Rising Rays of the New Century: Tale of the Japanese Empire

The Demise of Mars

Mars

Meenan, Queen's Court, The 3rd Largest City Seleno Aqua

The destruction of the Martian Area Force spread quickly across the surface, and emergency evacuation orders had been issued by the Martian Administrative Agency to the 92 scattered cities on the Martian surface. People, in panic, rushed to the emergency shelters built during the incomplete atmosphere era of Mars.

And here, in Seleno Aqua, at the anchored Meenan off the coast of the city, officials and royal guards of the Queen's Court were bustling.

"The Queen's Guard is still approaching Seleno Aqua!"

"Combat readiness initiated! Intercept system activated!"

Having been informed of the destruction of Earth's fleet by the Queen's Guard, the Meenan shifted into combat readiness. Jady Lemikeigia, a senior official tasked with protecting the Queen's absence, issued orders to his subordinates. Beam cannons for repelling external enemies emerged from various parts of the ship, aiming at their former compatriots detected on radar.

"...Lord Jady! Incoming transmission from Earth! There's circulating misinformation of the Queen's assassination on the mothership, and a coup by the Charians has occurred!"

"...What!?"

Detailed information finally reached Meenan from the inspection team on Earth. Jady couldn't help but raise his voice in anger.

"...Even if, hypothetically, that were true...! What kind of absurdity is it for the esteemed Queen's Guard to turn against us!?"

Jady was furious at the Queen's Guard, which had seemingly defected to the Charians.

Above Seleno Aqua

Space Drifters Union Queen's Guard Flagship, Grinditz

The Queen's Guard designated the Meenan as their top priority target and descended upon Seleno Aqua. Beyond the clouds, a beautiful aquatic city appeared by the seaside.

"Deploy the fighter squadrons and eliminate any remaining Earth forces on the ground!"

"Understood!"

Following the orders of the Queen's Guard's Supreme Commander, Witte-Sin Kargaie, the soldiers issued new commands to the unmanned fighters. The AI of each aircraft received new orders and scattered towards the various cities of Mars. Over 600 unmanned fighters spread across the entire Martian territory.

"Commence attack on the Meenan! Prepare main cannons on each ship!"

"Main cannons ready! Target: Queen's exclusive spacecraft Meenan!"

"Target locked!"

The main cannons of each ship locked onto the Meenan. Immediately after, Witte lowered her right arm and issued a merciless command.

"All ships, commence attack!"

With a high-pitched charging sound, the barrels of each ship gleamed. Then, charged particle beams, glowing with red flashes, were unleashed towards the Meenan.

Queen's Court, Meenan

"High-energy reactions detected on each ship of the Queen's Guard!"

"Incoming attack!"

Even the Meenan, now turned enemy against the Queen's Guard, had prepared for interception. Soldiers and officials conveyed that the opponents had entered attack mode.