World In Turmoil

40: A Guard Of Man

Redforest sighed, and simply let his cold blood shot eyes stray to the escaping transports that surged towards the sky over Yarnada.
They must not escape.

With a wave of his hand, the mighty ships of his fleet let loose a volley of thick galzion orbs which sailed through the fresh sky towards those distant starships.

So desperate for safety.
And yet such a danger to all...

...Yet such a danger to all...

His eyes turned back to see her face, Ellaria fixed in a tight horrified mask of pain.

They watched together as one by one, the three last transport ships were hit.

All but one buckled.
The Isesa Lee sailed on. Like a mighty giant it shrugged off the single galzion shot that hit its mark upon her bow.

Redforest sighed with relief, and displeasure. A strange mixture of wants and demands.

They should live.
They must die.

His eyes turned again to the flailing arms of Her as she darted across her bridge, shouting muted commands across a vast war fleet.

Redforest simply stood. As both vast fleets around him turned to fire.
Cannon barrels glowing with anticipation.

He would have one final war perhaps.

One final skirmish.

At least she would die with him.
They would be together in some sad... yet... peaceful way.
The world would end and he would have his...

...peace...

Wait.

Eyes widened, nostrils flared. Hair stood on end.

Was. Was he Zorzackien?...

Arms dropped limp, like lead bars.

Dear creator. He was listening to himself.

This...

This defeated nihilism.

This... Oh... no...

The Zorzackiens seeked to annihilate all, to bring peace.
If everyone was dead there could be no suffering...
...Is what they foolishly thought.

And now.

Here he was.

Welcoming death to end all suffering.

How could he do this?...
How... ...how... ...how?...

A thunderous shudder shook him off his feet.

He... he had corrupted himself.

...no. No. NO!

As he struggled back to his feet, his arm was grabbed by First-Superior Roven Orsentev. His distant chair left swinging in the swirling air as the man hoisted Redforest back to his feet.

In muttered silence his eyes caught her face, pale, looking back at him.

She held her hand up, as if in the middle of an order.

It dropped to her side. For the first time tears escaped her eyes. She closed them, and let her chest rise up, and down. Hair faintly swinging as her head swayed side to side.

When she opened them again, Redforest stood tall, supported slightly by his first officer. Roven spoke softly to Redforest.

"Sir... Superior Captain. It may be best to defuse this situation amicably. We risk."

Eyes turned to stare into him.

"As it is Roven. As it is. Please, your suggestion."

The grip softened, the officer stood back slightly.

"Let her suggest."

"...I see."

Roven let go of his superior, and slowly backed away.

Redforest.
Bloodshot.
Shivering.
And weak.

He raised his hand:

"Request loud communications."

A distant "Emel." was heard, and her face remained as frozen as before.

Gently, slowly. She raised her hand too.

Sound gushed forth.

"Redforest."

In as unbroken a voice as could be managed he said:  

"Ma'am."

The form halted her.

"We are no longer equal?"

"I merely wish to submit to your suggestion."

Eyes watery, she glared; "Suggestion?"

"How may I de-escalate our meeting?"

She stood, tall and firm. The response was swift.

"Land and disarm."

He eyed her, with pity.

"Weapons can be turned on again."

"Then disembark. I do not care what you do."

"I care what you do. I will not leave this ship."

"Then leave in simpler terms."

He stared.
She continued.

"The planet is going no where. You have done enough damage already."

He turned to look at the blazing city of Yarnada.

Yet another dead city to his record.

He whispered."Valid." 

She queried. "You will leave?"

"If you will let me have that last transport."

"You are heartless."

"Your knife cuts shallow dear lady."

"Your armour is stained red, knight."

"I am aware of my failings."

"Are you truly?"

"Only as much as one can be."

"Then let the last one go."

"My fighters already swarm towards the final ship. However, as to give it some sporting chance, I will only let one squadron engage it."

"..."

She waved a hand to silence her audio. Again the wide mouth spoke silent volumes to distant captains of far off ships.

Redforest glared at that last ship, and with a sigh, ordered all but one of the squadrons enroute to that transport, back home.

Turning, he spoke to her. She could hear him, he could not hear her.

"After this. We will leave. You will never see us again."

She hesitated. A fire in her eyes slowly reemerging.
Sound returned.

"Maybe I can give you that much Cornelius."

"I would be honoured, Elaria."

Redforest simply turned from her, and merely watched that distant transport. Isesa lee flew on, heedless of the opportunity it had been so grossly afforded.