Chapter 0: prologue

  The admiral stood resolute at the head of the bridge, facing the darkness beyond.

  “3 minutes until fleet separation” called the communication officer over the speakers. “Engineering reports all ready, damage control teams on standby.”

  The admiral crossed the bridge, walking over to stand behind him at a steady pace. “Give me fleetwide, i want to speak to all our people.” he said after a moment.

  “Low priority fleetwide” he confirmed, changing the console with a flex of his magic, and handing the admiral the speaking apparatus. The admiral paused again, taking a moment to consolidate his thoughts before beginning with a deep breath.

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  “This is your admiral speaking. In just a few short minutes, the fleet will separate, losing contact with each other and heading towards their destinations in silence. The next years will be trying for us all, but we have sacrificed too much, lost too much, to give in now. Now, more than ever, we must remember that we are not alone. That we stand united in cause, forever. Perhaps one day, far in the future, we shall meet again, but until that day, goodbye. By the strength of your will, may you thrive.”

  Silence reigned on the bridge until the communications officer announced “separation has begun. We’re on our own now.” The captain came and stood next to him. Laying a hand on his shoulder, she asked in a quiet voice “do you think they'll make it?”

  “Perhaps... if they have the will, we may one day look back on this day as something other than the failure we see it as now.” he sighed deeply, melancholy etched into his face. “With a guiding hand we may even live to see it.”