Baltigo.
Plenty of Revolutionary Army soldiers guarded the shore, and warships and troops came and went, but the atmosphere was tense. Everyone looked grim. Even close comrades barely spoke to one another. The sky was clear, yet it felt as though a storm was about to break.
"Mr. Dragon!" Sabo pushed open the door to Dragon's office. Dragon stood by the window with his back to the door. From where he stood, he could see the sea outside.
Dragon seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed and his expression grave. Sabo called to him twice before he came back to himself.
"What is it?" Dragon asked.
Sabo shook his head and replied urgently, "Ever since Ivankov was captured, officers from all over have been returning to Baltigo without asking permission. I'm sure you can guess why. They're beside themselves, demanding that we rescue Ivankov. Mr. Dragon, what should we do?"
"What a reckless bunch." Dragon sighed helplessly.
"Bring them here. I've come up with a way to rescue Iva."
"Really? That's wonderful." Sabo broke into a smile and hurried out. Everyone had been worried about Ivankov, but they had gained a great deal of territory in the recent Battle of the Holy Land, including more than twenty Affiliated Nations. Sabo had been so busy that he had not yet found time to consider how to rescue Ivankov.
Before long, dozens of Revolutionary Army Cadres, including Whedon from the South Blue and Sean from the North Blue, filed anxiously into Dragon's office. Koala had someone prepare tea for them. Dragon wore a rare smile as he instructed her, "Yes, make sure they drink plenty. They're all far too worked up."
"Mr. Dragon, we have good reason to be anxious," Whedon said. "Ivankov is in their hands. The situation must be dangerous.