The glow of the holotable filled the operations room aboard The Eternal. Admiral Korvan stood at its head, his sharp eyes scanning the flickering projections of troop deployments and aerial engagements. The Dominion forces were regrouping in the north, their movements sluggish but deliberate. The airfield strike had bought the Kingdom time, but not much.
“Admiral,” a communications officer said, saluting sharply. “King Monn’s dropship is inbound. ETA, three minutes.”
Korvan nodded. “Clear the deck and prepare for his arrival.”
---
The hangar was alive with activity as the dropship approached. Its engines roared, scattering loose equipment as the sleek craft lowered onto the deck. The ramp extended, and Jakob Monn emerged, his yellow cloak billowing slightly in the wind of the descending engines. His golden armor caught the light, its polished surface a stark contrast to the grim expressions of those around him.
Ghost followed closely behind, his demeanor relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning the bustling hangar for threats.
“Majesty,” Admiral Korvan greeted, stepping forward and offering a crisp salute.
“Korvan,” Jakob said, his voice steady but clipped. “What’s the situation?”
“The Dominion is consolidating in the north,” Korvan explained, motioning toward the holotable’s projection of the battlefield. “Zeta Squadron’s mission crippled their air presence in the region, but they’re digging in. Ground reinforcements are on the move, but they’ll take time to reach the front.”
Jakob leaned over the table, studying the holographic map. “And the Marines?”
“Deployed as planned,” Korvan said. “They’ve linked up with Wyrmfen forces and are holding the line until the Knights arrive. It’s a brutal fight, but they’re holding.”
Jakob’s jaw tightened. “Casualties?”
“Within acceptable limits for now,” Korvan said carefully. “But that could change if the Dominion launches a counteroffensive before reinforcements arrive.”
Jakob straightened, his gaze hard. “We can’t afford to lose momentum. Prepare my transport. I’ll join the front.”
Ghost stepped forward, his arms crossed. “Majesty, with all due respect, you’ve been briefed about this. I can’t guarantee your safety out there. Not yet.”
Jakob turned to Ghost, his expression unreadable. “They’re my people, Ghost. I won’t sit here while they bleed for my kingdom.”
“And if you get yourself killed?” Ghost countered, his tone unusually sharp. “What happens to the Kingdom then?”
For a moment, the tension in the room was palpable. Then Jakob exhaled slowly, his expression softening. “I trust you to ensure that doesn’t happen. Get everything ready, but I’ll wait until the Knights are in position before I move.”
Ghost nodded, though his concern didn’t fade.
---
The next few hours were a blur of activity as the fleet prepared for the next phase of operations. In the command center, Jakob remained stationed at the holotable, monitoring updates from the battlefield. Reports from the ground painted a grim picture: Dominion forces were launching probing attacks, testing the Marines’ defenses.
“Your Majesty,” Korvan said, approaching with a datapad. “A transmission from Zeta Squadron.”
Jakob took the device, the recorded message playing automatically. Zeta’s calm voice came through, steady despite the chaos in the background.
“Mission accomplished. Airfields neutralized, and enemy air power significantly reduced. Squadron returning to base.”
Jakob allowed himself a small nod of satisfaction. Zeta Squadron’s success was a critical step, but the battle was far from over.
---
Later, as the sun began to set over Wyrmfen’s contested lands, Jakob stood at one of the observation decks, gazing out over the horizon. The hum of The Eternal’s engines was a constant reminder of the vast machine of war that surrounded him.
Ghost joined him, silent at first. When he finally spoke, his tone was quieter than usual. “You’ve got good people out there, Monn. They believe in this fight because they believe in you. Don’t let that pressure get to you.”
Jakob glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The day I stop feeling the weight of their trust is the day I’ve failed them.”
Ghost snorted. “You’re too noble for your own good, you know that?”
“Someone has to be,” Jakob replied.
Their conversation was interrupted by Korvan’s voice over the comm. “Majesty, the Knights have reported in. They’ll be in position within the hour. Shall I prepare your transport?”
Jakob nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of determination. “Yes. It’s time to join the fight.”
---
The preparations were swift but thorough. The Eternal’s hangar bustled with renewed energy as Jakob’s transport was loaded and secured. Knights in gleaming armor stood ready, their banners fluttering in the artificial wind of the hangar’s ventilation systems.
As Jakob ascended the ramp of the dropship, he paused, turning back to address the assembled soldiers.
“This is not just a battle for Wyrmfen,” he said, his voice carrying over the din. “This is a battle for unity, for our future. Stand strong, and know that you carry the hopes of the Kingdom with you.”
A cheer erupted from the ranks, a thunderous cry of resolve. Jakob turned and disappeared into the dropship, the ramp sealing behind him. Moments later, the engines roared to life, and the craft lifted off, heading toward the battlefield below.
---
The chapter ends with The Eternal’s silhouette against the darkening sky, its presence a symbol of the Kingdom’s strength. Above, Zeta Squadron’s Raptors patrolled the skies, vigilant as always. Below, the Dominion forces braced for the storm that was about to descend upon them.
YOU ARE READING
Eternal. (A Star Wars Story.)
Ciencia Ficción"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...
