Summoning the HKA: Lords of Eternity

Chapter I: A Tale of Two Worlds

Naval Base Kayrin, Kiavalar

August 12, 2526 XY

A tall balding man sat at a desk, enjoying a cup of black tea while reading through a cluster of papers. These included everything from weekly reports, postings, inquiries, and the occasional request from his subordinates. In truth, he didn't pay attention to them. It's not like he needed to anyways. Most, if not all, were thoroughly reviewed by this staff. Even then, at least a dozen competent eyes had seen to any issues within them. As he lazily read through the last few, his mind drifted. After what felt like hours, he was relieved of the gruelling task. Signing at certain places or writing a follow-up on some of the aforementioned requests, he moved on. He found himself slumped in his chair. The idea bemused him, one of the more important high-ranking admirals within the navy showing such blatant disregard for discipline. His younger self would never like that. But then, would the physical discipline of an important high-ranking admiral matter?

'No, that's a stupid thought.' He stopped himself from going further. He needed a change of pace, at this rate, he'll drive himself mad. In his defence, this was one of the more uneventful days by a mile. He was up and about around the room, looking for something to do. Eventually, he found himself in front of a small bookshelf on the far side of his office. Browsing through his collection, he had a tough time picking. There were quite a few that he hadn't finished yet and a few still that he hadn't even touched. At first, he tried to go through the last few chapters of the Codex Tupalei'i, but that never enraptured him. He barely managed to get a few pages of the 'West Alaxian Maritime History' in before losing his focus and eventually closing the book.

Returning to his desk, he helped himself to another mug of tea. It was losing its heat, that wouldn't do. Making a mental note to fill it up and reheat himself later. 'Never imagined being Seamarshal would be this dull,' he mused as he placed a hand on his wine-coloured navy cap. The silver cap badge gleaned against his table lamp since the weather outside appeared cloudy. A sharp knock forced him to straighten his shoulders as he cleared his throat. "Come in," he exclaimed in a soft authoritative tone.

A staffer walked in, worry plastered all over her face. "Sir, we have lost contact with Ethelen Base, their last transmission was a report of a storm developing on their sensors."

'Well, so much for dull,' he thought as she handed him the report, his expression turning puzzled. "Why have we not heard from RMA or hell, high command?" he questioned, a hundred thoughts running through his mind.

As if on cue, a junior officer walked in. The officer fired a quick salute and started "Sir, you have been requested within the command room. It is..." the officer hesitated. "Well, it's best if you see it for yourself."

The man got up, put on his cap, and made his way toward the command room. He was trailed by a retinue of officers forming around him. He had been within the command room a thousand times, yet none of its details particularly came to mind right now. His focus was entirely on the collection of screens at the end of the room, with many people huddled around them.

"Watch-p-point I-Idol went dark!" One of the technicians stammered. He was a new fellow, anxious and inexperienced.

"Bases Compass, Nest, and Beacon all have failed to report in. Bastionne reports of a large storm system quickly forming off the Cralasian coast," another chimed in. Hell had broken loose, and men went in and out of the command room handling reports, communique, and assignments. The commanding staff was flabbergasted, though they did not show it. Was this an attack? What's with the sudden spontaneous storm? Many of the officers were discussing theories and relaying orders.

All of them were interrupted as a telephone on the central table of the command room rang. They froze, knowing the secured landline could only be connected to a single place. The man went to the table and picked up the receiver. "This is Seamarshal Illyen Kanbiran."