The disturbing meeting

[Val]

---

The Liner Aurora was approaching the orbit of Akabat under a solid escort of Gallic and Order vessels. Onbard the Liner, the Amiral Pierre Vaillant was relaxing in his office room "Empire". Four months of intense and relentlessly fighting against the Kusari Empire reminded him the last months of the bloody and apocalyptic Second Gallic War. But nowadays the time had changed. The war wasn't occuring far from the Gallic Worlds, but on Gallia proper. Vaillant took one glass of champagne, the only one during the whole trip, a vintage from the most reputed Champagne of Planet Orléans.

"Hm. This champagne tasted better when Orleans was still a Royalist planet, and not under the control of these Conseillards and their peasant manners..."

Shortly after, the Commandant Adrien Rebion entered in the office room after having received the authorization of the Amiral.

"Amiral, we will soon be arrived at our final destination. I also received new information from your flagship, the Venissieux in Burgundy. The report says the battleship and her cohort has positioned herself on the flanc of the Kusarian fleets and is attempting now to cut their retreat off."

"Merci Commandant. Inform the Hossegor to charge and engage the new Kusarian battleship and destroy it. Cassard must cover this offensive. If we can surround and destroy the enemy fleets, then it is a matter of time before Kusari looks for negotiations.

The Commandant left the office. Vaillant smiled. He knew he was about to win a decisive victory in Burgundy. And thus, his so desired notoriety throughout Gallia would be indisputable. But most importantly, the Duchy would be saved, preventing a whole takeover of Gallia from the Republique, something he always feared since the born of the Confederacy.

The Liner completed its docking procedure at the platform #6, where Storgen was expecting the Amiral. The ramp was slowly descending, while the guard of honor was assembling. Vaillant finally appeared, moving towards the Commordore Storgen.

Pierre threw a natural and proud glance at Storgen. "Commodore Storgen, we meet at last."