Transsunerian Sea, south-west of Karelins.

"My apologies, king. As you know we have elaborate welcoming traditions on the flagship, but operations are in a critical phase, and all hands are needed on their posts."

"Of course. Focus on what's important here and now."

King Vimmru and Captian Grenallu of the Sedunnic flagship the destroyer SNS Tapparad shook hands. Where there normally would be hundreds of people in tight formations, only a handful people were precent on the helicopter deck.

"My role here isn't ceremonial or to benefit our approval ratings" Vimmru continued. "It is only fair that I..."

Grenallu suddenly covered his ears with his hands and gestured to the others to do so as well.

There was a mechanical clunk followed immediately by the sharp sound of a missile igniting and roaring off the front of the destroyer. It was soon followed by a second one.

The Captain gestured once again to have the small entourage follow him inside.

"I'm sorry about that, king" said the captain once inside. He looked at his watch. "This was part of the strike package that initiates Allp Vatra, or 'Good Wagon' in as the operation is known in Austral."

"I see. How long until the battalion is deployed?"

The Capitan instinctively looked at his watch again.

"Ten minutes, king."

"Good. I wish to join them."

Grenallu was shocked that the king wanted to join the troops taking part in what was planned as the last thrust to snuff out the Soormann loyalists and the RIM. An already risky operation. But he was also a bit disappointed that he would miss his chance to show Vimmru how his ship operated in combat. His face reflected these feelings.

"The risks... Has TS been involved in this?"

TS was the Sedunnic abbreviation for Theatre Command.

"Yes. They were hesitant, like you. But as I was about to say, I firmly believe I must do this. I can't order our troops into battle, sitting behind a desk in a too comfortable chair. No. I must be there. With them."

The Captain nodded slowly. Vimmru continued.

"Now show me to the staff and get me some gear. I can't go into the jungle in a suit."

The captain saluted the king, pointed at a door, and rushed down the corridor in the other direction.