Welcome back, my dear friends! I bring you yet another chapter of The Will of Revenge. Today, we start Part 2. And in the last chapter of Part 1, we witnessed the first part of SoS' plan coming into fruition. But, not only their plans, as Milky Way experienced similar things to Andromeda. Now, slightly shaken after these events, all governments need to quickly stand back up, as the storm is coming.
But before we go into it, reviews.
To Supreme Supra: Yes, it does.
Okay, with this done, let's get to it.
Part Two
Incursion
Chapter 1
May 26
16:31
Old Port Castle, Old Port, Soutland
"And parry!"the man said.
His opponent, a young boy, quickly parried his sword swing and pushed him back. They both heard a sound of clapping, which came from two girls sitting on a small fence next to the area they were training on.
"You're getting really good at it."the man said.
"So do you, father."the boy replied with smirk."And I thought you gut rusty a bit."
"Hey!"the man exclaimed."I'm not that old!"
"Watch it!"
Before the man could react, the boy jumped to him, hooked his wooden sword with his father's, made a spinning move and the sword fell out of his father's hand. Next, he pointed his sword at him.
"I win."the boy said.
"Indeed you do."the man said with smile.
He then patted his son on the head, while the two girls continued to clap.
"Your Highness!"they heard a voice.
The man turned around and saw another approaching him. It was the Soutland's Defense Inspector. He quickly ran up to the two and started catching air.
"Whoa, whoa, calm down."the man said."What is it?"
Inspector looked at the children around and quickly regained his composure. He leaned to the man.
"I would like to move away a bit, my king."inspector said.
"Why?"king Arlan Ordell, current ruler of Soutland, asked."They can know of everything."
"I know, but…"He glanced at the children again.
Arlan just sighed.
"Okay."he agreed."Kids, stay here. I will talk with the inspector and we're gonna continue."
"Of course, father."prince Deven, king's firstborn, replied.
Arlan and inspector walked to the side, while two girls walked up to Deven, with worried expressions.
"Deven, what's going on?"princess Risa, Deven's sister, asked.
"I don't know."Deven replied."But whatever it is, father will deal with it."
"You think so?"Teala Rootheart, Risa's closest friend, asked.
"Of course. After all, our father never fails."
Meanwhile, Arlan and inspector stood on the side, beyond the hearing range of the three children.
"So, what is it, Tice?"Arlan asked.
"Why are you even teaching prince how to use a sword?"Tice asked."It's slowly coming out of use anyway."
"That's all you wanted to tell me?"king asked, irritated.
"Of course not, it's just my personal opinion."inspector defended himself.
"It's a tradition. Every king should know how to use a sword. But that's not important. What is it you wanted to tell me?"
Tice looked to the sides and started explaining. He started slowly, bot to anger the king a lot and after he was encouraged by Arlan to speak faster, he did it. And with everything he was saying, king's face was showing bigger and bigger disbelief. When it was done, he looked at Tice with slight traces of fear in his eyes.
"Is it confirmed?"Arlan asked.
"Yes, sir."Tice confirmed.
"How many?"
"Twelve sites, all at the same time."
"Casualties?"
"We're still checking it out."
"Report everything you get straight to me."
"Of course. Oh, and Her Highness Co Lada called. She called a meeting of most important world leaders on 16:50."
"I'll be there. You can go now."
"Of course, sir."
Tice then left. Arlan, in the meantime, took a deep breath, because now, he knew, that he had to tell it to the children. He turned around and started approaching them, but seeing their faces, he knew, that he didn't hide his worries very well.
"Father?"Deven asked.
"What's going on?"Risa asked.
He looked at his children and Teala and again took a deep breath.
"Children."he said."I'm afraid…that our galaxy is about to become a very dangerous place."
May 26
18:06
Jade Palace
Jade Palace was one of the most known landmarks of Sadera. After the War of Flare Prime, the building became the HQ of Rose Knights, which in turn became a separate branch of armed forces, falling under the orders of only Pina herself and the Ministry of Defense. It was a replacement for Marigold Palace, which was rebuilt and changed into a heritage site.
Jade Palace was also a secondary command center in case something wrong happened to Imperial Palace. And now, considering the fact that Pina almost died in an attempt on her life, it was time to use this place for it's secondary function.
Dropship carrying Grey came to landing in front of the building. General quickly jumped out of the vehicle and looked at it fly away. When he turned and looked back at the palace, he saw a familiar face approaching him.
"General Co Aldo."the blond-haired woman said.
"Bozes."Grey said, approaching the woman.
Platinum Rose Bozes Co Palesti, the first and current Commander of Rose Knight Corp, extended her hand to the general. Grey grabbed it and shook it.
"Good to have you here."Bozes said.
"Same."Grey replied."But tell me, why are we meeting here, not in the Imperial Palace?"
"Imperial Palace was determined as too dangerous."
"Why so?"
"A bomb exploded in Pina's office. She was lucky that she wasn't too close to it."
Grey didn't even cover his surprise.
"A bomb? How?"
"Everything will be explained to you at the meeting. Follow me."
The two then went to the palace. Grey made sure to look around. He saw numerous soldiers with Rose Knights badge on their arms guarding it. The badge itself was in a shape of a shield, presenting a red rose, surrounded by thorns and the rim around it was decorated with the motto of the Corp, which was 'First to act', as a representation of the fact, that Rose Knights were the first to join Resistance during the War of Flare Prime.
Whole Order changed a lot since the time Grey served in it. It was reorganized into a specialized corp of the armed forces, similar to the Royal Falmartian Marine Corp. Now counting twenty thousand Knights, as soldiers serving in RKC were still called, it was divided into five brigades stationed in different parts of the country. It was completely ground forces unit, using exoskeletons, as they did back during the previous war, but not only. This is why it often cooperated with other branches of the armed forces.
Five brigades of the Corp consisted of Red Rose Brigade, Burgundy Rose Brigade, Yellow Rose Brigade, White Rose Brigade and Black Rose Brigade, each specializing in different types of operations. Burgundy Rose Brigade was stationed near and in Sadera as a defense of the city. Red and Yellow Rose Brigades were the main frontline units. White Rose Brigade was mostly a back line unit, responsible for securing and cleaning already taken territory. And Black Rose Brigade was a black ops unit, doing various secret missions, using special exoskeletons enhancing their physical abilities and increasing their view of the battlefield.
The Corp also had it's own rank system. The lowest was Iron Rose rank, equal to a private. Next was Brown Rose, equal to lieutenant. Then was Silver Rose, equal to captain. Then Gold Rose, equal to major. Commanders of each brigade held the ranks of Red, Yellow, Black, White and Burgundy Roses. And at the end, the person in charge of the whole Corp held the rank of Platinum Rose.
As Grey thought about all that, the two of them passed by several Knights of Burgundy Rose Brigade guards and finally reached the door leading to the main meeting room. Bozes opened the door and they walked in.
"Your Highness, general Co Aldo is here."Bozes announced.
Immediately, numerous heads turned to look at Grey. Among them, general recognized Prime Minister Garcel, Minister of Defense, Minister of Culture Tyueli, all commanders of armed forces branches, some other politicians, Hamilton and Pina herself. Additionally, he saw several holographic windows in the air, showing faces of several world leaders, including UN General Secretary and familiar face of Martian Prime Minister.
He came up to the table and took a sit next to Pina.
"We're glad that you came."Pina said.
"You canceled my vacation. Of course I came."Grey through up her arms."And, of course, because the country might be in danger."
"It IS in danger, sir."general Arnus Salani, commander of the Air Force, said.
"Of course."Grey nodded.
"Now, can we continue?"king Arlan asked.
"Of course."Pina nodded."Hamilton?"
Queen's assistant nodded and pulled out her tablet. She cleared her throat and stood up.
"We're still not fully aware of the losses we have sustained."she reported."In over one hundred fifty attacks on military facilities across the entire planet, and I mark, the reports are not final, we lost from forty to eighty spacecraft. Some of them are repairable. Most of the destroyed ones are older models, such as Jackals or Type 43s. There are also twelve Eurofighter Cyclones from Lesiu Air Base in Elbe and twenty F-41s from Halasholm Air Base. Both bases still can be used, but they need new radio engineering equipment. In Sadera Spaceport, we lost three Akula Heavy Dropships, what seriously damaged our transport capabilities."
Erak, the years-long oberjarl of Skandia, scoffed. All other world leaders from countries that were attacked followed.
"What about the planetary defense network?"Tyuule asked.
"Not good."Hamilton shook her head."From fifty AATIS planetary defense guns and their targeting systems, thirty two were taken out of commission and won't be operational until September."
"So, basically, planet's airspace is now full of holes like Swiss cheese and everyone can enter the atmosphere at will and without control?"general Loganus Lo Margis, commander of Ground Forces, asked, trying to hide the storm raging within him.
"This is how it looks currently."
"What about the rest?"Grey asked.
"I'll take it now."Tyuule said."During the attack on Deliona Anchorage, we lost three out of ten Juan Salazar-class Heavy Cruisers, while three more are damaged and won't be operational for at least two months. We also, unfortunately, lost one of the two Mount Blanc-class Battleships, RFNS Flare. Emloy suffered serious damaged and will be incapable of operating until the end of the year. All in all, around eight hundred sailors have died, with two hundred more seriously wounded."
"We also lost commanders of two divisions."general Loganus said."General Hemilius was assassinated in his own bed, while general Nirus' car was blown up when he got into it. Both divisions are now under the command of their deputies."
"We also lost several more important commanders."king Alexios of Wester Orisia said."Generals Karapatis and Moretias died in a dropship crashes. One of our maritime vessels was destroyed in an ammo explosion, right when our head of the Navy visited it."
"Same here."Erak said."Maritime Destroyers Halasholm and Ragnar opened fire on general Reliasson's house, killing both him and his family."
"That's it when it comes to the military objects."Hamilton said."Civilian ones were hit much harder."
Colonel Rius, Dark Elven head of the Royal Falmartian Intelligence Service, started reporting:
"As most of you know"He glanced at Grey"the most devastating attack took place in Sadera. According to our chemical warfare experts, the chemical agent used in the attack was soman. As the rescue services said, until now, they managed to extract two hundred fifty bodies. Rescue operation is still underway. Except only twenty senators, which were still outside, rest died. We also lost ministers of finance, agriculture and sport, which also came to the meeting. Prime Minister Garcel was bloody lucky, as he didn't come on time."
"First time I was happy about late call and broken tire in the car…"Garcel said.
"Minister Tyueli was at the time opening a new theater in Bargry, so she was safe."
"I still can't believe this was the reason I'm still alive…"Sherry said.
"These two attacks, here in Sadera and in spaceport, caused deaths of over five hundred people and I'm sure it's not the end of the list. And now comes Elfis. There is a chlorine cloud hovering over the city, coming from broken installation. There is still not much information, but we have to be ready for victims."
"Are hospitals ready for…?"Pina didn't have a word for what happened today.
"Wounded will be distributed between hospitals all across the country. The dead, according to Special Situations Act of 2155, will be burred in mass graves within twenty four hours, all financed by country's treasury. In Italica, Alnustown and Rondel, we're creating camps for people evacuated from Sadera and Elfis. We're expecting the number to be around twenty thousand people, all from areas affected by chemical attacks. Same goes for other countries."
World leaders of Flare Prime nodded.
"What else?"Grey asked.
"Monorail bridge in Mountains of Ice and Fire destroyed. Road bridge in Cardri destroyed. Ammo depot in Trie attack, no details. TV relay in Sica destroyed."
"Are there any good news?"Alexios asked.
"In some cases, we managed to repel the attackers. Here, for example."Rius pulled out a piece of paper from a ton of others. During an attack on 1st Armored Division's staff in Deliv Tower 2, we killed nine attackers, the rest fled. Action aimed to eliminate our dropships stationed at Alnus also failed, we killed off entire fifteen people team, almost without losses on our side."
"How did that happen?"queen Cassandra of Araluen asked.
"They were noticed by some lumberjacks in the forest. They called the police and rest just went by itself."
"Did we take any prisoners somewhere?"
"Unfortunately, all the ones that have fallen into out hands were dead. But after carefully examining them, we are sure that they were all Humans that came from Flare Prime. You could tell it just looking at their teeth."
Silence fell among the gathered, as everyone started looking at each other. Pina immediately knew what was starting to happen, so she decided to stop it.
"Let's not start accusing everyone randomly."she said."I'm sure colonel Rius can tell us what equipment did the enemy use? Maybe that way we can identify them?"
"Unfortunately, sir."Rius shook his head."Their weapons were, surprisingly, all UNSA made and that could be found in armies of Andromeda Branch."
"Fuck."escaped Erak's mouth.
Everyone had to agreed with his words.
"Okay, now, that we took care of all the things regarding Flare Prime"Pina said"we should remember that our planets were not the only ones targeted."
General Secretary, Aqi and Suvi nodded.
"Indeed."General Secretary Ioko Harika said.
"There were thirty additional attacks that took place here, in Sol System."Suvi said."One of them was on my office, but we managed to fight it back."
"We know."Rius said."The photos of you with riffle in hand defending the building are already circling the internet."
Suvi just threw up her arms.
"That's just how I am."she said.
"There were also attacks on UNSA HQ in Geneva and UN Building in New York."Harika said.
"What are the results of all those attacks?"Pina asked with concern.
"All attacks cost lives of two thousand people."Suvi said."There were exactly fifteen in Mars' vicinity, five in Tertan space and ten against Earth. Attacks on UNSA HQ and UN Building consumed seven hundred people. A suicide bomber attacked the UNSA HQ, while a truck full of explosives drove right into the UN Building. The latter collapsed, burring all people inside underneath the rubble."
"And other attacks?"Grey asked.
"Most struck some military bases. Damage is minimal in the system's scale, though. We got some destroyed aircraft and ships, as well as dead people, but majority of the damage can be repaired relatively quickly."Aqi said."Especially in our case. We only lost one ship and got some buildings damaged. Our casualties are only thirty people and next fifty wounded."
"Now, the question is."king Duran, leader of Kingdoms Coalition, said."What was the goal of these attacks? And who was responsible?"
"Laconians."Loganus said immediately."There is nobody else capable of something like this."
"But why would they do it?"Sarla asked.
"To weaken us, of course!"general replied.
"Well, they certainly didn't damage our capabilities very much."Tyuule said."Not to mention the fact, that we received most damage. If it were Laconians, they would try and cripple majority of UN fleets in Milky Way instead of striking Andromeda the most. For Laconians, we're just another bug to crush, not any form of danger."
"You do have a point, admiral."Arlan agreed."We're but a fraction of power UNSA possesses. Yet we got hit the most."
"So, what are you suggesting?"Suvi asked.
"I'm as confused as you all are."king replied."But I would point at some terrorist organization."
"Maybe, maybe not."Harika stated."But anyway, we have to…I'm sorry, but I have a call incoming. I will be gone for few minutes."
General Secretary put her call on hold. Everyone gathered awaited in anticipation for what was going to happen once Harika was back. And, after around forty five seconds of waiting, she came back, looking more irritated than before.
"Guess who just called."she immediately said.
"Who?"Pina asked.
"Tekrionis."
Everyone's eyes immediately widened.
"Laconian President?"Cassandra asked.
"The same one."Harika said."He said, that due to sudden explosion of violence within Sol System, fearing that it may spread all over the Human Space, he decided to close all the transit routes between Earth and Laconia. Also, his military vessels will strengthen their presence in Borderline, as an escort for humanitarian transports and that, for the time being, he cuts all political channels off."
"You've got to be shitting me."Even Arlan couldn't stop himself from such remark.
"It appears someone declared a war on us, but we still don't know anything about it."Garcel said.
"It's not war yet, it's an intermediate stage."Colonel Rius, as n intelligence officer, tried to explain what happened."For now, there are only commando groups destroying our planetary infrastructure, killing people and simply spreading chaos, nobody yet attacked us with their regular army. We don't have peace anymore, but we also don't have war. It's just an introduction, if I can say so."
"Introduction to what?"
"To a full-scale war."
Silence, which fell after these words, made everyone realize the truth of the situation. They didn't want to let it sink. The time, for which they prepared for so long, now became a fact. Fighting an intergalactic war was much different than a parade or changing the guard at Unknown Soldier's grave and using status' benefits. If they all fail, for the next centuries they will be known as the ones, which failed to use the time given to them by history to save their people and nations from complete disaster. Although completely hot temperature, the whole room became cold as winter.
"If it comes to the worst"Pina said after some time of silence"and I hope it won't, how long will it take for all our forces to mobilize?"
"If everything will be done immediately, not long."Grey said."Units such us 1st Royal Saderan Armored Division or 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, which are at constant battle readiness, can be mobilized withing three to five hours. Others will need at least two to three more hours to do so."
"Our forces will mobilize in more or less same amount of time."Harika said, with Suvi agreeing with a nod.
"Same goes for us."Arlan said, in the name of other leaders.
"We have to inform Civilian Space Transit Control that Andromeda Branch's space will be closed for civilian transport."general Salani said, making everyone aware of the risk of destroying civilian ships."I bet there will be people who will want to go back and join the fight. Not to mention the possibility of refugees."
"I will talk with ambassadors about it. Besides, I'm sure that diplomatic posts will want to evacuate, too."Garcel said.
"Colonel Rius."Pina again looked at the intelligence officer."How much time do you think we have?"
"According to war doctrine, from six to twenty four hours. And considering that the first attacks took place four hours ago, we can expect the strike at any given moment."
May 26
21:00
SoS' General Staff
The atmosphere within the walls of General Staff was clearly a happy one. Zorzal and his inner circle were sitting in the meeting room, all of them grinning and smiling wickedly. For the past five hours, reports regarding the events within enemy territory started coming and after just taking one look at them, Zorzal was really satisfied with the results.
"Gentlemen."Emperor said, turning to Herm and Havenius."I have to say it. I'm really proud of the work you have done."
"Thank you, Your Highness."Herm said.
"I truly appreciate your words, my lord."Havenius added.
"But if you would be so nice, could you present the reports to our other companions, which still don't know about the results?"
Herm and Havenius looked at Margas, Kerrel, Cassius and several other generals. They nodded and pulled out the papers they held in their briefcases.
"The first report was received six hours ago."Herm said."It came from the group commanded by major Felidius and captain Havenius."
"My daughter."Cicero said with pride.
"Yes."Chief of Staff nodded."They reported, that their mission was a complete success. Soman bottles they left in the Senate building detonated without anyone interrupting them."
"And the result of the attack on the Senate?"Kerrel asked.
"Except ten senators, we basically eliminated the entire Senate. Even three ministers were caught in the attack."Havenius reported."Unfortunately, we didn't get the Minister of Defense or Prime Minister, but this isn't much of a problem. We might take care of them some other time."
"Alright then."Margas said."What else?"
"Other groups we sent reported that most of them managed to complete their mission. We seriously crippled offensive capabilities of Falmartian Navy and killed some of their higher ranking officers. Same goes for other countries. But, unfortunately, we also failed in some places."
"Why is that?"Zorzal asked, sounding slightly irritated.
"Not all of our units represented the same level of training and equipment."Herm swiftly explained.
Zorzal sat in silence for few seconds before he nodded.
"I guess that was to be expected."he said."How about the attack on Imperial Palace?"
Two generals looked at each other.
"Well…"Head of intelligence scratched his back.
"What?"Emperor risen his eyebrow.
"The bomb our contacts set up within your sister's office went off too early. It only destroyed the office and caused some fire."Herm said.
Everyone looked at Zorzal, awaiting an explosion from him. However, instead of that, he just nodded again.
"I understand that the person responsible was punished?"
"Indeed."Havenius quickly nodded his head."Two hours ago, we got a report that an office worker of Ministry of Defense that set up the bomb was disposed of by our teams."
"Great. I don't want anything like that to happen again."
"Understood."
"Now."Cassius said."What about the planetary defenses of Flare Prime?"
Havenius took another piece of paper.
"Here, we got another success."he said."As I already said, we crippled combat capabilities of Falmartian Navy by destroying or seriously damaging majority of their main combat force stationed at Deliona Anchorage. Not only that, but out of fifty AATIS , we destroyed thirty two. We shouldn't have any problems during landing our troops on the planet's surface."
"Navies of other nations were also struck by us. Araluenians, Allied Kingdoms and Kingdoms of West lost around twenty two ships. Soutlandian Navy lost two of their Light Cruisers, five Heavy Cruisers and their flagship, Nashini-built Kors-class Battlecruiser, SNS Old Port."
"That's good, right?"Zorzal asked.
"Yes."Havenius replied."Our fleet can now move close to Flare Prime and set up the perimeter. When we take the other planets, it can immediately go into action."
Zorzal and other generals listened to all of this and nodded in satisfaction. Emperor took a deep breath and stood up. Everyone waited for his words.
"Do you think the chaos we caused is enough for us to operate?"he asked.
"Yes."Herm and Havenius replied at the same time.
"And our 'other' allies?"
"They just await the confirmation from our side."
"Good. Gentlemen. I give our forces six more hours to complete their preparations. Our 'other' allies have the same time. After that time, they have to move into action. That's my final decision."
Everyone quickly stood up and performed the Saderan salute.
"Yes, Emperor!"they all exclaimed.
Zorzal, in the meantime, turned towards the exit and left the room, while generals went to work. And while he walked out, Emperor decorated his face with a creepy smile, in anticipation of what was about to come.
XXX
And this is where we stop for today. A bit shorter, but there was not much to say here. The aftermath of the attacks from previous chapter is serious, but the situation is about to get much worse, as Zorzal just gave the order. His troops are moving into position, and so do the forces of his 'other' allies. And who might be his allies, except Erecans? Find out in the approaching chapters.
This is it for now. Remember to leave a review, favorite and follow. It will be highly appreciated!
See you!