more noticeable was the woman's striking appearance. The Snow leopard queen's fur was white as snow and was clothed in grey dirty chainmail which had seen better days. Her face and long hair was equally as white, braided behind into to five long strands like icicles hanging downward. Her grey spots and blue icy eyes were restless and fierce in their display of pure animal aggression and fearlessness to any who challenged her rule she had fought all her life to earn.
Well now that we are all here. I think it time we begin. Said Koa relieved at finally being able to say that. Even more relieved however at finally having every leader and representative from the four allied nations in the same room at the same time. Ocean Monarchy. Forest Federation. Desert Republic. And Northern Coalition. Six months of planning. All leading up to tonight. And this one mission.
What are you asking sir? Shena asked. Why are we all here?
Miss Shena. He sighed in a saddened tone of expression. "I'm sure you acutely aware that this war is going badly for us. Our enemies of the axis powers. The south pole Empire. Deep Sea confederation. Savanna Sovereignty. And treasonous Swampland horde have us stretched to each of our breaking points like never before. We are weakened and scattered on all fronts. And our own navy and army are growing desperate with each passing day. As are each of us. What happened to Orevan was a tragedy, but more like it will follow if we don't do something..rather drastic soon. Mr Sai's government was the first to collapse. His militia are still fighting against the sovereignty every day but with the army ant raiders returning to assist in the occupation, the situation has only become more dire for those in hiding fighting with whatever they can muster. Two of the five Federation states of Representative Ka'she homeland have already fallen. And it's Forest rangers are overwhelmed in their fight against Three different axis powers at once. We have diverted most of what's left of our land forces to help assist them as best we can but even the monarchy is on the verge of collapse as a nation as we strengthen our defenses and wait for our inevitable defeat and invasion. And..
Koa managed a quick tenuous glance toward Boreca's hologram.
Fine go on with it. She replied. Looking down and away hating the feeling of defeat. Koa cleared his throat and continued.
Boreca's coalition has fared rather well...That is up until recently. Her armies are scattered and being hunted down like criminals in the forest and mountains of the North pole by her Southern Enemies. They are tough up there. But they won't last long. They don't have the industry, airforce, or support for it. No offense.
None taken. Boreca responded. Our economy's shit. But we're mustering along fine enough for the time being on what old imperial ice tech we can salvage. But...I don't know...For how much longer. I have alot of men injured. The forest is on fire all around us cutting of our escape route and valkirie fighters keep picking our transports out of the sky one by one. We need to get out. We need help. Or else. We're dead men if we stay here.
As do we all. Sighed Koa. Ashamed at the reality of being unable to help her at the moment with all his supply ships sent to support the north having been sunk to the bottom of the sea by Deep sea Stealth submarines. He wanted to send more. But he had to look out for his own nation's well being first above all else. "We are all in our most darkest hour together. But I'm hoping you can change that. If you are up to the challenge that is.
What challenge sir? Shena asked intrigued. What are you asking me to do? Kill some one?
Argus shook his head. "No. I'm afraid what we are planning is a much more perilous undertaking. And all the more difficult. But it has to be done. It is the only chance we have left to save our civilization from crumbling into the sea by our enemies.
Alright. What then? Shena asked confused.
Koa turned his view toward Argus and gestured him to relay the information that could change the fate of the world. Argus slowly approached. Inserted the disk into the holo table. And a sudden burst of water sprout from the table to form the glowing blue shape of a person Shena didn't recognize. A young feathered woman by the look of it. Only after some hard thinking and looking at her partially concealed face did Shena see the resemblance of certain features. A resemblance that was uncanny to a ruler that everyone in the entire world knew and feared.
No...It..It can't be..Shena gasped.
"Yes. I'm afraid it is." Argus responded with such a conviction that it sent shivers down her spine. His cold calculating eyes which were willing to do whatever was necessary to save his country, hoped that she as well could back up her own words of conviction from earlier and do what needs to be done. He stepped forward to give her the task which they were entrusting her with very lives of their nation. There was no going back from this. For any of them.
"The south pole princess is alive..."And you're going to lead the mission to capture her."