Disclaimers:

I do not own any of the ideas, locations, or characters that appear in the Ratchet and Clank series, these belong to their respective owners.

The item/term Manifestor belongs to Stephen Stryker, I am using it with his permission.

All other characters, races, and locations not appearing in the Ratchet and Clank series are my own. While I probably won't care if you use them, it would be nice if you did ask.

Chapter 3: Apogee Under Siege

Even as fast as traveling through hyperspace was, it still was going to take some time for the Phoenix to arrive at the Space Station. Bearing that in mind, Ratchet received a fast tour of the new Phoenix, learning the new systems.

Everything on the already massive ship had been upgraded and revamped. The first thing that had been improved was internal security. Doors and Walls were much thicker, and in times of lockdown, DNA or RIC (Robot Identification Chips) were needed to get through them. Automated defense turrets had also placed around the ship, the majority around key support systems.

The weapons and shields outside had also been greatly improved. While the missile batteries had remained in place, they had been upgraded with swivel pads to give 360o targeting area, and a significant number of guns had been added. Automated gatling turrets had been added near the weak points in the hull to protect against fighters and breaching pods. Several Ion turrets had also been added, to deal with corvettes and light frigates. These weapons were weak though compared to the three Ion Cannons added beneath the nose and wings of the Phoenix. The Ion Cannons, though weaker than the ones generally found on dreadnaughts, still packed the punch of a cruiser. Due to the new engines, the Phoenix could function like a frigate, hitting weak points and taking out much less maneuverable but more heavily armed opponents. As a result, she flew like a very slow fighter, fought like a frigate, hit like a heavy cruiser, and had the armor and shields of a dreadnaught. Mobility was scarified with this, but Ratchet thought it was a worth-while trade.

The revamped Phoenix also boasted a fully functioning fighter deck. A squadron of 13 fighters, 7 corvettes, and 6 dropships. Most of these craft were still intact, but a hit to the hanger bay during the opening volleys had caused the exits into the bay to collapse, leaving the original entry way as the only way in or out. As a result, the Phoenix couldn't deploy her fighters, and could only deploy one dropship at a time. Aphelion had come in via this entryway, and was snuggled into a corner, leaving little room in the hanger. The only dropship that remained was the one that had picked up Ratchet.

The Phoenix also boasted an engineering bay capable of making space craft and missiles, providing they had the material. Improved environmental systems had been added, as well as a backup core.

Unfortunately, even with the increase in size, all this new tech lead to a decrease in actual living space aboard the Phoenix. The captain's quarters had been hit the hardest, but everything had been reduced. What used to be a suite was now a simple room, equipped with a desk, a holo computer, a bed, and for the captain's quarters, a private bathroom and shower. Ah well, sacrifices had to be made.

"Sarge, we are about to exit out of hyperspace."

Ratchet nodded. "Acknowledged, H-22. I'll board Aphelion to land on the Station. Set the Phoenix up on the outskirts of the asteroid ring."

"Acknowledge."

Ratchet climbed aboard Aphelion, Clank hopping off his back and slipping into the co-pilot seat. A crate of nanotech was all that was needed for Clank to repair the damage to his hand. "Merc, Green, you guys want to join us? You haven't seen the space station yet."

"Sure, why not?" The two floated aboard, and settled down in the rear of the cockpit.

"Try not to burn my leather interior, I just got it washed. Otherwise I might have to jettison some excess cargo…" The two immediately switched off their hover-thrusters and clanged onto the bottom of the ship. On the dashboard Aphelion's icon smirked while Clank chuckled.

"Exiting hyperspace in three…two…one…mark!"

What should have been a simple change into normal space became rocky. Looking outside through the hole Aphelion was supposed to fly through, he saw the burst of laser fire.

"Status Report!"

"Sarge, the station is under attack by Lycans! I read two cruisers, a carrier, and multiple fighter craft. The station is slightly on fire, there are breaching pods over its hull, and the remains of multiple enemy ships are drifting around."

Ratchet gritted his teeth. "We have to help them. Take out that carrier, then focus on the cruisers. I'll deal with the fighters. After I launch, send as many troopers as you can spare to aid the defenders of the station."

"Aye Sarge!"

The fighter rose into the air, and blasted out of the hanger. "Shields up, weapons online!"

"Clank, hop onto the turret!" Ratchet didn't need to give that order, as the little robot had already strapped himself in.

"What about us?"

Ratchet grinned. "Just hang onto your thruster coils."

"Warning, multiple fighter's detected on an intercept course. Counts read at over two dozen."

Ratchet didn't responded, he was too focused on the enemies in front of him. The fighters were painted a pitch black to help them hide in the stars, though the paint was oddly reflective, allowing him to see them clearly. They were about the same size as Aphelion, though sleeker. They sported two missile launchers, one on each wing, and a pair of machine guns under the nose.

Ratchet picked one out at random, and fired a pair of torpedoes. The pilot didn't even have a chance to react, the missiles slammed into the fighter creating a fireball. The rest scattered, and the fight was on.

Ratchet had three distinct advantages over the Lycan fighters: He had a better ship, boasting shields and mines, he had more experience, and there was only one of him. While his enemies had to constantly check their fire to avoid hitting friendlies, any fighter he saw, he could shoot. Clank was also murdering on the turret.

"Whoa, didn't know you could shoot like that, little fellow!" Merc's awe was evident. Clank just chuckled lowly and went back to firing.

"Sarge, the ground team just made touchdown. Someone is fighting down there, but the fire is impeding their progress."

"Have them deal with the fire, if the station burns it is useless to us and my friend loses her home."

"Yes Sarge."

As they whittled down their enemies, the fire increased, and hits were being scored on Aphelion. The shields were being depleted to rapidly.

"Time for a change in tactics! Hang on, I'm taking us into the asteroid field!"

"Oh dear."

Throwing Aphelion out of the fray, he was momentarily alone, as the maneuver through off his opponents. Over the comn he heard cheers. "The carrier, she's breaking apart! Concentrate on the cruisers."

"Aphelion, how many fighters are left?"

"I am only counting 5 fighters remaining…opps, better make that four, one hit an asteroid."

Ratchet grinned. He skillfully weaved Aphelion in among the dense asteroid field with Clank firing at the remaining enemies. The remaining four were very good though, keeping up with Ratchet in this deadly race, even scoring a few hits. Shields were now at less than 10% strength.

Spotting a tight gap in between several asteroids, he flew through and deployed a mine, taking out two more of the fighter crafts. Clank yelled as he got another one, Merc and Green both congratulating him.

"We got the cruisers Sarge!"

"Excellent, I'm almost done here myself. Just need to take out this last bogey, and I'll be done."

"Happy hunting."

The last one on their tail was proving to be quite difficult. No matter how much Ratchet weaved or Clank fired, the pilot kept on coming, skillfully dodging everything. Then…

"Warning, missile alert."

"Crap!"

Ratchet yanked the ship around, trying to juke the missile into detonating on an asteroid, but the fast bugger kept on trailing him. And it was getting closer.

"I hope this works…" Ratchet began muttering to himself, never a good sign. He flew Aphelion around an asteroid, and stopped.

"Come on…YES!" The missile, rather than fallow Ratchet around the asteroid, thereby taking the long path, flew directly into the asteroid, detonating. Even better, the remaining fighter flew right past him, obviously thinking he still had engines engaged.

Ratchet quickly flipped the engines back on, and targeted his opponent. The fighter managed to dodge the first couple of shots, but the next clipped a wing, taking it off. Spinning out of control, the pilot ejected from the cockpit. "All fighters are accounted for, I am moving in to support the ground troops. Begin mop-up operations, and see if you can capture any ejected enemy pilots. I know at least one ejected."

"Understood Sarge."

"Any word from the ground team?"

"Hold on…yah, they have managed to control the fire. Unfortunately, most of the Oxygen is gone save for the bio-dome center, so you'll have to use the O2 mask. Be advised, enemy contacts include both organic's and non-organics."

"I copy that. Tell the ground force to take out the robots, but to only stun the Lycans. I want to learn all I can about our enemy."

"Will relay that command Sarge!" The ranger saluted, and disappeared from the now blank screen.

Ratchet carefully maneuvered Aphelion through the asteroid field, bringing the station in full view again. A few plumes of smoke were visible, but the fires had mostly gone out. Several holes were in the massive station, and multiple gun turrets were wrecked. This place had finally been through the war, and it looked bad.

Ratchet noted with a groan that the hanger had also been damaged. "Great. We'll have to enter through the holes."

"I'm ready sir. My trigger finger is itching for combat."

"Remember, we want those Lycans alive, so check your targets."

"You got it sir."

Ratchet manifest his O2 mask and put it on, after removing his helmet. He would need to fix again to fit under the helmet.

"Let's do this."

Aphelion did a half barrel-role, and opened up the hatch to the cockpit. Ratchet, Clank, Merc, and Green tumbled out, with Clank latching onto Ratchet's back.

"Oomph."

The corridor was empty. "Clank, can you make contact with the ground team."

"I'll patch you through…There, we have contact."

"This is Ratchet, report."

A few seconds of static, then "We read you. This is F-25. We managed to get rid of the fire Sarge, starved it of oxygen. We are on the lower half of the station, where are you?"

"Upper half. Clear the lower, and then meet me in the bio-dome section."

"Yes Sarge."

Ratchet manifested his dual-wrench. The thin corridors which wound and spun like a snake meant that most long range weaponry would be useless. He headed through the mazelike station, progressing towards the center. Muted sounds of gunfire could be heard.

Rounding a corner, Ratchet saw three warbots rounding at the other end. Similar to other Lycan bots, they were tall and thin, but this time equipped with two spinning blades, one in each hand.

Merc and Green immediately opened fire, taking out two instantly. The final one charged Ratchet, only to be cut down by a bolt from his wrench.

The group proceeded forward when suddenly, "This is Chief Admiral Cronk-"

"And Lieutenant Commander Zephyr-"

"Stow it you darn fool. You hostiles are ordered to desist immediately or we will give you the a'fore mentioned whopping."

"Yah, you young wiper-snappers all on that rap music better leave right now or else-" An explosion cut him off.

Ratchet couldn't help grinning. "You know Clank, this reminds me of the time that furry dude and his little metal buddy infiltrated our system and defeated all our defense drones. Eh, when was that?"

Clank chuckled, while Merc and Green looked at each other with confused expressions.

Ratchet turned the corridor, and froze when he saw the gaping hole in the floor. Below was the bio-dome. Multiple wolf-like creatures which Ratchet was sure were Lycans were crouching behind debris, using it as cover. They were firing in the direction of the control room, with gunfire being thrown back.

Ratchet grinned savagely and crouched. He was a good fifty feet above the group. "Clank, glide us down to 13 feet, then let me do the rest."

"Be careful Ratchet."

Ratchet jumped, with Clank activating the Heli-pack. A soft whirling noise filled their ears. Closer and closer they hovered down, Merc and Green following silently. Suddenly, one of the Lycans noticed their shadows. He looked up…and was knocked unconscious by Ratchet's wrench.

WHUMP! THUNK! CLANK! Ratchet was among the Lycans, causing devastation in their ranks. They weren't ready to fight in such close quarters, and were unable to properly respond to Ratchets sudden attack. Merc and Green firing stun bolts into their ranks didn't help either.

"Look Ms. Talwyn, it's the Rookie!"

"Ratchet!" He waved one hand slightly in her direction to show he heard her.

A few moments most of the Lycans were knocked out, the rest retreating down a hallway. Ratchet grinned and was about to go after them when a wall behind him exploded. Turning, he saw multiple warbots charging.

"Shit!"

He quickly manifested the Nitro Reaper, unleashing hell upon the closely bunched robots, taking many out with his super-shotgun. Despite that, as well as fire support from Cronk, Zephyr, Talwyn, Merc, and Green, more and more bots kept coming, and he was running out of ammunition.

"Let them have it Rangers! Charge!"

Blue arm-cannon fire burst among the warbots, ripping them to shreds. And it was coming from their flanks. Caught in a box of death, the bots were quickly torn to shreds.

"Woh-wee! I haven't seen an accidental trap that good since…since…since the Blarg Invasion of 59'."

Noise caused Ratchet to turn, seeing the remaining Lycans charge with Razor Claws. "For Great Alpha Leader Argon!"

"Remember, just stun them!" Ratchet manifested his wrench. Tilting forward, he activated his hoverboots, and flew into the surprised Lycans. Two were quickly knocked out before a third managed to leave a gash on his arm.

"Gah!" Ratchet gritted his teeth as nano-mites healed the wound. He proceeded to sweep his opponent and knock him out when he was on the ground. All the rest, about 4 others, had been knocked out by the firing.

The battle was over.

Author's notes:

Enemies Encountered: Assault Bots. Built in typical Lycan fashion, these bots are tall and less armored than most war bots. Armed with two spinning blades attached to poles which they wield in their hands, these bots are employed for close quarters fighting, generally in the assault of buildings.

Lycan regulars. The grunts of the Lycan army, these enemies wear black armor. Generally they are equipped with assault rifles, which can switch between automatic and semi shots. Occasionally they will wield heavy weaponry, but that is generally reserved for other sections of the Lycan military. They are employed is almost all stand up fights. As with all Lycan soldiers, they are also equipped with razor claws.

Ship combat: Ratchet's ability to take on whole fleets and win is very unique. Most battles tend to follow this set pattern.

Fighters: Fighters are light craft deployed generally from carriers. They have little to no shields and armor. They are generally equipped with machine guns to take out other fighters and missiles to take out corvettes. The purpose of fighters is two-fold: Take out enemy corvettes and dropships, and to escort friendly corvettes and dropships and protect them from enemy fighters. Aphelion has enough firepower and armor to be classified as a corvette, but has the speed of a fighter.

Corvette: These are basically enlarged fighters. They are slower and only boast one machine gun to take out fighters. However, their torpedoes, bombs, and mines are useful for weakening enemy capital ships. While it is possible for a corvette squadron to take out a dreadnaught, it is highly unlikely. More often, they will destroy cannons and engines. They are often escorted by fighters, as without escort enemy fighters will make mince-meat out of them.

Dropships: Dropships are the biggest of fighter type vessels, and are slow and unwieldy. They sport multiple turrets to be manned by the troops they are to deliver, as well as thick armor. Despite this, they are still easy targets for fighters, though most capital ships still can't deal with them. They are often escorted by fighters.

Boarding Pods: These pods are filled with soldiers and are used against stationary targets. Basically a metal egg with a giant engine attached, they can fly in only one direction. They have a much better survival rate than dropships though, and are used whenever possible. They are unable to enter the atmosphere.

Frigates: Frigates are the smallest of the capital class ships. They operate in wolf-packs of 4-5, armed with ion cannons and point defense drones. Their job is to take out dreadnaughts and cruisers wounded by corvettes. They have the easiest time dealing with corvettes of capital ships, but still can't deal with than many. Lightly armored for capital ships, they rely more on speed and maneuverability. They won't engage fully operational cruisers, and rarely get into fights with other wolf-packs.

Cruisers: Cruisers are the protectors of dreadnaughts and carriers, keeping them out of harm from frigate wolf-packs. They have powerful Ion cannons designed to be able to track enemy frigates and knock them out of the fight. They are most easily overwhelmed by corvettes, and need fighter support. The ratio for protecting, and fighting, dreadnaughts is 3:1.

Dreadnaughts: The heaviest weapons flying in space, these are giant ships with huge cannons. Armed to the teeth with weapons and with armor that is over a meter thick, they are slow, unwieldy, and pack one hell of a punch. Tradition was to have them as big and powerful as possible, limiting maneuverability and speed. This has left them very vulnerable to frigate packs, falling prey to these more maneuverable opponents. The Phoenix is a step in the direction to correct this. While not nearly as heavily armed as traditional dreadnaughts, her upgraded speed and maneuverability allows the Phoenix to deal with two dreadnaughts on her own. Cruisers have also begun to move in this direction. Eventually space combat will evolve to be more maneuverable.