Shattered Lylat: The Fragmentation War
Discainer #2 (and so it begins): I own the Halberd class starship. Everything else that I didn't say I owned in previous or future disclaimers, is copyrighted Nintendo.
Chapter 2
Castle: "If I didn't know better, Commander, I'd say you were enjoying this."
Specter: Are you kidding? Fighting outnumbered against the Clan? I was born for this!"
Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries
Ed's house, Miramar City, Corneria, Sept. 23, 2550, 1000 hoursMark Rendar landed his Arwing near Ed's house and knocked on the front door. "Ed, are you in there?"
After about 30 seconds Ed answered the door. Mark could se that Ed had dressed in a hurry, his flight jacket was unzipped and he hadn't even donned his flak jacket. "Yeah, what is it?" Ed asked
"We gotta get up in the air" Mark answered "Captain Farrell just came from Fortuna because the Imperials showed up there. Estimates say that the Imperials will be here in 1 hour."
"Ok, hang on a sec." Ed said "Katya!" Ed shouted up the stairs, "We gotta go!"
"Wait…she's here too?" Mark asked
"Since last night…yeah." Ed replied.
"Right…" Mark said.
Katya eventually came down 2 minutes later. By now Ed had arranged himself a little better, and had his flak jacket on.
"Um…" Mark said "If you two are ready, we can leave."
Without saying anything Ed and Katya got in their Arwings and took off, Mark following them close behind.
Ed donned his shades as his Arwing reached 30000 feet. He noticed that there was another set of Arwings coming up from Corneria City. The IFF tags marked them as belonging to Falco, Fox, and Fara. Guess they heard the news too, Ed thought.
The 6 Arwings met up on their trip towards the Cornerian Defense Fleet situated 50,000 kilometers from Corneria's upper atmosphere, the minimum safe distance for usage of the FTL drive (NOTE: hyperdrive = FTL drive). All 6 fighters docked on the Guardian, Admiral Collins's command ship and the flagship for the defense fleet.
Ed walked into the ready room of the Guardian, and saw General Pepper, Admiral Collins, Prince Davidson, Captain Farrell, who had just come from Fortuna, Jason Kage, Dante Davidson, the Starfox squadron, Mike Wilson, and two DSF officers Ed didn't know. One was a heavyset panda with the rank of Admiral, and the other was a wolf with the rank of General.
"Ed, I'd like you to meet Admiral Kevin Smith and General Mikhail Knight." Mike Wilson said to Ed as he gestured to the panda and the wolf, respecitvely. "Gentlemen, this is Captain Ed Wallace, leader of the mercenary squadron BlackWolf."
"So you're the leader of one of the groups that rescued our CEO from the Imperials" Mikhail said as he shook Ed's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. From what Mike and Allen told us, you're quite the capable soldier."
"Well, some of us our just born lucky and good." Ed said in reply. "Looks like I'm gonna need that luck for this."
Eventually everybody settled down and Admiral Collins tapped a few controls on the holoprojector. A view of the planet Corneria appeared, along with images representing the 5 fleets of Cornerian Warships.
"Okay, the news is not good." The Admiral said "From what Captain Farrell told us. The Imperial Fleet was at least 8 fleets big. They mean to completely wipe us out. So we set up so our guns are facing the jump point from Fortuna." The admiral said as he manipulated the fleet icons. "As soon as the Imperials arrive, I want the Black Knight to fire its omni cannons on plasma load at the heaviest warships and carriers the Imperials have. This may disorient them a bit."
"Hold on a second!" Ed said "To get into plasma range, the Black Knight would have to move at least half the distance to the Imperials from where you have the defense fleet. The Black Knight will become an instant target. I cannot allow that. Nor can I allow you to send any ships as escorts, as they will become easy targets too."
"Then allow me to up the ante." General Pepper cut in as he reached for his communicator. "Captain Martinez, bring out the Hood."
Everybody looked out the window as the familiar shape of an Mjolnir class battlecruiser came into view. It was like the Black Knight in every way…except it was painted Gray and Green, the colors of the CDF, rather than the black color of the BlackWolf command ship.
"You built another?" Ed asked, disbelieved
"Yes," General Pepper said "We spent the last three months building another Mjolinir using the Black Knight datafiles as a reference. The result is the pride of the Cornerian Naval Fleet, the CDS Hood. The Hood will go with the Black Knight, doubling the firepower we can unload in the surprise attack. And then both ships can cover one another on their retreat path back to the rest of the fleet."
"That makes more sense." Mark said. "But send some ships to a position between the Mjolnirs and the defense fleet, so that the ships are covered even more."
"I'll gladly send my fleet out there." Admiral Smith said. "Our Bayonet cruisers are equipped with powerful laser cannons that can hit at an impressive range. They'll be perfect for cover fire."
"Very well," Collins said "The DSF warships will cover the Mjolnirs as they attack. After they return to the fleet, all warships will prioritize and pick targets. Try to concentrate fire on their carriers and battleships. As for any dropships that are launched, BlackWolf, Starfox, Shadow Wing Beta Company, Captain Phoenix's 43rd CDF Fighter Squadron, and Rainier Davidson's 14th Air Defense Wing will engage as many dropships as possible en route, and then will carry out strikes against enemy ground forces, while coordinating with our 4 tank regiments, and the Paladin artillery battalion.
"Are you sure that 5 squadrons will be enough to stop any ground forces?" General Pepper asked
"We need the other squadrons up in space defending the capital ships." The admiral answered, "But we can afford 5 more squadrons to send down if things get bad."
Captain Rouge Farrell spoke "I'll gladly contribute my forces to ground defense. It's where we can best be used. Even though we took 50% losses on Fortuna, we can still be of use."
"Ok, that makes 5 and a half reserve squadrons to donate to ground defense." Admiral Collins replied. "Are there any questions?"
Everybody had the same thought on their minds What if we have to leave Corneria? But nobody was willing to ask it.
"All right, get to your posts, and prepare for battle. The Imperials will be here in about 15 minutes."
***
15 minutes laterThe Black Knight and the Hood moved into position as the first hyperspace exit contacts were detected at the Imperial's Jump Point. ROB-2 relayed targeting data to Ed, who was holding position at the DSF firing line, so that Ed could determine which targets ROB-2 should use the omni-cannons on.
"Looks like we have two Grazan-II carriers jumping out…they're flanking some kind of battleship I haven't seen before." Ed said
Dave Cheng then cut in on the comm "I have; those are Halberd class battleships. These are the Imperials newest warships, and the most powerful."
"ROB-2, you have your target." Ed said "Fire on the Halberds and the Grazan IIs. Then switch to any Intimidators and Aggressors."
"Affirmative" came the robot pilot's reply. "Relaying data to Captain Martinez on the Hood. Preparing to fire."
The omni cannons on both Mjolnir cruisers opened fire, sending 4 bolts of plasma at the Imperial Fleet.
So it begins, Ed thought to himself.
***
ISS Andross, two seconds later"Full shields!" roared Josef Caine.
The call came almost too late. The plasma bolt exploded to the left of the Andross, punching through the shields and causing minor damage to the starboard side. The Grazan II carrier Winchester wasn't so lucky. They hadn't raised shields in time, and the plasma ripped through the twin hull like a tin can, tearing the ship in half. Three more plasma bolts detonated, destroying two Aggressors, a Saruizin II, three Zeram IIs, 4 Harlock IIs, and one Intimadator. The shots also damaged the Andross and its sister ship, the Bismarck.
"Damage report!" Caine said
The Tactical Officer ran through the list of destroyed ships, then evaluated the damage on the Andross. "We've taken damage to our starboard cannons, and half our missiles our gone."
"Sir," the communications officer reported, "The Bismarck is reporting that their Halberd Laser Cannon is damaged, and may not function properly. The also say their shields are down to 75%."
"Damn! Where did those shots come from!"
"Sensors indicate two Mjolnir class cruisers. One of them is identified as the Black Knight, but the other is broadcasting a CDF radar signature" Reported the TO.
"Contact the Bismarck" Caine said. A second later the image of Captain Mehta of the Bismarck appeared on the vidcom.
"Captain Mehta, target those two Mjolnirs and take them out. We will also assist, as will the Zeram-II Draconis group, and the Intimidator cruisers Yar and Rassak "
"Affirmative, my lord." Captain Mehta said. The comm then switched over to the commander of Draconis group
"Cover the Andross and the Bismarck while we assault the Mjolnirs." Caine ordered.
"Aye, sir"
***
"Enemy warships converging on our position, falling back to main group." Captain Martinez reported as the Hood and the Black Knight put their engines into full reverse. "ETA to DSF firing line, 1 minute."
As the two cruisers reversed, they opened fire with their omni-cannons on gauss load. The shots were aimed at two Aggressor class carriers. Two slugs punched through on Aggressor's shields and blasted through the bridge, killing the entire command staff, and then the carrier split in half two seconds later. The other two slugs hit the second carrier, tearing off its hangar module, and destroying one missile launcher. Only a few fighters launched from the module before it exploded.
The lead Halberd opened fire with its naval heavy laser cannon mounted in the nose. The beam hit the forward shields of the Black Knight, dissipating against the energy barrier.
"Forward shields at 75%" ROB-2 reported as he fired a gauss slug at the attacking warship. The glimmering slug was deflected by the Halberd's shields, but it did cause the shields on the enemy cruiser to fluctuate. By now the Mjolnirs had almost drawn the enemy ships into firing range of the DSF cruisers.
"All ships," Admiral Smith said from the bridge of the Bayonet class cruiser Prometheus "Fire at will!"
The 8 Bayonet cruisers fired their naval heavy laser cannons mounted on the bow of each ship. 8 green spears of energy lashed out at the oncoming Imperials. 3 of these beams hit a Zeram II, slicing it to ribbons. The remaining 5 lasers were aimed at the Intimidator cruiser Rassak. The first three beams hit the shields, dropping them. The last two lasers punched deep into the ship, setting off numerous explosions in the bow, and causing a lot of oxygen to vent. This threw the cruiser off course, and spoiled its aim. This act seemed to enrage the Imperials, as two more ships moved up from the reserves, two more Intimidators.
"That's right," Smith chuckled "Come to your doom." He had the Prometheus's tactical officer have free range of targets while he reported the status. "Have engaged Imperials, they're taking losses, we aren't" he reported. "Hang on a second…"
Smith watched as the enemy Halberds and Initimidators suddenly speed up, as did the smaller enemy cruisers
"Shit! They're trying to rush our line! We're going all reverse back towards the main fleet!" he frantically reported to Admiral Collins.
"Can you disengage?" asked Collins.
"Negative! They are coming in too fast! We'll try to drive them off!" Smith shouted. "Target the Intimidators!" he ordered his fleet.
Another laser barrage was targeted at the Rassak. The beams sliced through hull plating, and hit numerous ammo magazines. The Imperial ship seemed to convulse and twist as the explosions tore it apart. The Yar tried to avenge its sister ship by firing on the Prometheus. Missiles deflected off the shields, and the naval heavy laser just dissipated against the energy barrier of the Damocles cruiser. Still, the shields on the Prometheus flickered as it tried to withstand the destructive energy being unleashed at it. The two Halberds continued coming at the Cornerian defenders, more specifically at the Black Knight and the Hood. The two Imperial battleships launched about a total of 50 Invader IV fighters, which flew towards the DSF firing line.
"Ed, Fox, take out those fighters!" Admiral Smith ordered.
Ed and Fox acknowledged the Admirals orders, and their respective squadrons flew out to combat the enemy..
"Keep those fighters away from the cruisers." Ed ordered
"Copy that" Mark Rendar said
"Got it" Damien Norris reported
"Affirmative" Karl Riker replied
The 8 Arwings darted among the capital ships, tearing into the Imperial fighters with ease. However, there wasn't much they could do about the Imperial battleships. One of the Halberds moved in close to the Hood, and both ships opened fire. The Hood's gauss cannons punched through the shields and peeled off armor from the Halberd. The enemy return fire was devastating. The lasers and missiles overloaded the forward shield, and then the Heavy Naval Laser punched deep into the Hood's right side. Ed watched as the Mjolnir cruiser shuddered, and then all of a sudden blossomed into a massive fireball.
"HOLY SHIT!!!" Ed shouted as the Hood snapped in half, still exploding and was now almost entirely obscured by flames and smoke.
"This is Captain Wallace to CDS Hood, do you read? Captain Martinez get the hell out of there!" Ed shouted into his communicator, but he could almost tell it was a futile gesture. The explosion had came too quick.
"Admiral Collins," Ed said "The CDS Hood has been blown in half and is destroyed!"
"What happened!?" the Admiral asked.
"Apparently, the laser from the Halberd touched off the missile bays." Ed answered as the explosions stopped, leaving only a few scorched bits of metal, and the badly torn up bow section, as evidence that the Hood ever existed. The death of the pride of the CDF had taken but 30 seconds.
"Any survivors?" Fox McCloud suddenly cut in.
ROB-2 delivered the report "One Savior lifeboat, three passengers."
"Three…" Ed said "Out of what, 500?"
"Yes…" Collins said "Without a ROB-2 unit, they needed that many people on the ship. Admiral Smith, retrieve the lifeboat, have a medical team standing by."
"I'll do what I can" Smith replied as the Damocles Ships opened fire again, damaging the Imperial attackers. "Does anybody know the name of the ship that destroyed the Hood?"
"I think I read Bismarck on the side of it." Damien replied.
Just then, the Imperials dropped back, out of gunnery range.
"What the…they're falling back!" Falco said
"I think that's because they got what they wanted." Ed said sadly as he watched the lifeboat from the Hood fly into the hangar bay of the Prometheus.
"I think there's more to it than that." Peppy cut in. "They wouldn't retreat…unless they've distracted us! Scan Corneria's atmosphere immediately!"
"Scanning…" Admiral Collins said. A few seconds passed, then "We've picked up at least 200 Imperial Dropships burning through the atmosphere! Fox, Ed, get back to the planet! We need to stop that invasion!"
As Ed flew back towards Corneria, his blood ran cold. They had been duped while an invasion snuck in, and an entire ship of soldiers had died as a result.
This isn't right at all! Ed shouted in his mind If we don't even the odds soon, the days of a free Corneria are numbered, and those numbers have damned few digits.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Note how the Imperial warship Bismarck sunk the CDF warship Hood. Notice the historical reference. For those who don't know, in 1940, the German battleship Bismarck was intercepted by the British battleships HMS Hood, the pride of the British fleet , and HMS Prince Of Wales. The Bismarck scored a lucky hit on the Hood's ammo magazines, and blew it in half. Only 3 sailors survived. From then on, the Bismarck was a marked warship.