A Day to be Reckoned With - Part One

[Adrian Gibson]

It was just another day on Fort Leniex, the Bars were empty, the Coffee lounges were empty. People were running around mad trying to get paper work done. The Hanger Bays were completely full of Mechanics and Engineers working on peoples space crafts, trying to add modifications that would give an extra advantage over the Liberty Police and Navy when in combat when all of a sudden a message was sent via the Intercom. "Lieutenant J Ranger, Task Force War Hammer, report to Briefing room number 7 immediately. I repeat, Jonathan Ranger, report to Briefing room number 7 immediately. Out"

---

Ranger takes a minute and pauses wondering what reasons he is being called to the briefing room. He thinks to himself, "What could this be? What have i done recently that could require me being briefed. I know! It must have been the other day when i took on a Navy escort pair on my own and won? It's got to be! What else could they be wanting from me? The possibilities. I could be getting some sort of an award, no, even better, i could be getting a promotion to Major! Yes, that's it! I'm getting promoted!" With his ego boosted beyond belief and a smile that said he's been awarded something far greater than anyone can give, he slowly walks towards the Briefing room looking extremely smug and happy. People stair at him, wondering what's gone on. All they get in return is a huge smile and a little nod.

---

He finally reaches the Briefing room and knocks on the door. He waits patiently, but there is no answer. He waits, and waits, and waits until he slowly opens the door himself and piers around the corner. He notices that the Room is empty and he starts to worry. Ranger steps back and closes the door and makes sure that he is at the right door. The writing on the door said "Briefing Room Seven" indicating that he was at the right place. He starts to get fed up and he walks in, shutting the door behind him. By now, that smug look and smile has been wiped of his face and a face full of concern has replaced it. He takes a seat and starts to play with a pencil until the door opens. He slowly looks up, and to his astonishment some people walk in. They were not the people he was expecting. Members of the Command walked in, Fleet Admiral Michaela Sandera, also known as Executor, Fleet Commander Illaria Serbanu, Fleet Captain Andrew John and the last Fleet Captain Codenamed Astraea. Ranger stood up extremely quick and saluted them.

"At ease, Mr Ranger. We've got something extremely important to discuss" said the Fleet Admiral to Johnathan. Rangers face drops like a tonne of bricks.

---

[Adrian Gibson]

The room was silent. Not a word was spoken, terror was running though Rangers eyes. People were looking back and forth, towards and away from each other. An awkward silence hung, until the Fleet Admiral coughed and handed over a small, brown folder that had the words "Top Secret" on it.

---

---

Alot was going though Rangers head. "Why me? How come i am doing it?" Andrew stands up and walks slowly over to the curtains where he draws them slowly. He heads back to his seat, but he does not sit down. He paces up and down, slowly. Ranger starts to become slightly stressed, so he breaks the silence and opens his mouth. "So, what's this all about? Why me? Why can't you do this yourself?" Astraea quickly stands up and shuts ranger up. "Ranger, open the document and you will find out. Read though it and then we will give you the greater details" calmly said Astraea. Ranger hesitantly starts to read the documents slowly. He sees pictures of vessels and maps of systems.

---

---

He starts to ponder and carries on reading. As he is reading, one member of the command stands up and begins to speak, looking around to make sure that no one is listening in.

[Astraea]

Astraea stands up and begins the briefing. "In case you havent figured it out yet, Warhammer is planning a large assault on liberty. The scale and purpose of this operation will be made clear during this briefing.You have been selected for this because of your examplary service to the legion, so far." Astraea glares at Ranger. "Though i see you still have a few issues when addressing your commanders. As for why you are needed?. Well, thats not for me to answer. "

---

It's not every day that I read about Somali pirates pirating a US navy aircraft carrier in their speedboats.

[Adrian Gibson]

"What? Really? Are you joking?" Ranger says with complete astonishment. The Command just stair at him with a stair saying that they are not joking. An awkward silence fell yet again, until Executor began to speak. We are not joking, Mr Ranger. Far from it. We are currently only in the planning stages, but we are planning something huge, something big." Ranger gasps with astonishment.

---

He takes the folder and starts to read though the parts he has not read though. As he is turning though the pages he notices the name the operation name. "Operation Overlord, ma'am?". He turns to look at Executor. She nods with agreement. "Yes, this is the name of the Operation. It relates back to the Old Earth Normandy landings, D-Day, also known as Operation Overlord. As we are doing something similar, i only saw fit to name it Operation Overlord." Ranger smiles and carries on looking though the folder. "This is a... Err.. Huge folder." Astraea nods and agrees. "Yes, Ranger. Now start reading and read quickly. We do not have alot of time to brief you because you need to get a team together before the launch date." Ranger looks at Astraea with slight confusion. "When is the launch date for Operation Overlord?" "You do like to ask questions, Ranger. Just read. Everything you need to know will be in there. You don't even know half the story yet!" Astraea says sharpish.

[Adrian Gibson]

After Ranger had finished reading the brief, it was taken away from him. He looks slightly puzzled and Andrew picks up upon that and he starts to explain the brief in a bit more detail. "As you are aware, we are planning a large scale assault on Liberty. Our aim is to eliminate as many of the officers as possible, but. This is not our main priority. After reading though the brief, i'm sure you've gathered that we have something else planned." Andrew passes Ranger another folder, Labeled "Liberty Navy Ship Hawaii".

---

Ranger slowly opens the folder whilst every so often, he glances at the Command. This time, there is only the one page in the folder and it is all about a Battle Cruiser named Hawaii.

Vessel Name: Hawaii
Vessel Identification Friend or Foe: Liberty Navy Secondary Force
Vessel Class: Intedictor Class, Assault Battle Cruiser
Vessel Captain: Captain John Williamson
Vessel XO: Lieutenant Commander Micheal Jax
Vessel Status: Active - QRF

Ship Weaponry:

• 6x LCT-1d "Havok" Liberty Cruiser Turrets
  
• 1x LDF-5a "Meson" Liberty Battleship Flak Turret
  
• 2x LDH-24v "Collapser" Liberty Battleship Turrets
  
• 1x LCM-3a "Raptor" Liberty Cruiser Turrets
  
• 3x C-25 "Cerberus" Heavy Cruiser Turrets
  

Summary:

This new, "Intedictor" Class Liberty Assault Battle Cruiser, fresh out of "Juneau Shipyard", is the next generation glass Battle Cruiser equipped with new "Olympus Ocean Front Mk XII" Impulse Engines, "Olympus Space Frontier Mk IIX" Cruise Engines and "Rochdale Intern Mk IX"
Shield Generator. These are all top of the range and experimental pieces of equipment giving the new, "Intedictor" Class Liberty Assault Battle Cruiser, that extra edge in Capital ship Warfare. It now serves as part of the Quick Response Force (QRF) reacting to serious emergencies such as a Gallic invasion.

"Now, Ranger. This specific ship that has been out lined in this brief is because it is our target ship. This ship is one of the first of it's kind, a new cash of Assault Cruiser. We simply aim to capture it." Ranger has to but in and he bellows "What? This is going to be impossible. We simply do not have enough men to take it on it's own! How are..." Andrew quickly quietens Ranger and carries on speaking. "As i was saying, we will attempt to capture it and bring it back home to study and hopefully use against Liberty and her Armed Forces. But, this is going to be hard. The plan is simple. We gather forces from Task Force Warhammer and other Legion Wings to create a big enough problem so that the QRF will be called out. Once they are called out, we will focus on the QRF force until we have the Hawaii standing on it's own. Then, this is where you come in, Ranger. We will disable to Hawaii to allow you and a selected team of specialist Men to board the Hawaii and capture it. You will have to take the Bridge in order for a successful transfer. Once it is in Warhammers hands, we will take it back to Vespucci and we will let our most senior engineering team work on it. It'll be hard and i don't doubt we will lose any men. This is a risky operation, and if it goes wrong it could be a serious blow to the Legion. We are entrusting you and your team with this, Ranger.

---

Ranger takes a minute to calm down after hearing everything that has been said. He looks at the Command team and he slowly nods his head several times. "I'll do it" he said whilst gulping. He knew the small chance they had of success and he knew the high chance of him and his crew dieing but he wanted to do it for honor and for possible rewards he might be given.

[Venture]

Andrew, After hearing his reply, he withdraws his hands from his back, with the left hand holding another file with the label 'Dossier'

Nice to see that you have agreed to the operation, this file contains the names of the five 'most elite' members of the Warhammer.

He 'drops' the file on the table, it opens up, with the front page showing the name and details of one of the elite pilots, there was no picture of the person to be seen

That's Nathan Wyatt, Lieutenant. He is that kind of a tough no-nonsense guy, a guy with a muscle, he can provide heavy fire support in his cutlass.

He turns the page, showing another legionnaire.

This is Ashley Drake, she exceptionally trained in advanced fighter combat, she pilots a Prosecuter...her rank is Legionnaire...

He turns the page again, keeping the same expression and stance everytime.

Well...this is Victor...simply Victor, he does not have a last name, he specializes in slow-bombing and has a very strong accuracy, he barely misses a shot.

He turns the page again.

He is Edison Williams, he specializes in fast-paced fighter combat, and relies more on outwitting the enemy with speed than firepower.

He turns the page for the last time, showing the last legionnaire, Excalibur recognizes name, it was Andrew John.

This...is me, I shall be participating in your operation alongside your squad and I shall see how you manage yourself on the field...

He closes the document, and then looks up to Excalibur, expecting him to say something.

---

A Nest of Vipers

[Adrian Gibson]

"My team seems, rather interesting. I do not know these guys. I suppose i'll have to go out and meet my team soon enough then." Ranger flicks though the document one more time making sure that he notes down the names he has been given. He looks back up at Andrew with a confused look on his face still wondering why the hell Andrew has decided to come along, but this was not for him to decide so he just accepted the fact and moved on.

---

Before Ranger could say another word, Andrew snaps in. "There is one thing that you must do, first. Before we can launch this assault, we need Intel on where the best possible locations would be to lure and attack the Hawaii. Gather me some Intel on the following systems. New York, California, Texas and Colorado. Possible Pennsylvania as well but it is most likely it will not happen there. I need a report on each system and possible locations, ASAP." Ranger just nods and agrees with what's been said. "Ranger, we are pretty much done with you here. Get me my reports and we'll finalize a date for the attack. Ranger you are dismissed, please leave the room and shut the door behind you." Ranger slowly stands up and heads to the door. His slowly raises his hand and opens it. As he walks out, he looks behind noticing another folder was being passed around. He slowly shuts the door whilst trying to read what is on the file cover, but it is illegible from that distance. He shuts the door and heads to his Space Ship where he preps it for launch.

[Adrian Gibson]

After a long patrol and a small amount of rest, Ranger goes in search of the Command team. With him, he carries 4 small brown folders, each with it's own label. California, Texas, Colorado and New York. Thinking that the Command team would be in their offices, he slowly heads towards them looking in each room as he passes just to make sure that they're not in there. As he reaches the commands offices, he realizes that none of them are in their offices. He walks back out and starts to head towards the Briefing rooms. Down one of the corridors, just before he reaches the briefing rooms, he see's Andrew walking towards Ranger. "Come with me, Ranger" Andrews say abruptly whilst pushing Ranger in the opposite direction. "I trust you have the reports?" Andrew says whilst looking at Ranger. "Yes sir i do." "Good, come with me then." Nothing more was said until they reached a pathway that Ranger has never been down before.

---

This pathway was not one that was not cared for. Greenery was able to grow where ever it wants and graphite was scatted everywhere. They both slowly walk down the pathway until they reach a door. It was a black door with no windows. "After you" mentions Andrew. Ranger looks back at Andrew as if to say are you mad? Andrew just nods and points to the door, slowly shoving Ranger into the Room. He opens the door, only to be greeted by the Command team again. "Your report, Ranger?" He slowly passes over the 4 documents to the Command team and they have a small look though.

[Adrian Gibson]

The Command team glances over each document very quickly before scrutinizing each part of the documents. They open all four Documents, but they start with the one labeled "California".

System Name: California
Number of Planets: 3
Number of Stations: ~5
Trade Lanes?: Yes
Threat Level: Medium


System Report: A somewhat well guarded system, patrolled by the Liberty Navy, Liberty Security Force and the Police. Armed Forces patrols are moderate and should be expected to a certain degree. There are 3 planets that go by the names of Los Angeles and California Minor, which are both inhabited, and Planet Mojave. There is a Battleship stationed outside Los Angeles under the name of "Yukon" and a station outside Planet Mojave under the name of "Riverside Station". There is one Nebular and two Asteroid fields. The Sierra Ice Field is what we are interested with here.

Attached Images: *** ***

The attached images show that the Ice field is a good place to lead the Cruiser into. There are rocks to block it's path and an inhibiting field present stopping the LABC from contacting support. We're out the way of other patrols but the only downside is, is that we're near trade lanes. This could ether mean quick access to return home or call for support.

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System Name: New York
Number of Planets: 3
Number of Stations: ~10
Trade Lanes?: Yes
Threat Level: High


System Report: This is the Capital of Liberty. Attempts to capture the Cruiser would not be rewarding as this place is heavily guarded with One battleship under the name of Missouri and many other buildings such as their Construction Ship Yard and their training academy, West Point Academy. Liberty forces will be patrolling the area constantly, 24/7. There would be the problem of Rogue, Hacker and Outcast vessels disrupting our operations as well.

Attached Images: *** ***

The location provided would be the only way of assaulting the cruiser. The field is dense and there would be no support for the cruiser. But when support does come, it will be overwhelming. An assault is strongly not recommended.

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System Name: Colorado
Number of Planets: 3
Number of Stations: ~3
Trade Lanes?: Yes
Threat Level: Low - Medium


System Report: This system is a vast and empty system with it's only threat being the battleship under the name of Rio Grande, and that itself is not a worry. We have a Friendly base nearby that can send aid if we require it. Planet Denver is the only planet that has been inhabited, the other two, Planet Gunnison and Durango, are both uninhabited.

Attached Images: *** ***

This area would be ideal. There's an abandoned base that we can stage a fake emergency call from or use it as a staging ground. It has a rock field that's not to far away. The only Major thing there is, is that there is a trade lane roughly 20 kicks from the center of the field. It would be able to escape quickly or call in for support.

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System Name: Texas
Number of Planets: 4
Number of Stations: ~4
Trade Lanes?: Yes
Threat Level: Low


System Report: After the war with Rheinland, the forces in Texas are battered and withered. Along with that, Texas is a vast system spreading of vast distances. There are two damaged Prison stations, under the names of Sugarland and Huntsville which will not be to much of a threat. There is a Junker base somewhere and there is also a battleship under the name of Mississippi.

Attached Images: *** ***

Texas seems to be the best suited system for our attack. The proposed place to start the attack is far away from any Trade Lanes and help. The cloud itself will help to inhibit the Communications on the Cruiser. There is a dense scrap field to get the Cruiser to become stuck. There are also no nearby patrols from the Armed Forces. This will be the most ideal place to start the attack or lure the cruiser to.

---

[Adrian Gibson]

The Command team close all of the Documents, they look at Ranger and they stand up slowly and head for another table that was placed at the other end of the room. The pull their chairs out and sit down, opening all the documents again. Whispers and the odd raised voice can heard by Ranger but he can not make out exactly what they're saying. Some time passes before they stand back up and take a seat around the table that Ranger was sat at. All 4 documents are placed back out on the table but only one was passed back to Ranger. It was titled "Texas".

---

"Texas" Andrew spoke slowly. "This is where we'll be staging our attack. The field that you have suggested will do and it is not to far away from the nearby jump hole that takes us to California and then onto Magellan. As you are aware, Task Force Warhammer will not have enough personal to manage to cause a distraction and to capture the Vessel. Here's your new assignment for now. We need you to get into contact with other Hellfire squadrons that are out there, see who is willing to help us and then brief their Leaders on what is going to happen. We do not have a set date for this as of now, but all personal will have to be ready for when we say it's go time. Everyone will remain on high alert after you get the communications out because the attack could happen at any time. Our scouts will be sent out disguised as Civilians and they will radio back every 30 minutes about the current situation in the surrounding systems of Texas. You have your assignment, get out and do it. You are dismissed." As Ranger gets up to leave via the door, the Command Team head back over to their table on the other side of the room and they start to talk once more. He leaves the room to prepare to send his communication out.