Chapter 1027. Nepotism (2/2)
Ves may not enjoy combat but he survived so many battles that it left an indelible mark on his mech design style. He was familiar with its intricacies as well as the features that mech pilots appreciated but never drew much attention.
How could a mech designer even design a good mech if they only witnessed combat from a distance?
This was the supposed rationale for drafting the Bright Republic's mech designers during the wars. Bloody them and reduce their numbers until the survivors shaped up from their experiences.
While Ves did not entirely agree with such a wasteful method of drawing out the potential of an entire generation's worth of mech designers, it did have some good effects.
Yet the nepotism at work in the Bright Republic exempted the most promising, privileged and talented mech designers from this risky process.
Ves shook his head as a new development happened. The shuttle ran out of canisters, but mechs dispatched from the flagship arrived in time to shield it from further damage!
A pair of space knights surrounded the shuttle and held out their shields to absorb any incoming fire targeting the vehicle and the occupants within. Other mechs covered the other angles. Even if they got hit head-on, their armor plating could take it! If need be, they would continue to shield the shuttle until their mechs broke apart!
Because that was their mission! The lives of Senator Tovar, Professor Ventag and Colonel Xelven was worth much more than their mechs!
Through this sacrificial method, the Spiral Shockers managed to shepherd the vulnerable shuttle all the way to the Lormant Carnival, a well-equipped light carrier camouflaged as the flagship of Special Security Limited.
Perhaps they shouldn't have bothered with the pretence and brought their military ships and mechs from the start. Obviously, the Tovar Peace Delegation failed to maintain secrecy.
”We've arrived!” The shuttle pilot announced as the vehicle touched down onto the shuttle bay deck with a hasty clang.
As soon as the hatch slid open, Captain Hoskie led her men outside to secure the immediate surroundings. Another squad of the Spiral Shocker soldiers greeted them with wariness, and it wasn't until Senator Tovar and the others verified their identities that they let down their guard.
”The shuttle bay is too open and vulnerable to attacks!” Colonel Xelven stated as he stepped onto the deck. ”Captain Hoskie, bring Senator Tovar to safety! The Lomrant Carnival has a highly-reinforced citadel compartment for just this purpose!”
”Yes, sir!” Captain Hoskie saluted before ordering her men to surround and usher Senator Tovar deeper into the light carrier.
Colonel Xelven then turned to Professor Ventag. ”The Spiral Shockers may have need of your insights. Some men will take you to the command center where you can assist in our defense.”
The professor nodded without taking up any airs. ”Understood. I will put my full effort into helping the Spiral Shockers repel the attackers.”
The military official finally turned to Ves and Lord Javier. ”Mr. Larkinson, though I would like for you to accompany and assist Professor Ventag, the Spiral Shockers are very particular about who is allowed to enter the Lormant Carnival's command center. I hope you understand.”
In other words, the Spiral Shockers didn't trust him enough to allow him inside the heart of their command. Ves did not blame them as unlike the Vandals the Shockers followed protocol a lot more strictly. He wouldn't be able to casually enter into any sensitive areas unless he received the requisite permissions.
In the middle of an ongoing battle, the Shockers had better things to do than to pay attention to a lowly mech designer like him! Even though he proved pivotal in saving Senator Tovar from captivity, word hadn't spread yet either.
Ves did not quibble on this issue. Professor Ventag may be no good in a combat situation, but in the safety of the command center, he should be able to put his mech design abilities to good use.
”Where will you have me, colonel?” He asked, expressing his willingness to help in any way he could.
The man thought for a moment. ”For now, please keep an eye on Lord Javier. As we have not prepared any adequate quarters for a man of his station, he'll have to spend some time in the brig.”
”Hey! I'm not some lowly criminal or drunkard rating to be put behind bars!” The noble immediately protested.
However, Colonel Xelven took little notice of his protestations. He turned around and left for else, issuing orders as he marched.
Four guards arrived to usher Lord Javier to the brig. Perhaps the only reason why the noble didn't complain about his treatment was because Ves walked alongside him as if he was a fellow prisoner.
”Are you glad you're still with us?” Ves asked idly for lack of a better topic to talk about.
”No.”
”No?”
Lord Javier sneered in the open. Now that they have returned to a ship with working power and life support, everyone's helmets folded back into their collars.
”Unlike what you might think, I'm not short-sighted. I believe Senator Tovar is right about the reason why we need to cut our war short. Whoever he's afraid of, they're likely to offer a much better fight for us than your punching bag of a state!”
Ves resisted the urge to smack Lord Javier's face. Who was the punching bag here?!