Smoke on the Water

by AnonymousFanPerson

Early Summer, 2020. A Gate to another world opened. But with it came an attempted invasion by a fantasy Navy. This story is not the gate you know. This time the Gate opens on the water. That changes the warfare. The countries involved are different. That changes the dynamic. This story does not follow any characters. But instead tells the events.

2. Chapter 1

Chapter 1, Tropical Attack

Five Imperial ships emerged from the Gate, Entering the waters of this New World. "Sound the signal to halt all ships." Ordered Manius. The trumpet then sounded a series of notes, All ships then raised their ores out of the water. Manious stood up and walked to the front of the vessel, Climbing up onto the highest part of its bow. He looked around. It was night where the gate opened in this world. However, Lights could be seen in the distance. Several lights. Some moving, Others stationary. Some even flashed. "A city." He said. "Bring me the sounding line." He shouted next.

A long coil of rope with a series of knots tied in it was handed to him. Tied to one end was a heavy lead weight. He wrapped the free end of the rope in his hands. Then dangled the weight over the edge. Allowing it to drop slowly into the water, He stopped when he could feel the weight hit the bottom, and the line went slack. He then began pulling the weight up again. Counting each knot as it passed through his hands. He did not get but 1 knot before the weight rose out of the water. He looked up at the town again. "One knot." He thought to himself. "Sound to drop anchor!" he shouted. The trumpet sounded again, and soon after splashes from the other boats could be heard. "One knot, almost two" he thought. Mentally he subtracted the known depth of his vessel from the almost two knots he counted. It was less than a fathom to the bottom. Very shallow water.

He looked up at the lights again. Watching them for a moment he noticed something strange about the lights. They did not flicker like the lights of a fire. They were steady, Almost like points of light. The flashing lights flashed in perfect intervals. Never a moment too soon or too late. Manius then shouted so that all aboard and on the other boats could hear him. "We'll wait for sunrise! The water is very shallow! Too dangerous to traverse without daylight! When the sun is up, we will head for that town!" He then climbed down and walked to the Port side of his boat. "Appius!" He shouted. "Take your vessel and return through the gate! Inform the armada to send additional ships through! Lusorias ships only!"

"Yes sir" Appius replied. "Oars men, All astern!"

One boat returned through the gate. The others waited. The men tried to rest and prepare for the coming battle.

Several hours later

The sun was just beginning to be visible over the horizon. Overnight the number of ships had grown from five to twenty one. Just over a thousand men were ready to siege the town for the emperor. Two of the ships had come together so their Captains met. "It does not appear to be a large town. A thousand men should be able to take it. Even without support from Orcs or Dragon Riders." Appius was talking to Manius about their attack strategy. A thousand men was not a lot, but this was a small town. They would need a base of operations in this world, and there would be sailors in that town who know this world's waters. Taking that town was a must. However they had only men at their disposal. No Orcs or demi-humans of any kind were available. And although 1 ship carried dragon riders, They would need to secure an area for them to take off. So they would only become useful after the initial attack.

"The town seems largely defenseless." Said Manius. "What vessels I can identify do not look like warships. This should be an easy fight."

Appius looked at his commander. "You sound concerned."

"Something feels off. I have a bad feeling. I don't know why. Maybe those strange colored lights we saw rise out of the forest of that other island have me concerned."

Appius responded "Pay it no mind. It's probably pre-battle nerves. We must weigh anchor and begin the assault."

Manius nodded in agreement. "You're right. Board your vessel and prepare. The horn will sound in five minutes." Appius went back aboard his ship. Five minutes later the trumpet sounded, and all oarsmen began rowing towards the island. The attack had begun

Half an hour later, on shore.

Neal flipped the sign on the door from Closed to Open. He looked out the window and saw some of the boats heading through the channel out to sea. It was a lovely day for boating. He hoped that would mean a good day for business. Divers would be out today. And his shop had plenty of oxygen and dive equipment to sell. He went back to the counter. But no sooner had he got there, he heard a commotion coming from the docks outside. He saw people looking and pointing towards the east, and decided to go see what all the commotion was about.

Wooden ships? From the bay no less. Those waters were far too shallow for anything other than shallow draft boats to traverse. The sunrise did make it hard to see clearly. But those looked to be a substantial number of small ships rapidly approaching. And they were powered by oarsmen. The people on board looked like Roman soldiers. Neal begins to get an ominous feeling.

Back aboard the Imperial ships.

Manius looked at the town. They were approaching some docks, and several smaller boats were moored there. Strange boats. Some had sails, others didn't. The bad feeling returned, But Manius suppressed it. This town must be taken. People could be seen on the docks now, They were aware of the imperial ships. To the left was an area of sand. "Proclus! Beach three ships there!" Shouted Manius. The three ships to his right alter course for the sandy shoreline. To the right of the strange boats was an area of black sand and some trees. "Appius! Pass an order to the starboard flank! Beach one vessel in that wooded area!" Appius acknowledged, and soon the ship on the far right altered its course for the black sand area. "We will have to use the docks. Oarsmen! Prepare for a halt maneuver! Have lines ready! We will use their docks!" A yell of acknowledgement came from the oarsmens, Manius continued. "Warriors! We are to take this town for the Empire! Kill anyone who resists, but be sure to capture as many as possible!" All the soldiers on the boats started yelling.

Once the boats got close to the docs, Manius yelled. "Oarsmen, All stop!" The oarsmen then held their oars in place under water. The drag helped slow the vessel down quickly. Some men jumped into the water carrying ropes. They quickly swam towards the docks. Once on the docks they began pulling their ship inland. Strangely no one tried to stop them. They found this odd. You would think someone would try and stop the ships from making landfall so easily. Instead these people just stood there watching, mouths agape. They will soon pay for their hesitation. The boats came in close enough. Soldiers began jumping off the boat and running towards the town.

A few minutes later. At the nearby police station.

An officer was sitting at her desk when the phones suddenly began ringing off the hook. Several calls of a group of people attacking civilians at the Big Game Resort Marina. This early in the morning there were not very many officers available to respond. Not that there were that many officers to begin with. Not that much crime in a small island town. Something like this happening here was unheard of. These things happened far away in other countries. Not here.

The officer stood up from her desk. The location was practically next door. She could run there in no time. Or they could be here in no time! At that moment a group of men armed with swords burst through the door.

Back on the streets. 30 Minutes after the attack started.

"Sir. We have captured a great number of people. All of them appear to be in good health." Said a soldier reporting to Manius and Appius.

"Excellent." Appius said.

The soldier continued. "We also captured a building just up the road. It contains detailed maps of this island. It appeared to be a small garrison."

Manius spoke. "Very good. Show us to it."

The three Imperial soldiers walked just up the road. "So far so good." Remarked Appius. "I bet we will have the whole island concurred before sundown."

"Humm." Replied Manius. "Something still bothers me. Small town it may be, but we're encountering little to no resistance. And these roads. They're all paved."

Appius Replied. "There are paved roads in our world to Mannius."

"But not likethis." Said Manius. As stated this is a small town, yet every road is paved. And with some material I've never seen before. It's like stone. But like stone that was poured here in one continuous line."

Appius nodded. "I must admit it is striking. They also painted these lines on it. And those, things. Like that one there." He pointed to a strange box on wheels. It almost looked like a wagon, but with no place to attach a horse. "Those things apparently can move. Magic I would assume. But our mages report their magical power is quite weak in this world."

The three soldiers stopped in a small clearing next to the captured building. "Here it is my liege."

"Very good soldier. Return to your unit. We will have runners bring you orders soon." Ordered Manius. The soldier acknowledged and walked off. "Perhaps their magic works differently than ours." Manius continued. "Now then. Let's finish taking this island. We'll use this building as a command post." The two commanders walked into the building. As they approached the door they saw a sign posted on the wall. They could not read the language however.

Office of the Prime Minister, 1 hour after the attack began

Prime Minister Ricky Mercia practically ran into his office. He received an urgent phone call while in the middle of his morning routine. He quickly grabbed his jacket and headed out the door. "Send any nearby military units to the island. Confirm these reports." Was all he said on the phone before leaving. His aide handed him a piece of paper as he walked in. Her morning was clearly interrupted too. 'REPORTS CONFIRMED'. The prime Ministers heart sank into his stomach. He was hoping it was some kind of prank, or miss communication. This country had no enemies. Though it was in a commonwealth of other nations, some of whom did have their fair share of enemies.

But his nation offered no strategic value. What possible reason would anyone have for attacking them? Their Military was small, yes; But they had very powerful allies. Allies that were ready to come to their aide. One of whom was only a stone's throw away. Who in their right mind would pick a fight here. And the reports of their weapons and ships. Greco-Roman? Somebody must be smoking something they shouldn't be. Right?

At that moment a political colleague entered. Minister of National Defense Patrick Marr. "Our aircraft overhead has confirmed the reports!" He practically yelled as he entered.

"I know." Replied the Prime Minister. "What defense assets do we have nearby?"

Patrick quickly responded. "One ship, The Nassau. It will be there within ninety minutes." It was one of their most capable ships. And that was the problem. The Nassua was built for patrol and Maritime Law Enforcement. This was an invasion. In a densely populated area too. There was not a whole hell of a lot a single cannon and four machine guns could do. Even if they could get close to the island.

"We need to contact our Allies." Said Patrick. "Even if they are using swords, there's more of them than we can handle. Especially if more are on the way."

"How did they even get here? How did we have no fore-warning of this?" Asked the PM.

Patrick flipped through his papers and placed a photo on the PM's desk. "This was taken by our recon plane. This structure in the bay is new." He pointed to what appeared to be a large doorway. It looked very Greek, or Roman. It was quite large. Large enough smaller ships could fit through it. "The recon plane said it saw 2 ships exit this doorway and join its allies in the attack."

The Prime Minister had a look of disbelief on his face. "So these bastards have a Stargate! Is that what you're saying?"

"I don't know Sir. But they came from somewhere. More came from that doorway while the plane was overhead. And they're attacking us."

"Whatever that thing is, it opened in a problematic spot." Said the PM. "The waters around that island are very shallow. Our patrol ship won't be able to approach from the ideal angle."

Patrick nodded. "If we had some attack planes I could send them. But we don't. You know what we need to do."

The Prime Minister stood up and quickly walked to the door. He then told his secretary what he wanted done. "Contact the President of the United States. Top Priority. We need military assistance. Then call the Prime Minister of the UK, I'll talk to her next."

One hour, fifteen minutes after the attack began

The alert siren suddenly sounded at Homestead Air Reserve Base. Flight Commander Oliver Powell ran into the crew locker room and quickly began putting on his flight suit. Others were already in the room doing the same. More came in after him. After getting his suite on and grabbing his helmet, he ran towards the aircraft parked outside. The crew had already hooked up the ground power units. He visually noted the load out on his F-16. one AIM-9X Sidewinder, And one AIM-120D AMRAAM; Both had yellow stripes. No ground munitions, no fuel tanks. Most likely the opposite wing had the same loadout. He climbed into the cockpit and began running the scramble procedures.

"Main power, On. Caution lights, Checked. Master caution, Reset. Fuel Master, Guarded. Engine feed, Normal. Air source, Normal. Avionics, On. INS, Align-Normal." A ground crewman made sure his belts were fastened and his helmet was on. Then climbed down and pulled the ladder away. Commander Powell looked to his right to see his wingman climbing into his aircraft. Powell closed and locked the canopy before continuing with the startup sequence. Flipping on the various systems. In less than two minutes the ready sign appeared on the DED. The F-16's inertial navigation was now aligned just enough to fly. Normal procedure would be to wait a full eight minutes for the INS to fully align. Allowing the most accurate navigation possible. But this was a scramble situation. His flight did not have time to wait. The quick alignment would have to do.

Not five minutes had gone by and four vipers began their taxi out. Another six we're still being readied for launch as well. Across the base the F15s of the Florida Air National Guard were preparing to launch too.

"MAKO Flight. Homestead Tower. You are clear for immediate takeoff on runway six, High performance climb to one-five thousand is approved. Winds calm."

Flight Commander Oliver Powell acknowledged the takeoff clearance then selected UHF-2 to communicate with his flight. "MAKO 1-2 You follow me. MAKO's 1-3 and 1-4 Follow in ten second interval. Flight ready. Run em up." The first element of the four plane flight began their takeoff, followed by the second element ten seconds later.

"MAKO Flight, Homestead tower. Change to Sealord approved." The flight switched their UHF-1 radios over to Fleet Area Control Jacksonville. Callsign Sealord. After establishing contact they were finally briefed on the situation.

"MAKO Flight, Sealord. Less than thirty minutes ago the president received an urgent call from The Bahamas. The Island of Bimini was under attack, and they were requesting military assistance. Situation on the ground is unknown. As for the air, Picture over the island is clear. Be advised there was a Bahama Defense Force aircraft overhead earlier, But has since departed the area. Naval assets have been dispatched and are in route. Your orders are to ID any airborne threats, assess the situation, and secure air superiority if practical. How Copy?"

Commander Powell responded over the radio. "MAKO Leader copies all." He started to wonder why anyone would want to attack the Bahamas, What reason could they have? Then sealord came over the radio again.

"MAKO Flight, Proceed direct Bimini VORTAC, 1-1-4 X-ray. Angles fifteen, speed is buster. Bimini VORTAC is Bullseye"

Back on the island.

Manius and Appius looked over what appeared to be a treasure trove of intelligence. Detailed maps of not just this island and its town. But also several showing the presence of other islands, and a large continent not too far away either. With plenty of coastal cities. It was more than one could ever hope to have on any other campaign. "With these we could take over this world in no time." Said Appius.

"We should focus on this island first." Replied manius. "This place is not the best staging ground, but it will have to do. I've ordered the men to send status reports every hour. When the battle is over we must sort through the captured locals. We'll enslave two hundred and send through the gate. The rest will remain here to serve us."

Appius nodded as he pointed at the map on the wall. He pointed at the spot on the map with a large decorative star. In that star was an island that matched the one they were on. They presumed this to be their current location. "If this is indeed where we are, We should go ahead and send some dragon riders to this nearby continent. They can recon and report back their findings."

Manius though for a moment. After securing the beach they now had a suitable area to launch dragon riders. But they only had about ten or so with them. He was a cautious commander and wanted to keep as many riders here in case they were needed. But the enemy was currently putting up little resistance, Most of the island had been concurred. And dragon riders would be of little use for security in the aftermath of battle.

Manius made his decision. "Send two riders to that continent. Recon the coastline and return. Send another four to the southernmost island. We will need to concur it soon as well. Make sure the leaders of the rider teams have communication stones."

"It will be done my lord." Said Appius. He then exited the building to relay the orders to the dragon riders on the beach.

Two Dragon riders were selected. one of them was appointed the leader of this recon flight, and given a communication stone. They mounted their wyverns and rode them to an area of the beach set aside for takeoff. The wyverns ran down the beach, flapping their wings. They took to the air in as little as a hundred feet. They then put the island to their back and headed towards the nearby continent. As they flew something caught the leaders eye. He squinted his eyes, and focused on the object. It appeared to be a ship, Galleon sized. Heading straight for the island.

He grabbed the communication stone. "Lucius, We've sighted an unknown ship heading towards the island. They will arrive in less than a half hour."

There was a brief pause. "This is Lucius. We will divert two of the other riders to investigate. Your orders stand. Continue with your recon mission."

30 miles West of Bimini, fifteen thousand feet above sea level.

"MAKO Flight, Sealord. A Bahamian Naval vessel reports two unknown aircraft departing Bimini west bound. ID and report back."

Commander Powell replied. "Copy Sealord. We'll look for them." He then switched back to UHF-2 to communicate with his flight. "MAKO 1-2 you see anything on radar?"

There was a brief pause. "Negative MAKO Lead. Picture is clear."

Commander Powell responded by issuing an order to all four planes in his flight. "Pick up your visual scanning, watch for missile trails."

The commander turned his attention to his radar display. Less than thirty miles to Bimini, they should have a clear view of everything over the island. Even an F22 would show up at this range. Just then a white square appeared on the display. Less than twenty miles away!

"MAKO Leader has radar contact, BRA zero-eight-zero for two-zero. Unknown type. Tagging now." The commander bugged the targets on the radar and sent their position information to the others in his flight. They now appeared to everyone, even if they had no radar contact. Problem was they had no clue who these bogeys were. White contacts are unknowns, ROE says don't engage unknowns unless fired upon. But they were departing Bimini, and heading towards the US. They had to figure out who and what this contact was.

"MAKO's 3 and 4. Perform a show of force on the targets. ID type and report back. MAKO 2, me and you will stay high." All aircraft acknowledged their orders. Two of them then broke formation heading straight for the unknown targets. The two fighters positioned themselves in front of the targets, heading right for one another. They got closer, and closer. When they we're practically on top of one another, The falcons broke off.

"MAKO 3 to MAKO Lead. You're not going to believe this commander. I think we just buzzed a flight of dragons?"

The two dragon riders, Just after the show of force.

"What the hell was that?" The two dragon riders just had what they now assume to be enemy dragon riders nearly run into them. Perhaps someone got the word out about the attack. No matter. There were only two of these strange dragons. They should be easy pickins for the Imperial dragon riders. Though that high speed fly-by did spook their wyverns quite a bit. The other rider waved his hands to get his attention. He then pointed in front of the flight. The enemy dragons were setting up for another pass. The flight leader made a motion with his hands. Engaging the enemy was the sign he gave.

Back inside the cockpit of MAKO Leader

"That's affirmative Sealord. Honest to god dragons." The commander ordered the two aircraft to fly by from the rear of the targets and confirm what they saw. Sure enough it was two dragons with human riders atop. They were continuing on course for the US, And at their speed would reach it in under an hour. The commander told them to perform another show of force, Though at this point it's a formality. One is usually enough. Meanwhile he relayed their findings to Sealord.

"We read you MAKO, two dragons. Ahh, we. Umm. Standby"

"Yeah I feel the same." thought the commander. Now he and MAKO 2 were within visual range of the dragons; they could see MAKO's 3 and 4 performing their second show of force. As they approached this time however, The dragons fired upon them. A bright ball of flame came from the dragon's mouth. Aimed directly at the two F16's. At the same time. The Missile Launch System sounded a warning, and a missile symbol appeared on the RWR.

"MISSILE, MISSILE!" Screamed MAKO 3 over the radio. Both aircraft broke from their flight path to avoid the fire. MAKO 4 was too slow however. The fireball hit the underside of his right wing. The fire stuck to the wing momentarily, But was quickly extinguished by the airflow rushing around the wing.

"This is MAKO 4. I took a hit, But no damage." The commander acknowledged his team mate before issuing a new set of orders. ROE dictated they could return fire, if fired upon.

"MAKO's 3 and 4, You are cleared to engage. Recommend guns. Save our heaters for later." After hearing his team mates acknowledge him, the commander quickly informed Sealord of the situation. "Sealord MAKO flight. The dragons are hostile. Repeat dragons are hostile. Engaging defensive."

The two Dragon Riders, Just after firing on the strange dragons.

"The fireballs appeared to have no effect." The leader of the formation was screaming into his communication stone, relaying their findings with his commander back on the island. Just ahead of him he sees the other dragon rider look behind them, then give the hand signal for an approaching enemy. The leader looks behind him to see one of these strange dragons shooting their fireballs. Everything went black.

He came too a few moments later, Falling through the sky. He could see his dragon not too far away. It was clearly dead, Practically shredded. He looked up and saw the strange dragon fire again. This time on his teammate.

"It's strange." He thought. Their fireballs are much smaller, quicker, and more numerous. He watched them pass through his teammate, tearing him apart. They did not impact and spread out like normal fireballs. They passed through his teammate instead. Then the strange dragon began a hard climbing turn. And that's when he realized something. These strange dragons did not flap their wings. And spouted fire out their backside. What type of dragon could propel itself in a near vertical climbing turn like that without flapping its wings. He could feel the communication stone still in hand. He brought it up to say one last thing. With all the strength he had left, he spoke.

"They don't flap their wings." He hit the water!

"MAKO confirms, splashed two. Continuing to Bimini." The commander informed Sealord of the results of their engagement. They were now less than twenty miles from Bimini, and could even see it in the distance. There was smoke rising from the populated areas. They also saw what they assumed to be the Bahaminian ship approaching the island from the south west.

"Sealor, MAKO Flight. Can you give us the channel for friendly Naval assets?" Ask the commander. Sealord relayed them the UHF frequency to contact the naval forces.

"Bahaminin Warship, Bahaminin Warship. This is MAKO Leader. Flight of four F-16s, Armed for air to air. Requesting SITREP."

Back on the Island

"Three Riders are down?" Asked Manius, Checking to see if he misshered.

"Yes sir. We lost contact with the two we sent westward. The last thing we heard from their communication stone was unintelligible. We also lost one of the two sent to investigate the approaching vessel."

Manius crossed his arms in disbelief. Things had gone smoothly thus far. What could be taking down their dragons? "What of the one who made it back?" Asked Manius.

The soldier in charge of the dragon riders went pale. "He came back gravely wounded, Healing mages are seeing him now. The wounds on him and the dragon were strange. Almost like something had passed right through him. But we recovered no arrows or bolts."

"Hold off on sending any more dragons up for now." Replied Manius before he started heading back to their command post.

Manius could not believe what he heard. Dragon riders were nearly invincible to everything except coordinated archer volleys, and other dragon riders. So far the little resistance they had encountered showed no signs of being able to muster such attacks. Perhaps someone in town managed to get word to the army of this nation? Was a counter attack incoming? He then heard a commotion coming from behind. The sound of wonder, and fear. He turned around. His men were in panic!

A grey object, Approaching from the west at great speed. Its silhouette got bigger and bigger, It was clearly coming straight for them. Yet there was no sound. Nothing but the commotion coming from his men. Manius got a strong feeling of dread. Whatever this thing was, it was dangerous. It passes overhead, very low overhead. That's when the sound arrived. All at once a high pitch scream, followed by a thunderous roar. The sound sent his men into a panic. Manious's jaw dropped when this strange object passed by. Ridding on, no inside it; Was a man. "This must be an enemy dragon rider." He thought. He watched the dragon go into a steep vertical climb, spitting fire out its backside. No dragon he ever saw could pull a maneuver like that. And most alarming of all, It did not flap its wings.

HMBS Nassau, 10 miles Southwest of Bimini

"Roger that MAKO, Establish air superiority, We'll get back to you with a plan as soon as there is one." The communications operator then switched his microphone over to the shipboard COM's. "CON, Radio. MAKO reports no enemy air contacts over the island, but they have confirmed the presence of people matching the description sent by our government."

Back on the bridge the Captain acknowledged the radio operator. He and his Executive Officer we're looking at an ECDIS display. "We can get within a mile of the island, But not much further. Approaching from any direction other than west is impossible."

The Captain nodded his head. "Then the most we can do is send over a RHIB. But even if we sent everyone onboard we would be outnumbered. With only small arms, limited manpower, and no real transport; Just too risky."

The Executive officer spoke next. "With MAKO overhead we have air superiority against medieval soldiers. Dragons or not. US reports more vipers are on the way, Some will be armed for air to ground. They also got two warships enroute."

"Even so, there won't be a whole hell of a lot they can do either." Replied the Captain. "Dropping munitions on the town would lead to collateral damage. I'll consider it a last resort option." He held his right hand to his chin, thinking intently about the situation. How could they turn these attackers away? They were but one ship, with a small crew. They had four .50-cal machine guns, one Auto-cannon, and two RHIB's. Their ship was meant for offshore patrol and law enforcement. Even with Warships on the way, and fighters overhead; There's not much that can be done.

"What we need is boots on the ground."