"The First Contact War was a wake-up call for Humanity. We were so occupied with expanding our grasp onto the New Frontier that we became oblivious to the risks of space travel. In my opinion, the First Contact War made the Federation ready for what was to come.."
-Memoirs of the Galactic Stage, Published 2218
"This is Nile Company. AA gun placement in Sector Alpha is complete, on route to Sector Bravo."
"Tenth and Second Armored here. We're escorting a town's worth of civilians to their designated bunkers. After that, we'll rendezvous with 12th Company at Fort Horotama."
"This Kilo-5. Relaying message form the CNMS Stormcaller, Orbital Defense has dropped to 43 percent combat efficiency. What's the status of AATIS?"
"Kilo-05, this is AATIS Control. AATIS guns are have reached sixty-six percent combat readiness. Standby for updates."
"Another relay from Orbital Defense Platform Yorktown. Enemy combatants have disabled its primary cannon. Sensors are reading multiple boarding craft approaching. Point Defense Guns have been rendered inert. They're asking for ETA on the Quick Reaction Fleet?"
"STRATCOM hasn't given us any updates on the QRF. Standby for updates."
"We have don't have time for updates Goddamnit! We've lost over half of our Orbital Defense and now I'm getting readings of more of these damn ships are jumping in the system. I wanted reinforcements here and I wanted them yesterday!
"Orbital Defense Platform Vegas is lost. I repeat, Vegas Station has been lost with all hands."
"This the CNMS Armstrong. Battlegroup Econ has capitulated. Enemy ships are pushing towards the gap in the line. All remaining battle groups are already engaged with hostile…"
"CNMS Armstrong come in!"
"This is the Grassland. CNMS Armstrong is lost with all hands. I repeat, CNMS Armstrong is lost with all hands."
"This is a message from the Colonial Authority. Attention Citizens. A Class-3 Invasion is in effect. Please report to your nearest emergency bunker. Each resident is allowed one suitcase per person. This message will repeat…"
"May God have mercy on us all."
"At first, the Defense Fleet held. The Great White Shark known as Admiral Wittenberg did his finest to prevent the enemy from breaking atmosphere. Only God himself knew how long he'd last against an overwhelming force. But that was his job. Our job was making sure that if the Defense Fleet fails. We'd give them on a hell of a fight on the surface."
-CDF Army Colonel Jacob Daniels, Shanxi Colonial Defense Force
Act I: First Contact
Chapter 2: Protocol Dictates Action
Fort Sinhae
Shanxi
May 3, 2169
It was around lunchtime when the news had broken out. Many thought it was the average SetDef Terror Cell making noise around Colonial space. This would usually result in the Colonial Defense Force handing them their asses and send them running for their money. But this time, the situation was different.
Reports from Orbital Defense were saying that the unknown fleet in orbit was becoming more and more strenuous by the minute, as well as sending boarding parties to orbital installations and the nearby space tether. This type of information was making Colonial Administrations nervous. Nervous enough that they announced Planetary emergency Black. The last time that was used was when SetDef hand invaded Earth decades ago.
Lance Corporal Matthew Keane stood silently within the harness that was secured over his Torso, his NV4 Assault Weapons system was placed on a rack by his side, and his Kendall-44 Service Pistol was holstered on his hip. He then looked at the Platoon of Army troopers that occupied the PMSAA Raven Gunship before him. Four Squads of CDF Army troopers that fell under the name of the 3rd Platoon: three rifle squads and one Heavy weapon squad, normally armed with machine guns and anti-tank weapons. Leading said Platoon was Lieutenant Ryan Tekkard; a tough SOB with a gentle soul. Second-in-command was Sergeant First Class, Elizabeth Venner; there was little go on about her since she's the platoons newest replacement. The last Staff Sergeant 3rd Platoon had somehow blown his legs off in a training accident a month back.
"Touch down in one minute." The Pilot announced. Seeing how they were approaching their destination, the men and Women of the 3rd Platoon released their harnesses and prepared for landfall.
"Rooker! Get those C6's up and running. I don't need your sorry ass making lounging around while shit is about to hit the fan". Scolded Tekkard. "On it, boss."Rooker replied.
"Venner, stick with me. The rest of you. Get your gear ready and form up behind me."
The troopers made collective "Yes sir." In response.
The ride to Fort Sinhae was short, as the Training Centre they were assigned to, was a mere 7 miles from each other. The Raven touched down at a nearby field, where many CDF Army troopers were currently milling about and going over last-minute preparations.
As the ramp lowered, the sun shined through the doorway, immediately blinding 3rd platoon before the visor of their helmets quickly adjusted to the light, and seeing many troops moving about the FOB. As Tekkard led them of the raven, a man wearing a CDF issued warfighter rig who wore a green cap that had an oak leaf at the center and had a Kendall-44 on his hip. Tekkard smiled when he saw the man.
"Major Quincy. Nice to see you that you haven't got any younger over the years." Tekkard told him.
"You're still waiting for me to retire, aren't you? Quincy replied. Tekkard coughed up a small laugh before giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"Any updates so far, my friend?" Tekkard asked.
Kyle's friendly expression then turned serious. "Not good I'm afraid. The Naval Defense Fleet is getting torn up and we don't know how long until they break orbit. Land to Air Defenses has been set up in key points among the continental vital points, giving the amount of AATIS Guns we have some additional firing support in case any enemy ships decide to enter Khuvi's airspace. It's not enough to single-handedly take out an entire fleet but it'll give us an advantage if the worse comes to worst." He explained.
"It's only a matter of time before the Shark's luck runs out." Tekkard Commented. Major Quincy only nodded.
"What about the elevator? I've heard that Alpha has been under siege since the invasion started."
"Contact with Elevator Alpha has been spotty. The network that's linked to the elevator is damaged beyond repair. So as of 0530, we haven't heard from the security team stationed in the elevator." Kyle explained; the small hint of worry showing face.
Tekkard sighed. He expected for something like this to happen, but not this quick. Just like SDF Terror Cells have tried in the past, these Unknowns have boarded the orbital elevator via hanger bay since it was an easier route for troop deployment than to send dropships through the atmosphere. Now instead of Terror Cells, it's presumably an alien force that's hell-bent on Humanity's extinction. Tekkard shook of the malignant thought, for now, there were more important tasks to worry about.
"So, what's the game plan, Major?" Tekkard inquired. Quincy then took a moment to reach into one of his back pockets; pulling out holodisk, which projected a display of City of Khuvi.
"Colonel Daniels wants Second Platoon to secure the Commercial District, top Priority is the Orbital Elevator. That was supposed to be Fifth Company's job, but due to unforeseen complications. They had to escort some "Not so compliant" Civilians making a mess in the Residential district. Once that is done, Third Platoon specifically will be extracted by a Raven. Callsign Jackal-03 will escort you and your men to the Colonial Administrations Center within the Central Administrative District. A CBAI Agent needs assistance in moving important files to a secure location."
Venner piped in "So we're babysitting a Spook? I thought the Bureau was the best at looking after themselves, not from a bunch of grunts." Her speaking out of turn warranted an irritated glare from Tekkard, but the Major gave a dismissive wave towards him.
"I understand what you mean. The CBAI is known to cook up some... impressive filed agents, but they ain't a one-man army...at least not yet if the rumors are true."
"Sounds easy enough, Major. Tekkard replied. "We'll get it done."
"I'm sure you will Lieutenant. when have you ever let me down?"
Tekkard made an unsure face. "Is that a trick question?"
"Depends on how you interpret it…Also, there is something I want you and your men to do."
"Third Platoon! Our assignments will be sent your HUD shortly. As of now, you're dismissed." 3rd Platoon made a collective nod to his order. As they disbursed, Tekkard placed a hand on Veneers' shoulder. "Keep an eye on them, will you?"
"Duly noted," Venner replied.
Tekkard walked off towards the Major and his associates. Leaving the men and women of 3rd Platoon to talk amongst themselves and or help around the base.
Matthew had ended up assisting some Army Engineers to run some final diagnostics 4th Company's C-12, that goes by the name Shirley.
"Alright, Frank. Give her spin." Matthew ordered.
Frank gave a small nod and imputed a few commands into his wrist-mounted Tacpad.
Not even a few seconds later, the 15-foot-tall Bipedal titanium-plated force of nature began giving of series of beeps. Shirley then proceeded to test her hydraulics, after that she tested her .50 BMG Rotary Cannon and T-77 Falcon Rocket pods. Matthew watched the Metal Beast move on about her surroundings before coming back to her original position and coming to a complete stop.
"Yeah, she's all fine and dandy." Frank acknowledged.
"Fine! Dandy! And ready to Kill!" Shirley responded in its joyful and feminine synthesized voice.
"I swear I get chills every time she says that." Matthew thought to himself. "Ok, Sierra-Romeo One-Three-One, you can head back to your squad now."
"Thank you, Sir! You have a wonderful day, now!"
"Yeah. You too." Matthew stated. The young CDF trooper continued with diagnostics check of several weapons and equipment, not noticing another figure walking up behind him.
"It is true that most of you Combat Engineers have some sort of robot-fetish?"
Matthew jolted out of his train of thought, spinning around and nearly giving himself whiplash. He turned to see Venner.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Matthew asked.
"You didn't answer the question," Venner replied
"What makes you think I'm into robots?"
"Other than just rumors, nothing really." She told him. Matthew gave a bewildered look of confusion. Venner gave him a smirk before giving him a slight jab.
"Don't worry. No rumors about you. Just general rumors about Combat Engineers."
Matthew was about to say something until a loud voice got their attention. Both Matthew and Venner looked towards the front, seeing Tekkard approach 3rd Platoon.
"Third Platoon! Check and get your gear and be ready to mount up in five!" Tekkard ordered. Not wanting to waste precious time, the garrisoned troopers of the Shanxi Colonial Defense Force began preparing for the unknown.
"Finally, some action." A trooper exclaimed, hefting a missile launcher on his shoulder.
"Funny you say that Wells, since the only action you got in your life is when you shagged your cousin on your 19th birthday." Wells could only grumble with irritation as he could her other personnel chuckled at him. Wells gave off a sarcastic laugh.
"That funny for an Englishman like say since a great part of your ancestors were inbred."
I'm nae an Englishmen, I'm Scottish, ye hick." He proclaimed, letting the Irish accent be more profound.
The two marines continued their banter as Matthew and his new friends shrugged and proceeded to grab their gear and board their assigned IFV's.
Once more, heading into the unknown.
CNMS Lunar Nemesis
Shanxi High Orbit
"Battlegroup Tailor has capitulated."
"Short Range Scans show that only We and Battlegroup Mantis remains in an operational capacity."
"75% of Orbital Defense Platforms have been occupied by hostile forces."
"Orbital Strength has dropped to twenty-seven percent."
Three more mass accelerator rounds impact the Lunar Nemesis, splashing against the already weakened shielding. Admiral Wittenberg only sighed as he viewed the mass carnage that was in clear view. Within the last few hours, Wittenberg witnessed the same ships that serve with him during the countless Neo-SDF Terror Fleets, were torn apart but hostile ships that outnumbered the Defense Fleet. Now only three Battlegroups remain in the defense of the planet`. One who's combat capacity was almost reduced to nothing and the other that was steering on the threshold of utter capitulation.
Sadly, the latter fell upon Wittenberg's own Battlegroup. The damage that was laid upon Battlegroup Lunar Nemesis was immeasurable to say simplest terms, as most of the ships that made up his Battlegroup were dead weight or molten debris that laid within the defense line. Now it was only a matter of time before the for Lunar Nemesis; the lead ship of the Shanxi Orbital Defense and the pride of the Seventh Fleet would be the next victim of the alien's vicious onslaught.
"Any response from STRATCOM as yet?" Wittenberg asked with a stoic expression.
Zero took only a second to respond. No response from STRATCOM has returned. The enigmatic AI Explained. "Although I can make a predictable estimation of the time it would take to send in a QRF task force."
"How long would it take?"
"Due to the gradually Astronomical Units between Shanxi and the gateway to the inner colonies. Estimated time of arrival rounds about to four days, nineteen hours, thirty-two minutes, sixty seconds."
Wittenberg gave an effortless sigh. He then turned to his weapons officer.
"Systems Check." He ordered.
"Weapon Integrity is straining, Power fluctuations have rendered the 4 primary weapon systems offline, shields are holding at 13% percent, Deuterium-Fusion Engines are approaching the destabilization line. Overall systems check reads at 56 percent and dropping."
"I see…" He responded.
The realization was clear that with his fleet in disarray and the possibility of help not arriving in time. He looked upon his crew, seeing the intense dread that evidently showed on their faces.
They don't deserve to die.
Several more round impacted the ships protected hull, eventually piercing its shields.
"Admiral! Our Shields have gone critical!"
"Hull integrity is standing at 51 percent!"
"Word from Engineering; Shield core has strained the Fusion Reactors. Cooling Subroutines have kicked in but they're only keeping the engines at the Final stabilization line!"
Not like this.
"Orders Sir?" a crewman asked, fear evident in his eyes.
Not like rest.
-XXXXX-
Orbital Elevator Alpha
Downtown Khuvi City
"All right listen up, and check your HUDS, because I won't say it twice. About 3 hours ago, we've received radio chatter that Coast Guard defenses have been under heavy strain against enemy forces."
A digital image of the Orbital Elevator appeared the visors of Zulu's helmets. Displaying a vivid and detailed picture of their objective.
"Due to the vast size and nature if the installation we will be splitting up in teams of five. Teams One and Team Two will secure the base floor and control room. Teams Three and Four will move in and secure the following sectors highlighted on the map. Once we've completed our primary objectives, we'll link up with any surviving security forces and proceed to land platform Charlie. Once we get there A Raven will be providing extraction and support when we need it. Another thing, any civilians found on the station will be escorted down to the base floor and extracted by Teams One and Two. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir!" all responded.
"That's great. Any questions?"
"Uh, yeah. What happens if we can't retake the elevator?" An Army Trooper named Townsend asked she checked her H6-Proteus for the what can be called the sixtieth time. A stress reliever no doubt.
"Command units AATIS Tower has informed us that if we aren't able to secure the elevator, they'll destroy the elevator to prevent it from staying in enemy hands. Any other questions?"
All the troopers remained quiet. The only sound that could be heard was from the IFV's roaring engines.
"Lieutenant! We're approaching the drop-off. Make sure you and your men are ready." The Driver informed.
Noted, Tekkard then opened the Battle Network, informing the other teams to get ready. Within that same IFV, Matthew silently sat in his seat, his mind going to places that kept him from becoming too stressed. This method was then interrupted by slight nudge felt on his left arm. Coming back to reality, Matthew turned to the source of the distraction. It was Venner, In turn, Matthew expected a snarky remark from her, like from before. But what she did was different this time. He could tell that was she was saying something as he could see her lips moving behind her visor. One problem with this was that there was no sound coming from her helmet's speaker.
"Uh, you do I can't hear you right?"
The Venner looked confused for a second before she realized that her Commlink wasn't was working properly. She began to frantically type on her TACPAD, knowing that having Commlink that wasn't working properly would be detrimental to the mission. Matthew only watched as she attempted to fix the situation.
"Venner!" A gruff voice called out, one belonging to the Lieutenant. "What's going on? Why are you messing with your TACPAD?"
"Her Commlink is messing up," Matthew informed him. Tekkard brought his attention back to Venner, then towards Matthew.
"Tyndall, help the Sergeant with her Commlink. We can't have anyone cut off from the rest of the team."
Matthew gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Turning to towards Venner, he motioned her to bring her TACPAD towards him.
Doing so, Matthew used his knowledge of basic technology to type in a few commands on the screen. He then asked her to activate her Commlink again.
Doing so, Venner activated the connection to the Battle Network.
"Testing…Kzzzt…Testing…Hello? Can…. Kzzzt…Hear me?" She asked.
The Static was pain now everyone had to experience.
Matthew sighed. "Yes, but it seems like you Commlink has a weak connection. So, what I recommend is to not overuse it to a point where it strains so much, you blow a fuse in your helmet. Got it?
"Yeah…. Kzzzt…Got it."
Matthew didn't give a response to what his squadmate. The blank expression he gave was all she needed to grasp his way of thinking. Taking this to note, Venner quietly laid back in her seat.
Wasn't long before Matthew's mind began to wonder again. He thought about the dreams he had. Dreams of City, a Gargantuan Metropolis than spanned beyond what a human eye could see. The City never saw sunlight. Only Smog and rain. The Earth was dead. Nothing grew. It was a sad place to be.
His thought was yet again broken as he felt the transport come to a halt and the ramp began opening and hitting the ground with a solid thunk.
One by one the troopers exited the transports compartment, staying in their designated squads as they approached the elevators base floor.
"Horton! Get a breaching charge on that door!" Tekkard ordered.
"On It, boss." Horton wasted no time placing an X4 charge on the metal doorframe that blocked their path. Setting the timer to no less than five seconds, Horton ran back towards his team and waited for the Autonomous Explosive Device; colloquially known the X4-Seeker Bot to grant them an entrance.
It wasn't long before the once thick doors that acted like a normal gateway into the building, were now twisted metal and molten slag.
Quickly maneuvering through the man made hole. Fourth Company's Third Platoon efficiently scanned the base floor
"Main room Clear!"
"Clear Left!"
"Clear right!"
"Alright everyone, stick to the plan. Teams One and Two. Hold and secure this position. Three through five up the lifts. On the double!"
"Sir Yes Sir!" The team leader said unison.
-XXXXX-
STRATCOM Headquarters
New Geneva, Earth
May 4, 2169
Well beneath the seat the power of the United Earth Colonial Federation, laid a connection of passageways and bunkers that stretched well within its underground network. located about thirty miles from the Federation Capitol Building was the new outpost for STRATCOM Headquarters. The original STRATCOM building was destroyed during the waning days of the War for Sol, specifically during the Federations Last Offensive. Now within STRATCOM Headquarters, an emergency meeting currently placed between among the many high-ranking officials of the UECF, STRATCOM, CDF, and CBAI
Among those selected Captain Steven Hackett, acting commanding officer of the Federation 1st Fleet was browsing through his personal datapad. Next to him was Fleet Admiral Harold Jeffords. Moving from his point of view. President Carlie Everson was conversing with Army Chief of Staff Devin Winters and Marine General Marcus Kane, along with a few aides that were specifically taking notes.
"So, what do we have Jeffords? Any updates from the Agents stationed on Shanxi?
"What we have so far is what we got from the Stars of Liberty. An amassed fleet of unknown warships converging on Shanxi, the Defense Fleet capitulating, and an impending foreign occupation of the Shanxi. Other than that, we have received nothing since the Liberty docked over Vernan."
"Any reason on why they attacked us? The official meaning behind it?" she inquired.
"The Bureau has their hands wrapped around that question."
"Does that Include Harper? It's three hours since this meeting has started, and he hasn't arrived yet."
"Harper has his hands tied now. Sources from the Bureau's Internal Affairs Division has been investigating rumors of Insurrectionist activity within the Beta Quadrant of the Outer Colonies. For now, we'll have to deal with what we have and who we have." Carlie explained.
"The only problem with that latter is we don't know what we're dealing with." Winters countered. He then pressed a button on the tables holographic interface in front of him, which then displayed a projection of an Image taken from the Liberty when it arrived at Vernan. Winters motioned his hand to zoom in on one of the ships, giving a detailed look of one of the ships that attacked Shanxi and its defenses.
"Any hits on the ship design?'
"Negative Ma'am. No ships that were analyzed before the Liberty's departure had matched ant Colonial Ship spanning from Pre-Solar War to the current date." Winters explained to his associates.
"What about the SetDef?" An aid questioned.
"That is something we do not know. When we drove the SDF from Sol, all sources coming from the SDF Remnant Fleet had ceased twenty years ago. Ever since then. Nothing. As of today, all data on we have of the Settlement Defense Front is outdated." With this news, those who were present at didn't make the best of faces.
What Winters said did make sense. To a historian, twenty years would be considered a moderate jump between time periods but in terms of data and analytics, the gap left a huge gap in intelligence in reference to SDF activity. While the Federation had won the war, it had left them in a position that following what remained of the SDF's leadership into uncharted space would ultimately strain the resources they had left in their possession. It would be better to rebuild and rearm than to chase something that's mortally wounded.
"Jeffords, what's the status of Drescher and the Second Fleet?" Carlie questioned.
"The Vernan Colonial Authority has informed me that Second Fleet is undergoing rearming and is ready to depart to Shanxi within the hour."
"And what of Constantine's?"
"Deckard's Third Fleet is currently on standby as a reinforcement fleet. If Drescher needs the assistance, the Third Fleet will jump in the system to provide support."
Carlie nodded her to in acknowledgment of this plan. She then turned back towards Winters and Kane. "General, Chief. Have you formulated a plan for Shanxi's Liberation?"
Winters took the opportunity to respond. "Yes Ma'am, I've forwarded you the invasion plans to your private Waypoint address. I've assumed you've already read up on the details?"
"Indeed, I have so Winters…but I am skeptical about these new special forces that the Navy had whipped up…these Titans? I mean Orbital Insertion worked in theory for dropping in synthetic troops during the War…but having Human Occupants being dropped into the atmosphere within a 25-foot robot sounds…"
"Insane? That's the same thing I told Hammond when he introduced the idea when he introduced the concept to members of Fleet Command back in during the 75th Annual ISF-expo back in; 45. But after a few Joint screenings and tests that were authorized by the Intelligence Director himself. I can assure you that these new assets will be essential to the Federation."
Carlie passed a quick glance at her aids, giving her a look of equal skepticism.
"Jeffords, I know that since you hold the title of Chief of Naval Operations you have the authority of the supervision and organization of the Navy, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't inform me of additions like these. She explained, elevating her tone of voice by a small amount."
"But nevertheless, I'm sure that results of these "new" naval addition will come handy when Shanxi is Liberated. When the word reaches populace that the Federation Liberated a frontier colony from an unknown threat. Public Support will be indefinite, and the current administration will see itself staying in office for another four years." Most of the officials nodded in agreement with this statement.
"There will be cons to this event as well." Jeffords pointed out. "This is a First Contact scenario. An aggressive one to be precise. We all know that once this all over, there will be people who will be out for blood."
"People like Udina?" Hackett surprisingly pointed out.
"With all due respect Captain, Donnel Udina is the least of our worries. Third party candidates like Udina barely can compete with the prominent candidates in the elections." The Chief Of staff countered.
"That's what you think, sir. But you don't know him as I do. Donnel Udina may be respectable official to many, but he's mostly apprehensive of what the Federation brings to the table."
"That's why he won't be a problem. Donnel Udina may be well respected by many, but he isn't respected by all. His ideas lie on fringe elements of the past. Pre-War for Sol. Ideologies like that will die out within the next century." Winters dismissed. "He won't and will never be a problem."
Hackett didn't say anything in response as he felt it was pointless to continue a conversation that would inevitably lead to nowhere.
"If it makes you feel any better Captain, I'll contact someone within the Bureau to keep tabs on Udina." President Evens informed him. Hackett nodded. "Thank you, ma'am."
"Moving on. Besides these new additions, what do our ground forces look like?" Carlie inquired.
"Sources from Unified Ground Command have informed us that we have 700,000 Infantrymen heading in total, which includes Armor and Drone Support."
"Let's just hope that enough to retake Shanxi."
Kane smirked, "Give them enough Shock and Awe to dish out Ma'am, and we'll have the planet under our banner before the end of the week."
Even gave a smirk and a small nod in approval. As time moves forward Indistinctive conversations were coming and going until the rooms Holoprojector began to ping. All call was coming from the Bureau's Headquarters. Carlie was quick to answer as the Caller ID shown her who wanted to talk.
"I'm guessing it's who I think is?" Jeffords asked, arms folded and back laid against his chair.
His question was answered when the projector created a real-time projection of a man dressed in an impeccable suit and tie, along with some features that those who do not know of him to will see him as an eccentric billionaire.
"Jack. I'm surprised you even decided to call us, let alone even make your presence known during this meeting." Kane spoke, his voice hinting with unpleasantry.
"Kane, I see you're doing well. How are the Kids?"
"Jack, need I remind you that we are clearly in a state of emergency," Carlie interjected.
"Oh, I'm aware. I just wanted to call in and inform you of the recent events that have transpired within the Beta quadrant of the Outer Colonies."
"Interesting, but that will have to wait for now we have more pressing matters to discuss."
"Ah yes, the unforeseen attack on the Frontier Colony. I assume that the Second and third fleets have already mobilized and awaiting further Orders at Vernan?"
"Yes, they have, once Carlie makes a formal declaration of war, The Fleets will jump into the Shanxi-Theta System and begin the Liberation," Jeffords informed him. "Has there been any contact from the agents on Shanxi on your end?"
"Contact from Tactical Reconnaissance Team Epsilon was brief. Orbital Defenses have been rendered inoperable, the ships have begun to dispatch landing craft on the planet's surface."
"Assuming that Shanxi's AATIS Network is still online, those garrisoned on the planet will have some breathing room."
"How many are garrisoned on Shanxi, General?"
"Since Shanxi is still developing in colonial standards, their local garrison is rounded up to sixty thousand men in total along with Armored Combat Teams. Commanding Officers of the defense force are General Theodore Williams, Colonel Jacob Daniels and Major Kyle Quincy." Kane Informed.
"SCAR Teams are preparing to be deployed along with the invasion force to extract key personnel and information from the Shanxis' Colonial Administration Center. The last thing we need is for them to get a hold of our star charts." Harper added.
"With that settled. Are formal preparation ready?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Alright, gentlemen let's get to work."
Hierarchy Warship Resolute
"Admiral Titus, the enemies Orbital Defenses have been neutralized. Troop transports are awaiting orders."
"Inform General Desolas to get his men ready. Have the lead ships move into orbit above the planet."
"Yes, Admiral."
"once we're in position, inform all ships to hold position and wait for further orders."
"Understood, Admiral."
With the orders now being relayed to the appropriate personnel, Titus could only observe the view in front of him. Well, an artificial one to be precise. The holotable that stood in front of him displayed the environment around his ship that ranged from molten debris to faint signals that were being tracked along the far sight of the planet. A few of these signals are assumed to be the ships that fell back to that position. Titus could remember how it played out. He had given the order to finish off what remained of the enemy defense fleet, but as soon the lead ship, The Indomitable and the Paladin's Sun were about to unleash to their Mass Drivers upon the group of ships, a weird energy signature had begun to emit from their drive cores. Before Titus and any of the other Captains present could realize it, all the remaining ship had jumped out of sight. A tactical retreat from it looked like, but a poor one alas, as it had left the remaining Orbital Defense Platforms without support, leaving them to the Mercy of Titus's ships.
Once the remaining opposition had been neutralized, the path towards victory had opened and was once again in his grasp.
-XXXXX-
CMNS Lunar Nemesis
Shanxi High Orbit
"Are we in the clear?"
"Yes Captain, the enemy doesn't seem to be tracking us anymore." Replied the NavOfficer.
Wittenburg sighed and slumped in his captain chair with the rain of guilt running through his body. The decision of making a tactical retreat gave him an irritable feeling in his chest.
"We made it out just in time sir. Battlegroup Gibraltar and Kilimanjaro are awaiting orders." Zero Stated.
"Give me a diagnostics check."
"Hull integrity stands at Seventy-Six Percent. Shield cores two and five are disabled. Weapon Systems at forty-three percent…"
"That's enough zero…. What about the others?"
"Gibraltar and Kilimanjaro stand at an equal fifty-percent combat efficiency. Fleet strength? Nearly one thousand percent."
"What about us?"
"Nearly half of the combined strength of Gibraltar and Kilimanjaro. But just enough to reach that cap."
"Enough for us to give us a fighting chance against the enemy?"
"Not entirely. Their combined fleet strength rates up to about to seven thousand. An all-out assault would drive our chance of survival down drastically. I recommend guerrilla tactics when engaging the enemy warships when encountered."
The esteemed Admiral stroked in the thought of the information his Shipboard AI gave him. He was right about their odds with their current fleet strength. Guerrilla strikes would be a more conservative strategy since a frontal assault would end before it would even begin.
"If we can't take them head on, then it would be best to stick with Guerrilla tactics. Comms! Send a Message to Gibraltar and Kilimanjaro. Take us down into the atmosphere."
-XXXXX-
Orbital Elevator Alpha
Downtown Khuvi City
It took two hours for things to go sour.
Within the first, Matthew and the rest of 3rd platoon were making progress on their objective. Securing the elevator was a mild task to do. Secure Key points, Find Survivors, Activate Automated Security, and get the hell out. Sounded simple for 3rd Platoon
The Second hour is where things turned for the worst.
After Matthew and his squad linked up with the Marines that were originally stationed on the elevator, the CIC was getting signals from Orbit. Bad signals. Information that came to the sporadic radio chatter had told them that the defensive line had failed, giving the enemy a clearing to land troops on the surface. There wasn't any clear information on what happened to Admiral Wittenburg, but from what they heard, they had to assume the worst. The sense of dread that had become present within 3rd Platoon when word that multiple landing craft had been sighted descending upon the city districts. Some relief began to surface when the sounds of Multiple AA Batteries and the thundering sounds of the AATIS guns began to go off. The evening sky was now lit with flak and burning steel that falls without warning into the city districts.
"Hot damn. Didn't expect the light show to start so soon." Rooker stated. The other troopers present seemed to agree.
"Doesn't give us an excuse to slack off. We've got a job to do." Tekkard Commanded. "We still need to get the Automated security up and get ourselves to Colonial Administration." As Tekkard began to issue orders, Matthew peered through a window near him. His gaze had focused on the sparks of light that filled the evening sun. His gaze seemed to last a while until Venner shook him out of his trance. "We can stop and look at the fireworks at a later time. Time to get a move on."
Matthew gave her a smirk. "Finally get your helmet working, huh?" he jested.
"No thanks to you. Had to do fix the rest myself so I wouldn't be running around like some an old dog."
Matthew only laughed at her complaint. Venner, unexpectedly from an NCO of her stature, didn't seem to mind though.
Nearly thirty minutes later, 3rd Platoon along with Zhukov's men enters the elevators Security Terminal. The Terminal was outfitted with the necessities a standard Terminal would need. An armory, the Surveillance center, conveniently a break room, and lastly the Main Control Terminal. This was the objective that 3rd platoon needed to find. Accessing control was the easy part of the mission. The hard part was getting out of the terminal itself.
Within the timeframe it took for 3rd Platoon to make their way to the Security Terminal, Enemy reinforcements had made their way into the terminal.
Now they aliens a were trying to kill them.
All in a day's work.
"Matthew give them some covering fire!" A trooper yelled.
."On it!" He responded as Matthew fired several bursts from his NV4, quickly killing the alien soldier. Reloading his rifle, Matthew heard Tekkard speak over the SquadComm.
"Come on Troopers! We have to push through! He said. Tekkard fired a burst from his KBAR-32, taking a head off on an enemy soldier.
Matthew was busy suppressing the enemy until he heard the sound of someone falling. Matthew looked to his left to see a Coast Guard member holding his neck as It bled rapidly. Matthew rushed to his aid and pulled him into cover. "Medic!" he yelled. Immediately a marine wearing medical insignia ran up to him and began to evaluate the downed Coast Guard.
"I can't do anything Corporal. The man took it in the neck. A Nano-shot wouldn't be able to save him in time." The Medic then turned his attention to another trooper in need of attention. All Matthew could do was comfort the Guard until his heart stopped beating.
"Frag out!" A Trooper yelled. He then threw the fragmentation Grenade down the hallway towards the enemy. Matthew could hear the panicked screams of the enemy sound off before the frags timer went off, causing an explosion that engulfs the opposite end of the Hallway. As the smoke cleared, what remained of 3rd Platoon make their way towards the assigned extraction point where their Raven would be waiting for them.
Shortly after, Matthew and the rest of 3rd Platoon had reached the Landing Platform. The road to extraction had was going smoothly until 3rd Platoon had encountered at least two platoon's worth of soldiers looking their way. The firefight ensued, taking lives on both sides.
"Do a solid and stay with me, Rooker. I need a Bio-Syringe over here!" Venner ordered. while laying down suppressing fire with his LMG, Rooker had taken a few rounds to the torso. In the spur of the moment, one of the Medics assigned to 3rd Platoon tossed one of his packs on of Bio-Syringes. Catching the pack with quick efficiency, Venner ripped opened the pack and jabbed the syringe into his torso. Rooker then made a series of coughing fits before being handed his LMG.
"Get back in the fight Trooper! You're not out of the fight yet!" she yelled. Rooker nodded along with a yes Ma'am before laying more suppressive fire.
The ensuing firefight continued as both sides laid down an equal amount of firepower at one another. It seemed that 3rd Platoon was boxed in, but luck had once again begun to lean in their favor when their ride had appeared along the port side of the Platform. Troopers onboard the Raven began rounds of 5.56 and 7.62 rained down upon their adversaries. One had tried to use a rocket launcher to take down their extraction, but Matthew quickly saw this threat decided to put a 5.56 into the alien's skull. Seeing that all threats had been eliminated, the Raven's pilot began to broadcast.
"3rd Platoon this Jackal-One. Get your men ready and standby for pick up."
"Roger that Jackal-One. We'll be ready." Tekkard broadcasted back. "let's go, 3rd Platoon, now's not the time to get lazy!" Tekkard turned to Zhukov. "Our C6's will keep the pressure off your back. I and my men are needed else."
"Take care Lieutenant. Thanks for the help."
Tekkard then made haste to make a forward dash toward the Raven. Zhukov himself made a backtrack towards the entrance of the Orbital Elevator.
Once Tekkard made it aboard, The Raven ignited Its engines and made its way towards its next drop off.
"The next drop off point is the Colonial Administration Center. Colonial Daniels wants us to regroup with the rest of Company while Baker's Fifth Company drops in reinforcements at the elevator. Once we drop down, Teams Three and Four will head inside the CAC and help onsite technicians. Teams One and Two will remain outside with them and help with the defenses."
"Permission to speak, sir?"
"Say what you want trooper, no time for formalities."
"Why does the colonel want us back at the CAC? Don't that have an entire battalion's worth of CDF defending that place?"
"Yeah," Rooker added. "Sounds like It won't make a difference if we drop there or not."
"We're babysitting a spook"
"Fair enough," Rooker replied.
-XXXXX-
Hierarchy Warship Resolute
Shanxi High Orbit.
"Admiral Titus. Reports coming from our landing parties report heavy anti-air coming from multiple city-districts."
"What are they composed of?"
"Two large batteries and multiple flak weaponry. The Flak are easy to evade but our larger transports are being targeted by the Main batteries."
Titus growled after hearing this. One obstacle after another. "it seems that the primitive may not seem primitive after all." Titus stated. "Send a message to Ground Command and tell them to find a way to neutralize those Guns!
-XXXXX-
"We got fast-movers coming up on our six!" Venner yelled.
"Shit! Bank left!" One of the Pilots yelled.
"Enemy heat-seekers flying on our tail!"
"Roger that! Popping flares." The main pilot responded, immediately flicking a switch that launched its countermeasures. Launching multiple flares, Jackal-One successfully evaded the impending danger.
"That was a close call," Matthew stated.
"Yeah it was, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't the last. Everyone get in your harnesses! Matthew! Venner! Get on those mounted guns and take out those fast movers!"
"Roger that! Move up Corporal, let's Go!" Venner ordered. Matthew didn't hesitate in running up to the edge of the troop bay. As the reached, Both Matthew and Venner unlatched mounted turrets located on the opposite ends on the troop bay's door. Once they hooked themselves into the turrets harness, Venner signaled the Pilot to open the door. Matthew activated the turrets VISR link to his HUD. Giving him advanced targeting capabilities. The bay door fully opened, the pressure dropped. The outline of the enemy fast movers became visible. He had the moments.
"Light 'em up!" Venner yelled. Matthew didn't hesitate for a second when he unleashed torrents of 7.62 into the enemy. the first burst of magnetically-accelerated rounds impacted one of the fast movers, causing its kinetic barriers to flare of up a bit before collapsing. The Second burst had pierced its hull, hitting the fighter's internal circuitry. The third burst shot through the cockpit, immediately killing the pilot and then exploding. The second one was taken care of by Venner she caused it to fall back from her line of sight.
"Bastard's gone. Keep an eye out!
"Talon lead, this Talon-Three. My wingman is gone. Enemy Heavy Transport took him out."
"Talon-Three, this Talon-Lead. Standby for assistance."
"You think they bugged out?" Matthew asked.
"Be surprised if they did. Motherfuckers seem tough." Matthew didn't respond as he inspected his mounted gun. A message then appeared on his HUD.
Ten Minutes until drop-off.
Matthew waved to Venner and informed her of the updated. Venner gave him a thumbs up in reply. He turned his gaze back towards the opening with his VISR scanning the warzone in front of me.
"Heads up! We got more fast-movers incoming!" A pilot called out.
"Roger that." Matthew racked the Turret again in anticipation as five fighters started to swarm the Raven.
"Fuck 'em up!" Venner yelled. The spilt second after both Door Gunners shot out more control burst of 7.62 at the enemy, though it wasn't long before the enemy began to return fire. Matthew heard quick whistles of projectiles flying near him and against the hull of Raven.
"Jackal-One's taking fire. Engaging maneuvers."
It was then Matthew felt the Raven lunged as it avoided enemy fire.
"More Heat Seekers on our six. Deploying Countermeasures."
Gaining sight on another fighter. Matthew Pumped several bursts of rounds into the cockpit. He felt a tinge of relief again and again as pushed the fighters away from their transport. That was until their luck ran out. One of the fighters had caught them by surprise as one of the missiles that Jackal was trying to avoid had gotten lucky.
"FUCK! Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is Jackal-One, we took damage to the portside engines. We're going down in grid sector bravo-four-zero-two-seven!"
As the Raven spun out of control, Matthew and the rest of 3rd Platoon braced for the coming impact while the pilots did what they could to stabilize aircraft. Seconds later, the Raven came crashing down onto an empty street before it started to skid across the black asphalt. The Impact was brutal to the members of 3rd Platoon. At least four members had flung out of the Raven when their Harnesses snapped. Things became worse when the sounds of tearing metal became apparent.
Within the next fifth-teen seconds, the Raven known is Jackal-One tore itself in half. In the first five, the Raven bisected itself into two, causing the front and back to tear away from each other. In the first ten seconds, Matthew felt his harness buckle until he felt his weight shift when was launched from his static position. In the last five, Matthew flew in the air without balance. He tried to use his booster pack to realign his trajectory, but it was all for naught, as his landing came with a hard and blackening thud.
Talon-Three gazed down as he flew past the mangled wreck.
"Enemy Transport down. Moving on onto next objective down. Good work Talon-Three."
"Roger that. Heading towards Central structure."
-XXXXX-
Amidst the flaming wreckage, 3rd Platoon collected themselves. Gathering what they could and helping anyone who wasn't dead or missing.
"What's the headcount at?" Tekkard asked while he stood amidst the wreckage
A Trooper named Alex was the first to respond as she ripped the seals off from her helmet and chucked it aside due to the visor being cracked.
"We lost Team Four during the crash, Pilots are dead. Connor fucked up his leg and not to mention Corporal Tyndall and the Sergeant went with the latter half of the Raven. So to sum everything up, we're far from alright. But, we ain't dead.
"Yet." Venner finished.
Tekkard and Alex both turned to see Venner limp herself towards them with Matthew slumped on her shoulder.
"How're you holding up, Sergeant?"
"I've been better," Venner Grunted. "Going to take a lot more than a crash to kill me." Venner then proceeded to gently lay down the unconscious Lance Corporal down for one of the medics that survived the crash.
"How's he doing doc?" Venner inquired, obviously worried about the unconscious corporal. The medic tapped on his wrist pad a few times after scanning his body.
"Guys out cold. A few broken bones and most likely some minor head trauma. Nothing a few Nano-Shots won't help mend, but he'll need to get to an actual hospital if he wants to get a full recovery. Other than that, nothing else seems out of the ordinary."
"Thanks, Trooper, carry on." Tekkard gave a sign off as the Medic nodded and made off to whoever else needed help. He then turned to Venner, his eyes meeting hers. "Glad to see you made in one piece. I assume the worse when the Raven had split in two."
"Not gonna lie, El-tee, I was scared. Thought my harness was going to snap and send my ass flying into the asphalt. regretfully, there was a small part of me that was relieved when I saw Tyndall fly out instead of me. Then I realized that I could be next."
Tekkard didn't need to respond to what his Second-in-Command was saying. In his years of serving with the CDF, he had his fair share of moments were fallen troopers had his fate sealed instead of Tekkard's.
"Our fate isn't always in our control Sergeant. We just have to live by it until the moment comes." Tekkard ended with a solemn tone. Venner gave a casual glance at her superior officer, taking in his words.
The tone of conversation broke when Alex pulled up her Tac-Pad and began observing the coordinates that were on display. Tekkard took notice.
"How far are we from the nearest rally point?" He inquired.
Alex began triangulating their current position with any rally points located within the city.
"Just two klicks down the road," A trooper names Ricardo replied. "A convenient landing if you ask me."
Tekkard nodded in agreement. "Let's not waste any time now. 3rd Platoon! Get your gear, salvage what you can." Tekkard then picked up and NV4 and handed it to Venner. "Let's get to that rally point.
Tekkard then pulled up a small holographic display of the surrounding area. The 3d models of the city were shown in real time, displaying every minute detail of Downtown Khuvi City. From there on, Tekkard zoomed in towards the Commercial district. He duly typed in coordinates into the Tac-Pad, which instantly zoomed toward the exact location to what he was looking for.
"They waypoint has been sent your HUDS! Let's move! He announced. 3rd Platoon then made their way towards the Colonial Administration Center. Venner and another Marine helped the Medics put Matthew on a stretcher. Alex had grouped up with what remained of First Squad, Rooker being the generous man that he was, offered to carry the First Sergeant due to her limp.
"You can't be serious?"
"Well you can either limp along like a stray on the side of the road, or you rest easy. A big man like me can take a little more weight." He said with a sarcastic but sincere tone of voice. Venner raised an eyebrow in skepticism.
"You're calling me fat, Private?" she asked. Rooker stared in disbelief, as this answer wasn't the one he was expecting.
"Uh, no ma'am, I just thought…" Rooker was stumbling his words until Venner flicked his Visor.
"Stop sounding like an idiot. And lighten up, I'm just messing you with you." After that, Venner walked off with the rest of 3rd Platoon, limp and all.
Not sure how to respond. Rooker remained silent after what had just happened. Soon he made his way to the rest of his squad.
After observing what had happened, Alex gave a moderate sigh, knowing the situation could be worse.
Or not.
To be truthfully honest, she didn't give a shit.
-XXXXX-
Downtown Khuvi City
Commercial District
Elsewhere within the proto-megalopolis that was Khuvi city, Shanxi's Colonial Defense Force was busy fending off the Xeno Invasion force. Focusing on the troopers off Shanxi's Ninth company, the brave men and women if the CDF were currently fending off multiple enemy armored columns that were trying to break through to one of functioning AATIS Guns.
"Dalton! Dalton! Wake up!" a voice called out. Private First-Class Christopher Dalton awoke to a deafening ringing that then shifted into various weapons spontaneous weapons fire.
"That was quite a nasty fall you had here Private, I'm going to patch you up. Gonna make you feel better" Christopher gave the medic a slight grunt in acknowledgment.
"We're going to move you to some better cover." The Platoon medic grabbed Christopher and carried him over his shoulder towards a nearby building along with a few other troopers tagging along with them. As they entered the building, the medic to work on Christopher. "Lopez, Dunstan cover me while I'm working on this guy ok?"
"Roger that."
"Copy all."
The medic started to take off his helmet, so he can see the damage more properly. He removed Matthew's helmet to reveal his freshly cut brown hair, white skin, and blue eyes. His nose was bleeding and looked dazed. The medic pulled out a datapad and scanned his eyes. "How is he doc?" Dunstan asked.
"Due to our suits impact compensation, he only has a slight concussion and a broken rib, other than that he's good." The medic then turned attention back to Christopher. "You're going to be fine, just keep your head down." After that, the Medic reached into his pouch and produced a syringe, which then was jammed into Christopher's neck. Not a second after, Christopher felt a cold feeling surge throughout his body, followed by a cool sensation.
Turning from the Medic, Private Dunstan and First Sergeant Mariah Lopez were trying to keep their heads blown off by enemy fire while taking potshots at the enemy as well.
"Private! Is there a possibility that command can get some fire support on our position?"
"Firebase Georgia and Anthem have been encountering a moderate enemy presence near their position." Replied Dunstan as he got up and fired a few bursts from his LMG. "They've attempting to hold them off, slow traffic input has been slow."
"Shit! When did they get in the forests?"
"AATIS Guns probably missed a few transports." As he said in Cue of the roaring blasts of the AATIS taking down more enemy aircraft.
Suddenly the SQUADCOMM opened. "RPG!"
"GET DOWN!" Lopez shouted in panic. Lopez and Dunstan dove head first. The Superheated explosion that came when the rocket-propelled grenade hit Its target, sending shrapnel flying towards the group. Lopez gave into instinct and covered Christopher from the explosion with her body. As the smoke and debris passed, Christopher pushed Lopez of him and tried to set himself up, only for his Commanding Officer to push him back down.
"keep your head down Cabrón. We don't want new blood dying on us today."
Lopez then moved away from Christopher as she fired a couple bursts from her position. Her round made contact with the enemy, their kinetic shields making a slight popping before subsonic round pierced their hardsuit and turning their insides into mush.
"¡Come plomo Xeno!" Diaz yelled in her native language.
"Switching to Anti-Tank!" Dunstan yelled as he unlatched the missile launcher from his back. Pulling the trigger, the SA3 Rocket flew from its barrel, heading directly into the armored hull of an enemy APC. From the outside, the rocket didn't seem to do any damage until the rockets delay timer went off. The APC then erupted in a fiery explosion, efficiently killing that inside and consuming those were unlucky enough to be near it.
"Enemy APC down!" Rooker yelled as he reloaded his rocket.
"Yeah, one out of fucking twenty!" A Trooper responded. At this rate, we're going to get overrun before faster than Mars seceded from the Federation!" His worries were then met when a mass accelerator round had struck an MG nest to the side of him, leaving a column of smoke and the pained cries of several CDF Troopers. "Medic!" Someone yelled.
"Dalton! Get Anthem on the Comm." Diaz demanded. We need fire support!"
Dalton didn't hesitate on that order. Remaining in cover, Christopher combat crawled over towards a fallen Radio operators pack and begun to ring up Firebase Anthem.
While that was going on, another mass accelerator round sent a wave of rock and shrapnel upon the defenders of Ninth Company. More Marines had fallen due to this, even as their Combat Rigs were built to withstand trauma, many felt the quick and dull pain reside as their bodies were turned into lifeless corpses.
"Allen! Use your P-LAW and turn that fucker into molten slag!"
The Trooper known as Allen gave a smile, not big enough to be wicked, but plenty for those around him to know he delighted to enact violence on his enemies.
Allen gripped his P-LAW tightly and pulled the trigger. The trigger then initiated a series of complex events that generated an electrical field to the gas that was being released from the small gas tubes that were located within the complex circuitry that gave it life. Once It was done creating this fusion of ions and electrons, the superconductor had then launched the volatile plasma charge directly at the enemy hover tank, which promptly burned through the hull of the tank, incinerating its crew and causing the tank to erupt in a fiery display.
"Good hit! Good Hit!
"We got more tangos coming up from the North!"
"Push em back!"
Allen continued to time his shots. Sending Plasma charges directly at the aliens. Aiming for those that bunched up in groups and those who were sporting heavy after.
It was soon enough that Allen could hear the empty clicks and the constant hissing of the overheated battery, realizing that another advantage was now gone.
"P-LAW's dead!"
Diaz cursed "What's that status on that fire support!"
"I'm working on it!" Christopher called out.
Khuvi City Outskirt
Firebase Anthem
"Baker-Three-Zero. Input coordinates for the fire mission, over?"
"Copy that Baker-Actual. Send them through." The Weapons Officers at the desk waited patiently for the coordinates.
"Captain Bradley. Baker-Actual sent the coordinates. Inputting them into the Artillery Cannons now."
"How long until fire mission initiation?" He demanded, his voice remaining stoic.
"Thirty-Seconds, sir." The Weapons Officer responded.
"Good." Bradley nonchalantly pulled out a pipe and started smoking. Shortly after, the sound of several 155mm High Explosive Shells onto a far-off enemy position. Captain Bradley felt a tinge of joy within his body from the successful delivery. His mood continued to remain in a passive state as the word from outside stated shows their defenses were beginning to push back the enemy."
"Continue with your current objectives." Bradley Ordered. "Don't Stop filing through Transmissions until I tell you to."
-XXXXX-
"We Got Fire support incoming! Danger Close!" Dalton yelled. "Everyone get down!"
Seconds later, The Troopers of the CDF Ninth Company braced themselves for the oncoming fire. The 155mm High Explosive Shells impacted the city street and made contact with the enemy, immediately vaporizing them in the process.
After the fire show had subsided, Christopher slow rose from his makeshift cover and peered at the molten craters in front of him.
Nothing was left of the enemy, save for a few burning husks. The only threat that now stood before him was the distasteful smell that made its way into his nose.
