Part 40: Your freedom is coming soon, Colonel. I promise.

-Leiston Fortress-







Ahhh, damn. Every time I see this ship, my heart skips a beat!
Faye: I hear ya, boss...Who needs a guy, OR a girl, when you can fall in love with something like that? Don't think there's an engineer alive who'd deserve to work on her every day, though.
Heh, that's my line.
Man's Voice: Maintenance Chief Gustav, thank you for coming. I know you've been busy.



I thought you'd moved up in the world and left behind your job as garrison commander here?
Haha. Well, I have. I'm intending to leave aboard a patrol ship with my men later on. Until then, however, I'm free, so I thought I may as well come and greet you.
Hah! Well, good luck with the patrol, at least.
Oh, yeah, wasn't there an earthquake around here a bit ago? You didn't let anything happen to the Lady-bird, did you?
No, the Arseille was in the air during the earthquake. The earthquake caused little damage in general, in fact. We were prepared in advance for it.
Our facilities should still be perfect for your needs.
Good to hear. Anyhow, we'd love to get down to work, but I'm wondering...Where are all the Royal Guard folks?
Ah. Here, let me show you. We should be just in time for a bit of a show.
Huh?





Video: Julia vs. Cassius



Haah...Haah...Haaaah...
Heh! Not a whit less than I expected.
I only taught you the barest of basics all those years ago...but you've come far on your own, Julia. Well done.



My performance was shameful...I...haah...could not best you...
Don't disparage yourself, Schwarz. That was a fairly impressive display.
But, General--
Remember who you're fighting, Captain. I've yet to meet a man--or woman--who can match blades with Cassius without having their sword swept from their hand in a few strokes.
You did very well for yourself. I see why Cassius and Her Majesty place such stock in you.
Th-Thank you, sir...
Still, a chance to practice like this doesn't come up very often.
I'd like to continue until I'm truly unable to fight, if you don't mind?
Ha-ha-ha-ha! Good!
Well, Cassius? Up for risking a skewering again? She may well manage it this time.
Hm! Well, I'd be humbled to get poked down a peg...
But I believe we have a visitor.



Well fought, both of you.
Captain Schwarz. That was very impressive.
Lieutenant Colonel Cid!
And the man with you is...?
Maintenance Chief Gustav, ma'am. The Central Factory sent me over.
Nice to meet you, Captain.
Oh! Pardon me.
I am Captain Julia Schwarz, company commander of the Royal Guard.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gustav.
Hm. It seems that WILL be all for today, then.
All right, lads, show's over. Back to your posts!





I'd like to get an idea of how we're going to attack this.
Certainly. Follow me.
You'll have to excuse me, General Morgan, General Bright.
General, thank you very much for your guidance!
Hah! Not at all! These old bones needed a workout, anyway.
Captain, Mr. Gustav. Take care with the Arseille.
Sir!
No worries, General! The Arseille's like my baby. I won't let her down.



I swear she's even better than when I saw her last.
Yes. She's come a long way, very quickly.
Even now, she's only a step or two below you and Richard, Colonel. And she can only grow.
Indeed! Watching youth on display like that gives me back a bit of my old drive!
Cassius, how about it? I'LL give you a skewering later, if you're up for it.
Oh my
Er, Morgan. I'm not sure it'd be the best idea at your age.
Mmmmrrrrgh.
Besides, I heard you did quite well for yourself at last year's tournament in Grancel. You have to let the young folks have their moment occasionally.
Hmph! Why do you think I gave you command?
If you can say that, how about you stop complaining and do your job, hmm?
Ouch. Put my foot right in THAT hornet's nest.
Haha!
Speaking of a hornet's nest...Lieutenant Colonel, I believe you'll be assigned to the guard patrol?
Yes, sir. I'll be leaving at noon. I'll be using three companies and two patrol ships.
I'll be at the signing ceremony itself, but I won't be free until then. You're in charge of the defense of Grancel until then.
Leave it to me, sir.
I'll be sure to work well with the Bracer Guild to make sure that nothing happens.
Mmmm.
I don't like it...but I suppose we've little choice but to lean on those civilians this time.
Heh. Warming up to the guild a little, Morgan?

-Engaged People in Secret Maneuvers-





A mined harbor, and gun emplacements covering all approaches...A perfect defense in every way.
If that's the way you want to play, Cassius Bright...I'll just have to change the rules of the game a little, as suggested.
Sir...just wait a little bit longer. Your freedom is coming soon, Colonel. I promise.