The air was still heavy with the scent of battle. Jakob stood alone in the aftermath, his mind racing with the consequences of what had just transpired. Valerian, the Dominion’s most feared commander, was dead, but the cost of the engagement weighed on him. Victory had been won, but it felt fleeting, a momentary reprieve in a war that stretched endlessly across the land.
The battlefield was already being cleared. Knights and soldiers of the Golden Eternal Kingdom moved methodically, collecting the wounded and fallen. Jakob, however, remained near the spot where Valerian had met his end. His three yellow sabers rested at his side, dormant yet radiating a strange sense of power. He turned toward Ghost, who approached with his usual ease, though his expression was more somber than usual.
“Quite a show, Monn,” Ghost said, attempting levity. “That last trick of yours? Didn’t know you had it in you.”
Jakob allowed a faint smirk but said nothing. His gaze remained distant, fixed on the horizon where storm clouds still brewed.
Ghost’s voice lowered. “The Dominion isn’t going to take this lying down. Valerian’s death will shake them, sure, but it won’t break them. They’ll come back harder, angrier.”
“I know,” Jakob replied, his voice quiet but firm. “But this was necessary. If they want to escalate, they’ll know we’re ready.”
Before Ghost could respond, a Royal Guard messenger hurried toward them, armor clinking as he moved. He saluted sharply, his voice steady despite the urgency in his tone.
“Your Majesty, word has come from the 13th Fleet. The reinforcements for our Marines have arrived, but the Dominion’s forces are regrouping. Scouts report movement to the north—a significant buildup. It seems they’re preparing for a counterstrike.”
Jakob nodded, absorbing the information. “What’s the condition of the Marines?”
“Exhausted but holding firm,” the messenger said. “They’ve established a defensive line with Wyrmfen’s troops, but they won’t last against another full assault without additional support.”
Ghost sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Looks like the Dominion isn’t wasting time. They’ll throw everything they have at us to save face.”
Jakob turned to Ghost, his expression resolute. “Prepare a dropship. I want to see the situation for myself.”
Ghost frowned. “You just got through a duel with one of the most dangerous men alive, Monn. Maybe take a breather before diving into another warzone?”
Jakob shot him a pointed look. “If our Marines and allies are standing their ground, then so will I. Prepare the dropship.”
Ghost raised his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. But I’m coming with you. Somebody’s gotta make sure you don’t get yourself killed.”
Jakob allowed a brief smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
---
The Eternal loomed in the distance, its colossal form casting a shadow over the battlefield as the dropship ascended. The massive carrier was the pride of the Royal 1st Fleet, its decks bustling with activity as it coordinated operations across the region. From the air, Jakob could see the land below—a patchwork of scorched earth and entrenched positions, evidence of the brutal conflict that had unfolded.
Inside the dropship, the hum of the engines filled the cabin as Jakob sat across from Ghost, both men silent for the moment. The tension in the air was palpable, an unspoken understanding that this war was far from over.
When they landed on The Eternal, Jakob was greeted by Admiral Reidan, a seasoned officer whose stern demeanor was matched only by his tactical brilliance. The Admiral saluted sharply before speaking.
“Your Majesty, it’s an honor to have you aboard. We’ve been monitoring the situation closely. The Marines on the ground are holding, but the Dominion’s buildup to the north is... concerning. If they launch a full-scale attack, our forces will be overwhelmed.”
Jakob nodded. “Reidan, what assets can we deploy to reinforce them?”
Reidan led the group to the central command deck, where holographic displays detailed troop movements and fleet positioning. “We’ve already deployed additional dropships to supply the Marines with ammunition and medical supplies, but they’ll need more manpower. The 3rd and 7th Knight detachments are on standby and can be deployed within the hour. The real issue is the Dominion’s air superiority in the region. Their Stormwings and Ironclaw Bombers are wreaking havoc.”
Ghost leaned over the display, studying the holograms. “If they’re running heavy bombing runs, we’ll need to hit their airfields. Zeta’s squadron still operational?”
Reidan nodded. “They’re prepping for another strike as we speak.”
Jakob’s eyes narrowed as he considered the options. “Good. Have Zeta Squadron neutralize their airfields, and prepare the Knights for deployment. I want boots on the ground within the hour.”
Reidan saluted. “Understood, Your Majesty.”
---
The Eternal’s hangar was alive with activity. Dropships were being loaded with supplies, and Knights were assembling in precise formations, their armor gleaming under the harsh lights. Jakob stood on an elevated platform, watching as the preparations unfolded.
The Marines on the ground had held the line, buying the Kingdom precious time, but now it was up to the reinforcements to secure the victory. Jakob’s eyes lingered on the departing dropships, his thoughts briefly returning to Valerian and the duel that had changed the course of this battle.
Ghost joined him, leaning casually against the railing. “You know, Monn, if this keeps up, we might actually win this thing.”
Jakob glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “We will win. But it’s not over yet.”
As the last of the dropships launched, carrying reinforcements to the front lines, Jakob turned to Ghost.
“Prepare my transport. Once the ground forces have secured the area, I’ll join them.”
Ghost arched an eyebrow. “You’re really eager to get your hands dirty, aren’t you?”
Jakob’s expression was unwavering. “This is my fight, Ghost. I won’t lead from the safety of a command center while others risk their lives. Not now, not ever.”
Ghost sighed but didn’t argue. “Alright, Monn. Just try not to make my job harder than it already is.”
As the two men prepared for the next phase of the campaign, the storm outside intensified, the skies echoing with the distant sounds of war. For Jakob Monn, this was only the beginning of the trials to come.
End of Chapter Seven
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Eternal. (A Star Wars Story.)
Ficção Científica"They stood with us, side by side, Fighting through battles as the nights got colder. Their blades once lit up the battlefield, And their voices were strong-but now, it's quiet. I can still remember the way they laughed, The way they'd charge into t...
