And so, here we are today, with Great Galactic War Arc, simply put. For now, we leave Falmart and go back to Milky Way to observe Resistance's doings in Operation: Galactic Liberation. I promised that there will be more chapters covering the war and as I said, here it is. Of course, people from Falmart will still appear, considering, that some of them are now part of Resistance now. And they will too fight in many battles.
Also, sorry for the delay, but as you probably noticed, this chapter is a beast. Sorry for the inconvenience.
So, without further ado, let's begin.
Chapter 33
,,Resist and bite"
December 24, 2150
13:45
Targon Prime, Targon System
On the day of October 12, 2150, Operation: Galactic Liberation went ablaze. All of this started, when hundreds of suns came to be in number of solar systems along the frontline. These suns were the work of Resistance special forces, which set up hundreds of nuclear warheads aboard Holy Order ships, stations and outposts. Not expecting this to happen, Holy Order forces was thrown into disarray. Majority of their infrastructure needed to stop any attack of Resistance, was gone.
What happened on October 13, was another disaster for them. Hundreds upon hundreds of Resistance ships exited hyperspace across entire front and easily decimated whatever forces were left untouched by nuclear fire. When news started flooding the Holy Order Headquarters on Nashina, everyone, even High Admiral Kotch, were shaken by the news. They never expected an attack on this scale.
Following the rest of the month, Resistance troops pushed forward, easily taking world after world, system after system, using the fact, that Holy Order occupation forces always consisted of few ships and few thousand troops. Everything started to literally fall apart for Holy Order, which simply couldn't stop the pressure.
By the beginning of November, Resistance managed to reach and liberate half of Chakdrik, Shakayan and Nashini territory. While this was happening, White Squadron was performing a number of special missions, attacking and sabotaging Holy Order convoys and facilities, but also taking part in literal race. As it turned out, Holy Order was searching for number of Enean artifacts of unknown purpose. Entire November was nothing, but a constant search for these artifacts, known simply as 'Core Fragments'.
As for now, Resistance possessed two, just like Holy Order. It was only a matter of time, when one of two sides will try and seize the other two fragments. Whoever strikes first, wins. And, as Resistance would see it, HO was really desperate about getting all of them.
Currently, Task Force 04 was on hold in orbit around Targon Prime, a colony of European Union. Last two months of war were really tiring for newly reinforced unit, which as of now, took total casualties measuring up to twenty five percent. New additions were supposed to son reach the fleet. As of now, because it was Christmas, soldiers were allowed to get on the surface of the planet and take part in festivities taking place there. Also, due to Targon's reputation as one of the most advanced research centers, the Core Fragments were given to inspection in planet's laboratories.
Delilah was currently walking down the streets of Targon City, the capital of the planet and system. She was on patrol duty today, caring about the security of the city and taking care of any possible danger, so even if she still had her weapon close with her. Due to her membership in Resistance Navy and Task Force 04, she had to take part in the O:GL. Selene got hit several times and was currently undergoing repairs in orbital shipyard. Still it was only a matter of time, before they will get orders to move somewhere else. Now, they had to enjoy their stay here.
"This 'hot chocolate' stuff is really good."Emmy said, taking another sip from the cup she bought at local stand.
"You could share, you know?"Delilah said.
"Hey, I told you to buy yourself a cup, but no. You was skeptic about it for now reason. Now you have it."heavy weapons specialist replied.
A cold breeze just passed by them. The winter on Targon Prime was pretty much in the same time was it was on Earth. Streets of Targon City were covered by snow, coloring everything perfectly white. Also, there were several decorations in form of colorful lamps hanging around, glittering.
"These Christmas are pretty nice holiday."Emmy admitted."Humans from this world know well how to make decorations."
"I have to agree."Delilah said and sighed."Better decorations that on Life Day back home…"
Smile disappeared from Emmy's face. She also remembered. When the winter came back in their home, with it came the time of thanking the Goddess of Life for another survived year. Entire villages were being decorated with colorful ribbons and various other decorations. Children were playing in the snow, elders were singing and dancing. These were the good times.
Times, which will never come back. Everything ended with the arrival of Sadera and their conquest. Their villages were gone and Warrior Bunnies were scattered. No more celebrating, no more decorations, no more dancing and singing. At least, now they had means to take revenge upon their sworn enemy.
"Where are the others, by the way?"Delilah asked, trying to think of her duty.
"Macy, Kenya and Heley went to check Southern District of the city. They will join us later. The same with Ves, but she go some…other matters."Emmy replied.
"Oh, right. Tommy."Delilah nodded.
By their time of service, Ves developed a feeling for Human Marine named captain Thomas Davis. As it turned out, the feeling was mutual and now, they were almost inseparable. Honestly, Delilah and others supported that relationship and hoped, that Ves will be happy with her newly found love.
"I just hope he won't do anything wrong to her."Emmy stated."Otherwise…"She squeezed her hand and turned it.
"If you kill him, you might get court martialed."Delilah warned her.
"Okay, okay."heavy weapons expert said, taking another sip."Let's just finish this patrol and…"
Before she could end it, a snowball flew from unknown direction and hit her right in the helmet. As a result, she loosened her grip and the cup fell out of her hand, making a brown stain on the pure white snow.
"My hot chocolate…"she whined."WHO DID THIS?!"
She started looking around and soon, her eyes fell upon a pair of children, giggling and pointing at her. Finally, they noticed her bolt-throwing eyes and ran away, disappearing into one of the alleys.
"You little…"Emmy hissed."When I get you, I will…"
Again, right before she finished, another snowball hit her. This time, Emmy knew, who threw it.
"Delilah, you utter traitor!"
"Sorry, I just thought you will need something to cool yourself down."Delilah replied with grin on her face.
Emmy was about to say something else, but then, she noticed another snowball in Delilah's hand and simply gave up.
"We will talk later…"Emmy murmured.
"I command here, so it would get you court martialed again."Delilah reminded.
"Let's just finish this patrol…"
"Yes, let's."
With these words, they continued on with their patrol around the city.
Meanwhile…
Targon City Institute of High Technologies, Testing Lab
"So, what did you get?"Ester asked, walking down the corridor with one of the scientists working in the TCIHT.
"Honestly, not much."the woman, which ID said 'Jorian', replied."We did every possible test we could, but nothing is working."
The two were speaking of the two Core Fragments being currently in possession of Resistance. Whatever these Enean artifacts were, Holy Order wanted them all. And this meant, that they had to have some worth in them. This is why, the Institute was arranged to perform various tests, from simplest structural research to dipping them in acid. As it turned out, nothing worked on them and acid, much to everyone's shock, was being absorbed by the rocky artifact, not leaving any trace.
"I hope you get results soon enough."Ester said with firm voice."One of my friends almost got killed for one of these."
"Of course."Jorian replied."I hope lieutenant Creekford is recovering well?"
"It's just a scratch. Yes, she was almost shot in the head, but doctors on Ike say, that she's gonna have only a scar."
"Good to hear."
The two entered one of the testing rooms, filled with more scientists. On the other side of glass window, was a tank, in which two Core Fragments were held by the force of anti-gravity in the air. Two robotic arms were hanging on both sides of the tank, with some strange devices pointed in it's direction.
"So, what is the next test?"White Squadron leader asked, with arms crossed.
"Reaction on electromagnetic fields. These two arms hold two, high-power electromagnets. We are going to emit large amount of electromagnetic energy and see, what happens."Jorian explained proudly.
"See what happens?"Ester asked with eyebrow risen."I don't remember when saying that ended well for anyone."
"It's science! It's either try or not!"
"Whatever you say…"
"Okay, Tom, fire up!"
One of the scientists nodded and pulled the lever. Electromagnets started emitting the weak field. Nothing happened in the tank.
"More."Jorian said.
Tom nodded and powered the magnets more, to two. The field started to take up the power, but nothing else happened.
"More."
This time, the lever went to three and even more power came into the magnets. This time, however, Core Fragments reacted. They started slowly shaking.
"Oh, something is happening."Ester said, impressed.
"Of course it is."Jorian said with smile."Alright, go to the max."
"Pass by four and five?"Tom asked.
"Of course!"
Tom sighed and pulled the lever, until it reached six. Immediately, the power surged into the magnets so hard, that even Ester could feel their power through the window, making her head hurt a bit. But then, happened something, that nobody expected.
Both Core Fragments started slowly moving around, speeding up, until they were spinning so fast, that you could see them by only few short seconds, changing into black-green trace. Scientists started clapping, patting each others backs and smiling.
"Haha, now that's what I like!"Jorian said.
"I'm impressed, really."Ester said, mesmerized by the spinning Core Fragments.
"Okay, now we know, that this thing reacts to electromagnetic field."Jorian said, writing it down on her notepad."This is the first time it did something else than absorbing acid."
As Ester looked at the Core Fragments, something suddenly caught her eyes. The artifacts started to…glow green.
"Um, doctor…"she said, poking Jorian.
"Sorry, I can't talk."doctor replied, absorbed by writing.
"But doc…"
"I really can't…"
"Doc…"
"Damn, I made a mistake! What do you want, major?"
Just as the woman said that, both fragments started emitting acidic green light, almost blinding some people. Ester and Jorian looked at each other.
"Oh, shi…"Jorian tried to say, but couldn't.
Before anyone said anything, two fragments fired a shockwave, which shattered the windows on the entire floor of the institute and making people fall on the ground. Some were hit by glass, others just broke something. But everyone was shocked by what they just witnessed.
Back in the city, Delilah and Emmy quickly turned around. Although being several kilometers away from the institute, their ears were sensitive enough to hear the shockwave. As they turned around, they could see glass glittering in the sun.
"What the fuck just happened?"Emmy asked, grabbing her MG.
"I don't know and I don't like it."Delilah replied.
Few seconds later, an ambulance passed by them, speeding down the road towards the Institute. The two looked at each other and quickly followed it. What was this run for them?
The information about what happened in the Institute building quickly reached the authorities and rescue services were sent to take care of that. As it turned out, the victims were few and only with cuts or broken bones. Fortunately, there were no deaths. Everyone started wondering, what happened.
However, the aftermath of the shockwave was not only felt on Targon Prime itself. Along the shockwave, Core Fragments emitted a signal, which flew at one hundred times the speed of light. Within minutes, the signal reached the furthest parts of Galaxy, without anyone to answer it's call.
Or so everyone thought.
Somewhere far from Targon System…
"We got signal!"signal search operator exclaimed.
Admiral Barren Kotch stood up from his chair and approached the operator, looking at his apparatus. The line on the device waved violently. High Admiral knew, what this meant. Their Core Fragments were the source from which they got their sample of signal. And this, could only mean one thing.
"Where is this coming from?"Kotch asked.
"Targon System. It's ten inter-system jumps away."operator said.
"Good. Our target, is Targon System!"Kotch ordered to the navigator.
"Yes, admiral!"navigator replied.
Kotch returned to his captain's chair and looked at his crew. Next, he looked at a figure in black clothes, standing next to his chair.
"They found something?"Kyla asked.
"Yes. Yes they did."High Admiral replied.
"Good. Master will be pleased."
"Indeed, he will."
The order about jump reached all ships in the fleet. Over one hundred ships, three entire fleets, activated their hyperspace drives and soon, they vanished into light speed.
Few hours later…
RNS Dwight D. Eisenhower
Captain Eriksson watched the hologram on his holo-table. It showed the current progress of the rescue actions in Targon City. Fortunately, nobody died and they managed to easily clear the damage. Also, they managed to learn something about the Core Fragments. As it turned out, they were sensitive for electromagnetic fields.
"Egon, can you give me numbers of damage that was inflicted?"he turned to his First Officer.
"According to the information we got, they have seventeen bruises, twelve broken bones and eleven cuts. All not severe."Egon replied.
Eriksson nodded.
"Good that this didn't do any bigger damage."
"Yeah, who knew, that something like that can happen?"
"Enean artifacts. Never mess with them."
"Indeed, captain."
Egon knew, that captain was in great humor lately, due to the fact, that after almost three decades of military service, he was soon going to retire. Not many people decided to serve that long in UNSA, but when the war came, leaving military became harder and desertion became a crime punishable by death. All in the name of higher causes.
"Captain…"radar operator said, with uneasy face.
Immediately, smile vanished from captain's and Egon's faces. They knew, that this can't be a good news.
"What is it?"Eriksson asked.
"We're detecting incoming Holy Order fleet."operator said.
"Hora…"captain said in Swedish."How big is enemy force?"
"I-I-It's…"the man stuttered.
"Say it!"Egon exclaimed.
"One hundred and five ships. Including thirty Corvettes, twenty five Frigates, eighteen Destroyers, fifteen Cruisers, ten Battleships, five Carriers, one Super Battleship and one Super Carrier."
Silence fell upon the bridge. Even Eriksson and Egon got their mouth shut. TF03 was not so high in numbers. Considering the losses they took, which were one of the reasons they stopped in Targon, the fleet was waiting for additions. Even the fact that their fleet possessed one Super Battleship and one Space Warfare Carrier, didn't change a single thing. The current number of ships in the fleet, was no more that thirty three.
Eriksson quickly activated the PA.
"Connect with admiral Chesterfield and transmit this message across the fleet."
RNS Selene
Tyuule was sitting in her captain's chair, when the PA system came to life:
"To all ships! We're detecting enemy fleet coming our way! Prepare for battle ans man your battlestations! This is not a drill! I repeat…"
The message repeated itself.
"Captain, orders?"Gerry asked.
Tyuule looked around the bridge, on the concerned faces of her crew. She corrected her cap and cleared her throat. Next, she activated the PA.
"All crew, we have a battle incoming! Go to your battlestations and wait for further orders! I want to see everyone on their positions within the next five minutes!"she ordered as firmly as she could."Or if you don't, you're gonna start praying out that airlock!"
"Pretty harsh, sir."Emily said.
"You know I would never do it."Tyuule provided.
Right then, all alarms across the ship came to life. This could only mean one thing.
"Sir, enemy ships exiting hyperspace!"Clara, the radar operator, asked.
"So it begins…"former Battle Queen murmured.
Not long after, they saw large number of space distortions appearing in front of TF03. They started changing into ships, small ones at the beginning, then bigger ones, until both Super Battleship and Super Carrier appeared.
"Phew, one problem less."Gerry said."It's not Hadadrian Super Battleship, but a Brontos-class. At least, this one can be destroyed easily."
"But still not as easy as we would hope."Miles said.
Tyuule looked at the enemy fleet for few seconds, before it opened fire.
Resistance Heavy Frigate RNS Destructive was the first to be destroyed. Wave of energy weapon fire broke through it's armor, tearing the ship in half, making it's air and water supply, as well as the crew escape it's inside.
Heavy Cruiser Katanga followed, when a missile salvo reached it's main reactor, making it explode and changing the ship into new sun. It's heated up chippings hit few of the ships that surrounded it, piercing their hulls.
Two Destroyers crashed into each other, when one of them got it's navigation system damaged by the missile hit. Again, another sun appeared among the fighting ships, but also quickly disappearing.
Of course, Resistance ships were firing back as much as they could. Already three enemy Corvettes and five Frigates were out of battle. They were followed by two Destroyers and one Heavy Cruiser. Super Battleship and Super Carrier also achieved some hits, but nothing too severe, that could endanger them. As the ships were battling, large amount of dropships and fighters started approaching the planet.
All of this within first ten minutes.
Targon City
Meanwhile, on the surface, Resistance soldiers were helping the people wounded in the accident in the Institute, when alarms started blaring all across the city.
"What the hell?"Emmy asked.
"Look!"someone exclaimed.
All heads looked towards the sky. Even from here, you could see the flashes of light, when ships exploded and fired at each other. Also, there were more objects coming through the atmosphere, like meteors.
"Oh, shit…"one of the scientists said.
"We got enemy incoming!"one of the soldiers shouted.
Immediately, soldiers started running into the city.
"What do we do?"Delilah asked.
"We should stay here."Ester said, standing next to them.
She also was helping, before the alarms started.
"Why though?"Emmy asked.
"If Holies are here, then it can me mean one thing."White Squadron leader explained.
"These Core Fragments?"Delilah asked.
"Exactly. And whatever they need them for, it can't be anything good."
Next, Ester activated her hand terminal to contact the rest of her team. Except her and Emiko and Liz, which were on Ike, rest of the team was placed in one of local air bases around one hundred kilometers from the city. But before she could choose the number, she got call from Dora.
"Ester, are you alright?"Dora asked.
"Yes. You know that Holies are coming?"Ester asked back.
Dora nodded on the screen.
"Well, entire 12th EUJM Rapid Reaction Corps is moving out to Targon City."she replied."We were also told to to take off."
"Than do just that! We're gonna need you here any minute now!"
"Sure thing."
White Squadron's second-in-command disconnected. Ester grabbed her assault riffle and looked at Delilah, which also just ended the call.
"My team is also coming."she said.
"Good. The current situation might be hard."Ester stated.
"Yeah, no shit."Emmy stated.
Right then, they saw white traces of anti-air missiles being fired from city's defense system. Missiles flew towards the incoming dropships and fighters. Of course, not all of them were able to evade and soon, several steel wrecks started raining from the sky. However, by firing, the defense system revealed it's location and this allowed enemy craft to counter-fire, destroying the missile launchers.
"Well, fuck."Ester stated, checking the defense system status.
"Damn it."Emmy summed.
"Agreed."Delilah said.
Right then, one of the dropships turned towards the Institute building.
"Let's get inside, we will have better defenses in there."Ester said.
The three turned around and entered the building.
Back in the orbit…
RNS Dwight D. Eisenhower
In the ship's Medical Bay 1, Liz was laying on her bed, hugging terrified Emiko. Entire ship was shaking from the hits and weapons being fired. All around, doctors and ship's security were running, checking on the wounded.
"Liz…"Emiko whimpered.
"Don't worry, Emiko, we'll be alright."Liz said, stroking her head.
Ship was again shaken. Emiko squeaked.
Right then, the door opened and Oksana, followed by several Marines, entered the room and started saying something to the doctor. Finally, doctor gave up and allowed her to pass.
"Ox, what is it?"Liz asked, seeing the Ukrainian approaching her.
"Captain Eriksson ordered us to evacuate the wounded from the ship."Oksana replied
"What, why?"Liz asked, surprised.
"He decided, that it's too dangerous for you to be here. You'll wait it through down on the planet."
"Wah…"Emiko whimpered again.
"Don't worry Emiko, we're gonna be safe down there."
"Okay…"
"Alright."Oksana said and turned around."Everyone, let's go! We're gonna get you all to the dropships!"
Marines and doctors started helping everyone to stand up. Fortunately, Liz could walk. She still kept Emiko close.
Soon, everyone started walking out of the Medical Bay 1 and went down the corridor towards the hangar. Ship was still shaking, but this time, these were more severe than previous shakes.
"I don't like this…I really don't…"one of the wounded said.
"Me too…"another wounded added.
"Don't worry, we're gonna get you to safety."Oksana provided.
"Get a hold of yourselves, you're soldiers of Earth, damn it!"a sergeant with a bandage over his eye said.
"Easy to say, I never signed for this."another soldier said.
Oksana suddenly stopped and turned to all of them.
"Please, we really have to move fast."she said with pout face.
"Just listen to her and go."Liz said.
"Please…?"Emiko asked.
"Okay, let's just move."different soldier said.
"Okay, let's…"Oksana started saying, when she stopped.
Suddenly, several holes appeared in the wall of the corridor, as several high-power PDC bullets flew through them. Oksana's head exploded, spraying blood around, shocking several Marines, sailors and doctors.
"Ox…"Liz said, covering her mouth from shock.
But before she could say anything else, more bullets started piercing through the ship's armor. Some lucky enemy ship had to get really close, if even PDC bullets were able to penetrate so far into the ship. This wasn't important now, when more and more people started dying, when bullets ripped through them, tearing parts of their bodies apart.
"Get down!"Liz shouted, but only Emiko heard it.
The two fell on the floor, when bullets passed over their heads, continuing it's path of destruction. Soon, it all stopped, and only the two were laying among the dead bodies.
"Liz…"Emiko said, with tears coming down her face.
Suddenly, they felt a pull of air. Liz immediately realized, that it was air escaping out of the ship through the holes in the armor. Liz quickly stood up and activated her magnetic boots, allowing her to withstand the pull of the air. Emiko was full out crying now.
A sound of breaking bone was heard, followed by a slurping sound. Liz kept her eyes shut, knowing, that it was a body being sucked out through the hole, followed by few others. It continued for few seconds, before quick-drying gel filled the holes and stopped the pull of the air.
"Liz…I want to get out of here!"Emiko cried out in complete panic.
"Me too…Let's go to the hangar…"Liz said with emotionless voice.
Taking Emiko's hand, she quickly towards the hangar, where evacuation dropships were waiting.
Targon Prime airspace
Formation of Eurofighter Cyclones was speeding towards the attacked Targon City, burning with all engine power. According to their calculations, they should be in the city within few minutes.
"Dora, you have any news from Ester?"Lena asked in the radio.
"No, since the call in the base, she didn't report back."Dora replied.
"I'm worried…"Ana said.
"Me too, Ana. Me too."Dora admitted.
She tightened her grip on the controls. If anything happened to Ester, she would personally sent all of these Holy Order fuckers to hell. With her own, bare hands. And then…
"Enemies on radar."Aqi reported.
Dora looked at her radar and saw eight enemy signals on them. Her eyes burned with fury.
"White Squadron, take them all out."she ordered.
"On it!"everyone replied.
They all locked onto the incoming enemy fighters and fired. Enemy pilots, surprised, didn't have time to react and from four fighter-bombers and fighters, three fell from the sky.
"All right, finish them!"Dora exclaimed.
Without further ado, everyone started dogfighting enemy craft and without much effort, they were winning. Aqi dropped behind enemy bomber-fighter and fired her plasma guns, ripping the machine apart. Dora and Ana 'sandwiched' the other fighter, while Arlette and Lena managed to easily take out other two. With only two remaining, Yuko had no more trouble with killing them.
"Amateurs."Lena stated.
"Exactly."Dora agreed."Let's go now."
"Do you think 12th Rapid Reaction will get to the city fast enough?"Yuko asked.
"They should. Rapid Reaction is their name after all."Arlette stated.
However, as it was turning out, 12th Rapid Reaction had it's own problems.
Meanwhile…
12th EUJM Rapid Reaction Corps
Captain Holm Knudsen was sitting within the turret of his Leopard 5 tank, speeding down the highway together with the rest of the Corps. The sudden attack completely stunned the command of the unit and this is why they were being ordered to march towards Targon City, where majority of enemy forces were concentrating. Whatever was their goal, they couldn't reach it.
Knudsen looked behind him, where rest of his battalion was driving, followed by infantry and mechanized battalion. In front was the same. Rural farmlands of the planet were surrounding them. Knudsen grew up on one of them, as a native of the planet. His family was among the first settlers on Targon and he was proud to defend his planet from any enemy. Targon once became a battlefield, during the short-lived Human-Chakdrik War. Knudsen was but a sergeant then. Now, he was a captain, leading an armored battalion into battle.
"Captain, we're getting radio chatter."his gunner said.
"Our or Holy?"Knudsen asked.
"I think ours."
The gunner put the radio on full and everyone heard someone shouting in a language they knew, but couldn't recognize. The chatter was stopped by an explosion.
"Dear God…"driver said.
"Was it Swedish?"gunner asked.
"More like German, but I also don't know."Holm said."But I don't like this."
Captain started looking around, when suddenly, his eyes fell on a bunch of bushes next to the road. All forms of life and plants on the planet were pretty similar to the ones on Earth. But he never saw a bush that large. It was easily as high as a tank.
Wait…
Oh, shit…
"Everybody, get…!"
Before Knudsen could finish his words, Holy Order tank hidden behind the bushes opened fire and sent an energy shell towards captain's tank. Shell easily penetrated side armor of the turret and reached ammo stored in the turret. Explosion torn Knudsen's body in half, throwing his upper part out of the hatch. Rest of the crew didn't even noticed their deaths.
Suddenly, both sides of the road came to life, when enemy ambush came into action. Machine guns, tank cannons and grenade launchers were tearing the soldiers and vehicles of 12th Rapid Reaction into pieces, all across the marching column. Immediately, radio messages went into the ether, straight to the HQ.
Staff, after hearing these news, fell into panic. How did Holies prepare an ambush so fast, without them noticing? 12th Rapid Reaction was the only unit so close to the planet's capital, serving as it's main defenses. Other units were scattered around the planet and it would take hours to bring them to Targon City. Transporting them through space was not an option, considering the space battle being fought.
The battle wasn't turning in the favor of European units. Before they finally managed to force enemy to flee, their losses grew to forty percent within just ten minutes. Not to mention hundreds of wounded soldiers and damaged vehicles. Just like that, entire unit was out of fighting. Soldiers of Task Force 03 were on their own.
Targon City, Southern District
Riffle cannonade broke the silence on the city's street, as Resistance soldiers were engaged in firefight with Holy Order Marines. Enemy troops were directed to the city, mainly because this is where city's garrison was based. Immediately after landing, they started firing at everyone in their sight.
Members of 1st Warrior Bunnies were also in the middle of the fight, as they supported allied troops in their battle.
"Kenya, there is one on the left!"Macy said.
Kenya took aim with her sniper riffle and sent a bullet towards the enemy, which simply exploded after getting hit. This forced some of his companions to duck down behind cover, allowing Resistance soldiers to start moving up.
"Ves, any news about Delilah?"Heley asked.
"None."the hacker said."She's silent since all of this shit had begun!"
"Fuck, at this rate, she's probably dead."Kenya stated, firing at another unlucky enemy.
"Don't jinx it, will you?"Macy asked.
She then ducked down, as enemy shots flew over her head. Then, she put her riffle over her cover and fired blindly.
"Hey, guys, you hear that?"one of Marines asked.
The sound of engine suddenly reached their ears. Soon, Holy Order Grenkor IID APC appeared from behind the buildings and started firing it's 30mm laser cannon. They pierced some walls, killing friendly troops hiding in the buildings. Next, it fired an anti-tank missile into the window, blowing it up.
"Damn it!"Ves exclaimed."Heley, blast it!"
Heley, being armed with the same riffle as Yuko, aimed at the APC and pulled the trigger. Armor piercing bullet flew into the vehicle and splintered, wounding the crew and soldiers inside of it. It stopped, lowering it's turret.
"Hah, that would be it when it comes to armored support!"Kenya said.
Another engine sound appeared, but this time, from the allied side. Soon, Panhard GT-9 armored car and Italian Bordo IFV came to their aid. Firing their weapons, they managed to force enemy into retreat.
"Alright, move up!"Marines sergeant exclaimed."We don't let them walk over our planet just like that!"
All soldiers stood up from behind their covers or exited the buildings and joined the group, which now started moving in the direction of the Institute.
"Hey, look!"Macy said.
They all looked up, only to see a squadron of eight Eurofighters flying over head. Finally, they had some air support.
Institute of High Technologies
Ester was looking over her cover, made of overturned table, looking at the door leading into the dining hall on the ground floor and at the bodies laying next to them. For now, they were holding on their own, but how long will it take, she didn't know. From thirty people she had, ten were already out of fighting. Three dead, seven wounded. And for now, they managed to kill twenty enemies. This ratio was actually pretty good.
"How much ammo do you have left?"Delilah asked Emmy.
Machine gunner looked at her weapon's magazine and checked the ammo belt.
"I still have half and three more."Emmy replied."Should be enough for some more time."
"I hope so…"one of building's security said.
"Do we know, when the help will arrive?"another asked.
"I already called colonel Richards."Ester replied."She said she's on her way, but she doesn't know, how long might she take to get here."
"I just hope she does it fast."Delilah said.
"Wait, I think I hear more incoming."one of Marines said.
Sound of footsteps was echoing from the corridor.
"Okay, get ready!"Ester ordered.
She pulled out the magazine from her weapon and looked into it. She was doing her best to have 'one shot, one kill', but sometimes, she needed two bullets to kill an enemy. She still had four more clips, but this didn't change anything.
First enemy entered the doorway.
Immediately, he was put down, when one of Institute's security fired his gun at him. But more enemies started pouring inside. Emmy's RPD-6 came to life, when bullets started leaving the ammo belt and penetrating the enemy bodies. High-velocity bullets easily shredded every living matter they hit.
Ester pulled the trigger and a bullet made a helmet jump off enemy's head. She then proceeded to continue this, taking out more enemies. Delilah and everyone else followed her lead, not allowing any enemy to get deeper into the dining hall. Flashes of shots were appearing every second.
Suddenly, the door simply exploded, when enormous shape of a Hadadrian broke through it, with four assault riffles in his hands. Everyone was shocked.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!"Emmy exclaimed.
"Turns out they finally got angry!"Ester replied.
Hadadrian pointed all four of his weapons in different directions and started shooting. Immediately, he managed to eliminate three more security's and one Marine out of the battle. Everyone were firing at him now, but this made no impression on him. He just laughed out loud, as he sprayed and prayed all around.
"Ester, give me a grenade!"Delilah shouted.
"What for?"Ester asked.
"Just give me a fucking grenade!"
White Squadron leader didn't ask anything else and just threw the grenade to Delilah. After catching it, she jumped out from behind the cover and started running towards the Hadadrian.
"What is she doing?!"Emmy asked.
Hadadrian noticed the Warrior Bunny approaching him and pointed one of his weapons at him. He sent a series towards her, but thanks to her capabilities, Delilah easily evaded his shots. She pulled out the cotter from the grenade and started closing in onto the Hadadrian, still trying to hit her.
"Just die!"Hadadrian explained.
But Delilah didn't listen. She just evaded Hadadrian arm, with which the alien tried to hit her. Warrior Bunny jumped up and grabbed onto Hadadrian's uniform.
"Eat this!"she exclaimed, shoving the grenade into Hadadrian's mouth.
Alien started choking on the grenade, as Delilah jumped off of him and hid behind the table. Seconds later, the grenade exploded, before Hadadrian managed to take it out. His head was ripped apart and it's massive body fell on the ground.
Everyone exited their cover and Ester approached Delilah.
"Now, that was good."Ester said.
"Thanks."Delilah replied."What now?"
White Squadron leader looked around. Four men dead, two more wounded. She just bit her lip.
"We're retreating to the upper floor. We should fortify the staircase and damage the elevators. This should help us."Ester explained.
"As you say."security's commander said."Let's move up, people!"
They quickly collected the wounded and proceeded to fall back to the upper floor. Ester just hoped, that help will arrive soon.
Targon Prime orbit
Space battle continued without interruption, as Resistance and Holy Order ships fired back and forth at each other. Already, Holy Order lost more than twenty ships, including three battleships and two carriers, which was a pretty good result. However, Resistance lost ten ships, which was 1/3 of all their current forces.
Admiral Chesterfield tightened her fist, as reports started coming to her. For now, they were holding their own, but how much longer they will do it, she had no idea. The only good thing was, that Super Carrier and Super Battleship were holding back and were not taking part in the battle.
"Admiral, captain Eriksson just called."the comms officer said.
"What is it?"Amanda turned to him.
"He said, that evacuation of wounded had a…incident."
"What kind of?"
"There were only two survivors from their Med Bay 1."
Hearing this, admiral widened her eyes.
"What? How?"she asked in shock.
"Some enemy Frigate got lucky and it's PDCs penetrated the ship's armor. Also, it was confirmed, that colonel Natchenko died in the attack."
This was like punch straight to the face for Amanda. Oksana was one of her best officers and closest friends. When it came to everything related to air combat, she knew she could depend on her in all aspects. But now…
"Admiral?"comms officer asked, seeing the pale face of his commander.
"I'm…fine."Amanda lied."What else?"
"We sent a call for reinforcements. Task Force 01 said, that it's on the way."
A spark of hope appeared in Amanda's heart. Task Force 01 was the strongest of all Resistance fleets, not to mention, that it was commanded be the de facto leader of all Resistance fleets. It was also armed with the last Battleship of UNSA.
"Any other support?"she asked.
"There are few more, smaller flotillas coming to our aide."comms officer said.
"I just hope they'll get here soon."weapons officer said.
"Me too…"Amanda sighed.
She turned her eyes back to the holo-table. She needed to focus. Or everything might end for her here.
RNS Selene
"Another salvo, fire!"Tyuule ordered.
"On it!"Gerry replied.
He pressed some buttons and another salvo of missiles was fired from Guided Missile Cruiser's tubes. Missiles targeted two nearby Destroyers and a Cruiser. Enemy PDCs were spewing fire, trying to score a hit and destroy the missiles, but the missiles were able to evade the fire and hit the enemy ships.
One of the destroyers was hit in the mid sections, which caused him to be torn in half. Second vessels scored hits in hyperspace generators and reactor section, making it explode and consume part of the ship. Cruiser, which got hit in the bridge, lost ability to maneuver and became simple, hovering hulk in space.
"At least, we have some progress."Tyuule said.
"Maybe not as big as we would want, but it's still something."Gerry agreed.
Former Battle Queen looked at all reports that came to her and bit her lip. Over half of the ships were already fighting with heavy damage, not to mention the destroyed ones. If the situation would continue like that, everything might really end for them here. But the Super Battleship and Carrier were away from battle.
She might have never encountered them in battle before, but Warrior Bunny knew, that these vessels were not toying around. It wasn't surprising, considering, that five kilometer beast was armed to the teeth. That Super Battleship was not better.
Suddenly, Gerry let out a terrified gasp.
"What is it, Gerry?"Tyuule asked.
"It's the Super Carrier!"weapons officer exclaimed."It's charging the Super Laser!"
Silence fell on the bridge, as everyone turned their heads towards the Super Carrier and saw a glow on it's surface. Before anyone could say anything Super Laser was fired. It hit Free Will, TF03's Hadadrian Super Battleship and, to even bigger shock, it sliced right through it. Ship split in half, then started loosing everything they had on board. Crew and equipment were changed into the debris floating around the wreck.
To tell, that entire fleet started feeling complete terror and became demoralized within seconds, would be an understatement. For many Humans, Nashini, Chakdrik, Shakayans and Tertans serving in the fleet, it was the first time they saw the pride of Hadadrian Commonwealth's Navy being easily dealt with.
"Dear God…"Miles said.
"It's…It's impossible…"Clara added.
"I thought these things were meant to be laserproof!"Emily exclaimed.
"Sir, communication attempt."Miles reported.
"Patch it through."Tyuule said, also trying to shook herself from shock.
The hologram appeared over the holo-table and everyone saw the hologram of captain Kora'Ged from Free Will. Although his alien face, even he was clearly shocked and couldn't believe in what just happened.
"Captain Ged."Tyuule said.
"I…"Words couldn't escape the Hadadrian's mouth.
"Calm down. What are your losses."
"Fifty percent of the crew and almost all systems."Kora'Ged replied."In short, we're unable to continue fighting and request immediate evacuation."
Tyuule took a deep breath.
"We will help you in evacuating, captain. However, it might be hard for now."she said.
"I understand. We already cut off the parts of the ship which were opened to space. We will await the arrival of help."Hadadrian said.
"Of course."
The call ended and former Battle Queen looked at the wreck of Super Battleship once more, thinking of only one thing to say.
"Shit…"
Targon City
While the drama in the orbit unfolded, Resistance troops were continuing to push towards the Institute building. Enemies they met on the way was minimal, what didn't meant, that there were few enemies. Who knew, when they might suddenly jump out of their covers.
"Halt!"the commander ordered.
Panhard and Bordo stopped in place, followed by Resistance soldiers.
"Warrior Bunnies, go and take a look at the street in front of us. We can't risk meeting a tank for example."commander said.
"On it."Macy said.
Four Warrior Bunnies jumped off of the Panhard and continued on foot for few hundred meters. Finally, they reached a turn, leading to a small square. Macy signaled them all to stop and looked around the corner.
There, they saw a group of Holy Order Marines, placing people against the wall. There were men, women and children. All with faces turned towards the wall.
"What the…"Macy whispered.
Before she could say anything else, HO Marines opened fire and their shots started penetrating the bodies. Some people started screaming, but their voices drowned in the sound of fire or were simply silenced by the shots that reached them.
"Motherfuckers…"Macy said.
"What, what happened?"Ves asked.
"They just executed a group of civilians."
"What?"Kenya said.
"Okay, now we have to get these fuckers."Heley stated.
"I'll make a call to…"
Again, Macy was stopped by the sound of shots. They all looked in their direction and saw a pile of smoke coming over the buildings, from the place their group was waiting for them.
"Damn it! They waited in the buildings!"sergeant exclaimed in the radio.
"Sergeant, we're coming to help you!"Macy exclaimed in the radio.
"No! There are too many of them, they're…"
Static.
Silence fell among the Warrior Bunnies, as sounds of exploding grenades came from the direction of their group.
"Macy, what do we do?"Kenya asked.
Macy looked at the other three and sighed.
"Well. We can't leave Delilah and Emmy, right?"she said.
"Right."Heley and Ves agreed.
"Right."Kenya agreed after a second.
"We will break through to the Institute."Macy explained."Now, that there are only four of us, we can just get through the smaller alleys. Let's go."
With these words, the four started moving towards their goal.
In front of HTI
A single, black dropship landed in front of the Institute. It's side door opened and a single figure, dressed in fully black armor with cape, exited it. She was flanked by two Marines, also dressed in black, serving as her bodyguards.
"Lady Dren."a major said with slight bow.
"What's the situation?"Kyla asked, looking at the building.
"This vermin is still sitting in there, keeping with their claws."major explained."We already lost twenty men trying to get to them, including one Hadadrian."
Kyla looked at the building floor by floor.
"Did you try going from the top?"she asked.
"Of course."major said."Our troops are already preparing to storm the building on the floor with Core Fragments."
"Hm. Let's go up then."Kyla simply said.
"Of course."
The two, accompanied by several other troops, entered the Institute and simply walked up the stairs towards the upper floors.
At the same time, at the upper floors, Ester watched Dr. Jorian working with the console. Behind them, shots of troops defending the stairs was still heard.
"What are you actually doing?"Ester asked.
"I'm changing the security measures."Jorian said."After I'm done, I'll be the only one able to open the chamber."
"Sounds good."said Delilah, standing right next to the two.
Doctor pressed the last button and a red lamp lighted up.
"Done."she said.
"Great. But I don't think that this stops them, if they manage to get here."Ester stated.
"But you keep them at bay. And we have reinforcements on the way."Jorian said.
"Yea, but we still have only twelve defenders with us."
Suddenly, the shooting stopped. Everyone looked in the direction of the stairs and saw Emmy running to them, with bandage on her head.
"What is it?"Delilah asked.
"They sudden;y stopped attacking."Emmy replied.
"What?"Ester asked.
"I'm as surprised as you are."
"Did colonel Richards finally came?"one of security officers asked.
"I don't think so…"another replied.
Suddenly, Ester's hand terminal rang. She accepted the call and saw Dora's face.
"Ester, we're over the city and we see the Institute."Dora said.
"And?"
"There are Holies on the roof."
Immediately, a lamp lighted up in Ester's head.
"Dora, I want you to mow them down. Now."she said firmly.
"On it."
Dora ended the call and turned towards the building of the Institute. All other pilots followed her.
"Aim at any Holie you see on the building."she ordered.
"On it."rest of White Squadron said.
The squadron started slowly closing on the building, preparing their weapons. Holy Order Marines on the Institute's roof started running for cover. They were supposed to do it quick, there shouldn't be any enemy craft in the air!
"Brace!"Holy Order lieutenant ordered.
"Give 'em hell."Dora ordered.
Her finger was already touching the trigger, when sudden series from a laser cannon reached Aquexymeva's plane and it started to fall down.
"Aqi!"Arlette exclaimed in the radio.
"I'll manage, don't worry!"the Tertan replied.
She quickly pulled her joysticks and pulled the plane up. Next, it landed on the ground, slid for few meters and stopped.
"Where are they?"Ana asked, referring to the enemy that shot down Aqi.
Dora started looking around and suddenly saw Holy Order craft with all too familiar paintings.
"Dragon Slayers, why always them…"she said.
"Dora, I just saw Aqi getting downed."Ester said in radio."What happened?"
"We got Dragon Slayers here."Dora replied."Ester…We can't help you right now."
Frustration fell on Ester like an avalanche, but she couldn't do anything about that. She sighed.
"Copy. Be careful."she said.
"Of course."Dora replied and ended.
Ester slowly turned to face the others.
"And?"Delilah asked.
"Get ready to fight. We're not giving them the Core Fragments."Ester stated.
"You can count on that."Emmy stated, loading the last clip to her MG.
All remaining security and Marines quickly took defensive positions, aiming at both the windows and the entrance to the room. They all had their fingers on triggers, ready to fire.
"If I have something to say…"Jorian said.
"Yes?"Ester turned to her.
"I don't see it in bright colors…"
"Nor do I…"
Finally, they saw ropes falling from the roof and not long after, first enemies appeared on them.
"Fire!"Ester ordered.
Bullets shot out from the barrels and flew in the direction of the enemies, breaking through the glass and hitting them. Immediately, several HO Marines started falling from the ropes towards the ground. However, much to everyone's shock, there were more enemies coming, no matter how many they already shot off.
"How many troops did they put on this roof?!"Emmy shouted."An entire division?!"
"I wouldn't be surprised!"Ester replied.
She then managed to score another kill, when another enemy fell from the rope. Also, sounds of gunfight resumed from the direction of the staircase. No matter how long will they try, while stuck between two enemy groups, they won't be able to last very long. Especially not without air support.
Finally, one of the enemies managed to land in the room and quickly ran for cover, hiding behind one of the desks. Next, he looked over his cover and immediately, his head became a target for Delilah, which took one precise shot.
Once again, firefight at the stairs took Ester's attention. However, it was because of the fact, that it started to quiet down. But she didn't knew, who was winning.
"I think we might make it!"Emmy stated.
Right as she said that, every person holding a gun had it's weapon literally torn out of their grip by unknown force, much to their shock.
"What the fuck?"Delilah asked.
"Ester, what the hell was that?"Emmy asked.
But when she looked at Ester, she saw, that White Squadron leader immediately paled.
"Oh no…"she whispered.
Holy Order Marines then started pouring into the room, both from the stairs and from the direction of windows.
"Hands in the air, now!"one of them shouted.
All scientists and remaining defenders quickly did what they were told. Then, HO Marines started rounding everyone up and placing them next to the wall. Two enemies, dressed in black uniforms, stood at the door, preventing anyone from running.
"Ester, why are you so scared?"Delilah asked.
"Because now I know, who is in command of them…"Ester replied.
Two guards at the door stood at attention, when another person entered the room, followed by more prisoners.
"Her…"Ester said.
Delilah and Emmy looked at the woman dressed in black clothes, as she approached them.
"Is that everyone?"Kyla asked.
"Yes, lady Dren."major replied.
Kyla nodded and turned to the scientists.
"Who is in charge here?"she asked.
Silence.
"Who is in charge here?"
Silence again.
"Major."
"Of course."
Without any more words, major picked two soldiers and walked up to the prisoners with them. Next, he grabbed one of them and forced him to the knees. After that, both soldiers pointed their weapons at him and pulled the triggers. They started repeating it with more scientists.
"Who is this bitch?"Emmy asked.
"Kyla Dren."Ester replied.
"Who?"
"Kyla Dren. Holy Order assassin, taking orders only from Supreme Leader himself. It is said, that she possesses telekinetic powers."
"And looking at what happened with our guns…"
"These rumors are true…"
Fifth scientist fell on the ground. Finally, Jorian couldn't stand it and stepped forward.
"I'm in charge here!"she exclaimed.
Soldiers stopped right before execution and looked at the woman.
"Good."Kyla said."You, finish your job."
The two nodded and executed the last scientist. Jorian winced, looking away from that. Kyla approached and stood over her. Assassin grabbed Jorian by the neck and looked right in her eyes.
"You. Open the vault."she commanded.
"Of course."Jorian replied.
The two walked up to the main console and Kyla forced Jorian to sit down.
"Do it. Or else…"
"Yes, yes…"
Jorian started pressing buttons, with everyone in the room, both HO Marines and prisoners, waiting with anticipation. Kyla stood over the doctor like a devil, making sure the woman will sign up the pledge.
Finally, lights lighted up at the vault and steel plates covered the window showing the Core Fragments.
Kyla immediate looked at Jorian. Scientist had a triumphant smile on her face.
"Undo this."Kyla ordered.
"Suck my."Jorian replied."Now, you have no way for getting the core fragments. Because if you try to blow this up, you might damage or destroy the Core Fragments. Ha!"
Kyla clenched her fists, but quickly calmed down and smiled under her mask.
"Don't worry. I have ways."she said.
She extended her hands and concentrated on the steel plates. She emptied her mind, until only the plates remained. Jorian looked at her with risen eyebrow.
"What are you…?"
Suddenly, sound of bending metal was heard.
"Wait, you can't…"
Again, metal bended.
"No!"Jorian exclaimed.
Once more.
"NO!"doctor exclaimed at the top of her lungs.
Finally, Kyla spread her arms wide, making the two steel plates almost fall out of their places. They were now both hanging there, completely bent, almost to the shape of a spiral. Everyone, except HO Marines, widened their eyes.
"What the fuck…"Emmy said in awe.
"How did she…"Delilah said.
"That's what I was afraid of…"Ester sighed.
Kyla then clenched her fist one more time and this time, the glass of the vault's window was shattered, followed by the tank in which the Core Fragments. Two objects fell on the floor. But then, they flew into the air and quickly levitated into Kyla's hand.
"I won't let you…!"Jorian shouted, standing up.
Red beam shot out of the handle in Kyla's other hand, piercing straight through Jorian. Next, assassin swung her arm up, literally slicing the woman in half. Sound of vomiting quickly reached everyone's ears, when the body fell on the floor.
"Inform everyone we have what we came for."Kyla said.
"Of course."major said."And what about them?"he asked, pointing at the prisoners.
"What about them?"emotionless voice from behind the mask said.
"Your order."
Major grabbed another soldier and with him, they came up to the prisoners and started eying them. Finally, major's eyes landed on Delilah.
"That one."he said.
Soldier nodded and approached the Warrior Bunny, grabbed her arm and quickly forced her to her knees.
"Don't you fucking…!"Emmy shouted, but another solider hit her in the stomach with butt of his riffle.
Major, in the meantime, looked at Delilah. Interesting. Human with rabbit ears. Surely not something you see everyday. But well, everyone in Holy Order already knew about the Gate and the place it led to. It was probably something from the other side.
Nah, doesn't matter. They'll check that once they capture the structure. For now, it's time to get down to business.
He reached into his holster and pulled out the handgun. Delilah closed her eyes, awaiting what was going to happen.
The weapon was fired.
Ten minutes earlier…
In front of the Institute
Three armored cars and one APC were slowly moving down the road leading to the building. The call for help from major Barkhorn was quickly passed further, so the units could move in as fast as possible. Fortunately, a squad of Marines was free and was sent there immediately.
Jessica was sitting behind the wheel of one of the cars, looking through the front window at the air battle above. White Squadron was keeping pace with Dragon Slayers, what fortunately allowed Marines to move without fear of being attacked from the air. Enemy ships were occupied in the orbit, while dropships were not as dangerous. One or two shoulder-fired missiles and done. At least, Resistance started to regain the initiative on the surface.
"Sir, look."a Marine next to her said.
Colonel looked at what the Marine pointed and saw some HO dropships parked in front of the building. Among them, one completely black.
"I don't like this."another Marine said.
"Me too."Jessica said."Any news from the Institute?"
"None."comms officer said.
"Then I guess we have to go in. Get ready."
Four vehicles stopped and Marines started pouring out of them, preparing to go inside the building.
"Colonel Richards!"Jessica heard a voice.
She turned around and saw four Warrior Bunnies approaching her.
"Captain Macy of 1st Warrior Bunnies reporting."Macy said, saluting.
"Wait, you're from Delilah's team?"Jessica asked.
"Yes, sir."Ves replied.
"Why are you here?"
"We wanted to help our comrades."Heley said."They're in there."
Jessica threw up her arms.
"Sure. Four more barrels are always good."
"Add one more."Aqi said, approaching the group.
"Aqi?"Kenya asked. During the time White Squadron trained 1st Warrior Bunnies, they all went to using names or nicknames.
"I was shot down."Aqi replied.
"Sure, if you wanna tag along then let's go."Jessica said, cocking her weapon."We can't let Holies get the Core Fragments, but this is secondary goal. We need to help ours inside. Ready?"
"Oooorah!"Marines, Bunnies and Tertan said.
"Let's go then!"
Group of twenty five people rushed inside the building.
Now…
Major's head exploded, when bullet hit him. His body fell on the floor, in front of surprised prisoners, Kyla and HO Marines.
"What the…"Kyla said, but was stopped, when two more shots executed her personal soldiers guarding the door.
HO Marines quickly started running for cover, trying to hide from the sudden attack, as Resistance Marines and one Tertan started pouring into the room. Before they managed to hide, five more enemies fell.
Even Kyla, which didn't had time to react, simply jumped behind the nearest lab table.
Prisoner Marines and security officers also came into action, grabbing their wardens and quickly pulling them onto the ground. Some died, but still, they managed to literally beat to death six more enemies.
Delilah stated to stand up, when familiar face appeared beside her.
"You okay?"Macy asked.
"Yeah. But check on Emmy."Delilah replied.
Kenya knelt in front of Emmy, which still was holding her stomach.
"Is it serious?"Kenya asked.
"No, I manage."Emmy said."Just give me some fuckers to kill."
"Yeah, she's alright."Heley said.
Even at this range, she used her sniper riffle to the best effect.
"Ester, are you okay?"Jessica asked, approaching Ester.
"Yeah."White Squadron leader said, pointing somewhere."That bitch in black. She has the Core Fragments."
Jessica looked towards the place, where enemies were hiding.
"Understood."she said."Grenades!"
Some Marines grabbed their grenades and pulled out the cotters.
Kyla, in the meantime, still ducked behind the table. She could use her powers, but with all that bullets over her head, she just couldn't focus! Now, she was simply defenseless!
"Lady Dren, are you okay?"one of her soldiers asked.
"I'm fine, I just need a way to escape!"Kyla shouted back.
"I don't see a way, though…"
Suddenly, a grenade landed beside. Much to their shock, there were even more grenades.
"Shit!"Kyla shouted.
She grabbed the soldier by hand and simply pulled him off his legs, right onto the grenade. Actually, she knew this soldier for a long time now. Timo, nice guy, also one of her most loyal bodyguards. Wife and two kids. Pretty cute ones too. But for now, his life was worth less than hers.
Kyla stood up, right as the grenades exploded, tearing her soldiers apart. Now, she was standing on the edge of the room, right in front of the broken window.
"You!"one of Marines noticed her, so she had no other way.
With breath held, she jumped out. As she was falling, she concentrated on the ground, but not on bringing it up, but pushing it down. She started bracing for impact, but much to her surprise, she started slowing down. It was just like the Master said.
"Believe in power you were given and use it's to it's fullest."his words sounded in her mind.
Slowly, Kyla levitated towards the ground and started running towards her dropship.
"Did you see that, sir?"Marine asked, looking at that with widened eyes.
"Yes."Jessica said, looking at Kyla."But that magic won't help her."
Jessica looked down the sights of her riffle and aimed at Kyla. She held her breath and pulled the trigger. First bullet hit, but didn't kill, it just threw the helmet with mask off of her head. Second was more lucky, as it hit in Kyla's leg, making her fall to the ground.
"Great, now we should…"
"It will be too long by stairs."Jessica stated.
Next, she followed Kyla's footsteps and jumped through the window. Halfway through the fall, she activated her jump pack, slowing the fall down. However, she still felt the impact in her legs and gritted her teeth.
"Fuck. At least nothing's broken."she thought.
Kyla was laying just few meters away. Jessica quickly approached her, aiming her riffle at the assassin.
"Don't you fucking move!"she exclaimed.
She noticed, that Kyla tried to reach for the Core Fragments.
"Now stand up and turn around."
Assassin slowly started standing up, with her hands in the air.
"Now turn."
Girl clad in black started turning around, slowly revealing a face hid behind shortly cut, dark brown hair. But as she turned, Jessica started lowering her riffle, not able to believe in what, or rather, who she was seeing.
She didn't see this face for a long time, but no matter if it was five or twenty years old, she would recognize it anywhere.
"L-Lara…"Jessica barely said.
"Hi."Lara replied with emotionless voice."Long time no see, huh, mom?"
Silence hung in the air for a few seconds, interrupted by sounds of fire exchange around.
"You're…alive…"Colonel finally broke the silence."I thought you're…"
"Dead? Yeah, I nearly was."Lara said with reproach."All because of you and dad did to me."
"We had no idea that…It was supposed to be a treatment! We didn't knew that Serckik will do experiments on children!"Jessica replied."We wanted you get healed from that cancer!"
"And instead, I became a guinea pig for these corporate fuckers!"Lara shouted with anger."You have no idea what I came through!"
"I…"
"It was hell. They constantly cut us, pumped us with drugs and put alien organs in us! You know that now, I'm FIFTEEN percent Fez'Kilig?!"Lara now completely exploded."They changed me into monster!"
"I…I'm sure this can be fixed…"
"NO! You know that I'm the only survivor of what they did? Others didn't managed to withstand the alien tissue they were applied. Serckik employees called me their miracle, next step in Human evolution. A Human with psychic and telekinetic abilities of Fez'Kilig. So you know how I repaid them?"
Devilish smile appeared on Lara's face, making Jessica shudder.
"I killed them all. Every. Single. One. Not only them, but also their families, relatives and even pets. And you know what? I loved every second of it."
Hearing this, Jessica lost all hope. This was not this sweet little girl, which she remembered. It was nothing more, that simple killing machine.
"But there are still two people that are yet to pay for all the harm I endured."Here, Lara's finger pointed at Jessica."You and dad are next in line. I hate you both. With all my heart and soul."
"You don't have heart, nor soul. Not anymore."Jessica said with empty eyes.
Lara laughed dryly.
"Oh, I see you finally said what you thought."she said."If that is the case…"
"Lady Dren!"a new voice shouted.
The two turned and saw another group of HO Marines near the entrance to the courtyard. They aimed their weapons at Jessica.
Colonel immediately jumped behind the APC, barely evading being hit. Marines continued to fire at the vehicle, pinning Jessica down, while they moved towards Kyla. Their leader walked up to the assassin.
"Thanks, but let me take care of the rest."Kyla said, grabbing her weapon.
"You're wounded."Marine noticed.
"It's nothing."
"I object."leader said."Admiral Kotch wanted us to take you back."
Kyla turned to the Marine with fury in her eyes.
"NO! He denied me this once, he won't do it twice!"she shouted.
"But he insisted. He said, that if you don't come, he'll tell everything to Supreme Leader."
This shut Kyla's mouth.
"Okay. Let's go. I have the Core Fragments anyway."
"Of course, Lady Dren."
Marines started loading on Kyla's personal dropship, while she grabbed her mask and Core Fragments from the ground. When everyone loaded on the ship, it's back ramp closed and the machine took off.
Ester, Delilah and Emmy walked up to the broken window and watched the machine fly off.
"Damn it, she's getting away."Ester said.
"What do we do?"Delilah asked.
Emmy started looking around and saw one of HO Marines armed with shoulder-fired SAM. She came up to him, grabbed the weapon and knelt in the window.
"This should do it."she said.
She pulled the trigger and missile flew towards the target. It was quickly catching up to the machine, literally licking the engine exhausts.
"It's gonna…"Delilah tried to say, but stopped.
Out of nowhere, one of Dragon Slayers appeared and took place between the missile and dropship. Missile hit the fighter and it obliterated the machine with it's pilot.
"That motherfucker!"Ester shouted.
"Ester, Dora just called."Aqi said.
"What did she say?"
"Dragon Slayers are falling back and returning to their fleet."
White Squadron leader sighed.
"Seems like they did their job."
Jessica then entered the room. After Kyla's dropship took off, she quickly walked up the building.
"Sir, what the fuck was that?"her second-in-command asked."You could kill that bitch."
"Yeah, Jess, what was that?"Ester asked.
Jessica just looked at them with emotionless face.
"Mother would never lift a hand on her child."she said.
Silence hung in the air, as people just stood there, processing what they just heard.
Few minutes later…
HOS Dreader
"How did it go?"Kotch asked.
In response, red beam appeared right to his neck.
"I should have cut that head off and hang it on my wall."Kyla said.
"I know, you wanted your revenge."Kotch rolled his eyes."But Supreme Leader called. He wanted to see you."
Kyla looked at him for few seconds, before turning her energy blade off.
"I'll forgive you this one."she said."I already gave the Core Fragments to science team. Now what?"
Kotch looked outside through the bridge's window. They were basically done here. Most of TF03 was basically eradicated, with only ten ships remaining. They didn't destroy that Space Warfare Carrier, but they got rid of that treacherous Hadadrian. They just had to mop up, but Dreador was not needed anymore.
"We can go."he finally said."Futile Resistance can take care of the rest."
"If you say so."
"Navigator, take us out of there."Kotch ordered.
Navigator turned to his console and started plotting a course. Soon, giant body of Super Carrier started turning around and not long after, it was surrounded by blue lightnings, before jumping into hyperspace.
Back at Ike, Eriksson watched this with slight relief.
"Sir, enemy Super Carrier left."radar officer said.
"I can see that."Eriksson replied."But that Super Battleship didn't."
Captain knew, that even when the Super Carrier was gone, even that beast could simply wreck them. From entire fleet, there were now ten…no, nine, as another ship exploded, ships in the fleet, including Milky Way, Ike, Selene and Free Will. But all were damaged and nobody knew, how long will they survive.
Eriksson drummed on his chair with his fingers. Suddenly, an idea popped in his head. Idea so crazy and so risky, that it could work.
He called Amanda and soon, her hologram appeared in front of him.
"What is it, Alvar?"she asked.
"You see that Super Battleship?"Eriksson asked.
"I do. What about it?"
"I have a plan."
"I'm all ears."
Eriksson told her, what he had in mind. With every sentence, her face showed bigger and bigger disbelief.
"Alvar, that's…"
"Our only option. If we don't take out that ship, we won't survive before TF01 arrives."
Admiral looked at him for few seconds and released a big sigh.
"I authorize that action. But if it fails, I promise. I'll kick your ass in hell."
"Keep you by word."
Chesterfield disconnected and captain looked at the bridge crew.
"Egon, how did the evacuation go?"he asked the First Officer.
"All wounded were evacuated, while all unnecessary personnel got off the ship."Egon replied."Marines got off withing first few minutes of the battle."
"Good. Now. Anyone, who isn't agreeing with the plan, you can evacuate too."Eriksson said.
Much to his surprise, nobody said anything.
"But…"
"With all due respect, sir…"navigator said.
"But we made and oath while joining the military."weapon operator said.
"I know that captain should go down with the ship…"Egon said."…but if you want to do it, then we shall follow you through fire."
Eriksson smirked.
"There is no way I talk you out of this, right?"he asked.
"Nope."Egon replied with smirk of his own.
"Well then…"Captain turned to main engineer."Full speed ahead."
"Righty'o, sir."main engineer said.
The ship started gaining speed, as it's front was directed straight at the enemy Super Battleship. This, of course, didn't went unnoticed.
"Captain…"Futile Resistance's radar operator said.
"What is it?"captain asked.
"One of remaining enemy vessels is coming straight at us…"
"So? Destroy them."
"Of course."weapons operator said.
Soon, some of main batteries and PDCs turned towards Ike and opened fire at the Heavy Cruiser.
"Sir?"Egon asked.
"Open fire."Eriksson ordered.
Weapon's operator nodded and turned to his console. Soon, Heavy Cruiser started spewing missiles and shells towards it's enemy, at the same time shooting down incoming enemy projectiles. Some of them missed, some where destroyed, but some also scored some hits.
"Why is it not dead yet?"HO captain asked.
"It's pretty hard to hit and it's well armored."radar operator replied.
"Oh, fuck…"main engineer said.
"What? What is it?"
"I'm getting energy readings from that ship…They…they…"
"THEY WHAT?!"
"They turned off reactor's power limiter…"
"That means…?"
"They are a ticking bomb right now!"
Suddenly, captain realized, what was the Resistance's plan.
"DESTROY HIM AT ONCE!"
Once more, ship's weapons opened fire, but still were not able to destroy the incoming danger. Same was with the PDCs, which couldn't destroy all missiles fired by Ike.
Finally, all missiles managed to hit right in the middle of the ship, tearing large portion of the armor and sheathing away, making a giant hole in the ship's side. Eriksson tightened grip on his chair's armrest.
"Navigator, right in that hole!"he ordered.
"Yes, sir!"navigator replied.
"It's been an honor, sir…"Egon said, saluting.
"Same."
"Oh, fuuuuu…"HO captain tried to say, but didn't manage.
Super Battleship was shaken, when Ike rammed straight into the hole it made. It sunk almost completely inside of the giant vessel, before the reactor's power reached it's limit and released all of it's energy, which quickly evaporated large part of the Super Battleship and leaving only foremost frontal part of Ike still floating in space abyss, among the remains of Super Battleship.
Aboard her Carrier, admiral Chesterfield fell into her chair, while rest of the crew started cheering, seeing the beast in pieces.
"Admiral, there is a call incoming, from Task Force 01."comms officer said.
"Patch it through."Amanda ordered.
Soon, a hologram of middle aged man, dressed in admiral's uniform with insignias higher than hers appeared in front of her.
"Head Admiral Frederick Richards, reporting in."the man said.
"I'm relieved to hear from you, sir."Amanda said."How long before you arrive?"
"Right about…"
As these words were said, over thirty space distortions appeared, only to soon change into fleet of Resistance ships.
"…now."Richards ended.
Not long after that, his ships started engaging and mopping up whatever Holy Order forces were left in the orbit. Few Frigates, Corvettes and Destroyers had no chance of survival, especially when TF01's flagship, Battleship RNS Hope, turned it's weapons on them. After that, ground compartment of the newly arrived fleet started flying down to the planet, to help in taking care of HO forces remaining on the surface.
Battle of Targon Prime continued for the next two days, ending at 01:43, December 27, when last HO troops surrendered. Although keeping the planet and destroying most of the enemy force, many soldiers didn't consider it a victory, but a complete failure. Holy Order was now in possession of all Core Fragments and nobody knew, what will they use them for.
With the losses taken by Task Force 03, command officially decided about disbanding the unit and integrating the remaining vessels into TF01. Admiral Amanda Chesterfield was honorably discharged from her duties and allowed to return to civilian life.
The only remaining part of Ike was recovered and placed on Targon Prime's surface. When the war was over, it was changed into a monument, with the line 'In memory of the ones, who showed the biggest bravery of all, sacrificing themselves for the good of others'. All members of the crew were posthumously promoted by one rank and given United Nations Medal of Gratitude, given to people, who gave their all in fight for human race.
Nobody of the former TF03 knew, what repercussions of this battle will be. But the war was still going. And they had to win it. For all those, who died at Targon Prime.
XXX
Phew, that was a long one! But it's done, finally…
As you can see, unfortunately, TF03 was defeated and ceased to exist. For those who will want to know, all that happened during this chapter, was planned long ago, even before this entire story came to be, as a part of Great Galactic War lore. Just to let you know. Also that reveal of Kyla being Jessica's daughter. More on that in the future.
Now, our heroes are part of the strongest Task Force of Resistance, the 01, also known as 'Big Breaking One'. I guess, that surname of it's commander, gave you some clue of who he is.
With this pretty extended start to Great Galactic War Arc, we will continue the story next time. With much shorter chapters, I hope. Seriously, I don't like long chapters much and I don't like writing such, but it came out that way.
So, stay tuned for the next one!