Minutes before the engagement with the Pirate Fleet
In the shadow of a massive gas giant, Captain Quinassa's voice cut through the encrypted channels. "All vessels, maintain position. Give me a status check."
"Guard Group Alpha in position," came the first response. "Shields at minimal power, signatures masked by the magnetic field."
"Stinger Group Beta ready," reported the second commander. "Ki assimilators running silent, jammers primed."
"Assault Group Gamma standing by," the third leader confirmed. "Miniature particle cannons charged but dormant. Waiting for your signal."
From the bridge of her flagship, the Aegis—a modified Sovereign Class warship that predated the modern Dauntless Class—Captain Quinassa studied the tactical display. The border defense fleet of Alacrity arrived out of warp and took position in a tight formation, exactly as anticipated. Their carefully planted anonymous tip had drawn the defense fleet here, and they remained confident that their own fleet—the Saintess's fleet—stayed hidden in the gas giant's shadow.
"Final briefing, so listen well," Quinassa transmitted, her voice steady. "We'll execute a three pronged assault. Alpha Group, you'll breach from the northern hemisphere - hit their formation hard and scatter their ranks. Beta Group, emerge along the equatorial plane and deploy jammers immediately - I want their communications completely dark before they can process what's happening. Gamma Group, you'll launch from the southern axis - use the chaos from Alpha and Beta to maximize damage." She paused, ensuring her next words registered clearly. "Time your emergence precisely with the electromagnetic pulses - we only get one shot at surprise. And remember - if captured, you're independent mercenaries. If killed... well, walk it off."
"Understood, Captain!" came the unified response.
First Officer Revel looked up from his console. "All ships report ready, Captain. The gas giant's radiation patterns are masking our presence perfectly. Our modified deflectors are mimicking natural phenomena—to their sensors, we'll appear as nothing more than atmospheric disturbances until we're right on top of them."
The bridge fell silent as the first pirate ships dropped out of warp. The border defense fleet responded instantly, their formation tight and disciplined as they unleashed a devastating barrage. Three recon vessels and eight assault cruisers were caught in the initial volley, destroyed before their crews could even react. The remaining pirate ships emerged ready for combat, their return fire lighting up space as fighter squadrons launched from both sides.
Throughout the Saintess's fleet, crews performed final system checks with practiced efficiency. The modified Endive-class ships with their non-standard upgrades about to be put to the ultimate test.
Captain Quinassa stood from her command chair, her eyes fixed on the tactical display. "Wait for it..." she commanded as the last pirate ships emerged. "Synchronize with the next atmospheric burst. Three... two... one... Execute!"
The fleet burst from their hiding spots in perfect coordination, their emergence concealed by the giant's electromagnetic disturbances. Alpha Group struck first, their enhanced shields enabling them to punch straight through the pirate formation. Enemy ships scattered in their wake as shields failed and hulls buckled under the unexpected assault.
Though not destroyed, even the heavy cruiser warships were knocked from their positions, causing collisions with adjacent ships. While this chaos caught the pirates off guard, the defense fleet remained surprisingly composed. They continued their precise assault while carefully avoiding fire on the Saintess's fleet. The defense fleet's fighters even provided cover fire for Alpha Group—almost as if they had anticipated the Saintess fleet's presence.
Beta Group struck next, their modified engines propelling them at incredible speeds through the chaos. They deployed jammers in a precise pattern, quickly disabling the pirates' communication grid. Gamma Group seized this advantage, emerging through the explosions and debris to unleash concentrated beams from their miniaturized particle cannons, cutting through the disorganized pirate fleet.
The pirates lost twelve fighters and five assault cruisers in those first brutal minutes, with two warships crippled in collisions. But they weren't finished. Their remaining ships quickly reformed into a defensive formation as one of their warships revealed a hidden weapon—a massive cannon that emerged from its hull, crackling with energy as its rings began to rotate.
Captain Quinassa recognized the threat immediately. "All ships, begin withdrawal!" she ordered, knowing their modified vessels weren't equipped for this level of engagement. "Maintain cover!"
As the Saintess's fleet retreated to the safety of the gas giant's cover, Captain Haskar of the Alacrity defense fleet responded to the pirates' movements. He ordered his battleships into a V formation, resembling a drawn bow. The ships' hull panels slid open on their adjacent sides, revealing pulsing energy dishes. Beams shot between the vessels, creating an expanding network of circular energy fields. At the formation's center, the command battleship—Haskar's vessel—unveiled its particle cannon, its targeting sensors locking onto the enemy as it charged.
From their hidden position, the crews of the Saintess's fleet watched in awe as two formidable weapons prepared to clash. The pirate warship's massive cannon fired first, unleashing a devastating beam of concentrated energy. In response, Captain Haskar acted swiftly, ordering his ship to return fire. As the defense fleet's energy beam passed through each synchronized field, its power grew exponentially, cascading from ship to ship until matching the intensity of a Dauntless class vessel. The Aegis, detecting the imminent danger, maneuvered to protect the Oracle fleet—its enhanced shields expanding like a protective dome as their fleet's vessels fell into formation behind it. When the two colossal energy beams collided, shockwaves rippled through this sector of space.
"All hands, brace for impact!" Captain Quinassa's voice rang through the ship's comm system as warning indicators lit up across her command console. The Aegis shuddered violently as its enhanced shields absorbed the massive energy waves, the ship's structural integrity systems straining to compensate.
"Shields at seventy percent and dropping," First Officer Revel reported, steadying himself against his console. "Captain, we've achieved our primary objectives. The jammers are in position, and our modifications have proven effective in combat conditions. Perhaps a retreat is in order."
Quinassa nodded grimly. "Agreed. We can't risk exposing our capabilities any further." She straightened in her chair. "All ships, initiate withdrawal procedures. Use the gas giant's electromagnetic field for cover, then proceed to warp coordinates."
As the fleet began their coordinated retreat under the Aegis's protection, the communications officer suddenly jolted upright. "Captain! Priority encrypted transmission... it's being relayed from the Alacrity Defense fleet... another True God has appeared!" Her eyes widened. "The announcement is from True God Saranita herself!"
The bridge fell silent as Saranita's authoritative voice filled their secure channel, officially designating their fleet as 'Oracle' and acknowledging their direct role under the True God Council.
"Well," Quinassa said, allowing herself a small smile, "it seems we've earned our legitimacy. Though we're not ready to fully expose ourselves yet." She watched the ongoing battle through the viewscreen. "Helm, maintain withdrawal course. Let the border fleet handle the cleanup."
The Oracle fleet's ships began disengaging one by one, jumping to warp under the Aegis's protective shield umbrella. Just as victory seemed assured, everything changed. The Defense fleet's particle beam, which had been carving through the pirate fleet toward their command ship, suddenly deflected at an impossible angle. The massive energy beam struck a nearby barren planet, boring straight through its crust. The planet's surface rippled and cracked as massive storm systems formed in its atmosphere. The beam reached the planet's core in seconds.
"All hands, brace for impact!" Quinassa shouted moments before the planet exploded, sending a devastating shockwave across the sector.
Captain Haskar, aboard his command ship, had tried desperately to shut down the particle cannon, but the concentrated beam had already sealed the planet's fate. As the shockwave dissipated, leaving countless Defense fleet fighters disabled and adrift, Haskar's sensors detected something that made his blood run cold—a single humanoid figure floating in space before the pirate fleet, wearing an ominous smile.
"Power level readings," his science officer reported grimly. "They're... at Emperor rank, sir."
Rewinding Time - Prior to Sector Engagement - Frost Nebula Pirates Command Ship
Captain Iclyn's footsteps echoed through the humming hallway as she approached the regeneration chamber. Through the green-tinted liquid, she observed Lord Hail suspended in his healing trance. A jagged scar marred his face—a permanent reminder of his defeat at the hands of his youngest nephew. The nephew had returned after eight years from an unknown lower realm, transformed from a perceived weakling into a formidable warrior—now capable of wounding even a High Emperor like him... or like he once was..
The scar refused to heal despite countless regeneration sessions, steadily draining Hail's strength until he dropped from High Emperor to Mid Emperor rank. This humiliation drove him to beg his older brother—the new King of the Frost Nebula region—for this mission. Their father's death from a mysterious illness five years prior had shifted the power dynamics, and now Hail sought to restore both his honor and the Frost Demons' glory.
For generations, the Frost Demons had nursed their grudge against the Saiyan Empire, who had confined them to the Frost Nebula Region eons ago. Every attempt at revenge had ended in defeat - Hail's father fell to Division Captain Avoca, while his brother was bested by Division Captain Gula. But now, with the Saiyan Empire's collapse and the Chancellor's forces stretched thin, an opportunity had presented itself.
Through back channels, insider information revealed several undefended lower realms. Though clearly being used as pawns, the Frost Demons saw an opportunity to turn the situation to their advantage, perfect for establishing a foothold for future conquests.. Hail was dispatched with a medium fleet of thirty ships, including his flagship. This mission represented more than conquest - it was his chance at redemption.
As the sensors indicated their approach to the target zone, Hail's eyes snapped open with frightening intensity. The chamber drained with a soft hiss, its crystalline walls parting to reveal the Frost Demon lord. His form shifted and condensed as he deliberately suppressed his power from Mid-Emperor to High King rank. Black and purple armor materialized around his pale form.
"Status report," he commanded, his tail swishing back and forth menacingly.
Captain Iclyn stood at attention, though she couldn't fully mask the contempt in her eyes. "We're approaching the designated coordinates, my lord. However, long-range sensors have detected a contingent of the Alacrity Defense fleet. We've already lost contact with our advance ships moments after they exited warp. All combat systems are primed."
Hail's bio-gems pulsed with an icy glow as his expression darkened. "An ambush?" His fingers traced the unhealing scar on his face—a permanent reminder of his disgrace. "That Azureusian worn dares betray us?" A cruel smile spread across his features, the promise of violence gleaming in his eyes. "Perfect timing. This regeneration chamber has left me... restless. I need something to destroy."
Soon the pirate fleet emerged from warp to find their advance ships destroyed, scattered debris painting a grim picture of the defense fleet's effectiveness. On the command deck, Captain Iclyn stood beside Lord Hail, seated in his command chair, her expression solemn as she directed their fighters to engage the enemy. The remaining pirate vessels moved in formation, deflecting the relentless barrage from the defense fleet and attacking the enemy fighters.
Soon, however, the unexpected arrival of the Saintess's fleet caught them off guard. The Alpha Squad executed precise ramming maneuvers that destroyed many vessels and even disabled two of their warships by making them collide with one another.
"My lord," the operator on Hail's ship reported urgently, "Multiple fast-moving vessels are deploying jamming devices. Our communication grid has been impacted. We're losing formation coherence."
Hail's eyes narrowed dangerously as he watched his fleet's effectiveness diminish. "To think they've pushed us this far without deploying a single King or Emperor-class warrior." He turned to Captain Iclyn, his voice cold and precise. "Show them the consequences of their insolence. Destroy them all."
Iclyn nodded, her eyes reflecting the same ruthlessness. "All ships, battle formation Delta." She turned to her tactical operator and commanded, "Charge the main cannon." The pirate fleet shifted into position as their commander's vessel—Hail's warship—raised its massive energy weapon. Power built to critical levels within the cannon. At Iclyn's signal, they unleashed a devastating beam toward the defense fleet, only to be met by an equally powerful particle cannon response.
As the two beams collided, the ship groaned under the tremendous strain. Seeing his fleet's attack being overwhelmed, Hail rose from his command chair. "Captain, the bridge is yours." Without another word, he strode toward the hangar, his form already beginning to shift.
By the time he reached the hangar, Hail had transformed into his sleeker combat form, his Mid-Emperor rank power radiating freely. Reaching the edge of the hangar's entrance, he leaped through the protective field into the vacuum of space. As the defense fleet's enhanced particle beam engulfed his forward ships, Hail appeared before his ship. With a Ki-wreathed hand, he casually deflected the massive energy beam toward a nearby barren planet.
The planet's destruction sent devastating shockwaves across the sector, temporarily blinding all sensors. When the defense fleet's vision cleared, they found Hail floating alone in space ahead of his flagship and remaining vessels. An ominous smile played across his features while bio-gems pulsed with barely contained power around his body. He fixed the Alacrity forces with a predatory gaze. "Now then," his voice carried through their comm channels, cold and precise, "show me if the Alacrity Defense Fleet lives up to its reputation." His aura flared visibly, radiating Mid-Emperor rank power. The true battle was about to begin.
Captain Haskar's expression hardened as Hail's cold voice cut through their comm systems. The Frost Demon's imposing figure hung in the void before them, radiating an aura of overwhelming power that his decades of combat experience immediately identified as Emperor-class—a confirmation his science officer would make moments later.
"Against an Emperor-class being, only another Emperor or a Dauntless-class warship stands a chance," Haskar thought grimly, knowing full well this could be their final stand.
"Science Officer Lothmar," he called out, his fingers dancing across his terminal to establish an encrypted connection with the military command at Koris, "status of the Oracle fleet?"
"Only their flagship remains in-system, sir," Lothmar reported crisply.
Haskar straightened his captain's hat and settled into his command chair, activating the fleet-wide communications. His voice carried the weight of command as he addressed his crews. "All hands. Listen up! Most of you have seen war. Some even survived the Great Wars. So I'll be direct, we face an Emperor-class enemy with no comparable force on our side. Our chances of survival..." he paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in, "are minimal."
He continued, voice resolute, "But we are the Alacrity Alliance Defense Fleet, trained and forged by legendary Saiyan warriors. They entrusted us with safeguarding peace across the Higher Realm and its territories—a mandate we've never failed. Now, with our mentors fallen and their worlds at risk, we stand as the last line of defense. Our mission is clear: buy time for our allies to escape, and if we must fall, we'll make sure this tyrant remembers the price of challenging the Alacrity fleet. FOR ALACRITY!"
"FOR ALACRITY!" The unified battle cry echoed across all channels.
The defense fleet broke formation, each ship adopting an unpredictable attack pattern. Even disabled and afloat fighters were being repurposed as potential weapons, their pilots ready to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary.
Hail's laughter echoed through the comm systems. "Such inspiring unity," he mocked, bio-gems pulsing with malevolent energy. "But courage alone cannot bridge the gap between gods and insects." His finger rose, gathering a sphere of death-purple energy. "Allow me to demonstrate the futility of your resistance."
"All ships, evasive maneuvers!" Haskar's command came too late. The sphere split into dozens of deadly projectiles, each tracking their targets with terrifying precision.
"Shields at maximum!" The order echoed across the fleet, but within seconds, three battleships—the Valiant, Draken, and Merwen—erupted into brilliant explosions.
Haskar's bridge shuddered violently. "Status report!"
"The Intrepid's engines are critical," his tactical officer reported grimly. "Our shields are at 30% from residual energy alone. Sir... we can't take another hit like that."
Through the view screen, Haskar tracked Hail's movements—or tried to. The Frost Demon phased in and out of existence, moving faster than their most advanced tracking systems could follow.
Another shockwave rocked through space as Hail's hand pierced straight through a battleship's shields. His cold laughter echoed through the comm channels as he focused his other hand, punching through near his first entry point and exerting force to rip the shield apart. He sensed the ship's shields surge with power as the crew desperately diverted additional energy to their defenses.
"Good, good," Hail purred, sweeping his hand in an elegant arc. A shockwave burst from his palm, shattering the shield array into glittering shards. As his gaze landed on the command deck through the viewport, he studied the crew—some faces betrayed fear while others maintained stoic determination. The captain's steely gaze met his own without flinching. "Interesting. How long will that spirit last, I wonder."
Behind him, on the captain's subtle signal, the tactical officer silently rotated their main cannons. In a synchronized motion, they unleashed their full barrage at point-blank range.
BOOM!
But Hail had already vanished, leaving the devastating blast to tear through empty space and into their own command deck. From a safe distance, Hail reappeared and, watching the explosions, let his maniacal laughter echo through the dying ship's comm systems. "MAGNIFICENT! What a spectacle! The Alacrity fleet truly knows how to entertain!"
In a flash, he materialized at the hull and smashed through its damaged surface, ripping open a wider breach. Emergency force fields sputtered as atmosphere rushed into space, dragging helpless crew members into the void. Moving along the corridors, he encountered a squad of warriors who raised their Ki-charged energy blasters. Their attacks dissipated harmlessly against his bio-armor.
"Yes, that's it!" he said with cruel smile, watching their faces contort with rage and despair as each shot proved futile. This was the true pleasure of being a Frost Demon - watching hope die in their prey's eyes. "Show me more of that desperate struggle!"
"Emergency force fields critical!" a crew member's voice crackled through the failing comm system. "Hull integrity compromised!"
The ranking officer's voice, though strained with pain, remained resolute: "All hands... abandon ship! Get to the escape pods!"
Hail's eyes gleamed with malicious delight. "Leaving so soon?" His tail whipped forward, impaling the officer. "But we've only just begun."
To his surprise, the remaining officers exchanged knowing looks before charging him as one. Their suicidal bravery gave him pause. "What are you-" His eyes widened as he sensed the building energy. "The reactor—damn it!"
"For Alacrity!" the dying officer's final words rang clear as flames erupted through the corridors.
BOOM!
The reactor detonation engulfed the sector in brilliant light. But, through the clouds of devastation, Hail emerged—his Ki shield intact but his armor scarred, his bio-gems pulsing with barely contained rage. "Damned insects! How dare they-"
Through the explosion's aftermath burst another Alacrity vessel, its weapons blazing as it charged straight toward him. Still reeling from the previous blast, Hail took the full force of its barrage before the ship slammed him into the debris field.
"ENOUGH!" he roared, his fist piercing the ship's shields and hull in one devastating blow. "Now you'll see-"
BOOM!
The second ship's reactor detonated on impact, having been primed the moment they began their suicide run. The crew's sacrifice added another star to the battlefield, a testament to Alacrity's indomitable spirit.
At a distance, from his command ship's bridge, Haskar watched their main cannon reach full charge. The six battleships ahead of his vessel stood ready, their energy projector fields aligned to amplify the gathering power.
"Target locked," the tactical officer reported, her voice steady despite the stakes.
With a snap of his fingers, Haskar commanded, "Fire."
The blast erupted from their cannon—a lance of pure energy surging through three consecutive amplification fields, each multiplying its destructive potential—before striking Hail's last recorded position amid the debris field.
Silence gripped the bridge as the crew held their breath. Had their desperate gambit succeeded? Had the noble sacrifice of their sister ships and their fallen comrades bought them the crucial moment they needed?
Just then, through the dissipating energy, a figure emerged. Hail floated there, his pristine bio-armor now sporting deep cracks, purple blood trickling from a gash across his face. His earlier smirk had vanished, replaced by an expression of pure, murderous rage.
"You... you DARED to..." Hail's power began to spike, his aura turning dark purple. "I will tear you all apart piece by-"
Just as Hail was about to release his attack, a powerful voice reverberated through the sector, carrying an authority that made even the Frost Demon pause.
"Enough." The single word seemed to freeze time itself. "You've wandered far from your nebula, Frost Demon."
Rewinding Time - Around the time Hail engaged the Defense fleet
The diplomatic vessel emerged from warp alongside its escort battle cruisers into a scene of devastating chaos. A vast field of debris from destroyed vessels stretched before them, leaving no room for evasive maneuvers.
"Incoming debris field!" The pilot's voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "All hands, brace for impact!"
The ship's shields flared brilliantly as wreckage collided with their protective barrier. The pilot's hands flew across the controls with practiced precision, threading their vessel through the dangerous maze of twisted metal and crystallized fuel.
"Status report!" Captain Grita's voice remained steady despite the violent shuddering of the bridge.
"Shields holding at 95%, Captain," the tactical officer responded crisply. "Minor structural stress detected on the outer hull, but systems remain nominal."
Captain Grita's eyes narrowed. "Our long-range sensors should have detected this debris field before we exited warp. Something interfered with our scanners." She activated the fleet-wide comm. "Battle cruisers, take offensive positions. Clear us a path."
The escort vessels responded immediately, their weapon arrays humming to life. Concentrated energy beams lanced out, systematically vaporizing the debris in their path.
Suddenly, Saranita's voice cut through the tension, "Captain Grita." Her words carried such urgency that the bridge crew froze in place. "Maximum shields. Now."
Grita's years of experience took over. Her fingers flew across her console, simultaneously raising their shields while broadcasting emergency orders. The diplomatic ship and one battle cruiser managed to raise their shields in time. A shockwave from the battle ahead slammed into their ships with devastating force.
Though they withstood the shockwave, the unshielded escort vessel, caught in the shockwave's full force, had its systems overloaded and spun off course. The diplomatic ship and its remaining escort performed desperate evasive maneuvers as their disabled sister ship drifted by, brushing against their shields before coming to rest motionless in space, its systems silent.
"Captain," Saranita's calm voice cut through the chaos, staying Grita's hand as she reached for the communications panel. "The crew lives. I sense their life force. They are Alacrity soldiers—they will not fall so easily."
A collective sigh of relief passed through the bridge. Grita nodded, her expression turning serious. "All stations, battle positions! Get those sensors back online — I want a full tactical assessment."
"Aye, Captain!" the crew responded in unison, their movements precise and coordinated despite the crisis.
While Grita coordinated with the remaining battle cruiser, Cecilia and Val watched in silent awe. The contrast between their hastily assembled survivor forces and these seasoned Alacrity veterans was stark and humbling.
"Overwhelming, isn't it?" Saranita's gentle touch on Cecilia's shoulder startled the young woman.
"Yes, Master," Cecilia admitted after a moment.
"You witnessed the Great Android War," Saranita said softly, "but that was only one facet of a much larger conflict. Many here faced horrors during that war that forged them into the officers they are today." Her eyes narrowed behind her blindfold as she channeled her Ki. "And now we face an Emperor-rank opponent... a Frost Demon."
"A Frost Demon?" Cecilia's voice held recognition. "The race exiled by the Saiyan Empire?"
Before Saranita could respond, the battlefield erupted with light as Captain Haskar's ship unleashed its devastating attack.
"Such power..." Val whispered, while Cecilia stared in awe at the display.
When the light faded, a grim silence fell over the bridge. The sensors told a devastating story - half the defense fleet deployed to this lower realm was gone, and life signs were fading rapidly. Saranita's divine sight pierced the chaos, taking in the full scope of the battle.
"Listen well, Cecilia," Saranita began, her voice heavy with history. "Before the rise of Alacrity, before the Higher Realm organized into Empires, the Frost Demons were a terrible power that enslaved countless worlds. But they made one fatal mistake - they challenged the Ancient Saiyans."
"In those days, before the division of God and Mortal branches, the Ancient Saiyans were a formidable warrior race," Saranita began, her voice carrying the weight of history. "Though many dismissed them as mere savages, their raw power and unbreakable warrior spirit would prove to be the salvation of countless worlds."
"When the Frost Demons arrived on Planet Sadala, they made a fatal miscalculation. Believing they could subjugate the Saiyans through fear, they slaughtered innocent warriors as a display of dominance. But they failed to understand the most fundamental truth about Saiyan nature - while defeating a Saiyan in honorable combat earned respect, to humiliate one meant declaring war on all."
"The resulting conflict reshaped the Higher Realm forever," Saranita continued, her blindfolded gaze distant with memory. "As countless Saiyan warriors fell to the Frost Demons' overwhelming might, a figure among them—one who would later become known as the Saiyan God—witnessed the death of his closest brothers and sisters. In that moment of ultimate loss and fury, something unprecedented awakened within him—the legendary Super Saiyan transformation."
"The raw power of this new form surpassed anything the Higher Realm had witnessed before. With it they started winning. The Saiyan God shared this transformation with his most trusted warriors, and together they liberated their world. Soon after, the Ancient Saiyans commandeered the invaders' ships and launched a fierce counterattack on the Frost Demon homeworld."
"The exact details of what happened there remained sealed in the Saiyan Empire's records—knowledge now perhaps lost forever after the Empire's fall. But this much is known, their world burned, and the survivors fled to what we now call the Frost Nebula, at the very edge of our Higher Realm. Even as new empires rose and the Alacrity Alliance emerged, the Frost Demons never regained their former glory. Every attempt at resurgence was swiftly crushed by the Division Captains of Sadala themselves."
Cecilia and Val exchanged stunned looks. This tale painted a very different picture of the Saiyan God they knew—the one who had ended the Tuffle War and helped establish the Alacrity Galactic Alliance.
"I see your confusion," Saranita said gently. "Every race has its darker chapters. The Saiyan God's transformation came after that devastating victory. While drifting among the stars, surrounded by the aftermath of war, he witnessed the majesty of creation itself. Some say the Primordial Gods themselves offered guidance, showing him a better path."
"This revelation eventually led to the great schism - the emergence of two distinct Saiyan paths. The God branch chose to cultivate God Ki and pursue enlightenment, while the Mortal branch embraced their warrior bloodline, making the Super Saiyan power their signature strength."
"I trust you now understand the gravity of our situation," Saranita said, her voice carrying centuries of wisdom. "But further history lessons must wait." Her tone sharpened as she sensed the growing danger around them. "Captain Grita, does this deployment have countermeasures against an Emperor-rank opponent?"
Grita's expression turned grim as she glanced at their disabled escort. "We did, Ma'am. It was aboard that ship."
As Hail's arrogant voice echoed through their communications, a knowing smile curved Saranita's lips. "Then it seems I'll need to make an appearance myself." Her form began to shimmer with divine energy as she prepared for battle. "Watch carefully what happens next," she added, her voice carrying both instruction and warning. "This is how we deal with those who threaten the peace of our realm."
With those words, she channeled her Ki and vanished, leaving behind only a fading trail of ethereal energy. The bridge crew stood in stunned silence, knowing they were about to witness something extraordinary, a True God's power.
Back in the present, as Saranita's voice faded, Hail felt an involuntary shiver course through his spine. Yet his arrogance and current rage blinded him to a crucial detail — only beings of immense power could project their voice across an entire sector.
"Show yourself!" Hail roared into the void, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Saranita's response echoed through space, her presence everywhere yet nowhere. "Tell me, Frost Demon, why have you strayed from your territory to violate the sovereign space of the Saiyan Empire?"
"The Saiyan Empire?" Hail scoffed with contempt. "That empire is dead! Their fall marks the beginning of our resurgence. We will reclaim everything that was stolen from us!"
A melodious chuckle resonated through space, making Hail's blood run cold as his senses finally registered the tremendous power surrounding him.
"Very well." The words barely finished when a colossal ethereal form materialized behind Hail—Saranita's manifestation, crafted purely from Ki energy. As Hail turned, he found himself transfixed by her unveiled face and luminous eyes. In that moment, true fear gripped him as he realized what manner of being he faced.
"I would have preferred your honesty," Saranita said, her giant spectral hand emerging to ensnare the Frost Demon, "but it was never necessary."
As her grip tightened around Hail, she noticed his remaining fleet attempting to flee. Her eyes flashed, and reality itself seemed to splinter like breaking glass. In the next instant, the pirate vessels simply ceased to exist.
"Wait!" Hail gasped, struggling against her grasp. "I am the King's brother! Kill me, and you risk war with the entire Frost Demon empire!"
Saranita's response was a slight loosening of her grip, followed by an even tighter squeeze that left Hail barely conscious. "Alacrity may be young," she stated calmly, "but we stand as equals with the Higher Realms—and sometimes above them. While we don't seek war, we have never feared it. Every warrior here would gladly give their life to protect what we've built. Your death may spark a war, but if that's the price of justice, so be it."
The combined crews of Haskar's fleet, the Oracle's Aegis, and Grita's vessels stood tall, their faces set with determination. They would fight to the last to protect Alacrity, or die buying time for their strongest to prevail.
Sensing their resolve, Saranita smiled briefly before closing her fist, ending Hail's existence. However, her manifestation's eyes suddenly widened in alarm. With lightning speed, she manifested a Ki blade around her free arm and severed the hand that held Hail's crushed form. The shocking action caused Grita and Haskar to rise from their seats, their grim expressions reflecting their understanding—something had forced their True God to take such drastic measures, a true threat.
Moving swiftly, Saranita channeled her Ki and activated her divine sight to bend the Primordial laws of space itself, sending the severed construct to a distant, barren world. Without hesitation, she unleashed a devastating blast of pure Ki at the target. The resulting explosion illuminated that distant corner of the lower realm like a newborn star. Only when she sensed the complete dissolution of her Ki construct did her manifestation fade, her physical form, blindfold in place, reappearing on the diplomatic ship's bridge.
"Master!" Cecilia exclaimed, rushing forward as Saranita materialized on the bridge. Her voice trembled with a mixture of awe and concern after witnessing such an extraordinary display of power.
"Be at ease, my young disciple," Saranita replied calmly, settling into the captain's chair that Grita respectfully offered. She turned to Cecilia and Val, her voice steady and commanding. "Contact the Aegis. They remained behind after the fleet's retreat, prepared to reveal themselves if Captain Haskar's gambit failed. Have them coordinate with Grita's crew and Haskar's remaining fleet for cleanup and rescue operations."
Once the two young women departed, Grita leaned close to Saranita, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ma'am, what happened out there? What force could possibly pose a threat to you?"
Instead of responding immediately, Saranita directed the first officer to take command of the bridge. She and Grita made their way to the captain's ready room, where Saranita settled into Grita's chair. With swift, purposeful movements, she accessed the terminal and sent an encrypted priority message to the True God Council. As Grita read the message, her eyes narrowed dangerously, comprehending the gravity of the situation.
"The frost demons have made contact with the enemy from your visions of the Great War," Grita said thoughtfully. "But that energy signature was in his scar... it seems more likely he was a victim of the coming evil's servant, rather than being one himself."
Saranita nodded gravely. "It has been ages since I've had to exert myself so seriously. When that energy touched my Ki..." She flexed her hand, feeling her power gradually returning. "It sent chills through my very essence, attempting to drain my life force. If a mere acolyte wields such power, I shudder to think what those thirteen figures from my visions truly are - the ones these children must eventually face."
"Permission to summon the Nightfall, ma'am?" Grita requested solemnly.
Saranita studied her trusted subordinate before nodding. "Granted. But moving a Dauntless-class ship - especially my flagship - will draw attention. Coordinate with the Chancellor for a covert departure. Once here, focus on relief efforts for survivors and affected worlds. A victory that costs innocent lives is no victory at all."
Grita saluted, hand over heart. "It will be done."
A rare smile crossed Saranita's face. "You really want to return to your true command, don't you?"
The formal atmosphere between them softened as Grita allowed herself a wry smile. "This was always meant to be temporary. While I trust Captain Listin with our Nightfall, it's where my crew and I belong."
Saranita's chuckle filled the room. "Indeed. I'd feel better with you back in command. There's no one I trust more with my flagship."
"Until my last breath, ma'am, you have my loyalty," Grita responded with a respectful bow.
Rising from her chair, Saranita approached Grita. In an uncommonly tender gesture, she lifted the captain's hat and gently stroked Grita's hair. "My dear girl, I must ask once more - are you certain of this path? Even without the sight, your potential is immense. As a King-rank cultivator, you could still become my disciple and heir. You are, after all, my true heir by blood."
Grita allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, leaning into her grandmother's touch. When she opened her eyes, they shone with determination. "Grandmother, while it pained me deeply that I lacked the gift of sight and couldn't inherit your mantle, I've found peace with my path. This life, earned through my own efforts, truly fulfills me. And now you have found another seer in Cecilia - your new disciple and heir. With two seers, our chances of understanding and preparing for the coming conflicts are that much greater."
Saranita gazed at her granddaughter's face with a mixture of pride and melancholy. "I wonder how that young man would react if he knew about you now," she mused, carefully replacing Grita's captain's hat.
Few knew of Grita's true heritage. After discovering she lacked the gift of sight, despite being raised with such love and care, she had felt like a failure. She disappeared into the lower realms, training relentlessly before returning to join the defense forces anonymously. Though she knew her grandmother had likely tracked her movements and informed her parents, Grita had carved her own path - from grueling training under Lord Cress of the Saiyan Race, through her service in the Android War, to eventually commanding the Nightfall. While her grandmother had surely watched over her, Grita had verified that every promotion except her Nightfall assignment came through merit alone.
Thinking of the boy she once played with, Grita smiled softly. "After the war changed him so dramatically, I kept my distance. But now that he's recovering, I hope to see some of that old spark return. Otherwise, he'll never truly be my friend again - just the Primordial God leading us into battle."
Saranita nodded thoughtfully. "I share that hope."
After completing their discussion, they emerged to oversee the cleanup operation. During the fleet gathering, Captain Quinassa informed Cecilia how the Defense fleet's movements suggested foreknowledge of their positions - leading Cecilia to suspect her Master's visions had guided the defense fleet's subtle actions. The arrival of the imposing Dauntless-class ship left Cecilia, Val, and the Aegis crew in awe. Once rescue operations concluded, the combined fleet departed for Nevar ascending to Alacrity.
Their arrival caused quite a stir, particularly when the imposing Dauntless-class ship emerged from warp, leaving the Governor and his wife visibly shaken. Upon landing, Cecilia and Val excused themselves to visit Cecilia's grandmother, while Grita and Saranita met with the leadership to discuss next steps and share what classified information they could.
Approaching her childhood home, Cecilia took a steadying breath before entering with Val. They found her grandmother, Kaela, preparing a meal.
"Welcome home, dears," Kaela called warmly. "I saw the ships arrive and knew you'd return. Come, sit - I've made food for you both."
"Thank you, Grandma," Cecilia replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Kaela noticed her granddaughter's troubled expression but simply said, "Let's eat first, then talk."
After their meal and cleaning up, the three women gathered in the living room. Kaela studied Cecilia's face. "What's weighing on your heart, child?"
"Grandma..." Cecilia began, struggling with words as she remembered her grandmother's past pain and present recovery. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "I've decided to fully accept my role as his Saintess."
Kaela's expression darkened, her hands clenching. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Until now, I only accepted the title our people gave me, nothing more. I shared your hatred for him. I wanted to use this power only for good - to reunite our scattered people and help others who lost everything in that war. But my visions... they've shown me his perspective, his suffering. Yes, he lived through the war, but he died in a way - the person who emerged from that year-long coma wasn't the same. And now I've learned that my improved health and these abilities came from his power. Grandma, my physical condition-"
Kaela raised her hand, silencing Cecilia. "I knew."
"What?" Cecilia gaped in shock.
"That's why I supported your father joining the resistance," Kaela explained, her voice cracking with emotion. "Fighting alongside the boy who healed our precious child... We were so grateful. He never sought recognition for healing you - just quietly gave you a chance at a healthy life. We truly believed he and his companions were divine messengers sent to save us all." Her voice grew bitter. "But, I lost everything - my world, my daughter-in-law, my beloved son, every place that held memories of your grandfather... I know my words to him then were cruel, and I understand he ultimately saved what remained, but..." Tears streamed down her face. "I just can't forgive him!"
"Oh, Grandma," Cecilia wrapped her arms around the weeping woman. After their tears subsided, Kaela cupped her granddaughter's face. "The gift of sight runs in our bloodline, though it vanished five generations ago. His power unknowingly awakened it in you, binding your fate to his. I've accepted that you'll follow this path - I made peace with it when you first began using these abilities. But tell me truthfully: have you really forgiven him? Will you become his consort?"
"Absolutely not!" Cecilia declared firmly. "My heart belongs to Val, Grandma. And I haven't fully forgiven him - I don't think I ever can. But I can see myself serving alongside him against the coming darkness. That's what matters now. I never want another family to experience our pain - losing their loved ones, their worlds, everything they hold dear."
Kaela studied her granddaughter's clear, determined eyes and felt her grandaughter's words to be sincere. A bittersweet smile crossed her weathered face as memories of another brave soul flooded her mind.
"You have his spirit," she whispered, gently cupping Cecilia's cheek. "Your father always fought for what he believed in, no matter the cost." Her voice grew stronger as she continued, "Very well, my dear. Follow your path, but remember - you'll always have a home here. Your grandmother will be waiting with a warm meal and open arms whenever you need to rest."
Cecilia leaned into her grandmother's touch, tears welling in her eyes. "Thank you, Grandma. That means everything to me."
Val watched the exchange with quiet respect. She understood the weight of this moment between grandmother and granddaughter—the acceptance of Cecilia's chosen path represented the first step in healing the deep wounds that had scarred their family.
In the days that followed, Cecilia prepared to depart for Koris to begin her training under Saranita. After bidding farewell to their loved ones, Cecilia and Val joined the Aegis and the regrouped Oracle fleet alongside the Alacrity defense fleet's Battleships under the Dauntless-class ship Nightfall, now under Captain Grita's command. The convoy, including battleship escorts and the diplomatic vessel, set course for Koris jumping into warp.
During their journey, the two fleets engaged in valuable exchanges. The initially skeptical Alacrity defense fleet engineers found themselves drawn into spirited discussions with their Oracle fleet counterparts about ship and fighter modifications. Despite their rough demeanor, the Oracle engineers' interesting ideas sparked engaging debates about technical principles.
Meanwhile, Oracle fleet warriors engaged in training sessions with Grita's crew. Though humbled by the Alacrity Defense officers' superior combat abilities, their spirits lifted upon learning they would receive advanced training on Koris. Energized by this prospect, they pressed onward through warp space toward their destination.