Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 19 - Dominion Attack
The group traveled to the coalition forces in Haafingar, sitting in a temporary encampment waiting for the word to advance and strike. Geralt was talking with Ciri, a Stormcloak Snow-Hammer, an Imperial Legate and a Jedi Knight, sharing stories and laughs over a hearty chowder. Though the air between Imperials and Stormcloaks had a bit of suspicion, they generally got along and were trusting of each other's abilities. It was as though the Civil War never happened. General Tullius coughed to get everyone's attention.
"Gentlemen. I know you're just getting settled in, but we have received news that Solitude has fallen. The Second Great War with the Aldmeri Dominion has begun." General Tullius reported. This news of Solitude's fall has angered and sickened many Imperial troops.
"That's not all. The Aldmeri Dominion holds the city - its Jarl and people - hostage as they consolidate for a push directly into Whiterun and starve our beloved Skyrim into submission." Ulfric declared, rousing both the Jedi and Stormcloaks into battle readiness.
"The time has come. We shall push through Haafingar and take back Solitude, or risk losing everything to the Dominion. Let us march forth boldly into battle, retake our city and free our people!" Gonnaer declared after, and the soldiers cheered. They put on their helmets, donned their shields and got ready for battle. They formed their lines, with the Jedi in the rear, before beginning the long march through Haafingar, towing artillery, carriages and even a battering ram via horses.
"Now that I had a good look at Skyrim, it's very beautiful. Almost like Alderaan, in a way." Kira said.
"I can see the comparison, Kira. Perfect for a Jedi to get lost in." Asmund remarked.
Kagami was currently handling jobs from the Guild while Neptune and her husband were away. She'd gotten to be quite skilled as a mage since growing up and graduating from the high school of her home dimension. The credits she made from the Guild went to pay for her tuition at one of Planeptune's more prestigious universities, which she, Konata, and Tsukasa had been accepted into. However, the university was only part of why she and Konata returned; It was the call to return to duty from Histoire that brought them here. Kagami understandably believes this to be the big one - the crisis that would ultimately change their lives forever.
"Hey, Miss Hiiragi. Got a minute?" a young woman said, walking up to her.
"Hmm? Of course. What can I do for you?" Kagami asked. She had gotten used to the fame of being one of the heroes from two separate events in Gamindustri's chaotic history.
"I had a request fulfilled by you, and I just wanted to say thanks for your help in finding those ingredients. Without them, I'd have not had the means to create a cure for my fiance's disease. I'm so grateful!" the woman said hysterically, happy for Kagami's help.
"Woah, slow down. I know I helped you and all, but wouldn't your fiance be happier with you by his side while he recovers?" Kagami asked reasonably.
"You're right, my apologies. I should introduce him to you sometime. Until then, take care." the woman said, returning home. Kagami sighed when the young woman was out of sight.
"Man, this is ridiculous. I know I became famous and all, but don't I ever get a break? What about Cloud? What about Sora? Or Konata, even? Why me?" she asked herself. She shoved her thoughts aside for a moment, noticing her stomach was growling. "Agh, I should stop for the day. It's late and I need to eat… I'll see if Compa's making anything good at the Basilicom…" she muttered to herself, despawning her mage's staff, before heading to the Basilicom. The walk wasn't longer than an hour from the guild hall, before she made it.
"Hello, Miss Hiiragi. I'm sorry to turn you away, but, Lady Purple Heart and Sir Purple Shield aren't in right now." the priest at the front said.
"I was told about that when Histoire briefed me about what was going on. Has Konata been by?" Kagami asked.
"Kagami!" a voice cheered from across the room. Kagami saw who it was, before she lit up with a smile, only to catch herself and mentally beat herself.
"Hey, Uni. How's it going?" Kagami asked as Uni and Konata approached.
"Doing great, though it's kinda lonely without Nepgear… D-Don't tell her I said that, or I'll kill you!" Uni said.
"Two birds of a feather…" Konata teased.
"We are not!" Uni and Kagami snapped in unison, only to grumble.
"Are we done here? This behavior is highly improper for Lady Purple Heart's Basilicom." The priest said somewhat chidingly, but not in a rude tone.
"Oh, our apologies. We got carried away." Kagami said, apologizing for their outburst.
"It's okay. Judging by your conversation, I can see you're still friends with the other CPUs and Candidates." the priest said.
"Mhm. Hey, is Compa out and about?" Kagami asked, having not seen Compa in a while.
"Oh, hey Kagami. I was just about to call you over." Compa said cheerfully.
"Oh! Compa. How's it going?" Kagami asked.
"Miss Compa? Shouldn't you be working at the hospital right now?" the priest asked.
"Oh, I got off early, so I came by to make dinner and make sure the other CPUs are okay. I went to the market with Miss Underling in her off time at the Guild and bought some stuff for a yummy beef and chicken stew." Compa said, holding up a bag. Uni raised an eyebrow at the thought of Linda helping the guild.
"Is she for real?" she asked herself in her head, skeptical about their former enemy. She then shrugged it off, on account that Arfoire herself was turned from evil.
"Sounds wonderful." the priest said.
"You're welcome to join us, if you'd like." Compa offered.
"That's very kind of you, Miss Compa. But, I'm afraid, I will be having dinner with my family this evening, after I get off work." the priest said, politely turning down the meal.
"Of course. Don't be afraid to ask me for seconds tomorrow for lunch." Compa said, countering with a reasonable offer based on what the priest said.
"I'll keep that in mind. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish reading this prayer request and have the proper rites given before dark." the priest said with a warm smile, before turning back to his work. This left Compa to lead Kagami, Konata and Uni up the elevator and into the living quarters of Neptune, Andrew and Nepgear.
"Oh, hey Compa!" Noire shouted.
"Auntie Compa's back!" Violet shouted energetically, dropping her crayon and running to give Compa a hug.
"We missed you, Auntie Compa. It's been forever since we saw you!" Daniel shouted.
"Oh, it's only been a week, sillies." Compa said. Outside the Basilicom window, two XF-190 Dora fighter jets were flying on patrol, keeping the skies secure while the CPU and her husband were out on their mission. An Amethyst in the shape of a star was painted on the tails of the two fighters, denoting them to be the Amethyst Squadron, veterans and aces of the previous war against the Heaven's Bane Crime Syndicate.
"Hard to believe it's been three years since the war against that nasty crime syndicate… yet conflict is never too far behind, no matter what victories we gain…" Konata said as she looked out the window at the two fighter jets.
"Gamindustri has been at relative peace since then, even with the current crisis looming on the horizon. I still don't quite understand why the citizens of our nations think that there's no danger right now." Blanc said.
"Perhaps the masses figured that the danger is past, now that we've awakened. What I heard about this 'Kurome Ankokuboshi' troubles me." Vert said.
"No doubt, though, that the recent spike in requests at the guild have been because of the crisis continuing to unfold. I've done so many today that I'm beat." Kagami said with a bit of a sigh.
"The only requests I've been able to nab were for some crystals for someone in Southern Planeptune, finding lilies and roses for a man looking to propose to his fiance, and a manner of other fetch quests. I did it in bulk with B-Sha for a while, and reported back." Konata said.
"Same here… I nearly burned myself out doing these things." Kagami said.
"Uni and I had to deal with a rogue corporation taking advantage of the masses by putting "lootboxes" in their games, and the outrage that followed. This blatant excuse for child gambling makes me sick." Noire said.
"Some of the same on my end. There were banners from Electronic Artists advertising so-called "surprise mechanics" all over Leanbox while I was out." Vert said.
"I wonder if it's part of our enemy's plot to revive the True Goddess… Speaking of that, I have seen a dramatic spike in the more aggressive monsters lately." Kagami said, looking outside as the sun set over the horizon. "Now that I think about it, what's with all the monsters mingling with the humans here in Planeptune?" she asked.
"They're Planeptune's newest citizens, and quite compassionate. They were trapped underground in their home dimension, and Andrew and Neptune helped set them free." Noire explained.
"Figures…" Kagami muttered in disbelief.
"Their prince, Asriel Dreemurr, had also become Planeptune's Auxiliary CPU, and Andrew and Neptune's protege. From what I've been told, they did it to stabilize the boy's form." Noire said, continuing her explanation.
"I-... Okay, knowing Neptune, I honestly believe that." Kagami said.
"This sort of monster, we've never heard of or observed until now, but the CPU Candidates and the Gold Third say they're good people. It's made us all decide unanimously to follow Planeptune's example and pass legislation that adds and changes a rudimentary, but effective, identification system for the different monsters to prevent monster hunters and ourselves from accidentally committing murder." Luna said. The conversation continued, until Compa called everyone for dinner.
The group, along with the combined force, continued its march to Solitude. They passed by broken carts, abandoned belongings, and other bits left in the chaos of whatever citizens tried to escape the Dominion's brutal invasion. Most of the populace was able to escape, but some of them were still trapped.
To Asmund's left, a roving bandit gang was looting an abandoned cart filled with precious gems, fine clothing, and jewelry from a crate marked "Radiant Rainment." They scattered as soon as they saw the coalition army passing through.
It was a long march, but they made it to the city. The ships had already left for Alinor to retrieve the awaiting reinforcements. The Blue Palace, which had served as Solitude's city government for many centuries, lie in smoking ruin. The famous Bards College, an academic symbol of the city, also lie completely destroyed, along with centuries of artistic, musical and literary history.
"What- what happened?" Asriel asked, looking up at the ruined city with dread.
"By Azura… The Daedric Lord Dagon would be falling over himself in joy if he could see this destruction…" An Dunmer soldier in the Imperial Army muttered at the sight of the mangled city.
"The Sacking of Coruscant is the first thing that comes to mind, seeing this…" Asmund muttered.
"How many more people will suffer, if the Dominion and the Sith are allowed to push further south?" Revan asked, just as horrified as the rest of them.
"A moot question! Talos be damned, if we allow it!" a Stormcloak shouted in anger. A couple of the Imperials disliked the sentiment of this, but knew that it would be the end of the Empire this time if they failed and the Dominion marched into the Imperial city. As they made their way to the gates, a Dominion lookout raised the alarm by ringing the city's bell tower, before a pair of Sith ran out to greet the attack force. Their lightsabers glowed a deep purple in the otherwise serene sunset.
"We'll handle this." Asmund said, before he, Scourge and Kira stepped up, drawing their lightsabers in response, before the battle began. They were swift in their victory, outsmarting the two Sith and making them stab each other. Both of them collapsed dead on the ground, and the lookout ran to meet up with what forces he could find. Some archers and mages took position to fire on the small coalition force, but were swiftly counteracted by Imperial Crossbowmen.
"They have the doors barricaded. We can't push forward!" a Stormcloak announced.
"Bring forward the battering ram!" General Tullis ordered. A fairly large, steel-plated battering ram was wheeled over by Imperial troops. With the ram in position and the wheels locked, they began the process of breaching the gate. With a loud thumping, the massive battering ram slammed into the gate, cracking the wood plank that barricaded the door until it snapped, the door opening wide. A couple Sith tried to rush out, but were quickly killed by Andrew and Neptune, who activated HDD as they rushed in to deal with the Aldmeri forces at the gate. One Imperial took an arrow to his right shoulder, forcing him to drop his blade. A Stormcloak Archer took aim and shot the enemy who loosed the arrow in the Imperial's direction. The Stormcloak-Imperial coalition's combined force pushed the Aldmeri forces back about halfway through the town, before the momentum began to peter out.
"We've been halted to a standstill…" Gonnaer said. He looked to the Aldmeri and Sith forces that still lie ahead, knowing that there were too many. And yet for every man the coalition force lost, the enemy lost twenty more due to the use of Battle Meditation amongst two Jedi on the rear.
"There's just too many… We're killing them twenty-to-one, but we can't push forward!" a soldier shouted.
"Not surprising. General Silinius is an exceptional officer and an even more exceptional mage." Ulfric mumbled.
"We have unfinished business with this man. We cannot give up yet, we must push forward." General Tullius said. He watched as Lord Scourge sent a flurry of Force Lightning at a Sith Warrior and Sith Acolyte on the right flank. Tullius weighed and discussed his options with Revan and Ulfric, before they had a plan.
"Asmund. You, Kira and Scourge should join forces at the front. Form a spearhead with the Dragonborn and the CPUs, see if you can't try to break through." Tullius declared.
"Of course, General." Asmund replied, before he and Gonnaer rendezvoused with Scourge and Kira, then made their way to the CPUs. The plan worked, and with the spearhead up front, the coalition forces once again put the Dominion on the defensive, and they pushed their way towards the Blue Palace. General Silinius was nowhere to be found, having likely gone to the Pelagius Wing to escape.
"All of you, spread out and search the building! Take Jedi with you for support! The rest of you, come with me! We're going to look for Jarl Elisif the Fair, then go after General Silinius!" General Tullius ordered. The group stuck with General Tullius, Revan and Ulfric Stormcloak as they went to the dungeons, fighting their way through the Altmer to Jarl Elisif the Fair, who was currently in rags and hanging from the wall of her cell via shackles. A Sith Lord was interrogating her in an effort to force false confessions of Talos worship and treachery against the Empire from Elisif and gain information.
"I figured the Cyrodilic Empire's best would come here… And the Jedi Knight who killed Lord Vitiate, along with the CPUs. What a pleasant surprise." the Sith Lord, Darth Zuhl said.
"Darth Zuhl… You were said to be one of the greatest of Sith Lords since Darth Angral." Scourge said.
"Ah, Lord Scourge… Vitiate's traitorous wrath… How I yearned for this meeting…" Zuhl declared. "Lord Denzion has placed a death mark on you. He will reward me greatly when I destroy you." he continued. The CPUs reactivated HDD, and Revan, Asmund and Kira drew their lightsabers.
"General Tullius, Ufric, Gonnaer... Stand back. This fight will be too much for you." Asmund said. Ulfric and Tullius backed away, as did IF.
"You may have stopped us in numbers, but we will always come back with more!" Darth Zuhl declared. He drew and activated his lightsaber, a particularly nasty crimson blade with a purple glow extending from the hilt.
"Zuhl is a master of reality-bending; ancient dark side powers such as teleportation. He is not to be underestimated." Scourge warned as he drew his lightsaber.
"I tire of these pointless rants. Now, you shall die! For Denzion!" Zuhl shouted, before he teleported behind the group. Asmund was ready for this as he parried the downward strike that came soon after. Using his reality-bending Force powers, Darth Zuhl warped Asmund's lightsaber in an attempt to kill him. Scourge noticed this and used Force Lightning to break the Force ability, allowing a strike from both Kira and Asriel. Neptune and Andrew were both next, followed by Asriel and Nepgear. Both their combined strikes significantly hurt Darth Zuhl, who teleported to the ceiling, standing on it.
"What the-!" Andrew exclaimed, before blocking a Lightning attack with his shield.
"All will tremble in terror before the dark side!" Darth Zuhl declared, before trying to reality-warp a Force-projected Dark Asmund to attempt to knock them off balance. It worked, and Kira most notably was taken off guard. She fell to the ground as she dodged an attack by this projection.
"Kira! Get up, it's just a projection!" Asmund declared. Revan used all his strength and jumped to the ceiling, knocking Zuhl off.
"Grrr… Die already!" Darth Zuhl shouted in anger, before he prepared a powerful warping attack aimed at killing those within it. He'd be stopped with Force Push, before rushing Asriel. Once again, they were completely on even terms, fighting blade to blade, before Asriel managed to somehow cripple Darth Zuhl.
"No… impossible!" the defeated Sith Lord complained. His Dark Asmund projection fizzled out of existence.
"You have lost, Darth Zuhl. This doesn't have to end in bloodshed. Surrender." Asmund said.
"Never on my life!" Darth Zuhl said, before once again rushing the group in a furious, last ditch effort to kill at least one of the Jedi. His attempts proved fruitless, as Scourge's crimson blade impaled the Sith Lord, snuffing the life out of him. With the Jedi and CPUs victorious, Ulfric, Tullius and IF returned.
"My Jarl." Ulfric introduced.
"Ulfric… First you kill my husband, now you've come to torture me for those Thalmor wretches. I should have known." Elisif said, before looking to the CPUs, the Jedi then Tullius. "Wait… what's going on?"
"It's okay, Jarl Elisif. They're with us." General Tullius said as he walked into her view. Asmund released the restraints and opened up the cell with the Force, allowing Elisif to stumble out.
"What happened?" Tullius asked
"They tried to get me to reveal the location of the remaining Blades members, General Tullius... but I told them nothing. They also wanted the location of the CPUs, believing me to hold that kind of knowledge… The Altmer left, leaving that vile man to try and make me "confess" to Talos worship and treachery against the Empire... I was sure I was going to be executed." Elisif admitted honestly.
"You've been through a lot. It's time you rest, my Jarl." Ulfric said.
"Why should I trust you, Ulfric?" Elisif asked.
"You can say that the Imperials and Stormcloaks have formed a sort of coalition against the Aldmeri Dominion, alongside the Jedi Order." Asmund said.
"A coalition… Against the Dominion?" Elisif asked. She could not believe what she was hearing.
"It's true. We couldn't have made it this far without working together." Andrew said.
"I see… I shall hold onto your better judgement. For now, I must return to my throne." Elisif said, defiant against the pain she was in. It took some time, but General Tullius convinced her to see a healer. Afterwards, they took their leave from the dungeon.
Everyone followed the proverbial breadcrumb trail into the Pelagius Wing. They noticed the air was rather stale and heavy, and felt an otherworldly presence around them.
"It feels super cold here, and much darker… I have a bad feeling about this…" Nepgear remarked.
"The air here also feels… heavy. Like, there's an oppressive presence around us." IF added.
"Tread with caution. The Pelagius Wing was the home of Pelagius the Mad before he became Emperor. It is said to be cursed." Ulfric said in warning.
"Cursed, you say? How so?" Scourge asked.
"I cannot say. Only that people have said that the spirit of Pelagius still walks the halls, plagued by his madness to this day." Ulfric replied. They walked through the dreary halls of the Pelagius Wing, all the while the uneasy feeling never really left them. They turned right onto a downward staircase, making it to the entrance of the escape tunnels. That was when the spirit of Pelagius the Mad appeared before them.
"Who dares to interrupt my slumber?" the angry spirit asked. His paranoia and madness bled through slightly.
"Your Excellency. We of the Imperial Legion are chasing a dangerous foe of our Empire: General Silinius of the Aldmeri Dominion." General Tullius said.
"That Altmer… He was the one who led the forces that conquered my home?" Pelagius asked.
"He and two powerful, extradimentional individuals." Revan said.
"We're chasing after General Silinius now. Hopefully, we can catch him before it's too late." Andrew said.
"I saw him walk into these tunnels. If you wish to stop him, you'd better hurry. Now, go. Leave me to rest peacefully." Pelagius said, before vanishing.
"What was that about?" Neptune asked.
"I don't know, but we have no time to ponder it. Let's go." Gonnaer said as they rushed further into the tunnel after General Silinius. They made it to the end to see the Aldmeri General, flanked by two Sith Acolytes on either side, preparing to return to the fleet with a ship and supplies stolen from the docks.
"Impressive… You managed to defeat Darth Zuhl… I'm afraid you're too late... Kurome and Lord Denzion aren't here. They have already left with the fleet." General Silinius declared.
"Maybe. But you've been cornered. There's nowhere left for you to run." IF said, summoning her qatars.
"You're outnumbered, and you have the Jedi and CPUs up against you. If you surrender, you will be treated fairly." Asmund declared. The Acolytes who flanked Silinius laughed at the idea, igniting their lightsabers. Nepgear, still in HDD, summoned her gunblade and fluttered forward.
"This is your only chance. Surrender now, or face the consequences." she declared. Once again, she was met with laughter from the two Acolytes.
"The pretty lady tells us of consequences… How ironic." one of the acolytes said mockingly.
"She must not know how we Sith do things. Let us teach her." the other acolyte said in agreement, before using the force to drag the unprepared Nepgear in.
"Hey! You mess with Nepgear, you mess with me." Neptune said, still in HDD.
"Me, too." Andrew said, also still in HDD.
"Then you are in the wrong place. Bring me their heads! And take the CPUs in alive!" General Silinius ordered, before the two acolytes leapt into battle. Nepgear was almost completely stunned, but managed to recover in time to duck under a high sweep, before she countered with a close range shot from her gunblade. Asriel and Neptune joined in against the two Sith, while General Tullius, Gonnaer, Ulfric and Andrew went after the General. IF and the Jedi went against any Thalmor reinforcements that came to assist their escape. The inexperienced and overeager acolytes ended up sorely underestimating the CPUs, and were felled rather quickly.
General Silinius found himself on the defensive, having not fully anticipated, nor understood, the scope of power that Gonnaer and Andrew wielded. One blast of the Thu'um from Gonnaer sent his weapon flying into the water.
"It's over, General. The Sith escorting you to the Dominion fleet are dead, and your Thalmor occupation force has been completely destroyed. Be smart about this. You will stand trial for your role in breaking the concordat, but if you surrender now, I can ask the Imperial courts to be lenient." General Tullius said, offering a chance to spare the Altmer before them. That was when he cast an intermediate-level lightning attack, temporarily paralyzing the coalition leaders. Andrew was quick to react, using his shield to block the magic-based attack with ease.
"I may be a decorated war hero and a supreme commander of the Aldmeri forces invading your pathetic Empire, but killing or capturing me won't stop what is to come. As I speak, a grand force the likes of which you've never seen before is preparing for the trip to Skyrim. This 'victory' of yours will not last. Soon, all of Tamriel shall recognize the Dominion as the supreme rulers of Nirn." General Silinius replied. He then cast a teleportation spell, returning to the fleet.
"Dammit!" Gonnaer shouted as General Tullius and Ulfric got back on their feet.
"Did he just use teleportation magic? What a complete waste of time…" Ulfric muttered.
"We may not have succeeded in capturing General Silinius and bringing him to justice, but we can be rest assured that the city is safe." Asmund said as he sheathed his lightsaber. The CPUs left HDD, rejoining the group.
"Man, that was such a petty move. We were just about done here, and then poof! Great way to lengthen a chapter." Neptune grumbled.
"This won't end until the Empire invades and occupies Summerset Isle; their homeland of 'Alinor'." General Tullius countered, looking back at everyone. His voice had a hint of sarcasm when he said 'homeland of Alinor'.
"Regardless, Solitude is now free for the moment, and we have the opportunity to rebuild." Revan said.
The group returned to Solitude proper, seeing Jedi Knights and coalition soldiers treating those that were trapped in the city when the Dominion attacked. A few others were already helping to rebuild. Geralt walked up to the group with the report.
"Report, Geralt." General Tullius ordered. Asmund and Kira were slightly unnerved by the sight of a Witcher, but let it slide as they were all on the same side.
"All remaining members of the Dominion occupation have been either killed or taken into custody. The Dominion spy in Jarl Elisif's court has also been arrested. Sadly, several prominent teachers and staff at the Bards College, the owner of the Radiant Raiment, and three other members of the Jarl's court were executed by the occupation, and the Hall of the Dead was ransacked and burned to the ground." Geralt reported.
"Desecration and murder… By the Divines…" Ulfric muttered in horror.
"The Emperor will hear of this… Come, we shall depart for the Imperial City at once." General Tullius said, turning to Geralt. "I put you in charge of the men here, Geralt. Do me proud." he said.
"Of course, General." Geralt said.
"I shall remain here in Solitude, as promised. I wish you all well. May the Force be with you." Revan said, before departing from the group.
Back in the galaxy, Arrow Squad was in Hyperspace, approaching a set of coordinates.
"Approaching coordinates. Two minutes to target." Clyde said as he and the squadron were in Hyperspace. With a number of Sith and Imperials currently in other dimensions, Republic High Command believes there to be a perfect opportunity to strike at the Imperial fleet. Admiral Helen Dodonna, General Var Suthra and Watcher One have pinpointed an Imperial fuel depot in the upper atmosphere of Ord Ibanna. Arrow Squad's fighters were modified with proton torpedo launchers to go with their heavy laser cannons and concussion missiles.
"One minute to target." Marc announced.
"Remember the objective, everyone. We head in, take out that fuel depot, then get out again before they send reinforcements. Make your shots quick and clean." Clyde said.
"Thirty seconds." Marc announced. Clyde counted down the last few seconds in his head.
"Five… four… three… two… one… drop!" he ordered, and all of Arrow Squad dropped out of Hyperspace in the gas giant's upper atmosphere. That was when they were met with a literal swarm of Imperial fighters.
"WOAH!" Kara shouted as she narrowly avoided a head on collision.
"They're coming out of nowhere!" James shouted.
"Terminus destroyer spotted, eleven o'clock. It's the Conqueror!" Pete shouted.
"All wings, fall back!" Clyde ordered as he and the rest of Arrow Squad reversed course.
"Dammit! We've fallen into a trap!" Ryan swore.
"Excalibur, come in! This is Arrow Lead, the Empire was waiting for us. There's a swarm of Imperial fighters chasing us, and the mission has gone to hell. I can confirm that the Conqueror is in our area, and closing fast. Requesting mission abort!" Clyde said over the comms.
"I read you, Arrow Lead. I'm sending coordi-ates-" Captain Kirk said, before comms got interrupted.
"The enemy is jamming the Excalibur's transmissions. What are your orders?" Marc asked.
"Maverick, Count, Starbuck, follow me. We're going to have to get creative. The rest of you, pull out and try to separate their numbers. Form into elements and watch each other's backs. I'll search for the source of that jamming field." Clyde said, before he swerved right. Pete followed close behind, firing lasers and anti-fighter concussion missiles at every opportunity.
"Watch your six, Count!" Kara shouted as she broke off to intercept the threats to her element lead.
"Dammit!" Count swore.
"Fortune Hunter, here. Imperials are slowly putting pressure on us." Nathan said.
"Ten percent of the enemy fighters here have been dealt with, but we cannot keep this up forever." Dmitri said. Clyde was busy checking his scanners for any electronic disruptions. He finally finds one, a three-hundred year old Sith Interdictor being used as a mobile jamming platform.
"Captain, if you have any ideas, make it quick." Marc said.
"I believe I have eyes on the jammer. Count, Starbuck, Maverick. Follow me." Clyde said. He changed his course and speed, zooming past the Imperial fighters and warships towards the tibanna gas platforms on the far side of the area of operation.
"We need to take that jammer out fast, Gambler. What's the plan?" Ryan asked.
"We'll hit the fuel depot next to that Imperial warship. That should take it out, along with the jamming." Clyde said.
"Using the explosive nature of refined tibanna gas to take the jammer out? That's brilliant, Captain!" Marc shouted. "I'm marking the parts of the fuel depot that you need to hit onto your HUDs. If you destroy those, you'll cause a chain reaction." he continued.
"Target coordinates received. Let's go!" Clyde said. Pete, Kara and Ryan followed him closely, dodging enemy fire. They armed their proton torpedoes, firing upon the marked targets with precision. The resulting explosion toppled the tibanna gas platform on top of the Sith Interdictor, smashing its shields and dragging it further into the atmosphere, before ripping it apart in the massive explosion that soon followed.
"Jammer down!" Ryan shouted excitedly.
"Arrow Squad, come in!" Captain Kirk shouted.
"Arrow Lead, here. We've just taken out their jamming. You're coming in loud and clear." Clyde reported.
"Thank the Force... What's the status on that fuel depot?" Helen asked.
"One's down, and it took a three hundred year old Sith Interdictor with it. Two platforms remain, but the Conqueror is still in the AO, and we're still being swarmed with enemy fighters." Marc announced.
"Do you think you can take out the rest of the platforms?" Helen asked.
"We'll try." Ryan replied.
"Understood. I'm transmitting fresh coordinates. Take out the rest of those tibanna gas platforms, and clear out as soon as possible. We don't want to lose any members of the squad." Helen said. Clyde, Ryan, Kara and Pete changed course to the second platform, where they quickly took it out. It toppled onto a couple Harrower Star Destroyers that were docked there, taking them out in a similar fashion.
"One left!" Pete exclaimed. They then fired on the third platform, and it too went up in flames.
"All platforms destroyed, mission accomplished. Arrow Squad, retreat." Clyde ordered. After a few seconds, with the Hyperspace coordinates punched in, he then ordered them to make the jump. All eight members of the squad made it out, shaken and exhausted, but alive.
Back in Tamriel, the group made it to the Imperial City after a couple days of travel by horse-drawn carriage, as well as stopping off at Bruma. The city walls were gleaming marble amongst the surrounding swampland and forest. Ships of the East Empire Company and the Imperial fleet sat proudly in the harbors by the waterfront. Though Ulfric was eyed with suspicion, the guards waved everyone through, since General Tullius was at the lead. They continued until they reached the Imperial Palace, where Emperor Titus Mede II was in a meeting with the newly reformed Elder Council.
"General Tullius. Why do you interrupt this meeting? And who are these people?" Titus asked. He then eyed Ulfric with great suspicion.
"I'm afraid there is grave news, your Excellency, concerning the Thalmor." General Tullius began. "You and the Elder Council are no doubt aware of the rising tensions between the Empire and the Dominion. Elenwen has since warned us of the Dominion's plans for conquest and destruction of the Empire." he continued.
"As predicted, the Dominion attacked through Solitude, but we were able to liberate the city soon after. If not for the cooperation between Ulfric and Tullius, and the dragonborn Gonnaer, we'd probably have lost that fight." Asmund added. Titus thought long and hard about the circumstances of the sudden meeting, thinking hard. Finally, with a sigh, he stood.
"If the traitor Ulfric Stormcloak helped the Empire push back a Dominion invasion, then it is only fitting that, by my right as Emperor, I grant him a pardon for his crimes." he said, before turning to the pardoned man. "Ulfric Stormcloak, I hereby name you General of the Imperial Legion, and ask you to assist General Tullius and the Dragonborn, as the supreme commanders of all legionnaires until such time as the Dominion and their false Elder Council should strike their colors in surrender." he declared. One of the members of his council looked ready to take out a dagger and shove it in Titus' chest, only to have his wrath subdued by fellow members of the Elder Council.
"Of course, your Excellency. Thank you." Ulfric said. "But a question. What of these extradimensional warriors, the CPUs and Jedi Knights? Their aid to the Empire has been just as invaluable." he asked.
"And I foresee that they will continue to provide as much invaluable aid to the Empire as they have in Solitude. Report to the galleon Sea Strider, gentlemen. She will be the command ship of the Empire's invasion force. You're all dismissed." Titus said, giving the reins of one of the Empire's most advanced warships to General Tullius, Gonnaer, and Ulfric. The group departed for the waterfront, where the Sea Strider awaited them. It was a fairly unique warship, armed to the teeth with bronze cannons across the deck and a ballista on the bow.
"Look at her…" Gonnaer said in awe.
"Never thought I'd see the Empire's most advanced ship up close, let alone be in command of her." Ulfric said in amazement.
"Not that I don't trust you, Ulfric, but…" General Tullius said, before turning to Gonnaer. "Gonnaer, why don't you take a crack at commanding the vessel. If your leadership is as strong as your dragon shouts, you should have no trouble." he said.
"I'll do my best, General." Gonnaer said. The crew had just finished loading supplies, and the men being used in the invasion were loading up as well. In less than an hour, they were ready to depart. "All hands, prepare to cast off!" Gonnaer called out.
"Prepare to cast off!" Tullius echoed, and the sailors went to their stations. The mooring would be removed and brought aboard, and the gangway was pulled aboard as well.
"Take us out, half sail." Gonnaer ordered. Asmund went onto the rigging, helping to unfurl the sails for transit out of the bay.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Another chapter that has been an utter mess to finish. I don't expect the next chapter to be any better. This release is the best I can do to keep the story moving along.
The two fillers that I put in are all that keep this chapter above 5k words. Though, the filler in Gamindustri has some credence to the plot, as we see familiar characters like Konata Izumi and Kagami Hiiragi.
Act Two begins here. I anticipate everyone will enjoy reading the coming chapters.
I hope you all enjoyed. Cya!