Disclaimer: Mass Effect does not belong to me. It belong's to it's respective owners, namely Bioware.
Strategy Room Two, Asari High Command, Athenita, Republic of Athena, Thessia, Parnitha System, Athena Nebula, Milky Way.
18th March, 1918 CE.
Matriarch Velestila was curious as to why she had been summoned here, by Matriarch Telizima, the Supreme Commander of Asari High Command, herself. A summon by the Supreme Commander herself must mean that something big was going on.
And indeed it was, as she entered the strategy room, and found that it was in a very busy, hectic state. Aides, communications and intelligence specialists along with high-ranking military officers, were going from place to place.
But Velestila soon found who she was looking for.
Matriarch Telizima, flanked by two helmeted Huntresses with their rifles at the ready, was at the Strategic & Tactical Operations Table, where she was overlooking data on something in particular.
Velestila headed over to the table, and soon, Telizima's Huntresses, perked up at the new arrival.
As for Telizima herself, she finally looked up and saw Velestila.
"Ah, Matriarch Velestila. I've been expecting you. Come, join me at the STRATOT. I'll get you fully briefed".
Joining the Supreme Commander at the STRATOT, Velestila asked, "What's going on, Telizima? Why all the sudden activity?"
"Suluk Base, in the Hiwp'ilt System, picked an FTL transmission from the Talat's Sentinel, a Salarian ship in charge of a flotilla assigned to investigate the recent appearance of an Rachni dreadnought in the Myrik'tah System, in the Arcturus Stream".
It was to Velestila's credit, that her face betrayed nothing, despite that inside, she was very, very curious at to the fate of one particular cruiser. Or more accurately, the fate of one individual within that cruiser.
However, her focus returned to Matriarch Telizima who then played the message.
"Emergency Message to Suluk Base: This is Captain Morik Tolos of the Talat's Sentinel in unchartered system beyond Relay 782, a relay that Rachni forces has been observed reactivating and using whilst in the Myrik'tah system, Arcturus Stream. Exited undiscovered Relay 207. Intentions of Rachni is still unknown. System is consisted of one dwarf planet, two ice giants, two gas giants, asteroid belt, four terrestrial planets, with accompanying natural satellites, all orbiting a yellow dwarf star.
Will attempt to isolate Rachni dreadnought by engaging and destroying Rachni scout ships. Requesting immediate reinforcements, to secure the system. Exceeding relay travel speed limits necessary, as time is of the essence. That is all".
A brief pause and Velestila asked, "Any further messages from Captain Tolos or the rest of his flotilla?"
Telizima's lip barely was able to conceal the scowl, "No, nothing".
"That's quite troubling".
"Indeed".
An sigh from Velestila and, "So, what's our plan in regards to this situation?"
Shaking her head, Telizima laid it down to her fellow Matriarch, "There's a lot I don't know, about what's going on with the Rachni heading to that system. So, I'm assembling a Task Force, to head to the system, to secure it and counter the Rachni threat in this unchartered system".
Velestila's eyebrows rose. But before she could ask if that was necessary, Telizima raised a hand for silence, and explained her reasoning,
"The Rachni could destroy those cruisers easily, settle themselves in the system, deploy Rachni on any of the planets and moons, and call for reinforcements. I rather not take any chances in regards to the Rachni".
Velestila knew that the responsibility for the appointed commander of the reinforcements, would be quite high, "An unchartered system, with little information on it, and where the Rachni are located and have intentions that we do not know. Such a daunting responsibility for the commander".
"Indeed. And I have full confidence that you will be up to the challenge".
At that, Velestila blinked, and was pretty sure that she misheard her fellow Matriarch.
However, Matriarch Telizima was not one to repeat herself, and instead, said with resolution, "Matriarch Velestila, I assign you the command of the Tenth Task Force".
It took all of Velestila's control as a Matriarch to not gape like a Maiden at her superior, as she had not been expecting such an assignment. Instead, she asked how big the Tenth Task Force was, and was handed a datapad by Telizima.
Looking at the numbers, Velestila's eyebrows rose, and before she could ask the question, Telizima held up a hand for silence, and answered the question before it could be asked, knowing what she was going to ask.
"I've already consulted with the Matriarchs, and the Council. They've agreed, after some reluctance, to send the ships to secure the system".
Velestila, even though satisfied that that Matriarchs and the Council knew what they were doing in authorising such a deployment, still felt a bit of unease, which Telizima picked up, "Are you okay? With your assignment? I do assure you that I have full confidence in your abilities, Velestila".
Shaking her head, Velestila assured her superior, "No, it's nothing to do with that, it's just, my daughter..."
Understanding fell upon Telizima, and she felt obliged to provide some consolation, "I understand. Even though you two are not talking with each other, I do understand, as a mother myself, that you are allowed to worry for her", before her face turned stern and she asked, "But as a Matriarch, and your superior, can I count on you to do your duty?"
Velestila, forced herself to shelve her motherly concern for her daughter, and put it to one side, as she responded, "You can count on me, Telizima. When do I leave?"
"A shuttle has been dispatched to High Command, and will take you to your flagship, Matriarch Velestila. May the Goddess send good fortune onto you".
With that, Velestila knew that she was dismissed and set out to get everything ready, before she reached her flagship.
But even as Velestila started to get everything ready, she couldn't help but feel a sense of worry, as her thoughts pondered over her daughter, Trileena Navuris.
Despite the two of them not being close together anymore, Velestila still kept tabs on Trileena and her whereabouts, her position in Asari High Command being very helpful in that regard.
The last she knew of Trileena's location, was that her Huntress unit, the 147th, were stationed on the Kurinth's Keen Sight, one of the ships sent to investigate.
However, she knew that her daughter's fate was not in her hands, and instead, put her motherly instincts to one side, as she was informed that her shuttle had arrived.
Rachni dreadnought, in orbit over Earth, Sol System, Local Cluster, Milky Way.
19th March, 1918 CE.
The Rachni dreadnought, started applying counter thrust, as it disengaged the thrust of it's engines, and was turning to port.
Scanning for a viable target of interest, the Rachni dreadnought found a perfect geological site, in between a mountain range and a drainage divide between the northern geographic pole of the planet, and the planet's largest area of water (with an area of 64,000,000 square miles).
The deep space probe sent here ten years ago, had indeed been lucky to find such system, and indeed, such a planet.
Now in geostationary orbit, the dreadnought had it's stern facing the planet, it's forward guns now facing outwards, where it clearly had the advantage against the 4 cruisers hunting it down.
Bridge, Aifa's Endurance class cruiser Talat's Sentinel, passing the orbit of Mars, Sol System, Local Cluster, Milky Way.
19th March, 1918 CE.
The pursuit of the Dreadnought, had taken over a day and a half, and now, it would end over the third planet in this system.
Tolos and Tepak observed the galaxy map, "So it seems that they came for this particular planet".
"But why? What sort of value does this planet have?"
That question, was answered when an operator called out,
"Sir, if my readings are correct, there is a sentient species living on that planet".
A sharp look and silence fell, until the Captain asked, "Population?"
"Around 1 billion, give or take".
"Technological state?"
"Pre-spaceflight, it seems. No sign of debris from space launches, manned or unmanned".
Tolos put a hand up to his chin, deep in thought, as a new complication arose. The readings that they had taken when entering the system, had not picked up any signs of sentient species, and now he was going to have to take into account that any action he took, would have to make sure that the natural development of the species down below, would not be tampered with.
They'd have to be very careful here.
Conferencing with the other Captains, Tolos relayed the situation, and decided to hear the opinions of the others, before getting into the upcoming engagement with the dreadnought.
"So, the dreadnought, now is holding defensive position over the planet. That in effect, means it's deciding the terms of engagement, and we are at an disadvantage, for we cannot idly blind-fire cannon rounds and torpedoes at the dreadnought, as they'd likely miss and strike at the surface of the planet, causing untold consequences to the natural development of the species down below".
"Then we better make sure that we don't miss, won't we?"
All the other Captains sent a sharp look at Captain Vakarian, who only shrugged and said, "Well, we can't just let the dreadnought take pot-shots at us and we can't fire back. No, we have to take the initiative and not let the Rachni choose the engagement any way they like. If we're lucky, we can do some damage to the dreadnought that will force it to come after us, into an ambush..."
Kesth'ra cut in, "That's easier said than done, Sydrus. The time for firing solutions and target guidance, at that range, well, the dreadnought will not give us that amount of time. And I severely doubt that we'll be able to draw the dreadnought out into an ambush".
Nyx shook his head, "No. The dreadnought will not get itself into an ambush. And even if it did, we'd stand no chance against it. Not even to make any sort of meaningful dent to it".
Then, an operator called out, "Scout Ship on approach, Captain".
All Captains exchanged looks, as for all the preparation for the confrontation with the dreadnought, the fifth Scout Ship had seemingly been forgotten.
Commander Tepak, standing to one side as he oversaw Tolos speaking with the other Captains, then asked the operator where the Scout Ship was coming from, and the operator replied,
"It's coming from the dark side of the planet's single moon".
Tolos' next order was immediate,
"Captain Nyx, the Estivus Erax is the closest ship to intercept the Scout Ship. You are to engage and destroy the Scout Ship before it gets within range".
Ship Operations Center, Estivus Erax class cruiser Estivus Erax, in orbit over Luna, Sol System, Local Cluster, Milky Way.
19th March, 1918 CE.
Desolas ordered that an intercept course be laid into navigation.
Soon, the Estivus Erax was enroute to intercept the Scout Ship, but in the meantime, he got onto the ship's communications, broadcasting a shipwide message,
"Now, hear this. This is Captain Nyx speaking. The fifth Rachni Scout Ship has been sighted, and Captain Tolos has given us the distinct honor in destroying it. And we shall oblige him. Battle Stations!"
As he finished off the message, Desolas could feel the rush of energy down below the decks as crew members left and right were heading to their duty stations.
As the galaxy map displayed the Estivus Erax, as well as the Rachni Scout Ship and the moon, Captain Nyx was aware that he was about to get within weapons range and called out,
"Ready a volley of three torpedoes. Narrow-Spread Attack Mode. Fire when ready".
Time passed, as both ships got closer and closer to weapons range, and everyone on the Estivus Erax was awaiting to see who would shoot first.
Luckily, the Estivus Erax managed to get in range first, and fired a volley of three torpedoes, which focused on a certain point on the ship.
Due to the closeness of the torpedoes, the first struck the kinetic barriers of the Scout Ship, and so did the second, which allowed the third torpedo to pass right through and strike right through the Scout Ship, causing a hull-breech.
The Gunnery room announced, "Captain, we have a firing solution with the cannons".
Thanking the spirits that the repairs to the port-side cannon have gone smoothly, enabling it to work again after yesterday, Desolas immediately ordered, "Fire at will!"
And immediately, two rounds streaked across the vacuum of space to strike at the Scout Ship. However, the Scout Ship moved to evade, and only one round struck, managing to get through the kinetic barriers, which were fluctuating due to significant damage.
The other round, missed, and instead struck the moon, causing a massive explosion on the surface.
Captain Nyx, as he prepared for the Scout Ship to strike back, and for him and his crew to hopefully survive, in order to come up with his next move, then formulated a plan of attack, then opened up comms to the torpedo compartment, "Load three more torpedoes. Widespread Attack Mode this time. Once we unleash our cannons, we'll fire the torpedoes".
Down below decks, the three torpedoes were loaded in, their targeting systems changed to a Widespread Attack Mode, which meant that the torpedoes would spread out and focus their attacks over a wide area.
A firing solution was acquired, and the cannons let rip, with two rounds striking the Scout Ship and ripping right through the decks, causing damage to spread across the ship. Then, launched from their torpedo tubes, the three torpedoes headed towards the Scout Ship, and only one struck the now faltering kinetic barriers, whilst the two went past and caused massive explosions throughout the ship.
With this, the Scout ship was in the midst of breaking apart, and as they fired their own torpedoes, the structural integrity of the ship was starting to break apart.
The Rachni torpedoes were targeted by the laser turrets, in which two were destroyed, but the third, which got past the turrets, headed for the Estivus Erax and instead, struck the kinetic barriers.
The cruiser, retaliated by unleashing more cannon fire at the Scout Ship, which could not take any more punishment, and soon, damage to the engines caused an internal explosion in the Scout Ship, which sent debris spewing outwards in all directions.
However, the Scout Ship was not out, as it still had functioning weaponry.
Two torpedoes fired and made for the Estivus Erax, which manoeuvred to get it's laser turrets acquire the torpedoes.
But the torpedoes managed to close up with the cruiser, and strike, the first hitting the kinetic barriers, and the second one striking near the port-side laser turrets, wrecking them all.
With the cruiser recovering from the blow sustained, the Scout Ship attempted to get another volley of three torpedoes, before the Turians could retaliate.
But however, damage to the ship was extensive and the damage included their torpedoes, so when they loaded one damaged torpedo, and fired all three torpedoes, the one torpedo exploded, causing further catastrophic damage, which disabled the weapons of the Scout Ship.
With this crippling blow, the scout ship was defenceless against the onslaught of the Estivus Erax, which unleashed it's full firepower onto the Scout Ship, and pretty soon, every strike that feel upon the Scout Ship, caused the engines to suddenly overload and thus, caused a massive explosion that erupted right through the ship, destroying it.
As an awestruck silence fell upon the Ship Operations Center as the galaxy map displayed the images of the aftermath of the explosion, Captain Nyx then said to Macen and telling him, "Send a report to Talat's Sentinel. Tell Captain Tolos that fifth Scout Ship has been destroyed. Dreadnought is now isolated, as per his request. Now, awaiting your battle plan. Captain Nyx out".
And with that message sent, it was several moments before Desolas got a reply from Tolos.
Macen read it out,
"Message reads as follows; Congratulations on successful objective. The Easy part is over. Now the hard part begins. Prepare yourselves accordingly. Talat's Sentinel out".
Once the message was read out, Desolas took sight of all the crew in the Ship Operations Center, working dutifully at their stations.
Time seemed to pause as he sighed softly to himself and closed his eyes, wondering how many would die in the upcoming engagement.
Desolas was not fooling himself. He knew that there was going to be a very slim chance of him or his crew or even his ship coming out alive.
And even though hope was in short supply during this war, he still found it in himself, to pray to the Spirits (not something he did often) for he and his crew, to at least make a difference in the battle that was to come.
"Captain Nyx, sir?"
Opening his eyes, Desolas looked upon Macen, who was looking upon his Captain in concern, and smiled to offset his worries, saying "It's alright, Commander. Just thinking".
"About something in particular, sir?"
Thoughts went straight to the memories of a someone, who was waiting for him on Taetrus, Nyx nodded, "Yes", before reminiscing softly, "Her smile, could brighten up my day when I was feeling down. Every time, whenever my day felt bad. Her eyes, could make me forget, of all the loneliness that space can bring to a Captain, and make me forget, of all the explosions, the alarms, the vibrations and the sounds of a warship..."
Shaking himself from the thoughts of his wife, Desolas turned to look upon his First Officer, asking, "What about you, Macen? What are you thinking about?"
Opening his mouth and closing it, several times, his First Officer then said after some hesitation, "With respect, sir, it can wait. This is hardly an appropriate time".
"On the contrary, for we're about to go up against a dreadnought. I'd say it's the perfect time to say what's on your mind. Speak freely with me, you know that, don't you?"
Macen Pentalus nodded his head, and took a deep breath, before he said, "I was, just thinking, about the sunset at Cipritine. Marderia and I took Krennavus to the city, on our last leave. We spent so much time in the city, Trebia was falling below the horizon, and it was only until we reached Avitus Heights, when my wife told me to actually take a look at the sunset.
She always said I spent so long in space, that I never took a look at a sunset for once in my life. I look a look, and there it was. Trebia, falling down below the horizon, lighting up the sky in beautiful colour before the darkness came".
Then, much to Desolas' surprise, he could see inklings of a tear, fall from Macen's eyes, as he started to finish his story, "And Krennavus, oh his giggling and his joy in the small things, I sure wish I could be more of a father to him, more than the occasional visits from leave..."
Seeing that Macen, unable to continue on with his story, was in pain, facing the prospect of certain death and the potential of leaving his 2 year old son to grow up without a father, Desolas patted his shoulder and said, "Do not fear. Never falter in the duty set upon you, and if you are to pass, pray that the spirits will allow you to guide your son to great things".
His First Officer, wiping away his small tears with vigour, nodded his head, and said with conviction, "Don't worry, Captain. I'll do my duty".
Captain Desolas Nyx smiled, "I know you will, Commander. I know you will".
Bridge, Pillar of Armali class dreadnought Pillar of Polos, assembling in orbit over Sotera, Vernio System, Athena Nebula, Milky Way.
19th March, 1918 CE.
Matriarch Velestila stood at the bridge of the Pillar of Polos, alongside the Captain, Palantis Atandra.
Even after hours, settling into her new duty as commander of the Tenth Task Force, Velestila still couldn't believe the numbers of this Task Force, which was big enough by some, to be a Fleet of it's own.
Around 10 dreadnoughts, 27 cruisers, 42 frigates, 23 corvettes and 19 Elcor transports (to carry the troops), and Asari, Salarian, Turian, Elcor, Hanar, Krogan and Quarian contingents.
Matriarch Arrteria, commanded the Asari contingent, so to allow Matriarch Velestila to command the entirety of the Task Force without the strain and pressure of commanding a contingent. From the Pillar of Polos, she also commanded 5 cruisers, 15 frigates, and 6 corvettes, along with thirteen Huntress units (The 73rd, the 92nd, the 109th, the 134th, the 161st, the 170th, the 188th, the 205th, the 211th, the 222nd, the 303rd, the 445th and the 510th).
Rear Admiral Padok Qywils, commanded the Salarian contingent on his flagship, the Pranas class dreadnought Mannovai, 3 cruisers, 9 frigates and 8 corvettes, along with the 10th and 84th Manoeuvre Divisions, and the 12th Infiltration Regiment, Special Tasks Group.
Admiral Tythamus Ullrix, Velestila's second in command, also commanded the Turian contingent, from his own flagship, the Spirit of Pallamux class dreadnought Spirit of Gentarix, while General Varlyx Tarradus, the second in command of the Turian contingent, commanded all Turian ground forces. Apart from 3 dreadnoughts (The Spirit of Gentarix's sister ships, the Spirit of Taetrus and Spirit of Digeris), the Turians also had 6 cruisers, 6 frigates, 6 corvettes and the 47th Legion.
Admiral Eyltn, commanded the Elcor contingent, mainly from the Phontes class cruiser Lenuamund, which was the Elcor's only combat vessel in the Tenth Task Force, whilst the Nurhemathun Division, their sole combat unit in the contingent, was being transported via Elcor Transport 9381.
Admiral Gahaloon, his Soul name being Holds-Perservence-in-Regards, commanded the Hanar contingent, consisted of the Artefact class cruiser Strong Rock, 2 Hanar frigates, 3 Hanar corvettes and three Drell Specialist Detachments (the 9th, the 14th and the 86th).
Warlord Jorgal Rurgak, had been appointed the commander of the Krogan contingent. 3 Wrath of Tuchanka class dreadnoughts (the flagship Wrath of Jorgal, and sister ships, Wrath of Urdnot and Wrath of Nakmor), 6 cruisers, and the 104th Division (which was commanded by Battlelord Nakmor Truesh), which had a quantity of Vorcha present as well.
Admiral Diyel'Calanis nar Rannoch, commanded the Quarian contingent from the Keenah class dreadnought Yahkaq, which was accompanied by it's sister ship, the Kana'murah, 5 Quarian cruisers, 10 Quarian frigates, the 26th and 35th Marine Divisions, and the 817th Geth Group.
"Matriarch, the Tenth Task Force is ready to depart on your command".
Taking a look at Captain Atandra, Matriarch Velestila nodded and asked, "Have the coordinates been set?"
"Yes they have".
Nodding her head, Matriarch Velestila then issued the orders, "All ships, make for the Myrik'tah System".
As the Tenth Task Force moved out of their orbit from Sotera, they headed onto a course for the Mass Relay, where they then plotted a destination to another Mass Relay, before they began the jump which would mark the beginning of a journey that no one on the Task Force could have foreseen...
And so, with the four cruisers nearing Earth, a confrontation between them and the dreadnought is oncoming, while reinforcements are inbound. Can they reach them in time?
Well, you'll just have to wait and see!
Matriarch Velestila is a character to definitely look out for, considering that she is Trileena's mother. Definitely some back story with them, so stay tuned in regards to those two!
In regards to the torpedoes attack modes, the Turian torpedoes have a guidance system in which they work together and coordinate with one another, so when three torpedoes are launched, those same three torpedoes will work together in reaching their target, their computers telling each other where each other is, as they also project a course enroute to their target. Just something I made up.
Anyways, don't forget to leave a review whenever you can, and see you next time!
