Last Chapter Recap: "Now you will receive your first assignment from your superior officers. The ship shall depart at ten twenty PM, so make sure you're settled in by then. Dismissed!" Selana finished, her voice firm and commanding.
Now
"Excellent work, Captain, as always. Thank you for taking up this task at such short notice. The Alliance is fortunate to have you leading the Goliath." Admiral Sun walked up to Selana, his expression stoic but his voice filled with a measure of respect.
"No need to thank me, Admiral. I understand our fleet is severely undermanned… especially for missions like this." Selana's tone was steady, carrying the weight of the situation without hesitation.
"Yes, but to depart at such short notice without even one drill... it's a risk…" Admiral Sun hesitated.
"Do not worry, Admiral," Selana said confidently, her voice unwavering. "Even considering the new blood, my crew is excellent. I trust them to perform when it counts."
While the Admiral and Captain seemed engrossed in conversation, I approached them, mindful of military protocol. I kept my posture straight and waited for an appropriate moment to speak, knowing that respect for the chain of command was paramount.
"Sir, ma'am, Ensign Adam Black reporting for duty," Adam said crisply, snapping a salute.
"Ah, you're that cadet Principal Garcia recommended," Admiral Sun said, raising an eyebrow as he sized up Adam.
"I'm honored to hear that, Admiral," Adam replied, maintaining his salute, his tone respectful but steady.
"Welcome aboard X-63 Goliath, Ensign," Selana said, giving a nod. "At ease." She gestured for Adam to relax, her expression calm yet commanding.
'That's right... starting from today, I'm an intelligence officer aboard Goliath. Fresh out of OSS graduation from cadet school.' Adam thought, 'This is where my real game begins'.
"You graduated at the top of your class, right, Ensign?" Admiral Sun asked, his gaze sharp. "I see. So, your choice was this ship... ambitious, aren't we?"
"To serve under the Hero of the Alliance is the greatest honor for any soldier, sir!" Adam said, his voice filled with genuine respect.
"Ha ha, you heard him, Captain!" Admiral Sun said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "The young ones really look up to you."
"Please, Admiral," Selana replied with a slight grin. "I'd still like to consider myself young." Her tone was playful, yet there was an undeniable confidence behind her words.
"Yes, certainly..." Admiral Sun said, his tone softening slightly. "A captain at 32... this war has claimed way too many good lives." He paused, his expression thoughtful, reflecting on the toll the conflict had taken.
"That's why we are going to end it, Admiral," Selana said firmly, her voice resolute. "We have the power to bring this war to a close, and we will."
"Hah! Well said, Captain!" Admiral Sun chuckled. "In that case, I'll entrust this mission to you. Remember, the fate of the entire Space Titans and Alliance may be resting on your shoulders." His expression grew more serious, though still tinged with respect.
"Yes, sir!" Selana replied, snapping a sharp salute, her expression unwavering.
"Mehm, may the gods guide you!" Admiral Sun said, returning the salute before turning to leave.
Selana turned to Adam her gaze sharp yet thoughtful. "You heard the Admiral," she said, her voice calm but with a hint of expectation. "Let's make sure we live up to the trust they've placed in us."
"Yes, ma'am!" Adam replied, snapping a sharp salute.
'From up close, Captain Selana Aatre makes an even stronger impression than from a distance.' Adam thought, his eyes unconsciously tracing her form. 'Those delicate noble features, her shapely figure, Those full breasts and that silky hair... She's a top-class beauty, no doubt.'
"Like I said, welcome aboard our Goliath," Selana began, her tone steady. "I will not lie—when I requested a new intelligence officer, I didn't think the general staff would send me a new recruit. This is a very demanding job, Ensign." Her gaze met Adam's, a mixture of curiosity and seriousness in her eyes.
"I will do my best to satisfy your demands, ma'am," Adam said, his tone steady and determined.
"That won't be enough," Selana said, her voice stern. "In your position, you're responsible for all the precise devices on this ship. In other words, you hold the lifeblood of this vessel in your hands. Do you understand? Your mistake may kill us all." Her gaze was unwavering, emphasizing the gravity of the responsibility.
"Yes, ma'am!" Adam replied, snapping a sharp salute, his expression firm with determination.
'Just as the rumors say, she's a tough one...' Adam thought, 'When I asked to be assigned to Goliath, other cadets thought I was crazy. But I'm here now, and I won't back down.'
"Is that all?" Selana asked, her tone sharp. She studied Adam for a moment before continuing, "I see you have confidence in your skills. Good. But remember, I do not tolerate any mistakes."