The Hidden City, Havensky
Region of Texas
High Command was meeting deep within the chambers of the Stars and Signals Command. They had been rotating locations randomly since the attack on the academy. This room was round with a large three-dimensional screentable at the center of the room. The screen was showing the space between Texas and Gholgoth with red indicators of all the Deathships identified. Several dozen 'X's showing ships that had been captured by the Airship Armada. Admiral Titan was standing up giving an update on the current events.
In conclusion, We've cleared the waters near Texas that could have been stopping points for Tycho. While we have rescued hundreds of people, we have failed to locate our missing Legionary. Our best estimation is that if he is still alive, then he's already in Gothic waters.
The Prime Minister cursed. It was always a long shot to try and get Tycho back while we was still on open water. The oceans were huge vast places. Trying to locate one ship was looking for a single grain a sand on a long beach.
Then do we leave him to his fate?, interrupted High Executor Vincent Profecta. As much as I have expressed reluctance to commit forces near Gholgoth even I am not willing to stand by and do nothing.
Our options are limited. We could easily start hunting every single Deathship between here and Kraven, but if we did that we'd be looking at an invasion fleet. If we knew where he was I could send a small strike team. What I really need is an ally in the region., retorted Titan.
If we had any diplomatic cover at all, we'd get diplomatic cover for a humanitarian mission to Milograd. The heavens only know how much the people there will suffer otherwise... replied Lady Jessica Heart who served as Secretary of State.
She fidgeting with her pen in frustration. She had many reasons to get Tycho back. Tycho was assigned to guard her. Tycho was dating her pilot. Tycho was Gavin's best friend and one of her husband's brightest students.
We've gotten plenty of reaction from people due to our raid on the Deathships. People around the world have praised us, thought us crazy, and we even got condemned by one nation who called a deathship a 'merchant vessel.' But no one inside the Gothic region has publicly indicated any disdain or condemnation of Kraven's attack on Milograd. If we can't get that - you can forget trying to help us with a rescue mission.
What if we just showed up?, asked the King who had been sitting quietly while the debate had raged.
Admiral Titus raised an eyebrow, Sir?
Not necessarily the entire Airship Armada, but a single airship with a small diplomatic team.
The table looked at him quietly. Nobody like the idea of sending a single airship so close to enemy territory.
The King shouted, Come on, think! We need friends in the region. We've been spooked for too long by this. We'll do what we always do. Propose trade, bring beer and bbq, show our good side - A charm offensive. Don't even mention the other thing unless they bring it up.
Jessica fidgeted with her pen some more, but you could tell the wheels were turning.
I would send Atticus, but he's no soldier. The Gothic Lords are warriors. We have to send a warrior.
We should send Lucas Ironwing then., said Vincent Profecta earning him a wicked stare from Jessica.
My husband is a professor - not a fighter!, protested Jessica. Her husband had been teaching at the Havensky Military Academy for several years after he had been honorably discharged from the Skyan Legion. He could have stayed in the Legion, but had resigned his commission after their children were born. He hadn't served as a member of the military in ten years. Jessica was certain this wasn't the warrior they were looking for.
Bull., answered Profecta. Lucas Ironwing led the rescue mission to save you from Kraven's clutches. He killed his Butcher. Let THAT be submitted as his diplomatic credentials. And while he may be a teacher now, he teachers military tactics - not home economics. And have you seen your husband wield a sword lately? And while he's away in Gholgoth, you can circle the globe rallying support for humanitarian aid to Milograd as well making sure if Kraven does attack us that we have allies to help us fight.
Jessica continued to give the High Executor an icy gaze, but she realized that of all the people who Havensky could send Lucas was highly qualified. And since Tycho Onyx had been captured by The Kraven Corporation, he had complained about not being able to do anything.
The Prime Minister spoke, So we're all agreed then?
Havensky Republican Airship Dragonslayer
Crystal City, Havensky
Region of Texas
Sir Lucas Ironwing took a long look at his small airship. He was tall standing 6'1 and weighed just under 200 pounds. Despite his retirement, he was in great shape. He had to be with all the training he had to put his students through. Ironwing believed in a hands on approach to his training. More than one young hotshot head learned the hard way that they still had much to learn.
The airship was on loan from the Havensky Military Academy. The dagger shaped silver hull shined in the early morning light
After inspecting the vessel, he turned back to board the airship. His wife was outside the boarding dock.
I still don't like this.
I'm a knight of the realm, they ask - I go., Lucas replied. He then walked up to Jessica and gave her a long embrace.
I'll be fine, I'll be careful, and I promise to be home soon. With Tycho and aid for Milograd if I can manage it.
Jessica held onto him for a moment, Just get home safe. I love you.
Lucas smiled, I love you too.
Ironwing kissed his wife goodbye and ordered the pilot to take off. The flight would be long, but it would give him time to send messages to several Gholgoth nations asking for a meeting.
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