[center] [h1][b][color=9e0b0f]Alexander Kherol[/color][/b][/h1] [img] https://i.imgur.com/9WBCOzN.png [/img] [/center][hr] Collab Post between [@Letter Bee], [@Conscripts], and [@Landaus Five-One] [b]Nevivsky Kremlin, OGLE-2005-BGL-390Lb, Headquarter of Ascendancy’s 1st Fleet[/b] Windsor had kept his promise, and there has been no trouble among the planet’s civilian population since the incident of a year and five months ago. However, new potential problems were about to arrive when an encrypted communications message was sent to Alexander’s personal office: [i]Dragon’s Fleet has been dissolved. Converge with Admiral Laguna on the Dragon’s Headquarters to enforce the division of the Fleet and their troops among your forces. You can have the personnel while the Ms. Laguna have the vessels themselves.[/i] The intent was clear: Emmanuel intended to saddle Kherol’s fleet with over-idealistic, over-honorable ‘liabilities’ while keeping the cutting-edge technology and ships for his ‘pet’ Admiral. Transparent, but at this stage, there was little that can be done without resorting to overt treason. That doesn’t look like disbanding to him What it really appeared was the President was just taking the ships for himself and handed the ‘troublemakers’, to him at least, to someone who could handle them. If the core units of the Brigade remained intact, then it would just remain almost exactly the same as before. Ships could be replaced, rebuilt and even improved. In fact, now that the war had just ended, with the Ascendancy ravaged by war, and a crippled military forces having to cooperate with local militias to keep the peace, while also fending off potential treaty violators, building new ships were among his priorities. Having a bit more ships in the queue were not that big of an issue for him. But would he be able to rein them in anyway? That’s a question he was more interested in than finding it problematic. They are great soldiers, well-trained and extremely deadly. He’d be more than willing to entrust a weak flank in a battle to them and they wouldn’t simply stop the enemy but annihilate them before the other flanks could finish the job. He’d take them over any other units in the Admiralty, but the problem was more of their attitude. He remembered the time they refused to chase down the remnant of a battered fleet after a major battle only because they thought it was so-called ‘dishonorable’ to cut down fleeing enemies. That remnant contained dreadnoughts and supercarriers. Needless to say they were like the gum ulcers on his tongue for a few months or so. [color=9e0b0f][i]’Ayyy…’[/i][/color] Alexander sighed a little. If worst comes to shove, he could just assign them the appropriate roles. The dirty work could be left to someone else. Hey, shifting responsibilities were already too common around the Admiralty anyway. [color=9e0b0f]”Grand Admiral Kherol to Captain Sansonetti.”[/color] Alexander pressed the intercom button on his desk. [color=9e0b0f]”Inform Kotaro I am leaving for Draken’vina, Vell Station HQ of the Dragon’s Brigade Fleet, under the President’s order. Set course and leave when ready.”[/color][hr] Vell Station, Dragon’s Brigade Fleet Headquarters in orbit of Draken’vina Nikolas was in his office on the station looking over the request forms of transferring his fleet by the President’s orders. He had always known this was going to come to pass, it was obvious as day, after the war the Ascendancy had been decimated. If anything, this was basically to make Laguna’s fleet stronger by the overwhelming firepower the Black Ops Ships held. However, the one guy he respected in the military’s admiralty was also coming for his soldiers. [color=6495ED][i]’Ugh… Knew this day would come but it makes it a bit ironic that it would happen now of all things.[/i][/color] Nikolas sighed and rubbed his forehead. If anything, his soldiers were extremely loyal to him and wouldn’t want to be separated from him. It was like the Battle of Proxima was a set up, felt a bit stupid to believe they could win that battle. And least of all the Child soldier underneath his command was captured by the enemy, which was his goddaughter. It frustrated him a bit but his frustrations showed a weakness that not many people saw in him. [color=6495ED]”Alexander and Laguna. As usual, the ‘dog’ of the President would be coming here. Pleasantries are better to greet them with instead of the opposite.”[/color] Nikolas looked up and pushed a button, it was to Vienna. [color=6495ED]”Vienna Stoutfield, can you please welcome the Admirals with open arms, when they arrive at our station. Thank you for serving me well.”[/color] It was pleasantries required for Ms. Laguna and Alexander when they arrive at the station. Admiral Laguna had brought her entire fleet, not trusting Nikolas to give her his ships freely. With her were the last few Dreadnoughts of the Ascendancy Military, as well as a few Carriers of her own. Accompanying those were an array of cruisers and frigates, corvettes and supply ships. A sight meant to overawe, but also conveyed the increasing paranoia of the Ascendancy. Nevertheless, the Admiral had consented to go to the station with her security detail, with instructions to her fleet to begin an engagement at the slightest sign of trouble. [hider= Grand Admiral Laguna] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/GqV1WUl.png[/img] [i]Originally Altair from Re: Creators, now Grand Admiral Laguna[/i][/center] [/hider] If Nikolas attempted some form of treachery, she’ll be there to deal with him. In fact, considering the fact that Kherol was there, she might even try and start an incident forcing the two to fight each other… No. That would backfire. She had common sense. The final guest of the station arrived in the exact opposite manner.[hr] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_evNQkL_RM [/youtube][hr] [hider= Epitome of late war Ascendancy engineering] [center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/1e3d8e8b-88ec-49d5-af6b-2149b9789725.png[/img] [i]Originally the XII-91 carrier design by Passion Blue[/i][/center] [/hider] The only capital ship to show up was the Manfred von Richthofen. The first of the class, its sheer size were a monstrosity compared to the other ships among Laguna’s fleet. It couldn’t simply be called a carrier. It couldn’t simply be called a dreadnought either. It is a heavy supercarrier. Constructions were repeatedly delayed during the war by the Admiralty, but by the time most of them were wiped out as the war progressed, funds were quickly diverted to this project. Flight hangars were numerous, but the amount of guns sticking out of the hull was even more terrifying, challenging even the toughest of heavy cruisers in any fleet to embark on a hunting trip against it, but at the cost of its shield protection systems. As if its improved dreadnought armor scheme needed them anyway. And finally on the tail fin displayed 6 circles in a circular chain with the seventh ring on top of it all. A proud insignia of the 1st Fleet. Following along the ship were two light cruisers and five auxiliary transport ships. They were well-prepared for their newest members of the 1st Fleet. And a lot of them today. Docking right close by to Laguna’s dreadnoughts, once the authorization was to be cleared, a small ship made its way from the flight hangar of the supercarrier to the Vell Station. Emerged from the shuttle gate were three men, two in their dark red signature coat of the Ascendancy’s 1st Fleet, flanking around the man in his usual pitch black battle officer uniform, his eyes unnervingly unseen from the outside as he greeted the Brigade’s soldier assigned to him. He knew the Brigade wouldn’t lash out. They knew their code of conduct, and Alexander knew they knew. The Richthofen’s appearance was not meant for them. Coming across Laguna along with her own tight security team, the Grand Admiral gave a quick yet seemingly more casual salute, along with a sly smile [color=9e0b0f]”Good day, Ms Laguna. It has been a while since we last met.”[/color] The Grand Admiral nodded, knowing who to envy and fear at the same time. Vienna approached Ms. Laguna and the Grand Admiral Alexander, with a gentle smile to the two in question. If anything, she knows what is going to happen since she is the leader of the Honor guard that protects Nikolas. She was wearing her usual honor guard uniform, which had an obvious logo of such on her shoulder. If anything, the fact she wasn’t equipped with the usual honor guard’s sword showed she means no harm to either Admiral. [color=B7A74A]”Ah, I must say welcome to Vell Station, Admirals. Ms. Laguna and Grand Admiral Alexander, Nikolas are waiting for you in his office. He told me to greet you with open arms and escort you to his office. Since this station is a bit confusing to non-brigade officers. However, I think this is your third visit to the station Alexander.”[/color] Vienna had a more familiarity to Alexander since he did visit the Vell Station a few times before the war. However, she definitely had an accent of someone who was born on a far flung station in the Ascendancy’s borders. In terms of everything, she looked at the Brigade soldier, which was assigned to Alexander and basically showed she’ll take them the rest of the way. The Vell Station was machine greatly oiled by their commanding officer, Nikolas. The Brigade Soldier, bowed to Vienna and gracely saluted Alexander and Ms. Laguna and went on their way to the task they had to do. She turned around from where the two were and walked in the opposite direction towards The Dragon’s Office on the station. With a sigh, Laguna followed the frontier-born soldier to the Dragon’s office, all the while finding this business too easy. Did he install some sort of electronic traps inside his vessels? If so, she’d have to contact [i]Conner[/i] about it. In fact, maybe she should bring up Conner in Nikolas’ presence - With Alexander around, she can get away with such a provocation, and if ‘The Dragon’ acted violently… More advantage to her. Smiling tightly at the thought, she walked beside Alexander, not wishing to present herself as his inferior… [color=9e0b0f]”Indeed I do, Ms Stoutfield.”[/color] Alexander nodded, having known her before, pointing his thumb over to the porcelain sculpture of Nikolas. [color=9e0b0f]”Though I don’t remember that one little statue over there, do I? Unless my memory serves me incorrectly~”[/color] It was actually there at the time, but it wasn’t Alexander misremembering. His eyes glanced over beneath his glasses to the seemingly quiet Laguna walking right beside him trying to keep pace. [color=9e0b0f]”Anyway, I hope everything is proceeding well for your Brigade. It’s a rough time to be in the army right now.”[/color] Vienna expected as much as who would be talking since Alexander is one of those men who would rather chat instead of assumptions. She had known that much of Alexander during Nikolas chats with the Grand Admiral. If anything, Vienna wasn’t surprised at all. The only thing that surprised her was the fact Ms. Laguna wasn’t speaking, she did hear her sigh. However, she looked over to the porcelain sculpture Alexander pointed out. [color=B7A74A]”If anything, Alexander, it has been slightly altered since the last time you came over, to hold his sword in a stance fitting our Engaged Sword Techniques.”[/color] She had always been enjoying informing others of the changes to their station. Even though, this point of time it's a bit of a sobering experience since no one from the Dragon’s Brigade will be here anymore. On the subject of what Alexander brought up, she sighed a bit. It’s only because if it wasn’t for Nikolas’ she would never have been a part of the military and done her own thing on the Station her family owns. [color=B7A74A]”It is, proceeding according to Nikolas R. Zahrin’s Orders. It is obvious why you two have come, Alexander and Ms. Laguna. At least you are both showing a common courtesy to Nikolas’ legacy as a Commanding Officer.”[/color] She always was grateful to Nikolas R. Zahrin’s family in the Brigade. The expectations to become a part of the Brigade were not that high since Nikolas saw much potential in every single person he had come to know in the Brigade. But it was time for that past to become something more even though the nostalgia of being a part of something that felt good and truly bound by the rules of engagement. Nikolas never cut corners, in anything he did for the Ascendancy’s Military. It didn’t take long, which felt like not that long of a trip through the Station, they finally reached the Dragon’s Office. [color=B7A74A]”Here you are. Nikolas R. Zahrin is waiting inside the office. I will be standing outside. I do hope you have a wonderful chat with Nikolas.”[/color] Vienna turned around and bowed to Alexander Kherol and Ms. Laguna and smiled at them. With an understanding of everything happening to the Brigade, it is Nikolas R. Zahrin’s pride and joy. Even though it is a bit prideful of him having statues of himself all over the station. Everyone in the Brigade sees their commanding officer more as a surrogate father figure. Grand Admiral Laguna entered the office alongside Kherol, feeling more isolated than ever. It was clear that the Dragon’s Fleet and associated brigades loved their commander, and she felt some pity, some empathy, for that. But it mattered not - Emmanuel’s plan needed to be implemented and Nikolas was a danger to it. Confronting the man in question, all Grand Admiral Laguna can blurt out was, “I am glad you are accepting your ‘retirement’ with the same honor you show in battle. I and [i]Mr. Hadley[/i] will take good care of your ships.” Nikolas looked up from his desk, when the two Grand Admirals walked into his office. When Ms. Laguna sat down first then Alexander. While he raised his eyebrow when Ms. Laguna blurted out specifically what she wanted to say. It was blatantly obvious what she was trying to do, get a rise out of him. It was nothing out of the ordinary since he does hate the way the Gravia Military Company conducts themselves but he learned his mistakes from that meeting all those years ago. [color=6495ED]”Aha, so that’s what your plan is? Trying to get a rise out of me just by the mentioning of Conner’s last name. Laguna should be trying with more substance over the past. But I suppose you are here to help with Conner’s ego. Since he did say something about it. He would get me back for what I did. However, Orders are orders and the Fleet is yours, there’s no tricks. But, I am honor bound to do what I must to help the Ascendancy. It means, there’s no tricks in those ships you humbly saw on your way here next to the Station in their docks.”[/color] Alexander heard Laguna being non-specific with her statement, while also triggering Nikolas with the mentioning of him. Ah, that guy. What was that company supposed to do even? If anything, it just convinced Alexander that the Ascendancy didn’t need more of private and well-armed corporations. And for Laguna and Mr Hadley...worth-noticing. [color=9e0b0f]”For your personnel, I will ensure they fit into our culture. As you may know, we are not...shall we say...the same as yours in terms of codes of conduct.”[/color] Alexander rolled his eyes over his outburst. [color=9e0b0f]”But I also know you live and die by your code of honor. I am most curious by such discipline. So if I may ask, I would like to have a read through it. Maybe we can learn something from it.”[/color] Nikolas didn’t forget Alexander since he was also in the room. He was grateful that all the Grand Admiral’s Alexander was different. The Dragon smiled graciously towards Alexander. [color=6495ED]”Alexander, I must say it’s good to see you in these troubling times. I did see your Flagship when it jumped into the system. It’s impressive nature would make anyone going against it tremble in fear. Also, yeah I do know of the differences between our two fleets. The culture of mine is more of a family, while yours is different.”[/color] In terms of Nikolas he had always been pretty defensive to his family no matter what. He was a chill fellow as long as you try not to get a rise out of him. [color=6495ED]”Yes, I do live and die by my code of honor. The discipline I trained in my brigade is the reason why the Rau’ve feared it. But you know of it very well. I’ve written the very conduct of my brigade. Now where was it?”[/color] Nikolas opened his bottom drawer of his desk and brought out a monstrosity of the code of conduct for the Brigade. He sat it down on the desk, which kinda looked a bit heavy in the traditional sense. The Code of Conduct looked more like a novel than the regulation codes in the military. Alexander is a super genius, since his tactics were great. [color=6495ED]”I must say, sorry if that hurt your ears when the book landed on my desk. But it's a monster. The Title of the Book is the Honor Code of the Dragon. Even though it was much easier to teach them the code over forcing them to read it. Because some of them didn’t want to read something so massive. In terms of everything, I do hope you enjoy the source material, Alexander. Good luck, since I am basically retired as Laguna said...”[/color] Nikolas does have a sense of humor. Even though, his sense of humor is a bit much even for some people. Including the Super Genius, Alexander. He did expect a long read, since their discipline were something else. But to see this much...reminded him of his officer days where he would cram for nights on perfecting the art of war. Ascendancy tactics were sometimes repetitive, and that would be the worst place to be so. [color=9e0b0f]”Oh boy…”[/color] Alexander moved his glasses down away from his eyes instinctively for a very brief second, as he stared at the sheer amount of information he expected to read for the Brigade’s integration. They’re meticulously written, very detailedly elaborated upon, with examples and non-examples all covered. And in a book no less. At this day and age, he thought it would be on a flash-drive or something. But the one thing he’d complain about would be that: couldn’t this be written any shorter? Technical writing is a real thing in the computing world, if Alexander didn’t have to find himself in the military. Grand Admiral Laguna rolled her eyes, saying, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you’re running your Fleet as your private fiefdom, Nikolas. Don’t forget whose coffers paid for your ‘private culture’.” A frown as she said, “Nevertheless, I can appreciate the sense of togetherness and community you fostered in your fleet.” [i]Appreciate the danger it presented to the Ascendancy and the President-for-Life’s goals.[/i] A quip, “You know, elections for Congress are still half-free. Why don’t you spend your retirement trying to wrangle a seat in the Ascendancy House of Representatives?” [i]Do take it seriously - You’d be better off there than planning treason.[/i] Nikolas noticed Alexander’s eyes, for the very brief second they were shown. He did laugh at Alexander’s words of oh boy. However, Grand Admiral Laguna was still trying to get a rise out of him but in a different way. If anything, Laguna is on the side of the president definitely with how she tried to say Conner’s last name. Not much of a surprise there to him, he always knew Conner had more friends in the Admiralty than just Berkeley. Even though it would have been better if Conner wasn’t involved at all in anything since his private military company was also a danger, but it fully supported the President. [color=6495ED]”I know who paid for my culture, it’s the government who wanted me to defend themselves from the unknown. I did my duty to the letter, Ms. Laguna. I was as privileged as the other Core Worlders but I didn’t let the core world’s biases get in my way. It's the reason why the Dragon’s Brigade Fleet was feared in the galaxy. But the good times must end. Like all things in this galaxy.”[/color] He knew from the get go that Laguna only wanted one thing in the whole world was to end him with anything she could get on him. However, he smiled when she said togetherness and community. However, the quip to become a politician just made him laugh. [color=6495ED]”I do appreciate the men and women under my command. I’d have to honestly decline becoming a representative in the government. It would be better for me to retire and live on Draken’vina, my homeworld with my family. Over dealing with the day to day politics of the Ascendancy. I promise to you, Laguna. On my code of honor I won’t be planning any treason against the Ascendancy. Even if you don’t feel like you can trust me, you have Alexander here to tell you that the word of mine is much greater than anything. When I bound myself to my honor. Hope that helps your weary soul, Grand Admiral Laguna and you can tell the President for Life and Conner the good news. That they don’t have to worry about Nikolas Richard Zahrin, the Dragon leaving his homeworld.”[/color] Nikolas had a smile towards Laguna. He put his own honor on the line, like he always would during this exchange to show he has truly learned his lesson with what he almost did with Conner. Conner fears Nikolas and that’s much is obvious. He looked directly at Alexander to see what Alexander would say in addition to what he said. Because Alexander knows Nikolas too well to back down on his honor, what is honor if anything but nothing if he breaks his honor oath. It was both a little amusing to find himself being the third wheel in a quarrel like this. But seeing it unfold like this, it was kinda obvious how both sides like apples and oranges and they’re not accepting the other one’s. [color=9e0b0f]”Well, we all know people lie all the time. They say they swear by the oath, but they would turn their backs at the moment you don’t expect them to. That applies to Nikolas, me and even the President himself...”[/color] Alexander simply shrugged as he was asked about Nikolas’s credibility, his tongue growing slow and sly as he mentioned President Emmanuel. [color=9e0b0f]”At the end of the day, it’s how much leap of faith you’re willing to take.”[/color] [color=9e0b0f]”With the fleet number and the personal security personnels you’re willing to take out there, I don’t think even my words would count.”[/color] He said. [color=9e0b0f]”But you have done this before right, Ms Laguna? The battle for Masser Primus. I’m sure you have enough leap of faith in you.”[/color] Admiral Laguna gave a thin smile, “Yes, I have enough faith in myself to continue advancing the Ascendancy’s future…” [color=9e0b0f]”Perfect. Now we can proceed with settling in.”[/color] Alexander smiled as he declared. [color=9e0b0f]”Orders are already out to my auxiliary transport ships to dock. Your men and women can begin the transfer to our carrier.”[/color] The male Grand Admiral stood up straight, with a firm hand extended to Nikolas, the other holding the book he received. [color=9e0b0f]”Hope you have a good retirement with your family.”[/color] When would that day come? Nikolas shook Alexander’s hand and smiled towards him. If anything, this last exchange felt right to him. Even though he planned this for a long time coming, he always was wanting to retire from the military anyways. [color=6495ED]”I thank you Alexander, for this last exchange between us. It was always an honor to fight along with you in these wars we had. Even though my last war would always be this one that the Ascendancy lost terribly. I had everything pre-planned even before this day actually came, I do know you will take care of my soldiers better than anyone. As well, Ms. Laguna hopefully you will enjoy the Black Ops Ships in my fleet to be added to yours. I do know you will remove all designations of my fleet after they had a refit to fully be integrated into yours, it’s not rocket science.”[/color] He was content and played her little game to show he was truly grateful to the military for what he wanted. If anything, it’s better this way. [color=6495ED]”A little word of wisdom. Hopefully you will never come face to face with a true Dragon. Like I have. Since they are truly terrifying creatures. But majestic at the same time. It is the reason why I absolutely told my soldiers to avoid the Kaisoken, they reminded me of the Dragons on my homeworld.”[/color] He was a bit odd to say that, but then his eyes turned into Dragon’s Eyes because of his Biotech Upgrade. But they returned to normal afterwards since he was always a bit nostalgic for certain things.