The dim lighting of the Basilisk's hangar cast long shadows over the rows of Knight Power Armors, each standing in silent anticipation. The tension in the air was palpable, and it wasn't just the machines that felt it—every member of the 299th knew that they were living in the final moments of peace.
Caius stood at the edge of the hangar, staring at the Death Knight. His hands rested on his hips, his mind racing through every possible scenario they could face. The word hadn't come yet, but the orders would arrive soon. The Central Powers wouldn't wait forever. They would push, and when they did, the Commonwealth had to be ready.
"Lieutenant Rest."
Caius turned to see Sergeant Linik approaching, his face as unreadable as ever. Linik was a reliable soldier, one Caius trusted to handle the finer details of command. Caius straightened as Linik stopped before him, his boots clinking on the metallic floor of the hangar.
"Maintenance checks are complete," Linik reported. "The Basilisk's mana reserves are fully replenished, and the KPAs are prepped for deployment. Still no official word on when the call will come."
"Understood," Caius replied. He let out a slow breath, nodding to himself. They were ready. That was all he could ask for, all he could control.
Caius glanced back at the Death Knight, its massive frame dominating the space. Built for war, it was designed to withstand more than any other KPA in the squad. But war wasn't just about machines—it was about decisions, and soon those decisions would be his to make.
"Tell the men to stay sharp," Caius continued, his voice steady. "We might not know when, but the moment that call comes, we're going in hot."
Linik gave a sharp nod. "Yes, sir."
As Linik turned to relay the orders, Caius let his thoughts drift for a moment. This was the calm before the storm. He had seen it before in simulations, during the war games at the academy, but this—this was different. There were no simulations now, no safe zones or do-overs. The next step they took would be into real battle, and real lives were on the line.
A flicker of motion caught his eye, and Caius saw Victor sauntering over, his usual smirk in place. Even now, on the brink of war, Victor exuded the same casual confidence that seemed to follow him everywhere.
"Ser Rest," Victor called out as he approached, using Caius's ceremonial title with a mocking lilt. "You ready for this, or are you going to get lost in your thoughts staring at that oversized KPA of yours?"
Caius chuckled, shaking his head. "Better to be ready than cocky. I'll leave the showmanship to you and the Sun Chaser."
Victor crossed his arms, his golden KPA gleaming just behind him in its docking bay. "Don't be jealous because I have style. Someone has to look good while taking the fight to the enemy."
"Just make sure you're more useful than flashy when the time comes," Caius replied, his tone dry but not without amusement.
Victor grinned. "I'll be as flashy and useful as ever, don't worry."
Despite the banter, Caius could sense the weight in Victor's voice, the underlying tension. They had both been through the academy, both trained for this, but even Victor knew that once the war began, everything would change.
The Basilisk continued its silent patrol over the 'Northern' Front, the landscape below marked by trenches, barbed wire, and the signs of a conflict that was only waiting for a spark. The Central Powers' forces were a distant shadow on the horizon, barely visible through the haze. Neither side had fired a shot, but both armies had their weapons drawn, waiting for the order.
Caius stood on the bridge, watching the land pass beneath them. Lieutenant Harrow stood nearby, reviewing tactical data on one of the consoles. The tension between the two sides was at its peak, but still, no official order had come.
"They're stalling," Harrow muttered, his brow furrowed as he reviewed the latest reports. "Both sides waiting for the other to make the first move. It's a game of who flinches first."
"It won't last forever," Caius said, his voice steady. "The pressure will break eventually."
Harrow glanced at him, nodding in agreement. "True enough. It's only a matter of time before we're called in. The Basilisk might not be a frontline ship, but when things go wrong—and they will—we'll be the ones getting dropped in to clean up the mess."
Caius's mind shifted to the larger picture. The Basilisk was a mobile command base, designed for special operations and rapid deployment. It wasn't built to go head-to-head with the full might of the Central Powers. That was what ships like a Dragon-class carrier/destroyer, were for.
"299th, prepare for a briefing," Caius said over the squad's comms, snapping himself out of his thoughts. "We're staying sharp, and that means everyone needs to be ready at a moment's notice. Meet in the briefing room in five."
He cut the comms and gave Harrow a nod before heading to the briefing room. He could feel the weight of the upcoming war with every step he took.
The 299th KPA Assault Squad gathered in the briefing room, the air heavy with anticipation. Caius stood at the head of the room, his eyes scanning the faces of his soldiers. These were the men who would follow him into battle, the ones who trusted him to lead them through the chaos to come.
Victor stood off to the side, arms crossed and still wearing that casual smirk, though Caius could see the tension in his stance. Next to him was Sergeant Linik, his face set in the same unreadable expression he always wore, but Caius knew Linik was as focused and prepared as ever.
"We haven't received the official order to engage yet," Caius began, his voice calm and commanding. "But we all know it's coming. The Central Powers are amassing forces, and the Commonwealth is doing the same. When the call comes, we'll be dropping into the thick of it, and our objective will be to break through the enemy lines, take out key targets, and hold critical positions until reinforcements arrive."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"The 299th is an offensive unit, and we'll be on the front lines when this kicks off. The Basilisk is running smoothly, and we're fully fueled—mana reserves are at full capacity. But I want everyone ready for immediate deployment."
Victor raised a hand in a mock-serious gesture. "So, we get to be the first ones shot at? Great. Just what I've always wanted."
A ripple of nervous laughter ran through the squad, breaking some of the tension in the room. Caius shot Victor a look, but inwardly he was glad his second-in-command was keeping things light.
"Exactly," Caius replied dryly. "So, make sure you're prepared to dodge."
The squad chuckled again, but Caius quickly brought them back to focus. "In all seriousness, this is what we've trained for. Stay sharp, stay ready. Dismissed."
The soldiers filed out of the room, leaving Caius, Victor, and Linik standing at the front.
Linik gave a curt nod. "Squad's ready, Lieutenant. They'll follow your lead."
Caius nodded, his gaze steady. "Good. Because when this starts, there won't be room for hesitation."
Victor clapped Caius on the shoulder, that easy grin still in place. "Don't worry, Commander. You've got this."
Caius glanced at him, then back at the empty room. "Let's hope so."
The countdown continued. The war hadn't officially begun, but the Basilisk and the 299th were as ready as they could be. All they could do now was wait for the order that would thrust them into the heart of battle.