AN: please R&R
I need a Beta, Message me if you want the job
I know it took quite a while but had some trouble with a writer's block (Hate it when that happens) and some other things like school (Damn teachers keep adding homework, when you think you're finally done with it you get some more).
Next part, enjoy!
August 12, 2016
1045 hours
Atlantis control room, Asuras
The Atlantis control room has been hugely changed, instead of a gate and DHD there were some new terminals mostly to regulate the multiple incoming wormholes and direct them to a free gate. The place of the gate was now filled with a huge monument in honor of all those who have fallen in the line of duty in the Pegasus galaxy.
"General Sheppard, we have a transmission from M348-324, they report that the outpost is ready and we can send the units to man it." Chuck said
"Very well." Sheppard said. Now that there were not many threats out there the federation had decided to colonize the Pegasus galaxy and to help the local peoples gain access to the federation. "Which platoon is assigned to that planet?"
"The 4th platoon of the 6th company of the 236th defense brigade sir." Chuck said. In order to man the new outposts new units were created, they were called defense brigades and were assigned to protecting the outposts.
"Tell, Lieutenant Xian he can go ahead." Sheppard said.
"Yes sir." Chuck said and he pushed several buttons.
1325 hours
Weekly Tau'ri federation council meeting, Geneva, Earth, Milky Way
The federation council chamber is a large round room with the delegates and other important persons seated close to the middle where the chairman and other important people were seated. The aids of the representatives were seated against the walls.
"…Another dozen or so planets in the Pegasus galaxy have applied to join our Pegasus galaxy Protectorate; we are currently setting up outposts on those planets, this will bring the total amount of planets on 425, The Genii are becoming a real pain in the Ass but General Sheppard in working on a plan to neutralize them." Teyla Emagan said. After the Pegasus galaxy Protectorate had been established she volunteered to be the representative of it.
"Miss Emagan, why do we need to set up those outposts, the Wraith have been defeated, and we haven't heard much of them in two years?" a Milky Way representative asked.
"We do not yet know for sure that the Wraith are defeated and the Outposts do not only work as defense posts, yes that is there main purpose but they also help the local population with healthcare, agriculture and several other matters." Teyla said.
"Alright, that answers my questions. Thank you." The representative said.
"Next, Admiral William Adama of the New Cobol Shipyard. Admiral welcome." The chairman said. After his retirement from the military Adama was asked to become commander of the New Cobol shipyard and he accepted.
"Thank you sir." Adama said as he walked to the stage. "Per your request I have here a status report on the refitting and construction of the battlestars and warstars. The battlestars Galactica, Pegasus, Colombia, Valkyri, Atlantia, Mercury, Acropolis, Athena, Night Flight, Erasmus and Universal have been completely refitted and are ready for deployment and the Triton will be ready in about two weeks. The Battlestars Cain, Roslin, Sun Tzu, Eisenhower, Zeus, Husker, Nagala, Edar, Weir, Ford, Adama and Pythia will be completed in about two years. The Warstars Antarctica, Hippoforalcus, Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson will be completed in about three years." The warstars were meant to be command and control ships, they were sort of a back up if the command centre of an important planet would be destroyed, they were also mobile command centres so that the leader of a fleet could be close to the front lines but still be adequate defended.
"Why do we need those battlestars and warstars, have you seen the costs and there isn't even a war at the moment." A representative said.
"You are right, there is currently no war, but we do have enemy's and these ships are so powerful that those alone can turn the tide of a war and I rather not wait three years to build a warstar, I rather have some in reserve." Adama replied.
"Why do we even need four warstars, we only have troops in three galaxies." The representative said.
"Every galaxy will get one warstar and the combined alliance fleet will also get a warstar." Adama said.
"Talking about the alliance, how many ships do we have in their fleet?" another representative asked.
"About 45 percent of the combat vessels is Tau'ri another 25 percent is Jaffa and the rest in divided between the Nox, Asgard, Hebridians, Gadmeer and other Milky Way and Pegasus allies." O'Neill said while standing up from his seat in the centre of the room. "The distribution of non-combat vessels is reversed; the Jaffa and Hebridians provide most of those vessels. The reason why there are so much Tau'ri vessels in the alliance is because we have the most powerful ships and we are currently upgrading all alliance ship to our standards, in time the Jaffa and Hebridians will send more ships and as soon as the Asgard set up their shipyards they will also start building newer and better ships."
"So, for now we provide the military power for the Alliance." A representative said.
"That's correct sir." Adama said.
"Alright, moving on to the next subject, Tax cuts. The president feels that we need to give the citizens a break and because our economic prosperity we would receive enough money even with a two percent tax reduce to 21 percent." The chairman said while putting the estimated costs and income on the hologram in the centre of the room.
"Although I welcome a tax cut, I doubt we will still have enough money to pay for all our expenses." A representative said.
"Oh don't be so naive, we now have hundreds of planets and we make a lot of money by refitting the Jaffa ships with the new weapon systems and other contracts." Another more liberal representative said. The meeting continued for several exhausting hours in which a lot of topics were discussed.
1450 hours
Atlantis control room, Asuras
"General Sheppard, we could not establish contact with our outpost on M31-111, when we dialled in they did not respond to our hails, a unit sent to investigate has also failed to report in." Chuck said.
"What kind of assets do we have in the region?" Sheppard asked.
"We have two companies of marines on a training mission, they can be there in 18 hours and two traveller vessels on patrol with a news reporter, those of commander Garbly and Labreya, they can be there in twelve hours or they can pick up those two marine units." Chuck replied after he checked his laptop.
"Have them all set course for the planet but tell the marines to stay in a nearby system and the travellers can go check it out." Sheppard said.
"On it sir." Chuck replied.
1458
Condara 12 hours from M31-111
The bridge of the old traveller ship was dark lit and had several cables hanging from the sealing
"Commander Labreya, we have an incoming call from Pegasus command." A tech guy said.
"Put it on the main screen." Labreya said suspiciously, normally a small patrol vessel would not be contacted by Pegasus command but by the sector command, this had to be important.
As the screen changes from the seal of the Condara to the face of General Sheppard Labreya stiffened up.
"General, what's so important?" Labreya asked.
"We lost contact with one of our outposts; we also did not receive any communications form the rescue party. I want you to investigate it together with the Hydrygo, report anything you find but do not go down there yourself, after you have scanned the surrounding space and have determined that there is no big threat you are to pick up several marine units who will be waiting in a nearby system." Sheppard said.
"Do you think there will be any problems?" Labreya asked.
"Except that both teams are missing we have no information that any hostilities have been committed but something doesn't feel right, I think the Wraith are back." Sheppard said. The fact that he had a feeling didn't predict much good as he was usually right.
"Alright, you will hear back from us in about 12 hours." Labreya said.
"See you then." Sheppard said as he terminated the line.
As the screen changed to status reports and other data Labreya sat down in her chair and pushed several buttons.
"Everyone may I have your attention please. We have just been informed by Pegasus command that we will be investigation the silence of one of our outposts, we will be there in about 12 hours and I want everyone rested and everything prepared for combat and wounded, that's all." She said. "Major set course for M31-111 and engage Hyperdrive, tell the Hydrygo to do the same."
"Yes sir." The major replied. He pushed several buttons and informed the Hydrygo and then powered the hyperdrives and engaged it.
"Commander, what exactly is going on?" The news reporter of the ascended time asked when he entered the bridge. Ever since the Ori war was over news services were asking that they would be allowed to put a reporter on several ships. This reporter was of the Ascended Times one of the major Pegasus galaxy papers.
"We might be going into combat, we lost contact with one of our outposts in the region and we are to investigate." Lebreya said.
"But why do you think we might get into combat?" The reporter asked.
"Because a team that was sent to make contact has also disappeared, now it might just be the Bolokai and in that case we'll let the marines handle it but it might also be the Wraith or another space faring enemy and in that case we are in for one hell of a fight." Labreya explained.
"I see, thank you for the information. If it comes to a fight may I be allowed to be on the bridge?" the man asked.
"Only if you shut up, stand still and don't make any pictures or make a movie it's fine with me." Labreya asked.
August 13
0300 hours
Hyperspace near M31-111
"Commander, we are about to exit hyperspace." The major said.
"Alright, sound general quarters and have the ship made battle ready." She said.
"Sensors do not detect any ships in orbit over this planet." The major said.
"Nevertheless, I want us to be prepared." She replied.
"Exiting hyperspace." The major said. "No contacts, starting scan of the surface, shall I contact Pegasus command?"
"Yes do it." Labreya replied. As the screen changed for a tactical screen to the view of General Sheppard she stood up and walked towards the screen.
"Commander Labreya, have you found anything?" Sheppard asked immediately.
"We have not detected any ships in orbit and we are now running a scan of the surface." Labreya said. "Have you heard anything from the outpost while we were en route here?"
"Commander, we have found the remains of the outpost, it has been reduced. We are picking up weak radio transmissions; I'm trying to get them on."
"Alpha squad take the left flank, Charlie squad take the right flank, Bravo squad will stay here to lay down suppressing fire. The W…" As the man keeps speaking the line is to much distorted to make anything up.
"General Sheppard, did you hear that?" Labreya asked while she already knows the answer.
"Yes, you have permission to use the marines and I will also send in a third company by jumper but it will take time to assemble them." Sheppard said.
"It might be wise to send some medics." Labreya said.
"I will Pegasus command on standby." He replied and the screen changed to black, the line was still open but not active.
"Where are those marines?" She asked her XO.
"They can be here in about ten minutes." He replied.
"Get them here and tell them they will need to fight." Labreya said. "Get me that line on the surface, patch me in."
"You're on sir." The comm. Specialist said.
"This is the Federation ship Condara; reinforcements will arrive in ten minutes, just hold on out there." Labreya asked.
"Who the hell is this, stay away from my channel an angry voice yelled."
"This is commander Labreya of the Tau'ri federation ship Condara, we are here to assist you, reinforcements will be here in six minutes."
"Thank god, we were starting to wonder when you guys would show up; we are in quite a nasty situation down here and would appreciate it if you could lend us a hand." The man said.
"I am sorry but we are not equipped for planetary combat but two full companies of marines will arrive soon. In the meantime there are about a dozen hostiles circling in from behind." Labreya said.
"Thank you. Delta squad, we've got a dozen hostiles behind us, take them out will ya." The man replied.
"Hyperspace windows opening." The sensor officer said.
"That must be the marines, tell them to…"
"Two Wrath cruisers, they are opening fire on the Hydrygo." The sensor officer said.
"Coordinate with the Hydrygo, we need to attack one ship at a time." Labreya said.
As the Condara charges forward to help its sister ship, dozens of yellow lights appear from the surface of the planet.
"Sir, we've got weapons fire from the surface, they are drones and are heading for the Wraith ships." The tactical officer said.
"Break away, cover the Hydrygo." Labreya said.
As the Condara shields the Hydrygo whose shields are close to failing hundreds of drones impact the cruisers, ripping open whole sections to space and destroying the ships in several giant fireballs.
"Both ships are destroyed sir." The tactical officer said.
"General, I think we have a problem, the wraith can travel through hyperspace again, you must alert all other ships and outposts in the Pegasus galaxy. Two Wraith cruisers just jumped out of hyperspace and attacked us." Labreya said.
"Alright, I will send the word out, rescue the people on that planet after that destroy anything the enemy can use." Sheppard said and terminated the connection.
"The marines have arrived, they are setting course for the planet." An officer said.
As two cylindrical ships exited hyperspace several smaller landing craft were launched and they immediately set course for the planet.
1 kilometre away from the outpost on M31-111
As about a dozen landing craft flew through the clouds several missiles were launched and other AA weapons opened fire on them.
"Sir, we are coming in hot, we have Wraith AAA fire." The pilot yelled to an officer who stood behind him.
"Mark their location for our escorts, have them toss a few bombs at them. Land us in this open space, it should be large enough." The officer replied while marking an open area with a special pen.
"Yes sir, relying targets." The Pilot replied.
As several F312's flew through the clouds they launched bombs and missiles destroying the AA units.
"Lieutenant we are there." The pilot said.
As the ships set down their hatches open and marines rush out to take defensive positions in a circle around the ships.
"First company take positions around the landing site. Second company follow me, we have some people to save." The lieutenant said.
As the soldiers take their positions or move towards the outpost several Wraith come through the three line and are immediately killed by the marines.
Five minutes later they reach the outpost which is under heavy fire from Wraith troops.
"First platoon charge forward and make contact with the people at that outpost, second platoon take the right flank, third you take the left flank and fourth you cover our rear." The Lieutenant said.
As the soldiers took their positions a heavy door opened and the survivors walked out supporting several injured and unconscious soldiers.
"Sir, thank god you came, we were about to set the self destruct, they were about to overrun us when they all retreated and we heard bombs go off and all." The leader of the small group said.
"You're welcome, we need to get out of here, and do you have everyone and all important files?" The Lieutenant asked.
"We already destroyed all important files as we thought we would be killed." The man replied.
As the lieutenant made a gesture and talked into his headphone all the soldiers started to move back towards the landing craft. When they arrived back at the landing craft they boarded and set course for the ships in orbit.
Condara, orbit over M31-111
"Captain the marines are back on board and the Hydrygo has repaired its hyperdrive system, they are ready to go." The comm. Officer said.
"Alright, it is time to leave, do a last surface scan and destroy anything that the enemy can use." Labreya said.
As the marine landing ships entered hyperspace the Hydrygo and Condara fired at several targets destroying them without a problem and then entered hyperspace themselves.
0900 hours
Pegasus council chambers, Atlantis, Asuras
The council chambers looked like those on earth but this one was larger as every planet had its representative here. This council was used for matters only concerning the Pegasus galaxy.
"Ladies and Gentleman welcome here on such short notice and on your free day but we have received disturbing news." General Sheppard said as an introduction.
"It better be important, I was just in the middle of my backswing when I got the news." One of the more funny representatives said and making the whole room laugh.
"I'm sure this is important enough." Sheppard said. "Yesterday we lost communications with our outpost on M31-111, we sent a team to find out why they hadn't dialled in and that team didn't respond either. In response we sent two Traveller ships on a recon mission and two companies of marines. When they arrived there was no sign of danger and they called in the marines. Before the marines could jump in the traveller ships were ambushed by two Wraith cruisers crippling the Hydrygo. In return they destroyed the two cruisers with help from the drones launched form the surface. When the marines landed they were greeted by Wraith fire and they returned fire. After an hour they rescued the personnel at the facility and evacuated them after that the cruisers destroyed any technology they could find and left." While he was speaking he could see the face drop and some gasped at him as they realized he wasn't making a joke.
"That's awful, how is this possible, isn't the chair platform there to destroy any Wraith ships and ground forces?" A representative asked.
"That's correct, we currently don't know why that didn't happen, our scientists are working on a solution." McKay said while he walked to the centre of the room. "That isn't the biggest problem here." He continued and several people watched him wondering what he was talking about. "The Wraith can travel through hyperspace, we already checked the Aterro device for any malfunctions but we couldn't find any."
"What does that mean?" A representative asked.
"It means the Wraith can attack everywhere at any given time, nowhere is safe." McKay said.
"Let's not panic yet, I already put our entire military forces on full alert and we might get some reinforcements from Milky Way." Sheppard said.
"What do we have and what can we get?" An already panicking representative asked.
"We have 7 carrier groups all escorted by two battle groups, furthermore we have another 19 battle groups and 46 task groups, it should be large enough to fend off any kind of Wraith attack. We can also get another 3 carrier groups, 7 battle groups and 12 task groups and last but not least we can also call in the big reserves in the form of our battlestars, at the moment that's eight total." Sheppard said while he put the fleet placement chart on the main screen. Due to the use of replicators the building of almost all ships, except for the battlestars and warstars was incredibly fast and hundreds of ships were produced every year.
"Do we have any idea where the Wraith are and how many ships they have?" Another representative asked.
"We are currently doing a full galaxy wide scan to find all Wraith ships it will be done any moment." McKay said, while he was talking a scientist walked in with a laptop and whispered something to him.
"Rodney, what is it?" Sheppard asked.
"These are the results of the scans, wait, I'll put them on the main screen." As Rodney pressed some buttons the main screen changed to an oversight of the Pegasus galaxy showing hundred if not thousands of ships.
"Are those all Wraith?" Sheppard asked in awe.
"No of course not, just let me filter out all the Wraith ships. Ah there it is. As he made some adjustments a lot of the dots disappeared but still a large amount remained and they were dangerously close to each other.
"That can't be true, how is that possible, we have scanned that entire region of space continuously." Sheppard said.
"Well apparently they have a way of jamming our normal scans."McKay said.
"So what can we do against it?" a representative asked.
"Well, I have to talk to earth first and discuss any possible reinforcements, after that I will have to make plans with the Joint Pegasus chiefs of staff." Sheppard said. The worst thing was the bureaucracy, every request for reinforcement needed to be filed threefold and then sent to earth where it would be evaluated and passed on to the evaluators commander, hopefully the war would make it a bit easier as the highest ranking officers would be involved.
"Then we won't keep you waiting; make the calls, safe the galaxy." A high representative said.
1000 hours
White house situation room, Washington DC, Earth
The situation room had changed a lot, there were new holographic systems so that generals could be 'present' while they were on the other side of the galaxy and the room was larger as there were more positions to be filled.
"Generals, what the hell is going on, I was in the middle of my haircut." Hayes said while walking in and pulling of the apron of the hairdresser.
"Sir we have general Sheppard of Pegasus command on the line, he says it is urgent." A general said.
"Put him on." Hayes said while he waved his hands at the hologram.
As an aide pushed some buttons an empty chair showed general Sheppard.
"Mister President, it's nice to meet you although I wish it would be under different circumstances." Sheppard said.
"What is happening there general, what was so important that it couldn't wait a few hours?" Hayes asked irritated.
"One of our outposts has recently been attacked by the Wraith, immediately afterwards we did an enhanced scan of the whole galaxy and discovered some disturbing information." Sheppard said. "The Wraith found a way to remain unnoticed and appear to be able to travel through hyperspace, in the last few years they have been building a lot of ships, early estimates are at 800 hive's and three times that much cruisers."
"How is this possible?" Hayes asked already knowing it wouldn't matter as another full out galaxy wide war was inevitable.
"We don't know, we only found out because they attacked that outpost, otherwise we still wouldn't know, for now we know their positions and headings but that information is getting more and more unreliable." A scan of the whole galaxy required massive amounts of energy and therefore is only done rarely." Sheppard explained.
"What do you want?" Hayes asked while he already knew the answer.
"We need as much reinforcements as we can get, we should be able to handle the fleet that the enemy currently has but I don't want to take any chances and if they were able to upgrade their hyperdrives and ECM equipment it is likely they also upgraded other systems." Sheppard said.
"What do you have in mind?" Hayes asked.
"All operational battlestars and several reserve units." Sheppard said.
"Not gonna happen, the crews of those battlestars have no experience at all, they cannot be deployed in such a large battlefield at this point." The general of the space forces said. The plan was to slowly let the battlestars into large wars and in the meantime they could gain experience by hunting down pirates and small enemy's.
"I agree with that general Sheppard, you can get the requested reinforcements but no battlestars." Hayes said.
"But sir, the losses will be higher without the battlestars." Sheppard said.
"And what if we lose a battlestar, you know what happened when Galactica was nearly destroyed, we almost had a revolt on our hands, we cannot let that happen again." Hayes said. After the return of the Galactica and the announcement that revealed the cause thousands of people went to the streets and demonstrated against the use of nuclear weapons by the Tau'ri federation, fortunately an appearance of Admiral William Adama who reassured it was necessary quieted the demonstrations and order was restored.
"Very well but don't blame it on me if we lose a lot of our ships." Sheppard said and his hologram disappeared.
1045 hours
Pegasus galaxy command centre, Atlantis, Asuras
The room was blue lit and contained several large tables, the largest one was in the middle, it showed the positions of Tau'ri ships in the Pegasus galaxy, several high-ranking military officers were standing around the large table.
"Generals, I just got off the phone with the President, we are not going to get the battlestars but we do get everything else we've requested.
"That sucks sir. While you were on the phone we discovered more hive ships, and apparently they are on the move, we already alerted the military forces in the area, the targeted planets are all heavily populated and evacuation has already begun but we will not be able to evacuate them in time." A bold man said, as he turned it appears to be Steven Caldwell who is now in command of the full Pegasus fleet.
"Do you already have a plan Steven?" Sheppard asked. Caldwell was known for him many plans.
"I say we take the fight to them, we gather our carrier groups with their escorts, 2 battle groups each and about a dozen task groups and hit them head on." Caldwell said while putting the information about the plan and deployment of the involved ships on the largest table.
"So we will have 21 carriers, 28 battleships and hundreds if not thousands of cruisers, frigates and fighters." Sheppard said.
"The enemy is not concentrated so we should be able to attack a medium size target, the Wraith will no doubt send reinforcements and we can destroy those reinforcements as they exit hyperspace." Caldwell explained while the hologram showed all the moves and predicted moves of the Wraith.
"There is something else, where do the Wraith get so many humans from, they are able to build and man over 800 hives let alone the cruisers, how do they do that?" Another officer said who appears to be General Verheiden. Verheiden quickly rose in ranks after he helped the team that found the Aterro device, after he made General he was put on logistic spots and hadn't left ever since, he was one of the best and brightest in the logistics department.
"They must have found a very populated planet which they use to gain humans from or they have improved the Hoffan drug so it doesn't kill the Wraith but only rids them of the dependency of humans. Caldwell said.
"We did loose contact with several advanced agricultural planets, they told us they were not interested in the alliance and did not want anything to do with us." Sheppard said while he checked some files. "They are all in that area, it is possible."
"What will we do if those planets support the Wraith, do we destroy them?" Verheiden asked.
"I'd have to talk to the President for that, for now we leave them; maybe destroy most of their food supplies." Caldwell said.
"If the Wraith do not need humans to feed on there would be no need to kill them, the only reason we fight them is because they kill innocent humans and destroy anything that is a threat to them, if they don't have to do that we might be able to negotiate with them." Sheppard said.
"The Pegasus planets will never accept that, the Wraith have killed too many to be forgiven." Verheiden said.
"Back to the plan, who do you want in command of the fleet?" Caldwell asked. He couldn't lead the attack as he was the commander of the whole fleet in Pegasus.
"I don't know do you have an idea Caldwell?" Sheppard said.
"Unfortunately General Pierce is pre-occupied with her assignment to the Galactica but maybe Verheiden is up to the challenge." Caldwell replied.
"Sir?" Verheiden asked, he couldn't believe Caldwell was suggesting he would lead the attack; he did not have as much experience in this kind of combat as several other commanders in the Pegasus fleet.
"If you want of course." Sheppard said with a nod to Caldwell. "We could also request that General Pierce be transferred to Pegasus command but I don't think they will approve it and in that way we will waste valuable time."
"I'd love to do this sir." Verheiden said.
"Alright then this is settled, the fleet will gather here in 5 days, and then you make your way to the last check point if we still want to attack, we will give you the go ahead and you can attack." Sheppard said.
August 18
1600 hours
CV-307 Flying Dutchman, Asuras orbit
In space around Asuras a massive fleet was gathered, other smaller vessels swarmed them, most of them were military but there were also several press ships, they filmed the whole fleet and took pictures. Although the authorities denied that there was a big operation planned everyone knew better.
"General is there a reason you picked that ship as your command ship?" General Sheppard asked via the wireless communications that were set up between Atlantis and the flag room aboard the Flying Dutchman. The room was dark lit and about 20 crewmembers were at their stations making sure the General knew everything he needed and wanted to know about the fleet.
"Yeah well, I'm Dutch and I'm flying so the name will speak the truth." Verheiden said.
"Anyways, I believe your fleet is complete, you have a go and good luck." Sheppard said.
"Yes sir, thank you sir, I'll call back when we reach the check point." Verheiden said with a nod.
As the fighters and other craft returned to their ships the fleet powered their hyperdrive engines and entered hyperspace en route to the check point.
2100 hours
Flying Dutchman, 250 light-years from Wraith fleet
"Sir, General Sheppard has given us the go ahead." A communications specialist said.
"Tell the fleet to prepare for combat and have all fighters launch as soon as we arrive in the target area do not let them wait for my orders. Have all assault units commence attack runs as soon as they exit hyperspace." Verheiden said.
"Yes sir." The young ensign said and he pushed several buttons and told the fleet what the new orders were.
The fleet entered hyperspace for the short jump.
2104 hours
Wraith fleet
The system was large and had 4 habitable planets, 3 gas giants, 2 suns and dozens of moons. One of the larger habitable planets was surrounded by hundreds of Wraith ships, mostly cruisers with several hives. Several groups of darts were patrolling the system as there was always the possibility that a lone Tau'ri vessel could make it into the system undetected, launch a dozen nukes and then jump out again. All of the sudden hundreds of hyperspace windows opened and the whole fleet jumped out. Immediately after they exited the carriers started to launch their fighters, 320 for each carrier. The assault units picked their targets and started their attack runs. The patrolling darts, momentarily stunned took some time to get over the shock of such an attack but once they did they changed course and headed towards the attacking Tau'ri fighters.
BB-308 Zhukov, lead ship of attack unit 22
The CIC of the Zhukov was running on combat lights meaning that a red light replaced the normal white lights. People were buzzing around and giving orders to their subordinates.
"Sir, we have received our target coordinates, we are to attack two hives right in front of us." A comm. Lieutenant said.
"Tell the rest of the unit, have them split up in two equal groups, the Zhukov, Ticonderoga and Vigilant take the closest hive while the Essex, Stuttgart, Loki and Morros take the one furthest away from us." Commander Stapenhof said. He looked across the room to the screen showing the battle that was now unfolding outside with purple blue Wraith weapons fire and blue, red and yellow Tau'ri weapons fire, it was clear that they were on the advantage, the enemy had only a few hundred cruisers and four or five dozen hives, the darts were no match for their CIWS systems.
"Moving to destroy the hive." the nav. officer said. The massive battleship moved quickly through space and targeted the hive, once all the systems were locked on it opened fire. Instead of destroying the hive the beams merely destroyed a few sections of the Wraith hive's hull.
"Asgard weapons have limited effect, the other ships report the same, and even the fighters can't make a dent from close range." The sensor officer said.
"Fire, railguns, missiles and drones at that hive, destroy it at all cost." Stapenhof yelled.
As the Zhukov was approached by two Wraith cruisers which looked determined to park on its top the Zhukov fired its railguns, missiles and drones which had substantially more effect than the Asgard beams. After half a minute of continued fire several parts of the armour gave in allowing the missiles to explode in the unprotected parts of the hive inflicting mass damage, after another 20 seconds the hive broke up and the two separate pieces exploded damaging a nearby Wraith cruiser.
"We've destroyed the hive, two cruisers are on a parallel course, their intention is yet unknown, shields are at 86 percent and holding." The tactical officer yelled over the noise of the battle.
"Sir, look at that!" A crewmember said pointing at two carriers which had a dozen cruisers practically parked on top of them, several cruisers and a battleship tried to destroy the ships but had no success so far. All of the sudden one of the carriers explodes damaging the other carrier.
"Target those cruisers which are on a parallel course, do not let them take up positions over us." Stapenhof yelled to his tactical officer.
"Too late we are already being boarded, dozens of Wraith warriors are penetrating the upper levels, security units are already responding and emergency force fields have been activated, so far they only slow them down. They seem to be heading for engineering." The tactical officer replied.
Stapenhof stared at the screen which showed another 3 carriers and dozens of other ships being boarded and some of them even blew up. "Get me General Verheiden on the Flying Dutchman." He ordered.
"Shall I put him on screen?" the comm. Officer asked. When he got a nod from his commander he patched the signal through to the screen.
"General, I don't know if you're aware of this but we and a lot of other ships are being boarded and our weapons are not as effective as we thought." Stapenhof said.
"I know, I am ordering a general retreat to the assembly point as we speak." Verheiden said and immediately terminated the connection no doubt trying to spread the word to the other vessels to retreat.
"Tell the attack unit to retreat to the assembly point immediately." Stapenhof said.
As his orders were executed all ships jumped in hyperspace and left the area. The area was littered with derelict warships and unexploded ordnance; the losses on the Tau'ri side were huge.
2134 hours
Flying Dutchman, assembly point, 250 light-years from Wraith fleet
The flag room was normally lit again, the battle was over and the last intruders were killed ten minutes ago. Other ships were not as fortunate though, seven carriers and 17 battleships were unable to repel the intruders and were destroyed by kamikaze attacks on the engineering sections.
"Sir, I've got those casualty reports for you." A lieutenant said.
"Get me Atlantis." Verheiden said. The lieutenant pushed several buttons and the main screen changed to the face of General Sheppard at Atlantis. "General Sheppard, I have bad news, we lost."
"How do you mean, we had a large superiority in firepower and the element of surprise?" Sheppard asked surprised.
"We lost and we lost badly. A total of seven carriers and seventeen battleships and dozens of cruisers and frigates were lost." Verheiden said.
"How did that happen?" Sheppard asked curious. It wasn't easy to take down a battle cruiser let alone a battleship or carrier.
"Their cruisers were equipped with some sort of culling device which allowed them to transport troops to our ships through the shields, after that they swarmed our defences and made way to the engineering sections and set the core to overload." Verheiden said. "Furthermore, their armour is way stronger now, the Asgard beams only did light damage, and it took the full power of a battleship, which means railguns missiles and drones to take down a hive."
"That's not good, what are you doing now?" Sheppard said.
"I am currently pulling the fleet together at the assembly point and as soon as we are ready we will jump towards Atlantis. A lot of our ships are damaged and we have taken a lot of casualties due to the boarding parties, some captains depressurized the outer sections in order to kill the Wraith but also killing their own crewmembers in those sections." Verheiden said.
"I'm sure those captains did all they could to prevent that but in the end it was the right thing to do." Sheppard said. "Let me know when you'll be back so I can alert the defence fleet, see you soon."
"Yes sir." Verheiden said while the lieutenant terminated the connection.
"Hyperspace window opening!" a lieutenant said.
"To the fleet: raise shields and prepare for combat." Verheiden said. There were not supposed to be any Tau'ri ships in the area except for his force so whoever it was had to be hostile.
"Wraith ships, 9 hives 26 cruisers, they are launching darts." The tactical officer said.
"Can we leave now?" Verheiden asked one of his officers.
"Negative several ships are still without hyperdrive, they had to shut them down after the boarders damaged several conduits." The officer replied.
"Then launch everything we've got, we have to hold them of so that those ships can activate their hyperdrive engines." Verheiden said.
As ships started to turn to face the enemy, fighters and missiles were launched soon followed by large streams of drones and railgun fire. The Wraith cruisers tried to flank the battleships to be able to close in on them and board them, but this time they were prepared and the cruisers were swarmed by fighters and drones.
"The enemy is trying to flank us be we are preventing this, our plan seems to work sir." A lieutenant said.
"That will only work for now, soon they will adapt to it." Verheiden said.
"All hyperdrive engines are ready sir." The nav. officer said.
"Then have the fighters return and send a subspace message to Atlantis with our ETA and engage hyperdrive." Verheiden said.
As the fighters returned hyperdrives were activated and windows were opened, they left a dozen destroyed ships behind but were able to destroy 3 hives and 11 cruisers.
August 29, 2016
1450 hours
Pegasus galaxy command centre, Atlantis, Asuras
The room was filled with generals and other high ranking officers; they were all gathered around the large table in the centre. The situation was grim after the loss of almost a quarter of their forces the Wraith were on the attack and conquered world after world, fortunately they were able to evacuate the planets before the Wraith could attack so they only faced the local defences which were automated so no lives were lost. Unfortunately the planets to where the refugees resettled were now also under threat by the Wraith and soon no place would be safe.
"General, how much planets did we lose to the Wraith by now." Sheppard asked a general who looked like he was about to cry.
"We lost 36 planets and another 5 are expected to fall within 24 hours. At this rate we will have no outposts by March 2017." The general said.
"General what is wrong, you look like you're about to cry?" Sheppard asked.
"Nothing sir, nothing at all." The general replied while several tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Even a blind person can see there is something wrong, what is it?" Sheppard asked.
"Both his sons and two of his daughters were killed in the initial attack." Verheiden said. He was the one to tell the general that he lost four of his kinds to the Wraith.
"I'm sorry general, if you need time to mourn just give the word and you can take a few days off." Sheppard said.
"No sir, I'd rather stay here, now I might be able to kill some of those Wraith." The general replied.
"Is there a reason why the Wraith haven't attacked Atlantis, they know that if they take us down there is no one who will stand between them and total dominance in the Pegasus galaxy." Another general asked.
"I think they don't know where Atlantis is, we moved twice since the replicator attack and only Todd knows about our previous place and there isn't a clue there to where we are now." Verheiden said.
"Can't we just evacuate all inhabitants of this galaxy to Atlantis and in the meantime come up with a solution to their strength, maybe some of those colonial battlestars I've heard some stories about." Teyla said while she entered the room and walked towards Sheppard.
"We cannot be certain that the Wraith will not find Atlantis 'cos if they do we will be in a shitload of trouble, and about those battlestars, we only have twelve and they wouldn't even let me take one of them let alone all of them, apparently their crews do not have enough experience." Sheppard replied.
"I think I have a way to do more damage to their ships." McKay said.
"Like what?" Sheppard asked.
"We could use nuclear shells for our railguns, so far the enemy is still reasonable vulnerable to nuclear weapons, the problem is that they will intercept any missile we fire and they will jam our beaming systems, with railguns there will just be too much to intercept and it might not be as strong as a real nuke but it will do quite some damage." McKay said.
"We've already tried that, the Deadelus had nuclear shell but they did not do so much damage, it's just too few." Verheiden said.
"But the battlestars have bigger railguns; they will be able to carry enough nuclear material to do some reasonable damage to the Wraith." McKay said.
"Is it possible to make a lot of those shells in a short amount of time?" Sheppard asked.
"Once we have the right equipment we can produce thousands an hour." McKay said.
"General, we have an incoming wormhole, its Todd; he's requesting permission to step through the gate." A Tech said over the radio system.
"How the hell did he get our address?" Teyla asked.
"No idea." Sheppard replied. As he pace through the room he said "Connect that gate to one of our isolation gates on the moon and have someone meet him."
"Yes sir." The Tech replied.
1750 hours
Isolation moon, Asuras system, Pegasus galaxy
Todd was chained to the ground by thick and heavy chains. Each corner was occupied by a marine and the door was guarded by two other marines. The room had bright white lights but the guards didn't seem to bother about it, Todd however could barely open his eyes. Todd's feeding hand was covered by a big piece of fabric. Generals Sheppard and Verheiden stood before him staring at him asking some questions now and then.
"How do you know about Atlantis' new position?" Sheppard asked.
"How were you able to break our Hyperdrive blocking?" Verheiden asked immediately after Sheppard asked his question.
"Better yet, how is it possible that your armour is so powerful?" Sheppard asked.
"Were do you get all the humans for such a big army?" Verheiden asked.
"And the jackpot, how is it that you aren't dead yet?" Sheppard asked.
"Perhaps if you would turn that light down and ask one question at a time I might be able to answer them." Todd said.
"First you answer a question and then I turn the lights down a bit." Sheppard said.
"Alright, for your last question. I went into hiding after you activated the device that blocks all Wraith hyperdrives." Todd said.
Sheppard walked over to a panel on the wall and turned the lights down, they were still bright but it wasn't painful. "Now let's start by answering our first question shall we? How do you know were Atlantis is?"
"When I went into hiding I placed several bugs on other hives so I could follow their movements. A few weeks ago they were attacked, immediately afterwards they executed a counterattack but your forces retreated, however they were able to procure the general direction of your retreat. As soon as I looked over some of my old star charts I found out about the Asuran race being here and thought it would be the best place for you to hide. No doubt the others will figure it out soon, they might already be on their way." Todd explained.
Sheppard turned grey the moment he heard Todd say that. "Verheiden, I need you to warn Atlantis and have them start an evacuation of all civilian transports to the milky way galaxy, have them also start evacuating the civilians on the nearby colonies and have them raise the shields and power all weapon systems, same goes for every ship and defence station in the hole system." When Verheiden left the room he turned towards Todd he asked him to continue explaining.
"The reason why they are able to have so many warriors without culling a populated planet is because the last time we crossed paths I downloaded some files from your databases about cloning and making new bodies, for the last years we've been cloning humans, they are just shells without a conscience but they taste as good as you do Sheppard." Todd said.
He shuddered as he remembered what had happened in that cell while he was kept prisoner by the Genii. "And you just gave this technology to the other Wraith?" He asked.
"No of course not, unfortunately I was betrayed by one of my underlings, he also took an experimental Hyperdrive and an upgrade for the hull of a hive. That might be why your weapons are not capable of destroying those new hives.
"Do you know where they build their ships?" Sheppard asked.
"In another galaxy, one reasonably close to this one." Todd said.
"How is that possible, your hyperdrives can't cross galaxy's, that takes years." Sheppard said.
"They had some help from a race that apparently wants you dead, they call themselves the Ori and offered several improvements to Wraith systems." Todd said.
"Why would they do that, they came to us with that cease fire, it doesn't make any sense." Sheppard said.
"I am not sure about the intentions of the Ori but it might be a distraction to have you fight on two fronts as the Aterro device neutralized us so you could focus on the Ori during the first war." Todd said.
Sheppard again tuned grey and stormed out of the room only to come in again and order the guards to shoot Todd if he moved an inch.
1823 hours
Communications centre, isolation moon, Asuras system, Pegasus galaxy
The small room was manned by eight man crammed against each other, General Verheiden was already in there giving orders to the people on Atlantis when general Sheppard stormed in everyone was silent.
"Contact Atlantis and have them dial Heliopolis command, immediately, I don't care which lines you have to cut just get me Heliopolis." Sheppard ordered the nearest specialist. Instead of contacting Earth he needed to alert the whole alliance so that they all could prepare.
"I have the officer on duty sir." The specialist said after two extremely long minutes.
"Son, what's your name?" Sheppard asked the man on the other end of the connection.
"Who the hell is this?" the man asked.
"This is General Sheppard from Atlantis, I need you to contact the highest officer on that planet and drag his ass to a comm. device." Sheppard ordered.
"Sorry sir, I didn't recognise you, I'll patch you through to supreme alliance commander Thor, please hold." The man replied.
Sheppard was again pacing up and down the room waiting for the other line to respond, eventually the voice of supreme alliance commander Thor answered.
"General Sheppard, what can I do for you?" He asked.
"I have some Intel suggesting that the Ori will launch a new attack on Milky Way, in addition they also helped the Wraith become a threat once again." Sheppard said.
"How reliable is this intelligence?" Thor asked.
"It's from the Wraith called Todd; most of what he said is true so I'd give it a 70 percent rating." Sheppard said.
"Then I will inform the command staff and we will set our forces to DEFCON 3" Thor said.
"DEFCON 3 you should go to DEFCON 1, there is a war approaching." Sheppard said.
"DEFCON 3 also means that our intelligence networks get activated, our scout vessels will scout the entire void around Milky Way and any other place the Ori can use for a staging ground." Thor replied. "Please general, calm down, we will do everything possible to thwart this treat, you should just concentrate on protecting Pegasus galaxy."
"About that, maybe you can help me, I need some battlestars but the advisors of the president are convinced that the battlestars are not experienced enough to be deployed to the Pegasus galaxy." Sheppard said.
"That is unfortunate but it is something I cannot control." Thor said.
"But if the Ori attack you need every ship necessary including all our reserves, right" Sheppard said and Thor nodded yes. "But as long as the war with the Wraith is on we cannot give you any, now the battlestars might be able to end this war quickly as they have originally been built to combat ships similar equipped to a hive, we now also have a new railgun round for them, a nuclear one which should make quick work of any hive or cruiser who comes to close." Sheppard said.
"I understand, I will see what I can do. Heliopolis command out." Thor said and he disconnected the connection.
"Verheiden you're with me, we're going to Atlantis." Sheppard said while he practically dragged Verheiden out of the room.
2239 hours
Pegasus galaxy command centre, Atlantis, Asuras
"General, one of our scout ships located a huge fleet based on their estimated course and speed they will be here in one week, over 400 hives and 1400 cruisers have been sighted, the scout ship was destroyed immediately after it sent the transmission. The Wraith will enter the system at this point." A major who just walked in the command centre said. He pushed several buttons and the screen that showed the system now projected the path of the Wraith fleet.
"How many others do they have left?" Sheppard asked.
"We took down a total of 98 hives and about 500 cruisers so they'll have about 300 hives and 500 cruisers left, most of them are protecting conquered planets." Another colonel said.
"Begin fortifying the whole system, evacuate all civilians and recall the mining stations, initiate defence plan gamma omega alpha sixteen." Sheppard said. Defence plan gamma omega alpha sixteen meant that all units in the whole galaxy would be recalled and that reinforcements would be requested from every other galaxy and the alliance. The plan also included an evacuation of all civilians and the arrival of several rapid response units.
"What units do you want to recall?" Verheiden asked.
"All." Was the only word Sheppard said.
"Yes sir. How about the Battlestars?" Verheiden asked.
"Send a message to Earth and tell them to send all the ships they have including the battlestars if they want to keep Pegasus galaxy and include the sensor data we currently have. Have Rodney start working on those new shells so we can equip the battlestars as soon as they jump in." Sheppard replied.
"I'm on it sir." Verheiden said.
September 5
0200 hours
CV-307 Flying Dutchman, orbit over Asuras, Pegasus galaxy
The whole system was fortified; every planet had several orbital defence stations. Each station was huge it had a diameter of over two kilometre and dozens of plasma beams, missile silos, railguns and last but not least drones, each station had over two-hundred-thousand drones and Asuras itself had 16 stations alone. Next to the defence stations there was also a fleet so big that it would be impossible to exit hyperspace close to Asuras, furthermore the space mine grid was activated and the smaller ships worked all week to tow asteroids into the system to at least damage the Wraith ships as soon as they exited hyperspace. The city's on the surface were also fortified with check points every two blocks and advanced SAM's at every flat rooftop. Even though huge stashes of supplies were already at the planet more were created. Armoured units equipped with the latest Sumner tanks were setting up defensive positions just inside the large shields of Atlantis which had been extended to cover about ten percent of the surface and over thirty percent of the cities. Airfields were crawling with pilots and technicians walking around the avengers and jumpers ready to take off and fight the Wraith as soon as they exited hyperspace.
The CIC of the Flying Dutchman did not look any different from any other time except for the twelve marines guarding the doors to the CIC. All over the ship marines were stationed at the vital systems to protect them if the Wraith would board them.
"General, our sensors picked the hostile fleet up; they will be here in about twenty minutes." The sensor officer said.
"Inform Atlantis and tell the fleet to launch fighters and have the ground based fighters and jumpers take off." Verheiden said.
"Yes sir." The comm. Officer said. As sirens blared people rushed towards their stations and armed themselves to repel possible boarders.
"Ask Atlantis when we can expect the battlestars." Verheiden said.
As the comm. Officer pushed several buttons and talked to the person on the other side of the connection one of the screens showed fighter formations forming in front of the fleet. "Sir, the status is unknown we should assume they won't be here in time." The comm. Officer said.
"Damn, activate the mines." Verheiden said. As the tactical officer activated the mine system all mines around Asuras were activated and started looking for any ships within range, due to the IFF they did not attack alliance vessels.
"Incoming hyperspace windows right inside the asteroid belt we created, they are Wraith." The sensor officer said. As hundreds of cruisers and hives exited hyperspace those who were unlucky and were in the forward part of the fleet were heavily damaged or destroyed by the large asteroids impacted even before they had the chance to decelerate. After a few seconds dozens of nuclear explosions covered the ships in bright white suns destroying even more ships. Unfortunately a lot of the asteroids were also destroyed by the explosions and after a minute there was no significant damage done by the asteroids.
"Open fire as soon as we are in range do not wait for my command." Verheiden said.
"Yes sir, enemy will be in range in 3 minutes." The sensor officer said. "Enemy is launching fighters, over 200,000 launched."
"Tell the Avengers to engage and have the jumpers on standby." Verheiden ordered. The avengers already waiting in front of the ships now activated their engines and kicked in the after burns, while racing towards the enemy formations the darts also accelerated and the two groups clashed together in the middle of the battlefield.
"Fighters have engaged the enemy fighters, they are seriously outnumbered here sir." The tactical officer said.
"Have the jumpers commence attack runs of the hives and cruisers, let them even the odds a little bit." Verheiden said. At his command several thousand jumpers emerged from behind a moon and started launching small streams of drones targeting Wraith power generation stations in order to cripple them in one blow.
"Sir, it is working, the enemy has withdrawn a reasonable amount of darts form the frontline." An officer said.
"Start marking priority targets for the mines and heavy weapons." Verheiden said. Ships with low defences but which were still able to do a lot of damage were first to go after that it was more or less take what you can and hope you'll kill them first.
The small mines started to move towards their targets and because of their stealth capabilities the Wraith never saw them coming, the moment they hit the hives small suns erupted doing moderated damage to the hives but by no means destroying them, only those who had already been weakened before succumbed to the nuclear fire.
"About 40 percent of the hostile forces have been destroyed, unfortunately the jumpers were forced to retreat as they were about to be swarmed by darts." The tactical officer said.
"Order all ships to move forwards into firing range." Verheiden ordered.
The whole fleet which until then was positioned as a huge wall between Asuras and the rest of the universe started to move forwards, first slow but they quickly picked up pace and when they entered firing range they quickly decelerated and fired weapons. The Wraith not expecting the deceleration missed most of their targets although it's impossible to miss with a fleet that big. The Tau'ri hit almost all their targets and a few ships blew up.
"We've done light damage to most ships and we have destroyed some." A sensor officer reported.
"Have our flanks move forward to strike theirs." Verheiden ordered.
While the flanks moved the Wraith started to fire and this time they didn't miss, several smaller ships exploded in brief fireballs leaving only debris, and others were damaged and were soon destroyed by other salvos. The bigger ships did better; most of them were equipped with a ZPM so their shields were much stronger and held out under the bombardment.
0235 hours
BB-308 Zhukov, lead ship of attack unit 22
After the disastrous battle attack unit 22 had lost nearly all its ships except for the Zhukov and Ticonderoga, the battleship and battle cruiser were now assigned to the outer left flank as a freelance unit able to attack anything they wanted to.
"Commander Stapenhof, we have permission to start our attack runs. Which ships shall we target?" The tactical officer asked.
"Target that hive." Stapenhof ordered while he pointed to a hive on the screen. "Tell the Ticonderoga to follow, we will make a hole near their engines and they can shove a few nukes up their asses."
"Ticonderoga confirms, they will finish it off." The comm. Officer said.
The two ships quickly moved through space initially unnoticed by the enemy but the closer they come the more fire they took. When the Zhukov fired its weapons at one spot the hull quickly dissolved and allowed the Ticonderoga to finish it off with half a dozen nukes launched simultaneous. The two ships immediately turned around and moved back towards friendly lines while still under heavy fire.
"Commander, the shields are about to fail!" the tactical officer yelled over all the noise of exploding consoles.
The moment Stapenhof opened his mouth to issue new orders the shield failed and the ship was immediately rocked with weapons fire. The battleship was capable of taking some damage but not this kind of damage, soon sections felt off and wandered into space.
"Emergency beam out now!" Stapenhof yelled.
"Transporter systems have already been destroyed." The tactical officer replied.
"Then bring us about and set course to the nearest enemy ship, collision course." Stapenhof said.
"Yes sir, moving towards that hive, collision course." The tactical officer replied.
"Evacuate the ship; everyone is to report to the life boats for immediate evac." Stapenhof replied.
"Nearly all life boats have been destroyed or are inaccessible." The tactical officer replied.
"Then send our last transmission to Atlantis and tell the Ticonderoga she's the last survivor of the group." Stapenhof said while he stood tall.
The Zhukov turned and quickly picked up speed. Several cruisers tried to stop them but they already had too much speed, the ship crashed with a terrible sound into the hive ship, destroying one on impact and destroying two others by her engines which were set to overload. With the deaths of another 1200 souls three hives were destroyed, a high price to pay for victory.
0302 hours
CV-307 Flying Dutchman, flag ship
The command centre was buzzing with activity, young lieutenants running around quickly whispering something into the ears of another officer, majors and colonels were checking the sensor data that came in, marines walking around checking on calls of spotted Wraith which were not true.
"The Zhukov just sacrificed itself destroying three hives." A lieutenant said.
"Damn Stapenhof, What is the situation on our flanks?" Verheiden asked.
"We were able to gain a position on both flanks but now our left flank is slowly being pushed back by a dozen hives, thanks to Stapenhof sacrifice they have become a little bit more cautious." A Colonel reported.
"What are our losses?" Verheiden asked.
"We lost three battleships including the Zhukov, 2 carriers, 69 304's, 178 306's, over 200 309's and dozens of 305's." The colonel said while he located a file in the database which registered the status of all ships in the system and also registered if a ship was lost.
"We can't take this kind of losses for much longer." Verheiden said to himself.
"Sir, we've just got word from Atlantis, the Battlestars will be available in a week at the latest. Command also said that there will be a collective alliance fleet coming with them, apparently Thor was able to persuade the council." A lieutenant yelled from his station.
0312 hours
Lead fighter, F-312 eagle squadron, stationed aboard the CV-307 Yorktown
The fighters form Eagle squadron were already making their third attack, the first two had been relatively easy and they were able to fire all their missiles while they only lost 2 out of 16 fighters.
"This is Eagle lead to Eagle squadron, our next objective is to aid the battleship Bismarck by providing anti fighter cover, stick to your wingman and everything will be all right. Break in 5...4...3...2...1 Break." At his command all fourteen fighters broke formation and formed couples and started to chase after dart formations which targeted the battleship Bismarck.
"Eagle two this is one, I have a pair of darts going after the main engines, cover me while I take them out." Eagle one said.
"Rodger that one, I'll cover your ass." Two said.
As the two fighters went after the two darts another two darts closed in from behind and started firing.
"Shit, Eagle one we have two bogeys on our tails, I'm goanna try to shake them." Two said.
Before one could reply the darts had a lucky shot and hit a fuel line, two went up in a brief explosion marking the end of another two pilots.
"Damn, forget these two; I'm going after those other two bastards." One said.
0317 hours
CV-307 Flying Dutchman, flag ship
"Contact Atlantis, I need a direct line." Verheiden said. The comm. Officer pushed several buttons spoke in his headphone and pushed some more buttons and at the end he gave a sign to Verheiden to tell him that there was a connection. "Atlantis, we can't take this much longer, with your permission I would like to order a full retreat and use the orbital defence stations to cover our retreat and after that I'll have them fire all their drones."
"If you think that's the best option then do it." Sheppard said.
"Okay, we'll be back in a week or so, please let Thor know that we are at safe point Juliet." Verheiden said.
"Will do, good luck see you in a week." Sheppard said and he ended the connection.
"To all vessels, abort all attacks and retreat to safe point Juliet, the fighters can attempt to land on their ships or land on the surface." Verheiden said.
0319 hours
Lead fighter, F-312 eagle squadron, stationed aboard the CV-307 Yorktown
"This is flag to all units, priority message, retreat to safe point Juliet, fighters can return to their motherships or land on the surface, this fight is over." An anonymous voice said over the comm.
"Eagle squadron this is lead, retreat to the Yorktown, I repeat, retreat to the Yorktown." Lead said.
"To late lead, the Yorktown just entered hyperspace." Six said.
"Then we'll land on the surface." Lead replied while he changed course to the planet and one of its many airfields.
0328 hours
Pegasus galaxy command centre, Atlantis, Asuras
Unlike the command centres of the ships the lights of the Atlantis command centre were at full power almost too bright to look in. Marines patrolled the exits as it was done all over the planet and lieutenants walked in and out.
"Verheiden has left, there are no ships left and all the stations have expanded their drone storages and are now using their energy weapons, they will be destroyed in about twenty minutes, in the meantime the Wraith are already launching attack waves." A colonel said.
"Are the divisions ready?" Sheppard asked. It was a dumb question as it was logical that every division was ready but he had to ask it anyways.
"Yes sir they are." The colonel replied.
0331 hours
25 kilometres north of Weir city, first land based metropolitan on Asuras
2nd brigade 25th armoured division
The soldiers of the 25th armour were out of their vehicles, according to their Intel the enemy was not going to attack their positions so they were safe for the moment. Tensions were rising as several big blue bolts hit the city over 25 kilometres to their south, huge plumes of smoke could even be seen at this distance and at night.
"Alright boys and girls, we've got enemy's heading for the city and guess what, they are coming right over us, they'll be here is a few minutes." A captain yelled to the soldiers who were standing in small groups around a camp fire. Engines were started and Sumner tanks and other vehicles started to move towards there positions which were already predetermined and archived on their IVIS system.
"Alright we have Wraith fighters coming by in 25 seconds let them pass and do not I repeat do not fire on them, let the triple a deal with it. Immediately after those we have a line of about 200 attack vehicles supporting over six thousand infantry, everyone stick to your own area's and take out your opponent, good luck." The Captain said to his company over the wireless.
The tanks started moving forwards with a speed of about 5 kilometers an hour. First a wave of darts passed by, they did not notice the tanks which were equipped with adaptive camouflage. After a minute or so the enemy was in range and the Sumner tanks fired their main cannons at once destroying about 50 hostile tank like vehicles. The new M3A5 Bradley's immediately opened fire with their M242's and M240's killing hundreds of Wraith in seconds, they also fired their anti-infantry missiles which replaced the TOW missiles and were originally designed to be used against the hordes of Ori soldiers but would also do well against the Wraith.
"The Fighters are returning to support their ground forces." A lieutenant who was watching the radar said.
"Have the Linebackers activate their weapons systems and fire on those darts." The Captain replied.
All 4 M6A2 linebackers simultaneous activated their radar and tracking systems and as soon as the darts were in range fired several missiles and destroyed their targets, after a minute or so all the darts were destroyed.
September 8
0430 hours
CNN UNIVERSE
"Good morning and thank you for watching CNN Universe this is Tom Bergstein the day is September eight and in two weeks the Federation will choose its new president, today we have this and we have a report about the tax cut and confirmation that there will be new battlestars and even a few warstars but first a report from the battlefields at Asuras with Mike Pachini. Mike what is going on out there?" Tom started.
Mike was standing next to one of the Bradley's, more Bradley's could be seen in the background and a few kilometer north of them dozens of burning wracks could be seen. "It's indescribable, the Wraith came at us four times after sundown, as you can see we slaughtered a lot of them but we were forced to retread once more, we are now only five kilometers north of Weir city. The boys and girls of the 25th armor have had little to no sleep since this began three days ago, they are tired but they still do their jobs and despite heavy losses they are still willing to fight on." Mike said.
"Have you heard any news from one of the other battlefields?" Tom asked.
"Well, we know that the 61st armor broke a few hours ago and therefore we were required to fall back, apparently they were able to close the holes but we lost another three kilometers. I have also heard some story's from replacements that the 3rd infantry corps is beginning to dug in in the city itself, apparently command is not willing to lose Weir city, the commander himself said that if we would be forced to pull back we would withdraw from this battle entirely as the tanks apparently cannot fight in urban areas, the Bradley's might be able to give limited support but the infantry has its own vehicles for that so the 25th can keep its own Bradley's. As for the other battlefields, I had a talk with Julia Donovan of Inside Access and she said that we lost most of the city's and Weir city is the last line of defense before the Wraith reach the Asuran city itself." Mike said.
"Do you have any idea when the fleet will be there to reclaim the system?" Tom asked. All over the Milky Way galaxy ships were pulled of duty and sent to unknown coordinates, entire battle groups just went off the air as their communications were turned off for regular traffic, only priority messages were allowed to be sent.
"We have no idea, but General Sheppard has made an announcement that the fleet would come for our rescue soon but the way this is going we don't know if it will be in time." Mike said.
"Mike you just said that Weir city is the last line of defense how is that, I thought that the Asuran city was connected on multiple sides with the mainland?" Tom asked.
"Well that's true but those sides have a relative small connection and those are already fortified with anti tank and anti infantry weapons and are near impenetrable, this side however is too large to defend the same way the other sides are defended." Mike replied.
"Mike, thank you for the update and good luck." Tom said. "Now, President Hayes yesterday announced a tax cut of 2 percent at an informal dinner with the minister of finance, the Federation income is so huge that enormous amounts are being wasted on the stupidest of things. After the break we'll have Admiral Adama here and he will explain the reasons for building another twelve battlestars and four warstars, also Election Day is closing, in two weeks minister of defense Jonathan O'Neill or senator K'tal will be elected to office, they have started the last part of their campaign. Stay tuned for this and more or surf to our website."
0800 hours
Pegasus galaxy command centre, Atlantis, Asuras
The command centre was full of officers who were all working on updating the maps and relaying the orders given by the command staff.
"General, we've lost most of the cities to the Wraith and the 12th armoured corps is about to retreat to make its last stand outside the Asuran city, the 3rd infantry corps is only supported by several additional artillery brigades but they are seriously outnumbered." A Colonel reported.
"When can we give them an impression about steel rain?" Sheppard asked. Steel rain meant that the MLRS' would fire cluster munitions, unfortunately the vehicles were quite large so it took some time to get them through the gates.
"The MLRS' are already in position and munitions are being loaded up right now so they will be ready in about two hours." The Colonel reported.
"I want all the MLRS' to fire at the exact same time to make it look more destructive." Sheppard said. Although the Wraith did not have much like morale sometimes a certain death could scare the commanders and force them to make mistakes.
1011 hours
Ford park, downtown Weir city
A dozen MLRS' vehicles were done with the loading of the tubes and now only waited for the command to turn the key and fire their deadly payload.
"Gipsy units this is Atlantis control, you have authorization to fire at the predetermined positions, good luck, Atlantis control out." A Colonel said through the comm. Line with the Pegasus control centre in Atlantis.
All the MLRS' closed their windows and activated the brakes, a few seconds later the rockets were aimed and another few seconds later the rockets were fired. It took about a minute to fire all twelve rockets and sometime later all the missiles hit their mark, 25 kilometer north and destroyed over ten thousand Wraith soldiers, all along the lines it was repeated and hundreds of thousands of Wraith were killed within minutes.
"Atlantis control, this is Gipsy unit 4, our scouts report huge losses to the enemy, and they've lost about a whole division by our fire alone." The colonel said.
"Rodger that Gipsy 4, we are getting confirmation ourselves as we speak, congratulations, keep up the good work and from now on you will be assigned to the third infantry corps." The person on the other end of the line said.
September 15 2016
0948
Asuran space defense centre
The Asuran space defense centre was the command centre for all space travel in the Asuran system; they also coordinated counterattacks on the orbiting Wraith hives to make them look in the wrong direction if and when the rescue fleet would come. Usually there was a colonel on duty to supervise all the work being done but wit the war on there was a general present to supervise.
"General, I have a Colonial raptor on screen; it just jumped in orbit and is requesting permission to land." A lieutenant suddenly yelled.
"Verify that, it might be a trick." The General replied while he walked over to the man's console.
"Already done it's genuine they're from the Galactica." The young lieutenant replied.
"The Wraith have also picked them up, there are eight Darts incoming, they will be in range in two minutes, it will take the raptor about three minutes to reach the safe confines of the nearest airfield shields." Another lieutenant said.
"Launch two squadrons F-312's and jumpers have them intercept those darts and escort that jumper to one of the airfields." The general said.
"Yes sir." The lieutenant replied.
Raptor 0692
25 kilometers from nearest protected and active airfield
The raptor was occupied by five persons, two of whom were pilots and another two were marines who protected the fifth who looked like a high ranking officer.
"I repeat, Atlantis control this is Raptor zero-six-nine-two, requesting priority landing we have a very important message for you, regular comm. might be compromised." Lieutenant Sharon 'Athena' Agathon Said for the sixth time since they entered atmosphere.
"Raptor zero-six-nine-two this is Atlantis control, you have permission to land at Hoff airfield, 25 kilometers to your north, be aware, you have eight darts on your six, Time to intercept one and a half minutes." An anonymous voice said over the wireless.
"Can you send some escorts or something, we have very important information and it is critical that we brief you about it." Athena replied.
"Already on their way, they'll be there in one and a half minutes." The man replied.
"Rodger that. Setting course to Hoff airfield." Athena said.
The raptor made a small course correction and went full after burns towards Hoff airfield. About one minute away from Hoff several blue bolts hit the aft shields; luckily all raptors were upgraded with new power sources and small shields.
"Damn, Atlantis where's that back up, it's getting bad out here." Athena yelled.
"It'll be there any moment, just hang on." The other man replied.
"Aft shields are at 56 percent and falling." Lieutenant Diana 'Hardball' Seelix said
"To bad Starbuck isn't here to cover our asses." Athena said while doing some difficult maneuvers.
"Someone needs to lead Galactica's squadrons when they jump in." hardball said. "There they are, two o'clock high."
"Thank the gods." Athena said.
"Raptor zero-six-nine-two, this is raven squadron, they're expecting you at Hoff, there will be some jumpers to guide you in soon." The lead fighter said.
"Thank you Raven squadron, not a blessing moment too soon." Hardball said.
"The sixteen fighters from Raven squadron engaged the eight darts, outnumbered, outgunned and out of luck the darts tried to retreat but were all cut down by the AIM-122 missiles fired by the F-312 Avengers from Raven squadron.
"Raptor zero-six-nine-two, we've destroyed the darts, you're clear to proceed, we'll have your back." Raven lead said.
All of the sudden two jumpers de-cloaked alongside the raptor and guided it towards the airfield.
0959 hours
Hoff airfield, Asuras
The airfield was heavily damaged by recent air attacks and orbital bombardment, the shields have failed twice, fortunately the base was mostly abandoned at that moment and a lot of structures were built underground. Raven squadron was landing on one of the runways.
The raptor hovered over the empty spot and after a few seconds landed and opened its hatch. First out were the two marines followed by Seelix, then the high ranking officer and last Lieutenant Agathon. Soon the two escorting jumpers sat down near them and a dozen people walked out to meet the crew of the raptor.
"Lieutenant, I'm major Staufen, 246th jumper squadron or what's left of it. What can I do for you?" he asked.
"We need to speak to general Sheppard right away." The high ranking officer said who appeared to be Colonel Carl Agathon.
"Alright, if you will board my jumper I'll fly you to him." Staufen said.
"Won't we be detected by the Wraith?" Seelix asked.
"No, we have underground tubes that allow jumpers to transport people from any place of the planet to any other, as long as there is a station. As far as we know the Wraith haven't detected them yet so it should be safe." Staufen explained.
"Then let's stop wasting time and get in your jumper." Carl Agathon said.
The five people from the raptor followed major Staufen and took place inside the jumper. The raptor was already being transported to one of the elevators to get it in one of the underground bunkers capable of withstanding orbital bombardment. The jumper lifted up and flew towards another elevator which brought it to several tubes. Major Staufen briefly checked the jumper's sensors to scan the tubes and to determine if they were empty. After a second the jumper surged forwards and entered a tube.
Tube between Hoff airfield and Atlantis
"Where does this thing exit?" Seelix asked.
"There is an underwater exit close to the city itself; from there we can use the underwater bay." Staufen said.
"I imagine you don't want to be in here if you're claustrophobic." Carl Agathon said while looking out of the window.
"True, that's why we have a couple of Zat's in all the jumpers these days, sometimes a person gets very scared and we need to sedate him or her." Staufen explained. "May I ask why it is so important that you speak to general Sheppard?"
"You may ask but we won't give you any answers major, but you'll soon find out, I promise you that." Carl Agathon said.
"Fine by me sir." The major replied. "We'll be out of here in a minute."
The jumper exited the tube and flew towards the underwater bay which was already prepared for them.
As the jumper set down the doors were closed and the bay was drained. When the bay was clear of water the hatch opened and the six people stepped out and moved towards the transporter that was located by the door. When there they all entered the larger then normal transporter and were transported to a place near the central tower. From there they walked the rest to the command centre where general Sheppard was located.
Pegasus galaxy command centre, Atlantis, Asuras
General Sheppard was seated in one of the few chairs in the command centre; he looked tired from making to long shifts for the last few weeks. When he saw the six people enter the centre he stood up and walked over to them and shake their hands.
"Welcome to Atlantis, I hope you brought good news?" Sheppard said.
"I think we do sir."Carl said. "I am Colonel Carl Agathon from the battlestar Galactica and I am here to inform you about the upcoming attack on this system by the assembled alliance fleets." Carl let that information sink in with the general before he continued: "In two days the largest fleet ever assembled will free this system from Wraith control. We will bring our full force to bear including all twelve battlestars and a huge alliance fleet. The thing is that we need your help to have the Wraith concentrate on the wrong thing. We need you to start doing attacks against their hives on a regular and predictable base so they'll get used to it and have their ships expecting it. Then all of the sudden the fleet jumps in and takes the first shots before they can do anything against it." Carl said.
"Sounds like a great plan, what else?" Sheppard asked.
"We need you to start transporting those new shells towards Sateda, the fleet is drawing together there, this plan leans heavily on those shells to make quick work of the hives. We also need coordinates of hostile troop positions so that we can immediately start attacking them with LHD's and ground forces." Agathon said.
"I assume General Verheiden will lead this attack." Sheppard said.
"I'm afraid not, there has been a lot of criticism about his tactics so he's in Geneva to 'explain' his actions to the senate. General Pierce will lead the attack from the Battlestar Galactica." Agathon said.
"Which ships are in this?" Sheppard asked.
"The twelve battlestars, all the ships that are left from the first defense of this system, all the reserve fleets and almost all our battle groups, the task groups are still in Milky Way to keep the borders safe and the Asgard have even towed several Jaffa Ha'tak's to Ida galaxy as we needed to pull our forces out of there as well. Furthermore we have the 6 alliance fleets, 26 alliance battle groups, 3 Hebridian battle groups and two Nox peacekeepers. And that's just what I can remember from the briefing they gave me." Agathon said. The Nox peacekeepers were very rare, there were about a dozen of them left but each one of them was equipped with weapons that could match any battlestar in the federation fleet.
"If that isn't enough we are truly doomed." Sheppard said.
"Yes sir, that is correct, we have Intel that suggests that the Ori are building up their forces and the same goes for the Lucian alliance. We also think there are some other enemy's out there that we don't know about." Agathon said.
"Then we should get to work quickly. I'll have the senior staff assemble in the conference room immediately." Sheppard said.
A few minutes later Sheppard, McKay, Carl Agathon and other senior personnel was seated around a large table.
"About an hour ago Colonel Agathon reported to me with a plan to retake the planet, due to security reasons I will not tell you the date but it will be soon." Sheppard said. "Colonel Agathon, if you will." He said while making a hand gesture to go ahead.
"I will keep this short as we don't have much time. We need to start making distractions, mostly in the form of attacks on their hives from the surface on a regular basis. This will allow us to take them by surprise and out of position so we can destroy them when the fleet jumps in." Agathon said.
"This will cost lives, you know that don't you." A general said.
"We know but otherwise it will cost even more lives. It is essential that we catch them looking in the wrong direction with their darts on the other side of their fleet so we can launch a full missile barrage on them." Agathon said.
"Well I guess it's everything our only chance to do this so let's start working on it shall we." Sheppard said. When he finished all present stood up straight and gave a salute to general Sheppard. Sheppard only nodded and then walked out of the room.
September 17
1156 hours
Sateda system
Battlestar Galactica
CIC
The CIC of the Galactica was filled with people waiting for the upcoming combat, the last preparations were taken and the fleet was ready for combat.
"General Pierce, The fleet is ready for combat; all ships have reported all clear and are awaiting your orders to precede the maneuvers." A Lieutenant said. The fleet was going in by extending the FTL fields produced by the battlestars, carriers and battleships to encompass the whole fleet to allow them to make the jump instantaneous.
"Have the additional ZPM's been installed?" Pierce asked. In order to make the jump with a force this large and this far additional ZPM's were required.
"Yes sir, nuclear shells are loaded and ready for a barrage, missiles have been armed on all ships and the first ones can be launched in less than ten seconds after the jump." The Lieutenant said.
"Very well, get me fleet wide." Pierce said while picking up the old phone, the one thing that hadn't changed since the attacks on the twelve colonies. "Fleet personnel this is your commander speaking, we are about to commence the largest operation ever done by any race. Tens of thousands of people are participating in this attack and the lives of billions are on the line, we are the best the Alliance has to offer, we have the best ships in three galaxy's, we have the best pilots, deck crews, gunners, specialists, engineers, commanders. We are the best and we will kick some Wraith behind, and then we will kick some more, and we will keep doing it until there is no Wraith behind to kick. Some of you might die but in the end victory will be ours no matter what the costs, we will be victorious, good luck and good hunting." After that a cheer rose from the engine room and soon the entire ship was cheering, an officer opened a feed to the other ships and soon the entire fleet was yelling as much as they can.
1159 hours
"The fleet is in formation and ready for combat sir." A lieutenant said.
"Then start the jump procedure we will jump at 12:00." Pierce said.
"Jump clock started, commence jump in 25 seconds." The Lieutenant started to count down.
"20 seconds."
"15 seconds."
"10 seconds."
"5 seconds."
4…
3…
2…
"1. Jumping."
The whole fleet jumped as one.
1155 hours
Space over Asuras
The system was buzzing with activity, several hundred hives and about a thousand cruisers had taken up position over Asuras, sometimes shooting at a target on the surface. The forces of the Humans had already executed several attacks and another one was happening right now. For a change several cruisers had put themselves in a position to ambush the assault force that was coming their way and darts were already underway to intercept the jumpers and avengers. When the two forces met, the avengers split in half and one half targeted the darts the other half kept on going after the hives and cruisers. The jumpers fired off a few shots but also continued on. They were hell bent on destroying several hives. The difference was that this time they did not retreated as soon as they got their first shots off, instead they kept on going and fired more and more missiles and drones. The Wraith not caring were very surprised when all of the sudden a fleet even larger than they met when they conquered the space of the system jumped in and immediately fired on them and launched fighters.
1200 hours
Battlestar Galactica
CIC
The lights were already red lit when the jump was made; everyone quickly recovered from the bad side effects of the jump system.
"Jump successful, no damage or casualties, all ships present and accounted for. Enemy hives and cruisers right where we expected them, the fleet is engaging and the fighters are being launched." A lieutenant said.
"Very well, tell Thrace good luck." Pierce said.
1200 hours
Galactica starboard hanger bay
Launch tube one
Starbuck was already waiting in her cockpit for the go ahead from the CIC, immediately after the jump she started up her engines and prepared for the battle that was sure to come.
"Starbuck, this is CIC, Good luck and good hunting."A voice said over the radio.
"CIC, Starbuck here, will do." She replied.
Starbuck requested permission from the controller and soon the large door in front of her was opened, a force field kept the air in so the deck crew didn't have to wait for the tube to depressurize and could immediately start prepping another avenger for action. After a small countdown the avenger was launched into the big black beyond. Immediately after she exited the tube the other members of her squadron formed up on her and she started barking orders.
"Alright get in formation and don't screw up, I hate the paperwork that comes with your deaths." Starbuck yelled over her comm. system. Immediately several yells from her pilots came back assuring her they wouldn't die and making jokes. Although Starbuck was the CAG from the Galactica she still commanded her own squadron, her squadron was filled with only people who either served in the colonial fleet before they were rescued or those who had a top gun grade making it one of the best squadrons in the entire alliance military.
"Starbuck, escort the raptors and fire your missiles when you are in range." The radio said.
"Roger that sir." She replied.
Battlestar Galactica
CIC
"The enemy is engaging our own avengers; missiles strike went according to plans and has destroyed 25 hives and numerous cruisers." A lieutenant said.
"Darts have broken through our avenger line, shall I have the avengers pursue?" another lieutenant asked.
"Negative, bring our own CIWS online and tell the frigates to engage the darts, have the avengers keep as many darts as possible to their hives." Pierce ordered. By now every lieutenant was yelling information that came up on their screen.
"Two hives have broken through and are heading straight for us."
"The Ticonderoga reports that they might have found a weak spot on their cruisers, the forward sections are filled with an explosive residue, and if we'd target that particular spot we would cause secondary explosions."
"Pegasus sensors confirm that."
"The Triton is being boarded and is taking heavy fire by eight hives and about two dozen cruisers, the boarders are heading for their shield generators."
"Okay, enough shut your fucking mouths, I need order, and I can't have all of you yelling your own thing. First select your Intel, and then confirm it and pass it up to your superior. About that weak spot, relay that message to every ship in the fleet. Send additional marines to the Triton and tell the rest of the battlestars to send their spare units as well. And those hives well have all batteries open fire at their engines and boarding beams to destroy them." Pierce said at a quiet and relaxed tone.
The now quiet CIC again started to work after the speech of Pierce and quickly a low mumbling was going through the CIC again.
BC-304 Massachusetts
Bridge
The bridge of the Massachusetts was partly filled with smoke from exploding consoles after a full barrage of a hive hit the shields weakening several parts of the shields.
"Major, take up positions over that hive and then put us upside down so most of our weapons can have a good shot at that hive." Colonel Ken Casey said.
"Yes sir parallel course and fire all weapons." The major replied.
The Massachusetts quickly came about and took up position over a lone hive and quickly turned around and opened fire at point blank range doing massive damage to the hive, is wasn't surprising that the hive quickly started to buckle under all that fire and destroyed itself by its critical engines.
"The hive has been destroyed; I suggest we retreat to our own lines so our dorsal shields have some time to recharge." The major advised.
"At how many percent are they now?" Casey asked.
"Dorsal at 26 percent, forward at 42 percent and aft at 67 percent, underside is barely scratched." The major replied.
"Then get us out and hide behind the Pegasus until we get our shields up to battlestrenght." Casey said.
"Rodger that sir." The major pushed some buttons and the battle cruiser returned towards their own lines incidentally hit by a few plasma bolts fired by the hives.
Hebridian Battle cruiser Salik
Bridge
The bridge looked pretty much like the bridge of the Deadelus before disclosure, that wasn't strange as many of the old bridge interiors were sold to allied races.
"Commander, two hives are attempting to escape the battlefield, shall we pursue?" A lieutenant said.
"Yes, follow and destroy them." The commander said.
The massive battle cruiser quickly came about and several long pikes started to glow, obviously the main weapons, when they were charged they fired of several bolts each damaging one of the hives.
"The first hive is damaged but not yet destroyed." A lieutenant said.
"Then keep firing on it until it is destroyed." The commander said.
"Aye si…" all of the sudden the ship was rocked with impacts and several consoles exploded killing those who stood to close.
"What is going on!?" the commander demanded.
"Four cruisers are on a parallel course and the two hives are coming about." The sensor officer yelled, he was one of the few people who actually had a working console.
"Get us out of here and open up on those cruisers whit all you've got and send out an emergency signal to nearby ships." The commander quickly said.
"Aye sir, dorsal shields down to 45 percent, they seem to be targeting only a few places in order to decrease shield strength more on those points." A lieutenant said.
"They are trying to board us, activate all marine units and tell the crew to arm up and close down sensitive areas." the commander said.
"Sir dorsal shields are about to fail, I am reading multiple Wraith on the top decks, we are being boarded." The lieutenant said.
"Sir they are beaming into the crew quarters but there is no one there, we could suck all the air out to suffocate them." A lieutenant said.
"Do it." The commander said without hesitation. The life support systems were used to suck out all air and quickly suffocated the boarding Wraith. The cruisers quickly became aware of it and broke off.
"The cruisers are breaking off." A lieutenant said.
"Thank the go…" was all the commander could say before massive shocks rippled through the ship, the cruisers opened fire on the exposed dorsal hull.
"Cruisers are attacking our dorsal hull plating, at this rate we won't make it back to our lines!" A lieutenant said.
As soon as the battering had started it ended, this time weapons fire could be heard from another ship firing railguns and lasers at the cruisers.
"Sir, the Ticonderoga has engaged the cruisers, they are going after her, she saved us." A lieutenant said.
"Salik this is Ticonderoga actual, let us take some of those cruisers, get your ass back towards our lines, Ticonderoga actual out." An anonymous voice said over the wireless.
"Send our thanks to the Ticonderoga and get us the hell out of here." The commander said.
"Yes sir." The lieutenant said and the Salik quickly rerouted extra power to their engines and made it out and hid behind the Universal.
Battlestar Triton
CIC
The CIC of the Triton was filled with smoke and most people used breathing gear to be able to perform their duties. Outside the CIC gunfire could be heard and other signs of an ongoing fight for control of the ship.
"General, we only have energy weapons all others have expanded their ammunitions, hostile forces are closing in on the CIC and engine room, it won't be long before they will gain control of the ship." The XO said. "General what are your orders?" He asked when the general didn't reply, he was stunned.
"Evacuate the entire ship, emergency beam out and activate the emergency holograms." The general ordered. Immediately the XO picked up a phone and made the announcement to evacuate the ship using the emergency beam out devices. The hologram also activated and started to take command of the ship's controls. "Emergency hologram you have the bridge, get this ship to where it can do the most damage to the enemy, that are your orders do you understand."
"I do, destroy as many hostile vessels." The hologram replied.
Unfortunately the beam arrays were destroyed as soon as the shields were disabled; they would die with the ship. The Triton changed its course and now headed straight for the centre of the hostile fleet firing all their weapons except for the main weapons as they were to powerful and would cause indescribable damage to the entire battlefield and Asuras itself. The moment the Triton reached the centre of the formation it detonated its remaining ZPM's. the ZPM's however were mostly depleted or nearing depletion so the bang wasn't as big as they hoped it would be but still a lot of hostile ships were destroyed and many more were damaged.
Battlestar Galactica
CIC
Everyone stared in shock at the screen that showed what remained of the Triton, a part of the starboard hanger bay that had been shot of shortly after the Triton lost its shields that tumbled through space out of the system.
"General, most of their operational ships are scattered around the battlefield as their centre was taken out by the Triton." A major reported.
"Tell the fleet to group up in smaller battle formations and gang up on those scattered units, after that they are to make a strike at what remains of their centre." Pierce ordered.
Immediately most of the ships formed up in groups and started to attack the isolated hives and cruisers mercilessly destroying them in a fast paste.
"About 80 percent of the enemy fleet has been destroyed, the remains are attempting to reform their formations but they are failing." A lieutenant said.
"Start beaming nukes to those remaining ships to take them out." Pierce said.
As several hives exploded due to internal nuclear detonations other hives activated countermeasures but failed.
"The Asgard are successful on jamming the Wraith jamming, we are able to keep beaming nukes on to their ships." A colonel said.
"There is one problem with that strategy, we used up so much nukes that we don't have enough to take out all their ships." The tactical officer said.
"How about the other ships or Atlantis for that matter?" Pierce asked.
"All empty, we are the only ones left with nukes." The officer replied.
"Damn it, we finally have the chance to blow them out of the skies and then we don't have enough nukes left. Anyways, keep firing on those hives and cruisers." Pierce said. She walked over to a large table showing a life feed of the tactical situation of the battlefield. "Tell the battlestars Athena, Erasmus, Colombia, Valkyri and Night Flight to move towards that cluster of hives on the left side, tell them to drive them apart and destroy anything that refuses to move aside." She ordered.
The five battlestars formed up in a v shape formation with the Valkyri in the lead position and moved towards the cluster concentrating their fire on one ship at a time, quickly a hive broke up under the huge bombardment and not much later two others were destroyed, several others were moving aside. One last hive was being stubborn and the Valkyri with her shields at 75 percent strength just rammed the hive cutting it in two, her shields only dropped 12 percent. The rest of the fleet, shocked at what the battlestars were doing tried to flee but were soon cut down by the rest of the fleet and swarms of drones which had specially been reserved for this moment. The Wraith fleet was decimated in minutes to only a few hives and cruisers.
"General, we are receiving a hail from one of the hives, what should I do with it?" a lieutenant asked.
"Ignore it, have all the battlestars move in and destroy the remaining vessels and call in the reinforcements and relief forces and have them commence landing procedures immediately." Pierce said. She honestly didn't care for the Wraith and they could go to hell with their last words or surrender, the reign of the Wraith was over, it was time this galaxy got to know what rest means.
The eleven battlestars quickly moved in firing round after round destroying ship after ship, it was a complete massacre. After the battlestars were done there was nothing left and all Wraith ships in the system were destroyed.
"General Pierce, may I congratulate you with your astonishing success, our scanners show no ships left in this system and no Wraith activity in at least 500 light-years." General Sheppard's voice said over the comm.
"Thank you general, reinforcements are on their way, just hang tight, this system will be Wraith free in a day or so." Pierce replied.
November 15 2016
Triton Memorial
Orbit of Asuras
Asuras system
The part of the hanger bay of the Triton that was shot of was recovered and brought back to Asuran orbit to serve as a memorial for what was known as the second and third battle of Asuras. It was sealed off and pressurized, throughout the hanger bay a 200 meter long and one meter high wall listed all those who had given their lives in the fight against the Wraith in the second and third battle. Now it was officially opened by the newly elected president of the Tau'ri federation.
"And it gives me great satisfaction that unlike many other heroes these heroes have a place where we can remember them, they did not only give their lives for the people of the Pegasus galaxy but for all freedom loving peoples in the entire universe. The commander of the Triton and her crew showed us what the ultimate sacrifice is, with sacrificing themselves they took out many hives and cruisers making it easier for the remaining ship to succeed in their mission. The names on that wall represent the cost for freedom, it is a high cost that we have to pay but I dare say our freedom is worth the cost, we should not take our freedoms for granted but we need to remember those we have lost and love those that returned with all our hart as they have lost a lot of brothers and sisters and will need time to mourn, thank you all, now I would like a moment of silence for those who we have lost in the last two battles for Asuras." the president said.
All assembled people stood tall, military personnel saluted to their deceased brothers in arms and most others showed their respect in their own way. After two minutes of silence the Federation anthem started and after that ended the president walked off stage to get to a private room.
"That was a nice speech Jack; I think there still is hope for you in politics." Sam said.
"Hope, I am already the president of the Tau'ri federation how much higher can I go." Jack O'Neill said while picking up his son George and giving his little daughter Janet who was asleep in her mother's arms a kiss on the head.
"I was only joking Jack." Sam replied.
"I know, let's get back to Atlantis, I think Teal'c, Daniel and the rest are down there by now." Jack said.
Sounds like a great plan to me, unlike that plan at P34-285." Sam said teasingly.
"What plan was that?" Jack asked.
"The one that would have gotten us killed if we executed it." Sam replied.
"Ah that one, I know, I am a lot wiser now you know." Jack replied.
"I know." Sam said. And they were engulfed in the characteristic lights of an Asgard beam.
Holy shit almost 18.000 words! why didn't I make that a two parter, well I hope you enjoyed it.
I'd like to know what you think and if you have any suggestions for any plots in further chapters or what you'd like to see next.
I still need a Beta, if you're interested message me.