Tides of Change

[Rodent]

A cold wind was blowing across the launch pad, as always. It wasn't snowed under however, miraculously clear. Robert D'Souza stood nearby, looking at the sky. While other Admirals would prefer sitting behind the curtain, in a manner of speaking, D'Souza liked being close to the action.

They are over a day late... He worried. Nothing went according to plan these days. The escort pilot who had managed to break through the Naval forces Blockade of Hokkaido had reported that the Papyrus had went into hiding, and was looking for a good time to resurface. Three wings had launched three hours ago, looking to free the way for the shipment. The last report had reported the Papyrus as safe, over an hour ago, they would be returning to base provided nothing interfered.

At this opportune moment, the skies cleared, as the ugly shape of a pirate transport zoomed ever close. It circled around a few times, then began to descend.

Finally.

Soon, it was on the ground, and clamped in place. The cargo hatches opened, and the shipment began to come out. The first appearance was a middle-aged woman, with unkempt hair and a look of terror on her face. As she looked around wildly at the unfamiliar surroundings, D'Souza walked to her. Extending his hand, he gave as best a smile as he could...

You are safe, do not worry was all he managed to say.

The woman burst into tears, and leant on Robert's arm. It was a touching moment, and also a ray of success in the darkening clouds of failure. Three thousand refugees had been brought safely to Toledo, and their contributions towards the defense of Humanity would be invaluable....