Post by EmperorMyric on Feb 5, 2022 11:56:20 GMT
Silver Cradle: Union Space
Esme relaxed as she rested her head onto the lounge chair.
The view outside the massive open windows was beautiful, carefully designed and built warm ocean, brilliantly blue and stretching out up over the horizon as it followed the ring. The sandy beach which her premises were next to allowed her to practically walk out straight onto it and the openness of her main room through the glass windows gave her the most delightful warming sunshine from Mirachs star.
The holographic displays showed her what she wanted to see as she relaxed. Writing speeches all day took its toll, and she was more than interested to see how the events of the Vaplanan meeting had gone down. It was the only chance they had to actually avoid what was coming by peace, nobody had thought it would work but Eiasten had gone anyway. Esme at least respected him for that.
Alas, war had not been averted as per expectations.
But at least a foundation for further dialogue had been established. A talk with Aedleshaven would be golden, if they could alleviate the Ancerium shortage through diplomacy it would be a titanic victory. And with Orillia agreeing that CONA would not fire on any forces as they jointly engage Corona there was room for common ground.
“I'm amazed he pulled this much. No doubt it was Queen Fidelias work.” She chuckled to herself.
Waving the holographic screen to one side she took a deep breath and felt the heat on her skin, but a quick chirp of an alert caused her to bring the screen up again, a little annoyed.
“Yes this is Esme”
“Sorry to disturb you Ma’am you have a visitor outside should I let them in?” Her aide, a young boy, apologized profusely.
“Oh yes, I almost forgot thank you Micheal, please let them in” She got herself to her feet just to see Lumis Kari approach the main room. Esme held her hands up in apology.
“I am sorry Admiral I forgot about our appointment” She smiled. Lumis gave a small nod and a grin, taking off her sunglasses for a moment.
“It's fine Esme, I may even have to join you”
“That's true, you could do with a nice tan” She chuckled back.
“Alas I burn more than tan, anyway shall we sit down and begin? I have a list of first targets. I think you would be more than qualified to help the Reserve Administration plan out its first moves. After all, your our biggest supporter”
New Saina: Federal Republic of Karzan Space
“It's been too long,” Alane sighed as she sat with Eiasten.
“Yes, things have been so insanely beyond hectic I haven't even had a chance to come personally meet about state politics let alone to see you”
“I guess it is just the way of things. I know your politics have not been easy, and with the crash, Orillia and the coming war it's all just too much” The president of the FRK kissed Eiasten on the cheek. He sighed deeply, honestly exhausted.
“That's an understatement. Honestly Alane I won't be re-elected next election, too much has changed, too drastic actions have happened. The Union needs another leader” He poured himself another drink.
Eiasten had officially come to the FRK for a state politics visit concerning policy and a unified response towards CONA, but he had not seen Alane for so long he had stayed just a bit more. The stately home of the president just outside the capital city of New Saina was the perfect location. Neither should have any feelings for one another given their roles as state leaders, but it had happened anyway. They made sure to keep everything professional in the open, but that meant it was hard behind the scenes.
“Well I don't trust anyone else to steer the Union apart from you Tarn but… If you don't get re-elected perhaps you can leave the party and become an FRK citizen? We could move in together, and downsize” She laughed gesturing to the huge stately house they were in.
“Now when you put it like that I can't help but want to quit any running race, just to ensure that happens”
“It's always an option”
“Maybe when this crisis has been resolved. I'll retire from politics, and we can finally be together.” He genuinely wanted that. Alane nodded and placed a hand on his knee.
“I think it would do us both some good. I know you don't want the Union to suffer, or anyone to die. But I know we can't avoid it” Alane tried to console him.
“I know, the Vaplanan talk gave us a chance but it's too slim. The fleets are assembling and soon we will have to move on Aedleshaven, CONA peace or no. It's going to be a hard few months from here on out”
“True, but you have the full backing of the FRK, our fleets will join with yours. The senate backs the Union and in joining SAGA. We of course have a few who disagree but most of us know that the Orillians see us still as a spawn of the UF, who oppressed natives. That's enough of a label for them to come for us”
“We won't let that happen” Eiasten turned to her.
“I know, and we won't either. All we can do is try to make the right choices. Now come on, relax. This is likely the last time we see each other for a long time”
Halo System: Union Space
“Admiral Dewitt it's good to see you”
“And you Admiral Volkus, it's been a while. All the plans in place?”
“Absolutely, drawn up by me and Hargun. We are as ready as ever, how's the fleet?” Volkus placed his hands behind his back as the two walked over to the massive holographic projector, surrounded by many tows of circular tiered seating Volkus remembered just how big the main crew of the Union class could be. And this new version was no different. Now however it was just the two of them, and soon to be a third.
“The fleet is in perfect state, the last of our forces should be rendezvousing within the next two days. And the FRK contingent just arrived a few hours ago as you know. The ICS is also sending 200 vessels, they will be here in 4 days. By the time you need us everything will be in place” Volkus could see how proud Dewitt was.
“Excellent, and how are the new ships? I have heard the Horizon vessels are quite the new buckets of fun” Dewitt laughed.
“That's an understatement, they are everything we wanted. It's just a shame the politicians took building them so late, if we had these babies in the war we wouldn't have had the losses we did”
“At least we have them now at this critical juncture” Volkus and Dewitt turned as they heard the door open. Another Admiral walked in, saluting both of them.
“Admiral Bradamont of the Federal Republic Space Navy, it's an honour to meet you Admirals” They saluted back and shook hands.
“Welcome aboard the Transcendent Angel, how are your forces?” Dewitt teased. He always did when a new face came aboard his pride and joy of a super dreadnought.
“She is a big girl Admiral. I am glad she is on our side, my forces are all supplied and ready to go. When you move, we move, and our systems are all fully integrated we won't have any issues with command and control”
“Very impressive, you commanded forces at Sarnarth yes?” Volkus asked. Bradamont seemed to twitch for a moment, remembering the issues caused by the Jade bombardment, and the losses.
“Yes, that was me” There was a moment of awkward silence before Volkus spoke.
“Very good work. You did everything right and fought bravely. We are honored to have you on board, now shall we begin? We can take you over the whole Aedleshaven plan”
Pavonis Prime: HICOM Orbital
“So the Prime Ministers venture for peace was a failure?”
“It was, although a possible foundation was laid”
“Better than nothing I suppose” Hargun tiredly replied, scanning over layouts of the Coronan force pieced together from countless sources. Sapphire stood next to him, eyeing the read out but also the Fleet Admiral “Do you think that this can be solved by diplomacy Princess?”
“No. Not only is it not within Orillias interests to do, but them seeking and creating a peaceful mutual resolution for both sides is an active detriment to their goals. They would be destroying their own position through peace and diplomacy” She placed her hands on the display. Hargun sighed.
“You're far too correct. Wishful thinking on our part then”
“One can never be entirely sure. Are you well James? You havent been yourself lately” Sapphires question, and the use of his first name showed how far they had come. Hargun had never fully forgiven her for what she had done under Draken control to his family. But he trusted her ironically more than almost anyone else, she was frank. And did not hide anything. He took his cap off and ran a hand through his hair with a long breath.
“No. Truth be told its not”
“Would you like to talk about it?” Sapphire placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I feel like a soldier out of time. Another war, another threat. I have watched those who I have mentored grow into their prime, and change. I have watched multiple galaxies change and I have seen the Union here change. It feels like everything is running away from me, and that I am reaching the end of my road to contribute” Harguns voice sounded exhausted.
“I understand. But you are not at the end of your road yet James. Things are changing. Yes, this enclave is very different to our home but it is finding its own path. We must do what we can to guide them still, and to try and overcome this threat as always. Maybe after things will calm down hm?” Sapphire did her best to comfort him.
“I don't know, something feels different this time. Like the Union here has changed. I see it in how Volkus and Dewitt look at me, they don't have the same spark in the eyes anymore. You see it in the politicians. Some things have changed, it's almost like we have lost our purpose and drive” He sighed.
“I agree, something has changed.” Hargun looked surprised.
“You do?”
“Yes. You are right, it's as if there is a malaise just underneath the skin of our people. Nobody seems truly proud anymore, nobody seems to be focused, nobody seems to have a goal. Its almost when we won the 2nd Ancerious war and the government was reformed that we lost ourselves. Now we have aimlessly wandered and stumbled in our inaction into another war, one that may be far worse” Sapphires frankness took Hargun off guard.
“I… You couldn't have put it better. I can only hope we regain our light.” He seemed to slump slightly.
“Don't give up hope James, let's try to rekindle that light. I know my father would want that more than anything. You have my support”
“Thank you princess. Lets just hope we can fix that issue before the war consumes us all”
Unknown Location: Inside Union Space
Feedback data was beyond optimal.
The small formation danced through the blackness of space. Intricate maneuvers back and forth, at titanic speeds, each perfectly choreographed with the programmed movements. Mobility was beyond their hopes, and already the formation had easily obliterated several test vessels from the old Peacekeeper fleet, along with other targets bought from the Ancnet. Ship debris floated in the space between stars, the only trace of the new fleet that was undergoing testing.
Only five ships at current had been completed, but that was enough to test their capabilities and ensure that they were up to standard.
Lumis watched from the inside of the command center, the data displays were all reading perfect, something which Esme had been delighted to hear. This was the 5th day of testing and so far, the Ghost Fleet proved to be everything they had hoped. When the entire thing was completed, they would have a force unlike any other, bar perhaps the Unnamed. Ten more vessels were scheduled to be completed within the next day, and then a full taskforce could be assembled.
The on board AI processing capabilities had already demonstrated remarkable self awareness and self reliance, and so the autonomy of the system would be more than reliable. Only two more days of self tests in Union space and then the fleet would conduct live testing in the field. They already had identified targets, and Esme had given the go ahead to ensure they would function in a live environment.
The radiation flash from a reactor going off indicated another perfect precision kill by the formation as it sped by, the ship, a Carnaithian Ozark purchased through testing channels, barely had enough time to react before its destruction. The stealth systems of the Ghost fleet were proving more than adequate.
“Compile all results and send to Esme”
“Yes Ma’am”
Another vessel detonated, this time a purchased Jade vessel, followed by a RANGSI Temujin III Cruiser.
“Inform me when the next batch of ships are completed”
Hons System: Union Space
The noise was phenomenal.
Truthfully it was worse than the damn training, thousands of soldiers, thousands of armoured vehicles all loading onto the transport ships. He was surprised that the orbital docks could handle so many men. Entire companies were lined up, in formation and loading onto vessels one at a time. Tanks, MLRS, IFVs and more were all running their engines too, waiting in line to roll up ramps from one cavernous dock into another large holding area in the ships. It was a chaotic operation in appearance, but Oavik knew it was well oiled and well organized.
He himself carried all of his kit, all suited up in his power armour like all the men around him he waited his turn along with the 103rd Company in boarding the Squire Class Transports.
This was truly it.
He had been too young to fight in the second Ancerious war, but he had joined up when he came of age. Briefly deployed to Capitol during the last year of the occupation he had been rapidly reassigned to ICS space to do joint training operations, and he was gutted he wasn't chosen for the invasion of Sarnarth.
But here he was, boarding military transports bound for Aedleshaven.
Oaviks father had fought and died on Aedleshaven, and now he was going back to that world. He would make his father and the Union proud, he would secure the planet and the corridor, ensure the Ancerium could reach his nation and strangle Orillia out of the war. His blood was pumping even as his company was called.
“103rd! Stand ready, we are boarding!”
The call caused many to shift around, everyone was eager to fight. They would board the transports and meet up with the Union Corridor Relief Task Force in Halo, then they would move to join up with the SAGA joint fleet and carry out Operation Golden Threshold. No doubt he and his fellows would be combat dropping into Aedleshaven, it was then their task to secure the planet. And they would be doing so alongside countless allies.
Even as the first line was called Oavik kept thinking this would be his version of Operation New Dawn. Impossible odds, countless nations working together, and a key objective that needed to be done.
He would do it at any cost.
“4th Platoon move out!”
The men in front of him began moving and Oavik started walking too. Quickly they made their way up the deployed access shafts, each soldier clearly excited to be finally underway. Oavik gave the docks a quick final glance, looking at all of the soldiers and war machines. A sudden darkness crossed his mind.
How many would never make it back?
Silver Cradle: Union Space
“I must give my official congratulations as well as those of the Union, hosting the Grindstone is no small feat, and I am very much sure that it will benefit Carnaith massively in the months to come. Is everything settling in alright? I hope you don't have any Coronans already on their way to burn it down” Eiasten laughed.
“No Coronans yet Prime Minister thankfully. And I thank you for the kind words, everything is settling in just nicely. Luckily the Grindstone and much of its supported networking has made the transition and integration quite swift and without fault. It's quite impressive how efficient they are” Celia, the now promoted Carnaithian official ambassador to the Union of Worlds, relaxed as she poured another drink.
The Omniversal Empire had quite a substantial legation in the diplomatic section of the Silver Cradle, bigger than any other nation. Entire small housing estates, diplomatic quarters, command and control, relay nodes and more all settled within a nearly 5 kilometer squad set aside for them. It was almost always bustling with activity given the closeness of the two states and the ties to the CGSS as well as the now defunct AGA. Eiasten had returned from his visit to the FRK and now it was straight back to business.
“Now that is good to hear. No use in more disruption given the times we live in. I wished to reassure you and your nation that no matter what happens the Union will stand by its economic treaties and contracts with you. Carnaith has priority as it has always done. No doubt our sudden cuts with Natar and other states have rattled a few heads but this is a personal reaffirmation by me and backed by the Grand Congress” Tarn smiled as Celia poured him a drink, taking it with a raise of the glass.
“It certainly turned a few heads of the main houses, let alone the business officials. But do not worry we didn't expect you to suddenly cut everything. It is very reassuring to hear you make these promises however, and given our economic standing we will be keeping all trade with the Union as it is.”
“I thank you ambassador. These are uncertain times, I merely hope we can secure the corridor in time before everyone runs out of Ancerium”
“I see the diplomatic avenue didn't quite play out?” Celia smirked slightly. Eiasten grunted.
“Tiny progress but not enough. We have heard nothing from Aedleshaven, no doubt Yrillix was lying”
“Without a doubt, Prime Minister. Still you have our support. Who could have thought we would be going back to Aedleshaven?”
“Indeed. It seems to be the cursed coveted object that poisons the galaxy. With any luck it will be the last time we have to go into that place” The memories of the Uprising era were not pleasant.
“Time will tell. At least we don't have to deal with the Abberation this time…”
Aedleshaven Corridor: Golden Expanse
The small Aedleshaven flotilla was ready for anything.
16 ships of various mish mash classes and designs held this sector of space, the patrol route took them to the very edge of the corridors claimed space and their objective was to report any incoming contacts and help give triangulation to the incoming massive Coronan fleets location.
The formation was not exactly tightly packed but weapons were hot. Too many colonial assets had tried to run the gauntlet in order to snatch some Ancerium out of desperation only to be gunned down. They would either intercept them or relay their trajectory to other hunter killer formations.
It was about time Aedleshaven took its own territory back.
Despite the massive Coronan fleet bearing down on them the ADF morale was high. They knew CONA would aid them and that they could hold the corridor. They knew this space better than anyone, and even with their mishmash fleet they could hold the line alongside their native allies.
Nothing would stop their destiny.
That was until the lead battlecruiser of the formation, an old Furrelian design which had been hijacked and sold on to Aedleshaven, exploded.
It was no reactor accident, it was weapons fire.
Sensors were instantly searching for targets, but there were none. Another cruiser detonated as it was speared by laser fire, followed by two escorts being torn apart by stealth missiles. Ships took evasive action as the formation scattered, hoping to buy time to find whatever was engaging them. Two more vessels were torn apart before the first of the enemies was identified. It was utterly unknown configuration wise, and already heavy jamming was preventing the vessels from relaying the information back to the ADF proper.
With most of their formation taken out the remaining vessels fired back, pumping kinetic slugs and missiles at the target it jinked incredibly fast for a vessel that size and evaded most of the incoming fire. Another three ships were taken out, and the target hadn't even fired. There was more than one.
Several shots connected, causing the incoming contact to veer off, but another volley of stealth warheads wiped out yet another ADF cruiser as it tried to come around and search for new targets.
Reduced to a handful of vessels the remaining ships were wiped out piecemeal. The AI of the new Ghost fleet recording every detail of the battle in full.
The ADF patrol had been destroyed, and the Ghost Fleet had claimed its first kill. 10 vessels had been deployed, and while one had taken damage the results exceeded the Reserve Administrations wildest dreams.
It was a proper weapon for them to wield at last.
Esme relaxed as she rested her head onto the lounge chair.
The view outside the massive open windows was beautiful, carefully designed and built warm ocean, brilliantly blue and stretching out up over the horizon as it followed the ring. The sandy beach which her premises were next to allowed her to practically walk out straight onto it and the openness of her main room through the glass windows gave her the most delightful warming sunshine from Mirachs star.
The holographic displays showed her what she wanted to see as she relaxed. Writing speeches all day took its toll, and she was more than interested to see how the events of the Vaplanan meeting had gone down. It was the only chance they had to actually avoid what was coming by peace, nobody had thought it would work but Eiasten had gone anyway. Esme at least respected him for that.
Alas, war had not been averted as per expectations.
But at least a foundation for further dialogue had been established. A talk with Aedleshaven would be golden, if they could alleviate the Ancerium shortage through diplomacy it would be a titanic victory. And with Orillia agreeing that CONA would not fire on any forces as they jointly engage Corona there was room for common ground.
“I'm amazed he pulled this much. No doubt it was Queen Fidelias work.” She chuckled to herself.
Waving the holographic screen to one side she took a deep breath and felt the heat on her skin, but a quick chirp of an alert caused her to bring the screen up again, a little annoyed.
“Yes this is Esme”
“Sorry to disturb you Ma’am you have a visitor outside should I let them in?” Her aide, a young boy, apologized profusely.
“Oh yes, I almost forgot thank you Micheal, please let them in” She got herself to her feet just to see Lumis Kari approach the main room. Esme held her hands up in apology.
“I am sorry Admiral I forgot about our appointment” She smiled. Lumis gave a small nod and a grin, taking off her sunglasses for a moment.
“It's fine Esme, I may even have to join you”
“That's true, you could do with a nice tan” She chuckled back.
“Alas I burn more than tan, anyway shall we sit down and begin? I have a list of first targets. I think you would be more than qualified to help the Reserve Administration plan out its first moves. After all, your our biggest supporter”
New Saina: Federal Republic of Karzan Space
“It's been too long,” Alane sighed as she sat with Eiasten.
“Yes, things have been so insanely beyond hectic I haven't even had a chance to come personally meet about state politics let alone to see you”
“I guess it is just the way of things. I know your politics have not been easy, and with the crash, Orillia and the coming war it's all just too much” The president of the FRK kissed Eiasten on the cheek. He sighed deeply, honestly exhausted.
“That's an understatement. Honestly Alane I won't be re-elected next election, too much has changed, too drastic actions have happened. The Union needs another leader” He poured himself another drink.
Eiasten had officially come to the FRK for a state politics visit concerning policy and a unified response towards CONA, but he had not seen Alane for so long he had stayed just a bit more. The stately home of the president just outside the capital city of New Saina was the perfect location. Neither should have any feelings for one another given their roles as state leaders, but it had happened anyway. They made sure to keep everything professional in the open, but that meant it was hard behind the scenes.
“Well I don't trust anyone else to steer the Union apart from you Tarn but… If you don't get re-elected perhaps you can leave the party and become an FRK citizen? We could move in together, and downsize” She laughed gesturing to the huge stately house they were in.
“Now when you put it like that I can't help but want to quit any running race, just to ensure that happens”
“It's always an option”
“Maybe when this crisis has been resolved. I'll retire from politics, and we can finally be together.” He genuinely wanted that. Alane nodded and placed a hand on his knee.
“I think it would do us both some good. I know you don't want the Union to suffer, or anyone to die. But I know we can't avoid it” Alane tried to console him.
“I know, the Vaplanan talk gave us a chance but it's too slim. The fleets are assembling and soon we will have to move on Aedleshaven, CONA peace or no. It's going to be a hard few months from here on out”
“True, but you have the full backing of the FRK, our fleets will join with yours. The senate backs the Union and in joining SAGA. We of course have a few who disagree but most of us know that the Orillians see us still as a spawn of the UF, who oppressed natives. That's enough of a label for them to come for us”
“We won't let that happen” Eiasten turned to her.
“I know, and we won't either. All we can do is try to make the right choices. Now come on, relax. This is likely the last time we see each other for a long time”
Halo System: Union Space
“Admiral Dewitt it's good to see you”
“And you Admiral Volkus, it's been a while. All the plans in place?”
“Absolutely, drawn up by me and Hargun. We are as ready as ever, how's the fleet?” Volkus placed his hands behind his back as the two walked over to the massive holographic projector, surrounded by many tows of circular tiered seating Volkus remembered just how big the main crew of the Union class could be. And this new version was no different. Now however it was just the two of them, and soon to be a third.
“The fleet is in perfect state, the last of our forces should be rendezvousing within the next two days. And the FRK contingent just arrived a few hours ago as you know. The ICS is also sending 200 vessels, they will be here in 4 days. By the time you need us everything will be in place” Volkus could see how proud Dewitt was.
“Excellent, and how are the new ships? I have heard the Horizon vessels are quite the new buckets of fun” Dewitt laughed.
“That's an understatement, they are everything we wanted. It's just a shame the politicians took building them so late, if we had these babies in the war we wouldn't have had the losses we did”
“At least we have them now at this critical juncture” Volkus and Dewitt turned as they heard the door open. Another Admiral walked in, saluting both of them.
“Admiral Bradamont of the Federal Republic Space Navy, it's an honour to meet you Admirals” They saluted back and shook hands.
“Welcome aboard the Transcendent Angel, how are your forces?” Dewitt teased. He always did when a new face came aboard his pride and joy of a super dreadnought.
“She is a big girl Admiral. I am glad she is on our side, my forces are all supplied and ready to go. When you move, we move, and our systems are all fully integrated we won't have any issues with command and control”
“Very impressive, you commanded forces at Sarnarth yes?” Volkus asked. Bradamont seemed to twitch for a moment, remembering the issues caused by the Jade bombardment, and the losses.
“Yes, that was me” There was a moment of awkward silence before Volkus spoke.
“Very good work. You did everything right and fought bravely. We are honored to have you on board, now shall we begin? We can take you over the whole Aedleshaven plan”
Pavonis Prime: HICOM Orbital
“So the Prime Ministers venture for peace was a failure?”
“It was, although a possible foundation was laid”
“Better than nothing I suppose” Hargun tiredly replied, scanning over layouts of the Coronan force pieced together from countless sources. Sapphire stood next to him, eyeing the read out but also the Fleet Admiral “Do you think that this can be solved by diplomacy Princess?”
“No. Not only is it not within Orillias interests to do, but them seeking and creating a peaceful mutual resolution for both sides is an active detriment to their goals. They would be destroying their own position through peace and diplomacy” She placed her hands on the display. Hargun sighed.
“You're far too correct. Wishful thinking on our part then”
“One can never be entirely sure. Are you well James? You havent been yourself lately” Sapphires question, and the use of his first name showed how far they had come. Hargun had never fully forgiven her for what she had done under Draken control to his family. But he trusted her ironically more than almost anyone else, she was frank. And did not hide anything. He took his cap off and ran a hand through his hair with a long breath.
“No. Truth be told its not”
“Would you like to talk about it?” Sapphire placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I feel like a soldier out of time. Another war, another threat. I have watched those who I have mentored grow into their prime, and change. I have watched multiple galaxies change and I have seen the Union here change. It feels like everything is running away from me, and that I am reaching the end of my road to contribute” Harguns voice sounded exhausted.
“I understand. But you are not at the end of your road yet James. Things are changing. Yes, this enclave is very different to our home but it is finding its own path. We must do what we can to guide them still, and to try and overcome this threat as always. Maybe after things will calm down hm?” Sapphire did her best to comfort him.
“I don't know, something feels different this time. Like the Union here has changed. I see it in how Volkus and Dewitt look at me, they don't have the same spark in the eyes anymore. You see it in the politicians. Some things have changed, it's almost like we have lost our purpose and drive” He sighed.
“I agree, something has changed.” Hargun looked surprised.
“You do?”
“Yes. You are right, it's as if there is a malaise just underneath the skin of our people. Nobody seems truly proud anymore, nobody seems to be focused, nobody seems to have a goal. Its almost when we won the 2nd Ancerious war and the government was reformed that we lost ourselves. Now we have aimlessly wandered and stumbled in our inaction into another war, one that may be far worse” Sapphires frankness took Hargun off guard.
“I… You couldn't have put it better. I can only hope we regain our light.” He seemed to slump slightly.
“Don't give up hope James, let's try to rekindle that light. I know my father would want that more than anything. You have my support”
“Thank you princess. Lets just hope we can fix that issue before the war consumes us all”
Unknown Location: Inside Union Space
Feedback data was beyond optimal.
The small formation danced through the blackness of space. Intricate maneuvers back and forth, at titanic speeds, each perfectly choreographed with the programmed movements. Mobility was beyond their hopes, and already the formation had easily obliterated several test vessels from the old Peacekeeper fleet, along with other targets bought from the Ancnet. Ship debris floated in the space between stars, the only trace of the new fleet that was undergoing testing.
Only five ships at current had been completed, but that was enough to test their capabilities and ensure that they were up to standard.
Lumis watched from the inside of the command center, the data displays were all reading perfect, something which Esme had been delighted to hear. This was the 5th day of testing and so far, the Ghost Fleet proved to be everything they had hoped. When the entire thing was completed, they would have a force unlike any other, bar perhaps the Unnamed. Ten more vessels were scheduled to be completed within the next day, and then a full taskforce could be assembled.
The on board AI processing capabilities had already demonstrated remarkable self awareness and self reliance, and so the autonomy of the system would be more than reliable. Only two more days of self tests in Union space and then the fleet would conduct live testing in the field. They already had identified targets, and Esme had given the go ahead to ensure they would function in a live environment.
The radiation flash from a reactor going off indicated another perfect precision kill by the formation as it sped by, the ship, a Carnaithian Ozark purchased through testing channels, barely had enough time to react before its destruction. The stealth systems of the Ghost fleet were proving more than adequate.
“Compile all results and send to Esme”
“Yes Ma’am”
Another vessel detonated, this time a purchased Jade vessel, followed by a RANGSI Temujin III Cruiser.
“Inform me when the next batch of ships are completed”
Hons System: Union Space
The noise was phenomenal.
Truthfully it was worse than the damn training, thousands of soldiers, thousands of armoured vehicles all loading onto the transport ships. He was surprised that the orbital docks could handle so many men. Entire companies were lined up, in formation and loading onto vessels one at a time. Tanks, MLRS, IFVs and more were all running their engines too, waiting in line to roll up ramps from one cavernous dock into another large holding area in the ships. It was a chaotic operation in appearance, but Oavik knew it was well oiled and well organized.
He himself carried all of his kit, all suited up in his power armour like all the men around him he waited his turn along with the 103rd Company in boarding the Squire Class Transports.
This was truly it.
He had been too young to fight in the second Ancerious war, but he had joined up when he came of age. Briefly deployed to Capitol during the last year of the occupation he had been rapidly reassigned to ICS space to do joint training operations, and he was gutted he wasn't chosen for the invasion of Sarnarth.
But here he was, boarding military transports bound for Aedleshaven.
Oaviks father had fought and died on Aedleshaven, and now he was going back to that world. He would make his father and the Union proud, he would secure the planet and the corridor, ensure the Ancerium could reach his nation and strangle Orillia out of the war. His blood was pumping even as his company was called.
“103rd! Stand ready, we are boarding!”
The call caused many to shift around, everyone was eager to fight. They would board the transports and meet up with the Union Corridor Relief Task Force in Halo, then they would move to join up with the SAGA joint fleet and carry out Operation Golden Threshold. No doubt he and his fellows would be combat dropping into Aedleshaven, it was then their task to secure the planet. And they would be doing so alongside countless allies.
Even as the first line was called Oavik kept thinking this would be his version of Operation New Dawn. Impossible odds, countless nations working together, and a key objective that needed to be done.
He would do it at any cost.
“4th Platoon move out!”
The men in front of him began moving and Oavik started walking too. Quickly they made their way up the deployed access shafts, each soldier clearly excited to be finally underway. Oavik gave the docks a quick final glance, looking at all of the soldiers and war machines. A sudden darkness crossed his mind.
How many would never make it back?
Silver Cradle: Union Space
“I must give my official congratulations as well as those of the Union, hosting the Grindstone is no small feat, and I am very much sure that it will benefit Carnaith massively in the months to come. Is everything settling in alright? I hope you don't have any Coronans already on their way to burn it down” Eiasten laughed.
“No Coronans yet Prime Minister thankfully. And I thank you for the kind words, everything is settling in just nicely. Luckily the Grindstone and much of its supported networking has made the transition and integration quite swift and without fault. It's quite impressive how efficient they are” Celia, the now promoted Carnaithian official ambassador to the Union of Worlds, relaxed as she poured another drink.
The Omniversal Empire had quite a substantial legation in the diplomatic section of the Silver Cradle, bigger than any other nation. Entire small housing estates, diplomatic quarters, command and control, relay nodes and more all settled within a nearly 5 kilometer squad set aside for them. It was almost always bustling with activity given the closeness of the two states and the ties to the CGSS as well as the now defunct AGA. Eiasten had returned from his visit to the FRK and now it was straight back to business.
“Now that is good to hear. No use in more disruption given the times we live in. I wished to reassure you and your nation that no matter what happens the Union will stand by its economic treaties and contracts with you. Carnaith has priority as it has always done. No doubt our sudden cuts with Natar and other states have rattled a few heads but this is a personal reaffirmation by me and backed by the Grand Congress” Tarn smiled as Celia poured him a drink, taking it with a raise of the glass.
“It certainly turned a few heads of the main houses, let alone the business officials. But do not worry we didn't expect you to suddenly cut everything. It is very reassuring to hear you make these promises however, and given our economic standing we will be keeping all trade with the Union as it is.”
“I thank you ambassador. These are uncertain times, I merely hope we can secure the corridor in time before everyone runs out of Ancerium”
“I see the diplomatic avenue didn't quite play out?” Celia smirked slightly. Eiasten grunted.
“Tiny progress but not enough. We have heard nothing from Aedleshaven, no doubt Yrillix was lying”
“Without a doubt, Prime Minister. Still you have our support. Who could have thought we would be going back to Aedleshaven?”
“Indeed. It seems to be the cursed coveted object that poisons the galaxy. With any luck it will be the last time we have to go into that place” The memories of the Uprising era were not pleasant.
“Time will tell. At least we don't have to deal with the Abberation this time…”
Aedleshaven Corridor: Golden Expanse
The small Aedleshaven flotilla was ready for anything.
16 ships of various mish mash classes and designs held this sector of space, the patrol route took them to the very edge of the corridors claimed space and their objective was to report any incoming contacts and help give triangulation to the incoming massive Coronan fleets location.
The formation was not exactly tightly packed but weapons were hot. Too many colonial assets had tried to run the gauntlet in order to snatch some Ancerium out of desperation only to be gunned down. They would either intercept them or relay their trajectory to other hunter killer formations.
It was about time Aedleshaven took its own territory back.
Despite the massive Coronan fleet bearing down on them the ADF morale was high. They knew CONA would aid them and that they could hold the corridor. They knew this space better than anyone, and even with their mishmash fleet they could hold the line alongside their native allies.
Nothing would stop their destiny.
That was until the lead battlecruiser of the formation, an old Furrelian design which had been hijacked and sold on to Aedleshaven, exploded.
It was no reactor accident, it was weapons fire.
Sensors were instantly searching for targets, but there were none. Another cruiser detonated as it was speared by laser fire, followed by two escorts being torn apart by stealth missiles. Ships took evasive action as the formation scattered, hoping to buy time to find whatever was engaging them. Two more vessels were torn apart before the first of the enemies was identified. It was utterly unknown configuration wise, and already heavy jamming was preventing the vessels from relaying the information back to the ADF proper.
With most of their formation taken out the remaining vessels fired back, pumping kinetic slugs and missiles at the target it jinked incredibly fast for a vessel that size and evaded most of the incoming fire. Another three ships were taken out, and the target hadn't even fired. There was more than one.
Several shots connected, causing the incoming contact to veer off, but another volley of stealth warheads wiped out yet another ADF cruiser as it tried to come around and search for new targets.
Reduced to a handful of vessels the remaining ships were wiped out piecemeal. The AI of the new Ghost fleet recording every detail of the battle in full.
The ADF patrol had been destroyed, and the Ghost Fleet had claimed its first kill. 10 vessels had been deployed, and while one had taken damage the results exceeded the Reserve Administrations wildest dreams.
It was a proper weapon for them to wield at last.