The Golden Lightning's hull vibrated due to the shockwave caused by the unknown dreadnought ramming into the Government dreadnought. Flames erupted from the collision site, casting an eerie glow in the void before bursting into a cataclysmic explosion with a deafening bang. The blue-colored government dreadnought split in half from the middle, sending shards of metal and debris spiraling into the void.
As the flames died down, the black and gold dreadnought emerged from the debris, its majestic form coming into full view. It was adorned with black and gold carnations, a silver ram sculpted to resemble a beast's mouth, and a skull with two serpents winding around it. This fearsome symbol of power and mystery became visible on its side, its presence dominating the scene. Moments later, a fleet of frigates, destroyers, carriers, cruisers, and other vessels bearing the same mark appeared, aligning themselves in formation alongside the gigantic dreadnought.
"I had no idea you'd be back for so long, my angel!" boomed a voice over the local radio transmission, each word infused with a blend of familiarity and paternal pride that echoed across the void.
Joize sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing down on her shoulders. "How'd you know I was here, old man?" she asked, her voice a mix of exasperation and begrudging affection. The tension between them was palpable, a testament to their complicated relationship.
The voice on the other end chuckled warmly. "Time and place, my sweetheart. Always time and place," he replied, his tone light yet knowing. "How about we catch up over a few drinks, savvy?"
Joize hesitated, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. "Alright, fine. But don't expect me to stick around for long," she finally agreed, her voice tinged with reluctance and a hint of apprehension. The subtle quiver in her tone betrayed the underlying tension she felt, foreshadowing the meeting that was about to unfold.
She turned to her crew, her demeanor shifting to one of command. "Move the Golden Lightning towards the fleet," she ordered, her voice steady but lacking its usual vigor. The crew quickly complied, sensing the gravity of the encounter awaiting their captain.
As Joize approached the massive black dreadnought, a crewman from the black dreadnought flew over and brought her to a boarding ship. Joize, feeling the weight of the impending encounter, asked Rhox and Vincent to follow her. The three then boarded the escort ship to meet this "old man" of Joize.
Upon arriving at the black dreadnought's port, a number of crewmen lined up toUpon arriving at the black dreadnought's port, a number of crewmen lined up to greet them, their disciplined stance a stark contrast to the usual rowdy demeanor of pirates. The air was thick with a sense of ceremony and unspoken hierarchy, each crewman standing tall and alert. As they walked towards the ship's interior, they were met by a tall old man with gray hair, wearing a black feathered hat adorned with a tarnished silver emblem. Four blasters were stashed upon his belt, barely concealed by his long black coat that swayed with his every movement.
Vincent, closely following behind Rhox, leaned in and whispered, "Must be the admiral," his voice tinged with curiosity and respect. His eyes scanned the old man, taking in every detail of his formidable presence.
As Joize approached, the old man opened his arms wide, a gesture that seemed to be an invitation for a warm embrace. However, Joize stiffened, her eyes narrowing. She refused the hug and merely walked away, her back rigid with unspoken tension, waiting for Rhox and Vincent to follow. The old man's eyes, sharp and scrutinizing, tracked her every movement.
Rhox and Vincent stepped forward, feeling the weight of the old man's intense gaze. His eyes seemed to bore into them, evaluating their worth and intentions with a silent authority.
"Mercenaries, I presume, Joize?" the old man said, his voice deep and gravelly, carrying an air of command that demanded respect. He shifted his gaze towards Joize, a knowing look passing between them.
"Aye, mercenaries that will help me find the relic that I've been searching for years," Joize replied, her face etched with a deep frown. Her determination was palpable, her eyes reflecting a mix of resolve and desperation.
The old man's expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained hard. "How many times have I told you, daughter, that such a relic won't bring back what you've lost?" he began, his voice tinged with sadness and frustration.
Joize's face twisted in anger. "SHUT UP! This relic is the key to all my questions, and you won't stop me from getting it!" she yelled, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away, her jaw set in defiance.
The old man hesitated, his hand reaching out as if to comfort her but stopping midway. He clenched his fist, the pain of their strained relationship evident in his eyes. Turning to Rhox and Vincent, he sighed deeply. "Follow me to the captain's cabin," he said, his voice heavy with unspoken burdens.
As they entered the captain's cabin, Rhox and Vincent were struck by the eclectic mix of papers, maps, books, and family pictures scattered around. It was a room that told a story of countless adventures and personal sacrifices. Vinny Gold, as he introduced himself, sat down with a heavy heart, pouring drinks for Rhox and Vincent.
"Vinny Gold, captain of the Golden Serpents pirate fleet," he introduced himself formally, his voice carrying the weight of his years and experiences.
Vinny poured glasses of rum from his bottle, sliding one each towards Rhox and Vincent. Rhox declined the offer with a polite nod, her eyes never leaving Vinny's, but Vincent accepted it eagerly, chugging it down in one gulp. Vinny laughed heartily, slapping his knee and remarking, "That's what I'm talking about, boy! A true spirit for adventure!"
Rhox let out a sigh, her patience waning. "So, what did you call us here for?" she asked, her tone businesslike, eager to get to the point.
Vinny's demeanor shifted, his eyes growing serious as he sat upright and lit a cigar. The room quickly filled with the rich smell of tobacco, adding an air of gravity to his words. "I'd like you to safeguard Joize on this little adventure she's planning. I don't want a single scratch or harm on her body, do you hear me?" His eyes bore into theirs, leaving no room for misunderstanding, the intensity of his protective instincts clear.
"You didn't have to tell us that," Rhox replied with a slight smirk, leaning back in her chair. "We planned that from the beginning. A dead contractor leaves a bad taste in my mouth." Her voice carried a blend of professionalism and subtle reassurance.
Vinny's stern expression softened into a smile, the tension easing slightly. "Good, then I'll owe you a favor in return," he said, his voice carrying a note of gratitude that echoed the depth of his concern for Joize.
After a few more drinks with Vincent, who continued to down them with gusto, and a quick look around the room at the pictures of Joize and her family, the three left the cabin. The walls were adorned with memories, each photo telling a story of the family's past adventures and bonds. Unfortunately, one of the Golden Serpents crew members informed them that Joize had already returned to the Golden Lightning and was waiting for Rhox and Vincent to return.
With a big sigh, Vinny said, "Go on, we'll escort you till you're out of Red Point." His voice was filled with a mixture of relief and lingering concern for his daughter, his eyes following them as they left. The weight of his unspoken fears hung in the air, a silent plea for their safe return.
Rhox gave a nod of understanding, her expression softening slightly as she realized the depth of Vinny's worry. "We'll take good care of her," she assured him, her voice firm and steady. Vincent, ever the supportive wingman, clapped Vinny on the shoulder before following Rhox, leaving the cabin filled with the echoes of their departure and the heavy scent of tobacco.
Rhox and Vincent returned to the Golden Lightning, finding Joize sitting by the window, lost in her thoughts, holding a delicate pendant in her hands. Her eyes, reflecting a deep sense of loneliness and sorrow, seemed to be searching the stars for answers. As they approached, she quickly tucked the pendant back into her coat's pocket and stood up, her face now set with a resolute determination.
"Glad you're back, Rhox and Vincent!" Joize greeted them, her voice cheerful but the smile not quite reaching her eyes. "We're finally heading to our final destination, Orbitron."
Rhox, sensing Joize's hidden pain, gave a faint smirk. "I'll be with you all the way," she said softly, her words carrying a promise of unwavering support. Joize responded with a smile, though her eyes still betrayed her inner turmoil. Vincent nodded in agreement, his expression serious and supportive.
"All right! Then it's straight to Orbitron!" Joize declared, her voice infused with a renewed determination, though the forced cheerfulness lingered in her tone.
Joize turned to her crew, her voice firm and authoritative. "Increase the speed of the Golden Lightning to maximum! We're heading for the Orbitron system!" she commanded, her words leaving no room for hesitation. The crew sprang into action, the ship's engines roaring to life as they accelerated towards their destination.
As the Golden Lightning surged forward, the pirate fleet of the Golden Serpents followed closely behind, their formidable presence acting as a shield. The sight of the imposing fleet deterred any pirate vessel or government ship from daring to intercept their path. The journey through Red Point was smooth, the combined force of the Golden Lightning and the Golden Serpents proving to be an unstoppable force.
Rhox stood by the window, watching the stars blur past, her mind occupied with thoughts of the journey ahead and the challenges they would face. She glanced at Joize, who was staring resolutely ahead, and felt a pang of empathy for the burden she carried. "We'll make it," Rhox muttered under her breath, her determination matching that of their captain.
Vincent, ever the supportive wingman, clapped a reassuring hand on Rhox's shoulder, his silent presence a comfort. "Together," he said simply, and Rhox nodded, grateful for his unwavering support. The three of them, united in purpose, prepared themselves for the final leg of their journey to Orbitron.
Upon reaching the entrance of Orbitron, the Golden Lightning pressed forward, the engines humming with determination. The Golden Serpents halted, their formidable presence ensuring Joize's safety as she ventured onward. Through the ship's windows, Joize cast a glance back at the main ship of the Golden Serpents, her eyes catching a figure waving from the illuminated windows.
It was her father.
With a hint of sadness, Joize closed her eyes for a moment, her mind awash with memories and emotions. She then looked forward with renewed resolve, her hand instinctively clutching a pendant in her pocket, its familiar weight offering a semblance of comfort and strength.
As the Golden Lightning left the chaotic expanse of Red Point and entered the serene Orbitron system, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight. A massive star with an ethereal blue hue dominated the sky, casting a gentle glow over the solitary planet orbiting it. The planet's atmosphere shimmered with a golden tint, the lush green forests below creating a striking contrast.
"Orbitron..." Rhox murmured, her eyes wide with awe as she took in the majestic view.
Joize, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and determination, addressed the crew. "Prepare for descent. We've come this far, and we're not turning back now."
The crew members, inspired by Joize's unwavering resolve, worked with renewed vigor. The Golden Lightning adjusted its course, aligning with the planet's atmosphere.
As they drew closer, the details of the planet's surface became clearer. Signs of boosters were detected near the atmosphere, a clear indication that another group had landed before them.
"A group must have landed before us and is already on the ground," a crewman reported, his voice tinged with concern.
Joize nodded, her expression serious. "Prepare yourselves, everyone. We don't know what we're walking into, but we're ready for anything."
Rhox and Vincent exchanged determined glances, their hands instinctively checking their weapons and gear. The Golden Lightning, now in perfect alignment, began its descent towards the planet, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the dense, golden-tinged forests of Orbitron.
pon successfully orbiting the planet, several crewmen, along with Joize, Rhox, and Vincent, boarded a launch pod to descend to the planet's surface. The remaining crewmen stayed aboard the Golden Lightning to maintain operations in orbit. After moments of meticulous preparation, the launch pods dropped from the dreadnought into the planet's atmosphere with a deafening bang, their boosters ensuring a controlled descent to the planet's surface.
The launch pods landed on Gold Deep with a loud thud, the earth shaking and dust rising from the impact. The crew inside felt the jarring halt as the pods touched down, and a brief moment of silence followed. The hatches hissed open, releasing a gust of pressurized air as Rhox, Joize, Vincent, and the rest of the crewmen exited the pods. They stepped onto the planet's surface, their boots sinking slightly into the soft, verdant ground.
They found themselves in the middle of a dense, seemingly endless forest, surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation. The air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage, and the sounds of unfamiliar wildlife filled the background.
"Damn, those are some big-ass trees," Rhox remarked, her eyes scanning the towering giants with a mix of awe and caution. "I wouldn't be surprised if a giant beast ambushed us at any moment."
Vincent, ever the realist, added, "We'll know when the trees around us suddenly shake." His words cast a grim shadow over the group, the atmosphere growing tense with the possibility of unseen threats.
Joize, sensing the rising tension, suddenly burst out laughing, trying to lift the group's spirits. She pulled out a weathered journal and read aloud, her voice imbued with a sense of mystery and adventure, "Surrounded by millions and trillions of green, you shall find twin mountains on the horizon. There you shall find Kahrin at the apex, and she will lead you to the lands in between, and there you shall find the answers you are looking for."
Closing the journal with a decisive snap, she looked around at the group, her eyes gleaming with determination. "So, first, we need to find a twin mountain on the horizon."
Rhox glanced around, her gaze hindered by the massive trees blocking any distant view. "Can't see much of anything with these giants in the way. We'll need a higher vantage point."
Vincent nodded in agreement, adjusting his gear. "Let's move. The sooner we find a high spot, the better our chances of spotting those mountains."
As they started their journey, one of Joize's crewmen, a burly man with a thick beard named Morn, grumbled, "Just our luck to land in a jungle. I hate jungles."
A wiry, younger crewmember named Lox chuckled, "Better than getting shot at by those government dogs back in Red Point."
Morn shrugged, "True, but at least in space, you can see your enemy coming."
The group set off, navigating the dense forest, their movements cautious yet determined. The towering trees loomed over them, casting long shadows that danced with the shifting light. Hours passed as they hiked through the thick underbrush, the sense of urgency driving them forward.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Joize's voice broke the silence, tinged with exhaustion. "We should make camp for the night," she suggested, but her words were cut short by a terrifying howl echoing through the woods. The sound was soon followed by countless others, making the leaves around them rustle ominously.
One of the crewmen, a stout woman named Nira, muttered, "Those don't sound friendly."
Another crewman, a lanky man called Brek, tried to lighten the mood, "Maybe they're just welcoming us to the neighborhood."
Rhox, ever practical, said, "Let's make camp, but we need night watchers." Her eyes scanned the darkening forest, ensuring they would be ready for anything.
Joize nodded, her face serious as she instructed her men to set up camp and designate watchmen to keep an eye out for potential threats throughout the night. The howls grew louder and closer as the crew worked, their movements quick and efficient.
Morn, securing a perimeter, joked nervously, "I've always wanted to be a monster's midnight snack."
Lox replied with a grin, "Just make sure you scream loud enough to wake the rest of us up."
Joize chuckled slightly, trying to mask her own nervousness. "Scratch sleeping, I think we're about to defend our lives all night," she said, readying her rifle with a grim smile.
Nira, standing guard, added, "Well, at least we won't be bored."
The crew prepared themselves for a long and potentially dangerous night, the howls of unseen beasts serving as a constant reminder of the perilous environment they found themselves in.