Earth Date - April 9, 1916
Space Force Launch Site Alpha, Location Classified
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 37
Admiral Reed was once a captain in the U.S navy during the First Earth War. After the war the Space Force went off and Reed was on of the first volunteers to join followed by a promotion to Admiral. Since then Reed has been willing to risk everything for his nation and his beliefs. When he learned about the Jedi, Reed risked everything by sending Ian to Ilum. He risked giving the Empire what they wanted and open war against the much more powerful enemy. He waited on the launch site for their return. When he saw the ship landing in the night, Reed walked towards them. As the ramp lowered he saw Nuzlu and Ian walked down alone, Reed realize that the mission end horribly. The boy sat down on the ramp, head in lap while the Mandalorian walked towards the admiral. "What happened?"
"Vader arrived. Killed my men and Johnny while trying to protect the boy. Johnny faced Vader alone." Nuzlu replied looking down at the ground.
"Did you brought his body back?"
"No. Vader was chasing us. We barley made it out alive."
"What will the Empire do know?" Reed asked.
"Plan for an attack. The Empire knows about Ian force abilities which makes him a target and being from Earth makes us all a bigger target."
"When will they attack?"
"Don't know. Days, weeks, hell maybe months."
"Then we have to prepare for war. I'll set up a meeting with the heads of Government in the morning to make war plans. But first I have to go and tell Jenna Lenard about Johnny's sacrifice." Reed said sorrowfully.
When Nuzlu walked into the Mandalorians sleeping quarters he found his soldiers asleep and behind curtains. "Wake up soldiers! War's coming!" he yelled and the rebels shot up and saluted Nuzlu. Aici walked out of a closed curtain and towards the battle worn soldier.
"Where's the team?" Aici asked.
"Vader." Nuzlu replied and the room was silent. "The Empire is coming and we need to be ready. This planet's weapons are too fast for Vader to block or deflect. Get comfortable with them because when he comes we'll kill him for those who fell defend me and Ian."
Earth Date - April 9, 1916
Lenard's Residence, Washington D.C
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 37
Jenna was writing to her friends from her grand escape from the Confederacy prison camps when someone knocked on the door. She got up and walked to the door wonder who it would be this late at night. She opened it to see Admiral Reed standing there with a gloomy face with Ian by his side. He didn't need to speak for her to know Johnny wasn't coming back. She cried right there in the door way, knowing that she was never going to have her husband in her arms again after all they been through during the dreadful war.
Earth Date - April 9, 1916
Washington D.C
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 37
Satiis watched the nation capitol Hall of Records for a day to see the security which was to his surprise lacked. All he had to do was walk in and avoid a few record keepers long enough to get to a computer. He typed in the name Lenard and came up with a small result of a dozen. He narrowed the list by looking for those that are part of the Space Force which gave him two finalist. Roberto Lenard and Johnny Lenard. Digging into Roberto's record show that he is a Petty Officer currently stationed on the Stellar Battleship U.S.S California. Which leaves Johnny Lenard, but as Satiis search for current address he found that Johnny was dead. Why would Vader send me to a dead person? he thought to himself.
"Who are you?" a stranger asked behind Satiis. A record keeper no doubt. "This building is closed to public this late."
"Sorry I had to find something." Satiis replied standing up and slowly back up.
"Please leave or I'll call security and press charges for trespassing on government property." the man said. When the imperial was close enough he turned quickly and punch the worker in the gut sending him staggering back. As the worker slowly got up Satiis punched the man square in the face, knocking the man out.
"Sorry but I can't let you interfere with my mission." Satiis said cracking his knuckles.
He walked across the city as quickly as he could to reach the Lenard's residence. The reason for Johnny's death certificate could be for any number of reasons. Secrets hold value when it comes to military and politics, and a secret Jedi would be a deadly secret to hold based on how the government runs. When he reached the right street, Satiis saw little over a few dozen or people placing flowers by a house window with Johnny picture next to it. Satiis ducked into a alleyway and climb up the fire escape towards the roof. He quietly dashed across the rooftops till he was next to the Lenard's roof. In a window the imperial saw a boy gripping something in his hands with tears in his eyes. The boy seemed more sadden than most would for a recent lost of a father. Then it clicked. The boy is the Jedi!" Satiis thought in horror. He ran away from the residence and ran on the streets for nearly ten minutes before he stopped in front of a store. "A boy." the imperial said covering his mouth. Before his mission to Earth Satiis wanted to achieve great things in glory to the Empire, but since he met Lisa and talked to her on that station he questioned everything. And now this, killing a young boy. This remind Satiis of all those he tortured, killed, and much worse things. His mission has changed. The imperial marched to the nearest police station which was down a few blocks. When he walked through those door he saw a few officers present guarding the station. "I'm here to turn myself in!" he yelled and all of the officers looked at him in confusion.
"For what?" one officer asked.
Satiis kneeled on the ground and his hands on the back of his head. "My name is Cole Satiis. I am an Imperial Security Bureau agent and I've been spying for the Empire on Darth Vader's orders."
Within seconds the officers raised their guns and aimed at the spy. One officer put cuffs on Satiis hands and brought him to his feet. "Cole Satiis you are under arrest for Espionage."
Earth Date - April 10, 1916
Pentagon, Washington D.C
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 38
When Reed received a report of an Imperial spy at midnight, he knew that their timetable has just speed up. A Petty Officer met him of the main doors to brief him on the situation. When they were behind the secured doors the officer began to speak. "The spy's name is Cole Satiis. He's been on Earth for nearly an month."
"How did we find him?" Reed asked.
"We didn't. He turned himself into Metro police."
"Why?" Reed asked as they entered the building elevator. The officer clicked the second lowest floor and the elevator went down.
"Don't know. He's in interrogation if you want to see him."
"Good. Contact General Waters, Pershing, and Fleet Admiral Taussig for an Emergency ETT meeting." Reed said as the elevator stopped. The admiral went toward interrogation while the Petty Officer head back up. The security let Reed pass through with out a problem. When Reed opened the door he saw a man sitting at a table handcuffed. "So you're Cole Satiis?"
"Yes Admiral Reed." Cole replied.
"Want to tell me why you turned yourself in?"
"Vader sent me to kill a Jedi which I would have done had I not realize the Jedi was a boy." Cole said and Reed flinched a little. "I assumes you the boy, but your reaction confirmed it."
"You were an interrogator before you came here?"
"Yes along with other things that I'm no longer proud of."
"Why?"
"Why what?" Cole asked.
"Why aren't you proud of those event and why are you telling me this?"
"Because when I first got to this world a young women showed be something that I've been missing."
"What?"
"A choice." Cole replied.
"Is there anything you want to tell me?"
"Yes. Vader is planning in less than a week."
"When?" Reed asked concerned.
"He launching it on the eighteenth on you calendar." Cole answered as Reed bolt up and headed toward the doors. As he opened the door the admiral turned to the ex Imperial.
"Is there anyway to stop it?"
"The only way is if the boy is dead."
"Thank you." Reed said as he closed the door behind him. The Petty Officer met the Admiral at the Elevator.
"Sir I notified them as order for an emergency meet at eight in the morning." the officer reported as Reed typed in code on the U.S military computer system. Then red blue lights turned on and an alarm sounded.
"We are in Stellar Defcon One now Petty Officer." Reed said as he got on the elevator alone.
Earth Date - April 10, 1916
The Serpent Flame
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 38
Drers stood on the destroyer bridge facing the hundreds of ships at her disposal for one mission, knowing that is all goes to plan they will destroyed and brought down the enemy fleet for Vader's Flagship to attack. She will not let the Empire down nor the Emperor and is wig to die to a gruesome fate for them both. Earth will bow to the Emperor or die.
Earth Date - April 10, 1916
Walker's Residence, Washington D.C
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 38
When Nancy military phone ranged she slowly grabbed it. "I swear Rodd. If this is another meeting schedule I will fire you out of a canon myself."
"We are in Stellar Defcon One. You are needed on the War Floor." he Secretary said and Nancy was on her feet.
"I'm on my way." Nancy said hanging up before calling her security team. "We are Stellar Defcon One get ready to head straight to the Pentagon."
"Yes ma'am." the security guard replied. Nancy got on her General of the Air Force uniform quickly thinking about her family. They were coming to visit her, but now they were endanger from another war. She ran downstairs. Fred was at the door tensely waiting.
"Fred when my family comes get them in the Emergency Bunker and seal it tight." Nancy ordered.
"Yes ma'am." Fred replied as Nancy walked out of her home.
Earth Date - April 10, 1916
German Country Side
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 38
Liam was eating a late dinner when the army received the Stellar Defcon One. The soldiers hid in the trenches and readied the Mobile anti-air turret placements. Liam walked among his troops seeing if they needed anything. Much of which was sleep, a luxury they don't have. As he went through the trenches he overheard some of his men talking about the threat. Many of them in fear.
Earth Date - April 10, 1916
Pentagon, Washington D.C
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 38
As the elevator's doors open Nancy marched out and stopped at Security where she was scanned. When she was cleared, the Titanium Steel doors opened and she walked into the War Floor. The state of the art tech all for one purpose, commanding from a secured location to combat an alien invasion. Closely monitored by certified personal day and night in case of Stellar Defcon. General Pershing, Admiral Reed, and Fleet Admiral Taussig were already on the Command Stand which was elevated above the many stations and computers facing a wall of monitors. "Good timing General." Reed said as he pushed a button and President Wilson appeared on the main monitor.
"Why are we in Stellar Defcon One Admiral?" Wilson asked.
"An Imperial Spy turned himself in and reported of an impending attack from the Empire on the Eighteenth." Reed said and everyone was stunned.
"Are we certain?" the president asked.
"Sadly yes."
"Then prepare for war. I'll let you plan for the coming battle." the president said dreadfully.
"Sir, before you go we may need your order to use The Manhattan Project." Reed said and everyone looked at the admiral in shock.
"If our situation become desperate and we are out of options, yes." Wilson said as he ended the conversation.
"Manhattan really? Are you insane Admiral?" Taussig asked yelling.
"Yes. The Empire has more and greater weapons than us. If we launch the Atomic missile, we could scare them off and leave us alone." Reed replied. The Manhattan Project was put together by all military branches to build the ultimate weapon using Nuclear power.
"We'll going to need more than just the Atomic missile. If we knew what the target was we can place our troops into better positions." Nancy said.
"D.C. The target is D.C." Reed said gripping the stand's railings.
"How do you know?" Taussig asked.
"Green Room." Reed said walking towards a glass covered room, with everyone else following them. When they entered the room the small group sat down around a wooden table.
"What is this about Admiral?" Nancy asked.
"For little over a month I launched a secret operation to cripple the Empire while we built up a powerful fleet and deadly weapons." Reed replied.
"Are you crazy?" Taussig yelled as he bolted up. "You sent a military group and practical declared war on them! Not only did you caused the Empire to come here, but you disregard the Constitution!"
"Fleet Admiral. Sit down." Pershing commanded. "We need to work together. Now continue Reed."
"We recently encounter a rebel group fighting the Imperials and they help us send a Jedi to Ilum to collect a crystal."
"Jedi! What hell did you unleashed?" Taussig asked.
"The Jedi was a ten year old boy from this very city. Ilum was a disaster, the rebel group lost a squad and we lost a lieutenant who was the boys father. Now the Empire is attacking us for harboring a Jedi." Reed replied.
"If they are after the boy, then give them the boy." Taussig replied.
"You can't be serious. He's just a boy." Nancy replied with anger creeping into her voice.
"Yes. The Empire can't be that great of a monster to slaughter a child." Taussig said in defense. Reed put his hands on the table and leaned toward the Fleet Admiral.
"The Empire has slaughtered millions of children from strange aliens to Jedi. If we give them Ian Lenard then they win and might attack us anyway." Reed said in a frighting tone. "So let's focus on beating an Empire instead of becoming monsters ourselves."
"Fine, but you will answer for this after the battle." Taussig replied.
"I know."
"Now that we got that out of the way, let continues on weapons and tactics." Nancy said. "First, the people. We need to evacuate them before hell break lose."
"Agreed and less people means less the soldiers have to worry about." Taussing replied.
"I'll have the National Guard evacuate the city as soon as we'll done. I'll try to get some militias to help." Pershing said.
"Second, troop placements. We need all forces on this." Nancy said.
"Yes, but before we do, I've had some engineers create a new weapon that should a high pitch sound in the enemy's comm systems." Pershing replied.
"Sounds like a useful weapon." Nancy commented.
"Yes, but there are a few problems. One is that it's a tower and if it fails it'll be an easy target. Two is that it has a range of fifty miles so depending on the imperials speed they could avoid the city or change there comm frequencies. Three is that it might affect us as well. Four is that we have to find the frequency." Pershing said. "And the odd of it working are low."
"Sounds like our odds back during the First Earth War." Nancy remarked smirking and Pershing smirked as well.
"Can it be ready by the attack?" Reed asked.
"Yes." Pershing replied.
"Good. So what should we do with the troops?" Reed asked.
"Place a majority of them a little beyond the range of the weapon, but leave some in the range to repel any imperials that manage to land. If it works the way it should the enemy will be trapped. We should also place anti-air weapons beyond them facing the west and place the navy ships that have better anti-air weapons on the coast facing as many as we can to the east. North and south will be littered with mines." Nancy said.
"It'll be a death trap for imperials. I like it." Pershing remarked.
"I must agree with the general." Taussig replied.
"Anything else?" Reed asked and none of them answered. "Good. I'll make a video call to the British Space Force and let them know what going on. We'll need all the support we can get."
"This reminds me of the old days during the war with the droids. Always preparing for the next assault and defense." Pershing remarked as he stood up.
"Agreed." Nancy said as the two exited the room with Taussing following them, leaving Reed alone.
Reed was left alone in the room when he called Admiral White. When the British admiral answered he looked like he was ready for bed. "Admiral Reed, this has better be good."
"We are in Stellar Defcon One, the Empire is invading on the Eighteenth, we are evacuating D.C, and most of our military is in Europe." Reed said and White's face went pale.
"Good God. What support do you need?"
"We need space support. What do you have?"
"We have a battleship, three destroyers, and five new Stellar Heavy George Bombers. Will that be enough?"
"Hopefully. I'll send you coordinates for the fleet."
"Anything else."
"No. Reinforcements from Europe won't make in time or quantity. May God be with us." Reed said as he ended the call. War is coming towards them faster and harder than the Confederacy ever did.
Earth Date - April 18, 1916
The Flaming Serpent
Operation Thunder Strike - Day 46
"We'll be exiting hyperspace in ten minutes admiral." a ensign reported to Drers.
"Good, prepare all ships canons on our flanks to focus fire on any incoming projectiles." Drers ordered.
"Yes admiral." the ensign replied before walking off. As the destroyer zoomed past the stars Drers thought about the hundred destroyers at her command. This attack will not end the same as last time. This time they will crush the pathetic resistance of the Earth and then Vader will eliminate the Earth ground force and claim victory to the Empire. When the destroyer exit out of hyperspace she saw the pathetic fleet aiming it's weapons directly at then.
"Attention Earth fleet." Drers said over the open comm. "I am Admiral Mih Drers of the Galactic Empire. I am giving you a choice. Surrender or die."
Author's Note
I have good news. The personal problems I had are now over and I will be writing more often again but there will be spaces between writing because of another story I started writing around the same time as this one but waited for the new movie to come out to complete it. Now that the movie is out I will be writing after each chapter till it's complete. As far as this story goes, I have more plans for it and I exited for the next several chapters. I forgot to tell you all last chapter due to my enthusiasm. I hope you all are having a good day.