Chapter 13
"We're you're best kept secret." Agent J- Men in Black
Sector X, September 30th, 2550, 1500 hours
[Captain Ed Wallace's Log: "Today is September 30, 2550. For the past two days, the Black Knight, Great Fox, Phantron, and 82 other CDF and DSF ships including the Ikaruga have been navigating Sector X on impulse power alone. Whatever Damocles Industries hid in the nebula, it is hidden well. No ships can reach it by hyperspace. No sensors can detect it. I'm really looking forward to finding out what exactly is hidden here. Whatever it is, I have no doubt it can help us stem the Imperial flood of tyranny."]
"ROB-2, projected ETA on Nav Damocles." Ed asked the robotic pilot of the Black Knight.
"ETA is 2 minutes, Ed."
Ed looked through the viewscreen of the bridge of the Black Knight. There wasn't much to see right now, except the dark purple clouds of the Sector X nebula, and the form of the Prometheus dead ahead leading the fleet onward. Ed checked the two auxiliary monitors of the ship. He could see the battered form of the Tempest flying in close escort with the Great Fox and the Phantron to the starboard side of the Black Knight. Through the portside monitor he could see the Ikaruga, mostly unscathed, along with it's escorting Rook cruisers, Admiral Gestahl's command vessel Galaxian, and the remaining DSF Bayonets. The other ships, which made a total of 85, were flying behind the main vanguard; each ship more damaged than the last. The retreat from Katina had been brutal. Especially for the Great Fox. The once majestic ship had two massive blast craters from Apocalypse missile hits, plus numerous other blast marks and damaged hull sections. It was a wonder the ship was still in one piece, as it also had numerous breaches along its dorsal spine. Of course, the Black Knight was also sporting its fair share of damage. The repair drones had been destroyed by an Imperial Naval Heavy Laser, and the bridge was still cluttered with debris. Decks 7 through 10 also had hull breaches, which still needed to be repaired.85 starships out of the 300 we had before the Imperials invaded Corneria. Ed thought. Since we haven't heard from the fleet that went to Zoness, we can't count on them to return. Still, if they survived, then that's another 50 ships out there.
A few Wolfhound fighters flew a patrol pattern past the Prometheus before circling back towards the main fleet. Ed thought about the fighter losses as he watched them go by.
At the onset of the war we had almost 2000 fighter jets, 850 bombers, and 1000 tanks. Now there are less than half that number…and even fewer pilots. Still, those who remain are a determined bunch, and the addition of 700 MACs to our arsenal may prove useful in the days and weeks ahead. Plus, the DSF has their units, and they know how to balance offense and defense better than we do. Hell, it's how they stay alive.
"Incoming burst transmission from Admiral Smith. He says we have arrived at the coordinates, and we should be able to see what he brought us here for in just a few seconds." ROB-2 reported, which snapped Ed out of his ruminations. He focused all his attention forward. Slowly, a massive object began to emerge from the nebula clouds.
"Oh my god…" Fox McCloud said over the open channel.
Emerging from the clouds was a massive white space station with some blue trim. Mostly cubical in design, but with two large arm-like protrusions that curved out in front of it. Ed guessed the station was at least 4 miles long, 4 miles wide and 3 miles high. It was bristling with weaponry, including 2 large cannons that Ed knew were omni-cannons just by looking at them. The station was surrounded by 10 Bayonet cruisers, and a cruiser that Ed thought looked similar to a Teamster transport, but he saw it was bigger and better armed.
"So this is it…" Ed said
"It's huge…" Mark muttered.
"That thing could ruin anybody's day." Damien said.
Karl just stared, but finally said. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen before."
Admiral Smith appeared on the vidcom. "Everybody, I give you Damocles Starbase. The largest and most advanced space station ever designed. It is armed with over 200 laser batteries, 100 omni-directional missile launchers, and of course, 2 Arspace designed omni-cannons. It is so big it can construct two battleships, 4 cruisers, 20 frigates, 1000 strike craft, or any combination of the 4 simultaneously. It is carries a crew of over 10000, and living quarters for 25000 more."
"And this would be our way to take the fight back to the Imperials?"
"Absolutely, although we are going to require a plan. I'm going to start having ships line up for repairs. We'll start with the Great Fox, Black Knight, Phantron, Tempest, and Galaxian. To repair the Ikaruga, we'll send the Thames to help with repairs.
The unknown ship Ed had seen earlier was now moving towards the Ikaruga. Another vidcom window opened up, and it showed a English Sheepdog wearing a full DSF military uniform.
"Captain Bob Jackson of the salvage and repair cruiser Thames standing by to assist the Ikaruga with repairs." The sheepdog said. "We are launching our Collector REMASCS to begin repairs."
"REMASCS?" Ed asked, pronouncing it 'Remasks'
"Repair, Mining, And Salvage Corvettes" Jackson elaborated. "They can mine for minerals, repair ships, or be used to take over other ships, be they derelict or occupied. They are armed with a class-5 autocannon, and 2 laser cannons for defense. They can also carry a strike team of up to 10 soldiers."
"Sweet." Ed said as he observed the boxy corvettes moving in on the damaged hull sections of the ark ship, and began using laser welders to patch up the breaches.
Meanwhile the Black Knight had finally docked on the station, and repair crews began moving towards the cruiser. Admiral Smith came on the vidcom again.
"Ed, Fox, Jason. I am holding a staff meeting for the military commanders on board the starbase. I believe you three should attend, as this is a briefing about what our next move will be, and I think our mercenary commanders and our Special Forces leaders should be in attendance."
"You sure Admiral Gestahl won't blow his stack over us being there?" Fox asked
"If he does, so what?" Admiral Smith asked in reply.
"Good point." Fox answered. "He won't risk making himself look stupid in front of so many senior officers."
"Glad you agree. See you in 10 minutes." The Admiral's comm window closed.
Briefing Room Alpha, Deck 14, Damocles Starbase, 10 minutes later.
Ed looked around the large briefing room. He could see that almost all senior staff of both the CDF and the DSF were present; Prince Davidson included. Missing of course, were the late Admiral Collins, and Lt. General Magnusson, who of course was at Zoness. Ed also remembered that the commander of the fleet sent to Zoness, Commodore Kathryn Snipes, would also not be here. He also crossed Lt. General Kent, Colonel Ackerson, and Colonel Davis off his mental list. Ackerson was the only one of those three still alive, as far as he knew. Kent died protecting the academy. Colonel Davis was an Air Force officer who got shot down protecting the Galaxian.
Well, we could have lost a lot more commanders. He thought, Although I wouldn't mind losing Gestahl. That thought he had added as he noticed Gestahl was staring at him with a look that could melt titanium. As Ed's gaze swept the room again, he noticed a timber wolf sitting near General Pepper. The wolf was wearing a CDF military uniform, with a rank of a 3-star general. The only problem was, Ed didn't recognize him.
It's obvious this General must be involved with something secret…perhaps Shadow Wing? Ed mused. He stopped pondering this however, as Admiral Kevin Smith was now standing and addressing the assembled commanders, including the entire squadrons of Black Wolf, Starfox, and the Revenants.
"Thank you all for coming here on such short notice." The Admiral began. "As you know, things have gone from bad to worse since the Imperials redeclared war on us."
"Redeclared?" Ed heard a voice he identified as Commodore Stocker's "More like 'attacked without provocation or declaration'."
"Commodore, mind yourself." The unidentified General said in a slightly Scottish accent. "We all know we were blindisided."
"Right…sorry." Stocker said. "Please continue, Admiral."
Admiral Smith nodded and continued. "The Imperials have hit us very hard, but they made one mistake: they failed to wipe us out. This means we are still a viable force against them. And we already have plans set in motion to make sure that Emperor Caine regrets making this mistake"
"Explain." Admiral Gestahl said
"I believe he's talking about this starbase, Admiral." Fox McCloud said.
"Don't point things out for me, Mercenary." Gestahl said as he glared at Fox
Ed and Jason were about to protest when General Pepper grabbed the Admiral by the arm "That's enough, Admiral." The General said quietly.
Gestahl glared at Fox, then Ed, and then at Jason Kage. Almost as if to say "this isn't over"
Admiral Smith cleared his throat. "Anyway, Captain McCloud is partially right. The starbase is but one part of our planned counter-offensive. At this time I would like to have General Daniel Carrington, founder of Shadow Wing, come up here and explain another part of the counter-offensive, as well as give us intel on the so-called 'Maverick Wing'."
The timber wolf Ed had seen earlier stood up and walked to the central podium where Admiral Smith stood.
So this is the enigmatic founder of Shadow Wing. Ed thought. He noticed that many of the commanders were staring at Carrington, some with angry glints in their eyes.
They can't possibly think that he's responsible for the Mavericks…can they? I certainly don't, and I have more reason than any of them to hate somebody. Ed thought.
Carrington didn't seemed fazed by the glares thrown in his direction. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Hello. As Admiral Smith already said, I am the enigmatic founder of Shadow Wing. I founded it 9 years ago at the request of the CDF Joint Chiefs. They wanted a unit capable of handling situations the regular army couldn't officially intervene in. Right now you probably want my head on a pike for what the Mavericks did on Katina. But consider this, why would I show up if I had been behind that? I can assure you I had no idea they had sold us out and I assure you I plan to assist in any way possible to bring the Maverick Wing to justice. So I am officially declassifying all information on the Mavericks."
Carrington motioned to Admiral Smith, who hit a button on a projector located at the back of the room. It displayed the logo of the former Alpha Company, the Greek letter Alpha emblazoned over two crossed broadswords.
"Alpha Company was created 9 years ago at the same time as Shadow Wing's inception. The first twelve members were labeled officially as dishonored pilots of the CDF, save for one civilian vigilante.
Ed noticed that Captain Smirnov had twitched slightly at the mention of "civilian vigilante". Ed also noted that General Pepper and Prince Davidson had noticed the Captain's twitch. What does he know? Ed thought.
General Carrington continued. "The first twelve were immediately given code names, their real names lost over the 9 years to almost everybody but myself and of course, the twelve pilots."
Pictures of the twelve original members were displayed by the projector. Well…almost. The last member's picture had been obscured and pixelated. Nobody could tell who he, or she, was.
"This twelfth pilot, known as Sabrewulf, was moved to Beta Company when it was founded 2 years ago. The reason behind Beta's founding, and Sabrewulf's reassignment, was related to a discovery near Fortuna in that same year. The Stealth Cruiser of Alpha Company, Shadow, found a derelict sleeper ship near Fortuna. We boarded it, but found all the cryostasis chambers had malfunctioned, leaving no survivors. Even if someone had survived, the total systems failure of the ship would've finished them off. But we still made an amazing discovery from the ship's logs and flight recorder. We found the ship had been launched from the planet Cerinia."
There were murmurs throughout the room. Everyone knew about Cerinia. It was a legendary planet, reportedly home to a race of sorcerers…if one chose to believe in that. Some just said it was false, others said it was not magic, but psychokinesis. In any event, nobody expected to find the truth, as the planet had been wiped out by a biological weapon attack by Andross over 5 years prior, with no known survivors.
Carrington waited until the murmurs died down, then continued his speech as DNA info was displayed.
"We examined the bodies of the dead Cerinians, and found that while their DNA and physical appearance was, as believed, remarkably similar to that of Lylatians, they had certain genes that we didn't have, presumably what gave them their psychokinetic powers…and logically we believed that was what they thought was magic. We decided to use gene therapy on the Alphas to see if they could develop psychokinetic powers when the Cerinian DNA was spliced with their own. We gave them the option on whether or not to undergo the operations. Sabrewulf refused, citing that it was too risky, and he had too much to live for. So I decided to create a second company, this consisting of normal soldiers, and have Sabrewulf hold a position of authority on the Beta's command ship
Captain Smirnov shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Ed made the connection. He's…Sabrewulf?
Carrington continued. "Sabrewulf was replaced by a recruit known as Wheel Gator, and the twelve pilots underwent the gene splicing experiments. After 1 month, we had our results. The genes had indeed given many of the Alphas psychokinetic powers, and if not that, then enhanced their most latent abilities. In the two years since, every mission the Alphas were sent on they have succeeded all objectives, without any casualties…ever. I am telling you this because the Mavericks are the most dangerous enemy we will ever face. Except for on Katina, every single Lylatian that has fought a Maverick, every single fur that stood their ground has died. I have seen the Mavericks crash through 2 inch thick steel doors. I have seen soldiers empty clips at some of the Mavericks and hit nothing but air. But…despite the changes made to them, they are still irrevocably Lylatian, and that means they can be defeated…we just need to try our damndnest to do so."
There was a short silence, then General Pepper said. "I understand the warning clearly, General, but what does this have to do with our counterattack?"
"Well…not much, except that I am also now going to declassify the last secret of Shadow Wing." Carrington hit another button, and the projector displayed a symbol; the Greek letter Omega emblazoned over two crossed K21 Assault Rifles.
"The Omega Batallion is the last Shadow Wing unit created. It was formed at the conclusion of the Lylat War. It was formed with a twofold purpose, to patrol the DMZ between Macbeth and Venom, and to infiltrate the Imperial Army and contact a resistance movement we learned about known as the Free Venom Army. The lineholding job had gone over very well for the Omegas, and they won impressive victories, sometimes even against superior numbers. Even after the Imperials took Macbeth 3 months ago, they continued to make strikes against their forces. Most of their success was attributed to the new experimental Damocles technology given to the Omegas, including the Legionnaire battle armor. Success, combined with a habit of acting without support or bakcup, earned the battalion the nickname of 'The Lone Gunmen'. Of course, only I really knew about this, as the Omegas were kept hidden even from the Mavericks. The second phase of their operations near Macbeth didn't begin until 6 months ago. It was at this time that the commanders of Omega, Captain John Byers, Captain Jeff Langely, and Captain Michael Frohike, met this individual."
The screen switched from the photos of the Omega commanders to a picture of a fennec fox wearing an IAV military uniform which held a 2-star general rank. "General Timothy Rommel, alias 'Desert Fox'. He is a 35 year old native of Titania. Got his nickname for his military tactics on Titania 3 months ago during the Resurgence War. His current assignment is on the ballistic missile cruiser Firestorm, which is posted to area 6. He was assigned to this posting, rather than participating in the frontal attacks on Corneria, for two reasons. One, he questioned the merits of the terrorist attacks on Corneria, and he also was civil to DSF POWs that were captured on Macbeth. Naturally, it comes as no surprise that Rommel leads the Free Venom Army. The army has mostly been all talk for a while, but the terror attacks and attempted assassination of Prince Davidson have proven to be the catalyst for revolution. In Captain Byers's latest report, dated 2 days ago, he stated that about 35% of the Area 6 guard fleet were part of the FVA, and General Rommel plans to attack Area 6 within the next 72 hours. Just 20 minutes ago, Captain Byers reported in and stated the attack was imminent."
ISS Firestorm, just outside Area 6 perimeter, same time
General Timothy Rommel stood on the bridge of the cruiser he had been forced to serve on. He had been forced out of flying fighters, and was more or less imprisoned on a nuke ship, along with 300 other less fanatical soldiers of the IAV. His modified Wolfen II was locked up at Shipyard 6, presumably to be given back to him, once he learned to be evil. He had protested with General Caiman to let him go back to being a pilot, but Caiman refused, stating that the Emperor's orders were always to be obeyed.
Well, all that is about to change. The fennec fox thought as he saw a gray Defender class heavy cruiser bearing the Omega Battalion logo on its side. The ship was escorted by a Phantron class cruiser.
"Sir, the Valhalla is hailing us." The Firestorm's comm officer said
"Onscreen"
The vidcom activated, and a female raven wearing a Shadow Wing uniform appeared onscreen. "Captain Eva DelHarlowe reporting SWS Valhalla and SWS Darkstar are ready and at your command, General."
"Thank you captain. Can you put Captain Byers on for me? I have to inform him of a slight change in our plans."
"Hold on a second…he's currently boarding the shuttle to head over to your ship. I suggest you wait for him to come to you, sir."
"Affirmative, Captain, I'll wait, but tell Byers to double-time it onto the bridge." Rommel said.
About 30 seconds passed before a Golden Retriever wearing Legionnaire Battle Armor and wearing an Omega insignia on his left shoulder walked on to the bridge.
"You wanted to speak with me, General?" the armor-clad Retriever asked
"Yes I did, Captain Byers." Rommel said. "There is a slight change in plans."
"I hope it is not a major change, we only have a 4 hour window in which the Imperial Vanguard Fleet will be at Zoness." Byers said.
"I am aware of that, and don't worry, the change is indeed minor." Rommel pressed a button on his command chair, and one of the Secondary monitors displayed a tech readout for a cruiser that looked a lot like a Zeram class.
"This is the Zeram III class Medium Crusier. It is similar to the Zeram II, but with the addition of these two forward cannons. One is a Naval-Grade Medium Laser Cannon."
"And the other?" John Byers asked
"The other is a Light Gauss Cannon. It was built with technical specifications stolen from Arspace Dynamics by the Maverick Wing."
"So what does this have to do with the change in the plans?"
"There are two Zeram III prototypes docked at Shipyard 6. They are the only two ships of their class. I intend to steal them both."
"What about the Halberd at the Shipyard still in construction?"
"The Zeram IIIs are already completed, and are due to undergo testing in 2 hours. The Halberd is only 75% complete. If we steal the Zerams, and then destroy the Shipyard as we planned, we will have robbed the Imperials of their ill-gotten Gauss technology. This is our only chance to keep the Gauss cannon out of enemy hands."
"You're sure the Gauss specs will be stored at the Shipyard?" Byers asked
"Positive, and if you have your demolitions team place C4 directly on the computer banks, there will be no hope of salvage."
"How many soldiers to take and crew each ship?"
"Well, I should only need 25 soldiers a ship, and my crew can be split up to command each one. I will go with one of the assault teams."
"And what about that Halberd? It has combat abilities."
"I plan to take it out with the Zerams and the Firestorm before the Shipyard crew can get it online."
"Very well. I will inform Captain Frohike and Captain Langley of the changes. If all of the FVA vessels are in place, we should move out immediately."
"All vessels are in place. Let's get moving. Is Sergeant Omb in place?"
"Yes he is. He reports all is ready." Byers said.
"Good. Let's get this revolution started."
The Firestorm began to head towards Shipyard 6, with over 50 Omega soldiers and another 40 FVA troops onboard, in addition to its rebel crew of 400.
Briefing Room Alpha, Deck 14, Damocles Starbase, same time
"The FVA's assault on Area 6 is part 1 of our planned 3 phase operation to take part of the Lylat System back from the Imperials." Carrington said. "To further elaborate, I turn the briefing back over to Admiral Smith."
Admiral Smith returned to the podium, cleared his throat, and began to speak.
"The overall operation to strike at the Imperials is codenamed Operation: Breakaway. It consists of Operation: Fray, the codename for the FVA's assault on Area 6, as well as Operation: Breakout, the codename for our planned assault on the planets of Fortuna and Macbeth."
"You want to attack Macbeth?" Admiral Gestahl asked. "That's the Imperial center of manufacturing! It's no doubt heavily guarded. It's a suicide mission."
"It's also the last thing they'd expect." General Pepper said in defense. "Besides, if Operation Fray works…"
"Operation Fray is nothing more than a pipe dream manufactured by corporate weekend warriors and a spook who can't keep a leash on his own forces!" Gestahl shouted, his voice dripping with contempt. "In addition, you are having common mercs attending this meeting, when they can easily be bought out by our enemies! All of you are jeopardizing the future of our existence!" the Admiral raved as he pointed an accusatory finger at his comrades.
General Carrington stood up, ready to defend himself. Captain Jackson and the rest of the DSF command staff also leapt to their feet. Ed did not stand, lest he try and make Gestahl angry, but the entire Starfox squadron, Jason Kage, Damien Norris, and Karl Riker, were on their feet, looks of malevolence in their eyes. The standing soldiers began throwing obscenities at one another.
Just when it seemed the briefing would turn violent, a loud crack, almost like a rifle shot, resonated through the room. Everyone went quiet and looked at the origin of the sound. Mark Rendar had brought his artificial left arm down on one of the tables with enough force to crack the table down the middle.
He grinned slyly "Forgot I was 10% cyborg." He said, then his expression hardened. "Look, Admiral Gestahl, with all due respect, you are an asshole. You are accusing the integrity of forces that have spent the last week fighting and running from an Imperial onslaught. You are accusing forces that could've left the CDF to die at any time, but stayed and fought. You think we're capable of changing sides? Ask Jason Kage how it feels to lose over half his squadron to Imperial treachery. Ask Fox McCloud how he felt watching Fara Phoenix take her fighter into the middle of oncoming Imperial forces and be blown apart. Ask Ed Wallace how it feels to watch his girlfriend get gunned down maliciously by Wolf O'Donnell. Now ask yourself if you really think we would fight for them."
Ed had now stood up, and was picking up where his friend had left off. "The Imperials have taken everything from us; our families, our friends, and now our homes. You may think, Admiral, that as mercenaries we have no affiliation, but we do. We would not fight for a side that killed our families and took our homes from us by force. If I want to see Corneria again, I'm going to do so by kicking the Imperials out…not by striking a deal with them."
General Miles Locke, DSF Air Commander, continued. "The Imperials smashed our forces, took our corporate holdings, and then tried to finish us off on Corneria. We survived, built this starbase in secrecy, and now you want to make us look like the badguys? We just want our lives back, and you are busy questioning integrity!"
General Pepper finished the counteroffensive against Gestahl. "Admiral, we have tried to overlook your distaste of mercenaries, but now it is starting to become a threat to our very survival. Either you learn to cope with the mercenaries and the DSF, or I'll relieve you of command and place Commodore Stocker in your position as CNO!"
Gestahl looked like he was going to have a heart attack. Rather than make things worse however, he snarled and sat down.
Admiral Smith completely defused the situation by clearing his throat and speaking. "I think we all need a break. Meet back here in 1 hour."
The assembled officers could not have filed out faster.
Deck 17, Observation Deck 1, Damocles Starbase, 15 minutes later
Admiral Gestahl heard rather than saw General Pepper and Admiral Smith approach him. "Come to discharge me?" he asked
"Far from it. We just want to talk." General Pepper said. "We know you are angered by the fact that Lt. General Magnusson reached his rank faster than you did, but that is no reason to lash out at the other mercenaries under our employ."
"I just don't trust them, I mean, they do fight for the highest bidder, and almost all our assets were frozen by the Imperials." Gestahl responded. "As for the DSF, no offense Admiral, but I don't know how good they really will be in this war. To be honest, I'm frightened that we can't win."
"We all are, Jason." Smith replied. "You just have to realize that the more allies we have, the better chance we have of survival. The Imperials are coming for us all, whether we like it or not. Right now, Operations Fray and Breakaway are our best chance to show them that we won't let them have the Lylat System without a fight."
"Hang together or hang separately." Gestahl said. "I think I get it. Okay, I'll try to be more respectful of the mercenary pilots, but they have to prove themselves."
"Well, that's why we're giving Starfox, BlackWolf, and the Revenants the overall lead for the attack on Fortuna."
Gestahl looked like he was going to get mad…but he controlled himself. "The perfect proving ground…" he said. "So in other words, this is their ultimate trial by fire. I guess I can deal with that."
"We thought you would." General Pepper said.
Shipyard 6, Area 6, same time
"This is cruiser Firestorm requesting emergency dock." General Rommel said into his comm.
"What is the nature of the emergency, Firestorm?" the shipyard's dock controller asked.
"We had two explosions onboard. One in the engine room, and one near missile bay 10." Rommel said. "We're losing core containment, and we fear that that missile 10 may be in danger of exploding."
"Confirmed, Firestorm. Please evacuate the ship where it is and we can send a HAZMAT team by shuttle."
"Negative. The shuttle bay was sealed off by one of the blasts. There's no way to get there. We have to dock now and evacuate. Set up a containment field around the dock once we're off the ship."
"Very well, General, please proceed to dock 9. HAZMAT team Bravo will be there when you arrive."
The comm window blanked out, and Rommel grinned. The ruse had worked. In reality, Sergeant Robert Omb of Omega Batallion had used shaped charges to create superficial damage that looked like it could be serious. Then by using the Omega's radar scrambling systems, Rommel had made it look like the Firestorm was undergoing a core breach. Right now the shipyard was preparing for a possible meltdown, but they would be getting something far worse than that.
"How many armed guards are in a HAZMAT team?" Captain Byers asked
"Officially, 2. In reality, all HAZMAT team members carry sidearms. It's part of the Imperial paranoia."
"Excellent." Byers said as he pulled back the bolt on his K21 Avenger. "The last burst transmission from the Valhalla battle group reported all ships in position and undetectable."
"Good. Tell your forces to get ready to move in 1 minute." Rommel said.
The 8 members of Shipyard 6's HAZMAT Team Bravo stood outside the engine room ingress/egress hatch to the Firestorm as the big missile ship aligned itself with the docking ports. They gathered up their equipment, ready to lock down the core and prevent a disaster.
Of course, they got a disaster anyway.
As soon as the ship had docked, the access doors flew open and soldiers dressed in black Legionnaire battle armor bounded out into the shipyard, guns blazing. The two members of HAZMAT Bravo that carried VK Assault Rifles were cut down instantly. Only one of the remaining 6 troopers managed to get a shot off before he died, and the 9mm bullet from his sidearm harmlessly bounced off the armor of the lead armored soldier, Captain Michael Frohike.
"Dock 9 secured. Let's get moving." Frohike said into his helmet mike. The speakers in the tiger's helmet crackled back Byers's response.
"Got it. Captain Langley and I are moving towards the Zerams, General Rommel is taking his command staff to the fighter impound at hangar bay three. We have only a few minutes before the crew realizes something's gone wrong, so make your way to the computer banks."
"Affirmative." Frohike said. He turned to an armored panther. "Bob-Omb, follow me."
"Just tell me what to blow up and I'll do it." Sergeant Robert "Bob-Omb" Omb said as he followed Frohike towards the computer banks, Tek-15 SMG in one hand, C4 in the other.
The command crew of the shipyard could only look on in horror as the FVA and Omega Battalion soldiers stormed the shipyard, gunning down the meager guard forces.
"Get to the Guiding Light, bring it online. We need to blast this thing apart with them on it." The dock commander said.
"Affirmative sir, telling Guiding Light service crew to bring the ship up to full power."
"What about the Zeram IIIs?" The tactical officer asked
"We just lost contact with them." The comm officer reported
"Zeram-1 secured. No casualties." Captain Byers reported"Zeram-2 secure. Only a few injures, nothing major." Captain Langley reported.
"Excellent. I'm entering hangar bay 1 now. Look for 1 Wolfen II and a Havoc gunship heading for Zeram-1." General Rommel said over his communicator. He and his bridge command staff charged into the hangar bay, cutting down a few on-duty guards. Rommel jumped into his confiscated Wolfen II while his command staff commandeered a Havoc. The two ships flew uncontested to the lead Zeram III crusier and docked there. Rommel and his staff headed up to the bridge of the strike carrier, where Captain Byers handed over command of the ship.
"Where's Frohike and his team?" Rommel asked.
"They reported that the explosives are set, but they're meeting heavy resistance at Dock 3. We need to give them some backup." Captain Byers said.
"All right, let's move up to dock 3 and give them an evac, then we head over to that Halberd before it goes online."
"We have about 3 minutes before the ship is fully online."
"Then let's move!"
The resistance put up by the Imperial guard forces was rather stiff at Dock 3. Even some of Captain Frohike's armored troops were taking injuries, but so far nobody had died. The Imperials were obviously worried that heavier artillery could breach the shipyard's hull.
"Surrender and you will not be harmed!" The enemy commander shouted.
"Right, like I'm really going to believe that." Frohike replied as he let off a burst from his K21 to make the Imperials scramble for cover again.
"You have no escape, why keep this standoff going?" The commander said back.
Then a third voice interjected on both comm channels of each side.
"Because it's about to end." General Rommel said.
The Zeram III cruiser that Rommel had commandeered flew across the windows of dock 3, and docked there. The airlock flew open, and FVA and Omega soldiers stormed out, firing on the Imperials. Some of them fell, the rest made a run for it.
"There's our ride, let's go!" Frohike told his troops. The soldiers under his command ran for the airlock, receiving no return fire from the routed Imperial forces. When everyone was aboard, the captured Imperial ship began to pull away from the airlock, even as the Imperial soldiers returned, and stupidly tried to lock down the airlock doors.
"Open fire on the dock with the homing missiles." Rommel commanded his tactical officer.
"Aye sir."
2 homing missiles streaked out of the Zeram III's missile bay, striking the hull of the dock and breaching it. The explosive decompression that followed sent the remaining enemy soldiers to their doom.
"Okay, Sergeant Omb, take out the computers." Rommel said.
"Got it." Omb pressed a button on his detonator and an explosion appeared near the center of the shipyard as the computer banks were blasted into dust.
"Now to plaster that Halberd. Contact Captian Langely and let's get moving. Sergeant Omb, commence phase two."
Bob-Omb grinned and hit two more switches on his detonator.
The crew of the Guiding Light felt rather than heard the two explosions caused by the rebels.
"What the hell happened?" The dock commander, now starship captain, asked.
"Two explosions. One at dock 3, the other at the computer core." The tactical officer replied.
"Damn it, what is Rommel up to?"
"Sir! Look! The Firestorm is doing something!
The bridge crew looked to starboard, where the Firestorm was moored, and watched as the ballistic missile bays opened up, senidng all 10 nuclear warheads into space, and seemingly with a target selected. One of them was even beginning to bank back towards the shipyard.
"Oh shit." The commander said. "Use any available weapons we have to take down those missiles!"
The Halberd cruiser's lasers spat out at the missiles, but failed to hit any on its opening salvo.
"Sir, two contacts moving up on us fast! They're the Zeram IIIs…and they're displaying IFF codes not consistent with any known organization! The two ships are locking weapons!"
"Shields to full! Take them out!" the commander shouted.
The two captured cruisers fired their Cobra torpedoes and gauss cannons at the Guiding Light. The ship shuddered under the gauss impact as the torpedoes still converged.
"I said shields to full!" the commander shouted again
"Shields unresponsive! Cobra Impact in 2 seconds!"
The 4 torpedoes slammed into the bridge of the Guiding Light, killing the command staff and rendering the ship unusable in an instant.
"Let's get out of here. Start broadcasting the attack go-code."
"Confirmed General. Attention all FVA forces. Commence Operation: Fray. Wait for the fireworks first."
In less than 20 seconds, all hell broke loose.Before the nukes had even hit their targets, the Firestorm emptied its compliment of homing missiles on itself, destroying it in an instant. This was to prevent anybody from deactivating the nuclear missiles.
Of course, 5 seconds later that became a moot point.
The first missile struck the station, ripping it apart from the center and expanding outward. Just to make sure, the second nuke hit the Guiding Light, consuming it in a hellish fireball. The remaining 8 missiles struck seemingly random areas of space containing Umbra II stations and various cruisers and frigates. However, the placement of the missiles generated an EMP field that scrambled all communication…unless you knew how to work your way around that sort of thing.
Luckily, the FVA did. Their comm channel lit up with battle cries as the ships changed their IFF codes from Imperial to FVA. The 27 crusiers, 10 frigates, and almost 300 fighters started firing on their former comrades, catching them unawares. Then the stealth ships of the Omega Batallion showed up and started firing, adding even more chaos to the confusion.
For the first time ever, a capital ship assault would bring Area 6 to its knees.
General Caiman was onboard the Grazan-II carrier Running Riot when the attack started.
"What the hell's going on?" he asked the captain.
"I don't know. There were 10 separate nuclear detonations. The EMP effects knocked out all our comms…then a bunch of our own ships started firing on our own…sir I think it's a rebellion."
The comm officer suddenly yelled. "One of the separatist ships is hailing us!"
"Onscreen" Caiman said.
General Rommel appeared on the vidcom. "This is General Timothy Rommel of the Free Venom Army and commander of the FVS Renegade. I suggest you let my people go their way before you get hurt."
"Rommel…I always knew you were going to be a problem. I say no to your insane offer."
"Maybe this will change your mind!" Rommel said as he made a hand motion to someone offscreen.
The Running Riot shuddered under the impact of gauss cannon fire and Cobra torpedo hits. Sparks flew from bridge consoles as the ship rocked back and forth under multiple blasts.
"What the hell?" Caiman asked.
"Hull breaches across decks 5-9. Shields offline. Weapons at 15%, Hull at 45%."
"Are you going to let us leave or do I have to open fire again?" Rommel asked
Caiman scowled. "Fine…go."
"Thanks very much." The vidcom shut down, and the FVA ships began hyperspacing out on random vectors. But the damage was already done. 25% of the remaining Area 6 fleet was destroyed, and that, combined with the 35% of ships that defected to the FVA, meant the forces at Area 6 were down by almost half.
"Send a message to Emperor Caine…tell him we have serious problems and need reinforcement. I'm recalling the vanguard from Zoness." Caiman said to his comm officer
Damocles Information Center, Deck 29, Damocles Starbase, same time
Ed walked into the Information center, and found Mark seated at one of the 50 top-of-the line computers in there. The husky frowned as a negative sounding buzzing noise emanated from the computer he was working on.
"Damn it!" Mark shouted.
"What's wrong?" Ed asked as he approached his friend.
"I'm trying to hack into the CDF Academy records…but I can't break through the encryption!"
"Why are you trying to do that?"
"Because I think I dated one of the Mavericks. Remember Delia Lockhart?"
"Yeah…you guys dated through the 3rd year at the academy…then she mysteriously transferred somewhere."
"Well…I think she and Sniper Wolf are one and the same. But I can't tell from Sniper Wolf's dossier photo."
"So you need to compare her photo to that of Delia's?" Ed asked
"Yeah."
"Let me take a crack at it."
Mark got up, and Ed took his place at the keyboard. He started typing known CDF code phrases…but got nothing. Then he had an epiphany. "I think the Imperials got to the systems and have reset them. Give me a second."
Going on knowledge of Caine's and Stienburg's megalomaniacal traits, Ed started typing words that would best associate to those two, and to an academy. He finally got the correct code. "Vision of Caine," and the dossiers became available.
"Hmm…they haven't deleted the CDF cadet files yet." Ed said as he scrolled down to Delia's dossier and opened it. Mark stared at the picture. "Damn it." He said. "It's her. They're the same wolf."
"That's a shame…you liked her a lot didn't you." Ed said.
"Yeah…I did. Now I'm not sure if I can bring myself to kill her if I have to. I mean…I know she's a traitor…but maybe she wasn't thinking clearly when she did this…"
Ed could tell his friend was at odds over what to do. "I'll tell you what." He said to Mark. "If we run into her, and there's a chance to, maybe we can try and talk her into turning herself in or defecting back. If she refuses, then you know she meant to betray us, and you won't have any qualms about killing her."
Mark thought for a second. "I...guess you're right." He said.
"Yeah…well…anyway. Wanna head over to the R&D center with me?"
"Why?"
"Because I'm going to have Damocles Industries help us redefine mechanized warfare. I'll explain on the way"
Damocles R&D Center. Deck 50 (out of 110 for those keeping track), Damocles Starbase, 10 minutes later
Ed and Mark, after negotiating with the security at the entrance, were granted access to the Research and Development center onboard the Starbase.
"Hey, Allen, got a minute?" Ed asked Allen Jones, Damocles R&D chief.
"Well…kinda." Allen said. "What is it you two want?"
"We want to call in a favor." Ed said. He knew Allen hadn't forgotten that BlackWolf had assisted with the operation to rescue Allen and other technicians from the Weapons Lab on Corneria three months ago.
"What exactly?" Allen asked.
"As you know, the Mechanized Assault Chassis that you helped developed is fast becoming a staple of modern warfare. Personally, I think its great. There's just one problem. You're kinda forcing me to choose between the fighter and the MAC"
"It gets confusing," Mark said, "Trying to figure out which is right for a specific mission."
"So I thought, what if there was a way to combine the two? After pondering it for about a day or so, I came up with a solution: A transforming fighter that can turn into a MAC and back again. Basically it utilizes the Arwing Chassis, but adds some new weaponry and armor."
"Well…I'd love to help but something like that requires money and our assets are frozen, not to mention the fact that we spent our remaining cash on the starbase."
"Frozen assets, eh? I think I can handle that." Ed said with a grin. "Point me to your most powerful PC, and I'll have the cash in no time."
5 minutes later, Ed was seated at a PC so powerful, it was not only the only model of it ever built, but civilian models of it wouldn't be available for at least 2 years.
"All right, first on the list, the Macbeth Savings and Loan." Ed said as he hacked into the database. "Looks like the Imperials didn't expect intrusion through this system."
"Well, we never tried hacking out our cash before." Allen said.
"Too bad for them." Ed said as he unlocked and diverted all funds into the Starbase's personal Bank. "I hope your ATMs have replication systems."
"Well…they might." Allen said.
"Now to unlock the CDF budget." Ed said as he started hacking the savings accounts of the Cornerian Interplanetary Bank. But then the lockouts started forming.
"Shit." Ed growled. "This is going to be harder than I thought." No matter what he tried, another wall came up.
"It's as if somebody's trying to stop me active…Ivan…" Ed growled, angrier now. "That traitor is battling me head to head for control of the funding!"
"I say you virus his ass." Came a voice Ed didn't recognize at first, but then he realized Fox and Falco were now watching him over his shoulder along with Mark and Allen.
"You know, you're probably right, Falco. When did you two show up?"
"We just asked around for where you were, someone said you were up in R&D." Fox said. "He's really just following me to avoid running into Katt." Fox added as he pointed to Falco.
"Speaking of which, where is she?" Falco asked, his eyes darting around the room.
"Relax, she's flying patrols over the Ikaruga." Allen said.
"Good," Falco said as he walked out of the R&D center. "I'm going to go look for a bar." He announced before leaving.
Ed resumed typing, trying to pin down the IP of Ivan Marlowski. "What's going on between Falco and Katt anyway?" Ed asked Fox.
"Here's how it breaks down. Katt has been madly in love with Falco ever since they met at the Academy. Falco has consistently denied having the same feelings for her, but Katt thinks he's just playing hard to get." Fox said.
"And is he?" Mark asked.
"Absolutely. He really does like her, but he's afraid of losing his macho lone-gunman image if he admits it. They have had…secret rendezvous from time to time, but again Falco is unwilling to fully admit how he feels."
"He'll come around eventually." Ed said as he continued typing. "Aha…thought you could hide behind 128-bit encryption!" he exclaimed as he located Ivan's IP address. "Let's see you hide now!" Ed typed a quick command and hit enter.
"What did you just do?" Allen asked.
"I virused his ass. At any moment his computer will fall under my control."
A second screen appeared on the monitor, showing Ivan's futile attempts to stop Ed.
"Now to have some fun." Ed grinned as he started typing.
Maverick Wing Stealth Cruiser MWS Shadow, in orbit around Corneria, same time
Ivan Marlowski's computer screen in his quarters suddenly went black. "What the hell?" he wondered aloud as he tried to get it back up…but to no avail.
Then a message appeared, letter by letter. "Wake up, Ivan"
What?"The Black Wolf has you." The screen said.
Oh…shit!"Feel free to type back so I know you're still there and not pissing yourself." The screen now said.
Hands trembling, the cougar typed back a response. "Ed? Is that you?"
"Yes it is me you stupid backstabbing son of a bitch!" the screen said in angry red letters. Ed wasn't done typing however. "You sold out your own troops…your own friends, and got my lover killed. How dare you even address me by name! You are the worst kind of soldier imaginable. I am going to make you pay if it's the last thing I do."
Ivan typed back. "Screw you, merc. You know we will find you and kill you all."
"Not if I find you first…oh and BTW, take a look at the accounts you were defending."
A window appeared, and Ivan saw the funding for many Imperial military programs, along with the personal accounts for Arspace, Damocles, Starfox and BlackWolf, begin to disappear.
"Shit!" Ivan cursed as he tried to lock down the system, but a message from Ed appeared. "Sorry, you can't do anything now. All you can do is curse at me while the money goes down the tubes and straight to me. The best part is, it's your computer I'm using to smuggle the funds out. Isn't bandwidth stealing great?"
Is that so?Ivan ran to the Shadow's main computer servers and started ripping the circuit boards apart one by one. He slashed through wiring and broke apart circuitry until the server was a smoking ruin.
Back at Damocles Starbase, Ed's screen lit up with an error.
"Damn…he broke the connection." Ed said.
"How much did you get?" Fox asked
"I got all of the money out of our personal accounts, and the CDF budget, plus the Damocles and Arspace funds in the bank…also I did I little bit of siphoning from the Imperial budgets as well."
"Why did you do that?"
"Well, first it's good for a laugh, and secondly it's taken 40 years payment off of your ship."
"Again…why?" Fox asked
"Because you need it badly. I don't have to worry about expenses, since my family used to be royalty and we had a large amount of cash stored away. You on the other hand are barely getting by, so I figured I'd throw you a line. That's what friends are for, right?"
Fox paused, then grinned. "I guess you're right. Did you send that directly to Arspace?"
A few keystrokes later, "Yes I did." Then Ed turned to Allen. "So what say you give me the parts I need and I can get to modifying some of the extra Arwings I got when I found the Black Knight?"
"Extra Arwings?" Allen asked.
"There were 8 Arwings on board the Black Knight when it was lost over a year ago. I found the ship, so I got to keep the fighters since nobody asked for them back. I'm going to modify them for my experiment, and Fox, I'm going to hand over 4 of them to you so you can help me field-test them."
"What exactly are you doing?" Fox asked.
Ed reached for his communicator. "ROB-2, transmit file 'AR-X' from my laptop to the computer inside the Damocles Starbase R&D center."
"Affirmative, Ed. Transferring now."
A couple seconds later a set of blueprints appeared on the monitor. "This," Ed said. "Is the Arwing-X. It is billed as the first transforming space-superiority starfighter. As you can see, it incorporates more armor and weaponry into its fighter design, such as LRM packs, gauss rifle, and heavy machine gun. Now watch what happens when we switch it over to MAC mode."
Ed hit a button, and a 3D model of the Arwing-X changed from a fighter into a powerful looking MAC holding what looked like a massive K21 with grenade launcher attachment. "In the MAC mode, the HMG and Gauss Rifle become the primary weapon of choice. The wings retract into the torso, and the missile packs go on the shoulders while the Maverick Torpedoes point outward for firing. While the lasers are still useable, the nova bomb launcher is disabled in this configuration because MACs usually fight at ranges too close to use the bombs. As an added benefit of this transformation, the G-Diffuser takes the place of the internal gyroscope, which renders the neurohelmet almost obsolete."
"Define 'almost'" Allen said.
"The G-Diffuser can't always be incorporated into MAC designs, so you're safe for now with your neurohelms on normal MAC units. Besides, those things are engineering marvels."
"Damn right they are. We're even making a newer version…but most of that's a little too secretive right now. You understand, right?"
"Yeah…I guess so." Ed said begrudgingly.
"Anyway," Allen said. "What other advantages over the Arwing does this new AreoMAC of yours have?"
Ed paused at the word "AreoMAC" but he realized it fit the description perfectly. "Well, the Arwing-X AeroMAC is also capable of flying faster in its fighter mode than any MAC. It even flies faster than the Arwings we have now. The idea behind this is for rapid deployment and quick reinforcement when necessary. The fighter mode also has heavier shields, but those are turned off in MAC mode because most of the power has to go to the fusion core and G-Diffuser. The MAC has armor that puts it a little better defended than a Galvatron, and it has roughly the same top land speed as well."
"So it's more like an assault class MAC." Allen said. "All right, I'll get you the parts. Do you need any help with assembly?"
"Actually, no. ROB-2 is linked into the Black Knight's Machine Shop, so he can control and oversee the modifications himself."
"Ah. Very well, I'll leave you to it then, but I'd like a working test version for analysis once you've finished field testing the prototypes."
"Deal." Ed reached out his right hand.
"Good. The parts will be onboard in 1 hour." Allen said as he shook Ed's hand.
MWS Shadow, same time
As Ivan sat staring at the smoking server he had just destroyed, Storm Eagle walked up to him.
"Everything all right, Slash Cougar?"
It took Ivan a couple seconds to register his codename in his mind. He turned and faced his commander. "Everything's fine…I was just dealing with a cyber-intrusion." He gestured to the server.
"What? Who? How?"
"It was…Wallace…" Ivan said slowly. "He broke through my firewalls around the bank and got a lot of money out before I stopped him."
"I thought you said he wouldn't be a problem now that his girlfriend had been eliminated." Storm Eagle glowered.
"I obviously didn't count on him recovering quickly and then getting really pissed off."
"That is a mistake you cannot afford to make again, Slash. From now on, remember to consider all possible outcomes before making a decision."
"Yes, sir." Ivan said as he got up and returned to his quarters. He looked at his computer, which was still on. He noticed that Ed had sent one last message to him before he had broken the connection. It showed the snarling visage of a black wolf, which Ivan took to be Black Wolf's new squad logo, and a short message.
"Remember, Ivan, there is no safe place in Lylat for you. I will find you no matter how long it takes, and you will pay…"
Even though Ivan knew Ed was nowhere near Corneria, he couldn't help but feel a little frightened.
Damocles Observation Deck Alpha, 5 minutes later
Ed Wallace met up with Billy "Bishop" Black on the observation Deck.
"You wanted to talk to me, Bishop?" Ed asked.
"Yes, Ed. I did. It concerns the late Lieutenant Williams."
Ed flinched, but maintained his composure. "I'm guessing you're talking about funeral arrangements for her."
"Yes."
"Couldn't you talk to Jason Kage about this? I mean he was her CO."
"I already did, and he said that you should have a say in things. Since her parents are still on Corneria, you, as her boyfriend, would be the closest thing to family. Plus, Jason understood how much she meant to you."
Ed paused to think. "Well, I had thought she deserved to be buried on Corneria, but that seems a little out of reach right now."
"I'd like to point out that there is a cemetery on board the Starbase. It's basically an artificial memorial park of sorts."
"So you're saying we could inter her there for now…and then rebury her on Corneria once we win the war?" Ed asked.
"Pretty much."
Ed thought. "Okay, let's have the funeral tomorrow… we'll have to get it out of the way since I know Breakaway will probably get underway within 48 hours."
"Very well. I'll let Jason and the other Revenants know about your decision."
As Billy turned to leave, Ed noticed a familiar logo on his flight jacket. "Billy, did Jason make you a Revenant by any chance?"
"Yeah. He asked me to join up, and since my squadron is in an Imperial prison, I agreed. How did you know?"
"I noticed the Beta Company pin on your jacket."
"Oh yeah. They're still going with the old logo until they come up with something else."
"I suggest something ethereal." Ed said as Billy walked off.
The loudspeakers crackled a few seconds later. "Attention all military officers. The planning session will resume in the same location in 15 minutes."
Ed decided to get moving back to the meeting.
15 minutes later, Briefing Room Alpha
Everyone seemed a little on edged as the briefing began again. However, Ed sensed that there would not be another shouting match this time, especially since Admiral Gestahl seemed oddly complacent, and General Carrington was trying to stifle a triumphant grin.
Admiral Smtih stepped up to the podium. "I have just learned from General Carrington that he has received word from the Free Venom Army about the status of Operation Fray. I turn the briefing over to him for now."
General Carrington practically leapt up to the podium, grinning madly. "I have just received a communiqué from General Rommel. He is reporting from Sector Z as of right now."
He hit a few projector controls, and a video image of General Rommel appeared on the main screen. "General Carrington. I bring good news. Operation Fray was successful beyond expectations. My fleet suffered no losses, and the Area 6 fleet has been cut in half. As a postscript, they also recalled a vanguard fleet that was sent to Zoness to attack some CDF forces there. The Imperials are running scared. I await your command to attack Macbeth. General Rommel, out."
The screen went blank. General Carrington continued, "Attached to this message was a confirmation by Captain Byers, but it is not necessary. What matters now is that the operation worked. Of course, we have only about 24 hours before the Imperials can react and reorganize…so we need to move into Phase 2 quickly. Admiral Smith and General Pepper know more about Breakaway than I do, so they'll take over."
Smith and Pepper both got up in front of the assembled officers. Smith began outlining the attack on Macbeth. "Our assault on Macbeth is as follows. The Starbase, along with most of the DSF and CDF fleet will hyperspace in and eliminate all enemy starships and orbital installations. The FVA and Omega Battalion will also hyper in from Sector Z at this time and assist with orbital security. Once the orbit is secure, we will begin ground assaults on this base."
Admiral Smith used a laser pointer to outline a base on the topographical map of Macbeth's northern continent. "According to FVA intel, this base is a missile production facility and train yard, similar in design to the one Starfox eliminated during the Lylat War. After we eliminate this base, we will attack the other two Imperial bases onplanet, and also the headquarters of the Oberon Corporation."
"A little corporate warfare, eh Admiral?" Ed said.
"Exactly." Smith said. "The main strategies of this attack will be fleshed out once we reach Macbeth. Now I'll allow General Pepper to outline the strike on Fortuna." Smith vacated the podium. General Pepper hit a few buttons, and the projector screen showed Fortuna from orbit.
"Thanks to the FVA and the Omega Batallion, we have garnered some information as to the guarding fleet around Fortuna. We know that General Caine plans to put the 5th Imperial Guard Fleet, under the command of Colonel Wolf O'Donnell, around Fortuna so that they can receive refit and repair from damage sustained on Corneria."
Ed barely controlled his rising rage at hearing that Wolf was on Fortuna. God…if you have any sense of justice, see to it that I get to command the strike on Fortuna.
"We have also learned that a second mercenary unit, known as 'Vic's Vipers' will be onplanet as well. We don't have any information on them as of yet, but Rommell has agreed to look around within the FVA for anyone that may have information."
General Pepper hit another button, and the ships of the 5th IGU appeared. "Since the fleet is not only small, but damaged as well. We are only going to require a fleet of 10 to 15 ships for this attack. Once orbit is secured, a combined air and ground assault will be used to take out the two Imperial bases and one firebase on the planet. After much review, we have decided that Brevet-Major Ed Wallace and Brevet-Major Fox McCloud will be leading the assault of Fortuna.
Ed and Fox both did a double take as many of the assembled officers started murmuring amongst themselves. Ed's mind was racing. Brevet-Major? That would mean they want to promote us…but we're obviously being tested.
Pepper continued. "We are allowing you two to choose which ships to take on this mission, but the DSF has requested you take the salvage vessel Thames and the mining vessel Red Dwarf with you. Before you ask why they want you to take a mining vessel, just think about the mineral rich asteroids right near Fortuna in the Meteo field. Having said that, select about 10 more ships to accompany you to Fortuna and have your TO&E in by this time tomorrow."
Admiral Smith then stood up. "If there are no questions," he said glaring at Admiral Gestahl, "Then you are all dismissed."
Ed got up. "I have a question."
Admiral Smith paused. "Yes, Brevet-Major?"
"I personally think we need to change the name of our army. Technically, we aren't defending Corneria anymore…so we really aren't the CDF."
"And what would you suggest?" Admiral Gestahl asked.
"Well," Ed said. "Since we all are from different planets of the Lylat System, and are acting in its best interest…how about the Lylat Alliance?"
There was a pause…and then Admiral Gestahl said. "I like it. It fits…oddly enough."
Everyone else assembled seemed to agree.
"Well then. If that's accepted, then you are all dismissed." Admiral Smith said.
As Ed and Fox got up to leave with their squadrons, a Lieutenant stepped up to them.
"General Carrington would like to speak to both of you in his office on Deck 90." The Lieutenant said.
"Any idea why?" Fox asked
"You know the General, he's very secretive." The Lieutenant responded
General Carrington's Office, Deck 90, Damocles Starbase, 10 minutes later
Ed and Fox both entered Carrington's office. General Carrington was seated behind his desk.
"Brevet-Major Wallace and Brevet-Major McCloud reporting as ordered, General" Ed said as he snapped a salute. Fox slowly did the same.
"At ease, both of you. Technically you're not CDF...well…now the Lylat Alliance" Carrington said.
"And technically we are since we need to be promoted in order to have enough command authority." Fox responded lightly.
"True. That is why General Pepper pushed for your promotion in order to allow you two to lead the attack. But as you can see, the 'Brevet' prefix obviously means you're being tested."
"I assumed as much." Ed said.
"I'm not going to lie to you two. The fate of the Alliance hinges entirely on the success or failure of both attacks. A lot of commanders are going to be watching your progress on Fortuna. Screw up, and you'll most likely be running from two armies instead of one."
"Then why didn't you just promote Captain Kage and let him command the op?" Ed asked.
"I felt that Kage did not deserve a promotion just yet. Except for the Imperial Resurgence War, and the start of this war, the Beta Company has not had any real combat experience. Plus, he either needs to rebuild his unit or just stick with the Revenants he has. Plus, he'll be out of action for at least 2 more days due to his broken wing."
"Oh yeah…forgot about that." Ed said. "Even so…I want the Phantron and the Revenants to accompany us to Fortuna. They have just as much reason to be there as me and Fox."
"What reason would that be?" Carrington asked.
"Revenge. Plain and simple." Ed said. "O'Donnell is responsible for Katya Williams's death…and he has to pay for that. Also, Lieutenant Black is the only Husky Squadron pilot that StarWolf did not capture."
"You know the brass usually frown on revenge, right?" Carrington asked
"Yes, but if that were true, we would not have been selected for this mission." Fox responded.
"Again…true." Carrington said. "Well…I suggest you guys work out your TO&E soon. Tomorrow is going to get hectic. You're both dismissed."
Ed and Fox stood inside the elevator that was only past deck 80 as of right now.
"So…how are we going to figure out which ships we select?" Fox asked
"Well…I'd rule out any of the battleships, their captains might get egotistical. We should stick to heavy cruisers and lighter. I already have an idea of who should come with us."
"As do I. Remember Captain Hunter?"
"Oh yeah…the Captain of the Tempest. He assisted the Black Knight over Corneria. His ship would be a valuable asset."
"Also, I think we should try to convince Captain Forrest to take the Ikaruga and its escorts with us. Even though his ship is the largest in the fleet."
"Aren't you worried about civilian casualties?" Ed asked
"We both saw the Ikaruga's shielding. There is no way that the 5th could get through those shields." Fox said. "The only reason that they took any damage is because it took 5 Intimidators to breach the shields. The 5th only has two Intimidators. Plus, I think the Ikaruga can cut up any ship that gets anywhere near it. And it will have the Rook and the Castle backing it up anyway."
"True." Ed agreed. Then he had another thought. "Does Captain Farrell's squadron have a cruiser assigned to it?"
"Yes. It's the Defender. Why do you ask?"
"Well, she and her squadron were originally in charge ofprotecting Fortuna, so she deserves to be there. I was originally going to ask her squadron to come along, and the addition of the Defender makes things easier."
"Yeah. It does."
"I think that should do it for ships and fighters needed, since most of the academy cadet pilots are assigned to the Ikaruga. I'll meet with all the Captains to let them know of their posting, you just fill out the TO&E and send it to General Pepper. Unless of course, you want to meet the Captains."
"No. You go ahead. P.R. isn't exactly a skill of mine." Fox said as the elevator ground to a halt on the docking bay top level on Deck 10. "Besides," he said taking a look at the Great Fox. " I have to find out what that big door on the side of my ship is, as well as what that cannon on the dorsal spine is doing there."
Fox practically ran over to where the Great Fox was being refitted, and asked the lead technician exactly what they did when they repaired his ship.
"We upgraded it, pro-bono, as per Admiral Smith's orders. The hull has been reinforced with a dual layer of Tetranium, and we have added 6 pop-up dual laser turrets, along with two bridge-defense lasers, and of course that gauss cannon on the dorsal spine."
"Dare I ask why Admiral Smith requested this?" Fox asked.
"He had a chat with one of the few Arspace technicians that made it off of Corneria before it fell. The technician, a Mr. Simon Devore, said that he was one of the lead designers of the Hunter class of light carriers, of which the Great Fox is a prototype. Apparently, to save some money, your father, James, decided to forgo the turreted weaponry and the gauss cannon and just have the twin naval medium laser cannons as armaments for the Great Fox. After the Katinan retreat, your ship suffered over 70% armor damage. Since Admiral Smith and General Pepper both feel you and the Great Fox are far too valuable, we basically upgraded the ship to the way it was supposed to be at no extra charge."
Fox pondered this. "And I'm guessing ROB handles targeting of said turrets and cannon?" he asked.
"Yes, although there is manual override for each turret and also the gauss cannon." The feline technician responded.
"Well, in that case, send the Admiral my thanks for the free upgrade. I look forward to testing the weapons on some hapless Imperials."
"Consider it done, sir."
Fort Imperium, Corneria, same time
Emperor General Caine was furious. He considered that General Caiman was lucky to be millions of miles away, otherwise he'd have killed him by now.
"Let me get this straight General," Caine snarled at the vidcom. "Not only did General Rommel neuter our guard fleet at Area 6, but you then had to recall the assault fleet at Zoness?"
"My lord, I was only acting in the interests of the Empire. I had to be certain that Venom would be safe from any attack by hostile forces. As we know, the CDF has not been rooted out and eliminated yet."
"But we had them at Zoness! What do you mean they hadn't been eliminated yet!?"
"The vanguard reported no more than 50 starships at Zoness. Our intel says over twice that escaped Katina. I believe the CDF split up, especially since the Ark Ship was not at Zoness."
Caine stopped snarling as he digested the information "Very well, Caiman. Since you provided me with some valuable information, you can keep your rank and posting, just don't screw up again." Caine said as he discommed.
Caine turned to Empress-General Stienburg and Storm Eagle. "Do you think that Captain Grey knew they were splitting up? And do you think he knew of Ed Wallace's cyber intrusion?"
"I doubt it. He only seemed to know about the Zoness movement." Storm Eagle said. "When you interrogated him, we detected no trace of lying or half-truths."
"Well, we can't threaten him again. Not after we had to split up the squadron following their riot at the prison." Stienburg said.
"Fine. We'll just have to figure out where they might strike, and just let the CDF come to us. Get Wolf O'Donnell in here." Caine said.
Wolf arrived a few seconds later. "What is it, my lord?" he asked
Caine explained to him the recent assault on Area 6, the cyber assault by Ed Wallace, and the fact that some of the CDF were in hiding.
"So, does that change anything about my posting to Fortuna?"
"No. No it does not. You will still have the 5th IGU at your command, as well as Vic's Vipers. I know you don't like other merc units, but try to get along with them."
"Fine…I'll try to." Wolf said slowly.
"Also," Storm Eagle spoke up. "I am sending Revolver Ocelot to Fortuna for recon and intel purposes. He will be under your direct command, Wolf. Feel free to use him as you wish."
Wolf thought. I really don't trust him or his Mavericks…but I guess I could find some useful application for Revolver. "Very well, sir."
"Excellent," Caine said. "Deploy to Fortuna immediately."
VVS Diamondback, In orbit around Corneria, 30 seconds later
Vic "Viper" MacKenzie, reptilian leader of the Mercanary group Vic's Vipers, was sitting on the bridge of his Rattler class light cruiser when the comm lit up. He hit the answer button, and Wolf O'Donnel appeared on the Vidcom.
"Viper, you and your team are ready to move out, correct?"
"As ready as we'll ever be. The Diamondback has seen better days, but she'll still do the job."
The Iguana is right, Wolf thought That ship has seen better days. Wolf knew that Rattler class cruisers had been created by the Independent Defense Systems Corporation (IDSC) for independent militias and cargo companies to provide protection for various targets. The Diamondback had been stationed at the Lazurus II science colony on Titania. When the colony had been shut down by the Lylat War, Viper purchased the ship, and started his merc company from scratch. With usually no reserve funds, the ship had been subjected to numerous shoddy repairs, and haphazard weaponry jury-rigging. But somehow, the ship could still get the job done.
"That's good to hear. Prepare to deploy in 5 minutes. O'Donnell out"
As soon as the vidcom blanked out, Viper could hear his squadron arrived behind him.
"So we're finally moving out on a real assignment." Tamara "Louve" Duke said.
"Indeed we are." Viper agreed
"Yeah…an assignment from the Imperials." Jake "Horus" McGovern said with a scornful look. Trish "Wolfhound" MacDougal nodded in agreement of the golden eagle's statement.
"Hey, we need the money, and that's all that matter right now. I don't care about political affiliations." Viper said.
"If that's so, why is there a political officer on board?" Wolfhound said as she gestured to Steven "Anubis" Johnson.
"I was assigned to your unit as a gesture of good faith," the jackal responded. "I am not a political officer."
"See?" Viper said. "No problems then?"
Horus and Wolfhound both glared at Anubis and walked off the bridge. When they were gone, Viper turned to the ex-Imperial. "Ignore them. They don't like the IAV very much."
"I am aware of that. I don't believe it will be a problem." Anubis saluted and walked off of the bridge.
There was a silence before Louve spoke. "So, we're alone again." She said as she put her arms around Viper.
"Yes, so we are." Viper said as he kissed her lightly on the muzzle. "But I don't think this really is the right place or time…we have to leave in a couple minutes."
"I suppose you're right. I guess we'll have plenty of time at Fortuna. It's a boring assignment anyway." Louve broke her embrace and walked off, grinning seductively at Viper.
Viper pondered his relationship with Louve as she left. Ok…technically it wouldn't be wrong for us to publicly announce we're an item…so why does she enjoy denying it? Maybe she just likes fighting everyone that questions her.
Viper entered the coordinates for Fortuna and activated the hyperdrive.
Briefing Room, Black Knight, Docked at Damocles Starbase, 30 minutes later
Ed had already talked to Captain Farrell and Captain Forrest about their attachment to his task force, as well as Captains Hammond and Sullivan of the Rook and Castle, now he was just waiting for Captain Hunter to enter the mercenary cruiser's briefing room. The young captain entered, right on schedule, and saluted Ed.
"Captain Daniel Hunter reporting as ordered, sir." The tabby said.
Ed returned the salute. "At ease, Captain. Have a seat." As Hunter sat down, Ed said. "Since you recognized my command authority, even if it may be temporary, that gets my first question out of the way."
"Which would be?" Hunter asked
"Whether or not you think I'm capable of succeeding at Fortuna."
"Sir, I have no doubt in my mind that the Joint Chiefs made the right choice putting you and Fox McCloud in charge of this part of Operation Breakaway." Hunter said grinning. "I'm just glad to be along for the ride."
"Yes. Do you know why I selected you for this op?"
"No, sir."
"I selected you because of your experience. I read your file. It says that you served as the TO for the Tempest at the time of the Resurgence. During the battle for Corneria, your ship was badly damaged and the Captain and XO were killed. Despite this, you took command and rallied your crew, managing to defeat all of the ships attacking the Tempest with no further losses. As a result, you got promoted to Captain and gained full official command of a battle group. You are the youngest officer to achieve that kind of status."
"That battle group was all but destroyed over Katina…" Hunter said
"That doesn't matter. You still handled yourself well in the past week or so of fighting, plus you bailed the Black Knight out of a tough spot."
"That is true. But still, I'm still not sure why you'd want a Zeus class frigate for this op."
"Well, we're going up against capital ships, and the Tempest is the best at that job in the frigate class. Your crew is excellent, and your aim with the cannon has been dead on every shot. I need that kind of accuracy so we can establish a safe orbit."
"Well, when you put it like that, I see your point, sir."
"Excellent, welcome to the battlegroup…and just call me Ed. This 'sir' thing is too difficult to get used to."
"Whatever you say, Ed." Captain Hunter saluted and exited the briefing room. As soon as he left, Captain Jason Kage entered, his wing still slung up.
"You wanted to speak with me, Ed?" Kage asked.
"Yes, Jason. I want to know when you'll be able to fly again."
"Dr. Dorian says the sling can come off tomorrow." Jason answered.
"Good. Because I want you and the Revenants at Fortuna." Ed said. "Is that possible?"
"Yes. It is." Jason said. "The Phantron has been repaired, and we're all ready to go with the extra Arwings General Carrington signed over to us. But we are having the funeral before we leave…right?"
Ed paused. "Yes…we are. Tell Lt. Black that we're going to hold the funeral at 1230 tomorrow at the Damocles Memorial Park. That gives us enough time to get through it and on our way."
"Hmm…yeah. I'll let Billy and everyone else on the Phantron know." Jason said as he got up to leave.
"One more thing." Ed said. Jason paused and Ed continued. "You're not mad that Fox and I got promoted and placed in charge of this op, are you?"
Jason grinned. "I was mad at first, but I realized that I had not been placed in a large command situation before, and I also realized that my desire to always be in charge was similar to what may have caused the Maverick Incident. Long story short, I'm okay with it. Besides, General Carrington said he might work out a promotion for the Revenants following our mission to Fortuna." With that, Jason exited the briefing room.
Just as Ed was also about to get up and leave, the door opened again and Fox came in. "You got a moment, Ed?"
"Yeah. What is it?"
"I talked to the captains of a couple Justice frigates near where the Great Fox was docked. They expressed interest in coming along to Fortuna. Here are their service records and ship records."
Ed took the folder Fox handed over to him. He looked at the info on the first ship. The ship was the CDS Hanzou. The ship had made numerous fighter and frigate kills during the Insurgence, as well as during the recent fighting on Corneria. The Captain, James Harriman, was a well-decorated officer for his actions, as were most of his 56 crew members.
Well, that's the way it works on frigates, Ed thought everybody has to know what goes on in those ships…the multi-purpose defenders of the fleet. Almost like tin-cans. They have little armor and shielding, but by God you try and corner one and they'll fight to the death to win.
The other ship was the CDS Whiplash. Although the ship's crew, and its Captain, Dale Fitzsimmons, were inexperienced, they had still managed to take out two Zeram cruisers during the Katinan retreat.
Ed looked up from the folder. "Good work, Fox. These two ships could be of great use to us. We can have them cover the Red Dwarf and the Thames when we make the assault."
"Yeah. I just saw the opportunity to expand the taskforce, so I did. Looks like I'm finally back in action on the mental sense."
"Excellent, because the battlegroup is going to have to have everyone firing on all cylinders for success tomorrow." Ed said. "Is that everything?"
"Pretty much, yeah." Fox said. "I'll get the TO&E sent in to General Pepper." Fox got up and left. Ed remained seated at his chair, which he turned around in order to gaze out into the dark purple nebula. He thought about what was going to happen in the next 24 hours.
I get up, I bury my girlfriend…and then I exact vengeance, he thought, grinning slightly, and then frowning. The days ahead will test us all, me especially. I'm not sure if I can allow it, but if I must kill Wolf O'Donnell, it will be with honor, not murder like he did to Katya. I will not sink to his level. As for the Mavericks, they will be formidable enemies, but as long as I live I will not allow them to escape the wrath of the betrayed. Then again…who am I to pass judgement on them? Technically, Jason and the Revenants deserve to draw first blood. Well, they will if they get to the Mavs before I do.
Ed finally got up from his chair, and decided to call it a day early. I'm not scheduled to fly patrols, and I'm going to need all the sleep I need for tomorrow. He left the briefing room, and walked to his quarters.