The casino glows under golden chandeliers, the air thick with expensive cigars and the clinking of crystal glasses. Velvet curtains drape the high ceilings, and the sound of piano jazz hums beneath the shuffle of cards and laughter.
Wealthy Velkarian officials and high-ranking industrialists, dressed in tailored uniforms and adorned with medals they never earned in battle, sit around plush tables, gambling like kings while soldiers die in their name.
Politician 1: (raising a glass) “To the skies painted with fire… and profits paved in steel!”
Politician 2: (laughing boisterously) “Astoria's fleet crumbled like wet paper. That flying fortress was worth every coin we laundered.”
The room erupts with laughter.
Nearby, a roulette wheel spins, the dealer silent behind mirrored glasses.
Seated alone at a side table, in a dark navy uniform bearing the crest of Velkaria’s aerial elite, is Captain Kirel Vos, commander of the airborne fortress "Angel Eater". His presence silences the air around him—a cold authority cloaked in charisma.
He places a gold coin on the table—not for money, but as a token. An order.
<< Kirel Vos, Captain of the Angel Eater >>
<< Double the shipment from Sector 9. I want heavier payloads. Cluster munitions. If this war is to be a spectacle... let’s give the audience fireworks. >>
The dealer nods. Cards are dealt. Kirel stares at them as if reading the future between the suits.
<< Kirel Vos >>
(dry smile)
<< Let the Blue Spiders run. Let them hide. Eventually... everything burns. >>
He tosses a token again. It lands with a heavy clink—an insignia of a ruined city stamped in gold.
Date: 10/4/2025
Time: 1:50 pm
Location - Port Sarnova
[AWACS Stormruler]
“This is Stormruler to all operational units. We've confirmed a Velkarian fleet advancing on Port Sarnova. Their objective is tactical and symbolic—crippling our logistics, breaking morale, and seizing the coastline. We can't allow that. Not today.”
“Our mission is clear: sink them before they reach the docks' missile range.”
“Astorian Command has greenlit full engagement. We’re not alone in this fight—naval reinforcements from Beulah are en route. The Fleet is entering the sector now, led by Captain Beulah aboard the Crux Ship.”
“Beulah’s brought more than guns. She's deployed her air wing—Crux Squadron—to support the skies above the water. Their lead pilot, callsign Sea Whisper, will be flying alongside us. Calm as the sea before a storm... and twice as lethal.”
“Intel reports a multi-tiered strike formation: missile cruisers, anti-air destroyers, carrier support with drone deployment, and fast interceptors. This is no probe. It's a full-force assault.”
“Blue Spider Squadron, you're taking point. Neutralize anti-air ships first—give Crux and our bombers room to breathe. The port’s evacuation isn’t complete—we cannot afford to let even one missile get through.”
“You're cleared for live ordnance. No warning shots. Make it count.”
“And one more thing: Captain Beulah sent a message before sailing in—quote, ‘Keep the skies clear. We’ll handle the tide.’”
“So let's do our part. The water’s already red, pilots. Let’s ensure it stays that way—for them, not us.”
Blue Spider Squadron approaches the port and observes the allied fleet on guard, as well as the carrier ship.
<< Captian Beulah, BMS Tempest Warden, Crux Vanguard>>
<< This is Captain Beulah, commanding the Tempest Warden. Glad to see the Blue Spiders flying in on schedule—just in time, too. Our scopes are lighting up like a storm front. Enemy ships inbound, formation tight, intent obvious. >>
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< This is AWACS Stormruler. It's reassuring to know you're still active in the field; I had assumed you were enjoying your well-deserved retirement as a captain. Your expertise is invaluable. >>
<< Captain Beulah >>
<< Just for some two years, I still gotta help the Blue Spider since I've promised to someone but for now. The Crux Vanguard is locked, loaded, and cutting the water ahead of you. We’ll keep the deck lit. You keep the skies clean. >>
Mission Start
Blue Spider 1 flies to destroy the enemy fleet with his weapons designed to destroy ships and aircraft from Beulah's fleet. A squadron of F-15E strike eagles is taken off from the carrier.
<< Sea Whisper 1, Kaien Vosora >>
<< This is Sea Whisper Squadron. Crux Vanguard is in position. Tempest Warden maintains heading—awaiting your mark, Blue Spider.
The winds are favorable. Let us make this a clean hunt. >>
<< Blue Spider 2, Cinder Parker >>
(low voice, open mic by mistake)
<< Oh gods… he sounds… cute…>>
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< Blue Spider 2, this is not the time to develop a crush on allied comms. Eyes on target. >>
<< Blue Spider 2 >>
(startled, flustered)
<< W-WHAT!? That—Negative, AWACS! Comm discipline, I’m fully operational! >>
<< Sea Whisper 1 >>
(calmly)
<< My thanks… I think. Let’s focus, shall we? >>
Blue Spider 1 flew to shoot down the enemy fleet, and the Sea Whispers were shooting the nearby enemies from their aircraft carrier.
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<< Captain Beulah >>
<< Can you explain why these people became angry with you guys? >>
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< This will be classified as we are still investigating this unexpected invasion. >>
<< Captain Beulah >>
<< Heh nerd stuff. Let's hope the spiders take care of those pesky demon flies! >>
The Astorian force along with Wynmere's fleet are busy keeping the enemy fleet from entering, as the Blue Spider finishes the last fleet. For now, the Velkarian has lost the invasion.
<< Sea Whispers 1 >>
<< That was an impressive move, guys. >>
<< Captian Beulah >>
<< Not bad for both aces but still you have a city to save. >>
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< Hold on, something is entering the airspace >>
<< Blue Spider 2 >>
<< Please not now... >>
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< All units, be advised—new radar contacts inbound at high speed. Designation: hostile. Breaking formation... they're not standard fighters. >>
SQUADRON GEHENNA - "Velkarian Special Operations Wing"
9th Elite Squadron Velkarians
A formation of five MiG-29 aircraft is approaching.
<< Gehenna 2, Gravetide >>
<< Five targets locked. Pattern familiar. This is the squadron from the oil rig assault. >>
<< Gehenna 1, Ash Reign >>
<< Blue Spider. You had your moment. This sky is ours now. >>
Mission Update
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< Attention all units — hostile air signatures confirmed. Five aircraft approached at high velocity from the upper cloud layer. Type: Fulcrum. Custom-modified. These are not regulars — they’re Gehenna. These are not bluffers, pilots. But they’re not invincible either. Astoria doesn’t need fear. It requires fire. So light them up, Blue Spider! >>
<< Blue Spider 2 >>
<< Copy that, AWACS. Let’s ruin their legend, big bro let's do this! >>
<< Captian Beulah >>
<< This is Crux to Sea Whisper disperse I need one of you to protect the carrier and the rest support the spiders! >>
<< Sea Whisper 1 >>
<< Understood, I'll try not to fail on you Blue Spider Squadron >>
<< Gehenna 5, Wraith Circuit >>
<< So this is how the rigs got destroyed by them? >>
<< Gehenna 3, Torchbearer >>
<< The Beliah might scare them away but let's see if they are true fighters >>
<< Gehenna 1 >>
<< Alright let's see they are the true savior of Gospel >>
The sky is chaos. Trails of fire cut through the clouds as Blue Spider and Crux lock horns with Gehenna.
Blue Spider 1 moves like a ghost—silent, deadly. Gunfire barks. Missiles flash. One by one, enemy aircraft drop from the sky.
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< Gehenna Four is down. That’s a confirmed splash. >>
Cinder cuts hard beneath a missile trail, flipping into position. Zephyr slides into formation beside her. They strike together—synchronized, effortless.
<< Blue Spider 2 >>
<< That’s Five! You see this, sea whisper? >>
<< Sea Whisper 1 >>
<< Ashes to the wind. Let’s finish this. >>
The last target breaks formation. Fast. Desperate.
Blue Spider 1 pulls in behind. No hesitation. One missile. One clean kill.
The sky goes quiet.
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< Gehenna One is down. Repeat—Ash Reign is down. >>
<< Gehenna 1>>
<<…Interesting. So the fire hasn’t gone out after all. Blue Spider… I see it now. The potential...Don’t waste it. >>
The plane explodes and now the docks are secured.
<< Captain Beulah >>
<< Nice work up there. I can see the Blue Spider’s dedication firsthand. You had our backs — Crux Squadron owes you one, hope you land here for a few drinks. You’ve earned it. >>
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< We don’t usually encourage our pilots getting boozed after combat… >>
<< Captain Beulah >>
<< Heh. Party pooper. Still — thanks for the support, AWACS. Your birds won’t make it far without fuel anyway… unless you want to drag your plane back to base. >>
<< AWACS Stormruler >>
<< You make a fair point. We’ve got more ocean to cover soon, so let’s not waste the downtime Blue Spider, mission accomplished. Land your aircraft aboard the Tempest Warden >>
Mission Complete
The deck of the Tempest Warden is alive with activity — deck crew guiding returning jets, sparks flying from impact gear maintenance, and the subtle rhythm of the ocean humming beneath it all.
Blue Spider 1’s Su-37 rolls to a halt. Cinder’s jet touches down moments later. As the canopies open, the salty sea air hits them — cold, grounding, and strangely quiet after the storm they’d just survived.
Waiting near the end of the deck, coat snapping in the wind, stands a figure with a captain’s presence and a pirate’s confidence
Captain's Deck
[Captain Beulah]: So… these are the Spiders that stirred hell and clipped the wings of Gehenna (steps forward) Not bad for a bunch of mainlanders.
[Cinder Parker]: Not bad? I saved half your air wing and made the ocean look like a fireworks show. I’d say we earned more than ‘not bad.
[Captain Beulah]: Fair point, hotshot. You fly like a storm in a teacup — sudden, loud, and liable to crack something valuable (glances at Alex) And you… you're the quiet one...Figures...The ones who don’t talk usually leave the deepest scars.
[Captain Beulah]: Crux owes you both. So tonight, the drinks are on me. We’ve got fire in the sky, salt in the air, and not a single missile left to dodge. (smiles) You’re not just aces. You’re legends in the making.
Cinder smirks again, nudging her brother.
[Cinder Parker]: Come on, Alex. It’s not every day a sea queen offers you a drink (beat) Just try not to out-brood the entire mess hall.
Location: Civilian Evacuation Bus, Northern Highlands Road
Setting: Overcast skies, quiet countryside rolling past the windows, tension in the air.
A convoy of civilian transports winds its way through the rural outskirts of Astoria. Onboard one of the buses, the atmosphere is quiet—only the low hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of coats and bags as evacuees shift in their seats.
Toward the back of the vehicle, seated by the window, sits a young woman with a press badge clipped to her jacket:
Willow Mallory — War Correspondent.
Eyes sharp, demeanor calm, but always listening.
“Velkarian Senate – Internal Memo / Leaked Interview / Not For Broadcast”
[Velkarian Senator – Male, composed, confident]
“Gospel City was never the endgame. It was a message.”
“A symbol, nothing more—a foundation rotted by sentiment. Easy to break. Easier to rebuild.”
“What we want isn’t the city... it’s the collapse that follows. Fear. Displacement. Control.”
“Let the people run. Let the air burn. And when the dust settles—Velkaria steps in with order.”
“This isn’t conquest. It’s restoration.”
Willow’s expression darkens. Her fingers tighten on the device. Around her, no one else notices—but her breath catches as she listens.
“Let the air burn…”
[Willow – Softly, to herself]
“They planned it all…”