Morning Arc
Chapter 1: Introduction and Valuation
After hours drifting through the fog that had swallowed their world, the ships of the Stygian Nyx finally arrived in a new realm. Though in poor condition, they still stood firm, and the fleet's members began checking in with one another.
Aboard the Isakov, Admiral Lerkov stood on the deck, gazing at the unfamiliar blue ocean. The clear weather of this new world felt deceptive. A cool breeze blew gently—so different from the battle they had just survived. Beside him, his adopted sister Nilan watched their surroundings with wide, confused eyes.
"What… what kind of world is this?" Nilan asked, still shocked by the drastic change.
"We don't know yet, Nilan. But one thing is certain—we have to survive. There's no time for too many questions," Lerkov replied, his voice firm but thoughtful.
Nearby, Shin, the Executive Officer of the Isakov, was checking the damaged communication system. "Communications are still operational, though most of the data is lost. But we can still reach the other ships," he reported. The tension on Shin's face showed just how dire the situation was.
"Make sure we stay connected with all ships. We need to know their status," Lerkov ordered, showing no signs of exhaustion despite the brutal battle they had endured.
Onboard the Sovrevmenny, Erwang—the stern and seasoned Captain—was inspecting his crew. "We're still standing, though heavily damaged. Some parts need urgent repairs, but we're operational," he told his crew, his voice steady and strong.
Aboard the Udaloy, Captain Halsey, known for his precision, was evaluating his ship and troops. "We need to hold out longer. This isn't the end—just the beginning of a new journey," he said with contagious confidence. Halsey always stayed calm in chaos.
Jhon of the Chapayev stood on deck, surveying the situation with a relaxed air, though his eyes revealed fatigue. "We're still alive. That's what matters," he said with a faint smile. Kyoo, his Lieutenant, approached, face full of questions. "What's our next move, Captain?"
Jhon only shrugged. "Let's just wait and see, Kyoo. This world is new to all of us."
On the Kuznetsov, Ruver stood with his arms crossed, staring into the vast horizon. "We've come too far to turn back. There has to be something waiting for us here," he said with conviction. Reina, ever cheerful even in tense moments, stood beside him. "But we have to stay careful, Captain. We don't know what's out there."
They all stood upon their respective decks, taking in their condition—and the strange new world before them. A silence hung over them, as if the world itself was waiting for them to make the next move.
With damaged ships, exhausted crews, and a world full of mystery, they had only one hope: that together, they could face it. There was no choice but to move forward.
"All ships, confirm your status. Report any issues. We don't know what lies ahead," Lerkov commanded, his voice resolute, steady—offering a sense of safety amidst the uncertainty.
They all understood one truth—this was not the end of their journey. This was the beginning of something far greater. And they had to endure, no matter what came next.