Chapter 20: First Strike
Reviewers:
Marine Brother Shran: My apologies brother marine. I simply didn't wish for the chapter to become ten thousand words long. I'm glad you like it. What kind of things are you talking about? Give me some suggestions. I'm always open to ideas. Et Imperator brother marine.
The Sithspawn: I'm glad you're enjoying the battle. Trust me, Emily will impress you. The Dark Eldar are bloodthirsty, but they're not stupid. They'll go after smaller targets first to create a sense of panic and scatter the enemy when they try to protect all their worlds at once.
oblivionknight7: Yes Void shields can block transporters. I'm doing this so I can't have it where one Federation ship destroys a dozen battleships with transported torpedoes.
m6l99: Glad you're enjoying it. I'm not sure if I can make the battle last that long. As always your suggestions are welcome.
The BEE: Remember, the Federation capital ships have been upgraded so it's only logical that the shuttles and runabouts were as well. The phasers, I never knew that. Sorry. Glad you liked the rest of it.
BGTom: Sorry for the mistake. You're probably right. I'll use your information in future battles. Thank you for your advice.
angelus288: Thanks. The Klingons will make a good first target. I'm thinking that Voyager has just come back since by Nemesis she was an Admiral and appeared a bit older.
Jerry Unipeq: Man you read fast! Glad you like the story. Hope to see more reviews. Since you're new let me tell you that if you have any ideas you'd like to see in the story either post them in a review or e-mail me.
grayangle: Thank you for the compliment. So maybe they could serve as generals, viewing the Emperor simply as their commanding officer. I have a basic history. I hope you approve when I post it. Hm, fallen Sensei. They could be powerful foes. They probably have different powerful levels, though I don't think many of them will be weaker than a high end Bata psyker at the absolute weakest. Some of them will also be more loyal to the reborn Emperor than others.
Lennox RH: Glad you like it. Don't worry, after this battle the Emperor's revival will be at hand. I hope you enjoy Emily's battle. Long live the Emperor!
Several days had passed since Major Rakal's departure. In that time Archon Shadowclaw and Captain N'rok had discussed plans for the initial strikes on the Alpha Quadrant. A message from Major Rakal indicated that the Romulan government had approved Shadowclaw's plan. After the grievous losses incurred during the Dominion war the Empire could use the help Shadowclaw was offering. Not to mention many senators were intrigued by the examples of Dark Eldar technology Rakal had brought back with her.
Shadowclaw was is his quarters, polishing his Punisher. All this waiting was making him irritable. He had already killed one of his slave servants when he had tripped and fallen while bringing a tool to the Archon. His door opened and Captain N'rok walked in. Shadowclaw glanced up at him.
"I trust you have a good reason for this," he said, his hand tightening imperceptibly on the shaft of his weapon.
"Yes. I have received word that our offer has been accepted. Materials are on their way to the Badlands. Once we arrive we will have everything we need to construct our base."
"Excellent N'rok. You are proving to be most useful," Shadowclaw said.
"Thank you," N'rok said, knowing that was as close to a compliment as Shadowclaw could get. "However, there is one thing my superiors wish in return."
"And what would that be?" Shadowclaw asked.
"They wish us to conduct a raid on a Klingon military base," N'rok replied. A smile spread over Shadowclaw's face, causing N'rok to shiver.
"Very well. I have waited far to long to take life. Where is this base?"
"A colony on the leading edge of Klingon space," N'rok replied. "The base is currently being used to monitor ship movements on the Klingon border. Its defenses are unknown, but with the losses the Klingons suffered in the Dominion war I doubt its defenses will consist of more than a handful of warships and whatever troops are on planet."
"Then a small force should suffice," Shadowclaw said. "I will take twelve ships. Our mimic engines have been programmed to simulate Cardassian warp signatures. When we strike, we will allow the Klingons enough time to scan us and send a distress call before we strike. The Klingons will believe the Cardassians are seeking revenge."
"An excellent plan Archon," N'rok replied. The Dark Eldar Mimic engines were a remarkable technology. The Romulans under N'rok had also made a contribution. Holo emitters had would be attacked to the ships in Shadowclaw's raiding force. They had originally been used in a failed Romulan attempt to incite a war over two centuries ago. They would simulate the appearance of Cardassian ships. That would be the final key to the deception. "The holo shrouds are also ready. They will be installed within six hours."
"Excellent. I would like you to accompany me N'rok. You will record the attack for a presentation to your government. It will help to generate support for us."
"As you wish Archon," N'rok replied. He smiled, knowing that with each passing moment he was wedging himself further into the Archon's trust. Soon he would be his right hand. Then he would have the power to achieve the power every Romulan dreamed of.
Seven hours later twelve Dark Eldar vessels engaged their warp engines and departed. It had been discovered that the Warp did exist in this galaxy, but it was clam and seemed to be free of warp predators. This allowed for far greater speed in Warpspace. They would reach the Klingon base in ten hours, and then the slaughter would begin.
The Klingon outpost at Ducal four was one of many listening posts recently installed on the Klingon border. With the end of the Dominion war the Klingon Defense Forces were attempting to rebuild the severe losses they had sustained. With their forces as low as they were the Klingons were trying to present a strong show of strength. The colony on Ducal four was defended by seven B'rel class Birds of Prey, two K'vort cruisers and one Vor'cha heavy cruiser. Two thousand troops comprised the garrison. Since the colony was near the Cardassian border it was more heavily defended than many others.
The Birds of Prey Ket'al and M'para were patrolling the edge of the system. They had been part of the fleet that had attacked Cardassia Prime.
"Captain, sensors are detecting a disturbance twenty thousand kilometers to port," First Officer Deka reported. Then a moment later eight Cardassian Galor class cruisers emerged. "Cardassians!"
"How were they able to get this close undetected?" Captain Grun asked. "No matter, have all ships engage and send a message to Quonos. Inform them we are under attack by Cardassians."
"They are sending a transmission to Quonos," N'rok said from his position on the Silent Blade's bridge.
"Good. Commence jamming," Shadowclaw ordered. "Inform the fleet they may open fire at will, but keep us on a course to the planet."
Phantom Lances and Leech torpedoes flared from the "Cardassian" ships. The two Birds of Prey were vaporized. The remaining Klingon ships in the system were shocked. The Cardassians had never displayed that kind of firepower. The Klingon ships formed a wedge formation and charged the Cardassians. They had to protect the colony and what was on it from the Cardassians.
Three more ships were lost to enemy fire, and then the Klingons were in among the enemy. Torpedoes and disruptors lanced back at the Cardassians. Some hit but most seemed to pass through the ships entirely. The ships images seemed to shimmer and then they vanished, replacing the Cardassian ships with black vessels studded with blades and spikes.
"What are those ships?" Captain Grun asked.
"Unknown. They are generating a high power distortion field. Our targeting sensors are getting less that half their normal accuracy. Orders?" His second officer asked.
"Order our ships to concentrate their fire on one ship at a time. We must protect the colony."
The Vor'cha managed to hit one of the alien vessels with its main disruptor cannon, opening up a gash its port side. The vessel began listing to port, but two other Torture cruisers each fired a Phantom Lance and blew the Vorcha's starboard nacelle apart. The massive cruiser faltered for a moment, then resumed its advance, her engineers rerouting power. Still leaking plasma, the Vor'cha fired its main disruptor again, this time its smaller weapons joining in as well. The Dark Eldar cruiser received a beating. The main disruptor somehow managed to hit in almost the same place as the first shot. The smaller disruptors and a photon torpedo detonated within the ship's hull. The Torture class cruiser expanded for a moment and blew apart in a massive plasma explosion.
"We have lost a ship," N'rok observed from his station on Shadowclaw's command ship. The remaining Dark Eldar vessels in the attack closed in around the Klingons. The battle was already over.
"I can see that. It is acceptable. The Klingons are behaving just as you predicted. I believe that now is the time to launch our second attack. Helm, engage!" Shadowclaw ordered.
In orbit of Ducal four more Dark Eldar ships appeared. Three Torture cruisers and the Darkness class battleship Silent blade. Suddenly a K'vort decloaked directly aft of the Blade. Sensors indicated it had apparently come from the other side on the planet. If fired its disruptors, but instead of the usual green color, these bolts were a dark red tinted with black. They impacted on one of the Torture cruisers and tore it open. Atmosphere gushed from hull breaches. Three photon torpedoes finished the job.
"The Screeching Shadow has been destroyed," Shadowclaw's tactical officer reported.
"I have eyes you fool! Tell me what that was!"
"Some type of high energy plasma weapon my lord. However the new sensors are picking up signs of dark matter as well."
"Dark matter? But the Klingons have never demonstrated an ability to manufacture or for that matter even design dark matter weapons," N'rok stated.
"Regardless, that weapon could prove to be a powerful took. It may also be the reason for the heavy defense of this colony," Shadowclaw replied. "Lock weapons on that ship but only disable it, understood? If that vessel is destroyed the ones responsible will be sent to the Heamonoculi." The crew hurried to carry out the Archon's orders. They had seen crew members punished before. Most had never been seen again, though their screams sometimes still haunted the corridors.
The Silent Blade launched a massive volley at the Klingon vessel, but only a small fraction connected. The ship's shields were taken down and a Phantom Lance struck its impulse engines, bringing the vessel coasting to a stop.
"Prepare to board," Shadowclaw said. "And begin the assault on the planet as well." Assault craft began to pour from Shadowclaw's ships, heading toward the planet.
Shadowclaw's attack shuttle latched onto the Klingon ship's docking port and forced it open. The Klingons were ready. The first three warriors were cut down by disruptor fire, but the forth tossed a grenade that painted the walls with Klingon blood. This bought time for warriors to move forward. Shadowclaw and his Incubi were the next out. His Punisher danced and sang through the air, severing limbs and heads with blinding swiftness. Blood streamed in elegant streams around him. Not a single drop touching his armor. His weapon had not tasted blood for far too long. Shadowclaw was like a hurricane. He relished this. The Klingon warriors fought till the end, taking several of Shadowclaw's warriors with them. But the Dark Eldar did not fight with honor. They ganged up on their opponents. They slit throats from behind, and still the Klingons fought. This, thought Shadowclaw, is the way things should be.
On the planet, the battle was in full swing. Hundreds of Klingon warriors clashed with the Dark Eldar in and around the planet's only major city. Disruptors and Bat'leths met Dark Eldar Splinter Rifles and Punishers. The Klingons centered their defense around a tall dome shaped structure.
"Continue fighting. Never surrender!" One Klingon said, leveling his disruptor and vaporizing an oncoming enemy soldier. These enemies fought without honor. They had no respect for the duel. He watched as one of the aliens, carrying what appeared to be a larger version of their standard battle rifle, slaughtered a group of women and children trying to escape down a side street. A burning hatred was lit in his heart. He bellowed a great cry of rage and changed at the enemy, his men following him. The aliens did the same, many drawing pistols and close combat weapons.
The melee swirled, neither side giving any quarter. The streets ran slick with two colors of blood, black ichor and purple Klingon life fluid. Here a Bat'leth sliced off an alien's head; there a blade glowing with a pale light cut a warrior on two. No man was without blood on him. Then the Klingon commander spotted an alien clad in heavier armor than the other and carrying a two handed weapon that sliced through three warriors as he watched. Nothing it seemed could touch him. The Commander strode forward, bellowing a challenge. The alien seemed to accept. The Commander thumped his fist on his chest and raised his Bat'leth. The alien rushed forward, almost faster than the eye could follow. Bat'leth met Punisher, and the Bat'leth was sliced in two by the Punisher's power field, but the alien was thrown off balance for a moment as the Commander rushed forward, taking a deep slash across the back but tackling the alien to the ground. They landed hard but the alien recovered instantly. The enemy was to close to bring his Punisher to bear, so the Incubi drew a knife at the same moment as the Commander.
Both combatants circled each other, oblivious to the battle swirling around them. Both struck, their knives rebounding off each other. The Incubi was faster but the Commander had faced countless enemies during the Dominion war. He managed to get through the alien's guard for a moment and his knife and the alien's helmet flew off. The Commander stared into eyes so black they seemed to suck in the light around them. Pointed ears, like those of a Vulcan, one with a deep gash across it. And a smile that chilled even the Commander's soul. This enemy had no desire other than to kill. Then the Commander felt the blade enter his back and exit through his chest. The blade withdrew and the Commander fell to the round. He looked up at the second Incubi.
"For fight without honor," he whispered, his blood flooding out of him through the hole made by the alien's weapon. The alien merely smiled. Then darkness overcame the Commander, and his heart stilled forever. The remaining Klingon warriors were slaughtered. Those few that had survived, including civilians, were rounded up for transport to the slave holds.
In orbit, the Klingon fleet had been destroyed. The ship Shadowclaw had boarded had been secured. The Archon was on the bridge, where he had won in a duel with the ship's commander. His head now adorned Shadowclaw's armor. Then his comm. link signaled him of an incoming transmission.
"Yes," he said.
"Archon, the ground forces report a complete victory. Casualties acceptable. Many enemy prisoners secured. They are being taken to your ships as we speak," N'rok reported.
"Excellent. You may signal your vessel now," Shadowclaw replied and ended the transmission. From deep space, a Romulan scout ship that had accompanied the assault force moved in to begin examining the records of the military base. They would find out anything they could about the new Klingon weapon they had encountered here.
Several hours later everything was finished and the attack force left orbit. Before they went to warp however, they sterilized the city and the debris field with Cardassian torpedoes that had been provided by the Romulans. With that their task was done.
When the Klingon response force arrived they found the wreckage of ships and the smoking remains of a city once ten thousand strong, and everywhere there were signs of Cardassian weapons. When the High Council heard of this senseless attack there would be severe reprisal. But for several in the Klingon military the loss was much greater. The prototypes of a new weapon that would have given the Klingons a massive advantage over their enemies was now likely in the hands of the Cardassians. They would have to be recovered or destroyed, or else the entire quadrant could be in danger. This was the beginning of a war. That much was certain. But what no one yet knew was that behind everything, sinister powers were moving. Their first work had been done, and soon the quadrant would run with the blood of billions.
How was that? The Dark Eldar met a worthy foe but still triumphed. What will come of the new Klingon weapon? What did they find in the base? What will the Dark Eldar's next target be? Find out soon. In the next chapter Emily will face the Chaos sorcerer. Will she win, or will the Dark Powers claim another soul? Find out in the next exciting chapter of A New Age. See ya then, and don't forget to review!
ENTILZA