"So they're ready?" Müller asked sternly as he observed the four massive objects drifting in space among the Imperial Fleet, dotted with maneuvering thrusters and founded upon powerful engines.
"Yes, compared to modifying a fortress completing one of these is rather simple." replied Wahlen. "Although the flight testing has taken a considerable amount of time. Each weapon is slightly different so they must be fine tuned for accuracy at high speed."
"You can even get a feeling that each one has it's own personality. We've taken to naming them." added Fahrenheit.
"Oh? What are their names?" Müller asked.
"We named them after our fallen fleet marshals." Fahrenheit answered as he pointed at each in turn. "The noble looking one is Lohengramm. The kind looking one is Kircheis. The sleek looking one is Mittermeier, and the stubborn looking one is Oberstein."
"I'm not sure I see the resemblance." admitted Müller. "But the names are fitting. These weapons represent the pain of the losses we've endured in this conflict."
"Well said." replied Wahlen. "Now all that remains is for you to lead our fleets into the corridor to achieve our final victory."
"Yes, but remember we're going against Yang Wenli. The idea that he will simply sit quietly and accept his own destruction is foolish." declared Müller. "We have to be ready for anything once we enter the corridor."
"On this matter, Emperor Reuentahl has been rather clear." interjected Fahrenheit. "Should our attack with the new weapons fail, we're to retreat back to the Empire to regroup and adopt a new strategy. A head on fight within the corridor would be too costly for us to endure."
"Yes, he's told me as much." Müller replied. "Although I must admit I grow tired of waiting to see this conflict resolved."
"Still, we can't let impatience get the better of us." said Wahlen. "If Duke Lohengramm had any flaws in his strategies it was his lack of patience."
"Let us hope such speculation ends up being unnecessary." Müller answered curtly.
"When will be launch our attack?" asked Fahrenheit. "Now that our duties constructing the weapons are complete, we'd like to support you in any way we can."
"The fleets are gathering as we speak." answered Müller. "Once the last patrol finishes it's leave on Odin it will leave to rally with the rest of the fleets here at the corridor entrance. Altogether we will have eighty-thousand ships participating. Steinmetz will secure the corridor exit with another ten thousand ships should the worst happen."
"We're holding little back." commented Wahlen. "It seems it is His Majesty's intentions for this to be the final battle with the Alliance."
"Let us hope that is the result." replied Müller.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Your Majesty." said Alfred Grillparzer as he bowed to Emperor Reuentahl then accepted documents promoting him to Full Admiral and establishing his fleet. "I know military resources are precious, particularly during these difficult times."
"Don't thank me yet." countered Reuentahl. "Although I've promoted you, it is because I believe you are the most capable individual to handle this distasteful mission that must be carried out."
"Then, I am not meant to assist in the destruction of Iserlohn Fortress?" asked a confused Grillparzer.
"No, your appointment is to the post of Vice Commander of Rear Forces. You are to take the five thousand ships I've assigned to you and join with Steinmetz's forces at the corridor exit." said Reuenthal.
"Not that I am ungrateful, Your Majesty, but I am unable to understand your intentions by giving me this assignment." admitted Grillparzer. "Would not these forces be better used on the attack against Iserlohn?"
"You are too inexperienced to be of any assistance among that group. If things go well you would be lost in the crowd, if they go poorly you would be caught up in the aftermath. " Reuentahl said mockingly. "But you are ambitious and I can see you would do anything in order to secure power for yourself. Should it become ultimately necessary for you to take action in this role, another promotion for you would be merited."
Grillparzer smiled upon hearing this. "Tell me what I must do, Your Majesty."
"I've ordered Steinmetz that in the worst case scenario if our forces are defeated he must move to seal the corridor." said Reuentahl.
"Understandable. In the unlikely scenario the Alliance is victorious, such an action could save the Empire." replied Grillparzer.
"Steinmetz is a part of the old guard. He grew through the ranks surrounded by the admirals heading into battle. In such a situation his sentimentality and loyalty to his comrades might actually prove to work against him. If he waits too long in the hopes of recovering survivors, or heads into the corridor against orders, you must act to stop him." explained Reunetahl.
"This is a difficult task." admitted Grillparzer. "However, it must be done in order to secure the Empire. I accept your orders. Should Steinmetz fail to act I will ensure your orders are carried out, no matter the cost."
"Good. Now go and prepare your ships." ordered Reuentahl.
"Yes, Your Majesty." replied Grillparzer and he bowed once more, then turned to leave the palace with a grin on his face. He composed himself as he passed Hildegard von Mariendorf and Evangelin Mittermeier, the later of the two was now approaching the later stages of her pregnancy.
"Ladies." Grillparzer said in passing with a slight bow and he left the audience chamber.
"Who was that?" asked Evangelin.
"Vice Admiral Grillparzer." answered Hilda. "I can't say I know too much about him. While I served as Duke Lohengramm's secretary there were any number of ambitious officers who sought audiences with him. I suspect it was something along those lines."
"Hmm." Evangelin pondered, court politics was mainly beyond her. "It might have to do with the upcoming battle with the Alliance?"
"There's a good chance." answered Hilda as they approached the throne.
"Your belly grows larger with each passing day." commented Reunetahl. His mood seemed to improve immediately upon seeing Evangelin. "Are you feeling well?"
"About as well as can be expected at this stage." answered Evangelin.
"I thought it best she take up residence within the palace during these final weeks before the birth." explained Hilda. "Should their be any complications I'd feel better if the Court Physician was at hand to address them immediately. The Empress and I will also be able to care for her here more easily."
"I have no objections." answered Reuentahl. "You are always welcome here, Frau Mittermeier."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." replied Evangelin. She offered half a curtsy while being supported by Hilda.
"Your Majesty, will the battle against the Alliance begin soon?" asked Evangelin.
"Yes, it won't be long now. By the time your child is born the galaxy may very well be united." answered Reuenthal. "If the child is born under such an auspicious star, it could be a sign of greatness to come."
"I just hope Wolf's child will be able to grow up happy." replied Evangelin.
"Leave behind any worries you might have." Reunetahl said. "You are completely safe here."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." said Evangelin. Both ladies again did their best to curtsy before they departed.
"Sir? Fleet Marshal?" a junior officer approached Marshal Yang as he napped with his beret over his eyes. Eventually, Frederica stepped in and took the report the officer was carrying then tapped Yang awake.
"Your morning report on the movements of the Imperial Fleet." she said as she handed over the report. "It seems as though the number of Imperial ships is gradually increasing."
"I suppose it would be too much to ask for them to gradually decrease instead." Yang said playfully as he looked over the report. "It probably won't be long now before the attack begins."
"You're sure?" Frederica said clearly somewhat troubled.
"I doubt it could mean anything else." answered Yang. "Logistically we're in no position to invade the Empire. The build up could only be a prelude to an attack."
"Excuse me, sir." Frederica said suddenly as she rushed away from the command room.
"Frederica?" Yang said in confusion as she left. "What could have gotten into her?"
"Has she been taking longer to get ready in the morning?" asked Caselnes who was delivering his own reports.
"Hmm..." Yang strained to remember, as his powers of observation were usually directed towards other things. "Now that you mention it, she was in the bathroom for quite awhile this morning."
"Then perhaps it's morning sickness." Caselnes suggested slyly.
"Morning sickness? Then that means..." a surprised expression came across Yang face as he made the connection. "...Frederica is pregnant?"
"Best to ask her first, but it would explain a lot of things." Caselnes answered.
Just then the junior officer from earlier returned in a rush. "Marshal, I know you ordered the alerts to be suspended, but you have to look at this!"
Yang looked at the report he was carrying. "Eighty-thousand ships?"
"Yes, and that's not all. There's four massive objects in the corridor as well. Not as large as a fortress, but larger than any ships we have on record." explained the junior officer.
"Signal the alert. Broadcast it before the Imperials can get into jamming range." Yang ordered. "Prepare to sortie the fleet. I'll be taking command."
"Your Excellency, if I may." Merkatz said as he approached Yang. Yang nodded and allowed Merkatz to continue. "I find it highly likely that the primary target of this attack is you, Your Excellency. Should you join with the fleet the Imperials may launch a suicidal assault against your flagship. You should remain within the fortress and allow Admirals Attenborough and Fischer take command of the fleet."
"I can't let excessive concern for my personal safety dictate my actions." Yang countered quickly.
Merkatz hung his head slightly, but Schönkopf came to his assistance. "The guest admiral is correct. The Imperials are probably hoping that if they manage to kill you, the Alliance's defense will crumble like the Imperial invasion did after the defeat of Lohengramm."
"But I need to be in a position to observe the battle properly." complained Yang.
"The plan is to draw the Imperials into a long drawn out defensive struggle, is it not? The battle should not carry far away from the fortress itself." Schönkopf pressed.
"Very well. Attenborough will take command of the fleet." Yang relented. "You may join him if you wish, Admiral Merkatz."
"With your approval, Your Excellency, I'd like to propose a different course of action for myself." said Merkatz. "When the time is right, allow me to launch in your flagship. By acting as a lure, perhaps I can draw the enemy into a trap."
"That could be useful." Yang thought aloud. "Are you sure about this?"
"You have been extremely gracious in your treatment of me through these trying times. Allow me to do this to repay you for it." pleaded Merkatz.
"Very well, make your preparations." Yang said while offering a salute to Merkatz who returned it gracefully.
"Yes, Your Excellency." he replied before departing.
"So, it looks like this is it. You'll excuse me while I go suit up, right?" asked Schönkopf.
"You're leaving me too?" Yang asked.
"I'll stick around the fortress, but I need to be where the action is if the Imperials try to land." explained Schönkopf.
"Isn't the Defense Commander's place in the command room?" Yang asked sarcastically.
"Are you kidding? This might be my last chance to do my thing!" Schönkopf said with a laugh as he left.
Yang sat back down into his command chair and let out a sigh. Frederica returned and saw this. "What's wrong, dear?"
"The Imperials are attacking. Everyone else just left to meet them and told me to stay here." Yang complained.
"Oh, my." Frederica said with a laugh.
"By the way, are you pregnant?" Yang asked.
"So you noticed?" Frederica replied bashfully.
"Actually it was Caselnes, but..." Yang trailed off before changing the subject. "...will you be alright, dear?"
"I'll be fine. You're not going to try to ask me to escape by myself now are you?" Frederica chided him.
"So, you won't go?" Yang asked meekly.
"You know if we lose nowhere will be safe." Frederica answered sternly.
"I suppose you're right." Yang said with another heavy sigh. "Are the new systems operational?"
"The crews have only been able to train on simulations, but otherwise, yes." answered Frederica.
"Let's hope everything works out for the best then." Yang replied.
The Tenth Battle of Iserlohn was about to begin.
"We're receiving a transmission from Iserlohn." announced a Phezzani communications operator. "Eighty-thousands Imperial warships have entered the corridor along with four unidentified massive objects. It's believed to be an all-out attack."
"Damn, if only we had more time." Butler muttered. "We'll have to start with what we have and hope it works out. Deploy the device immediately."
Julian and Machungo rushed to the bridge of the Phezzani flagship as the alert was sounded.
"What's going on?" Julian asked Butler as he arrived.
"The Imperials are attacking the fortress in force. The decisive battle is at hand." Butler replied.
"Then we have to go back and help them!" Julian declared.
"What do you think a couple dozen patrol ships could do against the Imperial fleet?" Butler asked rhetorically. "No, we have another plan in mind."
"What is it?" asked an exasperated Julian.
"If the Alliance fails to defend the corridor, we'll use this device to create an artificial black hole. It will consume the mass of asteroids we've assembled and become large enough to merge with the super giant star within this system. The result will produce a supernova that will interfere with warp capabilities throughout the corridor, effectively sealing it and preventing the Imperials from advancing into Alliance territory." Butler explained.
"But, the Alliance fleet will be trapped within the corridor as well!" replied Julian.
"A necessary sacrifice if your allies fail to defeat the Imperial forces." Butler replied grimly. "We'll wait until the outcome is clear before the final line is crossed."
"Won't we be trapped within the corridor as well?" Julian asked, trying to play on the Phezzani's desire for self preservation.
"We've stocked provisions for several months. It might take awhile, but a small fleet like ours, led by the navigation corvettes should eventually be able to make it out. Many of these men have families back on Phezzan. They'll endure the risk required if it means avoiding a second Imperial occupation." Butler insisted.
Julian gritted his teeth and clinched his fists, but several Phezzani security personnel were already watching the pair of Alliance officers closely. Machungo put a hand on Julian's shoulder and shook his head and Julian dropped his aggressive stance.
"Fine, we won't interfere." Julian said as he sat down and Machungo nodded in approval.
"Smart boy." Butler said while turning away from Julian. "Make all final preparations to deploy the device."