Darkness Returns
CH29 Bleeding Reprisal
Sargasso Naval Refueling Center 19.9 ABY 07:40 the next morning.
After the grueling yet victorious battle, our hero's are forced to cut their celebrations short and was back to business. With in the command center of the Sargasso outpost the raiders gather around the holonet for their debrief from their previous mission.
"I have to admit as risky and reckless as this attack was, I can't argue with your results." Admiral Geshing says over holonet.
"Risky yes but vital. If we didn't go through with it, any hope for victory on the ground would have lost." Fox replies.
"It's not over for them yet. Although the operation was a success, if didn't go exactly as planned. We lost our element of surprise. Whats worse is that the Empire knows were here now. I'm not going to lie to you, our involvement here very well could be costly to your home. I can't guarantee what the Empire will do now. I don't expect anything less than increased bloodshed. I know that's not what you wanted here. But were committed to help until the end." Tim says.
"We all knew the risks, besides if it wasn't for your help, wouldn't gotten this victory in the first place." Fox replies. Tim then nods his head in consensus.
"What were our combat losses?" General Hare asked.
"Minimal, I lost one of my B-wings and the CDF forces lost two Rapiers and two Arrowheads. Our ships only took minor damage. But if we wouldn't have fallen back when did, it could have been disastrous." Tim replies.
"Unfortunate but still rather impressive. Undoubtedly our most successful operation yet." General Hare comments.
"Colonel Madison did your reinforcements make to the surface in one piece?" Katt asked.
"Yes ma'am, it took them a bit longer to arrive being off course in all, but they made it while encountering only limited amounts of enemy resistance. Don't worry, your efforts and sacrifice wasn't in vain. We should be able to hold off the Imperials for a few more days now ma'am." Madison replies. "Very good Colonel. But be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. We can't afford to lose any more personnel." Katt says.
"Will do ma'am." Madison replies.
"Now that the Empire knows that the Republic is providing aid we need to take the necessary steps to prevent them from dealing more damage to us." Fox says.
"Agreed. The hard part though will be predicting exactly what and where they'll strike next." Tim replies.
"Macbeth is in ruins, there isn't much more they can do to it. I've severed in the Cornerian Air-force for nearly ten years, if it was me leading them I would strike either Katina or here. Those would be the most logical and most vital targets." Bill suggested.
"Why here, may I ask?" Tim inquires.
"Sargasso is the navies main refueling and maintenance hub between Katina, Fichina, and Fortuna. Knocking this out would greatly weaken our fleets combat potential and range. Not to mention create an open door to invade any of those three worlds." Bill replies.
"Makes sense. Now what about Katina. What kinda defenses does it have?" Tim asks.
"Katina has defenses that rival that of Corneria itself. On the surface it has an array six primary bases along with dozens of minor outposts. Their target of interest will most likely be the Katina Interplanetary Spaceport. The spaceport itself is the planets largest airbase but it also doubles as a civilian spaceport. Taking it out would not only greatly sever the planets military coordination but cause heavy civilian casualties as well." Bill replies.
"What forces are currently stationed at the spaceport?" Tim inquires.
"The Cornerian Army always maintains a full company of air-assault troops from the 232nd Airborne Division and a company of Marines from the 4th Marine Corp Heavy Infantry Brigade. For air power there are four fighter squadrons. That includes one Rapier-class, one Arrowhead-class and two Saber-class. The two Saber-class consist of my Husky and Bulldog squadrons, which I lead personally. They're top notch, but they'll only last so long against an Imperial invasion force though." Bill replies.
"At least with Katina we could have reinforcements from Corneria with in less than a half hour if needed." Admiral Geshing comments.
"This all very insightful but we can't make any assumptions. There's too much at risk." Krystal replies.
"Seems like were stuck playing the waiting game. As risky as it sounds, I don't think we much of a choice." Fox comments.
"So it seems." Tim replies.
Meanwhile..
Imperial Forward Operating Base Kew City.
Within the Tactical Operations Center of the Imperial FOB, the ruthless clone general makes his way towards the holonet, harshly pushing any of his personnel that got into his way. Needless to say, he was less than thrilled with the morning report of last nights events.
"Admiral DeGuale this Jadex over." Jadex say with his cold demeanor.
"I read you General. Whats the report." DeGaule replies, anxious to hear the campaign status.
"Yesterday evening a Cornerian task-force slipped into the Macbeth defense grid and destroyed two of ships, crippled another and managed to drop reinforcements on the surface sir." Jadex reports.
"Unfortunate but not pressing." DeGuale replies.
"There's more sir. According to reports and testaments of the survivors, the entire StarFox team was present and a confirmed sighting of a Republic Dreadnaught-class Heavy cruiser and its compliment of fighters were leading the raid." Jadex replies. DeGaule paused for a moment and raised his eyebrow.
"Republic intervention you say. This certainly does complicate things, but on the other hand this does explain the recent disappearance of half of StarFox and Cornerians current defensive strategy." DeGaule replies.
"Which means their stalling us." Jadex says.
"Precisely, and I'm going to guess that since they already have a small contingent of troops in the vicinity that means that it shouldn't be no more than a week before an entire Republic armada will drop down on you." DeGaule insightfully says.
"A combined Republic and Cornerian counter offensive will most likely overpower us sir. I must request for additional reinforcements." Jadex asks.
"Not doable at this time. The Republic is currently attempting to retake Hanoon and were making our final assault on Saleucami." DeGaule replies.
"What are your orders then sir?" Jadex attentively asks.
"Your campaign has become compromised. I want your and all of your ground forces off Kew and Papetoon within sixteen hours." DeGaule orders.
"Retreat sir? I can't do that. We've gone to far to just stop." Jadex protests.
"I never said anything about retreat at least not yet. It's vital now that the Republic is involved that we strengthen our grip on the system. Once your forces our in orbit I want your fleet to bombard the two worlds until the ground is nothing but glass." DeGaule orders with sick twisted smile on his face.
"HAHAHA Brilliant sir, If you want along with orbital bombardment, I can scramble all available bombers and begin a fire bombing campaign on Macbeth." Jadex replies in a sinister manner that rivals his commander.
"Good thinking, desolate every remaining building on Macbeth the still stands. If we can't rule this system then we'll burn it to the ground. Well will send the Cornerians a message, one that shows the price of a Republic victory." DeGaule evilly replies and cuts his transmission. Jadex then turns his attention a clone shock-trooper commander.
"Commander you the admiral, begin moving all personnel back into orbit, but I want it done fourteen hours. Is that clear?" Jadex demanded.
"Right away sir. All right everyone start packing up. MOVE IT!" The shock-trooper replied.
Sargasso Naval Refueling Center four hours later.
After the long morning briefing the team decides to spend some well needed time in the officers club on the on the station to let off some steam. Fox, Tim, Katt, and Mark gather around a old fashioned card table and playing cards while shooting the breeze.
"I hate sitting around waiting. By the way I fold." Mark complains.
"We heard you the first time. Your more impatient than I am. I'll take two." Tim replies as he puffs his cigar and picks up two cards.
"Enjoy what free time we have, we might get much until the relief force arrives. I'll take one." Fox says as he picks up a card.
"And dealer takes two. Lets see your hands boys." Katt says. The group then sets down their cards and Katt gets rather large grin on her face.
"HAHA Full house, pay up boys. I love it when I win." Katt gloats. The others just groan after loosing three time already.
"How the hell did you manage to beat us all three times in a row?" Fox asked with a bit of annoyance in his tone.
"Besides flying and shooting, gambling is one of the things I do best." Katt replies with a dirty grin.
Inside the Devastator II, high orbit of Kew ten hours later.
With in the bridge of the battle-groups command ship the notorious general patiently watches outside as drop-ships and fighters make their way aboard their respected ships. He then looks over to a clock on the helm and approaches the deck officer.
"The count down is almost up commander, ready all ships to engage." Jadex orders.
"But sir we haven't got confirmation if our forces have fully evacuated or not." the deck officer protests.
"Those who fall behind get left behind commander. Execute Base Delta Zero." Jadex orders in cold vile manner.
"As your wish. Commence Base Delta Zero. All batteries prepare to fire on my mark." The deck officer orders.
Meanwhile down on the surface of hundreds of civilians gather streets celebrating the Imperial withdrawal unbeknownst of the rain of fire soon to come. However some of the people are less than convinced that Empire would just up and leave, such as a former Kew Marine.
"I don't like one bit. Somethings not right." the ex marine says to his wife.
"What should we do?" His wife asks.
"I think we should leave while we have the chance." the former marine replies.
Seconds later the black night sky is illuminated by a intense green glow. The people in the streets gaze up in aw, for the truth was revealed. For the marine, he knew he couldn't do anything to save them, he just wrapped his arms around his wife and daughter and said one last thing them.
"Don't look at the light."
Authors notes: Yeah that was gruesome, I know, but that's war right? Anyways if you read this please leave a review, I greatly appreciate any sorts of feedback. Thanks for reading.