Nightglows of the Starlit Sky Episode 2 Part 2

Breke starts talking about Nomad's manifested ability, which at its core is the ability to accelerate things. Naturally it can be used for movement, but Breke says it's best suited for scouting and intel gathering. Before they had the Nightglows, Nomad piloted the newest prototype ships out to the battlefield. The point of that operation was to collect information on the war between the Shadow Buggers and the friendly troops and 'return without fail.' He wasn't allowed to actually fight since the main focus of his job was to scout for enemies and gather information.

 

You ask about Nomad not fighting in the field even if he had the latest ship model, comment that it seems dangerous, and/or ask if he wasn't just some recon agent. Breke gives a slight nod and wears a pained expression before continuing. He talks about how Nomad was sent out to prove that the Denial Field could work, to gather information on powers, to observe the nature and actions of Shadow Buggers in battle, and to check the survivability of friendly forces using new weapons. Nomad saw it all as a literal hell, having been forced to use his power and leave others to die repeatedly. Breke comments on how ironic it is that Nomad ended up proving how usable it could be by being abandoned. It was the day that the Nightglows were officially slated for deployment that Nomad deserted. No one could catch up to him since he had the best ability for surviving.

 

Breke stops to sigh, and he looks vulnerable for a moment. He tells you that Duo was perfectly aware of Nomad's background when he sent you guys to scout him back. Breke then asks if you've become disillusioned with humanity and want to desert yourself. You are unable to give an answer to that right away, and Breke shakes his head as he starts tapping at his phone. He says he was ordered to contact base after meeting Nomad, and since there was no conditionals about how the negotiations panned out Breke figures they must have predicted this would happen. Duo will be deciding what happens next, and you guys can do what you want in the meantime.

 

You wonder aloud what Duo will do, wonder what will happen with Nomad, or ask what Breke thinks. Breke says he doesn't know, but he's seen Nomad's suffering from up close and feels Duo's decisions are sound from a military standpoint. But since he knows the circumstances behind both sides, he feels he can't back either of them. Breke then apologizes and asks to be left alone for a while, though if anything happens you should call him.

 

You watch Breke walk off, then wander off yourself. The thoughts in your head lead you to reach for your phone, and soon after AI Solomon projects himself over. He reports switching on conversation mode then prompts you to speak, so you either ask Solomon if he heard what you and Breke were talking about, ask if he knows about Nomad, or ask if he thinks Breke will be okay.

 

In A, Solomon confirms as much and says he's been monitoring and recording your conversation. He also tells you that the last generation model ships have their records hidden in the military archives. Everything that happened was considered a necessary occurrence for the mission, and Nomad is should've been aware of the risks as he engaged. There's no need for you to weigh your mind down with these thoughts. In B, Solomon looks Nomad up and reads out that he's officially been temporarily discharged for medical leave. He guesses this is some cover story cooked up to handle any problems that would arise with army regulations. Based on the conversation logs Solomon confirms that Nomad is showing signs of mental distress, and he suggests that the army may be treating him this way because of that. In C, Solomon says Breke is currently being monitored, and he can always be contacted if need be. He guesses that Breke is currently feeling confused and anxious, so he recommends leaving him alone to sort out his feelings.

 

The AI's language choice is noted to have some consideration mixed in with its detached robotic pattern. What he says may not be incorrect, but it does seem a ways away from being considered an actual conversation with him. Solomon starts talking about how mankind is an intelligent life form that uses language to expand its own definition. It's how you all expanded upon its long history in this world, and you naming him Solomon is how you used language to see and judge the world. If you use your words to confront your problems, you may be able to solve them.

 

You say you're interested in Nomad, consider asking him about things some more, and/or decide that you should try starting a conversation with him. Solomon acknowledges your decision and informs you that Nomad is still running his business at his yakisoba stall. He recommends that you start the conversation by buying something from him, then keep things at an appropriate distance as you start talking. You thank Solomon for advising you and say you'll be going, and Solomon wishes you luck and says he'll log off so as to make the conversation go easier.

 

Back at the marketplace, Nomad is hawking his noodles like he has been, so you get in line for his stall. Nomad automatically welcomes you before noticing you've came back and that you're alone, so he asks where Breke went. You ask for one order of his galaxy yakisoba since you're here as just a customer and thought his food looked great. Nomad is amused you know how to behave when trying to talk to people, then tells you Breke was always awful at socializing and never expected that of him. But anyways he gives you your order, then offers tenkasu rice crisps and red ginger as extras. It's also heavy with sauce as you begin eating, and the mood between you two is much calmer than you'd expect after what happened earlier. Nomad then decides to ask if you really did join the army willingly as opposed to, say, being in debt or having your family held hostage.

 

You tell Nomad about yourself, and after an offscreened explanation Nomad is saddened at how far the army has fallen to have recruited an amnesiac kid. He disapproves of their lack of change and their taking advantage of peoples' feelings. Nomad thinks of you as being in the same position as Breke for a moment, but then he notes you weren't born into the military like he was. He stops himself from saying any more on that point as he realizes he sounds like he's playing misery poker, then scratches his head as he sorts through his thoughts for a moment.

 

Nomad speaks up again to advise you to get out of the army, even if he doesn't know what kind of power you have. You'll be wrung out and used up and end up like him. He doesn't know how things are with other people, but he tells you that just because you can fight means you have to fight. There's no need for people to make others fight either, as you are the one who decides what reason you'd go off to battle.

 

You point out that Nomad sounds like Breke as he said the same thing and call him kind. Nomad is taken aback at that and asks if you're making fun of him. He also denies being as decent as Breke, and he cites him having never considered going back to the army so you could leave as evidence of that. He admits he knows that he didn't do so just for the sake of his revenge.

 

Nomad starts talking about how he still dreams about the times he left his friends to die. Their cries for help keep echoing in his head. He knows how terrifying it is to be abandoned, so he can't handle doing it to someone else. He says no one can win against their past memories, and he calls himself a man trapped by his past. He asks you to not expect anything from a coward who ran away from his duty, but you ask if he still fought anyway. It's because he was there before that you're here now. He didn't win, but he didn't lose either. Nomad is taken aback at that, then is amused at you sounding all grown up despite still being a kid. It reminds him of how he used to be, but before he says any more a siren blaring interrupts things.

 

Your phone rings almost simultaneously as the alarm sounds, and R-19 puts out a general alert to all crew members informing you all that the surveillance network has detected the Shadow Buggers coming nearer. The enemy's advance party has already breached the colony, so he asks all members on shore leave to come back. He then gives a specific message to you and Breke, informing you two that your ships are being sent out to your locations and asking you to get in and fight back. Breke attempts to talk you into running away, but he gets cut off by your ship turning up and Solomon asking you to get in since the enemies will arrive in about two minutes. Nomad is shocked by the ship, and you spare a moment to thank Nomad for his service before saying you'll take care of things and ask him to evacuate. Then you fly off.

 

Breke radios you en route, talking about how he wants to minimize damage to the town and how your power can make that possible. He'll support you, so he tells you to go all out. You acknowledge the order and say you'll protect everyone and keep the colony safe. A sudden aura flares out, which Breke notices and asks about as he compares it to a pressure that far surpasses mankind. He asks what kind of enemy could exert such a thing, and the episode battle begins as Cthugha shows up groaning in pain. More story happens afterwards.

 

After that battle, the story tunes in over where Nodens is cackling to himself. They are the ones known as the ex-rulers, the ones who ruled the stars and had no equal. No one could possibly hope to defeat them...except for themselves. That's why they were set against each other, as then the strength involved would be equal. What mankind calls Shadow Buggers for now are in truth the night demon familiars that serve Nodens. Their dark bodies have the characteristic of capturing light like the abyss of night. Within is the past of the ex-rulers themselves, and by taking it in they are made to fight themselves. When their vessels were vacated, Nodens sent his loyal night demon familiars the night gaunts to possess them.

 

This is the scheme made to circumvent the world's System, and this is the same thing he had done to himself. Nodens rants that if nobody can win against themselves, then when people face off against those with the same fate as themselves, both sides should end up destroyed. Over here, wisdom and wisdom has been shattered against each other, and Noden's great intelligence has been lost. All that remains is the night gaunts' original instincts manipulating his body. What a disgrace for that noble man. And yet...he swore to take revenge upon this world no matter what. Revenge for his shameful defeat, and revenge on that despicable fate. His eyes shine with greed, and what remains of the man carries on laughing madly in the castle of agate.

 

Over at your end, the lasers fired off by your ship tear through the enemies in the sky. The number of invaders besieging the base is pared down, and control of the airspace shifts to your side. But even so, three conspicuous beings make themselves present at this point. Solomon informs you of enemies appearing at 3 oclock and warns you to be careful since they're notably different from the other enemies. Breke radios in to say he can see them too, though when he zooms in his cameras on them he's taken by surprise and assumes that Cthugha, Tsathoggua, and Nyarlathotep are the Shadow Buggers' leaders.

 

Something slips by Breke's ship to his surprise and heads for you, so Breke tells you to get away. You graze past a stormy blow against your ship, and chipped fragments are shaved off the hull. Tons of the Shadow Buggers mob your ship, instilling a primal fear reaction of the darkness that has sent many a soldier to insanity. You call out to Breke, order Solomon to engage in evasive maneuvers, or just scream. Breke tells you to hang on as he'll be coming to assist, and Solomon observes that the enemies are clearly coordinating for once so he figures they're doing something different. To get a better analysis of things, he says he needs 21 seconds and suggests you open fire with a bullet hell.

 

You yell for Solomon to hurry as you note that the enemies are strong and that you don't want to die. The ship suddenly zooms and rolls around, and the sounds of the forces acting on the fuselage makes the control stick rattle. But even through all that you open your eyes and pull the trigger. Cthugha is surprised by your attack, and Solomon informs you that you've destroyed the outer part of the enemy and confirmed that your power can work on them. Duo radios in to tell you to get out of the way since they're going to be firing from the main base. Bertro pipes up to add that you can of course stay where you are if you'd like to get sprayed by bullets too. Solomon says he's taking evasive maneuvers and asks you to keep your mouth closed so you won't bite your tongue.

 

Soon after you leave your position, the sky is filled with blasts of firepower. Cthugha, Tsathoggua, and Nyarlathotep evade in different directions before teleporting away. R-19 radios in to announce that the enemies have disappeared off the radar and what enemies remain are now retreating. Duo announces that the alert level is moving from 3 to 1 now, then orders you and Breke to return to base. You acknowledge the order, then wonder what in hell just happened.

 

Breke contacts you flustered and asks if you're okay. He apologizes for saying he'd support you and failing to actually do so, then says it seems the enemies have figured out how important you are. He swears that things won't go like this next time and promises to protect you for sure. You either say there are no certainties on the battlefield, ask if he means that as your superior, or say you were scared.

 

In A, Breke seems disheartened at first but admits you have a point. But that said, he's lost a lot of comrades and subordinates up this point. You however are the first civilian he's saved and actual bond he's made, so he doesn't want you to die and begs you to stay alive. In B, Breke says he doesn't know. He is responsible for your life as your superior, but he also gets the feeling that's not all there is to it. It hasn't been all that long since you've met, but he sees you as someone who's also brushed with death together with him, so he decides to describe you as an important war buddy and comrade in arms. In C, Breke says he knows and that you're fine. He also says fear is important on the battlefield too, as those who forget it die soon after. Cowardice isn't a shameful thing, it's something that protects you. When you want to face it head on, he tells you to trust your comrades and those who watch your back. He promises to not let you go on alone, so there's no need to worry.

 

Breke says it's time to head back, and he suggests getting a mental check just in case. You feel his usual kindness in his voice, and he ends the radio call at that point. Breke holds his shuddering body, filled with the long forgotten feeling of fear of losing something he's gained. And so you and the man who is too kind for the army return to the main battleship.

 

Back in the command room, Duo comments on the leaders of the Shadow Buggers appearing and how the situation has changed. Kurogane figures they must be the leaders too and has his suspicions on what that means now that they're acting. Bertro laughs and says plans never run smoothly, which Duo agrees with. Since you guys have finished resupplying, Duo decides to not change the plan, suggesting that things might actually get easier now. Bertro agrees, saying it should with an opponent you guys can predict now. The theoretical parts should be easier too, and he cautions you guys against being careless.

 

Breke brings up that the plans to gather new forces failed and asks if that means they'll need to rethink their future plans. He's surprised when a voice tells him he did fail, and that the speaker didn't plan on joining. Nomad reveals himself, shocking Breke into asking when he got on board. Nomad lists off his rank and unit affiliation as a second lieutenant of the space army's specialists group, now returning to active duty. He then jokes that he can't take having a kouhai showing him up like that.

 

You either say Nomad doesn't have to push himself so hard or ask if you can count on him. Nomad says that the Shadow Buggers have made it to this colony, which means he has to close up shop and evacuate. If that's how it's going to be, then he figures he may as well play along with the army again. You thank Nomad, and Nomad admits part of it might be that he couldn't bring himself to leave you when you didn't shout about not being left behind. It made him remember his past, and he sighs about not being able to win against it.

 

Duo welcomes Nomad aboard, then says everything is ready. He looks at everyone lined up in the bridge before speaking again, then announces the plan to head towards the Shadow Buggers' home planet for an invasion. Thanks to the intel department, the coordinates of their home base has been identified. The purpose of this operation was to either suppress the enemy's main forces or to steal any useful enemy information. You pick up on the use of past tense and ask if the plans have changed due to Nomad joining up. Duo answers that Nomad's presence is part of the plan, though if he wasn't here there wouldn't be a plan at all. Nomad sighs about how the commanders never really cared about what was going on with the soldiers lives, and Duo says the actual reason for the change in plans is because of you.

 

Everyone else present looks towards you in surprise, and Duo explains that your power holds the possibility of breaking through this deadlock. The journey to the enemy home planet is meant to gather data to make it a certainty, and this will probably become a project for the one hope humanity has currently. Bertro adds that all the other same class warships that were meant to accompany you all have all been shot down. There are no other reinforcements or supply ships coming, so that's a thing.

 

Duo ignores Bertro's comments, then starts making a speech. Mankind has been losing over and over against the Shadow Buggers, and everyone here has the time they were meant to enjoy taken away by the battle against them. The ship you're on was built to be a wall to stop all the losses, and he swears upon the Wall of Time's name that you'll all take back the prosperity, happiness, and future that was taken away from you. The crew applauds the speech, and Duo looks over at everyone before speaking some more. He officially declares the start of the new mission at this moment, code named Remembrance of Things Past. He'll be expecting everyone to do their best to save humanity.

 

On the next episode! On Duo's command, the counteroffense operation is underway. In order to retake your lost home, you and the crew renew your vows, but the Shadow Buggers and the fire-using leader stands in your way. Breke's ship is shot down, and the Wall of Time faces a dilemma. And in this desperate situation, Chief Engineer Kurogane proposes a surprising secret plan... Find out what happens next time on Nightglows of the Starlit Sky Episode 3: You Gotta Believe Me!