Little after finishing the talk with the P’aanil, Ludwig and Alexa were dancing in the ballroom…
“Its been so long since we danced like this, Ludwig”
“I know, my love. I wish this could last fo…”
Then Glendale statement is heard
“Alexa… I…”
Alexa kisses Ludwig with all her heart, making both oblivious to the commotion in the ballroom for a few moments, and then speaks with tears forming in her eyes:
“Now go, my dear. War is calling once more…”
“We´ll finish this in Imperia, i promise.” says Ludwig forcing an smile in an attempt to ease his wife worries.
The Uranium guardsman squad responsible for the safety of the couple already was on the move, clearing a safe path to their shuttle. Seeing this, Ludwig places Alexa in the middle of their formation for protection and takes point, to despair of the squad leader.
“Sir, please stay in the middle with Lady Alexa. You´re too important to risk yourself like this”
“I appreciate your concern, but since i fought both americans and soviets when i was half your age, you and your men will do as i say, understood?”
As a chorus, the entire squad answers: “Sir, yes, sir!”
And they move toward the exits with Ludwig scouting for danger, and although there was none yet, he make a point of letting Khaz leave first, so he could keep an eye on him as well.
As they got close to the shuttle, Ludwig issues new orders over the comset.
“RSF over, I want the eye of heaven providing cover for the shuttle, and anything which threatens it is to be terminated, do you copy?”
“Yes sir.”
“Alexa, dear, go with the guards and wait for me in Imperia”
“But… and what about you”
“I think we can trust Glendale, but i can´t say the same of the other side of this civil war. I´ll take the parasite fighter and fly another path to home.”
“Ludwig, stop trying act like a hero. Enter this shuttle with me, please?”
“I can´t. The rebels might decide to kidnap or murder regional leaders, and i won´t allow you to be on way of harm because of me. Guardsman. Leave now.”
“Yes sir!”
As the shuttle disengage the parasite fighter and start to lift off
“Don´t dare dying here, Ludwig. Or i´ll never forgive you…”
In the fighter cockpit he answers
“I won´t. Not as long you´re there for me too.”
With the fighter on the sky, Ludwig speaks on the comset:
“First, i want instant update on our shuttle status. Call EPTO HQ and asks for instructions on how to proceed in a civil war inside a signing member. And get me a secure line to P’aanil.”
“Understood”
A few moments later a message is sent to the Dannistrian:
“Sorry for leaving like a ghost, but i had to ensure my wife safety first. I´m still near the palace, so if you need any help to leave don´t hesitate to ask.”