Chapter 302: Number Eight
They were docked at the Princesses Pride for a week. During that time they were mostly protecting the High Priestess when she went out to do interviews and public events to help build their reputation. It had been picking up and the Princess was already making plans to go to Victorium territory to speak with the governing council. The High Priestess would hopefully go with her and they would not need his squad’s protection.
Yesterday a fleet of ships arrived. It was a mix of Victorium military and trade vessels. The military vessels were waiting to join up with the Venture. While the trade vessels triggered a trading as unique goods were exchanged on both sides.
Turning what Jace thought was a normal station but was actually categorized as a colony station into a colony station and a trade station. Already both the Woltar and Leonair were making official requests to establish embassies on the station. Which would be a deeper discussion as the Woltar are already in talks to join the Victorium.
While the Leonair Democracy, the newly established Leonair government, was reaching out to establish connections. They had discovered rather embarrassingly that the rulers were in crippling debt to the Montez Kingdom. Fortunately the debt was wiped clean when the Leonair Kingdom ceased to exist. Unfortunately they now had some rather hostile neighbors who were demanding payment or they would invade. So they were looking for allies in the midst of the intergalactic war that had broken out.
The only ones to not yet reach out were the Cthon Conglomerate and Rogue Metal Legion. The Rogue Metal Legion was still clearly annoyed about what the Elder council of the Victorium had done. While the Cthon were cautious by nature. It took them a few decades to establish relations with the humans as it was.
So for them it was just a waiting game. But today after spending the last few days training and experimenting with his powers he came to one of the Venture’s viewing rooms and watched as a ship came out of warp.
It is the VMSS Nightfall of Requiem, it had been awhile since the last time he had seen it. It was already looking visibly worse for wear. There were sections that had been clearly repaired. While other parts had clear rush patch jobs. As it came out of warp there was actually a slight explosion on one side of the vessel.
It already appeared that the ship had undergone several battles back-to-back. For a warship it was usually fine, but there was a chance that the ship had been pushing the front line. Or even going between two frontlines he would have to take a look at the report.
"Cerberus Squad, report to the hangar. The protected VIP is going out to the Colony Governing Building." A voice spoke over the ship-wide speaker system. It was first spoken in a Victorium language and then the human language. He left the room and made his way to his quarters to switch to his armor. He was supposed to be off duty for a few hours. So he would have to rush to get ready.
After getting his armor on and his equipment set up he ran into the hangar where most of his squad had already gathered. The only ones who were missing were Nila and Ulin. He received a message from Ulin that she was in the middle of her required physical and would not be joining them. While Nila was with the High Priestess when she got the call, she had to go back to their quarters to change.
They were standing ready with their limited gear as per usual. But they were awkwardly standing next to a large vehicle where things were clearly being moved. From the looks of it, someone was moving a large amount of gear and weapons from the Venture.
"Where is this going?" Jace asked as he looked at the Ola that had a data pad and was walking around the vehicle while looking at the items inside.
"Request from the High Priestess. She is establishing a base on this colony. Apparently we are only providing the basics. The Nightfall is going to actually set up military facilities and defenses in the area. Got the order only an hour ago. We also got the order to prepare for departure." The ola quickly explained before walking off.
A few minutes later they were joined by the High Priestess with Nila quickly running into the hangar behind her. "Spectre Jace, your squad is escorting me to the governing building and then you are joining me in a meeting on behalf of the Venture." She then moved to a vehicle that was prepared ahead of time. Nila jumped in beside her.
Jace sighed and made a hand signal. "Ulin is out for today. Keep that in mind." He informed them over their open channel before muting himself as he climbed into the front seat of the same vehicle the High Priestess and Nila climbed into.
The vehicle immediately began moving off. "Spectre Jace, I was looking through the files relating to you and your Spectres. But it seems one of the digital files was empty. Is there a reason the file marked ’Number Eight’ is empty while the file itself is highly classified?" The High Priestess asked as the vehicle got underway.
Jace blinked in surprise not expecting the question. But after a moment he realized what she might be talking about. "I can not discuss the contents of classified Spectre files without Director Fenrir’s approval. It would be easier for you to meet with her in person and discuss such a sensitive thing. I would also request that you ask questions regarding Spectres in a private setting. We are trying to keep everything surrounding Spectres a secret."
"Uh... I suppose I can. But do you know the contents of the file I talked about?" The High Priestess asked.
"I am read-in on all of the Spectre files." Jace answered.