Before continuing with the story, I wanted to say a few things regarding the setup of the chapters.
Every chapter or "Scenario" will be divided into three separate chapters. The first will be a prelude to the scenario, the second is the actual battle, and finally the postlude. Sometimes, one or two of these will be skipped, but that'll be for the very last in a particular arc or the story itself. It'll help me move chapters along, without it being too overbearing.
And so, here's the Prelude for Scenario 1.
Credited Works
Super Robot Wars- Banpresto
Legend of Galactic Heroes- Tanaka Yoshiki
Chapter 1
Space Year 795, Imperial Year 486, January
Galactic Empire, Iserlohn Corridor
In the darkness of space, thousands of tiny objects in space all traveled in an organized manner. The black colors blended in perfectly, although they emitted bright red lights behind. Minor details that were harder to see without getting close were the diagonal, silver stripes and golden-winged emblems on the sides. But even from a distance, however, one could easily tell that this was a fleet of warships.
That was one of many fleets part of the Galactic Empire. Each warship was of elegant design, composed of smooth edges for the main body like the symbols they wear. All of them had aligned holes in them, whether they were for propulsions on different degrees of freedom, including rotation, or bores for energy weapons. By their more blocky engines, they had several done by the sides designed for communication.
If one saw each ship clearly, once could count about 35,400 warships in this expeditionary fleet. Not all of them were the same ship type as they were composed of various classes. Destroyers were a lot more blocky, with a single long engine behind and smooth head surrounded by four large packs of missile banks and beam cannons. Most of the ships, particularly the cruisers and battleships would have a soft underbelly by their engines blocks. Compared to the destroyers, cruisers were at least 500 meters in length, while battleships were around 700 meters. Even the battleships had their separate classes; despite having just as many weapons, fast battleships had an additional engine for higher speed and had twelve forward cannons. Standard battleships had only eight barrels, but they also had a larger complement underneath composed of fighters and similarly smaller craft.
In the underbelly of one particular battleship, pilots were strapping on their equipment by the Empire's primary fighters. Valkyries stationed along by the launch tubes on both sides of the hanger, with a white color contrasting the larger ships. Each Valkyrie was composed of multiple hulls: One top hull with a round front was connected to another at the bottom, shouldered by two engine pods and four laser cannons. The front section housed a shuttle bay, where small, single-pod ships were docked.
Known only to the pilots inside the hanger, the shuttle bay had an extra complement inside the warship. Unlike most of the aircraft, it wasn't a spacecraft at all, but more of a weapons platform designed to look human. Most of the body, namely the torso and toeless legs thought unnecessary had a heavily built design. The head was sharper with a red visor and tiny diodes with a variety of colors. There was no right arm; it instead had a long, round heavy cannon by its torso. Connected by motors, it had two degrees of rotational freedom, though horizontal rotation had stricter limits due to the cannon extending behind. The only elegant parts were its left arm and shoulders, which had exhaust ports for its thrusters. Additional weapons were two rows of missiles on its left breast, an oversized handgun with a spiral bore, holstered at the machine's left hip, and a huge spear it carried behind its left shoulder.
To match Imperial designs, it had black primary colors with the Empire's gold insignia on the shoulders and silver outlines. Lines covered the mecha like blood veins. Although these were dark blue for know, one would guess correctly that they would glow brighter colors when the machine was activated. On the torso was a hydraulic, vertically rotating door with a lighter shade of silver.
Two pilots at the bay were observing the strange automaton, both feeling uneasy and ridiculing it's deformed design.
"Such an inelegant weapon. And for it to appear on this battleship."
"Isn't it puzzling?"
"Puzzling?"
"When they tell us about a new weapon being transported onto our ship and we're never given any information as to how or why?"
"Less so than how the people who thought about designing it. As many weapons as they put onto the machine, they've put them all in so inelegantly. The machine is large and looks like it glows brightly like any star. It's such a large and recognizable target, it should be a waste of resources. No, it's a disgrace."
"Hey, is that how you talk to the Empire's newest weapon?" The voice came from a woman behind them, who was failing to act professionally. "Especially in front of a high noble?"
The woman with emerald eyes and long, blonde hair that went down to shoulder length was the young lad named Siegrun von Munich. Like the officers above, those who met her in person would agree she was far from the standards of the Galactic Empire. Only her main blue pendant and topaz rings showed signs of nobility, including the earrings with a ruby, emerald, and sapphire. Her casual dress contrasted the standard Germanic nobility attire; she had a short skirt, which was only held by two straps around her should. She had black, latex pants to cover her legs. The soldiers wondered if she took a small size from the military's men's only uniforms; it was a drawback to having a military with a patriarchal culture.
That same kind of culture caused ire among even the Imperial soldiers who knew of her enlistment into the military.
"A woman like you, serving under the Empire?" one of the two soldiers snarled.
"Just because you're a high noble in control of this weapon doesn't mean you're welcome," the other soldier shouted. "And you're only here by orders of Fleet Admiral Muckenberger and His Majesty."
"I can thank those two later," Siegrun continued rant rebelliously. "I think it's more important for you start readying yourselves than worrying about others."
"Why you," the two soldiers growled at her, both her looking down on the two and showing misconduct. She was shaken for a while, but not enough that she started panicking. In fact, it disturbed her a lot more their misbehavior despite being a woman.
"If you're going fight, why don't you start saving your strength for the Alliance?"
The agitated soldiers got even more intense until the speakers came up.
"Attention, rebel forces are within the vicinity! All pilot, head to your battle stations immediately! I repeat, all pilots to your battle stations immediately!"
Upon hearing the alarm, the pilots snarled again at the special guest before leaving to their assigned posts. Siegrun proceeded forward, but not without clenching her fists at the two pilots. Their mockery infested her mind that kept her away from focusing on her surroundings.
Why is it that they always look down on me? I'm supposed to be high noble, and I wanted to serve the military to prove it. So why can't they just recognize me as one?
Her clouded thoughts prevented her from hitting her feet on the staircases that plunged her forward. Waving her her arms, she clung onto a rail with her right arm, but not before hitting the staircase. The pain came on her left arm as her mind switched to this weakness.
So what if I'm a bit clumsy? What if every time I gain luck, it's met with the equal misfortune to others? Siegrun made hyperbolic comments that people made over her defunct personality. The clumsiness that makes her a fool, and the blind luck that gives her the fortune to survive deadly encounters while having to watch the misfortune of others. I was mocked seriously by another "brat" for this constant cycle of foolishness. That's why I wanted to prove myself in the military.
Of course, that also got her into trouble. Just for wanting to apply to the military, she was apprehended by the authorities. She didn't know if it was luck or fate, but the Kaiser and his cabinet required her attention. She didn't know the Kaiser too much, though she was one of the old man's concubines who attended his extravagant parties. The only saving grace she had about him was the lack of interest in politics or enforcement of the Empire's regime, which made him far from a tyrant, but a lame-duck ruler who'd watch the nation decay.
Perhaps it's His Majesty's lack of enforcement of patriarchal tradition, too, why I was chosen to this weapon's pilot. Siegrun though as she got back up. But maybe, it also has to do with…
She looked at her left arm as she found on blood or scrapes. Fortunately for her, it was only a cramp on her hand that was going to last for a while. But she drew more attention to what was on her palm, something that existed for a long time now.
Although no one else could see it, Siegrun had an arcane circle encrypted on the palm of her hand, which glowed brightly with light green colors. She couldn't remember when she got it, though she did remember having to go through tests the companies her family worked for on Phezzan. Why her, she didn't know. Maybe it was something within the entire Munich family, and she was the only child at that time.
It could be something His Majesty knows, too, another possibility came in Siegrun's mind. It's not like any woman arrested for trying to join the military can get away freely with the Kaiser's consent. He or his officers must have something about her and family to allow her enlistment. And whatever it's about, this machine must be related.
Siegrun eyed on the machine towering above her, blocked by the metal stairs and bridge that lead to the cockpit seat. Whatever the machine was, it was assigned to her specifically for an unknown purpose.
As alarms sounded in the battleship, Siegrun ran up the stairs. After nearly stumbling at the top, she quickly crossed the bridge before arriving at the cockpit.
Tiamat System, Battleship Tannhauser
An Imperial officer with short, red hair stood by the commander's seat, watching over the other officers. Around him was the typical main bridge of the flagship, a glass dome with classical Germanic architecture, notably the pillars that were supporting it. The bridge was curved and elevated into three separate levels, a central staircase leading up to the commander's chair. His uniform indicated he was an officer himself, though below the one in charge of the ship, let alone the fleet.
The real commander appeared when doors opened up from the side, all of the officers and helmsmen saluting to him. The difference between him and his aide above has longer, blonde hair and extra decorations on his epaulets to show his ranking as the highest commander.
The command before them was the young Vice Admiral Reinhard von Musel. He looked to see every salute being of absolute and well-deserved respect, even if his standards were rebellious in some ways. Sighing from frustration, he took comfort being on his flagship, but more importantly being beside his red-haired aide."
"Welcome back, Your Excellency," the officer bowed to his superior. The more modest approach indicated themselves equals despite the slight change in ranks.
"What is the current status of the fleet, Kircheis?"
"The Muckenberger Fleet dispatched not so long ago. After they had been long outside Iserlohn fortress, they messaged us to trail behind them. We are to act as the rearguard as he carries out the attack in the Tiamat System."
"So he's merely casting us aside," Reinhard took his seat. "No matter, as long as we're not too involved in this scheme of affairs. Even with their best efforts, this kind of attack is the best they can do."
"Muckenberger appears to be aware of that," Kircheis observed the slower advancement of the Imperial fleets before them. "He doesn't seem to be taking chances with reckless encounters with the rebel forces."
"And they have already launched six fleets to intercept," Reinhard could see through the pointless on the military level. During the campaign, he could also see some objections coming from Muckenberger of this expedition into Alliance space, especially since the rebels jumped off the bat upon hearing their attack. "Such a waste. Thousands of ships, millions of soldiers and an endless amount of resources exhausted. And for what, a minor celebration for His Majesty? Not like even he could've done something about the decision."
"It's interesting how you'd have some concern for what the Fleet Admiral is thinking."
"The only bigger concern is the other officers. There's nothing I like or dislike about them, but universally, they're useless. The only real reason they're in high power is due to their status of high nobility. The only saving grace was that the conference's average age was insignificantly lower."
"Sounded like you didn't want to attend."
"I never watched to go. It's not like they'd listen to my input anyway, which made me used to alienation and antagonism. It's just that I can't spend fruitless time alone and-"
"The only things useful are information and pre-assigned battle plans."
Reinhard nodded, which was the same old combat scenario like anything with Iserlohn fortress.
"It's agitating how the Alliance is so obsessed with Iserlohn. As powerful as it is, as much as it obstructs any invasion into Imperial space, there is always a way to neutralize it without any bloodshed. They always believe that they must attack it directly, rather than so much as find a way around it."
"That's why His Majesty, Otfried V ordered the construction of the fortress. To protect our territory from rebel invasions before we were even born."
"That's true, but it doesn't mean the Alliance never had something equivalent. Through all of our campaigns into their territory, they're repelled by a rising hero who annihilates our forces effortlessly. First Lin Pao, then the 730 Mafia."
"The curses of Admiral Bruce Ashbey still echo in the minds of soldiers stationed here at Iserlohn Corridor."
Those horror stories from the Empire came from the previous battle in the same system. The 730 Mafia, lead by Commander Bruce Ashbey, were known to be the greatest military commanders of the Alliance. Leading the team, he and his friends led many victories against the Imperial forces, repelling every assault on their home space and even attacked close Imperial worlds. Although Bruce fell long before and the 730 Mafia disbanded, his achievements shook the Empire to its core and inspired more Alliance admirals to continue resistance.
"Even without him, these ultimately useless campaigns remind me that when I achieve a higher ranking, I can forget predicaments when despicable people called upon me. Tell me, Kircheis. Ever since Duke Herbert's fiasco, who boasted swift victory at the start of the war, do you know how many battles have occurred?" Reinhard waited for Kircheis to shake silently before answering. "329 including the skirmishes, which makes this the 330th. With so many large battles in 150 years without progress on either side, I wonder how those on top never get bored of them."
"The war just continues, but…"
"You can win wars with the correct strategy and the Alliance has worn itself of its best minds and education. They may be experts in winning battles on a tactical level and with home field advantage, but they don't have a clue about strategy."
"That's why we get promoted so quickly, wouldn't you say so?"
"In retrospect, it's fascinating," Reinhard nodded. "Just a while ago, I became Vice Admiral with this small fleet under my command and you as my aide. Now with the old man's 30th anniversary, this expedition comes along. Wouldn't you say good fortune is heading our way?"
Immediately after New Year's Day of I.Y. 486, the expeditionary force was launched from the capital planet of Odin as promised. Attended by his cabinet, he commissioned the expedition into Alliance territory. Despite opposition from Ehrenberg and Steinhof, the majority of those participating in the battle agreed with the Kaiser.
Reinhard also well approved of the decision as did Muckenberger, who appointed him as a minor officer.
"I enjoyed eyeing on our Fleet Admiral during the ceremony. He looks so dignified to remain confident and patient in his years. Of course, he only looks all so dignified."
Kircheis was merely shaken over his friend's words. Muckenberger was quite inconsistent with rising officers like Reinhard and himself and all three were aware of that. A few times, their Fleet Admiral deliberately cast them off to areas where they'd have no control or had the possibility of being killed. Being a military officer, they knew it wasn't their status that agitated him; rather it's the misconception that favoritism from the Kaiser supported Reinhard. Despite this, they managed to avoid the worst and even got the better out of them. Through all of his failed attempts to sideline Reinhard, Muckenberger never showed signs of instability.
"Though dignity and patience are perhaps the only things that give him confidence and stability," Reinhard continued. "From what I hear, before we reached the fortress, Stockhausen and Seeckt yet got into another quarrel."
"Again? They just argued not long before the New Year."
"And they did it in front of the Fleet Admiral himself. It got so bad that he had to step in between them before any unrest occurred. With the heat of tension rising that high, I wonder how much longer he can maintain such dignity."
"That's evil of you, Reinhard," Kircheis chuckled back with his friend.
"I wouldn't say that."
"There's no other word to describe it."
"Let's just say I'm also a little puzzled. His dignity aside, his issued battle plans have become a lot more...detailed."
"Detailed? What do you mean?"
"During the meeting, the Fleet Admiral specified one fleet to be in the mid-right vanguard, but it is not ours."
"Why did he do that?" Kircheis could feel the same uneasiness coming from the Vice Admiral. As paranoid as he was, Reinhard would believe oddities to not be good news for him. Muckenberger was a political enemy, but would it be Reinhard assigned, death by friendly or enemy fire would've been an easy way to get rid of him. Another way would've been to somehow fire at their ship upon retreating. But Muckenberger wasn't too stupid to make such incriminating moves. Moreover, the location of the assigned fleet was in the face of many other ships that blocked the way. Even the ship's assignment, which has been very specified by Muckenberger, drew a lot of confusion among the staff officers.
"The question why he chose that particular fleet is just as puzzling as the position it was assigned. Or to put it more accurately, it's why he's so interested in its flagship."
"The flagship?"
"Nothing seemed wrong regarding the captain. Even through all the various people, with my interactions with Muckenberger, this is a new development. Moreover, the Nibelungenlied took part of the commissioning but didn't appear with all the other ships. In fact, it was launched remotely and accompanied us in the expedition long after. Many factors ensure the matter does not concern us, but the unusual activity of the battleship and it's coincidental attachment to the fleet without our knowing means something in regards to the battle."
"Do you think Muckenberger is preparing something special for the rebels?"
"I wouldn't be surprised. Whether I'm impressed should it bring victory or amused if it fails catastrophically, I can tell whatever is involved brings quite some intrigue."
Their conversation and thoughts were interrupted when one of their officers reported back to them.
"Your Excellency, it's begun."
The two commander watched the Alliance fleets that were closing in on Muckenberger. All the ships had green colors of varying degrees: army green, leaf green, teal, and so forth. Battleships, cruisers, and destroyers all shared the same design and were a lot less elegant. They looked like single blocks with a round nose for the front, communication antennas stuck out by the bridge on top, and missile banks and launch bays on the sides. Moreover, there were more gunports for smaller energy weapons on both the sides and front. The single engine had long fins that covered the exhaust. If there were any advantages the Alliance ships had despite having a lower technology lead, it would be putting mobility and practically over elegance.
Nonetheless, the Alliance ships engaged with Muckenberger's fleet. With 33,900 ships going against the majority of the expeditionary force, the two fleets were taking each other head on while maintaining their distance. The simple duel between the two groups only bored Reinhard.
"A formation without an ounce of creativity results in a battle without creativity. It's meaningless at this rate, but if I had command, I could easily wipe the floor of the rebels in a one-sided victory."
"It's still too early to demand absolute command," Kircheis objected, knowing the time they disobeyed orders despite the sudden victory.
"It's just a hobby of mine, watching battles from the rear. That way, I can think about what I could've done and contrast the results. Besides, it might be for the best, depending on how we look at it. Other than the needless safety of relaxing from the frontlines, it saves our combat potential."
"Combat potential that's valuable enough to change the outcome of the battle," Siegfried could understand his thoughts. "I wonder if Muckenberger has the same idea."
"No, Muckenberger always had things his way. Just like how he discounted and shelved the Grimmelshausen Fleet, we are also outside of his plan, though his interest in the Nibelungenlied has an interesting change to it."
"So maybe he does have a unique trick up his sleeve."
"Perhaps, but regardless what the Fleet Admiral has in mind, new technology and weapons don't guarantee absolute victory. Tactics, formations and other tricks outside physical weaponry always played a huge role in battles. In this case, combat potential can be the ultimate deciding factor."
"For that to happen though, the enemy will have to put some effort, which would cost them that potential."
"Correct, and there's no way we can miss this opportunity. Regardless of its strategic value, this battle will be important to us politically. If we seize the opportunity, we'll be recognized for our contributions that even Muckenberger himself won't ignore. Being the decisive factor in this battle will be more than enough to be promoted to a full-fledged Admiral."
Reinhard continued to observe the confrontation as the two groups exchanged fire. Both sides shared the same amount of casualties, but he doubted it would continue like this for long.
Now let's see how the Alliance responds. More importantly, let's see what our allies on the front lines will do.
On his flagship Wilhemina, Muckenberger ordered the formation of his fleet. Currently, his men were at a stalemate, reacting only to the changes within the rebel fleet. The exchange of fire was never ending with no side getting a hand on the other.
"Continue the attack," the fleet admiral ordered. "They can't last too long in a direct fight!"
Muckenberger was patient enough to expect this attack to happen, knowing that an expedition into Alliance space would never go smoothly. Imperial ships would last much longer in a direct fight in that range, but if he didn't seize an opportunity to strike back soon, it could be anyone's game.
"Fleet Admiral, an enemy fleet has broken off! They're charging right at us!"
Those reports brought or annoyance than anything.
"Impudent fools, trying to launch a convex attack in the middle of the battle. All nearby fleets, focus your fire and intercept them at once!"
His fleet and the two fleets nearby complied. All of their ships directed their forward cannons at the smaller rebel fleet, shooting a barrage of beams at the enemy opposition. It would technically be enough to cripple the enemy if they were all fired that the same time, forming a wall of energy no ship could pass unscathed. However, the Imperial fleet didn't have that option as the fleet moved too fast.
Furthermore, the rebel fleet suddenly moved quickly to the sides, dodging most of the enemy artillery fire without Muckenberger noticing. While continuing to make progress towards the Imperial fleets, the rebels were positioned right by the side before charging straight into their lines. Upon getting in close range, several of the larger ships dispatch hundreds of smaller attack craft to lead the charge.
"Sir, the enemy has just changed course! They're striking us from the sides! Spartanian attack ships incoming!"
Muckenberger finally got drew attention, several of the smaller craft already flew past them. The Spartanians had the same shape as the Alliance cruisers and battleships but were shrunk down to the size of a space fighter and given gray colors, save for custom paintings from their pilots. Only one or two men operated the cockpit seat on the front, but each fighter had a powerful armament. Every attack craft had a twin laser cannon turret on the dorsal front to confront enemies on half a hemisphere of angles. For the front prow, it either had four of the same short-range weapon: Gatling cannons, fiber flechette guns, rapid-fire laser cannons or neutron beam cannons capable of destroying capital ships. Therefore, they were a lot more flexible and deadlier than the Imperial Valkyries.
These attack crafts lead the charge as they blasted through Imperial ships, followed by fire from the motherships. Cruisers and battleships were blasted apart, even after they responded by firing their side cannons, which outnumbered their forward weapons or turned to face the enemy. The Alliance fleets fired upon the Imperial vessels by their large starboard sides. Once their enemies met the larger ships head-on, the fleet already cruised past them. As Valkyries were dispatched to intercept them, their mother vessels were taken out one by one.
"Many ships have already been destroyed. Our forces are now in disarray!"
"Don't be flustered! Continue spreading out!"
But Muckenberger's order only added more to the confusion. When the larger Imperial ships spread out, they all crashed into one another or the Alliance ships. The initial dogfights between the Valkyries and Spartanians were also going against their favor; the latter merely went side by side with the latter before destroying them with their laser turrets. With the rebel fleet swerving randomly into the disorganized Imperial armada, the whole battle was just complete chaos.
Muckenberger's patience was slowly dwindling down. Although his ship was not in danger, the Spartanian ships and Valkyries flying around the Wilhemina didn't help. Clenching his fists at the rebel ships, he had to think of something before the Imperial suffered what was already an epic fiasco.
"Sir, the reserve force is withdrawing!"
Muckenberger turned around to see the only fleet that wasn't participating the battle. Looking back at the main screen, he saw that the reserve fleet he already put under Reinhard never got involved. At first, the Fleet Admiral thought the commander would've immediately high-tailed it and leave him for dead. But from the commanders who respected him more, there was more to it. Even he could see that fleet was only going slowly in reverse. If they followed suit, they will easily catch up them and still fight in an organized formation.
"Damn fools! Trying to run from a fight like this! We should order them to reinforce us this instant."
But Muckenberger knew his cursing officers were ignoring the hindsight of the situation. He immediately objected and followed cue.
"No, all fleets, reverse course! Continue fighting the rebel ships as we fall back to Iserlohn!"
On order, all the Imperial vessels were falling back, going twice the speed of the reserve fleet behind them. The rebel fleets already passed through the Imperial forces, all the easier to separate the two belligerents. As the remains of Muckenberger's expeditionary fleet caught up the reserves, the rebel attack force continued to absorb all of the forces left in the sudden strike. The fleet still had most of their ships but was separated far from their supporting fleets. The attack force continued their charge against the retreating ships like nothing happened.
"Sir, we have regrouped our fleets from the crossfire. However, the enemy fleet has accumulated their forces and is continuing their advance."
"Continue our reverse course," he ordered. "Let them pursue until we've gained the advantage."
Although Muckenberger wasn't sure what Reinhard had in mind, he foresaw the fate of the rebel that was stretching its capabilities thin. Without a time to resupply, the rebel forces will be at their limits, allowing the Imperial fleets to turn the tables back on them.
But along the way, Muckenberger eyed on one of the battleships to his right. The Nibelungenlied suffered damage, yet survived the massive blow dealt by the rebel forces. He stared more at the ship, expecting something to appear at this time. After a while, he merely shook his head and resumed observing the battle at hand.
Tiamat System, Battleship Rio Grande
"Admiral, the 11th fleet is advancing and continuing to press their assault."
A large screen projected the situation of the entire battle. On their side, they had several large triangles in positions against three larger ones, indicating the side of the Alliance and Empire. Of the six fleets mustered, the 11th Fleet charge forward with permission. The fleet's movement on the screen indicated them charging forward, side-stepping, and then smoothly cutting apart the enemy forces. The Imperial fleets very disorganized and on the run, but getting the 11th Fleet to return as become a hassle.
Like the Empire, the Free Planets Alliance had their standard uniforms. Every officer in the Alliance Navy, officers included, wore khaki pants with a belt, an army green beret with gold, pentagonal star pins, and a corresponding long-sleeve shirt. Collar pins displayed differences in the ranks of officers: minor ones would have at least half-field collar pins, while seniors had full rectangular ones.
"Are you okay with this?" an officer said beside his superior, who's overweight appearance, pale skin and white hair and mustache showed old age. "We may have the Imperials retreating, but it looks like a trap."
"It's still too early to tell," the Admiral objected. "Everything is based on perspective. Holland's actions are undoubtedly reckless, but if the opponent is incompetent, then this will be an Alliance victory. Though I wonder…"
Another report interrupted the Admiral's thoughts.
"Admiral, incoming transmission from Admiral Ulanhu."
The holographic screen appeared in front of him. Ulanhu had darker skin and was more well-built and younger than the Admiral before him.
"Admiral Bucock," Ulanhu saluted to the man equal in rank. "I request your cooperation in restraining Holland's reckless behavior," he demanded, referring to the commander of the 11th Fleet. "He may know how to ignore old tactics, but he's unable to come up with any new ones. What he thinks as his original tactics are nothing but a bunch of random maneuvers."
"He seems to be on a roll and winning so far. Perhaps we might win it in a called game."
"I only hope that "so far" continues long enough, but the fleet is inching closer to their limit. If the Imperials have at least one competent commander or some interesting trick up their sleeve, then it won't be long before Holland's behavior comes to bite him later." As far as they knew, using looser disorganized methods can stirrup a lot of confusion among an enemy. But without having some organization, without its commander, they're just easy pickings of an unruly mob. The situation is even worse when they wasted much energy and ammunition without an appropriate place for resupply. "He thinks of himself as the revival of Bruce Ashbey, and he might even become an Admiral far earlier than he did. However, he has nowhere near the same competency or capability as him. Just his savagery and egoism."
"What you say is true, both about Holland and the Imperial fleet. A portion in the rear has retreated without fighting, and the rest are following suit. It's safe to say it's less of desertion and more a tactical withdrawal."
"I noticed it, too. The only officer who's not bright enough to see it is that empty-headed Holland." Anyone would believe he has won when he advances, and a retreating enemy equals a defeated enemy. However, more talented commanders can understand that retreating is more viable and useful option, allowing him to save his army and avoid random battles of attrition. Sometimes, falling back will allow him to consolidate his current strength and muster for a counterattack. With Holland's egoism in mind, 11th Fleet was blind to this advantage. "Now he's overextending himself to the point of no return. Once that happens, the Imperial commander will give the signal and beat the 11th Fleet mercilessly!"
"I believe there's nothing much we can do at this point. To convince someone to withdraw upon winning is much harder than when he's not. It's like telling a suitor to give up when he believes he has the woman of his dreams, rather than after realizing that he's been dumped." As much as he agreed with Ulanthu's plea, Bucock could foresee the destruction of the fleet. "However, there's no point in leaving our soldiers to die meaninglessly from the actions of their hard-headed commanders. We can't sit back and do nothing."
"As far we're concerned, we can only prepare for the inevitable disaster that bestows upon the 11th Fleet," Ulanhu sighed over the future losses of good soldiers. "Very well then, I'll have my fleets start moving once that happens."
"I'll continue sending withdrawal orders to Holland."
The two Admirals saluted again before communications stopped. As the 11th Fleet continued to press on, Bucock leaned back on his chair arms crossed. As he sighed over foreseen events, he could only wish for some miracle to get the vanguard forces to withdraw before their victory turns back on them. However, the old Admiral's fears didn't end there. As if it were a premonition, he sensed another element that was going against his favor, an unforeseen event that was about to happen.
Siegrun waited anxiously inside her vehicle. Her hands were on her lap, yet to touch the controls, but she was unsure over what to press. The right side was a control stick with various buttons and sticks around it. The other had a gauntlet connected by wires and electronics. She was desperate to get out of the battleship, but she wasn't given many instructions for how to operate it. Impatience for standing by was another factor. Regardless if she disobeyed orders, she couldn't just die without going into battle.
Come on, when are they going to send me out there!? She already contacted the commander in charge, but her orders were to simply standby. With the irritation from the first time she called, she assumed he was just another misogynistic man who obstructed chance at combat. Being clumsy is one thing, but if I'm going to die out here, at least be fighting against the enemy! Not being housed up in here! She wanted to shout with anger at the officers and her tight situation in the cockpit.
The machine was very compact to describe it respectably and comfortably. It was far from comfortable, at least to her standards, because the foamy seat was the only source of comfort. Her legs had limited movement as the blocky surroundings separated and isolated them; she couldn't get much freedom without having to lift her legs up, which was hard enough without opening up the cockpit or raising her bum up. Guards locked her shoulders, which she theorized could turn when activated. The seatbelt gave her torso some flexibility with four diagonal straps to keep her in place. Maybe a fitting suit will also give more survivability.
Siegrun could see the outlines of the dark internal walls. The smooth texture she felt upon entering indicated that they operate like computers and cameras. The blank screens, therefore, stated that the robot was yet to be turned on.
More strikes against the ship shook the battleship and the machine inside. With the attacks being more intense and totaling up, it won't be long before the whole ship explodes.
That's it, Siegrun snapped in her head, her hands raised from her lap. She started moving the right joystick, but to no avail. If it's going against orders, then so be it. I'd rather suffer whatever court martial comes after than die idling out here!
But then, the gauntlet glowed. No, it wasn't just the gauntlet. Siegrun could see the light on her right hand, the same archaic circle imprinted at her palm. The front top screen then opened window. Before she knew it, the computer spoke to her with a feminine electronic voice.
"Registered user detected. Please insert your left arm."
The shocked Siegrun first thought about jumping when the machine suddenly talked to her. Not that she knew much about military machinery or computers, but this was the first time the Empire ever developed an inanimate object that talked. It sounded creepy with its monotone voice, but it wasn't threatening either. The flashing "INSERT ARM" message in front of her indicated that it wanted her to activate it.
With nothing else to do, Siegrun complied with the message and inserted her arm into the left gauntlet as best she can. Surprisingly, it was was a perfect fit for her, even with the rings on her hand. It wasn't long before the message disappeared, but the computer responded by locking her arm in place. As Siegrun tried pulling her arm out- it was tightly locked in place, which made any struggle useless- the computer continued with its procedure.
"Arm inserted. Scan initiated," Siegrun could feel light being emitted onto her arm as part of the scan. She thought it tickled a little, but was anxious whether or not the machine was going to amputate it. But such paranoia went away when the machine finished. "Scan complete. Imprint recognized. Greetings, Siegrun von Munich. Startup sequence initiated, connecting to Light Reactor."
The screen all flashed light green, temporarily blinding Siegrun's eyes. When she came to, she saw another screen at the bottom showing the emblem of the Galactic Empire, followed by a silvery background and two Valkyries on the sides. The words in front displayed in German "In the name of Munich and His Majesty," below the words "Imperial Humanoid Autonomous Weapons Platform, Ausf 0 Gierskogul".
Siegrun assumed that the Gierskogul was the name of her machine. She watched the screen above that displayed abstract views of the machine and did a systems check. All of them connected to the Light Reactor, which was located right behind her, even though she couldn't see it. The side screens showed analysis on the systems regarding its weapons and their respective arms or supposed arms. Those same screens even did checks on the legs and thrusters of the machine. All of them reported no signs of trouble and gave all the green lights.
"Main startup complete. Systems: all green. Switching screens to visual mode. Ausf Null Gierskogul ready for battle."
All the screens then changed to what was supposedly outside of her machine, save a few screens that were shown on corners. Although it didn't give her a full view of the battlefield and showed the polyhedral outlines, she could still see everything in a whole hemisphere of vision. Looking around, she also found the machine's appearance change slightly. The lines that covered the machine's body light up with bright, blue-green colors and those same colors emitted behind the shoulders. The screen even showed levels of power output and levels indicated that it could do more damage than a small fighter.
She could every part of her body normally, obviously expect her left arm. When she moved it around, both in theory and interest, she found the arm of the machine reacting to her movements. However, that also brought the same sensations as a normal arm. When the left arm of the Gierskogul was stuck, the gauntlet followed accordingly, and her normal left arm touched its surface. She found on her side that the arm was stuck on the machines holding it down. It seems that even if she knew how to activate the machine, the officers still wouldn't allow her into combat.
If that's going to be the case then, so be it!
Siegrun put some more backbone, the screen showing more power being drawn out of the Reactor and into the left arm. The veins on the arm glowed more brightly as the increased power ripped through its holdings, which fell off the machine.
When her main cannon had the same problem, she gave the same amount of force, but this time, by pressing her right shoulder and leg. This suddenly gave a brighter glow on her right shoulder, and the right leg started to move. The combined forces of the right thruster and leg ripped apart the holdings on that side. The whole torso was allowed to turn freely, though the metal staircase blocked the machine.
Just when Siegrun had some freedom, the captain of the battleship contacted her through its communications hub.
"Gierskogul pilot, you are not yet authorized for launch! Please return to your position and remain on standby!"
Siegrun didn't much care about his orders. She had just destroyed the machines locking it in place and got some hold of the machine's controls. Not letting this opportunity slip up, especially in a warzone like this, she continued moving forward with its shoulder thrusters and legs.
Knowing the inside of the hanger bay beforehand, she could find where the shuttles were to be launched. Making a 180-degree turn around the column, she looked down at the large door for her possible escape route.
"Gierskogul pilot, disengage immediately! I repeat, disengage- UUAAAAGGGHHH!"
The officer was interrupted when laser fire seemingly blasted through the ship's bridge. It was able to shut the officer up and possibly prevent her from getting a court martial for abandoning her position. But now the whole battleship was on the verge of destruction.
Taking a step off the edge, Siegrun felt the Gierskogul drift off into space. She felt herself drifting towards the main door for the shuttles just as she heard explosions coming from behind. As much as she was close to freedom, she doubted that the slow velocity of her machine was enough to break through the last obstacle.
Just when she tightened her grip on the controls, hoping for more power, the Light Reactor increased it drastically. The thrusters on her machine accelerated the machine forward as it was on the verge of impact the battleship's heavy door. When it impacted the door with a huge dent, Siegrun responded by putting more power into the left arm. The empowered arm started tearing away at the back door to make room for the machine. The thrusters gave extra force to rip away the metal blocking the Gierskogul's path as explosions caught up to the machine. Once a big enough hole was made, the whole machine widened it enough for it to get through.
Smoke and flame engulfed the Gierskogul as it left the exploding battleship. It wouldn't be long before the Nibelungenlied turned into a flash of white light, blinding the pilot's view. But fortunately, she felt no pain, no equipment going static or alarms going off. All of that was a good sign. The only uncomfortable feeling left was the shaking from the shockwave of the exploding battleship, but that was dampening down by the second.
As Siegrun opened her eyes when she was certain nothing was going to blind her, she found herself finally out of the hanger, floating in space where a massive battle was taking place. Imperial forces were pulling behind her while rebels continued to pursue, put her in the crossfire.
While aware she couldn't fight just by down onto the vastness of space, she still embraced the moment. She was finally a soldier, participating in one huge battle in service of the Empire.
And now, it was time to fight.
Author's Notes:
So this is the end of the prelude of the Empire's first battle scenario. The next chapter will go to the actual battle and afterward, the postlude. I may give some scene that may appear in the chapter here.
For those who don't know Legend of Galactic Heroes or at least this part, this scenario is from Legend of Galactic Heroes Gaiden: Third Battle of Tiamat. It's the battle that ultimately results in Reinhard becoming a full-fledged Admiral gaining his iconic ship the Brunhild. As you'd expect, the Brunhild will also serve as the mothership of Siegrun's Gierskogul, right after her accomplishments in this battle.
I know this isn't too original, but you may notice Siegrun be like Usagi from Sailor Moon minus the meatball pigtails. That wasn't too intentional, and I wanted to give a male and female protagonist in Duel, yet felt the Empire is more suited for a female character, despite the culture of the Empire saying otherwise. Super Robot Wars is known for being idealistic and my favorite genre, magical girls, are also known to be idealistic (you can see the "magic" side with the Gierskogul's Light Reactor). All those series often revolve around monarchies and Reinhard goes on a quest as an idealist in that political structure, plus there are women who play critical roles in the original series.
The battle may take a while, but I expect you to stay tuned.