TF Amethyst

TFA2 15.2 – Sommer Island 

King Makai XXII had just finished his lunch when Grand Commander Migal asked for an audience. In an instant, a foul mood gripped his heart as he recalled that Grand Commander Migal also came at exactly the same time yesterday, and the report he brought was the crushing defeat of Battle Group C.

King Makai XXII then asked Grand Commander Migal to hide the report from Prince Makar and Prince Portho. He was afraid the report would affect their fighting spirit, as Battle Group A and Battle Group B were in the final moment to carry out a pincer attack on Levsait and Raisait.

However, since last night, contact with Battle Group A had been fully lost. After calming the turmoil in his heart, King Makai XXII then asked the Captain of Royal Guard to let Grand Commander Migal enter the dining hall. And as soon as he saw the dark cloud on Grand Commander Migal's face, King Makai XXII immediately realized that the hunch in his heart would come into reality soon.

“Uncle Migal, does Battle Group A also suffer a crushing defeat?"

After giving King Makai XXII a deep bow, Grand Commander Migal replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, but it is not as bad as Battle Group C. They lost almost ground combatant but more than half of their Riders are still intact."

For a moment, King Makai XXII closed his eyes. Then, he directed his attention to Battle Group B. "Did Portho and Battle Group B also suffer a crushing defeat?"

“Your Majesty…”

Seeing Grand Commander Migal stop his words while complicated emotions flashed in his eyes, King Makai XXII immediately asked, "Did Portho die?"

“No, Your Majesty, but Prince Portho surrendered and ordered Battle Group B stop their campaign."

In an instant, big question mark filled King Makai XXII's gaze, "Did Portho really surrender and let the chance to seize the throne slip away from his hand?" 

"Yes, Your Majesty. Crystal sensor suggests that Prince Portho, Duke Fogel, and Geko-01 are taken to Sommer Island."

"What a coincidence, they took him to a place where Dellan suffered the crushing defeat." King Makai XXII then continued in a mocking tone, "And I never thought the ambitious Portho turned out to be a coward."

“Your Majesty, it seems Prince Portho had no other options."

“Explain it.”

"As your command." 

Wasting no time, Grand Commander Migal showed King Makai XXII the report regarding TF Amethyst's night raid on Geko-01. He also explained to King Makai XXII the value of the intelligence that Prince Portho and Duke Fogel put on one of the officers who had to leave Geko-01. Therefore, if Battle Group B received a new command element, they would not make the same mistakes they had made.

After he managed to calm his heart, King Makai XXII said, "Portho will lose the right to seize the throne, but I will not punish him further.

Also, we can't launch a half-baked retaliatory invasion. We will rebuild and rearm Battle Group A and Battle Group C, and send new command elements for Battle Group B as soon as possible.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

After nodding his head in satisfaction, King Makai XXII asked, "Regarding the rumored attack attempt on Makai Royal City, does Makai Intelligence Service already have an update?"

“Not yet, Your Majesty," replied Grand Commander Migal. "But we have established a defensive network up to a radius of 300 km from Makai Royal City. Our Riders also conduct combat air patrols on a daily basis and are ready to support the ground element at any moment of need.

With this defensive network, it’s hard to imagine TF Amethyst will be able to launch a surprise attack on Makai Royal City.”

“Glad to hear that.” In a cheerful mood, King Makai XXII then sipped his wine.

---

Sommer Island was a small coral island around 200 km northwest of Buriek Continent. It had a flat and hard surface, up to 150 square kilometers without a single tree, and lacked freshwater reservoir to support a natural ecosystem. Even so, Air Combat Group considered that this lifeless island was an ideal location for a forward radar station.

Therefore, Air Combat Group established FRS Goblin on Sommer Island, along with a small docking port, simple air strip, three-in-one depot, and maintenance facility. The Hercules that carried out the combat Freefall on Geko-01 also went to FRS Goblin after deploying the frogmen.

As for security means, Air Combat Group deployed a base security regiment to guard the island. Meanwhile, Buriek Navy deployed a task force consisting of 36 destroyers and 80 veteran Riders.

However, TF Amethyst’s high-ranking officers never imagined that two weeks after FRS Goblin was fully commissioned, Sommer Island would become a contested area against Battle Group C. Until 28 hours ago, Battle Group C totally isolated Sommer Island using every means they had at their disposal. Fortunately, all of that was history now, even though not all of it would become a good story to share while enjoying delicious beers in some pubs.

As for now, the surrounding sea around Sommer Island was calm and silent, as long as you ignored the thousand swollen bodies and ship wreckages that covered the sea surface.

Meanwhile, from Command Center on FRS Goblin, Lt. Colonel Gillray and Rear Admiral Norrak observed the aerial footage on Geko-01. Then, as Geko-01 and other ships from Battle Group B were separated by 20 km away, the two officers immediately took a breath of relief.

“Fortunately, Prince Portho still has his senses,” said Lt. Colonel Gillray.

Rear Admiral Norrak slightly nodded as he replied, "Yeah."

Both Lt. Colonel Gillray and Rear Admiral Norrak had a deep concern regarding Prince Portho's attitude because they wouldn't be able to help Captain Kasino and his men, if Prince Portho refused to surrender. First, it was because Geko-01's location was 502 km away north of Sommer Island, which means it was out of the Riders' effective range. Second, it was because Rear Admiral Norrak had lost all destroyers under his command.

Meanwhile, if Geko-01 failed to get away from the other ships when the salvo of Harpoon Extended Range was launched, it was certain that Geko-01 would also be hit by one or two Harpoon ER, as the its guidance system would switch to internal seeker when it reached a certain distance from the target, and automatically lock the closest target without being able to distinguish between friend or foe.

“I will prepare the reception for Prince Portho and Duke Fogel. We have to treat them properly before they fly to Lagra Castle," said Rear Admiral Norrak.

“We also have to prepare the living quarters for slave women and slave children until their transportation is ready," replied Lt. Colonel Gillray. "I will take care of that personally. I need something to refresh my mind.”

“Okay.”

Wasting no time, the two highest-ranking officers in FRS Goblin left Command Center which became their home for the last eight days.

—

The Geko-01's maneuver to Sommer Island was done for precaution in case some of Battle Group B's elements took the initiative to flank to the east, and cut the return route to Sandhur Region. And finally, just before sunset, Geko-01 and all of its passengers arrived at Sommer Island safely. Nate immediately let out a breath full of relief after he heard the report.

‘Thank God, IDG's hard work finally bears some sweet fruits. First, it is Count Isak, and now it is Prince Portho.’

Nate truly felt the importance of correct intel to increase the success rate of coaxing an important figure. After taking another breath full of relief, Nate then turned his gaze towards Major Fritz.

“Major, do you have other update you want to report?"

“Yes, Sir. At noon, our men in Jack Sparrow managed to tap the conversation at Royal Makai Dinning Hall. King Makai XXII decided to rebuild and rearm Battle Groups A and C. 

He also wants to send a new command element for Battle Group B. Our analyst predicts it will take 2-4 weeks to complete the plan.

Nate was silent for a long time before saying, "Out of the three battle groups he sent, two were destroyed in a matter of days after the first contact, but he wants to continue the campaign.

Can't he see the difference in strength between Makai Guard and TF Amethyst?"

"I'm afraid he can't, Sir," Major Fritz calmly replied.

General Khartoum who so far had only listened to the conversation, decided to join in. “Ser Nate, King Makai XXII is a gambler by nature. As long as he still has a chip to be used, he won't stop."

Viscount Issel then added, “Moreover, King Makai XXII has a tendency to raise the stake every time he loses the fight."

"What a troublesome war maniac." Nate then smiled before continuing cheerfully, "Well, Tiger Leap will be ready in a few days. 

Let’s see how he will react when Makai Royal City receives a fatal attack for the first time since a hundred and fifty years ago."

*****