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Tides of Change - Rodent - 12-16-2011
Eriksson was writing some formal paperwork on his desk in his office in Lisbon station. He was writing up on the recent events in Nomad space and his view of the situation for the rest of the Overwatch. Several reports from various agents layed on the coffee table in which those pilots described that they had witnessed the growing amounts of the creatures. He was getting concerned with the progress on the Thebes as it was lagging behind. He then heard a knock on his door.
" Come in."
Tigraine Mantear entered without preamble. She was an aging, slender woman, dressed in the severe black order uniform. It was unadorned.
"Mr. Ravenov. We need to talk."
Still writing his paperwork, and without looking at her he replied. "Yes? What is it, Ms. Mantear?"
Mantear noted the insult, and chose to ignore it. Taking a chair opposite, she pushed several files on the table.
"These are scout reports from the last five weeks, coupled with intelligence reports which are relevant. Can you note the pattern?"
Stopping for a second, he looked at her and said "I can't say I do. I hope it's something interesting though." He then continued to scribble again.
Mantear snorted irritably.
"Drop the paperwork for a moment. This is troubling. If you'll read them closely..."
She picked up one from the pile, and read out a portion.
"...And we lost four out of five pilots to a suprise nomad attack in the vicinity of the Iota Jump hole. Surprisingly, we spotted at least three Irra class cruisers in the group that chased us out. Suspecting a buildup."
She picked up another one.
"And these readings from the freeport eleven satellite, recieved yesterday."
"...Detecting energy fluctuations in the direction of Omicron Iota...don't match any known signatures...We're sending it to you in the hope you can figure it out..."
"Something's off with the nomads. I'm suspecting the worst."
Eriksson looked at her. "Ohh, that. Well, I guess it's obvious they're building up their fleet. And we can all guess what that is for." He continued. "I mean Nomads are logical beings, after all. They wouldn't do something without purpose."
Mantear nodded. "And if they're doing what we think they're doing...it couldn't be at a more inappropiate time. You're better versed than me in the state of our forces and how stretched they are."
"Quite, the Core and Navy have been giving us a hard time, even on our home ground. Not to mention all our outside operations. It all requires manpower."Eriksson rubbed at his beard. "If we would retreat from one front and reinforce the other we'd be gonners for sure."
"I've had the tacticians prepare an estimate. They've been chewing at the reports, and seem to agree that a well-timed nomad attack might cripple us. And it's up to us to find a way around that", Mantear said. "They've been building in their fortress system for a long time....an attack might be imminent. We'll have to assume that we have little time left."
Eriksson nodded. "Yes, we'll have to assume that we have a month at maximum. Do we have any evacuation plan ready?"
Mantear's face grew grim. "Not on the scales required to evacuate non-military assets from Toledo."
"Will it help if we discretely move them? We could move them to safety under the excuse that the bases on Toledo are going to get a renovation."
"We could do that...however, there are nearly two million people on Toledo in all capacities. There's no space for them all..."
She suddenly snapped her fingers.
"The Thebes might help."
Eriksson shook his head."The Thebes? Sure she can hold a couple of thousand people, but that doesn't help much..."
Mantear frowned. "It's still better than being caught completely off guard by the nomad attack. We need to survive and continue, Mr. Ravenov. That means contingency measures."
After a brief pause, she continued.
"What do you think of our evac capabilities in face of ground attack?"
"Well unless we can get those people out before the battle..I don't think we have much of getting even 20% out alive", Erik replied.
Mantear nodded. "Start running drills on Toledo for emergency evac procedures. A little organization might help us a little..."
Pulling up another document, she continued.
"What is the current Status of Thebes construction?"
"Well, I think you're more into that then me. Let me call the chief engineer at Evora."
Mantear interjected. "I've already done so. He says that the chassis is operational, but they need at least three months for final fits and testing. OSD would then require another month to tweak the experimental drive...so we need four months for that thing to work."
"How much space is required for all that? Within the chassis, of course."
She shrugged. "You'd have to ask the techs. I think you'll agree that time is the most valuable factor here. If we can keep the nomads off for four months or so, then Thebes can be brought into play."
"Yes, but we need manpower and morale. We can't have hald of their families dead and expect them to work at full capacity."
Mantear shrugged."We'll just have to defend the line somehow till then. What do you think of Minor's defensibility?"
Eriksson smiled faintly."Well, unless the Liberty Navy decides to attack us - pretty good actually.However, we'll need our full strength to hold them off at the Minor Jump Hole in Delta and then the Delta Jump Hole in Minor. Once they breach that there's no stopping them."
"I guess we'll have to reduce forward ops in Delta and beyond, and call back units. Reinforce the line. It's a waiting game now."
Eriksson held up a hand. "Wait, I just remembered a possibility.What is the status of the Inquisitor?"
She snorted. "It's functional, but not battle worthy. What are you getting at?"
"That thing is a moving Freeport.If we put it in 100, put several additional biodomes, we just might have enough space for the civilians on Toledo.Not to mention that we can unweld some of the combat systems to make more living space."
Mantear held up a hand. "There's no time to procure bio domes from the zoners. The Inquisitor in it's current state will have to do."
"We could ask them to lend us another Jinkutsu, for the time being. Maybe Doc Holliday would be kind enough to lend us a hand in a situation like this?"
Tigraine shook her head. "In all honesty, if we're attacked, we cannot really ask Holiday to risk the life of everyone on the Med.Force.One."
"
Hmm...then maybe a few convoys to Gran Canaria or to Omicron-74 filled with civilians?"
"That'll mean sending them away from the frontline...we cannot really send too many that way."
Eriksson nodded. "Well, all non-essential personnel could go that way like women and children and everyone that isn't involved in fighting, developing or otherwise.The engineers, scientists, agents and alike could be evacuated to the Inquisitor."
She nodded. "That might be the best we can put up. Can you run it through Golanski?"
Eriksson activated a communications link. "Very well. Nice having a conversation with you, Ms.Mantear."
"Good day to you." She left the room.
Eriksson waited until she had departed, then he burrowed his face in his hands. Events were coming to a head, and they were one step behind. He rolled his shoulders, it was going to be a couple of very long weeks.
***
Golanski is reading through reports of operations outside Omicron space, drinking coffee. Obviously he had not slept well in recent days.
Eriksson knocked on the door of Golanski's office.
'Come in' Golanski took a look at the newcomer.
Eriksson opened the door and greetd Golanski with "Hello Mike."
Golanski noticed the friendly face. "Welcome. Had not expected you."
"Well, Ms.Mantear and I have been discussing something of great importance and we both thought you might want to know about it."
"Mantear's matters were always important so I am listening." Golanski leaned back in chair expecting significant news.
Eriksson sat down in one of the chairs in Golanski's office "Well, we've been discussing our defensive and evacuation capabilities. I hope you know they're grim to say at least."
He sighed. "I know... we bassicaly bolster our planetary defense systems only to buy more time. And we do not have enough ships to take everyone out if required."
"Well not exactly..." Eriksson said in relief.
"Thebes and Inquisitor are not enough to move everyone to safety in time when Core makes the final push. And for the current time both ships are still in shipyard." Golanski left report on the table and put hands together. "But well, tell me what you got."
"Well instead of having either the Thebes or the Inquisitor move the evacutees. We've decided to move the Thebes and Inquisitor to a more practical spot in 100, preferably nearer to the jump hole. And gradually start moving the civilians now rather then in the middle of the battle. We though of using a base renovation as a excuse. Though it will all need your permission."
Golanski fell more relaxed but still stressed. "I have tried to forge place for The Order beyond that piece of ice. My plans concerning Miura takes longer than expected. If you can start it... I am waiting to hear your destination proposition."
"We'll have that sorted out till the meeting next week Mike." Eriksson saw all the paperwork on Golanski's desk. "How about we take a break from all this paperwork, eh? I've got a bottle of Scotch waiting to be opened in my office?"
"Order's work is never done but the paperwork will not run away. Lead the way" Golanski stands up and takes his coat,preparing to leave.
"Alright." Eriksson left Golanski's office and lead him into his office. He went over to the cabinet and took the Scotch bottle and 2 glasses.
"You think we can survive this, old friend?"
"Listen. I signed up to send Nomads to oblivion and if I die in meantime it will be due to old age which is not imminent for myself." As he looked around. "Since you joined us I see you settled on Lisbon very well."
"Well, Lisbon has always been a quiet place. And it's pretty decent considering the circumstances. You can't really be Overwatch on Gran Canaria in a castle now can you?"
"I fulfil my duty regardless of my location. Be it Tau's or Omegas I am always in capability to command Order directly. Practically I am here only for paperwork duty..."
"Well, I could do my duties everywhere, but it's easiest to do them here where everyone is."
"Well, you completely forgot about that bottle. Pour that in..."
"Ohh, quite." Eriksson poured the Scotch into the two glasses and gave one to Golanski. "Cheers."
He Takes a sip and continues. "Well, back to business... do you have any idea where to relocate all those people? Gran Canaria is half of Sirius away from this place. Core always seeks for oppurtunity while I know as well Nomads prepare for something..."
"As I said our best bet is either the Inquisitor and Thebes or Omicron-74."
"Both can act as colony ships but will those be able to take everyone off at once? We need to have alternative for Toledo."
"I already told you, Mike. We can't get those people off at once. We have to do it gradually starting now."
" location location location Erik. Where are you going to take them? Gran Canaria is on opposite end of Sirius and it will drag attention of everyone on our way."
"What about Freeport 9 or 15 or Livadia? Or even the Blood Dragon bases?"
"They're all within 4 jumps and until the Nomads attack they can have armed escorts."
"Biggest Freeport does have only five thousand population. It's not enough. Blood Dragons surely have place but it's still not enough."
"Makeshift installations on asteroids? They're only temporary so I don't believe anyone will mind as long as they get out alive?" "I'm brainstorming here Mike, trying to save as many as possible, but there's no way we can move enough people."
"We need a planet... but I have my doubts I will manage to get things done with Miura... Braga project failed. I am thinking as well..."
"Maybe....scatter them around Sirius? Have a big zoner convoy drop little amounts of people everywhere around Sirius?"
"Like dropping some as Kusari refugees in Bretonia or Rheinland refugees in Liberty?"
"We could consider it...but let's talk to our friends first. They'd be more likely to help quickly."
"Then it is settled. We will ask the Zoners and Blood Dragons if they could help."
"I'll start sending the communications right away if you agree."
"we might want to give more thought to the Rhienland connection.... Zoners, particulary TAZ and Omicroners should be more than willingly to assist."
"Right. I'll tell them...damn what should I tell them? We can't bring thousands of people and say they're all agents to help you kill off the Wilde..."
"Discuss with them temporary refuge camps for people evacuating from increased Nomad activity? They dont need to know they're all Order."
"Sounds good to me" Eriksson then refills his glass with Scotch lifts in up in the air and says "To the Order and it's survival." And drinks it all in one shot. They had made their decisions. Now it was time to see who would be right.
Tides of Change - Rodent - 12-31-2011
It had been almost a year since the incident with Ensign Mara has occured. The execution was swift and it was carried out without a show. Moiraine knew that the crew didn’t need to see a show to understand their odds. If there were other traitors within the crew, they would think twice before acting again. Moiraine was sure that they would act sooner or later. The reports coming from Toledo were disturbing. It was only a matter of time now, feeling the crushing hammer of Nomads. It would be naive to expect the alien lovers to sit still while their grand masters playing their show in all its glory.
The Immortal was still in Tau’s, operating in secrecy, observing the alien activity. She was battered with sabotages conducted by Ensign Mara, and was in dire need of repairs near to the need of her crew relaxing. A deep space mission usually took about a month or two under normal circumstances. But it wasn’t a time of peace or regularities. Moiraine was able to feel the storm coming. This was the calm before it happening in full force. She knew that the inevitable war of their time was at hand.
When she requested the Immortal to be assigned back to Omicrons, the High Command simply refused her request and ordered the Immortal to patrol Tau space. Almost all of Order’s assets were being called back in the last month after the reports of massive alien forces building up in Nomad worlds. Immortal was one of the few capital craft ordered to stay away from home space. She was suspecting that the High Command was avoiding a total loss by leaving certain key craft and personnel away. Their mission in Tau space was proven to be a useless endeavour. They had scanned the area for any sign of alien or conspirator activity and even if they were any, the Immortal crew couldn’t notice it.
Moiraine Damodred, the Iron Lady was a cunning operative. She knew how to read the situation and when to do what. After her refusal of taking the command, she was put back in field duty and Moiraine was thankful for that. She was one of Rand Seith’s closest friends in the Order, a rather unpopular name recently, and it was good to be away from all the power strains back in Omicrons. She was a reliable asset and that was securing her place as a carrier commander, but given the chance, there were people who would gladly remove her from active duty simply because she was a part of Rand Seith’s legacy. No one knew where Seith was gone and most suspected that Moiraine knew the fate of one of Order’s past leaders, keeping it to herself in an act of protecting his name.
With thoughts swirling in her mind, Moiraine poured herself a drink, observing the cloudy scenery of Tau 21, watching the ice rocks harmlessly passing by. She was tired. The voice inside her head was silent for almost a year now. Perhaps she was getting rid of that disturbing character inside her head after all, but Moiraine was not so sure about it. Whenever the hope breaker stopped whispering, something bad had happened. There was no reason to believe otherwise in this dark times.
“Commodore, Ma’am?”
She didn’t even notice Lieutenant Mitchell coming. She was getting distracted by her thoughts. It was dangerous to let one’s guard down, especially when surrounded with conspirators and traitors.
“Yes, what is it Lieutenant?”
“The patrol and search reports ma’am. We didn’t find anything suspicious in our sweep and nothing out of the ordinary in crew’s actions.”
“Good, keep me posted. I know you are tired. I am tired myself, but the enemy is out there, lurking and hoping to find a gap in our defense. We have to be on alert at all times. Soon, we will be back home.”
Moiraine was able to see it in Mitchell’s eyes. The broken will. It was in the heart and souls of every crew member. Most were shaken by the fact of facing with alien lovers in Order. Others were simply homesick and in need of a long, well earned rest. Moiraine was one of the few who didn’t show any signs of weariness. She was the Iron Lady after all, and even if she was tired, she didn’t have the luxury of showing it to her crew, not when she was in command.
It all happened in a moment’s notice. The dark figure coming out of the corner of Moiraine’s room, with a remote button in his hands, speaking in some weird language, alien to her ears, looking as if he was in trance. There wasn’t enough time to stop him. Mitchell jumped on Moiraine, pushing his commanding officer behind the door frame near her office seat. She didn’t even see it coming, and it was Mitchell’s reflexes that saved her.
The explosion’s blast was immense. Half of her office and two corridors to the opposite side of her restroom was gone. Whatever there was in her room had been sucked out to space before the emergency force field barrier came online. Her ears were ringing and her vision was blurry. She felt completely disoriented and it took her a good long minute before she realized that Mitchell was lying dead in her arms, most of his back burnt, caused by the explosion. His left leg was missing and it took a real stomach to look at his face. He pushed Moiraine to the restroom in time to save her. His decision was of pure instinct. If he had picked the ready room instead of the restroom, she would be blown into space.
Alarms were ringing throughout the ship. Within the chaos’ conflict, she didn’t realize it, but there was another explosion at the forward decks. Half of the hangar bay was gone, killing over 40 personnel, taking out almost 3/4th of the flight squadron.
When the security team found her, she was staring into Mitchell’s eyes, trying to remember every detail of his face. Her loyal officer, saving her life in exchange of his.
“Ma’am, are you alright?!”
The commander rushed near her through the new “door” opened near the wall by the blast of the explosion.
“I am alright.” She wasn’t feeling her right hand and she was having a hard time standing still, but she had to be strong for her crew. For Mitchell.
“Damodred to the bridge, I want a sit rep and a damage report in five minutes. I am on my way.”
“Yes Ma’am.” Her XO’s voice was disturbed. She readied herself to hear the worse.
”And lay a course to Omicron 100. I had enough of this spy game parade.”
Two marines were helping her walk towards the bride, a protesting medical officer rushing righ after them. She didn’t have the time to get medical attention.
”You can check me on the bridge as well doctor. As you can see, I am not dying of this instant.”
Her voice didn’t leave room for any argument...
But the voice inside her head started to hum slowly, whispering into her thoughts.
”Lieutenant Mitchell Warkas... How many more? How many other Mitchell’s to come?”
//Written by Ophidian.
Tides of Change - Rodent - 01-01-2012
Tucker was waiting in docking bay for all the other pilots to arrive. Situation was getting worse day after day.
He rubbed his forehead in impatience and frustration. There was no time for lollygagging....the Core fleet was right over Toledo.
Finally, the last fighters arrived.
The man looked like he was fifty, but indeed he was younger. A Great example of how war can change people.
"Angelus,old friend, took your time to get here, huh?", Tucker said.
"Indeed, Bretonia isn't good either. Coalition and Mollys are very active... Dublin's a hellhole.Is it true that I heard? Are we abandoning this place?", The old looking man replied.
"Indeed. The Core has doubled their assaults. We're still holding on.. But I have no idea for how long. Take a rest. Debriefing starts in fifteen minutes."
"Very well Tucker. See you then."
Fifteen Minutes later, Battleship Isis, Deck Beta, Debriefing room 4.
"As you're all already aware of the situation, I will make this short.
Some of the transports are already away, But many still needs to get out of here.
OSD is preparing to move out. They should be ready in ten hours. Your job will be to escort them safely and in one piece out of here. Destination coordinates will be sent to you after meeting with the convoy. We're expecting heavy resistance. Core are most likely to organise a trap somewhere. These fourteen fighters are all we have available."
"Fourteen, sir? What about bombers? What if they use capital ships?"
"I did what I could to convince the Overwatch. We will be supported by Bakari. That's all that they could spare us.I will be leading red wing, Agent Angelus will be leading blue wing. Get yourselves ready, We're leaving in nine hours."
Isis' Bar, two hours later.
"Damn, I missed this place so much, and after one year in Bretonia, I got back only to evacuate soon after..Barman, give me some beer.."
Docking Bay, Eight hours later.
"Remember people, this is gonna be a tough ride. Stay with your wingman. Don't leave transports. They must get to their destination in one piece", Tucker said, voice flat.
All pilots started to do a final checks on their fighters. Everyone was very calm, despite the tense atmosphere.
"Tucker, don't get yourself lost in there. I won't save your butt again. Remember Dublin?"
"Don't remind me, that was hell, And that didn't count, you were late!"
"Yea yea.. Always the hero.. Good luck mate"
"Indeed, we'll need it"
---
"Fighter wing this is Liner Artemis. We have you on our scanners. Good to see you, Let's see if the distraction worked, and we can then make good time for Omicron 100."
A few tense minutes later...
"This is so quiet, Looks like gonna be a calm ride."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, take a look Angelus"
Several Core ships were showing up on scanners. Tucker gripped his flightstick firmly.
"This is Tucker, Red wing break formation and engage targets. Blue wing stay with the liner. Let no Core get close to it."
"Copy that Red leader. Blue wing, Delta formation!"
The chatter flowed.
"Red three, you have a bandit on your six. break left on my mark.. Now!"
"Good kill good kill red seven. Keep it up!"
"Cut the chatter Sanchez, stay frosty!"
"This is Artemis, we're reading multiple bandits inbound this way. There're way too many!"
Core pilots were swarming the Liner, and the escort ships, which were barely holding the invaders off. Some of the pilots were already praying for help.. Some of them knew they won't get alive out of this..Lasers were lighting up the space around Liner.
"Hey wait.. I know these projectiles!"
"Artemis, Fighter wing, This is Bakari, Standby,We're rolling in hot. Alright,targets marked, All gunners firing solution Seven-Ten-Five. Cover remaining ships! Leave no Core alive!"
Bakari passed through the core cluster like a cleansing fire, leaving only debris in it's wake.
"Damn, That was a blast, Looks like they're all gone. All ships report your status."
"Artemis has taken light damage, we have decrompression in one section but still holding on"
"Bakari's all fine. Our guns are hot though."
The fighters re-assumed formation and activated cruise engines. There was no time to waste.
"Okay, we're closing in to destination. let's move on."
"Hang on, We're picking up large vessel 3 clicks away...it can't be! A Marduk!?"
Nomad battleship immediately started firing at order ships, heavily damaging Bakari and destroying few fighters. Liner made it to jumphole seconds before more nomad fighters arrived..
"All fighters, fall back to the jump hole. Red seven and four on me, we'll cover the retreat! Move!"
"Are you sure about that Tucker? You have no chance!" Angelus said frantically.
"Just go, We'll be fine, Wingman, fall back. Okay you little blue bastards.. Let's see what you can now..One last chance to dance and use cannonballs."
Nephthys started firing all it's missiles and guns. Some of the missiles blasted several nomads..Fight lasted no more then ten seconds when one of the nomads rammed the fighter, dealing death with it's lasers. Tucker's ship disintegrated...
// Written by Helo.
Tides of Change - Rodent - 01-08-2012
Seth listened to old rock songs, his concentration on his task at hand. He moved the shard of metal, applying more heat from the welder. A few moments later, he let up, setting aside the piece of metal and removing his mask. He wiped some moisture from his forehead and looked at his creation. A necklace charm made out of the blow-off armor plates of any Manta who didn't stay moving while near Isis. He looked satisfied and set it aside. He looked at his chrono and sighed.
Standing up, Seth exited the machine shop on the Ghost Eye and headed for his quarters. He slipped past some ensigns loitering in the hall. He returned a salute to a passing marine and took a corner, nearly running into the sensor operator. After avoiding a collision with the man, Seth continued onwards, finally arriving at his destination. Keying open the door, he collapsed on his bed.
The Ghost Eye slipped through the dark space of Omicron Delta, slipping under the gentle curve of Tuvalu. Alyson Hawke, the XO, was busy commanding the vessel as Seth slept. She shook her head and directed her attention to the RTI station.
'Anything?'
'The usual clutter of a million and one Nomad signatures and a thousand and two Core ones.'
'Lovely, lovely. Tell me, why am I seeing a Nomad Gunboat off our prow?'
The entire bridge looked forward to see the Nomad Gunboat. It had a pair of escort fighters and was cruising right past them. Without needing to be given an order, the weapon's officer immediately launched a cruise disrupter, dropping the hostile to regular impulse speeds. The main gun coughed a teal star at the Gunboat, catching it on its side. The two fighters broke off and rocketed towards the Ghost Eye, the whine of their guns starting up. The entire Resheph became alive, its turrets spitting fire at the enemies, catching one of the escort fighters in the crossfire as another light mortar shot hit the tail of the Nomad. A few more salvos and it began to break up. The last fighter continued its assault, and ultimately ended up become little more than organic debris. Alyson sighed and rested her cheek against her knuckles. Every so often that would happen. Wasn't growing old, not by a long shot. The entire ordeal of patrolling Tuvalu was stagnant. They had been pulled out of the Omegas for this; it did not bode well with Seth or Alyson.
It was ten days since the Ghost Eye had encountered the Nomad Gunship near Tuvalu. They had been directed to Tokelau Ice Cloud to investigate sighting of Nomad capital vessels. They were part of a small task force that included one of their cruisers, the Anukhet. Seth was again in command, and was directing their escort wig, comprising of a single Hathor, the Amun, five Nephthys VHFs, four Bastet VHF-X, and two Sekhmet heavy bombers. He had broken up the entire group into three groups; the Amun and the Bastets, him and two Nephthys, and the remaining Nephthys and the Sekhmets. He was going straight into the Tokelau Ice Cloud, with the Amun going in up high and the remaining group down low. Seth told everyone to stay frosty; Nomad could come from anywhere. He hoped he did not need to call the Anuket in for some heavy support; it was holding in Tuvalu Orbit with another Resheph cruiser, the Akila, two more Hathors, the Echidna and the Heqet. They had a dozen strike craft with them. Seth really did not want to call in help; for once he'd like to go on a milk run. He sighed.
'This is Ghost Eye Command, Sector Four clear down the middle. Continuing.'
'This is Keket Wing, we've encountered nothing.'
'This is the Amun, nothing so far.'
Seth sighed. He was about to shift their search pattern a bit when the screen snapped on to show the face of the captain of the Anuket. He heard shouting and the sounds of a ship fighting.
'Commander Hunter, we are under attack from Core forces! Fall back to the Anuket immediately! We can hold out, but we need you if we're to hold the line until reinforcements arrive."
Seth did not waste any time.
'Abort search and fall back to the Anuket, they are under heavy fire. Move there now, do not wait for anything. I want all weapons unlocked and warmed up, do not wait to engage, the moment you are in range, engage immediately! You all know your main targets, we have done the drills!'
The Ghost Eye and her group hit their cruise engines, rocketing away from Tokelau Ice Cloud as fast as it could go, looming out of the dense ice. The group roared towads Tuvalu as fast as they could, and arrived within an hour.
There was three Core warships; A Bullhead Battle cruisers trading fire with the Anuket with a pair of Threshers lobbing pulse and Light Mortar fire at the cruiser. Explosions rocked the cruiser, gouts of flame erupting where turret fire and mortars impacted. The Ghost Eye exited cruiser near the wrecks of the two hathors Echidna and Herqet. He roared at the Core.
'All ships, burn them! Avenge the Echidna and Herqet!'
The small battle group leapt into the fray, the fighters pestering one of the Threshers while the Amun and the Sekhmets let loose on the other.
Alone, the venerable Ghost Eye squared off against the Bullhead.
'Anuket, focus all fire on the Bullhead, don't switch fire for even a second. ' Seth looked to his weapons officer. 'I see a Bullhead. Make it go away.'
The Ghost Eye released a light mortar strike as the Anuket unleashed a dual-pulse barrage, downing the remaining shielding on the Bullhead. There was a moment where everything hung in time; Nothing moved, everything slowed so much. Seth took a breath. The Bullhead had launched a missile salvo.
The Anuket exploded.
Toledo Orbit, One Hour Later.
Seth listened to Lynch on Hamunaptra. It was not his fault. In the end, it was the fault of the Order for not keeping a closer eye on the mission. No one could have known that the Core would have had that much firepower on regular patrols.
Seth sighed as the Missing Ache limped past, it's hull on fire and being dragged by the Eternal Flames and Bakari, both looking worse for wear. He glanced over to where the Oathkeeper was having some new armor plates welded on. He glanced at Alyson.
'Want to get a drink?'
Unfortunately, drinks were the last thing on their minds.
//Written by Jeremy_Hunter. Proofread by me.
Tides of Change - Rodent - 01-25-2012
It was going to be a dark day.
Toledo Surface, 2301 Hours, Day Two of Battle.
Core forces had breached the defense perimeter of the fleet, landing many ships on Toledo's surface. Already they had secured a landing zone on a flat ice shelf near Orillion Shipwright and were in a perfect position to move to take Hoff Base. Pryde Base was already evacuating towards the evac ships at Cape Hope; the ground forces were already moving to cover Heathland Research Station.
Chillmark Research Station was located on the side of a cliff face; it had been the main base of operations for the Wedjat's Special Projects.
Anything that would work had been reactivated to defend Chillmark as the research was backed up and deleted. Standing by was the experimental hathor Destiny's Embrace.
'Chillmark, this is Heathland. We have incoming hostiles. We are setting up to self-destruct. We have completed withdrawal and are heading to Pryde to link up with our forces. Do you copy?'
'This is Aqua, we are almost complete. Just need to destroy the last prototypes.'
'Roger that, Heathland out.'
Aqua slammed the hammer down on the last small device, then twice more until it longer would be recognized.
'Aq! We got that bigass robot downstairs!'
'I'll take that one myself! Start getting the stuff to the Embrace!' she shouted.
The men continued their work. Aqua took the elevator down the old decrepit hanger that house something older than Michal Golanski's stint as the leader. She held onto the rappel and was pulled up to the cockpit. She took the control couch and started up the only remaining prototype.
'Ok Zero, prepare to self-destruct. This is your last hurrah.'
It took a moment, but it responded. 'Welcome Back Miss Aqua. I understand.-
'Looks like the you still work.' She said, talking to the Z-System.
-Of course I do. I was made to last for years. Now, I assume the Mu Protocol has been initiated in whatever form it currently is in?-
'Correct.'
-Then I request one last thing.-
'You wish to fight?'
-Someone must use my last hurrah to buy time, am I correct-
'I hate it when you know the odds.'
-I merely use logic-
'Bastard.'
-I was made by Doctor Hunter.-
'I know.'
Aqua paused. She could just put him on auto pilot, but no. He deserved more. She clicks the belts on.
-I assume you wish to use me to my full potential to buy time?-
'Why yes Zee, I do.'
The Core forces had just taken Hoff with little resistance. Overconfident, they roared across the ice plain'¦right into a minefield. Hoff was a calculated loss, stonewalling the Core and forcing them around to a narrow pass to avoid the mines. From above, missiles rained down. But they continued. Pryde fell by nightfall, the last burst of gunfire from the Order managing to take down one Core commander. Then all was quiet.
Their next destination was Heathland.
'This is Heathland; hostile forces have taken over Pryde Station and are preparing to advance upon Heathland. Anyone who can hear us, respond!'
Agent Morrow rubbed his head. He was trying to get everything ready to hold Heathland. He looked out. Four artillery batteries were set up on the roof, half of their tanks were arrayed across the front all over, no lines, all hidden. Snipers and marines with rockets were hidden everywhere. He looked back.
'Do we have anything else?' he asked.
'Negative; Cape Hope has everything else. Orillion Shipwright is defended by a complete fighter wing, and Chillmark is ready to drop into Admiralty Canyon.'
Morrow was about to shake his head sadly when the ground shook once. Then again. And again. It was a rhymed shake, and, out of the flurry of snow came the ancient mech that had come for one final fight.
'This is Agent Aqua; I will be assisting in the defense of Heathland. Destiny's Embrace has launched and slipped into Omicron 92. It has escaped with most of the research we have and will make its way to Mu when it can.'
'Wasn't that scraped by Golanski?"
'He and Leigh can stick it. This thing will have one last hurrah.'
Morrow sighed. 'Roger that.'
The Core advanced towards Heathland, never breaking stride. They encountered light guerilla warfare, losing one or two tanks ever few miles. What it lacked in numbers it made up with tactics and tenacity. So over jubilant for their capture of Hoff and Pryde they were that they were careless. By the time they made it to Heathland, they had lost ten percent of their forces to the small strikes from nowhere. The Order knew how to fight in the hell flurry of Toledo; the Core had not been forced to live and adapt in the extreme and reduced visibility.
When they finally made it to Heathland, they formed a firing line.
'Prepare to fire!'
That's when the mortars struck.
The Core front broke away quickly as the first mortars took out five tanks in the first few minutes, and then three more as they scattered. Order tanks fired from camouflaged positions around the battlefield. The Core front was disorganized for a few seconds, which was all that was needed as Aqua brought Zero around the wall and fired the main cannon. It had one shot, which impacted in the center of the enemy formation. She let the spent cannon fall, crushing it underfoot. Shoulder pods popped open to reveal a pair of Vulcan laser chain guns, which spat orange death into the enemy forces. The Core then got re-organized, and Zero began to take hits.
'Agent Morrow, commence a fallback to Cape Hope; I can hold them here for a few minutes, and give you time to lay down some traps.'
'And you?'
'I'm a Hunter; We're a bitch to kill.'
'Roger that. Good luck ma'am.'
Those few minutes seemed like hours. Her fuel was running out, her power cell was dying, and she had to rely on the engines to stay upright. The left leg was gone below the knee, one wing was hanging loosely, and half the head was gone. She had one last option.
'Zee, commence the Omega Protocol for unit Zero One.'
-Already have it ready Aqua. Proceed to exit the unit.-
'Someone has to fly you in.'
-I can do that. Arm shield is now on and covering your exit. Get out now while the snow covers your escape. I had Agent Morrow leave a small snow bike behind Heathland.-
'Thanks Zee.'
-Good luck Aqua. It was a pleasure.-
Aqua didn't bother with the rappel; she just hit the bolts, blew the hatch off, and took a Leap of Faith, landing in a deep snowdrift. While bruised and battered now, she would live without any broken bones'¦hopefully. Aqua booked it.
Zero, or Zee, reflected that he had been made and forgotten by most. Now, he would do those that he had been forsaken by a favor by giving them time to escape.
"This is for you."
The mech used its remaining fuel to smash into the heart of the enemy formation. Zee waited as he was shot up even more. But no, not yet'¦not yet.
Finally, as he was in pieces, his main body intact, his dying sensors told him he was surrounded. And most of his adversaries were in the kill zone. Zee opened up the speaker outside the mech.
-Greetings Core. I am Zero, or Zee. I am the artificial intelligence that inhabits the mech known as Gundam. Now, I will play you a tune. The tune is Taps. Please enjoy.-
As it began to play, the timer was set. Zee let them crawl all over him, looking at all of his mechanics. He had jammed their radios beforehand. As Taps began to wind down, he spoke over it.
-This unit has initiated the Omega Protocol, which states the capture of an AI is unacceptable and must be either removed from harm's way or destroyed. The latter option has been set in effect. Have a pleasant day in hell.-
Taps ended, and Zero exploded.
Cape Hope
Aqua was helped into the infirmary by a few marines when she arrived. She had heard Zee explode, and silently saluted the AI. She winced as pressure was applied to her leg.
'You have a bad sprain.'
'Doesn't matter. Did Zee buy us time?'
'Not as much as we would like.'
Aqua closed her eyes. She had done all she could. Now she needed the doc to hurry so she could get on her fighter.
Toledo Orbit
The Missing Ache was on fire. The hull was venting, and the carrier was going down. Onboard, the AI, Xion, grimaced. Not going well. Shaking her avatar's head, she checked to make sure all who were left alive were out. Most of the crew was dead; Most of the carrier's fighters, gone.
'This is Missing Ache. Hostile Landing site confirmed. They just got a new wave.'
'Not much we can do, we're barely holding Orillion Shipwright.'
Xion paused. The cruise engines lit up, and all the countermeasures were released.
'Course has been set in. AI Xion withdrawing from Missing Ache AI Data matrix. Missing Ache Out.'
The now-devoid of life carrier struck the atmosphere, it's shield dissipating and the hull boiling. The Geb became a huge flaming missile, and, as the next wave disembarked from their landing craft, the geb-class Order Capital Vessel Missing Ache impacted, sending a shockwave across the ice shelf, causing it to collapse.
'This is Cape Hope; Missing Ache is lost. Hostile ground forces are now stalled. Hold the line a little longer Fleet Command; we have four more waves of evacuation craft to go through.'
But there was no way they all could escape. Core fighters and bombers swarmed over the skies, outnumbering the Order fighter wings that were planet side. The Order fought back ferociously, downing half the enemy fighters before the last Nephthys had smashed into the ground. It was eerily silent on the ground. Then the bombs struck.
Cape Hope shook like a thing possessed, the ground exploding all over. Transports with the last bits of equipment rocketed away as fast as they could, a few Nephthys and Bastets managing to hold the line. Outnumbered and outgunned, the Order forces could not save al the transports. One out of three transports made orbit, and one out of two of those managed to make it to 100.
In the last few minutes on the ground, if an Order soldier went silent, it was because he had died with no ammunition left. Five minutes after the last transport had lifted off, Cape Hope had fallen.
//Written by Jeremy.
Tides of Change - koske - 08-13-2012
Anna Brown enters her room, desperate and sad, she takes a bottle of red vine. Bottle is very specific because it is last one of her collection and the last from the Directors cabin. After much work Anna used to drink in a free time to relax and somehow to try to forget another working day. As soon as she opened bottle of vine, she took a glass, her special one with most memories on it and poured her face with red taste.
"Licking my sweet lips makes me feel good" She said and turned music loud.
Anna took another glass of vine but this time she drank to the last drop of vine in the glass and started to jump in all directions like she is crazy. Spinning her head all over the place. Nothing that can describe former Director Brown was in four walls of steel in that particular room.
"Singing, screaming, jumping" Doors opened and Anna saw a guy standing in front of them with a strange look on his face. That was one of the soldiers who probably herd noise from her room and came to check things. He had picture of a drunk woman in pajamas with vine in her hair and black mascara around her eyes.
"Hey" Anna said and asked soldier to come inside. "Close the door please and just sit here"
She asked him to kiss her lips and to make love with her but unfortunately soldier couldn't do that. He somehow turned in the psychologist and he started asking questions.
Random Soldier: Miss, what happened here?
Brown: "She answered with crying voice" I'm desperate and as you can see, I can't resists my feelings.
Random Soldier: I understand you perfectly, but you need to speak it out from yourself and pain will end.
Brown: You can't just describe circumstances that affected my whole past life and now look at me, I'm nothing more then just one atom in the space floating around.
Random Soldier: That isn't true. Humans are followed by ideology and they fight for it, even when they are losing or already lost, they never surrender.
Brown: Guess I already did that. All my beliefs are gone and what is human without beliefs? Nothing.
Random Soldier: Your beliefs tricked you and that means they were just another fake in your life, take another step and you'll see plenty of them. You just need to pick them and we here have one strong that is holding every Order man together, even in the darkest hours. Fight for humanity, think about it.
Soldier took a blanked and he gently covered her with it, then he turned the lights and left the room leaving message behind. "I will see you tomorrow"
Tides of Change - Jeremy Hunter - 08-13-2012
Camp Giza
Planet Akabat
July 13
Rika wiped her eyes, some sand making them gritty. Sighing, she pushed into the tent, holding a jug of water.
'There are you are.' The doctor said, frowning.
'Sand's blowing everywhere.'
'What a stunning observation.' The man said sarcastically to her.
'Geez Doc.... Santos has more manners then you.' She exited the tent, heading back towards one of the few structures built. Right next to the bar, the infirmary was not as packed as it had once been, but it still had wounded men, women, and children recovering from the hell that had transpired. Stepping inside, Rika pressed her back against the wall, breathing. She still relived the last moments before the Destiny's Embrace lifted off from Chillmark, leaving Aqua behind. She relived the desperate fight to make it out of the blockade, saved only by the quick actions of the Missing Ache and Xion. She could still feel the bone-jarring shake of the Hathor as its shields took a light mortar, the only saving grace they had. Shaking her head, causing her crimson hair to fly around, Rika pushed off from the wall and headed into the infirmary, saying hi to the regulars: Moira, who lost her legs when her escape pod's hatch malfunctioned and ripped them off; Alberto, who was in a coma after suffering blunt force trauma; And little Jack, who's legs were twisted painfully, leaving him to hobble on crutches as he underwent surgery after surgery.
Soon, she was out, having done her rounds. She kicked a few rocks as the sand subsided, on her way to where her Hathor crouched, waiting for her.
'There you are. The cycles are a bit off.' Solomon Cordell looked down at the teenager, who looked a bit down.
'Something up?'
'Not going to talk about it. Let the Hand of Dawn have a break; initiate Hand of Dusk and take her for spin around the perimeter. I'll be taking the Megumi out to Camp Avaris to see my brother.'
'See you at Rekhyt.'
After Camp Giza had been settled in, the Order had started to branch out. One of the first places settled was Tucker Ridge, a base settled on, yes, a ridge that overlooked the Valley of Kadesh. Flying through the Valley, the small Tanto shot over Outpost D'Souza before finally entering the airspace above Camp Avaris. She pulled back, coming down gently near the makeshift airfield.
Climbing out, she noticed a few X-Shuttles lifting off, probably heading off to the newly finished Osborn Academy. Striding forward, Rika slipped through the thin crowd as she headed for the main building.
Pushing the door open, she was nearly flattened by a few men rushing out. Scowling, she dodged around them, managing to get inside without being turned into a pancake. Sighing, she headed for the stairs. Climbing them, she stopped at the third level, the top of the building, and looked around. Finding it mostly deserted, she headed into the main office where a young man had his feet up on the desk, a magazine about video games on his face, hands behind his head, fast asleep. Rika face palmed audibly before heading over to kick the chair to the side, causing the man to suddenly fall and flail on the ground. Smirking, she backed up and let the man flail before giggling. Stopping, the man sat up, magazine falling onto his lap.
'Funny Rika. I was working.'
'On sleeping, I know. Hiding out here to nap while everyone else works?'
'I have to go to Gran Canaria soon. It's not going to be a job I get to sleep on.'
Sighing, Rika fell onto his lap after throwing the magazine onto his desk. She leaned into his chest, her arms around him. 'Jeremy. Be careful. Please.'
Jeremy Hunter ruffled his little sister's hair, smiling. 'Careful isn't my middle name.'
'I know. Just be careful.'
'I'll just be two system away from a well organized terrorist organization.'
'Don't go?'
'Sorry. I have to'¦And you need to get back to Liberty. Stop coming back'¦I don't want you in trouble.'
She giggled softly, her hair and eye color slowly changing to purple and white. 'You're telling me to be careful when I'm the nanite girl?'
'Yes. Yes I am.'
Rika Hunter closed her eyes and curled up against her brother. 'Still let them think you're dead?'
'Yeah'¦it's for the best."
RE: Tides of Change - Jeremy Hunter - 05-09-2016
Location:
Akaba - Citadel Babylonia
The Hanging Gardens
![[Image: GossII_Cassell_Bar_01b.jpg]](http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/2d6d7dde779703539937e4c0e4b60a3/200741096/GossII_Cassell_Bar_01b.jpg)
Wedjat.
The Hanging Gardens was where those who did the dark work - the black ops, the shady business, the assassinations - would come. Once done, they exclusive club of booze, boobs, and music picked by the agents themselves (one per person, which did cause a few fighters when some guy tried to be the joker and say "Friday." He lost his pass). It was where they could come and drink, no matter the outcome. Where they could lose themselves to women who offered their services to those who did jobs most would decry as, yes, terrorism. Everyone working there either was Wedjat, or of a Wedjat family. Every person hired, would go through the same training Wedjat did. They understood the gravity of what they did, and they understood what these people did.
The work that would never see the light of day...or when it would, would never be accepted. Collateral, if all else failed, was justified by the Order...even if they hesitated, every Wedjat would nuke a liner, they'd kill thousands to save trillions. Such agonizing decisions, decisions that kept them up at night...these people had this Garden as their sanctuary, and the days it was crowded were the days of true celebration, when Agents returned home, no matter the outcome. After Minor...the small area for Wedjat never was full. It never was truly going to be full.
But here...here, in the Wedjat's secure Mountain Base, a base four years in the making...and today, it was quiet. The owner, Jeremy, was out of system, leaving the bar to Ayaki Miyoko...or he would have, but she was in Rheinland, with the Bundschuh. Aqua was with him as well...and thus, the bar was left to a Wedjat agent named...
Jack.
And currently, Jack was pouring Shieldbreaker a tall glass of gin. "Long day?"
"I just lied to about a hundred people." He said, swirling the glass. "You could say that."
Akabat, Osborne Academy
Ten miles north of Akhetaten
"You are the best. Those who graduate from Collister are good. Those who graduate from Osborne, are great. Every single one of you has passed the tests of the last year while studying here. You have flocked from all corners of Sirus - Liberty, Rhienland, Bretonia, Kusari. Crete, Crayter, Malta. Yes, even some of you have come from Gallia, like Agent Alexandrie. But here, your origin just means your heritage. You are no longer Libertonia, Kusarian. Cretan, Crayterian, Maltese. You're Order. You are Order. And from here, you become the guardians of humanity, preservers of what we have built. We are few, but we are strong. From the Svizra, we breed strength. From the Fedayeen, we breed teamwork. And from the Osiris, we breed determination. One day you will find yourself more then just a pilot. Every one of you will make a difference. Even if your life is short, your life has become important. It is you who is the wall upon which darkness inevitably will break, you are the blade through the fire, the shield that guards the innocent. You will fight, you will buy humanity time.
And every one of you will be remembered as heroes. No matter if your name is forgotten or emblazoned across an Academy, a base, or history. You pilots will be remembered as the few, the brave, who decided to do anything for their species. And it is from this academy we will show the Nomads what fear is. We will show them determination, we will show them what it means to fight.
We are the Order, and we are here. Toledo was devastating, but now we are here. Akabat is slowly being turned into our home, and Mu is now our bastion, our citadel. Oathkeeper is gone from orbit, but now we have new guardians, new sentinels. You. Go forth pilots, and prove your worth. From the Districts to Akhetaten, from the shores of Nasser to the icy Razgriz Straits Science Complex, you are yet a new generation."
A pause, letting it sink in. The graduates filled the room, some even standing. Osborne Academy was one of the more complete buildings, though this wing was still being constructed.
"One day, some of you will command our mighty Osirises, our rare Gebs, and our advanced cruisers. Half will command our heavy gunships, and rest will be our fighter corps. But do not feel as if staying in the Fighter Corps is bad...no, it was three Anubis wings that breached Omnicron Major, it was fighters that dove into the heart of the swarm and unleashed hell. But today, we have not one Osiris, but many. We have not three fighters, but dozens. Unlike the First Nomad War, we know our enemy, and our enemy no longer has the element of surprise. One of you could be the next Trent. Another, the next Zane. Maybe, one day, the next Golanski, the next Hunter or Brandon...you could be our next leader. Only time will tell, pilots.
So, congratulations on graduating this academy. Giza Base has received a delivery of fighters. Since Bolevara has decided to not grace us with his divine presence, probably with Agent Miyoko, Veteran Agent Johnson will guide you. Make us proud, pilots. You're dismissed."
As they filed out, Shieldbreaker leaned on the podium, head down. "...half of them won't make it past the first month..."
RE: Tides of Change - Jeremy Hunter - 06-04-2016
Omicron Delta
Sector 5-D
"This is Patrol Epsilon-Seven, we are entering D5, over."
"Epsilon-Seven this is Apophis Actual, copy. Marking you on the list."
"Apophis Actual, we're seeing nothing here. I think they - wait. Contacts at extreme range Actual. Eight, Nine. Break off and check...wait, break off!"
His order was too late. As the Bastets turned and burned to check out the contacts, a trio of Mantas decloaked. The first Bastet yanked itself off track and barely grazed one, but the trio ripped apart Epsilon Nine, and shot the pod as it fled. As their wingman died in a fiery explosion, the other four Bastets turned to engage. "This is Epsilon Seven, Nine is KIA - Core Mantas decloaked! We are engaging!"
"Epsilon Seven be advised Gamma Twelve has been engaged by an Orca Patrol towards Nauru from your position. Take down the Mantas and assist."
"This is Seven, we'll try."
The four bastets were at first evenly matched, but they knew the outbound contact they had seen was the rest of the wing - and by that, another three Mantas.
"Actual, this is Epislon Seven. We have a total of six Mantas. We won't make it to Gamma Twelve, requesting assistance." The pilot threw the Bastet into a sharp turn, dropping a mine. The Manta's shield went down, but it managed to twist and avoid the incoming Reaper fire from Epsilon Ten. Cursing, Seven turned and burned hard, his Death's hands tearing down another shield and sheering off the wing of a Manta. The Core fighter turned as it unleashed a mini Razor - but these were Bastets. Faster then the Nepthys, the Bastet moved quick and dodged. The Manta had bet on the fighter being taken down, but they forgot - the MKII Bastets were even smaller. Eleven came around to fire, his Reapers tearing off the engine and sending the Manta into a spin. Seven didn't hear Actual's response, only a dim sound of voices as his focus dropped to the fighting.
"I'm hit!"
Epsilon Ten's main wing was hit, the explosion sending him in a gyroscopic spin. The Mantas peeled off and headed right for the out of control Bastet, when they were forced to break off.
"This is Lambda One, we're on-scene." Five Nephthys fighters roared in, already engaging. One manta was taken down from the fresh reinforcements, and the others began to go on the defensive. Despite the Nephthys being slower, the Mantas also had to contend with the heavier armor - the rugged frame and tried-and-true armor of a Nephthys had weathered storms unheard of, and right now was tanking their shots.
"Epsilon Seven, Gamma Twelve needs immediately reinforcements. We will handle this."
"Roger that Lambda One, breaking off." The remaining Bastets broke off and burned hard towards Gamma's last known location.
The Nephthys continued their assault. While outnumbered by a single fighter, the Mantas were damaged and worn down by Epsilon. Lambda Two planted a Mini Razor in the huill of one of the Core fighters, turning it into a ball of fire. The one with the missing wing had the rest of his ship shredded by Lambda Five, while Four and One turned and took on another. But Lambda Wing didn't do this unscathed. Lambda Two had taken a bad hit to the main body, the fighter venting it's cargohold. Lambda Three was disabled, trying to battle a shot maneuvering thruster as the Core began to focus. But even with one of them almost on a platter, Lambda Wing managed to keep Three alive, their battle a dance of death and blaze. Another Manta went down as Lambda Four was hit with a surprise mine, the cockpit vaporized. With them down a ship, the Core intensified their attack on Lambda Three, but with their regenerative backups dry and the remaining three Nephthys baying for blood, they were not long for the universe. Their ships detonated in brief fire, leaving the Nephthys alone.
"Lambda Five, escort Lambda Three to Dabadoru. Actual, this is Lambda One. We're heading to rendezvous with Epsilon Seven and Gamma Twelve."
"Negative Lambda One...there's no one left to rendezvous with."
The Nephthys pilot was stunned. "What?"
"Lambda One, Epsilon Seven's wing was ambushed five klicks from Gamma Twelve by a full wing of Mantas. They were cut off from you. We're pulling patrols back from the further areas but we can't send in reinforcements."
"They could still be alive!"
"Negative Lambda One. Tracker shows they're gone."
The pilot slammed his fist on the console. He had saved them once, only to be unable to rescue them again. "...Lambda Wing reports one KIA. Lambda Three has a disabled vessel and is going under escort to Dabadoru."
"Lambda One, we're sorry. Rendezvous at Dabadoru and link up with OCV-Sanakht and OCV-Sahure. From there, launch an assault and avenge Gamma and Epsilon's sub-wings."
"...Roger Actual." The pilot gripped the controls and burned with his wing back to base. They were quiet. The Nephthys was slowly being replaced by the Bastet MKII for a myriad of reasons, but many people still used the Nephthys. Jeremy Hunter, Kingsman Wing...but still, the aged vessel was being replaced, and to Lambda One, it was a great shame. He looked up to see the two hathors waiting by the Apophis, followed soon by a cruiser.
"This is CV-Neferkamin, we are linking up with Task Force Khonshu."
"This is Apophis Actual, Neferkamin - enemies number two Orca gunships, eight Manta Heavies. Possible Thresher-class destroyer present, unconfirmed before Gamma Fourteen was destroyed. Deploy and stay alert - hostiles are utilizing cloaking technoiogy."
"Copy Actual. Neferkamin will be taking over as AWACS-CIC for this assault."
"Roger that Neferkamin. Good hunting."
The Hathors slotted into position around the Resheph, as did the twenty or so fighters that joined. Lambda One slotted in what remained of his wing on the Sanakht. A repair ship went around, repairing any damage and restocking their emergency batteries and hull-repairing nanobots. Within minutes the force entered cruise, heading for Sector E-5 - the last known location of Gamma and Epsilon's engagements. The Onuris Wings, two in total, headed out first at full speed to scout, leaving the sixteen fighters with the heavies. And it turned into a silent wait, one that Lambda One wasn't going to enjoy.
"This is Iset Twenty Two, we are reading no hostiles. Moving Sectors."
"Iset Thirty Four, nothing to report."
Quiet. A quiet that made every pilot uneasy. With cloakers, it never was good...oh, it never was. No one liked it, and from what happened to Epsilon Seven...
"This is the Neferkamin, we are picking up a beacon belonging to Epsilon Seven. All ships divert."
Lambda One kept on the Sanakht's wing, but he felt uneasy. This didn't feel right - why did the pilot not wait? The Core were certaintly still in the area, and they'd pick up the E-Beacon soon. It didn't even burst - it stayed on. And that was what made Lambda One uneasy.
"Neferkamin, this is Lambda One. Something doesn't feel right."
"Lambda One, continue on course. All ships drop from cruise in ten seconds and resume approach on pulse. Watch for enemies and prepare for any cloaked warships."
The force dropped from cruise and continued on impulse, an approach that was their salvation. As soon as they entered the sector, decloaking before them was...a Bullhead.
"Mako confirmed, all ships go evasive!" The Neferkamin turned as it's main Cerberus turrets fired. Already entering on cruise was the gunships, including sixteen new Mantas. It was almost even - the Resheph was built for reconnaissance, and even though the Neferkamin was a combat refit, the ship was a light cruiser - the Bullhead was built and bred for war. Their only grace as it's energy reserves were depleted, giving them breather room.
"Apophis Actual, hostile Bullhead confirmed. I repeat, hostile Bullhead confirmed! Neferkamin has opened fire, Bullhead is not. Requesting bomber wings at our location with addition fighter support, we have sixteen mantas heading in. Interception wing has engaged them and has bought us one minute."
"This is Apophis Actual, scrambling reinforcements at once. Hang on - the cavalry is on the way."
The Neferkamin unleashed it's guns, but by the time the shield was close to failing, the Bullhead returned fire tenfold. Built to tear apart cruisers, the Bullhead began to rip apart the Neferkamin's shields, of which the Resheph's superior maneuverability was it's only saving grace. But even then, the Core's gunners weren't amateurs - they managed to pin the Neferkamin away, leaving the gunships at the mercy -
"Thresher spotted!"
The Core had baited more then fighers from the Order, and now Lambda One was in a fight for his life. Already two Onuris were taken down, leaving them even more outnumbered. And with the Neferkamin fighting the Bullhead, the Sanakt and Sahure were going to be contending with a Thresher and two Orcas, something no Hathor duo could feasibly due with no bomber support. Lambda One could only curse and engage with renewed vigor, his Death's Hands stitching blue lines across the dark skies of Delta. His wing wasn't the main targets, mostly because of their older ships - the Mantas were focusing on the newer Bastet MKIIs, of which half the current fighter force was. It was a breather that Lambda Wing took full advantage of, managing to take out two Mantas in short order. They turned to engage an Orca, only to find themselves contending with three Mantas.
"They didn't like that I guess!" Two said, jinking to the left and dropping a mine. "One, we're not going to be doing this well alone."
"Focus on the Orca, get it off the Sahure. If we lose those gunships, the Neferkamin is not going to see drydock."
"Roger that." Was all he got, but it wasn't going to be enough. The Onuris fighters were slowly losing ground, the Bastets being shot at from all sides. The Nephthys present were able to dish out the most damage, but soon they'd lose that advantage - the Sanakht was taking heavy fire, and it wasn't going to last long.
"Actual, Sanakht is not going to last! We need those reinforcements now."
"They are almost there, hang on." And Lambda knew that was all they could offer. "Hang on." Not exactly comforting...not when it was too late. The Thresher planted a mortar in the Sanakht, and the Hathor was torn asunder. Cursing, he jerked the ship into a "climb" as an Orca turned and fired.
"Lambda Five is down!"
He had lost most of his wing today. With only Lambda Two beside him, they tangoed the Orca with a wanton ferocity, drawing it's ire from the Sahure...but it too joined it's sister ship, the superstructure twisting and breaking apart under the combined fire. The ambush was working, as half the Order fighters were gone. Lambda One knew it was lost, and reached to order an retreat.
"Neferkamin to all ships - Retreat at once. We'll cover you."
"You can't, Commander!" Lambda One was confused. How could the cruiser do that? It'd g..."Comma-"
"There is enough dead heroes."
Uncloaking between the falling Neferkamin and the Bullhead, was the Svizra. One of the few Osirises still kicking, it's Avatar of Death main guns unleashed the fires of the Underworld upon the Bullhead, downing what little shield remained and crashing into the hull. The twin mortars spat fire into it's side, but it was not alone.
"This is Beta Leader to remaining Fighters. Link up with Delta Lead and commence fighter screen."
Lambda One breathed a sigh of relief. Of course the Svizra would arrive with full reinforcements - Jericho Forge had a thing about overkill. If you're going to save anyone, do it with superior numbers. And Lambda One would never complain, especially when they just saved his ass.
"Commencing bombing run." A wave of Novas erupted, filliing space with imminent death. The Thresher was already moving towards the Bullhead, trying to get to it's flak coverage. But even if it would succeed, the Svizra, and the now unpinned Neferkamin came in with twice the vengeance, tearing asunder the Bullhead's Flak emplacements. As time slowed for everyone, Lambda One had a flashback to a flight, years ago, where this day was switched - where the overwhelmed Order carrier Anuket was fired upon by a bullhead, where the Order would end up losing ninety percent of the ships sent. This time...this time, Lambda One watched as the Bullhead exploded into scrap, the Thresher and what remained of it's forces now trapped between a fresh wave of fighters and bombers, the Svizra, the heavily damaged Neferkamin, and the rage of every pilot there.
"This is Svizra. Burn 'em,"
Dabadoru Station, One Hour Later
The Neferkamin was being preppared for out of system transport. It's superstructure heavily damaged, they might have to scrap it for parts. The Svizra, untouched, moored for resupply as the battered fighters began to land. One by one they'd go, most damaged, few unscathed. The Core had managed to get a fresh wave of Mantas out, but they were nothing but pests ultimately. The Svizra saw to that...but even then, as Lambda One climbed from his Nephthys and looked down the rows of ships, he felt no sense of victory. Three was hospitalized, Four didn't have a body to bury. Five, at least, was recovered and already loaded for transport. He lost two friends today, and one might not make it. And so, he fell to his knees and cradled his helmet, then let it roll away. He couldn't take it anymore...these Pyrrhic victories, the death and sorrow that would follow him every time. He was exhausted and unable to take it. Epsilon Seven could have been saved...but he hadn't been quick enough. He stood slowly, and pulled out his sidearm. He looked at it for a good, long time.
"Derek."
He looked up to see Lambda Two there. The man took his helmet off. "Amigo."
Derek holstered his sidearm. "I know, Jose. I know."
It wasn't worth it. Dying for others...that was.
"This is Patrol Omicron Ten. We're starting our rounds."
"This is Apophis Actual. Core battlegroup was taken out earlier, expect retaliation. Good luck."
RE: Tides of Change - Jeremy Hunter - 04-23-2017
Coronado
Yuma High Orbit
Jeremy Hunter had been in Yuma's orbit for almost a year. He had coordinated enough combat operations, relief efforts, and black ops that, quite honestly, he wondered if a small government hadn't been toppled somewhere along the lines by accident. He chuckled lightly, tapping away a few files he was done with before standing. Stretching, causing many snap, crackles, and pops in his weary body, the pretty much ancient Order operative made his way out of the office and into the adjoining room. Empty as usual; his family was on Akabat, like they should be...behind the fleet, the Starbase, and Thebes. Yawning, he fell down facefirst...and then the young, blonde, white-dressed AI appeared.
"Wake up."
"I haven't even gone to sleep, Namine."
She flicked her hair in perfect Izzy fashion, damn Rika. He sighed. "What do you want, you annoying as hell AI."
"Pff, you love me." She twirled. "Anyways~ Orders from the Grandiose Admiral. You are to report to Akabat for an Award's Ceremony in your honor."
"Great. My honor. I just sent a message telling Reeves he pretty much was a whiny little bitch who needs to learn that there sometimes is no multifacet ways to get things done. There's the bad way, and the stupid way." He groaned. "What did Michal say? Am I getting a brand new service pin for being the most ancient bastard still fighting?"
"Yes."
"...."
Jeremy looked up. His cerulean-teal eyes flashed in the light as he glared at Namine. She shrugged, twirling yet again. "He said that the General Assembly has created a new Service Mark - Hunter's Mark. He said something about a "black dawn" was tore aside by your at one point and a bunch of pithy stuff." She shrugged. "it was an order he said. Best get your best on~" The holo crystals dimmed, leaving him alone. He groaned again...then sat up. A new vigor was now within his bones, and he stood up.
"Might as well do what Michal wants. At least it means I get to see them al...al...all...goddammit, I'm going to be exhausted again."
Planet Akabat
Giza Military Command
The lumbering quad-mech settled into it's berth, the massive railgun gleaming. The Order had been building up assets to defend from a ground invasion as well, in the case that the Core somehow managed to land. But the massive mech, nor the tanks nearby, were important. What was important was the man currently driving a load of missile launchers from the delivery docks towards...another truck. It stopped for the briefest of moments, a few boxes lighter once it was off. The truck coughed to life and lumbered away, heading for the main gate...the moment of truth.
The truck was soon off, and disappeared from scanners towards the mountains.
Steel Legion
Harper Mountain Range
The "Steel Legion" had succeeded. Armed with weapons, intelligence, and the upcoming ceremony, they were ready. The leader was leaning over a map of Akhataten's Overwatch Plaza, eyeing everything.
"Sir. We have everything we need and can be set up tonight."
"Do it." he looked up. "The reign of Golanski, his imperialistic measures, and his lapdog Hunter, will end. The Order will be reborn." He stood, then saluted by placing a fist on his chest, arm at a sharp angle. "For the Legion of Steel."
"For the Legion of Steel!" His men cried out.
The Order would be reborn in blood and fire.