Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 17:17:02 GMT
Torkis is a fairly sparse system, with a singular red giant and 2 planets one ocean world inhabited by the Auraxii and one volcanic molten world close to the star. Sensors indicate a large amount of defense stations in system however most appear to have been destroyed. Two small Auraxii fleets also appear to be in system fighting in small outbursts almost like jousting above the habitable world, who's orbital infrastructure appears to have been destroyed. The planets surface is also riddled with defense installations as a fortress system but many are burning or ruins. It seems there a constant fight between two rival Auraxii systems here, what you wish to do is up to you.
Nanvoe is a rather crowded system with 11 planets of varying types including 2 habitable worlds. One is a veritable hive world that appears from comms traffic to be tearing itself apart from various problems. The governments collapsed, starvation's rife, supplies are extremely hard to come by and the massive population of 8 billion is fighting itself for survival. The second habitable planet is around 4 billion population, less developed but no less crowded it appears the planet was under orbital bombardment with many major cities destroyed. Its people are also starving and in desperate need of medical equipment. Most of the orbital stations in system have been destroyed including two orbital cities that are little more than drifting tombs for millions.
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The first phase of the battlegroup arrived into the space, coming short of the target planet. Commander Hai`d took a sip of his coffee before looking at his console.
"We've arrived at the entry point. Sector scans up." One of the technical staff members said. He watched as his forward screens rendered the system view, mixed in with tactical sensor detection on all craft in the area. He watched as reports came in from the surrounding planets and their current condition from calls of help, possibly from civilian organizations attempting to escape their war torn planets. He tapped his chair console as the allied ships started rendering in from Xspace around them. He opened a system wide broadcast.
//Attention Auraxii Citizens, Contractors and Non-Combatants. We are ships of the ZYPHER empire. We are here to provide Humanitarian Aid and Civil Stability on behalf of the Union Of Worlds and fellow Allies who wish to bring peace to this sector. Our intentions are not hostile and we will provide security and supplies to those who need it.// The full fleet had finally appeared on radar in a defensive march formation.
//I repeat our intentions are not hostile. ZYPHER Military Presence is here for your security and the safety of our assets. You will only be met with aggression if we or any unarmed civilians are fired upon.//
The near 1000 ship ZYPHER fleet closed in on the oceanic Eden as their tactical sensors ran circles around the small fleets still in orbit. The outer bands of the fleet were Holy Pantheons serving as a flank and vanguard of the fleet.
//Attention Ships in Combat above the orbit of the planet. Cease your combat immediately and power down your weapons. Refuse cooperation or attempt to open fire on our fleet, you will be considered a hostile element//
=======Nanvoe======================
The second taskgroup of the remaining 500 ships, had entered the larger system. Reports from the backscatter and previous calls for helps flooded in once they were patched into the open communications network.
"...oh man...we got a lot of ground to cover.." Commander Vali said. She crossed her arms as she looked from the bridge of her Gastin.
"Ma'm, we got no reports of ships in the area...at least in one piece" A raptor replied. The Andromdian rubbed her head.
"Alright..." She said as she looked at the messages for the entire system of the latest if not late responses for the status of the planets.
"..everyone knows the game plan. Split off into your groups. Security Forces protect your areas and partner ships. Lets get our Orbital security set up for our Humanitarian Forces and secure sites for SkyTower deployment."
//Roger Commander.//
//Acknowledged//
Similar responses followed as the 500 ships broke off into slightly smaller numbers and moved towards designated planets from the pre-information given before entry.
"This is Relief Group One to CG. I've arrived in the Nanvoe System and moving to designated planets. No Orbital Resistance detected, beginning 4 planet Spread for ground security and deployment." Vali replied on a communication channel to Hai`d.
//Understood Relief-One. We've also just arrived in Torkis. We have a internal space combat here. Hopefully it won't end horribly and we'll have a HQ set up soon. We'll keep you posted.//
Ships in the Nanvoe System split off with a mixture of Holy Pantheons, Zetas and High Majesties carrying their perspective ground units, as well as Va'dura Assault Crafts to drop SkyTowers for orbital security once they had 100 control of the sky. As the Penumbras got within range, they deployed planetary scout drones in droves of 100s to enter the atmosphere of their designated planets to get an idea of how bad it was on the ground and highlight areas of danger and safety. The security forces only discharged their weapons to destroy platforms that were still active and were attacking indiscriminately.
Similar activities happened in Torkis, as Penumbras deployed scout drone fighters to the ocean planet as the fleet continued forward
Following closely behind Zypher's arrival, 80 Vengeance II Destroyers and 4 Gebieter III Carriers dropped into the Nanvoe system. With their proximity and the recent diplomatic missions, the Auraxii's situation was dire enough to warrant the aid of the Dectrose Empire. They knew enough about the Auraxii, and previous encounters allowed them the knowledge of the kinds of medicine and food supplies to bring along on the carriers. ISF Admiral Andrew Pierce surveyed the scene before him, the calls immediately arriving to their presence. His orders where clear: To provide support for the Zypher relief effort, and provide stability as long as possible to the Auraxii people.
His augmented finger pressing softly on the display in front of him, he broadcasted his intentions "Citizens of the Auraxii Confederacy, Nanvoe system, I am Imperial Space Force Admiral Andrew Pierce of the Dectrose Empire. We are present to provide immediate humanitarian aid to your people and continue to uphold the treaties we have made with your nation. Be advised that our forces may need to land on your planets to provide security and policing duties while we undertake this aid mission." The broadcast was sent to all open frequencies, and set on a repeating cycle.
The Dectrothian ships split into two groups, with 40 Destroyers and 2 Carriers to each planet. The massive 10km size of the Gebieter III Carriers meant that supplies would be hard-pressed to expire, given even the horrible state of the planets, but the hanger bays where packed full of the necessary medicine, food and pre-fabricated collapsible shelters to house and aid a significant amount of the populace. They both came to a rest in orbit of the two habitable planets, awaiting Zypher's scout teams to clear the aid ships through.
The Auraxii fleets will cease firing on each other, with the defenses in the system and much of the ground fighting appearing to stop. The presence of such a huge fleet ceasing any conflict between the two sides in Torkis. A reply is sent by both sides. One asks what business you have here, and that this system and conflict belongs to the Auraxii not outsiders. The other agrees stating that the Union of Worlds and other AGA scum are not welcome in Auraxii space. The two fleets that were hammering each other now appear to be forming up, and firing locks are clearly visible from ground based defense and missile platforms that still function.
The people of Nanove definitely don't seem to care who has come to save them only that they need help. Starvation is rife and the Auraxii have begun killing each other for food, the Varren populace here seems to have been heavily depleted due to such killing and eating. Infrastructure on the world with 4 billion is near totally gone while the infrastructure is somewhat there still on the one with larger populace
"They don't look too happy to see us." The executive Officer on-board of the Monarch Class Ship said as their sensors started picking up targeting warnings.
"Scout drones are painting ground based installations that seem to be still active from their location, just in case."
Hai`d switched channels to continue addressing the questions of the surviving fleets.
//While we are friends with the AGA, we do not wear their flag. Your entire Empire is in upheaval and chaos. We are here to help provide relief and a peaceful solution to stabilizing the sector. If we may, please allow us to reach that conclusion without shedding any more unnecessary blood. If you wish to make a concessions for future ideals, we are open to such as well.//
"Attacking us right now will simply be suicide..." Another tactical officer muttered to another partner.
"Yea...but with the current state of their home....might be what they want."
=========================
Scout drones flew over Nanove planets, reporting the same thing, cities in ruins, outcrop fighting amongst others and even the cannibalism. At this point, the first task group had arrived to the first planet. A fleet of Baizar dropships and Byzant heavy dropships had descended into atmosphere, followed by High Majesty cruisers and Zetas on Overwatch as the Vad'ura Orbital Craft released their Skytower Orbital parts in the sky above them.
Landing in a clearing of what appeared to have been a forest at one point, the Baizars hovered, dropping Trizod expeditionary force on the ground, while the Byzants lowered viehcles.
The Raptor and Andromidian mixed soldiers started securing the grounds, placing beacons down for the Skytower to release it's Trizod Anchors in designated areas. Similar operations occurred in 2 other parts of the planet, with the intention of putting 3 active Skytowers on the planet for full security and multiple bases and start ferrying supplies to designated points. Outside of the expeditionary forces, relief teams immediately deployed towards cities and points of interest as the scout drones continued to mark the points. Armored convoys of soldiers and ASIM medical members, wearing EVAs for safety precaution until the atmosphere was scanned for biological threats, rolled towards the civil centers, looking for hard points to set up temporary spots until their main centers are established.
The Communications Officer below Pierce sorted through the vast array of pleas, the situation was quite dire, and the Zypherian forces had already dropped security platforms down onto the planets. It was clear to Pierce, as the filtered requests came though, that waiting in orbit would only prolong the suffering. He ordered one Carrier to land with an escort of 10 Destroyers from each group, Imperial Marines doing their best to warm their augmentations for the coming crowd of civilians. The plan was simple, the Marines would both police and unload the cargo onboard the ship, once a location was satisfied, ground teams from the destroyers would continue to police the area until refugee camps where established, then the carriers would move on to another location.
Soon enough, a crowd began to grow in the shadow of the massive carrier, Marines disembarking and landing from height, their augmentations cushioning the landing as they began to police the area, using their improved vocal augments as loudspeakers to address the crowd "Auraxii citizens, we're here to provide rapid humanitarian aid to you, please gather in family groups and prepare to distribute the load of the supplies we will provide. If you are in need of critical medical support, please go to the men to the right of the crowd, they will provide on-the-spot medical care, and we have facilities onboard our ship if you require intensive care."
The carrier soon touched down, the destroyers nearby scanning the crowd and determining the amount of supplies needed via numbers of civilians, families, children and elderly. The Marines continued "There will be one month's worth of food per family unit, if you are alone or missing family, please go to your left, and we will provide individual supplies to last yourself for one month, the package you will receive will include medical supplies, communication devices, portable generators, a water supply unit, pre-fabricated shelters and maintenance equipment to sustain these devices and shelters. With this will be a transport pad to ensure you can bring it to your gathering zone without much effort. Please stay safe, the Dectrothian Marines will offload the supplies as rapidly as they can, we will be rotating these people to ensure the fastest offloading, the process will be hastened by calm and orderly attitudes."
Without a word, the Marines began to offload the supplies to the many waiting hands of the Auraxii in a frenzy, the speed in with they moved was unnatural, like a blur when they went to retrieve the packages. "If you see a crime in progress or are a victim of a crime, please see the nearest Imperial Marine and we will work to solve the issue."
The two fleets state that this is not your territory, and that you have no place here. This disagreement is between Auraxii and that if you really wish to provide relief you can drop supplies onto one of the moons of the planet and then leave. The ships keep their weapons locked and ready to fire, but still don't open up entirely on you.
In Nanvoe, a great crowd of Auraxii begin filtering out across the planet towards your landing zones. Those that get to the edge of such beg you for food, water, medical aid and more. Every hour more and more Auraxii arrive asking for the same thing. Next thing you know there are crowds of millions and still coming from all over the place. In some areas fights break out between Auraxii and groups are killed only to be eaten by others. Chaos is beginning to break out around the ZYPHER drops.
The Dectrose method of handling the situation was surprisingly efficient. Those Auraxii with the aid now moved off eating and going back to wherever they came from. Or were being organized into groups by their superiors who survived to move off and set up camps on the outside of the area, it seemed small towns were now rising up outside the Dectrose drop groups. Things were going smoothly until gunfire erupted in the crowd, mowing down a host of Auraxii.
A whole band of Varren, complete with weapons and armour now stormed one of the drop zones, screaming and howling as they came to raid the supplies.
//My Orders are to deliver humanitarian aid to your starving people. Your war among yourself is none of my concern...however since you wish to carry your own fighting over the priority of helping the people you once protected, we will be stepping in to help those who need it.//
//I highly suggest to anyone who doesn't wish to be caught up in this senseless fighting to move away right now. However if your bloodlust is so strong...continue your fight after we've helped your people//
"Should we adjust course sir?" One of the helmsmen spoke.
"No. Continue course towards the Moon they have generously given us and set up defensive positions there to begin ferrying assistance to that planet down there."
"With all those guns.."
"Unless they want to die...it would be in their best interests to remain silent." Aderift said off comms. He wasn't sure his words were going to sway the lost fighters. Despite not wanting to spill blood, he had no pity remaining for them. If they wanted to band against his fleet to fight, all they had to do was pull the trigger.
//Directional EMP system online. Ready for your orders.// One of the Penumbra ships responded. The Forward Vanguard of Holy Pantheons faced their weapons at the two fleets in orbit, as they drifted towards majority the moon above the ocean planet. The Dreadstar Mobile Battlestations being towed by the Monarch Class, charged their barrier system.
==============
The Response was expected, however at the rate of increasing citizens created difficulty indeed for the ground forces. Luckily they managed to get all 3 Trizods on the ground, however they hadn't established the beam anchor for the Skytower just yet as it was still being set up in orbit. Thanks to the expedition markers, they were able to set up several plasma fences ahead of time definitely helped secure somewhat of a vehicle path for the heavier Roadtrain units to leave the Trizods towards the rear of the massive flood of Auraxii, also setting up deployable Tent-like housing within a 'Safe' zone closer to the base. But the problem wasn't with the security...the soldiers and elements on the ground were more than enough to take a country. Nor was the supply with the Trizod's supply depot and additional supplies from orbit...it was the location. The Mobile Base RoadTrain units were immediately deployed to help assist mass refugees who were further away from the Trizod
Commander Vali watched as reports started flooding in with similar circumstances with the first 3 planets. With the helpful deployment of Byzants Dropships and Byzantium Freighters from High Majesty Cruisers above them, they were able to set up deployable shelters within spots further away from the Trizod. They managed to get the chaos under a sense of control within the immediate shadow of the Trizod bases as they started rendering supplies to the masses. ASIM scientists and Soldiers directed food and water for those present and for who asked and moving them to a area where they could rest and eat peacefully. However the worse could be heard from the 'safe' zone as the high pitch sound of the ZYPHER riot control weapons and even some of Kilimond rifles being used echoed from the distant part of the flock.
Soldiers who had their Sonic Stun Rifles fired them into the volatile group of cannibals, while heavier armored raptors rushed in to bash the violators arm-held shields and swords. ASIM and other security members the lined the chaos moved through the panicking crowd and pulled those they could back away from the violence. In one chaotic groups, one of the Baizars that floated above them opened fired with their mounted turrets into the ground kicking up a mixture of dust and blood while survivors scattered away from the evisceration. Another group, the turrets opened fired on a group from the RoadTrain's armored car. The sounds of war that filled the air from the edges of the 'safe' zone started to panic the survivors, where as the their protectors had to reassure them that they are safe. It didn't help some as they started pushing towards the Trizod, forcing them to prep the Riot Control weapons on the base itself just in case.
The lower base of the Trizod became a mass-medical triage center for those who needed urgent care weather from starvation or injuries. In the most peaceful groups that were formed, they also assisted with those who were separated from family ether within the flood of refugees or from the areas they left. For those who needed critical care, they were brought to the High Majesties in the sky by Baizar. To keep panicking people from rushing in, only one of the garage doors were opened on the Base to keep it one way in, one way out.
Within an instant, the Destroyers that where scanning the crowds picked up the location of the Varren band, and coordinates where uploaded to all personnel in the area. The situation called for a non-lethal takedown of the group, so that the enemy combatants could be interrogated and more information could be known. Therefore, the Destroyers launched countermeasures typically used against snubcraft, the RAVD nodes using the Destroyer's IFF data to direct a flash of intense light at the assailants, the systems onboard taking care not to direct the photonic burst at the civilians around them.
Meanwhile, Hardkill countermeasures dropped at the feet of the combatants, firing slugs up into the weapons the Varren carried, the aim being to destroy or disable them immediately, while Marines would jump into the fray to take wounding shots, non-lethal CQC takedowns or if they still posed an immediate threat to the lives of the civilians or Marines, a killshot. The flurry of activity would have caught most normal humanoids by surprise with the sheer speed of efficiency.
The Auraxii fleets keep their position above the planet. Surprisingly not backing down despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them. That's until one of the ships seems to eject a singular projectile and launches it down to the planets surface. Breaking up in the atmosphere the projectile seems to disperse some kind of chemical all over the upper atmosphere that carries on the wind.
At this one of the Auraxii fleets, the one attacking the planet immediately opens up on the defenders who launched the projectile. And their fight continues, the defenders send a message saying 'if we cant have this world nobody can'
---
The Auraxii around the ZYPHER drop sites where there were little riots seemed to deal with the situation well, now being directed to food and shelter they somewhat calmed and now made their way peacefully, a few fights breaking out here and there but nothing the security forces couldn't handle. With supplies being handed out the Auraxii even began to help distribute it amongst themselves, relaxing the entire crowd around one of the landing zones and turning it into a peaceful operation.
The same could not be said for the other sites. With the return of force the Auraxii became more agitated, aggressive and even attacked on mass. Raptors that waded into the crowd were mobbed by waves of Auraxii who scratched and sought to destroy the suit seals and sensors, others rushed security fences and security outposts, some seemed to use Auraxii weapons to fire upon the Baizar. The two other drop sites were chaotic and as more Auraxii went down more seemed to go ballistic with chants of 'Kill the invaders' being chanted over and over.
The Dectrose take down to the Varren was rapid, but not total. Surprisingly the Varren were somewhat prepared for a counter attack. The RAVD nodes managed to blind many at the front for of the attack, while take down shots brought many down into the dirt or wounded them enough to take them out of the fight while the marines jumped in to engage. They were faced with rapid fire weapons at close range, massive blades and general aggression from those who didn't carry weapons. However it was the vehicles that gave the most problems, autocannons roared from IFVs that were captured and several MBTs rolled forward, beginning to fire their main guns on the destroyer and the surrounding security perimeter.
"Commander, Biological Agent detected in atomosphere" One of the tactical officers shouted over the Biologic alerts that went off on the bridge. Aderift clenched his fist at the action. They would take such a trival matter so far...and to their own people. Reminded of an event during one of the many wars they were faced.
He stood up, his XO looking at him as he closed the communications channel to the Aurxaii ships.
"... Interdiction Online." He ordered on internal comms.
"Forward Vanguard, disable those ships...ether by electronic warfare or blasting their functioning systems...I care not which one you have to hit."
//No further warning sir?//
"If possible, plan boarding parties and retrieve escape pods once disabled. Survivors in this fleet are to be captured and detained immediately." He said as he turned to his personal quarters. The XO stood up.
"Defending or attacking...anyone on this ships are war criminals and will be tried before our tribunals. Let me know if anything happens." He said.
"Yes sir." The xo said before turning forward.
"All ships carry forward. Lets get our skytowers on that planet and stabilize the atmosphere as quick as possible." After a flurry of acknowledgements, the phase began.
The Vanguard commenced their operations, releasing directed and repeated EMP blasts to take both fleets offline and kept peppering the ships with EMP bursts to make it difficult for their ships to recover. Light-Of-Leos took their positions accordingly and fired small, but powerful missiles to disable turrets as the Battleships unleashed a massive volley of valdar lances and burst volleys of kinetic rods. Each ship aiming at their bridges and engines without let up.
===========
In Orbit above the principal planet, Commander Vali watched as reports of unrest came pouring in. She rubbed her head gently as she read the reports.
"Zones are going into Red at Base Theta. Ground forces are having some trouble corralling riots."
"Were getting some issues with a lot of our units across the other planets but alot are becoming stable at least." Vali said.
"Continue with non-lethal rule of engagement unless absolutely necessary to use deadly force."
In the Red Zone, Tyrants were released into the crowds. Larger, T-Rex-like Dinterians were released from the Road Trains, following an additional soldiers who wore specialized armor and commanding the Tyrants from behind. While other soldiers tried to usher the more peaceful crowds trying to move away from the commotion, the Tyrants immediately charged without hesitation into the rioters, ripping some into pieces with their teeth and bladed tails, while the special teams fired kilimond rounds into the crowd with high powered weapons. The Baizars armor shrugged most of the light arms fire it was receiving, returning it in mass from the turrets, raining death from the sky in sprays.
The other planets including in the Fortress System moved their Assault Crafts to orbit to drop their Trizods to the ground. Those already on the ground charged their anchor beams and fired into the sky to their SkyTower fortress.
The situation at the front of the conflict was soon untenable for the humanitarian efforts, and so those that where still around the Carrier where directed to safety in the confines of the ship's hangers. As the area was cleared on non-combatants, the Destroyers opened up with their gatling railguns on the enemy vehicles, still aiming to disable, rather than destroy. Even when Imperial Marines where shredded with rapid-fire weapons, and bisected with the Varren's massive blades, the Dectrose continued their efforts to engage the Varren with crippling or disabling shots. They knew that they would need to study the enemy combatants, weapons and vehicles in detail in order to effectively tailor their defenses, tactics and offensive operations against such a foe.
Pierce continued to watch the feeds from the other areas, noting the Zypherian forces in trouble, he sent out a message. "Allied forces, this is the Dectrose Empire, I'm seeing reports of an armed conflict, requesting additional information to see if we can assist."
The EMPs even versus the inferior ships of the Auraxii had no affect, with ships hardened to withstand EMP in the vacuum of space due to solar winds the Auraxii and indeed any vessel in Ancerious simply ignored them. Large railguns instantly spat out at the ZYPHER fleet targeting the larger vessels as thermonuclear missiles launched from tubes across the two Auraxii fleets. Smaller missiles were surprisingly intercepted as the Auraxii used the nuclear detonations to obscure their fleet and vaporize incoming missiles and kinetic rods. Some however did break through but obscured by the explosions were less than accurate instead of claiming incapacitating shots many blew the Auraxii ships apart, bright flares signalling ship deaths, the Valdar lances being far more effective in their disabling strikes.
While those drops that now turned peaceful were under control and now seemed to flow smoothly the violence at the others seemed to escalate. Auraxii who saw the attacks on the rioters and had previously not taken action now did so. Entire crowds of previously calm Auraxii seemed to switch, attacking and clawing at soldiers and moving to help their rioting brethren, screaming for the invaders to leave the planet or die. While many went down to fire and the Tyrants more seemed to jump into the fray.
The gatling railgun strike was both disabling and anything but. Limbs went flying, vehicles exploded or were torn apart violently and sections of the sudden battlefield were torn to pieces as Varren disappeared into clouds of red liquid. Seeing the strike the Varren immediately withdrew, taking whatever they could and firing off the odd round as they ran.
//Allied Dectrose Fleet...we can definitely use a hand here. I have several areas moving into Red Status and my troops on the ground are forced to use lethal force in some cases.// Vali replied as more and more casualty reports came in.
On the ground, there was a ZYPHER soldier getting torn literally out of his armor and ripped into bloody strings before the rioting crowd. His screams drowned out by the chanting and interrupted by the violent strike of the Tyrants units. Despite their effectiveness in corralling the violent crowds, their numbers were hurting the ZYPHER security effort. Guards were getting overrun that they had to retreat behind the Roadtrain Riot Barriers. Even in areas that weren't as escalated but called for use of the Riot weapons, the disabling sounds were only helping so much. The over-stubborn were met with restrain from personnel units.
------
A portion of the Holy Pantheon Vanguard received contact from the returning strikes. Their collective shields taking most of the damage from the thermonuclear weaponry. While some ships reported minor damage in specific areas, the fire did not let up. In fact no one could call this a weapon exchange. The Holy Pantheon's Valdar weaponry continued to shower the Auraxii fleets, multiple ships moving from vessel to vessel, disabling or dismantling each ship that was in their range, while the Light Of Leo cruisers intercepted the missile attacks with their anti-projectile guidance systems. As this occurred, the Orbital Assault Crafts had made their way in position, guarded by the bulk of their security attached fleet and keeping an eye on the planet's defenses that may continue to view them as hostile. The Monarch Deathship and her Escorts maneuver to the planet's moon, watching as the Vanguard surround the Auraxii fleet as they continued their bombardment and disabling fire.
Sensors and drones in atmosphere indicated that the viral agent was spreading quite quickly. Once in position they immediately released their Skytower Orbital Fortresses. Once they were deployed, they immediately followed with dropping their Trizod ground partition into the planet. Since this was an ocean planet, the Trizods had their own deploy-able splash platforms to keep the Trizod afloat until it was stable enough to activate it's anchor beam. It took some time, but they were able deploy the first of the 3 anchors right as the cloud of the agent reached it's position. The Tower began to sync to the planet's atmosphere and filter the biological agent upwards using it's Atmospheric Terraform Assistance System.
With the situation cleared, the cleanup process began immediately, enemy casualties where taken off the field, engineers came out to order the specialized ARVs to pick up and take onboard the vehicles, and once cleaned, the Auraxii where offloaded with their supplies and their equipment. To ensure that they would remain safe, a small platoon of Marines went with each major group to provide security, looking to recruit those able-bodied Auraxii into their group to be taught on how to defend their homes and villages from further attacks. This would hopefully mean that later on, the Auraxii would be strong enough to fend off the Varren themselves, if they proved to still be a threat.
On the Zypherian front, Pierce finished up with the group of Auraxii he was helping, then lifted off to move towards the embroiled rioting on the other planet. He then sent instructions to his allies "Back out of the conflict for the moment, my fleet will come in to take over security detail and explain the situation, we'll be in broadcasting range shortly." Once Pierce was in orbit, he began to descend towards the hot zone, using the long-range acoustic devices on the ship to boom over the area "Auraxii populace, this is the Dectrose Empire. The Zypherians are here to provide aid and support for your people, as are the Dectrothians. Please move yourselves away from the Zypherian ships, those that decline shall not receive aid at that time, and will be detained for a short amount of time until hostilities are ended. We will only use lethal force against the Varren threat, we do not seek to bring harm to your people. Once again, both the Dectrothians and Zypherians wish to provide humanitarian aid and stability to your planets, we will continue to do so as long as there is cooperation."
Orders had filtered in from the orbital command to all ground units who were having trouble. There was still a deman for blood in the harshest sectors at which ZYPHER security had respond as best as they could without hurting the crowds of rioters. However many have not responded to the Dectrose's communication in kind. Moderate areas successfully saw more control if not an angry crowd of chanters but now the security detail had formed a line protected by their WarTrain with all their weapons trained on the crowd but awaiting for the Dectrose to arrive. At specific points supplies were stopped until the crowd was coaxed into settling down. Commander Vali rubbed her head. She was almost afraid to look at the pictures from the red zones of the dead so far. However what was concerning to their mission was the fact that a few red spots were approaching a Code: Crimson...an area of uncontrolled aggression with no hope of peace. To ZYPHER that meant that riot has ventured so far out of control that the only option was to defend themselves. Hoping it will not reach such a dreaded option Vali ordered additional supplies and reinforcements to move areas where the threat was reaching higher.
--
Explosions performed a light display in the skies above Novoe. If anyone were on the ground at night looking up at the stars they would see a beautiful dance of blue and purpleish hue colors. One's child may ask why they see the heavens dance. An adult would reply that people are dying up there.
Both fleets lay ravaged and crippled or completely destroyed under the pressure of the Vangaurd. Their captains gave a uniform order...if lights were still on the ship, keep firing. There were more than a few holes in some ships. Others were barely recognizable. High Majesties had picked their way through debris behind the securing fleet for emergency capsules if any survived and scanning ships for pockets of life. Escapees were brought to the mother fleet High Majesties where they were released from the their prisons and restrained by their captives or looked over by protected medics. Astrobattlion field units inserted themselves inside of broken Auraxii ships attempting to rescue stranded souls. Most successful in their attempts while others who attempted or failed to heavy depressurization of their safe spots before rescuers could get there. It was a shitshow with the fleet. Commander Aderift knew that and didnt bother to look at the reports on that. His main concern was the Skytowers, now deployed with the planet on the favorable 3:3 ratio. Sadly the Agent had already covered 2/3rds of the planets atmosphere...the planet for the most part a funural pire for those in not protected areas. In the safe cloud, roadtrains equipped with Hazard Safe Passenger cars were immdiately deployed along side Bizars and Byzants to quickly gather civilians who were out in the open of the safe area while they waitrd for ASIM High Majesties to come aid the Skytowers in clearing the sky.
"We got life in the seriously infected areas." A report came in from the drone operators over the heavily afflicted area.
"Looks like theyre lucky but no idea how long they'll last. There might be more that can't be detected."
//Keep an eye on those areas and coordinate Anti-Hazard teams to clear those areas when ready// Aderift responded.
The Dectrothian Destroyers came in to hover over the different hotzones, airdropping Marines down to take over from the Zypherians, trying to calm the crowd and alleviate some of the concerns for Zypher. In the more dangerous zones, the Marines dropped in with Heavy PA, their shields forming a line in which they could protect their allies behind them, while negating the furious mob in front. The cyclonic shields where set to slap any protesters that tried to push or grab on the shield, giving them a painful sting but not seriously injuring them.
For now, the Dectrose Marines where content with just waiting out the angry mobs, soon enough they would lose steam and the Marines would be able to focus on those inciting the crowd into furious frenzies, arresting them and detaining them until the crowds would become more compliant.
The additional relief provided by Dectrose helped stole alot of the crowds. Security members on the ground, continued to protect the relief resources. As armored vehicles rolled up behind the crowd, the ground members waved them over to stay put behind the Dectrose marines. After a while things were starting to cool down and thanks to the additional security, and more supplies were being handed out to those who needed. Some areas were calm enough to now bring medics into the field to get the injured into designated triage points. Commander Vali breathed a sigh of relief as better reports came in. Her task group had reached all inhabited planets in the system and began portaling in a O.R.C. Orbital complex into the system through Penumbras. Sadly all areas couldn't be saved. Even one area reached code crimson. That single report made a shiver go down Vali's spine. She shook the feeling for now, looked to her operations chief that came just arrived in.
"We got minor resistance in some areas of the system, but were slowly achieving headway." He said.
"Good. I think we can thank our Dectrose friends for their assistance." She responded.
"Pull a small recon force together and move into into the next target system. Once things are under control here, we'll move in behind them and get support moving in." She said. The Ops Chief nodded and returned to the bridge of the ship.
=====
Things were equally not very well in Aderift's system. The conflict was clearly over and the fleets were destroyed, Byzants and other ships had control of the area in orbit.
On the ground of the ocean paradise planet....words couldn't describe the scene. Baizars and Byzants, followed by Banesharks and Kanedavas in the oceanic areas watched an ocean of bodies flood through the water cities. ASIM EVAs both Dinterian and Andromidian walked around the rooftops, and structures that once protected citizens now were filled with dead bodies from ether those trying to escape the chaos around them, or those who took advantage of the chaos.
Pierce spoke up on the comm line to the Zypherian forces "Zypherian Commander, we request to remain in this system to continue relief efforts, I propose we jointly claim this system, and eventually hand over the system fully to your control at a later date." The voices from the Marines had remained cool and calm, the security efforts where working, and everything was going quite well. They would help the Auraxii out as much as they could, then move on to link up with the main Dectrose force later.
Commander Vali listened in to Pierce's request to joint control the system. While they had other plans in place, she was not a stranger to accepting additional assistance.
"Very Well, Admiral Pierce. I can use all the help we can get." She replied.
"Ma'm" One of the other officers said, stepping into the room. Vali held a finger up.
"We'll continue humantarian aid as well as continue our secondary operations." she said before muting the line on her side and looking at the officer.
"KOBA units are ready to deploy on your order." He said. She nodded.
"Began infiltration operations." She said.
Nanvoe is a rather crowded system with 11 planets of varying types including 2 habitable worlds. One is a veritable hive world that appears from comms traffic to be tearing itself apart from various problems. The governments collapsed, starvation's rife, supplies are extremely hard to come by and the massive population of 8 billion is fighting itself for survival. The second habitable planet is around 4 billion population, less developed but no less crowded it appears the planet was under orbital bombardment with many major cities destroyed. Its people are also starving and in desperate need of medical equipment. Most of the orbital stations in system have been destroyed including two orbital cities that are little more than drifting tombs for millions.
========================
The first phase of the battlegroup arrived into the space, coming short of the target planet. Commander Hai`d took a sip of his coffee before looking at his console.
"We've arrived at the entry point. Sector scans up." One of the technical staff members said. He watched as his forward screens rendered the system view, mixed in with tactical sensor detection on all craft in the area. He watched as reports came in from the surrounding planets and their current condition from calls of help, possibly from civilian organizations attempting to escape their war torn planets. He tapped his chair console as the allied ships started rendering in from Xspace around them. He opened a system wide broadcast.
//Attention Auraxii Citizens, Contractors and Non-Combatants. We are ships of the ZYPHER empire. We are here to provide Humanitarian Aid and Civil Stability on behalf of the Union Of Worlds and fellow Allies who wish to bring peace to this sector. Our intentions are not hostile and we will provide security and supplies to those who need it.// The full fleet had finally appeared on radar in a defensive march formation.
//I repeat our intentions are not hostile. ZYPHER Military Presence is here for your security and the safety of our assets. You will only be met with aggression if we or any unarmed civilians are fired upon.//
The near 1000 ship ZYPHER fleet closed in on the oceanic Eden as their tactical sensors ran circles around the small fleets still in orbit. The outer bands of the fleet were Holy Pantheons serving as a flank and vanguard of the fleet.
//Attention Ships in Combat above the orbit of the planet. Cease your combat immediately and power down your weapons. Refuse cooperation or attempt to open fire on our fleet, you will be considered a hostile element//
=======Nanvoe======================
The second taskgroup of the remaining 500 ships, had entered the larger system. Reports from the backscatter and previous calls for helps flooded in once they were patched into the open communications network.
"...oh man...we got a lot of ground to cover.." Commander Vali said. She crossed her arms as she looked from the bridge of her Gastin.
"Ma'm, we got no reports of ships in the area...at least in one piece" A raptor replied. The Andromdian rubbed her head.
"Alright..." She said as she looked at the messages for the entire system of the latest if not late responses for the status of the planets.
"..everyone knows the game plan. Split off into your groups. Security Forces protect your areas and partner ships. Lets get our Orbital security set up for our Humanitarian Forces and secure sites for SkyTower deployment."
//Roger Commander.//
//Acknowledged//
Similar responses followed as the 500 ships broke off into slightly smaller numbers and moved towards designated planets from the pre-information given before entry.
"This is Relief Group One to CG. I've arrived in the Nanvoe System and moving to designated planets. No Orbital Resistance detected, beginning 4 planet Spread for ground security and deployment." Vali replied on a communication channel to Hai`d.
//Understood Relief-One. We've also just arrived in Torkis. We have a internal space combat here. Hopefully it won't end horribly and we'll have a HQ set up soon. We'll keep you posted.//
Ships in the Nanvoe System split off with a mixture of Holy Pantheons, Zetas and High Majesties carrying their perspective ground units, as well as Va'dura Assault Crafts to drop SkyTowers for orbital security once they had 100 control of the sky. As the Penumbras got within range, they deployed planetary scout drones in droves of 100s to enter the atmosphere of their designated planets to get an idea of how bad it was on the ground and highlight areas of danger and safety. The security forces only discharged their weapons to destroy platforms that were still active and were attacking indiscriminately.
Similar activities happened in Torkis, as Penumbras deployed scout drone fighters to the ocean planet as the fleet continued forward
Following closely behind Zypher's arrival, 80 Vengeance II Destroyers and 4 Gebieter III Carriers dropped into the Nanvoe system. With their proximity and the recent diplomatic missions, the Auraxii's situation was dire enough to warrant the aid of the Dectrose Empire. They knew enough about the Auraxii, and previous encounters allowed them the knowledge of the kinds of medicine and food supplies to bring along on the carriers. ISF Admiral Andrew Pierce surveyed the scene before him, the calls immediately arriving to their presence. His orders where clear: To provide support for the Zypher relief effort, and provide stability as long as possible to the Auraxii people.
His augmented finger pressing softly on the display in front of him, he broadcasted his intentions "Citizens of the Auraxii Confederacy, Nanvoe system, I am Imperial Space Force Admiral Andrew Pierce of the Dectrose Empire. We are present to provide immediate humanitarian aid to your people and continue to uphold the treaties we have made with your nation. Be advised that our forces may need to land on your planets to provide security and policing duties while we undertake this aid mission." The broadcast was sent to all open frequencies, and set on a repeating cycle.
The Dectrothian ships split into two groups, with 40 Destroyers and 2 Carriers to each planet. The massive 10km size of the Gebieter III Carriers meant that supplies would be hard-pressed to expire, given even the horrible state of the planets, but the hanger bays where packed full of the necessary medicine, food and pre-fabricated collapsible shelters to house and aid a significant amount of the populace. They both came to a rest in orbit of the two habitable planets, awaiting Zypher's scout teams to clear the aid ships through.
The Auraxii fleets will cease firing on each other, with the defenses in the system and much of the ground fighting appearing to stop. The presence of such a huge fleet ceasing any conflict between the two sides in Torkis. A reply is sent by both sides. One asks what business you have here, and that this system and conflict belongs to the Auraxii not outsiders. The other agrees stating that the Union of Worlds and other AGA scum are not welcome in Auraxii space. The two fleets that were hammering each other now appear to be forming up, and firing locks are clearly visible from ground based defense and missile platforms that still function.
The people of Nanove definitely don't seem to care who has come to save them only that they need help. Starvation is rife and the Auraxii have begun killing each other for food, the Varren populace here seems to have been heavily depleted due to such killing and eating. Infrastructure on the world with 4 billion is near totally gone while the infrastructure is somewhat there still on the one with larger populace
"They don't look too happy to see us." The executive Officer on-board of the Monarch Class Ship said as their sensors started picking up targeting warnings.
"Scout drones are painting ground based installations that seem to be still active from their location, just in case."
Hai`d switched channels to continue addressing the questions of the surviving fleets.
//While we are friends with the AGA, we do not wear their flag. Your entire Empire is in upheaval and chaos. We are here to help provide relief and a peaceful solution to stabilizing the sector. If we may, please allow us to reach that conclusion without shedding any more unnecessary blood. If you wish to make a concessions for future ideals, we are open to such as well.//
"Attacking us right now will simply be suicide..." Another tactical officer muttered to another partner.
"Yea...but with the current state of their home....might be what they want."
=========================
Scout drones flew over Nanove planets, reporting the same thing, cities in ruins, outcrop fighting amongst others and even the cannibalism. At this point, the first task group had arrived to the first planet. A fleet of Baizar dropships and Byzant heavy dropships had descended into atmosphere, followed by High Majesty cruisers and Zetas on Overwatch as the Vad'ura Orbital Craft released their Skytower Orbital parts in the sky above them.
Landing in a clearing of what appeared to have been a forest at one point, the Baizars hovered, dropping Trizod expeditionary force on the ground, while the Byzants lowered viehcles.
The Raptor and Andromidian mixed soldiers started securing the grounds, placing beacons down for the Skytower to release it's Trizod Anchors in designated areas. Similar operations occurred in 2 other parts of the planet, with the intention of putting 3 active Skytowers on the planet for full security and multiple bases and start ferrying supplies to designated points. Outside of the expeditionary forces, relief teams immediately deployed towards cities and points of interest as the scout drones continued to mark the points. Armored convoys of soldiers and ASIM medical members, wearing EVAs for safety precaution until the atmosphere was scanned for biological threats, rolled towards the civil centers, looking for hard points to set up temporary spots until their main centers are established.
The Communications Officer below Pierce sorted through the vast array of pleas, the situation was quite dire, and the Zypherian forces had already dropped security platforms down onto the planets. It was clear to Pierce, as the filtered requests came though, that waiting in orbit would only prolong the suffering. He ordered one Carrier to land with an escort of 10 Destroyers from each group, Imperial Marines doing their best to warm their augmentations for the coming crowd of civilians. The plan was simple, the Marines would both police and unload the cargo onboard the ship, once a location was satisfied, ground teams from the destroyers would continue to police the area until refugee camps where established, then the carriers would move on to another location.
Soon enough, a crowd began to grow in the shadow of the massive carrier, Marines disembarking and landing from height, their augmentations cushioning the landing as they began to police the area, using their improved vocal augments as loudspeakers to address the crowd "Auraxii citizens, we're here to provide rapid humanitarian aid to you, please gather in family groups and prepare to distribute the load of the supplies we will provide. If you are in need of critical medical support, please go to the men to the right of the crowd, they will provide on-the-spot medical care, and we have facilities onboard our ship if you require intensive care."
The carrier soon touched down, the destroyers nearby scanning the crowd and determining the amount of supplies needed via numbers of civilians, families, children and elderly. The Marines continued "There will be one month's worth of food per family unit, if you are alone or missing family, please go to your left, and we will provide individual supplies to last yourself for one month, the package you will receive will include medical supplies, communication devices, portable generators, a water supply unit, pre-fabricated shelters and maintenance equipment to sustain these devices and shelters. With this will be a transport pad to ensure you can bring it to your gathering zone without much effort. Please stay safe, the Dectrothian Marines will offload the supplies as rapidly as they can, we will be rotating these people to ensure the fastest offloading, the process will be hastened by calm and orderly attitudes."
Without a word, the Marines began to offload the supplies to the many waiting hands of the Auraxii in a frenzy, the speed in with they moved was unnatural, like a blur when they went to retrieve the packages. "If you see a crime in progress or are a victim of a crime, please see the nearest Imperial Marine and we will work to solve the issue."
The two fleets state that this is not your territory, and that you have no place here. This disagreement is between Auraxii and that if you really wish to provide relief you can drop supplies onto one of the moons of the planet and then leave. The ships keep their weapons locked and ready to fire, but still don't open up entirely on you.
In Nanvoe, a great crowd of Auraxii begin filtering out across the planet towards your landing zones. Those that get to the edge of such beg you for food, water, medical aid and more. Every hour more and more Auraxii arrive asking for the same thing. Next thing you know there are crowds of millions and still coming from all over the place. In some areas fights break out between Auraxii and groups are killed only to be eaten by others. Chaos is beginning to break out around the ZYPHER drops.
The Dectrose method of handling the situation was surprisingly efficient. Those Auraxii with the aid now moved off eating and going back to wherever they came from. Or were being organized into groups by their superiors who survived to move off and set up camps on the outside of the area, it seemed small towns were now rising up outside the Dectrose drop groups. Things were going smoothly until gunfire erupted in the crowd, mowing down a host of Auraxii.
A whole band of Varren, complete with weapons and armour now stormed one of the drop zones, screaming and howling as they came to raid the supplies.
//My Orders are to deliver humanitarian aid to your starving people. Your war among yourself is none of my concern...however since you wish to carry your own fighting over the priority of helping the people you once protected, we will be stepping in to help those who need it.//
//I highly suggest to anyone who doesn't wish to be caught up in this senseless fighting to move away right now. However if your bloodlust is so strong...continue your fight after we've helped your people//
"Should we adjust course sir?" One of the helmsmen spoke.
"No. Continue course towards the Moon they have generously given us and set up defensive positions there to begin ferrying assistance to that planet down there."
"With all those guns.."
"Unless they want to die...it would be in their best interests to remain silent." Aderift said off comms. He wasn't sure his words were going to sway the lost fighters. Despite not wanting to spill blood, he had no pity remaining for them. If they wanted to band against his fleet to fight, all they had to do was pull the trigger.
//Directional EMP system online. Ready for your orders.// One of the Penumbra ships responded. The Forward Vanguard of Holy Pantheons faced their weapons at the two fleets in orbit, as they drifted towards majority the moon above the ocean planet. The Dreadstar Mobile Battlestations being towed by the Monarch Class, charged their barrier system.
==============
The Response was expected, however at the rate of increasing citizens created difficulty indeed for the ground forces. Luckily they managed to get all 3 Trizods on the ground, however they hadn't established the beam anchor for the Skytower just yet as it was still being set up in orbit. Thanks to the expedition markers, they were able to set up several plasma fences ahead of time definitely helped secure somewhat of a vehicle path for the heavier Roadtrain units to leave the Trizods towards the rear of the massive flood of Auraxii, also setting up deployable Tent-like housing within a 'Safe' zone closer to the base. But the problem wasn't with the security...the soldiers and elements on the ground were more than enough to take a country. Nor was the supply with the Trizod's supply depot and additional supplies from orbit...it was the location. The Mobile Base RoadTrain units were immediately deployed to help assist mass refugees who were further away from the Trizod
Commander Vali watched as reports started flooding in with similar circumstances with the first 3 planets. With the helpful deployment of Byzants Dropships and Byzantium Freighters from High Majesty Cruisers above them, they were able to set up deployable shelters within spots further away from the Trizod. They managed to get the chaos under a sense of control within the immediate shadow of the Trizod bases as they started rendering supplies to the masses. ASIM scientists and Soldiers directed food and water for those present and for who asked and moving them to a area where they could rest and eat peacefully. However the worse could be heard from the 'safe' zone as the high pitch sound of the ZYPHER riot control weapons and even some of Kilimond rifles being used echoed from the distant part of the flock.
Soldiers who had their Sonic Stun Rifles fired them into the volatile group of cannibals, while heavier armored raptors rushed in to bash the violators arm-held shields and swords. ASIM and other security members the lined the chaos moved through the panicking crowd and pulled those they could back away from the violence. In one chaotic groups, one of the Baizars that floated above them opened fired with their mounted turrets into the ground kicking up a mixture of dust and blood while survivors scattered away from the evisceration. Another group, the turrets opened fired on a group from the RoadTrain's armored car. The sounds of war that filled the air from the edges of the 'safe' zone started to panic the survivors, where as the their protectors had to reassure them that they are safe. It didn't help some as they started pushing towards the Trizod, forcing them to prep the Riot Control weapons on the base itself just in case.
The lower base of the Trizod became a mass-medical triage center for those who needed urgent care weather from starvation or injuries. In the most peaceful groups that were formed, they also assisted with those who were separated from family ether within the flood of refugees or from the areas they left. For those who needed critical care, they were brought to the High Majesties in the sky by Baizar. To keep panicking people from rushing in, only one of the garage doors were opened on the Base to keep it one way in, one way out.
Within an instant, the Destroyers that where scanning the crowds picked up the location of the Varren band, and coordinates where uploaded to all personnel in the area. The situation called for a non-lethal takedown of the group, so that the enemy combatants could be interrogated and more information could be known. Therefore, the Destroyers launched countermeasures typically used against snubcraft, the RAVD nodes using the Destroyer's IFF data to direct a flash of intense light at the assailants, the systems onboard taking care not to direct the photonic burst at the civilians around them.
Meanwhile, Hardkill countermeasures dropped at the feet of the combatants, firing slugs up into the weapons the Varren carried, the aim being to destroy or disable them immediately, while Marines would jump into the fray to take wounding shots, non-lethal CQC takedowns or if they still posed an immediate threat to the lives of the civilians or Marines, a killshot. The flurry of activity would have caught most normal humanoids by surprise with the sheer speed of efficiency.
The Auraxii fleets keep their position above the planet. Surprisingly not backing down despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them. That's until one of the ships seems to eject a singular projectile and launches it down to the planets surface. Breaking up in the atmosphere the projectile seems to disperse some kind of chemical all over the upper atmosphere that carries on the wind.
At this one of the Auraxii fleets, the one attacking the planet immediately opens up on the defenders who launched the projectile. And their fight continues, the defenders send a message saying 'if we cant have this world nobody can'
---
The Auraxii around the ZYPHER drop sites where there were little riots seemed to deal with the situation well, now being directed to food and shelter they somewhat calmed and now made their way peacefully, a few fights breaking out here and there but nothing the security forces couldn't handle. With supplies being handed out the Auraxii even began to help distribute it amongst themselves, relaxing the entire crowd around one of the landing zones and turning it into a peaceful operation.
The same could not be said for the other sites. With the return of force the Auraxii became more agitated, aggressive and even attacked on mass. Raptors that waded into the crowd were mobbed by waves of Auraxii who scratched and sought to destroy the suit seals and sensors, others rushed security fences and security outposts, some seemed to use Auraxii weapons to fire upon the Baizar. The two other drop sites were chaotic and as more Auraxii went down more seemed to go ballistic with chants of 'Kill the invaders' being chanted over and over.
The Dectrose take down to the Varren was rapid, but not total. Surprisingly the Varren were somewhat prepared for a counter attack. The RAVD nodes managed to blind many at the front for of the attack, while take down shots brought many down into the dirt or wounded them enough to take them out of the fight while the marines jumped in to engage. They were faced with rapid fire weapons at close range, massive blades and general aggression from those who didn't carry weapons. However it was the vehicles that gave the most problems, autocannons roared from IFVs that were captured and several MBTs rolled forward, beginning to fire their main guns on the destroyer and the surrounding security perimeter.
"Commander, Biological Agent detected in atomosphere" One of the tactical officers shouted over the Biologic alerts that went off on the bridge. Aderift clenched his fist at the action. They would take such a trival matter so far...and to their own people. Reminded of an event during one of the many wars they were faced.
He stood up, his XO looking at him as he closed the communications channel to the Aurxaii ships.
"... Interdiction Online." He ordered on internal comms.
"Forward Vanguard, disable those ships...ether by electronic warfare or blasting their functioning systems...I care not which one you have to hit."
//No further warning sir?//
"If possible, plan boarding parties and retrieve escape pods once disabled. Survivors in this fleet are to be captured and detained immediately." He said as he turned to his personal quarters. The XO stood up.
"Defending or attacking...anyone on this ships are war criminals and will be tried before our tribunals. Let me know if anything happens." He said.
"Yes sir." The xo said before turning forward.
"All ships carry forward. Lets get our skytowers on that planet and stabilize the atmosphere as quick as possible." After a flurry of acknowledgements, the phase began.
The Vanguard commenced their operations, releasing directed and repeated EMP blasts to take both fleets offline and kept peppering the ships with EMP bursts to make it difficult for their ships to recover. Light-Of-Leos took their positions accordingly and fired small, but powerful missiles to disable turrets as the Battleships unleashed a massive volley of valdar lances and burst volleys of kinetic rods. Each ship aiming at their bridges and engines without let up.
===========
In Orbit above the principal planet, Commander Vali watched as reports of unrest came pouring in. She rubbed her head gently as she read the reports.
"Zones are going into Red at Base Theta. Ground forces are having some trouble corralling riots."
"Were getting some issues with a lot of our units across the other planets but alot are becoming stable at least." Vali said.
"Continue with non-lethal rule of engagement unless absolutely necessary to use deadly force."
In the Red Zone, Tyrants were released into the crowds. Larger, T-Rex-like Dinterians were released from the Road Trains, following an additional soldiers who wore specialized armor and commanding the Tyrants from behind. While other soldiers tried to usher the more peaceful crowds trying to move away from the commotion, the Tyrants immediately charged without hesitation into the rioters, ripping some into pieces with their teeth and bladed tails, while the special teams fired kilimond rounds into the crowd with high powered weapons. The Baizars armor shrugged most of the light arms fire it was receiving, returning it in mass from the turrets, raining death from the sky in sprays.
The other planets including in the Fortress System moved their Assault Crafts to orbit to drop their Trizods to the ground. Those already on the ground charged their anchor beams and fired into the sky to their SkyTower fortress.
The situation at the front of the conflict was soon untenable for the humanitarian efforts, and so those that where still around the Carrier where directed to safety in the confines of the ship's hangers. As the area was cleared on non-combatants, the Destroyers opened up with their gatling railguns on the enemy vehicles, still aiming to disable, rather than destroy. Even when Imperial Marines where shredded with rapid-fire weapons, and bisected with the Varren's massive blades, the Dectrose continued their efforts to engage the Varren with crippling or disabling shots. They knew that they would need to study the enemy combatants, weapons and vehicles in detail in order to effectively tailor their defenses, tactics and offensive operations against such a foe.
Pierce continued to watch the feeds from the other areas, noting the Zypherian forces in trouble, he sent out a message. "Allied forces, this is the Dectrose Empire, I'm seeing reports of an armed conflict, requesting additional information to see if we can assist."
The EMPs even versus the inferior ships of the Auraxii had no affect, with ships hardened to withstand EMP in the vacuum of space due to solar winds the Auraxii and indeed any vessel in Ancerious simply ignored them. Large railguns instantly spat out at the ZYPHER fleet targeting the larger vessels as thermonuclear missiles launched from tubes across the two Auraxii fleets. Smaller missiles were surprisingly intercepted as the Auraxii used the nuclear detonations to obscure their fleet and vaporize incoming missiles and kinetic rods. Some however did break through but obscured by the explosions were less than accurate instead of claiming incapacitating shots many blew the Auraxii ships apart, bright flares signalling ship deaths, the Valdar lances being far more effective in their disabling strikes.
While those drops that now turned peaceful were under control and now seemed to flow smoothly the violence at the others seemed to escalate. Auraxii who saw the attacks on the rioters and had previously not taken action now did so. Entire crowds of previously calm Auraxii seemed to switch, attacking and clawing at soldiers and moving to help their rioting brethren, screaming for the invaders to leave the planet or die. While many went down to fire and the Tyrants more seemed to jump into the fray.
The gatling railgun strike was both disabling and anything but. Limbs went flying, vehicles exploded or were torn apart violently and sections of the sudden battlefield were torn to pieces as Varren disappeared into clouds of red liquid. Seeing the strike the Varren immediately withdrew, taking whatever they could and firing off the odd round as they ran.
//Allied Dectrose Fleet...we can definitely use a hand here. I have several areas moving into Red Status and my troops on the ground are forced to use lethal force in some cases.// Vali replied as more and more casualty reports came in.
On the ground, there was a ZYPHER soldier getting torn literally out of his armor and ripped into bloody strings before the rioting crowd. His screams drowned out by the chanting and interrupted by the violent strike of the Tyrants units. Despite their effectiveness in corralling the violent crowds, their numbers were hurting the ZYPHER security effort. Guards were getting overrun that they had to retreat behind the Roadtrain Riot Barriers. Even in areas that weren't as escalated but called for use of the Riot weapons, the disabling sounds were only helping so much. The over-stubborn were met with restrain from personnel units.
------
A portion of the Holy Pantheon Vanguard received contact from the returning strikes. Their collective shields taking most of the damage from the thermonuclear weaponry. While some ships reported minor damage in specific areas, the fire did not let up. In fact no one could call this a weapon exchange. The Holy Pantheon's Valdar weaponry continued to shower the Auraxii fleets, multiple ships moving from vessel to vessel, disabling or dismantling each ship that was in their range, while the Light Of Leo cruisers intercepted the missile attacks with their anti-projectile guidance systems. As this occurred, the Orbital Assault Crafts had made their way in position, guarded by the bulk of their security attached fleet and keeping an eye on the planet's defenses that may continue to view them as hostile. The Monarch Deathship and her Escorts maneuver to the planet's moon, watching as the Vanguard surround the Auraxii fleet as they continued their bombardment and disabling fire.
Sensors and drones in atmosphere indicated that the viral agent was spreading quite quickly. Once in position they immediately released their Skytower Orbital Fortresses. Once they were deployed, they immediately followed with dropping their Trizod ground partition into the planet. Since this was an ocean planet, the Trizods had their own deploy-able splash platforms to keep the Trizod afloat until it was stable enough to activate it's anchor beam. It took some time, but they were able deploy the first of the 3 anchors right as the cloud of the agent reached it's position. The Tower began to sync to the planet's atmosphere and filter the biological agent upwards using it's Atmospheric Terraform Assistance System.
With the situation cleared, the cleanup process began immediately, enemy casualties where taken off the field, engineers came out to order the specialized ARVs to pick up and take onboard the vehicles, and once cleaned, the Auraxii where offloaded with their supplies and their equipment. To ensure that they would remain safe, a small platoon of Marines went with each major group to provide security, looking to recruit those able-bodied Auraxii into their group to be taught on how to defend their homes and villages from further attacks. This would hopefully mean that later on, the Auraxii would be strong enough to fend off the Varren themselves, if they proved to still be a threat.
On the Zypherian front, Pierce finished up with the group of Auraxii he was helping, then lifted off to move towards the embroiled rioting on the other planet. He then sent instructions to his allies "Back out of the conflict for the moment, my fleet will come in to take over security detail and explain the situation, we'll be in broadcasting range shortly." Once Pierce was in orbit, he began to descend towards the hot zone, using the long-range acoustic devices on the ship to boom over the area "Auraxii populace, this is the Dectrose Empire. The Zypherians are here to provide aid and support for your people, as are the Dectrothians. Please move yourselves away from the Zypherian ships, those that decline shall not receive aid at that time, and will be detained for a short amount of time until hostilities are ended. We will only use lethal force against the Varren threat, we do not seek to bring harm to your people. Once again, both the Dectrothians and Zypherians wish to provide humanitarian aid and stability to your planets, we will continue to do so as long as there is cooperation."
Orders had filtered in from the orbital command to all ground units who were having trouble. There was still a deman for blood in the harshest sectors at which ZYPHER security had respond as best as they could without hurting the crowds of rioters. However many have not responded to the Dectrose's communication in kind. Moderate areas successfully saw more control if not an angry crowd of chanters but now the security detail had formed a line protected by their WarTrain with all their weapons trained on the crowd but awaiting for the Dectrose to arrive. At specific points supplies were stopped until the crowd was coaxed into settling down. Commander Vali rubbed her head. She was almost afraid to look at the pictures from the red zones of the dead so far. However what was concerning to their mission was the fact that a few red spots were approaching a Code: Crimson...an area of uncontrolled aggression with no hope of peace. To ZYPHER that meant that riot has ventured so far out of control that the only option was to defend themselves. Hoping it will not reach such a dreaded option Vali ordered additional supplies and reinforcements to move areas where the threat was reaching higher.
--
Explosions performed a light display in the skies above Novoe. If anyone were on the ground at night looking up at the stars they would see a beautiful dance of blue and purpleish hue colors. One's child may ask why they see the heavens dance. An adult would reply that people are dying up there.
Both fleets lay ravaged and crippled or completely destroyed under the pressure of the Vangaurd. Their captains gave a uniform order...if lights were still on the ship, keep firing. There were more than a few holes in some ships. Others were barely recognizable. High Majesties had picked their way through debris behind the securing fleet for emergency capsules if any survived and scanning ships for pockets of life. Escapees were brought to the mother fleet High Majesties where they were released from the their prisons and restrained by their captives or looked over by protected medics. Astrobattlion field units inserted themselves inside of broken Auraxii ships attempting to rescue stranded souls. Most successful in their attempts while others who attempted or failed to heavy depressurization of their safe spots before rescuers could get there. It was a shitshow with the fleet. Commander Aderift knew that and didnt bother to look at the reports on that. His main concern was the Skytowers, now deployed with the planet on the favorable 3:3 ratio. Sadly the Agent had already covered 2/3rds of the planets atmosphere...the planet for the most part a funural pire for those in not protected areas. In the safe cloud, roadtrains equipped with Hazard Safe Passenger cars were immdiately deployed along side Bizars and Byzants to quickly gather civilians who were out in the open of the safe area while they waitrd for ASIM High Majesties to come aid the Skytowers in clearing the sky.
"We got life in the seriously infected areas." A report came in from the drone operators over the heavily afflicted area.
"Looks like theyre lucky but no idea how long they'll last. There might be more that can't be detected."
//Keep an eye on those areas and coordinate Anti-Hazard teams to clear those areas when ready// Aderift responded.
The Dectrothian Destroyers came in to hover over the different hotzones, airdropping Marines down to take over from the Zypherians, trying to calm the crowd and alleviate some of the concerns for Zypher. In the more dangerous zones, the Marines dropped in with Heavy PA, their shields forming a line in which they could protect their allies behind them, while negating the furious mob in front. The cyclonic shields where set to slap any protesters that tried to push or grab on the shield, giving them a painful sting but not seriously injuring them.
For now, the Dectrose Marines where content with just waiting out the angry mobs, soon enough they would lose steam and the Marines would be able to focus on those inciting the crowd into furious frenzies, arresting them and detaining them until the crowds would become more compliant.
The additional relief provided by Dectrose helped stole alot of the crowds. Security members on the ground, continued to protect the relief resources. As armored vehicles rolled up behind the crowd, the ground members waved them over to stay put behind the Dectrose marines. After a while things were starting to cool down and thanks to the additional security, and more supplies were being handed out to those who needed. Some areas were calm enough to now bring medics into the field to get the injured into designated triage points. Commander Vali breathed a sigh of relief as better reports came in. Her task group had reached all inhabited planets in the system and began portaling in a O.R.C. Orbital complex into the system through Penumbras. Sadly all areas couldn't be saved. Even one area reached code crimson. That single report made a shiver go down Vali's spine. She shook the feeling for now, looked to her operations chief that came just arrived in.
"We got minor resistance in some areas of the system, but were slowly achieving headway." He said.
"Good. I think we can thank our Dectrose friends for their assistance." She responded.
"Pull a small recon force together and move into into the next target system. Once things are under control here, we'll move in behind them and get support moving in." She said. The Ops Chief nodded and returned to the bridge of the ship.
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Things were equally not very well in Aderift's system. The conflict was clearly over and the fleets were destroyed, Byzants and other ships had control of the area in orbit.
On the ground of the ocean paradise planet....words couldn't describe the scene. Baizars and Byzants, followed by Banesharks and Kanedavas in the oceanic areas watched an ocean of bodies flood through the water cities. ASIM EVAs both Dinterian and Andromidian walked around the rooftops, and structures that once protected citizens now were filled with dead bodies from ether those trying to escape the chaos around them, or those who took advantage of the chaos.
Pierce spoke up on the comm line to the Zypherian forces "Zypherian Commander, we request to remain in this system to continue relief efforts, I propose we jointly claim this system, and eventually hand over the system fully to your control at a later date." The voices from the Marines had remained cool and calm, the security efforts where working, and everything was going quite well. They would help the Auraxii out as much as they could, then move on to link up with the main Dectrose force later.
Commander Vali listened in to Pierce's request to joint control the system. While they had other plans in place, she was not a stranger to accepting additional assistance.
"Very Well, Admiral Pierce. I can use all the help we can get." She replied.
"Ma'm" One of the other officers said, stepping into the room. Vali held a finger up.
"We'll continue humantarian aid as well as continue our secondary operations." she said before muting the line on her side and looking at the officer.
"KOBA units are ready to deploy on your order." He said. She nodded.
"Began infiltration operations." She said.