545 Anomaly (1/2)
Inquisitor General Mathias's expression of shock and fear was concealed under his white featureless mask. He stood underneath the protection of his Protectors' magical barriers as he watched the destruction of his forces. A mighty force that could put a halt to any of the other Seven Great Nations, but now faced with this unknown heretical force which was systemically destroying his forces piece by piece, leaving him greatly alarmed.
He felt that the theory of the previous forces led by Inquisitor Rism was most likely defeated and Rism himself had either retreated or was in hiding. The earthshaking impact of yet another Redemption class air cruiser knocked him out of his thoughts and he quickly turned to face his frightened aides and staff.
”Order the fleet to retreat towards the mountains!” He commanded under the echoes of explosions. ”All ground forces are to scatter and head towards the mountains as well!”
He took a last look at the burning fields which could barely even be called a battle, more like a one sided pounding of his forces and ordered. ”Send back a squadron of our fastest airships! They must report to the Grand Jury about these heretics' powers!”
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The New World, United Nations, Haven, Fortress Singapore, Captain's Quarters
”We arrested fourteen suspected spies working for information brokers and foreign powers,” Intelligence Officer Tavor reported. ”Six of them suicided by poison when cornered while the rest were taken into custody and being questioned.”
”Which location did they spy on?” Blake asked as he did a perfunctory scan through the documents of the suspects.
”Majority within the dry dock perimeters of Hope Naval Base,” Tavor replied. ”And under questioning on some of the suspects, we arrested the rest in two locations in Hope city.”
”What are your orders in regards to the spies?” Tavor looked up from his tablet and asked. ”Do-”
”Handle them using your own discretion,” Blake replied without interest. ”What's next?”
A small voice spoke up from the side, as Kaga made her report, ”Sir... The Mecca Administration is overwhelmed by the floods and with major roads flooded, food and other supplies needed by the Meccan people are stalled.”
”The common people are already badly affected by the famine and now without food...” Kaga using the document folder to hide her face as she timidly reported. ”There... might be an increase in unrest... especially in the Meccan regions that are cut off by the floods...”
”At this rate... Trying to... mor... 'more dernize' Mecca will be even difficult...” Kaga added. ”The Mecca Administration is asking for more help... especially on soldiers and means of transportation...”
”Hmmm...” Blake frowned as he supported a finger against his temple as he turned to the screen and asked. ”What's the situation with the Protectorate?”
”As for Fort Hensink, with the skies and weather cleared,” General Joseph continued. ”Their artillery and aircraft have been successfully in hammering the Protectorate forces that took up a defensive position north of the fort.”
”The Protectorate forces appeared to be scattering their forces and are in force retreat,” General Joseph said. ”We suspect that they had suffered close to forty per cent casualties under our guns.”
”My carrier air wings are being deployed in support of Fort Hensink,” Commander Ford's image on the screen added in. ”And the UNS Vengeance's guns will be within range in two hours.”
Blake nodded before he decided, ”General Joseph, send more troops from the 1st Army to support the local government and deploy more air transports to help transport food and supplies to the more heavily affected areas.”
”As for the Protectorate,” Blake said in a tired voice. ”You guys know the drills, do what you all do best. Dismissed!”
”Yes, Sir!” One by one the images on the communication screen flickered away as the meeting came to an end. Lieutenant Tavor gave a salute before he left the cabin with Kaga whose height barely reached his chest followed closely behind, leaving Blake alone in his quarters.
Once the hatch slide closed with a soft hiss, Blake pushed back with a tired sigh on his chair. He rubbed his eyebrows as he felt frustrated at the seemingly slow pace of everything in this world. The flicker of hope of knowing that Sherene and his child might still be alive in this world burned in his heart but yet he, as the leader of a fast growing nation of both technology and magic, was helpless in crossing an ocean that on Earth or any colonized planets, was as easy as boarding a shuttle and done in a matter of minutes.
He wanted so desperately to cross the ocean and find for any news of Sherene's whereabouts but yet, he was not only restraint by the technology limits of this world but also, problems and events that appeared to be working against his plans. Despite the lack of interested in anything other than finding Sherene, a small part of him still called for him to be responsible for his duties and he knew that Sherene wouldn't want it any other way, forcing him to attend to these troublesome matters.
A sharp piercing pain stabbed into his head as a migraine threatened to split his head open. He opened his drawer with shaking hands and took out a pouch of glittering powder and took a pinch of the stuff out of the almost empty pouch.
Instantly after taking the drug, the pain magically vanished and his mood lightened, removing the brooding thoughts and worries away, making him feel optimistic and happy again.
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UNS Vengeance, Carrier Hull A, Hangar Deck 2A
It stood on tiptoes as It stared out of a clear wall from inside a small chamber of sorts, staring with curiosity at the ongoing chaos outside. It had tapped hard against the strange clear walls when It first saw them and even bounced with delight at the soft benches and seats that looked different yet familiar at the same time.
The strange tall being had brought It here and said something to It and another being before he left with an expression of having his lips turned upwards. It guessed that expression might be of something of assurance and It practised the expression against Its reflection on the strange see through walls.