Post by EmperorMyric on Dec 16, 2017 20:22:01 GMT
Operation Nebuchadnezzar
• by GratefulReflex, Mar 23, 2014, 12:29:13 AM
• Literature / Prose / Fiction / Science Fiction / Short Stories
“Only the dead have seen the end of war” -Plato
Eighteen hours after Alane: Position Unknown
The victory celebration was short lived as word of the sudden advance by Immortal Empire Forces into Tenebrae territory reached the communication arrays of SSC and was relayed to the DHR. The entire affair was seen with just a bit of surprise, the locations noted were not mere border posts but genuine critical junctures in the Tenebrae Empire’s holdings. This alone caused a number of impromptu conferences on secured channels between varied elements of the military and internationally between the representatives of SSC and DHR. With a portion of deployed forces still escorting captured assets from the first phase of operation black ball additional forces had to be found with the right stuff to make the response to the new threat. Fleet Admiral Hall was appraised of the situation despite being enroute to their next target and found it unique in of itself. The entire event was in of itself another frustrating action in a long line of often strange and unpreceded ones by an enemy who continually seemed oblivious to common logic. As Fleet admiral hall was appraised of the situation his annoyance at it became evident with his first question.
“But how the hell precisely did they get past the defenses?!”
“We do not know admiral; we just know they did, landed and full our planetary scale army with no warship support to be seen.”
“Typical…we give them internal injuries and somehow they seem to be made of fairy dust or something. Ay direct word from the Tenebrae regarding their situation?”
“Most of what we’ve got is that they are moving elements but I don’t think we need to tell you they’re overtaxed as is. They’ve put out a call for assistance.”
“You know we can’t withdraw from the Immoral Empire front.. We are too far involved to just turn and react; it’s likely what they want.”
“Admiral are you suggesting we just let this one go?!”
“Hardly…But I do know just the man to lead our troops for this one. You did say they landed an army with no warship support correct?”
“Yes, that is correct; R.U.S.E. has been watching since we received the word, they don’t even have the orbitals under their control. From what we can tell they’re still fighting to control the planet.”
“In that case Get Halsey’s troops front and center, they were at Anzio last I checked…it’s time the SOMC’s earned their pay.”
Twenty hours after Alane: ATF Communications Center, Gordian Knot System
It took some time to accomplish but, a secured line was made using several replay vessels and a little bit of RUSE's signal strength. The system had been observing the Creperum region since word of its "capture" had come down allied intelligence. Captain-General David Halsey stood behind a row of techs as they operated they system gain controls attempting to establish a secured line of contact. As it stood the request for him came down the line from Fleet Admiral Hall himself, and thus exercises were ongoing but Halsey's subordinates were observing for now while he literally had to leave the field and was not given enough time to switch uniforms or for that matter clean up. The usual patina of battlefield conditions such as mud and green stains from crushed foliage seemed to add additional effect to his camouflaged field uniform. Unlike a lot of SSC troops there could be no doubt he was part of the ground combat forces. The technicians finally got the connection going and there on the screen appeared the Tenebrae representatives.
"Good evening, I am Captain-General Halsey and I understand there is a situation. What may I do to assist you?"
On the Tenebrean side, it was a little trickier, while the Forces of the Immortal Empire had not managed to gain a foothold on the planets on which they had deployed on the worlds in the systems they had occupied. By the Immortal Empire choosing to launch their attacks in the depths of night the action had only served to alert the forces on the opposite sides of the worlds in the daylight hours. The action had subsequently brought up their defenses as a result. So, while they had only established total control of a few systems worlds, and drew surrenders of their administrative forces. They had more than managed to establish listening bases which made it difficult to establish lines of communications. Out of the besieged systems without alerting the invading forces to what they were up to. Admiral Howitzer stood in his command nest below the bridge of his vessel, the Calvaras skull-like face of liquid like Tenedermis catching the white light of the systems star through the viewport. He waited for the technicians working above to bring up a secure communications-link. The semi-solid and hologram of the systems worlds hovering above the obsidian colored pillar in the chambers center identifying the situation of the tabulae system. Two worlds have been subjugated, while the others were under attack from the armies that had sprung up from nowhere. He waited for some time, redirecting Tenebrean fleet movements and Troopships to deploy Armies on the surfaces of the worlds according to where the armies would likely spring up next. The Technicians signaled him that the uplink was secure.
The image on the screen projected by his VEA unit hovering in front of him.
"Likewise, General... I won’t lie and say that the evenings been well. A situation within our systems there is indeed. Multiple IE armies have appeared on our worlds. Several of our systems have had their planets totally taken over. But others, like the one I’m on, are fighting back, it's difficult to time a simultaneous strike, which is of a benefit to our forces. Sources are... Scattered. at best."
The Andromedae star system would have received the final hours transmitted by the DHR embassy prior to the final stages of the takeover maneuver on Creperum. The guard there was tighter, and if not dealt with during the takeover, the personnel there would have abandoned the place prior to setting it on fire to destroy all data on it and dispersing to blend into the population. Due to the building being concrete and steel, the fire suppression sprinklers were switched to gasoline intake to ensure the items within were utterly decimated. Even if the structure itself still remained as a useable fortress. To make matters more interesting, there already were many... hidden hands about to begin with the receipt of a formal notice of blockade. DHR eyes were now looking upon Tenebrean space more than ever. If only they knew how literal.
The top brass of the Republik, at its unknown location, was a bustling center as intelligence was pouring in on everything they could muster on the parties involved friend or foe. Deneb Alucard stood there arms crossed in his officers uniform as the holomap and displays illuminated his frontal half.
" Bring me, General Phrozone... "
Alucard said as he faced to his right and headed to his office as the lower ranking commanders talked among themselves on various aspects of I E units and capabilities. The information was gleaned from recent activities and reports from various encounters. It would be then that through a creative use of several key items. With that they would detect and open an encrypted channel with SCC and Tenebrae. A holographic figure of Deneb himself, with General Phrozone would appear to the other two.
" Armys out of no where? And just how did this come to be. I smell a tech that should have never existed... "
Deneb Alucard said in his monotone voice. General Phrozone looked to him then to the others letting a few moments pass before making a supporting comment.
"The Republik stands by, ready to act. "
Captain-General Halsey Nodded in greeting to the DHR leaders as he typed a bit on a console bringing up the scans of the region in in accelerated speed format for all involved to see. The area in question according to the elements of reconnaissance indicated no undue movement of enemy forces, no special energy emissions, just a dull flicker on the affected planets. Increased resolution of Creperum in another window showed the same hazy effect which was noted to be some sort of alteration of reality at the local level.
“R.U.S.E much less its parent operations are not sure what that was…but it wasn’t temporal…and it was definitely out of the normal capabilities of the Immortal Empire.”
Halsey took another moment to bring up a bit of fleet information while the scan logs were offered to the other members of the conference for safe download. The information would be a bit surprising as it also covered the entirety of Immortal empire territory in surprising detail. A observant eye would spot the first carnaith ships leaving the invasion zone if they dared look, but for now it seemed Halsey was either not paying mind to it or was unaware of it.
“I think since one can only figure for how they did it would be by ending the occupation attempt, It has been authorized by the First Prime himself that a SSC taskforce led by Hunting fleet warships be dispatched to aid the Creperum region first as it is closest. This means SSC would be deploying from my current location Anzio. The support and troop carrying aspects of the force could be ready in about sixteen hours. We’re willing to commit one hundred and twenty vessels for the initial counter invasion wave.”
Commander Howitzer turned, first looking at the projected image of Captain-General Halsey, then at the figure of Deneb as he was projected on the floor of the command nest. He had expected the SSC commander, but he was slightly off put by the appearance of the DHR representative. Although, as he had known, he had expected that the Tenebrean governments would have heard from them before long. Among many of the systems that had been taken. Embassy systems had been targeted likewise with what could only be called reckless abandon by the invading forces. And intelligence had revealed to many of the fleet commanders and the orbital administrators that their embassy had burned to the ground in what was likely an act of self-destruction. He was only surprised at the fact that the center of their government had contacted them personally. Politely, he nodded, as was appropriate towards greeting the newcomer to the Communications-link.
"Welcome, Lord Deneb. Apologies for this improvised link, we must keep our communications secure. But welcome... " He said pausing to address Captain-General Halsey directly. "We have many assets still largely free to assist, if it becomes an issue. Which we expect it might before too long. Two thirds of our fleets are still within our Territories. Throughout the systems. Although we expect that the Immortal Empire may attempt to bring more through. As such, it is imperative that we Re-capture the Planets as soon as possible." He nodded, as the fleet info was uploaded. "We can deploy, all of 30 flotillas, or roughly... 330 ships to provide cover should their vessels become an issue. It’s the best we can do at the moment..."
Presently, the calvara paused as he listened to the mention of how the Immortal Empire forces had made their way into the systems. "In deep, we have never seen this motion, nor ability in their militaries ability before. We are still looking into it on the worlds we can... So far we've isolated some factors. Largely in the figures that apparently call in the armies." He said, Gesturing to several smaller windows and bringing up multiple picture files. Images of the well-dressed men, with their briefcases in hand. "These figures here were all seen at the epicenters of the appearances, captured either by witness, or Entity based systems..."
Deneb Alucard would give a slow nod. A strange sight, even over the holographic projectors those unnatural eyes seemed to pierce into the soul. He rarely dealt with other empires personally. So, just by him being seen like that hinted to a deep interest the Republik had on the events going on. It meant he would be personally attending the details every step of the way. " A pleasure to meet you as well, Commander Howitzer. " Alucard said looking down over a strange reptilian tech PADD. The technology seemed rather alien to the other races, specially where the touch interfaces were.
General Phrozone looked over to the image of the SCC rep." The Republik is already arranging a massive landing force as well in preparation for massive landings to try and retake the Tenebrean worlds. We also, will send ships to support your hunter fleet to assist in carving a passage for the ground forces. " Phrozone then looked over to the Tenebrean representative. " Three hundred and thirty is certainly better than nothing. We can send reinforcements, and a mobile shipyard to try and repair your salvageable non-functioning ships to bring that number up for the next battle. " The general looked at the various displays as presented, seemingly pondering over the strangeness of the strangely dressed men.
Halsey didn’t miss a beat at the mention of the forces involved and nodded in agreement to General Phrozone’s comment. Indeed when the word came down it was initially thought there would be no support, but to hear that there was made the mission much easier. Less of the probable disasters were in the picture increasing the likelihood of success. He was not however convinced the Immortal Empire troops would lay down and surrender however it would be easier to strangulate any aid or support they could get.
“ If I may suggest something General Phrozone, If my forces and yurs were to rendezvous at the Magellan’s eye system then use phantom hyperspace jump points all the way in as indicated here…”
An encrypted course and heading plan for travel to the Tenebrae territories which included a rally point in a system between the two nations appeared as a down load for both the Tenebrae and DHR. The map included information on course headings, estimated times of arrival at the jump points and was all scaled so the DHR nor the SSC were in a position to wait for one another as jumps were well within their hyperspace capabilities. Of note in the plan was the SSC sending Hunting fleet units ahead as scouts and the initial battle line just in case and that there were three similarly short hyperspace jumps once within Tenebrae territory so the enemy units in Creperum never knew the SSC and DHR were coming.
“The series of jumps would reduce the time we are visible and detectable to any enemy observers and by pooling our forces we can make a much harder target for interception if spotted. Likewise sending Hunting fleet units ahead gives us accurate local reconnaissance as well as heavy tactical advantage should the Immortals have any warship or orbital assets in place before we arrive.”
Commander Howitzer nodded as he looked over the Route that Halsey uploaded to him, spinning it over to the projection pillar in the center of the command nest. the Semi-liquid solid and hologram display shifting to an overhead image of the Tenebrean territories. He nodded to himself as he looked at the outlined routes into the territories based on the jump points. The systems status outlined by the projected symbols that hovered near them. He turned his head as he did. Covering the movements of the Re-occupation wave of the SSC and the DHR ships as they would have maneuvered into the systems and past them. Taking particular note of the battle line.
"This should get your troops into the systems without much of an issue; it’ll be a bit of a stretch. But we should be able to get your forces in right on top of their force positions." he said bring up additional details. Pausing as he caught the gaze of the Reptilians gaze. Not quite being intimidated, but feeling the reptile’s eyes peering deeper into his own. Before shaking it off and continuing. "We can have the forces in the system meet you along the way using our null drive systems. With less of a jump point for them to track, it should keep them in the dark, as well as provide cover for your forces once they enter."
He paused as he checked the systems, checking their status again. "Theres still no signs that the Immortal Empire have brought in their warships, but it’s best not to assume that they won’t. but we'll keep the Grid on the watch for them if they manage to. We'll need to move quickly if we are to enter the systems unopposed." The calvara said finishing his statement and turning back to the two.
Deneb looked away from the Immortal Empire battle grounds as he would whisper over another Fleet commander. Facing away a bit General Phrozone cants his head as if listening to the two, as well as the allied reps. " Make sure you are on the other side of a gas giant. No visual and arrival and departure drowned out by the EM blare of the world. We can as well watch the territory from above and early warn your scouts of sneak attacks perhaps? Helping you to remain out of sight. Once on location and an orbit to the target world is secured a mothballed deep space explorer will be dispatched to set up a network of probes and spy satellites."
As General Phrozone talked various holographic displays on the automated explorer and its potential cargos ran across the screens and was available to download only to their terminals. As well as the frigate sized troopships and there capabilities, perhaps the largest troopship designed so far and hints that DHR was making something bigger for the purpose of D day landing on planets.
" Once on the surface, DHR will be deploying two major types of troops. The star rangers will be the Special Forces trooper of choice. Their job is to link up with armed civilian resistance, train them, and direct there attacks. Then the National Guard will be the main lineman. Of course, many armored units will be in support as will fighter support. It will be DHRs main focus, to break out sieged allied bases and add them temporarily to their ranks to move on base to base. If I can get the SCC to have DHR air forces in their support, to bomb any position in preparation to the break out maneuvers as well as enemy supply lines and or ammo dumps. Or... whatever there equivalent to such would be. Once enough Allied bases have been saved, the star rangers will split into two main groups, with one of them solely with Tenebrean support commit hit and run tactics for the duration of the battles on world while the other half continue to lead standard resistance and stall attempts. "
Twenty One hours after Alane: Anzio Training Facility, Gordian Knot System
Nothing about the ‘Knot’ system was normal, as everything in the place seemed to defy the known standards of astronomy. The system was comprised of three individual solar systems that orbited the same pair of stars that were in the slow process of consuming one another. This put the orbits of the planets at odd angles to each other with each missing each other by a few decades. The system itself was so out of place it became part of the R.U.S.E. system first and then it became training and staging ground for the SOMC simply because of the large array of environments and conditions. Nowhere else could one find high and low gravity planets next to hot, cold, oceanic, arid, class M, and aptly named ‘demon’ planets all in a single solar orbit. Of course this was immaterial as the system now served as a critical post for the SOMC forces, and their naval support apparatus effectively making it a rapid deployment center. On a planet called Astrokazy the routines of the day continued as they had around the clock since colonization.
The static sounds of battle across the field could be heard as troops moved carefully around the wrecks of buildings and vehicles in a town called “Somme Heights”. A pervasive fog of sorts had blurred the lines of the battle field as several cadets of platoon fifteen positioned according to their training in full combat gear. As it stood true cover was sparse in the location pockmarked by blast craters ruins. Here lay an overturned Hydra tank and beside it the burnt our husk of a DZ-10 battle armor sitting upright almost thoughtfully against the shattered trunk of a tree long since missing any of its branches. The occasional muted flash of something detonating or being fired somewhere distance interrupted the chatter of squad-operated weapons and the wail of missile systems firing further out. The sudden wail of artillery rounds homing in forced the cadets down as their impacts while not aimed at the platoon was close enough to shower them with debris and bits of vehicle and masonry from the building they impacted near.
“Lieutenant we need to move up…we’re behind almost a hundred meters behind the line!”
“I can see that private but we’ve got enough issues…there aint no cover do you wanna get cut up five minutes into the exercise like last time?”
“Lieutenant I can try and get to that crater out front there… maybe we might have a better look that way.”
Cautiously the Lieutenant peeked over the vehicle giving a good hard glance at the area of the supposed crater. He still could not see it and the heads up display in his helmet was reading flat terrain still. He increased the magnification the targeting lens over his dominant eye, zoomed in showing that the smoke of the battlefield was curling about something ahead in a way that suggested a convex indentation in the mud of the battlefield. The Lieutenant crouched behind cover and looked to the volunteer.
“Alright go on and do it but be careful, you heard the brief about air drop mines in the area.”
The cadet nodded to the lieutenant’s orders and began her careful move about the remnants of a low stone wall. The move had to be cautious not only due to the risk of being spotted but also because of the inherent dangers of the battlefield. Thus the cadent upon reaching the end of the stone wall found herself face to face with a stray set of stiletto-wire which needed to be cut and then after making a mad dash to get behind the ruined wall of a building all while her platoon’s support gun operator kept weapon trained in support. It was yet another nerve-wracking moment as the turned and swore she saw an enemy soldier but no… the shadows and smoke had cast terrifying features to a collapsed bit of roof and torn paper and fabric caught in a gentle breeze. The cadet made her way through the wrecked farm house, it’s once white plaster walls now caked with a sickly green color in some places where the algae had begun to grow in areas kept constantly wet due to the lack of a roof. The ruined wooden floor was a challenge unto itself as algae and moss had conspired to eat the wood and in the process turned it into an at times spongy and slimy mess. The cadet maintained her footing perhaps due to luck or perhaps due to adrenaline fueled need as he made it through the ruined house and then across the field. Half way to the blast crater there was a bright flash…and then the sound of the company drill instructor clearly not pleased…the Fifteenth had somehow landed in trouble again. Before the group of unlucky cadets could get a proper chewing out with full blown knife-hands gesturing by a very unhappy drill instructor; the voice of the Captain-General came over each soldier’s communicator.
“This is Captain-General Halsey and what I am about to say is not a drill, all combat simulation are to be halted pending a developing situation. All combat-cleared soldiers are to check in with their commands to verify if they are to be deployed and receive their necessary preparations checklists. Again this is not a test.”
Thirty-two hours after Alane: ATF Naval Shipyards, Gordian Knot System
Captain-General Halsey found himself in the meeting between the branches of service and commands involved in the liberation taskforce. Halsey had worked over the particulars of the combat movement with the naval commander in charge of the attacking edge of the combat. Captain Wesser tapped a steel ruler against the console to get everyone’s attention as the assembled commanders were busily discussing the nature of the mission regarding what their command needed and didn’t have and the usual logistics of preparing for battle.
“Settle down folks there’s a lot to cover and we don’t have the time to repeat it. The Captain-General and I have a plan for this offensive action. Captain-General if you would?”
“With pleasure Captain.”
At the press of a button to the wireless several holographic screens lowered from several positions in the ceiling about the room and the lights dimmed. The image was of the space between SSC, DHR and the Tenebrae territories with several critical points of reference marked for all to see. Halsey used a pointing device to show the initial maneuver in detail for all present.
“As of almost three days ago the Immortal Empire launched a surprise planetary occupation on several zones of the Tenebrae territories and we are going to go and peel back their little occupation party before they get to comfortable.”
Captain Wesser increased the magnification of the image to show the joint rally point between the SSC and DHR. It also showed the beginning of the hunting fleet’s maneuvers in a differing shade of blue. The patch of space in question was commonly called Magellan’s Eye as it held one of the few nebulae that could be used as a transmitter amplifier. It indeed was used jointly as thus by both, and often hosed fleet movements which made the taskforce’s operations appear innocuous to anyone observing. More so it was a critical rally point because it fell under the well-known anti-temporal field blanketing the DHR and SSC. Meanwhile Halsey continued to detail the plan to the assembled officers.
“We are headed to this navigation point here, once the DHR forces arrive if they’ve not gotten there already, the joint fleet will begin a series of shortened hyperspace jumps through a series of phantom points to avoid detection enroute.”
The image shifted showing the seemingly zigzag path that in truth resembled old earth anti-submarine maneuvers. A total of eight jumps were in the plan before final approach and three more jumps within Tenebrae territory. The image shifted back to the designated path of the Hunting fleet assets.
“Captain Wesser here will be leading the Hunting fleet elements ahead of us hence the more direct path. Those of you under his command are planned to arrive more than an hour before the main force does to clear any enemy warship resistance and obtain space superiority. I know some of you are a bit leery of travelling without our own escorts but the DHR is sending their naval assets also so it’s not like we’ll be flying with our bits flapping in the wind.”
The display image shifted to show the DHR’s path matching the SSC transport group’s travel path. The dual estimated time of arrival information at each point appeared as well as critical information related to distance per hyperspace jump and the particulars of each phantom jump point used. The image shifted to a list of the ground units committed to combat in the current campaign from the SSC side of the battle.
“Now, this is a joint operation, I know the SOMCs and the Teutonic Knight units have had a standing rivalry before but today we must work in unison to achieve the objective. You armored Infantry folks take note; you will be working with the Mech-walkers so get used to it. The first prime has designated us the First Colonial Army and I expect you to act like it. In less than four hours we are expected to be at the rendezvous point so I expect everyone to get their shit in order now. Are there any questions?”
The assembled officers in the room were either silent or occasionally took glances at each other or the information as presented to them on their data devices. Meanwhile the lights returned to their former brightness and the holographic screens retracted into their positions in the ceiling. Wesser recovered the data rod used for the presentation and made sure the emitters were purged to prevent any chance of espionage. Halsey nodded to the assembled officers and responded.
“Well then, I suppose that settles it, I want everyone ready in three hours; Dismissed!”
As the officers filed out of the room the sound of boots on the linoleum floor and the sound of chairs being moved briefly filled the room. In moments the room was empty save for Wesser and Halsey. Wesser couldn’t help but chuckle at the assorted officers.
”Something amusing captain?”
“It’s just that a lot of them are so young…when did that happen and when did we get old?”
“I imagine about when the First Prime said those three deadly words..”
“Hmm?”
“You are now a commissioned officer.”
“That’s six you know.”
“Yeah but you only hear the last three…’cause you know in a way they could only pertain to you.”
“In a way I do feel a bit sorry for the Immortal Empire…”
“How so?”
“They spent all that time and resource just to lose.”
“I hope your right Captain….I for one don’t share your eternal optimism.
“It isn’t optimism, we will win not because we want to; we will win because we have to.”
• by GratefulReflex, Mar 23, 2014, 12:29:13 AM
• Literature / Prose / Fiction / Science Fiction / Short Stories
“Only the dead have seen the end of war” -Plato
Eighteen hours after Alane: Position Unknown
The victory celebration was short lived as word of the sudden advance by Immortal Empire Forces into Tenebrae territory reached the communication arrays of SSC and was relayed to the DHR. The entire affair was seen with just a bit of surprise, the locations noted were not mere border posts but genuine critical junctures in the Tenebrae Empire’s holdings. This alone caused a number of impromptu conferences on secured channels between varied elements of the military and internationally between the representatives of SSC and DHR. With a portion of deployed forces still escorting captured assets from the first phase of operation black ball additional forces had to be found with the right stuff to make the response to the new threat. Fleet Admiral Hall was appraised of the situation despite being enroute to their next target and found it unique in of itself. The entire event was in of itself another frustrating action in a long line of often strange and unpreceded ones by an enemy who continually seemed oblivious to common logic. As Fleet admiral hall was appraised of the situation his annoyance at it became evident with his first question.
“But how the hell precisely did they get past the defenses?!”
“We do not know admiral; we just know they did, landed and full our planetary scale army with no warship support to be seen.”
“Typical…we give them internal injuries and somehow they seem to be made of fairy dust or something. Ay direct word from the Tenebrae regarding their situation?”
“Most of what we’ve got is that they are moving elements but I don’t think we need to tell you they’re overtaxed as is. They’ve put out a call for assistance.”
“You know we can’t withdraw from the Immoral Empire front.. We are too far involved to just turn and react; it’s likely what they want.”
“Admiral are you suggesting we just let this one go?!”
“Hardly…But I do know just the man to lead our troops for this one. You did say they landed an army with no warship support correct?”
“Yes, that is correct; R.U.S.E. has been watching since we received the word, they don’t even have the orbitals under their control. From what we can tell they’re still fighting to control the planet.”
“In that case Get Halsey’s troops front and center, they were at Anzio last I checked…it’s time the SOMC’s earned their pay.”
Twenty hours after Alane: ATF Communications Center, Gordian Knot System
It took some time to accomplish but, a secured line was made using several replay vessels and a little bit of RUSE's signal strength. The system had been observing the Creperum region since word of its "capture" had come down allied intelligence. Captain-General David Halsey stood behind a row of techs as they operated they system gain controls attempting to establish a secured line of contact. As it stood the request for him came down the line from Fleet Admiral Hall himself, and thus exercises were ongoing but Halsey's subordinates were observing for now while he literally had to leave the field and was not given enough time to switch uniforms or for that matter clean up. The usual patina of battlefield conditions such as mud and green stains from crushed foliage seemed to add additional effect to his camouflaged field uniform. Unlike a lot of SSC troops there could be no doubt he was part of the ground combat forces. The technicians finally got the connection going and there on the screen appeared the Tenebrae representatives.
"Good evening, I am Captain-General Halsey and I understand there is a situation. What may I do to assist you?"
On the Tenebrean side, it was a little trickier, while the Forces of the Immortal Empire had not managed to gain a foothold on the planets on which they had deployed on the worlds in the systems they had occupied. By the Immortal Empire choosing to launch their attacks in the depths of night the action had only served to alert the forces on the opposite sides of the worlds in the daylight hours. The action had subsequently brought up their defenses as a result. So, while they had only established total control of a few systems worlds, and drew surrenders of their administrative forces. They had more than managed to establish listening bases which made it difficult to establish lines of communications. Out of the besieged systems without alerting the invading forces to what they were up to. Admiral Howitzer stood in his command nest below the bridge of his vessel, the Calvaras skull-like face of liquid like Tenedermis catching the white light of the systems star through the viewport. He waited for the technicians working above to bring up a secure communications-link. The semi-solid and hologram of the systems worlds hovering above the obsidian colored pillar in the chambers center identifying the situation of the tabulae system. Two worlds have been subjugated, while the others were under attack from the armies that had sprung up from nowhere. He waited for some time, redirecting Tenebrean fleet movements and Troopships to deploy Armies on the surfaces of the worlds according to where the armies would likely spring up next. The Technicians signaled him that the uplink was secure.
The image on the screen projected by his VEA unit hovering in front of him.
"Likewise, General... I won’t lie and say that the evenings been well. A situation within our systems there is indeed. Multiple IE armies have appeared on our worlds. Several of our systems have had their planets totally taken over. But others, like the one I’m on, are fighting back, it's difficult to time a simultaneous strike, which is of a benefit to our forces. Sources are... Scattered. at best."
The Andromedae star system would have received the final hours transmitted by the DHR embassy prior to the final stages of the takeover maneuver on Creperum. The guard there was tighter, and if not dealt with during the takeover, the personnel there would have abandoned the place prior to setting it on fire to destroy all data on it and dispersing to blend into the population. Due to the building being concrete and steel, the fire suppression sprinklers were switched to gasoline intake to ensure the items within were utterly decimated. Even if the structure itself still remained as a useable fortress. To make matters more interesting, there already were many... hidden hands about to begin with the receipt of a formal notice of blockade. DHR eyes were now looking upon Tenebrean space more than ever. If only they knew how literal.
The top brass of the Republik, at its unknown location, was a bustling center as intelligence was pouring in on everything they could muster on the parties involved friend or foe. Deneb Alucard stood there arms crossed in his officers uniform as the holomap and displays illuminated his frontal half.
" Bring me, General Phrozone... "
Alucard said as he faced to his right and headed to his office as the lower ranking commanders talked among themselves on various aspects of I E units and capabilities. The information was gleaned from recent activities and reports from various encounters. It would be then that through a creative use of several key items. With that they would detect and open an encrypted channel with SCC and Tenebrae. A holographic figure of Deneb himself, with General Phrozone would appear to the other two.
" Armys out of no where? And just how did this come to be. I smell a tech that should have never existed... "
Deneb Alucard said in his monotone voice. General Phrozone looked to him then to the others letting a few moments pass before making a supporting comment.
"The Republik stands by, ready to act. "
Captain-General Halsey Nodded in greeting to the DHR leaders as he typed a bit on a console bringing up the scans of the region in in accelerated speed format for all involved to see. The area in question according to the elements of reconnaissance indicated no undue movement of enemy forces, no special energy emissions, just a dull flicker on the affected planets. Increased resolution of Creperum in another window showed the same hazy effect which was noted to be some sort of alteration of reality at the local level.
“R.U.S.E much less its parent operations are not sure what that was…but it wasn’t temporal…and it was definitely out of the normal capabilities of the Immortal Empire.”
Halsey took another moment to bring up a bit of fleet information while the scan logs were offered to the other members of the conference for safe download. The information would be a bit surprising as it also covered the entirety of Immortal empire territory in surprising detail. A observant eye would spot the first carnaith ships leaving the invasion zone if they dared look, but for now it seemed Halsey was either not paying mind to it or was unaware of it.
“I think since one can only figure for how they did it would be by ending the occupation attempt, It has been authorized by the First Prime himself that a SSC taskforce led by Hunting fleet warships be dispatched to aid the Creperum region first as it is closest. This means SSC would be deploying from my current location Anzio. The support and troop carrying aspects of the force could be ready in about sixteen hours. We’re willing to commit one hundred and twenty vessels for the initial counter invasion wave.”
Commander Howitzer turned, first looking at the projected image of Captain-General Halsey, then at the figure of Deneb as he was projected on the floor of the command nest. He had expected the SSC commander, but he was slightly off put by the appearance of the DHR representative. Although, as he had known, he had expected that the Tenebrean governments would have heard from them before long. Among many of the systems that had been taken. Embassy systems had been targeted likewise with what could only be called reckless abandon by the invading forces. And intelligence had revealed to many of the fleet commanders and the orbital administrators that their embassy had burned to the ground in what was likely an act of self-destruction. He was only surprised at the fact that the center of their government had contacted them personally. Politely, he nodded, as was appropriate towards greeting the newcomer to the Communications-link.
"Welcome, Lord Deneb. Apologies for this improvised link, we must keep our communications secure. But welcome... " He said pausing to address Captain-General Halsey directly. "We have many assets still largely free to assist, if it becomes an issue. Which we expect it might before too long. Two thirds of our fleets are still within our Territories. Throughout the systems. Although we expect that the Immortal Empire may attempt to bring more through. As such, it is imperative that we Re-capture the Planets as soon as possible." He nodded, as the fleet info was uploaded. "We can deploy, all of 30 flotillas, or roughly... 330 ships to provide cover should their vessels become an issue. It’s the best we can do at the moment..."
Presently, the calvara paused as he listened to the mention of how the Immortal Empire forces had made their way into the systems. "In deep, we have never seen this motion, nor ability in their militaries ability before. We are still looking into it on the worlds we can... So far we've isolated some factors. Largely in the figures that apparently call in the armies." He said, Gesturing to several smaller windows and bringing up multiple picture files. Images of the well-dressed men, with their briefcases in hand. "These figures here were all seen at the epicenters of the appearances, captured either by witness, or Entity based systems..."
Deneb Alucard would give a slow nod. A strange sight, even over the holographic projectors those unnatural eyes seemed to pierce into the soul. He rarely dealt with other empires personally. So, just by him being seen like that hinted to a deep interest the Republik had on the events going on. It meant he would be personally attending the details every step of the way. " A pleasure to meet you as well, Commander Howitzer. " Alucard said looking down over a strange reptilian tech PADD. The technology seemed rather alien to the other races, specially where the touch interfaces were.
General Phrozone looked over to the image of the SCC rep." The Republik is already arranging a massive landing force as well in preparation for massive landings to try and retake the Tenebrean worlds. We also, will send ships to support your hunter fleet to assist in carving a passage for the ground forces. " Phrozone then looked over to the Tenebrean representative. " Three hundred and thirty is certainly better than nothing. We can send reinforcements, and a mobile shipyard to try and repair your salvageable non-functioning ships to bring that number up for the next battle. " The general looked at the various displays as presented, seemingly pondering over the strangeness of the strangely dressed men.
Halsey didn’t miss a beat at the mention of the forces involved and nodded in agreement to General Phrozone’s comment. Indeed when the word came down it was initially thought there would be no support, but to hear that there was made the mission much easier. Less of the probable disasters were in the picture increasing the likelihood of success. He was not however convinced the Immortal Empire troops would lay down and surrender however it would be easier to strangulate any aid or support they could get.
“ If I may suggest something General Phrozone, If my forces and yurs were to rendezvous at the Magellan’s eye system then use phantom hyperspace jump points all the way in as indicated here…”
An encrypted course and heading plan for travel to the Tenebrae territories which included a rally point in a system between the two nations appeared as a down load for both the Tenebrae and DHR. The map included information on course headings, estimated times of arrival at the jump points and was all scaled so the DHR nor the SSC were in a position to wait for one another as jumps were well within their hyperspace capabilities. Of note in the plan was the SSC sending Hunting fleet units ahead as scouts and the initial battle line just in case and that there were three similarly short hyperspace jumps once within Tenebrae territory so the enemy units in Creperum never knew the SSC and DHR were coming.
“The series of jumps would reduce the time we are visible and detectable to any enemy observers and by pooling our forces we can make a much harder target for interception if spotted. Likewise sending Hunting fleet units ahead gives us accurate local reconnaissance as well as heavy tactical advantage should the Immortals have any warship or orbital assets in place before we arrive.”
Commander Howitzer nodded as he looked over the Route that Halsey uploaded to him, spinning it over to the projection pillar in the center of the command nest. the Semi-liquid solid and hologram display shifting to an overhead image of the Tenebrean territories. He nodded to himself as he looked at the outlined routes into the territories based on the jump points. The systems status outlined by the projected symbols that hovered near them. He turned his head as he did. Covering the movements of the Re-occupation wave of the SSC and the DHR ships as they would have maneuvered into the systems and past them. Taking particular note of the battle line.
"This should get your troops into the systems without much of an issue; it’ll be a bit of a stretch. But we should be able to get your forces in right on top of their force positions." he said bring up additional details. Pausing as he caught the gaze of the Reptilians gaze. Not quite being intimidated, but feeling the reptile’s eyes peering deeper into his own. Before shaking it off and continuing. "We can have the forces in the system meet you along the way using our null drive systems. With less of a jump point for them to track, it should keep them in the dark, as well as provide cover for your forces once they enter."
He paused as he checked the systems, checking their status again. "Theres still no signs that the Immortal Empire have brought in their warships, but it’s best not to assume that they won’t. but we'll keep the Grid on the watch for them if they manage to. We'll need to move quickly if we are to enter the systems unopposed." The calvara said finishing his statement and turning back to the two.
Deneb looked away from the Immortal Empire battle grounds as he would whisper over another Fleet commander. Facing away a bit General Phrozone cants his head as if listening to the two, as well as the allied reps. " Make sure you are on the other side of a gas giant. No visual and arrival and departure drowned out by the EM blare of the world. We can as well watch the territory from above and early warn your scouts of sneak attacks perhaps? Helping you to remain out of sight. Once on location and an orbit to the target world is secured a mothballed deep space explorer will be dispatched to set up a network of probes and spy satellites."
As General Phrozone talked various holographic displays on the automated explorer and its potential cargos ran across the screens and was available to download only to their terminals. As well as the frigate sized troopships and there capabilities, perhaps the largest troopship designed so far and hints that DHR was making something bigger for the purpose of D day landing on planets.
" Once on the surface, DHR will be deploying two major types of troops. The star rangers will be the Special Forces trooper of choice. Their job is to link up with armed civilian resistance, train them, and direct there attacks. Then the National Guard will be the main lineman. Of course, many armored units will be in support as will fighter support. It will be DHRs main focus, to break out sieged allied bases and add them temporarily to their ranks to move on base to base. If I can get the SCC to have DHR air forces in their support, to bomb any position in preparation to the break out maneuvers as well as enemy supply lines and or ammo dumps. Or... whatever there equivalent to such would be. Once enough Allied bases have been saved, the star rangers will split into two main groups, with one of them solely with Tenebrean support commit hit and run tactics for the duration of the battles on world while the other half continue to lead standard resistance and stall attempts. "
Twenty One hours after Alane: Anzio Training Facility, Gordian Knot System
Nothing about the ‘Knot’ system was normal, as everything in the place seemed to defy the known standards of astronomy. The system was comprised of three individual solar systems that orbited the same pair of stars that were in the slow process of consuming one another. This put the orbits of the planets at odd angles to each other with each missing each other by a few decades. The system itself was so out of place it became part of the R.U.S.E. system first and then it became training and staging ground for the SOMC simply because of the large array of environments and conditions. Nowhere else could one find high and low gravity planets next to hot, cold, oceanic, arid, class M, and aptly named ‘demon’ planets all in a single solar orbit. Of course this was immaterial as the system now served as a critical post for the SOMC forces, and their naval support apparatus effectively making it a rapid deployment center. On a planet called Astrokazy the routines of the day continued as they had around the clock since colonization.
The static sounds of battle across the field could be heard as troops moved carefully around the wrecks of buildings and vehicles in a town called “Somme Heights”. A pervasive fog of sorts had blurred the lines of the battle field as several cadets of platoon fifteen positioned according to their training in full combat gear. As it stood true cover was sparse in the location pockmarked by blast craters ruins. Here lay an overturned Hydra tank and beside it the burnt our husk of a DZ-10 battle armor sitting upright almost thoughtfully against the shattered trunk of a tree long since missing any of its branches. The occasional muted flash of something detonating or being fired somewhere distance interrupted the chatter of squad-operated weapons and the wail of missile systems firing further out. The sudden wail of artillery rounds homing in forced the cadets down as their impacts while not aimed at the platoon was close enough to shower them with debris and bits of vehicle and masonry from the building they impacted near.
“Lieutenant we need to move up…we’re behind almost a hundred meters behind the line!”
“I can see that private but we’ve got enough issues…there aint no cover do you wanna get cut up five minutes into the exercise like last time?”
“Lieutenant I can try and get to that crater out front there… maybe we might have a better look that way.”
Cautiously the Lieutenant peeked over the vehicle giving a good hard glance at the area of the supposed crater. He still could not see it and the heads up display in his helmet was reading flat terrain still. He increased the magnification the targeting lens over his dominant eye, zoomed in showing that the smoke of the battlefield was curling about something ahead in a way that suggested a convex indentation in the mud of the battlefield. The Lieutenant crouched behind cover and looked to the volunteer.
“Alright go on and do it but be careful, you heard the brief about air drop mines in the area.”
The cadet nodded to the lieutenant’s orders and began her careful move about the remnants of a low stone wall. The move had to be cautious not only due to the risk of being spotted but also because of the inherent dangers of the battlefield. Thus the cadent upon reaching the end of the stone wall found herself face to face with a stray set of stiletto-wire which needed to be cut and then after making a mad dash to get behind the ruined wall of a building all while her platoon’s support gun operator kept weapon trained in support. It was yet another nerve-wracking moment as the turned and swore she saw an enemy soldier but no… the shadows and smoke had cast terrifying features to a collapsed bit of roof and torn paper and fabric caught in a gentle breeze. The cadet made her way through the wrecked farm house, it’s once white plaster walls now caked with a sickly green color in some places where the algae had begun to grow in areas kept constantly wet due to the lack of a roof. The ruined wooden floor was a challenge unto itself as algae and moss had conspired to eat the wood and in the process turned it into an at times spongy and slimy mess. The cadet maintained her footing perhaps due to luck or perhaps due to adrenaline fueled need as he made it through the ruined house and then across the field. Half way to the blast crater there was a bright flash…and then the sound of the company drill instructor clearly not pleased…the Fifteenth had somehow landed in trouble again. Before the group of unlucky cadets could get a proper chewing out with full blown knife-hands gesturing by a very unhappy drill instructor; the voice of the Captain-General came over each soldier’s communicator.
“This is Captain-General Halsey and what I am about to say is not a drill, all combat simulation are to be halted pending a developing situation. All combat-cleared soldiers are to check in with their commands to verify if they are to be deployed and receive their necessary preparations checklists. Again this is not a test.”
Thirty-two hours after Alane: ATF Naval Shipyards, Gordian Knot System
Captain-General Halsey found himself in the meeting between the branches of service and commands involved in the liberation taskforce. Halsey had worked over the particulars of the combat movement with the naval commander in charge of the attacking edge of the combat. Captain Wesser tapped a steel ruler against the console to get everyone’s attention as the assembled commanders were busily discussing the nature of the mission regarding what their command needed and didn’t have and the usual logistics of preparing for battle.
“Settle down folks there’s a lot to cover and we don’t have the time to repeat it. The Captain-General and I have a plan for this offensive action. Captain-General if you would?”
“With pleasure Captain.”
At the press of a button to the wireless several holographic screens lowered from several positions in the ceiling about the room and the lights dimmed. The image was of the space between SSC, DHR and the Tenebrae territories with several critical points of reference marked for all to see. Halsey used a pointing device to show the initial maneuver in detail for all present.
“As of almost three days ago the Immortal Empire launched a surprise planetary occupation on several zones of the Tenebrae territories and we are going to go and peel back their little occupation party before they get to comfortable.”
Captain Wesser increased the magnification of the image to show the joint rally point between the SSC and DHR. It also showed the beginning of the hunting fleet’s maneuvers in a differing shade of blue. The patch of space in question was commonly called Magellan’s Eye as it held one of the few nebulae that could be used as a transmitter amplifier. It indeed was used jointly as thus by both, and often hosed fleet movements which made the taskforce’s operations appear innocuous to anyone observing. More so it was a critical rally point because it fell under the well-known anti-temporal field blanketing the DHR and SSC. Meanwhile Halsey continued to detail the plan to the assembled officers.
“We are headed to this navigation point here, once the DHR forces arrive if they’ve not gotten there already, the joint fleet will begin a series of shortened hyperspace jumps through a series of phantom points to avoid detection enroute.”
The image shifted showing the seemingly zigzag path that in truth resembled old earth anti-submarine maneuvers. A total of eight jumps were in the plan before final approach and three more jumps within Tenebrae territory. The image shifted back to the designated path of the Hunting fleet assets.
“Captain Wesser here will be leading the Hunting fleet elements ahead of us hence the more direct path. Those of you under his command are planned to arrive more than an hour before the main force does to clear any enemy warship resistance and obtain space superiority. I know some of you are a bit leery of travelling without our own escorts but the DHR is sending their naval assets also so it’s not like we’ll be flying with our bits flapping in the wind.”
The display image shifted to show the DHR’s path matching the SSC transport group’s travel path. The dual estimated time of arrival information at each point appeared as well as critical information related to distance per hyperspace jump and the particulars of each phantom jump point used. The image shifted to a list of the ground units committed to combat in the current campaign from the SSC side of the battle.
“Now, this is a joint operation, I know the SOMCs and the Teutonic Knight units have had a standing rivalry before but today we must work in unison to achieve the objective. You armored Infantry folks take note; you will be working with the Mech-walkers so get used to it. The first prime has designated us the First Colonial Army and I expect you to act like it. In less than four hours we are expected to be at the rendezvous point so I expect everyone to get their shit in order now. Are there any questions?”
The assembled officers in the room were either silent or occasionally took glances at each other or the information as presented to them on their data devices. Meanwhile the lights returned to their former brightness and the holographic screens retracted into their positions in the ceiling. Wesser recovered the data rod used for the presentation and made sure the emitters were purged to prevent any chance of espionage. Halsey nodded to the assembled officers and responded.
“Well then, I suppose that settles it, I want everyone ready in three hours; Dismissed!”
As the officers filed out of the room the sound of boots on the linoleum floor and the sound of chairs being moved briefly filled the room. In moments the room was empty save for Wesser and Halsey. Wesser couldn’t help but chuckle at the assorted officers.
”Something amusing captain?”
“It’s just that a lot of them are so young…when did that happen and when did we get old?”
“I imagine about when the First Prime said those three deadly words..”
“Hmm?”
“You are now a commissioned officer.”
“That’s six you know.”
“Yeah but you only hear the last three…’cause you know in a way they could only pertain to you.”
“In a way I do feel a bit sorry for the Immortal Empire…”
“How so?”
“They spent all that time and resource just to lose.”
“I hope your right Captain….I for one don’t share your eternal optimism.
“It isn’t optimism, we will win not because we want to; we will win because we have to.”