Chapter 3
= place: Elysium =
The attack on Elysium was much more organized than the colony's ground commanders expected. Instead of an attack in the style of 'everyone for itself', the attack was organized enough that first orbital fire hit military facilities, and then the assault was launched on targets that had the best chance of light losses and high profits. The SDF was mobilized as soon as the pirates entered the system, and the pre-prepared state of readiness allowed 50% of all ground forces in the colony to be prepared before the attack. The rest quickly merged into small groups that fought alone, trying to contain the tide of invaders.
Meanwhile, a young marine spent his vacation in a small town. As soon as the alarm sounded, he ran to his rented room, dressed his armor, and as the highest-ranking soldier in the town, began evacuating nearly 5,000 civilians, batarians, and other races in town to a bunker in the event of an emergency. Admittedly, it was too small to hold all 5,000 civilians for a long time, but it would be sufficient for a few hours, during which time support from the 5th Fleet would certainly arrive. Among the civilians, it was also possible to find a few volunteers with weapons, and with him was a small SDF platoon, so they had a chance to withstand an attack by a group of pirates adequate to the size of the settlement.
But the pirates had other plans. The forces sent to the settlement numbered as many as 500 pirates, against 50 defenders, most of whom had zero experience in real combat. There was tension among the defenders, only the young Marine, Lieutenant John Shepard, kept his peace.
"Oh, shit." - a shocked batarian volunteer near Shepard said - "They have the Mantis!" - She pointed to four A-61 Mantis Gunship placed next to the pirates.
"Relax, I'll take care of them." - Shepard said calmly. - "All he needs is a few explosives and fire suppressed on pirates in the area."
"How!?" - the shocked human volunteer asked.
"This is the new 2nd generation Marine armor." - Shepard replied calmly, while checking his weapon - "Has a few surprises. Sergeant, take command until my return. No risky actions."
"Yes, sir." - Sergeant replied.
This still didn't satisfy a large group of defenders, so Shepard decided to do a little demonstration. To reach enemy gunships he had to get to the rooftops anyway, so he did so using his armor to quickly jump onto the nearest building. Thanks to the afterburners and the mass effect field, he got to the roof almost immediately. The SDF and the volunteers were surprised, but Sergeant quickly recovered from the shock and order all defenders to took a defensive position around the bunker entrance.
After a while, the pirates moved from their positions. They moved carefully, which is logical given how much attention the System Alliance gave to defending their colonies and how often they were attacked by pirates. In fact, one of the pirates will scream in pain when a sniper bullet from one of the SDF soldiers hits him in the hand. The A-61 moved to eliminate the defenders and allow other pirates to peacefully imprison the rest of the civilians.
But then Shepard used his armor to jump onto one of the Mantis. Then he fired a dozen or so times at the pilot from too close range for the barrier to activate, killing the pilot, whose body fell to the left with the joystick still in hand, driving the vehicle into a spin. Shepard quickly jumped off the gunship, through the window of the building on the other side of the street before the gunship crashed. He was very glad he was wearing this armor, otherwise, it would have been a very painful landing.
All of this happened so quickly that the pirates didn't realize exactly how one of their support vehicles was destroyed, so they withdrew the rest of them and began a slow advance through the streets. The quick fortifications gave a small advantage to the defenders, but not enough to withstand an attack in which 10 times more people were involved than they had.
After a few minutes of sharp firefight, both sides suffered losses, but the attackers had more manpower on start, so they could afford such losses, while the defenders could not. When the pirates were sure of their victory, they called the A-61 again.
Then Shepard stepped in quickly, jumping from his hideout in the building to the tail of one of the Mantis. He attached an explosive to the tail and jumped to the next one a second before it exploded. The explosion alerted the other two pilots who turned their vehicles to counter the threat. Shepard managed to land on the side of the next Mantis and quickly fired a burst at close range, killing the pilot. When he was about to do the last thing, instinct told him to jump down. It probably saved his life as the last Gunship had already turned and started firing its MassEffect rotary cannon at Shepard. Several pirates also caught up with the situation and began to follow Marine.
Cornered, Shepard tried to come up with a plan quickly, but the whistling slugs of the pirate Mantis over his head didn't help. In addition, between the series of fires, he heard footsteps of pirates running behind him. As he tried to run across the building across the street, he was greeted by a Mantis fire that forced Shepard to hide back into the building.
After a while, the Pilot stopped firing, and pirates ran into the building. Shepard quickly hid behind a nearby couch and threw a grenade at them. The pirates were unprepared to use explosives in the room and several of them were injured. Chips from broken furniture got stuck on the couch without doing Shepard any harm. He knew, however, that he had to get away quickly because the couch that saved him from the negative effects of the explosion didn't offer any protection against the MassEffect weapon.
He opened a barrage of fire at the door that had previously entered the pirates and jumped out of the nearest window. As soon as he jumped out, he fired his armor's boosters and flew to the next building. As soon as he heard the gunfire, he fell to the floor and waited while the Gunship fired at the building with its cannon, punching everything in the firing arc. When Shepard finally heard the characteristic sound of the weapon overheating, he jumped out of the building and ran towards the pirate vehicle. The pilot tried to lift the vehicle up, but Shepard once again exploited the special abilities of his armor and jumped on the left A-61 rocket bench to which he attached an explosive and jumped to the nearest roof. Moments later the gunship exploded, but Shepard didn't have time to admire his work, only rushing to the rest of the defenders. On the way, he tried to contact them via his armor communicator, but it was damaged somewhere in the fight.
When he got there, he saw that the pirates were about to break the line of defense. To relieve his squad, he started firing at the pirates from the roof. Thanks to the general noise and attacking from the rear, and extremely good training, he managed to kill 10 pirates before they realized they had an enemy on their backs. As they tried to fire back, Shepard used to hide and quickly assessed the situation. The shields are holding up, but he only has 2 explosives and his last Energy Clip left. Know that he doesn't have ammo to continue the fight much longer, he decided to take a very risky approach.
He threw both explosives simultaneously some distance between each other and jumped to the ground seconds before the explosion. As he predicted, the pirates hid, and the armor allowed him to survive the fall. Then he grabbed the first better weapon that was laying on the ground and jumped back to the roof, this time across the street. Unfortunately, his luck ran out.
The explosion had previously brought his shields to a critical level, which allowed the pirates to hit the accurate burst that injured him. A total of at least 2 hits to the stomach and one to the thigh. The advanced armor systems immediately spread Medi-Gel over the wounds and reduced the pain, but it didn't help Shepard's well-being. Not wanting to risk another hit and making significant losses on one side of the street, he decided to shoot the side of the building along the road. He noticed that the pirates on the other side were as indifferent to his presence as the previous group. He quickly jumped to the next building before firing a volley, so he could smoothly shoot the next side when he was done with this one. Another 7 pirates fell under his fire before his magazine ran out. Since energy to his energy rifle run out, he switched to a MassEffect weapon, which he took from some corpse. He repeated this process several more times. He only ended his crusade of destruction when the pirates began to retreat. He quickly used the opportunity and joined his squad.
"Sergeant, what a situation." - Shepard asked.
"8 of our people are dead, 20 are wounded. But we don't know what caused their retreat. They only had a moment from defeating us, even with what you were doing on their backs, Lieutenant." - Sergeant said.
"Can you communicate with SDF HQ?" - Shepard asked.
"The transmitter was damaged in combat, but it should work again soon."
"Okay. Using this break, treat the wounded and bury the dead. There should be Medi-Gelu supplies in the bunker. Those who are seriously injured have priority, those who can fight despite their wounds are to put themselves in position. Also, send five men to search the pirate corpses and collect every grenade, rifle, or any other weapon they can carry. This retreat could only be to regroup and re-attack while we have dormant vigilance."
"Yes, sir." - The sergeant replied and saluted as the whole squad began to prepare for another pirate attack, which, however, never came.
= place: Elysium =
The 5th fleet consisted of 54 Alamo-class frigates, 27 Leonidas-class destroyers, 18 Siracusa-class artillery cruisers, and 1 Killimangaro-class dreadnought. It barely entered the minimum 100 ships to be considered a full fleet, and the fleet itself didn't even have a single carrier. There were several reasons why the fleet was in what it was. This was mainly due to large SDF forces and a large number of platforms in the regions under the jurisdiction of this fleet. Such safeguards caused that many ships that were supposed to be stationed here were recalled to other fleets guarding other places, throwing here ships not needed by other fleets. For this reason, there were also no rare heavy cruisers in the fleet. However, this gave this fleet several advantages. Leonidas-class destroyers, although extremely effective ships, weren't designed for long, often lonely, patrol operations. All this resulted in a large number of these ships joining the 5th fleet. However, the real diamonds in flight were the Siracusa-class artillery cruisers and the Kilimanjaro-class dreadnought.
Both classes were built with the support of new human allies, which allowed for much better performance compared to the models from before the first contact. The fleet was under the command of Vice-Admiral Hackett.
"Sir, we'll be in the system in 2 minutes." - the navigation officer said.
"Good." - Hackett said. - "Announce the combat alert to the entire fleet. There is no communication system so we have to assume the worst and prepare to fight as soon as we enter the system."
As the fleet exited through the relay, it quickly formed into formation. At the front were the frigates, divided into 6 squadrons of 9 ships each, then destroyers, divided into 3 squadrons of 9 ships each, and at the end 2 squadrons of artillery cruisers with dreadnought Kilimanjaro. After a minute of scanning, a report about the enemy fleet in the system was reported to the vice-admiral.
"We detected over 300 undiscovered ships in the orbit and surface of Elysium." - The ship's AI report, Arthur, began the report. - "All communications with the garrison command are drowned out by these ships. It looks like we have the biggest pirate raid in history."
"What is their exact location?" - Hackett asked.
Arthur displayed the planet and its surroundings in 3D with all detected ships. Most were focused on the population sites, but some were at the wreckage of defense ships and platforms. They probably counted on getting whatever technology could still work.
"Send all destroyer squadrons and 1st to 5th frigate squadrons to attack them while they are unorganized, the 6th frigate squadron will escort artillery squadrons and Kilimanjaro. They are to stay behind and attack any attempted grouping by pirates."
"Yes, sir. But if I can suggest something." - said AI.
"Speak." - Hackett replied.
"Maybe we should send a squad of fighters to see if any group of ships is waiting behind the moon. After all, the fastest way is near the moon. If they set a trap halfway, they could flank us and deal serious losses to us."
"It is a possibility, but it takes an organized military force. And these are just pirates chasing for profit at the expense of others. There is no need to worry. Besides, we don't have time to check every corner of the moon. By the time we were done, all the pirates would have already left. Therefore, we will continue as planned."
"Yes, sir." - and so the AI disconnected and the fleet began to carry out its tasks.
As soon as the pirates spotted the Alliance fleet, they began to retreat towards the relay. However, the frigates caught up with them quickly. Before the attack, each of the squadrons adopted a delta formation with 7 ships ahead and 2 ships behind. As soon as the frigates began their attack, the disorganized mob of lighter ships ahead was dispersed to all sides. However, pirate ships were not destroyed left and right, but mostly only immobilized. Mainly for fear of killing innocent civilians that can be held on these ships.
However, the heavier ships, seeing that it would not be possible without a fight, tried to regroup. While the frigates were busy chasing lighter ships, 17 new ships hit the flank of the 4th squadron, trying to breakthrough. The impact surprised the squadron commander, but with so many ships, he just didn't notice them until it was late and 2 of his frigates were destroyed and 2 more received damage. Quickly recalling his training, he began to retreat in an effort to regroup the formation. The pirates, emboldened by their success, tried to launch an attack on the last squadron between them and the enemy.
The 3rd squadron, which was between the group of ships and the relay, was occupied with several ships ahead, which would lead to a repeat of the previous situation. But here shows the remarkable training of System Alliance crews and officers. The commander of the 4th squadron didn't panic and managed to inform other squadrons about the situation and so the 1st squadron was ready for interception earlier. Additionally, the 2 ships of the 3rd squadron, that were kept at the back of the formation turned back and tried to slow the advance with their main guns. However, the pirates were not meant to stop, and both ships retreated as soon as their shields reached the critical level. However, a few volleys in the broadside guns managed to completely smash the shields and damage the engines of one of the frigates.
When this pirate formation was about to attack the 3rd Squadron, the 1st Squadron finally came and launched a flanking attack on the pirates. The pirates were completely taken by surprise by this attack and quickly dispersed. Some ships began to flee, others began to fight the new Alliance ships, others continued their attack on the 3rd squadron. Nevertheless, frigates from all squadrons took some damage in this clash, and more and more pirate ships saw that they had to fight if they were to survive, leading to losses in other squadrons.
Another group of ships managed to get up from the planet, and they quickly headed towards the relay. They launched their fighters and tried further attacks on their own. However, Hackett, seeing this grouping, ordered the artillery squadrons to fire at the ships and deploy 2/3 of the destroyers' fighters into battle. Even though the Siracusuls were too far away for their guns to be effective, they managed to score a few hits and successfully disperse the pirates. When some of the corvettes and pirate fighters tried to attack the 5th frigate squadron, they were intercepted by 144 fighters and 36 bombers.
When the Alliance destroyers arrived, they quickly used their enormous arsenal to destroy any enemy ships that approached.
Some pirates tried to regroup behind the planet in order not to be attacked by artillery ships, which Hackett ordered the ships to approach further. When he was about to get between the planet and the moon, they intercepted the message.
"I have a message, but we don't know from whom." - the communications officer said - "They send it on all channels by all possible means."
"I was able to locate the source." - said AI - "It is behind the moon."
Hackett was surprised. The battle went well for the 5th fleet, but he couldn't feel worried about this signal. It could mean anything, from the entire fleet to the small freighter.
"Let us hear it." - Hackett said.
Unfortunately, there was no picture, so they only heard the voice. Shooting noises could be heard in the background. - "... repeat, the full fleet of the Hegemony is hiding behind the moon. Not pirates, but Hegemony."
"We can't hold on any longer!"
"Did you connect the recording?"
"It's set up and will repeat itself from ... now."
"The Hegemony fleet beyond the moon. The Hegemony fleet behind the moon." - it began repeating itself in the background, mingling with the sounds of shooting.
"Okay, everybody last phase of the plan."
And the sound kept moving. Only what was repeated was the recording.
"Admiral, what are we doing?" - one of the officers asked.
If he listens to the recording, he will be able to make a short FTL jump and regroup the fleet, which will eliminate the attack from the rear. But if that was a misrepresentation or decoy, many pirate ships would flee, with all their abductees. Many immobilized ships can still be contracted, even by another pirate gang, to steal what's onboard.
"We know the approximate location from which the signal was sent. I suggest sending some fighters over there to investigate." - said AI Arthur.
After a moment's thought, Hackett gave the order - "Order Pelium to send its fighters to the location from which the signal was sent. Also, prepare an FTL if necessary."
Meanwhile, the battle between elements of the 5th fleet at the front and the pirates came to a standstill. The pirates retreated with heavy losses, and the 5th fleet elements sent earlier were too disorganized to perform an effective pursuit and prepared for a potential attack from the rear. The fighters dispatched earlier withdrew to replenish their missiles and make any necessary repairs. 1/3 of the fighters previously held in reserve now began to form ahead of frigates and destroyers. A total of 72 fighters and 18 bombers prepared for the next attack. Although the pirates suffered losses, they still had more than 200 ships, which were formed behind the planet as a cover from possible attacks.
Meanwhile, the Pelium fighters were approaching their target.
"Pelium-1 to Kilimanjaro actual."
"Here Kilimanjaro actual, report Pelium-1."
"We will immediately have a visual view of where the signal came from. And, there is a view. Oh shit."
"Pelium-1, what did you find?"
"Batarian ships, lots of it. Their systems are shouted down, so we can't make an accurate scan and figure out the exact number, but at least 100 and they have dreadn-. They turn on the systems! Everyone, break off, break-" *BOOM*
"Pelium-1, answer Pelium-1."
"Here Pelium-2, Pelium-1 and 4 were shot down before we got out of GARDIAN range. The enemy sent fighters after us. We ask for permission to come back."
"Negative Pelium-2." - Hackett said - "AI Arthur will send new coordinates for the meeting. Order fleet to make a short FTL jump to the previously given coordinates. Some of the pirates will run away, but we have no other choice."
The fleet quickly obeyed orders and regrouped in new positions. At the same moment, the batarian fleet circled the moon to launch itself like a slingshot, straight toward the relay. The other pirates also tried to run towards the relay.
Now, however, the regrouped fleet could take the wall-formation and start artillery fire on the attackers' ships. Beams, missiles, and MassEffect slugs began hitting the invaders' ships, to which they responded with their own Thanix guns and missiles. As they headed for the relay, they couldn't respond with accurate fire or even with the main guns, which translated into hopeless effectiveness compared to the 5th fleet which was in an ideal position and had much better aiming systems. The artillery squadrons in particular were doing great. But in the end, a great number of the attackers' ships managed to escape.
"Arthur, prepare a report about losses." - Hackett ordered stiffly - "Additionally, one of the destroyers is to fly to the place from which the signal was sent and search the area. Maybe someone or something was left there. I want confirmation about this. Were there Hegemony warships among this fleet?"
The entire crew froze for a moment, and complete silence fell across the bridge. The next sentence of the AI that made the scans may decide about the future of the System Alliance and the entire Coalition.
"I am compelled to confirm this." - said AI Arthur.
All the tension suddenly released, and all the soldiers understood what that meant. They won't be coming home any time soon.
"Then you must send an immediate message to the Alliance Command about this attack." - Hackett said. - "Plus a message to all SDFs and bases under our jurisdiction. They are to mobilize immediately and send forces to this system."
"Will it not be a provocation? The Senate and the president don't want the conflict to escalate in full war." - Arthur asked a little sarcastically.
"The first shots have already been fired from the Hegemony side. Our task is to hand over the next ones, after which they won't get up anymore." - said Hackett, then turned to the soldier with an almost battle cry - "We'll show these scum that they've awakened a sleeping giant that they should never wake up!"
"YES, SIR!" - the crew replied with a shout.
The final losses were 18 SDF ships, 4 MDPs, 16 normal defense platforms, 8 Alamo-class frigates, 2 Leonidas-class destroyers and 63 fighters destroyed, and 17 Alamo-class frigates, 7 Leonidas-class destroyers, and 48 fighters damaged.
Losses on the side of the attackers amounted to 172 ships destroyed, 40 ships taken over and 176 damaged. However, the losses for the 25th hegemony fleet alone were only 3 ships destroyed and 6 damaged.
About 14,000 pirates died or were captured in ground combat. SDF and army garrison casualties were 2,780 killed, 6,042 wounded and 517 missing. In addition, the civilians lost 4,128 killed, 9,534 wounded and 32,157 missing. Due to the nature of the raid, it is assumed that the missing were taken as slaves. When counting missing, wounded and killed people, the losses are greater than in the entire First Contact War.
The Hegemony planned to light a fire that would scare the humans of Skyllian Verge. Instead, they set fire to their own house, and it was unknown if they could put it out.
