Episode 19 Declaration of War

Captain Yoldie Sheridan stood regally within the opulent lobby of the royal building. Her presence commanded attention, and she was flanked by her trusted allies, veterans who had fought alongside her for years. Their faces bore the well-earned lines of experience, and their eyes held the unwavering loyalty of those who had dedicated their lives to Proxima.

Years of service under the reign of the late Queen Regina had shaped Yoldie into an excellent strategist. Though officially retired, her allegiance to the kingdom remained unshaken, a steadfast pillar of support amidst the winds of change.

The meeting with the current Queen had been nothing short of intriguing, raising questions that echoed in the minds of the gathered retired officers. Their connection to Proxima's old traditions and values was deep-rooted, and the alterations initiated by the new Queen, particularly concerning the remains of an old friend, sparked a sense of concern that hung heavy in the air.

They exchanged whispered conversations, sharing their perspectives and apprehensions. Yoldie, amidst these hushed deliberations, couldn't help but cast her gaze back in time. Her thoughts wandered to the days when she had stood at the frontlines, a stalwart defender of Proxima against external threats, a time when her loyalty was proven in blood and sweat.

To the people of Proxima, Captain Yoldie Sheridan was a symbol of unwavering loyalty to the late Queen Regina. They believed that her connection with the monarch transcended mere duty, that it was a friendship deeper than the surface. However, the truth of her allegiance ran even deeper, a complex story of duty, honor, and the hidden secrets hidden in her heart.

For Yoldie, her relationship with Regina was complex. They had been friends, comrades, and at times, even rivals. Yoldie had seen Regina's rise to power and her subsequent fall from grace. She didn't harbor illusions about Regina's rule; she knew firsthand how cruel and ruthless the former Queen could be.

Yoldie's eyepatch was a constant reminder of a traumatic memory, one that still haunted her to this day.

Despite the hurt, it was Regina who had recognized Yoldie's potential as a strategist, encouraging her to hone her skills and rise through the ranks. Regina had given Yoldie purpose and direction in life, and that was a debt of gratitude Yoldie would always carry. Yoldie's loyalty was more complicated than blind devotion.

Queen Reina occupied her grand throne, an aura of command encompassing her as she sat with regal poise. The Queen's Secretary, Eyseck, had ushered Yoldie to the room, but now, he quietly departed, leaving the two women in solitude.

"Captain Sheridan, thank you for being here," Queen Reina greeted her, her tone both respectful and inviting.

Yoldie nodded respectfully, her curt bow acknowledging the monarch's presence. "Your Majesty."

In the silent chamber, Yoldie couldn't help but reminisce about the countless moments when she had stood within these very walls, conversing with the late Queen Regina.

"I have something of great importance to discuss," Queen Reina started, her gaze unwavering. "I've been told about your lengthy service and your unwavering dedication to Proxima. Your loyalty to the previous Queen is widely known. I'd like to request that you lead a ship when we face Atuj'R's armada."

Yoldie raised an inquisitive eyebrow, her lone eye fixed on Queen Reina as she contemplated this surprising proposition. "Your Majesty, I'm grateful for the offer, but I've retired from active duty. My days as a fleet captain are now in the past."

Queen Reina leaned forward, her expression earnest. "I understand, Captain Sheridan. But I believe your experience and expertise are precisely what we need in these trying times. The situation with Planet Atuj'R is delicate, and I trust your judgment."

Yoldie let out a weary sigh, torn between her longing for a peaceful retirement and her unshakable commitment to Proxima. "Your Majesty, I served under Queen Regina, and I've witnessed the devastation and cruelty she unleashed. I won't deny her moments of brilliance, but she was equally ruthless. Are you certain you want to tread a similar path?"

Queen Reina locked eyes with Yoldie, her gaze resolute. "I have no intentions of emulating her, Captain. My aim is to chart a new course, one that guides Proxima toward a brighter future. I need allies who grasp the intricacies of our Quadrant, and I believe you can be one of them."

Yoldie harbored doubts, but the unwavering determination shining in Queen Reina's eyes was hard to ignore. After a brief moment of contemplation, she nodded. "Very well, Your Majesty. If you believe I can be of service, then I shall accept this responsibility."

A hint of relief crossed Queen Reina's face as she extended her hand towards Yoldie. "Thank you, Captain Sheridan. Your loyalty to Proxima will not go unnoticed."

As Yoldie observed Queen Reina, she found herself both surprised and intrigued. While the contrast between the young Queen and the infamous Queen Regina she had served was stark, an uncanny familiarity resonated in her mind. It was undeniable that the new Queen possessed a distinctive aura, one that carried both promise and uncertainty.

𓆩*𓆪𓆩*𓆪𓆩*𓆪𓆩*𓆪

Captain Yoldie Sheridan stood in the command center of the Battleship Reduxe, her skilled fingers navigating the control panel. The ship itself was a tribute to Proxima's values of making the most of what they had. It had seen many changes and improvements over the years, all carefully done to keep it working well.

Proxima wasn't a planet eager for a fight. 

Their way of life revolved around using resources wisely and reducing waste. This was especially important on their dry, moon-like planet with no fertile soil. It was this practical approach that allowed them not only to survive but thrive in tough conditions.

As Yoldie examined the control panel, her appreciation grew for the ingenious maintenance and upgrades bestowed upon the Battleship Reduxe. She chuckled as she reminisced about a rather quirky "enhancement" that Queen Regina had once insisted on for the ship.

The day for wreckoning came.

Now, at Reduxe's helm, Yoldie brimmed with determination, resolute to guide the ship and its crew to victory in the impending battle, drawing strength from Proxima's spirit.

"Yoldie, don't you think space battles are like rock-paper-scissors?"

"What?"

"People make it out to be like chess, all complex and cool, but isn't it just like rock-paper-scissors?"

As she watched the ebony-black fleet of Atuj'R Warp Jump into their Quadrant, a long-forgotten conversation with Queen Regina flashed through her mind.

They were dangerously close, Reduxe's radar had immediately detected the enemy's core reactor. The glow of their ships were ominous to say the least.

The star-dotted expanse of space stretched out before her. Three heavily-armed flagships led the way, cutting through the cosmic winds, making way for the centerpiece of their fleet, the B.S. Dauntless.

Like a colossal beast, its hangar doors yawned open, revealing a swarm of starfighters that bristled like sharp teeth. The low hum of the Arcane energy core, the heart of the enemy ship, resonated even from miles away.

She tapped her finger on the edge of the control panel.

Rock. Beneath the expanse of the space battlefield, the gleaming jewel of Proxima shone resplendently. Its radiant azure shields formed ethereal domes that gracefully arched over the cities. If she can help it, she should steer the fight away from her home planet.

Paper. Lasers seemed like the best choice for this battle. She needed to target their hangar first, where the enemy kept its interceptor fighters. Proxima didn't have many agile and fast starships of their own, and Atuj'R's pilots outclassed them. It was the logical approach.

Scissors. If things spiraled out of control, her final option might be to have the Battleship Reduxe collide with the Dauntless. She couldn't help but let out a grim chuckle at the notion. In reality, it would likely only result in a minor dent on the Dauntless. The very sight of it conjured images of that formidable, thick armor plating.

Battleship Reduxe and Battleship Dauntless faced each other. The thick tension hung in the air, akin to the calm before a looming storm.

The control room was bathed in the glow of the holographic monitors. Queen Reina's face materialized with regal poise, exuding an aura of serene authority. On the opposing end, General Jax Brynn's presence projected strength and self-assured confidence, his military insignias adorning his uniform.

Queen Reina took the initiative. "General Brynn, I implore you to reconsider. We can seek a peaceful resolution through diplomacy."

The general snorted. "Diplomacy, Your Highness? After you've spirited away thousands of my people to your planet?"

"I never inte—"

Leaning forward with a sly grin, the general interjected, "Look at you. It's almost as if you're gearing up for war. I'm insulted."

"General, I assure you, we have no intentions of hostility. We only seek understanding and cooperation."

With a dismissive wave of his gloved hand, he indicated the Queen's direction as if brushing off her pleas. "Well then, Your Highness, let's call it a 'minor skirmish' to settle our differences, shall we? End transmission."

He abruptly severed the connection.

The crew held their breaths as the tension became grim foreboding. Queen Reina's plea for diplomacy contrasted with General Jax Brynn's nature. Now, they had to fight.

Captain Sheridan's discerning eye remained sharp despite the passage of years. She detected the faint glow of a plasma beam charge from miles away on the flagships accompanying the Dauntless.

"Open fire!" Captain Sheridan's command echoed through the control room, setting off a whirlwind of activity as crew members scrambled to operate levers and press buttons, their shouts filling the chamber.

The lead ships opened fire, sending deadly volleys of plasma bolts and laser beams. Bright, searing streaks crisscrossed the void, creating a mesmerizing dance of destruction. The starships deftly maneuvered, dodging enemy fire.

Captain Yoldie Sheridan adeptly orchestrated her fleet's maneuvers. Her starfighters swarmed like a swarm of bees, intercepting enemy drones and clearing the dark expanse of threats.

"Don't get too reckless, Vespa-06!" she reminded the pilot as they boldly navigated through enemy lines. They were just kids, she thought, brimming with overconfidence.

The Dauntless flaunted impenetrable armor and a formidable arsenal of weapons.

With a subtle nod, she initiated the activation of the Reduxe's cutting-edge weaponry. A surge of Arcane energy coursed through the ship's armaments, powering them to their fullest potential. Below deck, the hum of energy could be felt under their soles as the plasma cannons roared to life, discharging their blue plasma blasts directly at the enemy's cannons.

"Hold that course!"

In a brilliant showcase of firepower, the Reduxe unleashed another torrent of energy. The lights momentarily flickered, a reminder of the ship's age - power had to be managed carefully.

Superheated beams and energy torpedoes streaked toward the Dauntless. The enemy flagship trembled under the relentless assault, its integrity faltering as explosions cascaded across its hull.

"Confirmed hit!"

Shards and debris scattered into the cosmic winds, coaxing a cheer from the Reduxe's crew as they wacthed the disintegration of an enemy vessel, consumed in a fiery blaze of red and violet.

"Back to your stations! This isn't over. Vespa-03, 4, 5—focus your fire on the hangar. Disable as many enemy starships as you can," Yoldie barked orders quickly, her eyes flitting over multiple screens.

Before the trio of Vespa interceptor fighters could approach the colossal Dauntless, the enemy flagship retaliated with a calculated ferocity. They unleashed an unrelenting barrage on the Reduxe, causing the Proxima battleship to tremble and emit sparks.

"Shit!" 

"We can't push through any further," the transmission from Vespa-03 crackled over the intercomms. "We need to retreat, Captain!"

The battle teetered on a knife's edge as both commanders evaluated their dwindling resources. Captain Sheridan observed as the starships within the enemy's maw ignited, radiating a vivid blue hue. They were going to counter-attack.

"We're too late," she muttered to herself.

"Vespa-03, 4, 5, 6, intercept them! Keep them at a distance."

"Roger!"

Starfighters danced through the expanse in chaotic dogfights. The pilots of the Reduxe's starships, bound by years of friendship and unwavering loyalty, fought with a fervor stoked by their captain's unyielding resolve. 

Yoldie's eye was on Vespa-06 as it executed a gravity-defying spin, leaving trails of light in its wake as it maneuvered through the underbelly of an enemy fighter. It emerged behind the enemy, releasing a barrage of rapid fire that sent the enemy craft in an explosion of light. The breath of onlookers caught in their throats.

"I told you not to get too overconfident, Vespa-06." Cocky, yet undeniably skilled. Who was this pilot?

As the minutes passed, the battle hurtled toward its climax. The Reduxe bore the scars of battle, its once-pristine form now marred and weakened. The Dauntless, though battered, held its ground with unyielding determination.

In a final, desperate gamble, Captain Yoldie issued a risky maneuver. The Reduxe had to execute a pass along the side of the Dauntless and unleash a barrage of fire to breach its hull, with the hope of targeting and crippling its core reactor.

"Trajectory is off by 4-Qs, Captain."

"Steer her back. We must bring them down, or we go down with them!"

Anxiety clung to the crew like a suffocating shroud. This was sheer madness.

At point-blank range, the flagship unleashed its remaining arsenal as it brushed against the colossal adversary. The Dauntless's heavy armor integrity plummeted dangerously into the red zone as the crew clenched their teeth.

"Enemy armor integrity is down by 4%!"

"Keep pushing!" Yoldie shouted.

Captain Sheridan and her crew were rocked in their seats as a torpedo hit their side.

"Captain Sheridan!"

"I know! Don't mind the assault, just keep aiming at the core!"

Battleship Reduxe found itself in a precarious situation. The Dauntless had proven to be a formidable adversary, relentlessly pounding Reduxe's armor. It was a ship that had survived countless battles, but here she was, being torn apart by a hot plasma beam.

Captain Yoldie Sheridan watched the chaos unfold on the view screens.

"They're going to crack us like an egg!" one of the crewmates cried out, their voice tinged with desperation and fear. "We've got to back off–"

"Back off, and I'll throw you out of here! Stay in your seats!" Captain Sheridan could taste her own fear. It had become a battle of endurance.

"2%!" Another crew member called out. They were on the brink, clinging to the edge of this game of who breaks first.

Alarms blared, and the crew exchanged anxious glances as they fought to maintain their composure.

"We've run out of core energy!" a crewmate yelled, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"Switch to the backup now!" Captain Sheridan ordered. This continued barrage of attacks were draining them fast.

Yoldie's one good eye narrowed in determination. She could sense the fear and exhaustion in the air, but she knew she couldn't let it affect her. She had been through countless battles under the previous Queen, and she wouldn't allow her ship to falter now.

"We take them down or take them with us!" she barked to her crew, her authoritative tone cutting through the chaos. "We won't go down without a fight!"

"Yoldie, don't you think it's like rock-paper-scissors?"

Yoldie blinked. Why was she remembering her now of all times?

"Some things are just weaker against other things. That's how it works."

Stop it, Regina. Not now.

"Missile on our tail! Closing in, within the threshold in 20 minutes!"

Yoldie's mind raced as she grappled with her determination to breach the colossal enemy ship's hull, all while the imminent missile strike bore down on them. She was faced with a gut-wrenching decision - to either evade the missile and sacrifice their progress in breaching the hull, or to hold their ground and risk being sliced apart by the oncoming missile.

"15 minutes, Captain!"

"I know."

"Captain! Captain Sheridan!" The voice of one of the crew quivered with fear, and the air was thick with whispered prayers. "Captain, what do we do?"

Her thoughts darted to Vespa-06, how the nimble fighter had dipped beneath its enemy to seize the upper hand.

"Scissors!"

"Cut the propulsion..." Her words were laced with a wild grin. If they couldn't break through the side...

"What!? We'll descend!"

"We have to descend enough!" She snapped. It was the only way to reach the vulnerable underbelly. "Reduce propulsion by 40% immediately!"

Their relentless attack ceased, the ship's weapons retracting with multiple snaps and clicks. Slowly, they allowed the vessel to descend, feeling the relentless push of gravity against their insides.

"Starboard propulsion at 70%! Now!"

This was rushed. Crew members clung to the edges of control panels and levers as their bodies swayed with the shifting ship.

They now found themselves directly beneath the Dauntless, threatened by its colossal mass and pressure. "Release the horn."

"But that's—" The crewmate hesitated, biting their lip. "Release the horn!"

Yoldie shut her eyes for a fleeting moment.

"This is... new," she remarked as she observed the cranes lowering the latest addition to the Reduxe. In this memory, both of her eyes were intact, and she could still recall the scent of Regina's perfume.

"In my world," Regina began, "there was this creature—adorable and all—I always dreamt of seeing it in person, but I'm absolutely terrified of the water."

Regina often had a penchant for saying the most unusual things and conjuring the strangest ideas. Yoldie chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "So, what was this creature called?"

"A narwhal," Regina replied as the cranes affixed a sizable, conical horn onto the Reduxe's pristine white surface. The horn was designed to extend like a security baton, with a dangerously sharp tip.

The Reduxe extended its horn, once used merely as a plaything for the tyrannical Queen as it soared through her skies. She delighted in observing Yoldie's ship with the horn fully extended.

Yoldie's insight had proven true; they had concentrated their defenses on the Dauntless's flanks. She chuckled softly, this was madness. "That's how it works, huh?"

"Some things are just weaker against other things. That's how it works," Regina's voice rang in her mind.

As the ship's metal scraped against the extended horn, vibrations reverberated from the ceiling to the floor of the Reduxe. Yoldie could imagine the enemy's command center descending into chaos under blaring sirens. They had been breached.

It felt like a battle against a mythical beast as the metal groaned and screeched, buckling and scratching beneath the relentless assault of the extended horn. Deeper and deeper it plunged, like a hero facing a metallic giant.