Evolution: A Mass Effect & Section 8 Crossover
Chapter 4
A/N: Nothing new really to announce. This is another short chapter simply because I have been working like crazy to get the new version of my Mass Effect/Crysis fic (The Unsung Hero: Redux) planned out. Rest of the A/N will be at the bottom.
/Earth Date/ –01.04.2538-
/Ship/ -Battle cruiser USIS Texas, 8th Armored Infantry Division Flagship, Taskforce 33-
/Destination/ -New Shanxi-
/Galactic Location/ –5 parsecs from edge of system HD149415-
/: MOTHER NETWORK ACCESSED
/: INITIATING BATTLEPLAN BRIEFING SEQEUENCE
/: SHIP ROLE CALL INITIATED
/: TASKFORCE WIDE PING SENT, WAITING FOR RESPONSE...
/: BC-TEXAS PING TOTALS, 560 TROOPERS AND EQUIPMENT READY
/: MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: F-DOOLITTLE MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: F-BAUMGARTNER MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: F-LEONIDAS MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: F-EINSTEIN MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: F-HAWKING MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: C-TICONDEROGA MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: C-ANTIETAM MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: C-PEARL HARBOR MOTHER HUB REPORTS ALL READY
/: BRIEFING BEGINNING...
DUE TO NEW SHANXI'S ORBITAL POSITION AND THE RECENT DISCOVERY OF AN ALIEN ARTIFACT'S ORBITAL POSITION, THE FLEET WILL EXIT FROM THE UPCOMING COMBAT JUMP ON THE DARK SIDE OF NEW SHANXI WHERE THE ALIEN FLEET WILL BE UNABLE TO DETECT OUR ENTRANCE TO THE BATTLE FIELD. ONCE IN REAL SPACE, ALL GROUND ELEMENTS WILL BE DEPLOYED AT THE HORIZON LINE FOR THE ALIEN BASE CAMP. GROUND ELEMENTS WILL THEN PROCEED ON FOOT TO THE BASE CAMP WITH 3RD RECON TAKING POINT. GROUND ELEMENTS WILL THEN WAIT UNTIL AFTER RECEIVING THE GO WORD FROM GENERAL STONE.
ONCE GROUND ELEMENTS ARE IN PLACE, THE FLEET WILL PERFORM A GRAVITY SLINGSHOT MANEUVER AROUND THE PLANET TO ARRIVE ON THE ALIEN FLEETS REAR. FROM HERE, ALL SHIPS WILL ARRAY THEMSELVES IN BATTLE FORMATION DELTA WHILE FOCUSING FIRE ON THESE SHIPS DESIGNATED AS FRIGATES. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO DISABLE OR SEVERELY DAMAGE THE SHIPS, ONLY HEAVY RAIL GUNS ARE AUTHORIZED AT THIS TIME FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ALIEN FRIGATES.
IT IS HIGHLY PROBABLY THAT AFTER THE INITIAL SALVO THE ALIEN FLEET WILL HEAD FOR THE ALIEN ARTIFACT, WHICH APPEARS TO BE THEIR FORM OF FASTER THAN LIGHT TRANSPORTATION.
ANY FURTHER FLEET ACTIONS WILL BE GIVEN MID-BATTLE BY GENERAL STONE.
ONCE ORBITAL SUPERIORITY IS ACHIEVED, GO WORD 'IRENE' WILL BE GIVEN. 3RD RECON WILL SNIPE ANY POTENTIAL HIGH VALUE TARGETS, WITH THE REST OF THE 1ST BATTALION PERFORMING SHOCK AND AWE ACTIONS WITH THE GOAL OF CORRALLING THE ALIENS. WITH THE FIRST SALVO, 1ST RECON WILL THEN BURN-IN TO COMPLETE A PINCER ACTION. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO SUBDUE AND SUPPRESS.
ALL OTHER BATTALIONS WILL SECURE THE GROUND SIDE MOTHER HUBS, ORBITAL DEFENSES, POWER PLANTS, AND LOCATE COLONEL WILLIAMS FOR EXTRACTION.
ALL GROUND FORCES WILL BE REQUIRED TO USE NONLETHAL FORCE. USIF GAUSS WEAPONRY IS SIGNIFICANTLY SUPERIOR TO THE ALIENS SHIELDING AND ARMOR. ONLY CONCUSSION ROUNDS ARE AUTHORIZED FOR THIS OPERATION.
ONCE THE ALIEN THREAT HAS BEEN SUBDUED, ONE OF THE PREFABBED BUILDINGS WILL BE USED AS A MAKESHIFT PRISON, TRIAGE, AND OPERATING THEATER. THESE ALIENS, ONCE CAPTURED, ARE COVERED UNDER THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 2343 AND WILL BE TREATED LIKE ANY OTHER PRISONER OF WAR. ANY ACTIONS TO THE CONTRARY WILL BE SUBJECT TO PUNISHMENT OF CHOICE BY YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER.
END OF BREIFING. GOD SPEED 8TH.
/: MOTHER NETWORK ACCESS CLOSED
With the battle plan General Stone devised now distributed amongst the fleet, every crew member now had a job to do. Nearly every square inch of all the ships were a flurry of activity as crews readied their battle stations for the upcoming combat. With the strange tactic of using the primary ground support-fire rail guns as the main weapons for engagement rather than the more typical high energy plasma shells, rounds were constantly being fabricated from molten tungsten and instantly cooled moments later with Bose-Einstein condensation. The quick chilling of the external layer ensured that the inside of the shell was brittle and would 'squash' on impact with the intended target, thus transferring its total kinetic energy.
With the extra data provided by Colonel Williams on New Shanxi, the use of the Delta formation for a space battle was also unorthodox as it kept the fleet close together and well within their own firing arcs. US Imperial Navy ships were constructed such that they did not have to rely on other ships for protection and thus had their own impressive point defense arrays. These array's were directly controlled by a ship's MOTHER hub, with each individual gun (configured as a magnetic coil gun to save space) capable of firing two millimeter tungsten bb's at Mach 90 or .001 percent of the speed of light. While the array's are the USIF's fastest firing (both in muzzle velocity and rounds per minute), they were not the strongest.
The USIN's most impressive weapon, the high energy plasma shells (HEPS), were capable of unleashing several megatons in a single round. An exact number has never been found due to how the shells work. USIF scientists and engineers long ago found that attempting to use the magnetic 'bottling' technique to create a plasma weapon was far too inefficient as the energy needed to not only keep the plasma hot and 'flowing' as well as to create and direct a magnetic field large and far out enough was better spent elsewhere.
A shell, made of only a semi-magnetic alloy, would first be highly magnetized, then it would be filled with compressed plasma and sealed. Once it was sealed, it would be instantly fired by the ship or ground based cannon. As the shell traveled it would lose it's magnetism, thus letting the plasma begin to eat away at the shell. However, this is intended as by the time the shell would reach it's target, the shell's integrity would be just weak enough on impact to break open and thus unleash all the plasma directly into that singular spot. This method also ensures that no round ever fired, if it misses, winds up destroying something in the distant future.
The sheer destruction of the plasma being released directly into a target is what makes the HEPS such a hard weapon to create a damage estimate for as it is dependent upon the target's composition and time of impact by the shell. This destructive capability though, was shown to be too wasteful by the first engagement between New Shanxi's patrol frigates and the alien ships. HEPS also were the only keel mounted weapon system in the USIN's arsenal, where as all other weapon systems were turreted to some degree.
Thus, what normally would have been unthinkable for a typical USIF space engagement, would end up being the perfect strategy for the upcoming battle.
Citadel Era: 2657.033.005
Location: Alien Colony, Unexplored Space Beyond Relay 314
Admiral Suqwal looked over the casualty list thus far from his dreadnought's ready room. While it had been only three days of real ground fighting, it was staggering the number of Turians that had been injured or killed. It was almost like they were fighting Krogan again, save for the extreme precision and power this new species used in their weaponry.
Setting the report down, he exited the ready room and began to head towards the CIC. While his quarters were close to the ships nerve center, it still took him some time to navigate through the winding hallways and stairs that made up the ship's passages.
Once he did arrive, he immediately took to his chair which sat in the center of the CIC on a raised platform. As he did, the ship's VI scanned his DNA signature and allowed him access to the impressive information suite it displayed in front of him on some translucent holograms. Looking over everything his combined fleet had to report, he sat back a bit and just observed an external camera feed of the planet below. Earlier reports by various science teams showed that the planet was originally an uninhabitable planet until roughly five years ago when the new species had apparently begun to terraform it.
Five years to terraform an entire planet... What in spirits name have we done? Suqwal was never overly religious, it was hard to be when you were a career military man in a military minded society. However, he took a moment to wish to whatever deities there may be that they spare the Hierarchy whatever wrath was intended for them.
"Admiral!" A young lieutenant's voice stirred him from his thoughts. "Admiral Desolas is requesting a ship be allocated for orbital fire-support."
What are you thinking Desolas!? Suqwal took a moment to think about his choices. Firing upon a garden world was a punishable offense by Council laws, let alone a new species that they had just made first contact with barely a week ago. He fully expected any damage done to this world would be exacted a hundred fold upon the Turians. He was also in full rights as the Admiral of the current combined fleet to deny Desolas the fire support if he felt it would endanger the fleet. However, the casualty list came to mind next, and the fact that they haven't even managed to make any head way against the aliens.
"Get one of the cruisers into position," Suqwal ordered. "Does he have any firing solutions yet?"
"Yes Admiral," the same lieutenant replied, keying his omnitool and showing the designated targets painted by Desolas' ground teams. As he spent time looking over the firing solutions, he noticed on one of the holographic displays showing the planet something cresting through the atmosphere, creating a fire like trail behind it. Just a meteor burning up...
As Suqwal watched a tactical display of the fleet's movements, he saw one of the cruisers shift its position from the fleet to a higher orbit and angled towards the enemy city.
"Cruiser-124, you are approved for ground support fire mission." one of the fleet combat controllers droned below Suqwal, "Fire command relinquished to ground side command."
"Roger that Fleet Command. Cruiser-124 is in position and awaiting final targeting information from ground side spotters." Another voice came through the CIC's PA. "Standing-"
Whatever words were going to follow would never be heard as the cruiser erupted into a massive fire ball. The CIC immediately went into battle stations as sensor operators began trying to figure out what happened, if they were being shot at, by whom if they were, and where to return fire.
In the panicked seconds after the initial explosion of 124, another cruiser was lit a flame as numerous rounds impacted it's kinetic barriers, depleted them and scored hits on the hull, severing it's wing mounts and taking the engines out as well.
"LADAR shows an enemy fleet has appeared behind us!" A sensor operator shouted. "Scans show the fleeting numbering as five light cruisers, three heavy cruisers, and spirits... One Destiny Ascension-class super dreadnought!"
Suqwal began barking orders immediately, "Get the fleet evasive and into firing position! Tell the frigate packs to begin strafing their light cruisers while the rest of us focus on their dreadnought!" As he did, he looked over the sensor operators report. The enemy fleet was in a tight formation, the smaller ships all surrounding the monster of a dreadnought in a protective shell and staying close together as if they were doing parade show maneuvers for a crowd at the Citadel.
As his fleet began their emergency maneuvers, three more cruisers were similarly disabled. Suqwal noticed the lack of the alien fleet's use of the energy rounds reported from the previous two engagements. That was filed away as he eagerly awaited to watch the frigate packs unleash hell on the alien fleet in the form of disruptor torpedoes.
What he didn't expect was what appeared to be a literal light show as seemingly hundreds of point defense emplacements lit up and shredded the frigates apart. However, the frigates did not explode. The defensive fire appeared to be accurate enough to only disable the threatening ships.
They don't want to kill us, they are purposefully disarming us.
"Get me a line to Desolas NOW!" Suqwal ordered. "Order all ships to disengage, the enemy fleet has out-smarted us and has us at a disadvantage! Retreat through the relay!" Once a comm channel was opened up through to Desolas, Suqwal began "Desolas! Alien fleet in orbit! They have us out numbered and out maneuvered! We have to get out! I'm sorry!"
It is a common saying that you would never see a Turian's back in a battle as they never retreat, only fall back to regroup. Suqwal could only hope the same would be said of him and his actions here.
Spirit's... Help us...
MOTHER Network File Access: Granted
SUBJECT: US Imperial Navy Ship Classifications
With the emergence of High Energy Plasma Shells and the 8th Armored's Burning-In tactic, space combat took on a different meaning for the USIF. Combat ships have to be able to support their ground forces in every means available from transportation to fire support to equipment provision. That is why each task force in the USIF is centered around one or two battlecruisers.
Battle cruisers (BC) are typically 1300 meters in length and provide roughly the same role as the air craft carriers of the 21st century. They are the center of the fleet in that they house most of the Armored Infantry (two battalions worth), dropships, vehicles, deployable equipment pods, and a battalion of Air/Space Combat Fighters. They are also the most heavily armed and armored with a Tri-HEPS cannon, dual light and heavy rail gun emplacements, and a redundant point defense array. In pure space combat, they are the primary anti-ship and fighter deployment center. These fleet centerpieces are commonly named after major states or countries on Earth.
While powerful, battle cruisers are notorisouly slow in maneuvers, relying on their thick armor and turreted secondary weaponry to hold them over until they can line up their Tri-HEPS cannons. To make up for this, USIF Cruisers (C) are roughly 700 meters long with Dual-HEPS cannons, singular light and heavy rail guns, yet still retain the dual point defense array. Cruisers also are capable of launching deployables as well as providing heavy ground-fire support from orbit, but only carry a battalion of Armored Infantry and their equipment. Cruisers are named after major battles in Earth's history.
Finally, the smallest ships in the current USIN inventory, the Frigates (F) measure in at roughly 400 meters long. True to their 21st century namesake, frigates are the fastest ships with the least armament. Sporting a singluar HEPS cannon, a single light rail gun and a single point defense array, these ships are more so intended to fight off swarms of fighters, ships of similar classification, and provide in atmosphere light ground fire support. While cruisers are capable of atmospheric ground fire support, they are often more useful in space with their Dual-HEPS. Frigates also forgo an Armored Infantry complement for a larger deployable equipment capability.
While these are the only three current combat capable classes in the USIN, they have served the USIF well as humanity has spread amongst the stars to numerous colonies. Capable of traversing space at speeds far in excess of Citadel races via access to a layer of sub-space, the USIF is a looming giant to those who would choose to oppose them.
A/N:
Space battles? Pfft... Who needs them when you can clearly destroy the enemy on a whim? Let alone disable them at will?
I know some of you will be disappointed in my portrayl of this space battle, but it is what it is. I feel that in this situation, when faced with an agressor enemy, General Stone would rather take prisoners to learn what they wanted (as well as to learn more about their technology) than completely obliterate them. A dead enemy can only tell you so much after all.
Suqwal on the other hand, better to retreat with as many ships as possible so you have that many more to come back to fight with. Also wouldn't you be freaked the fuck out when you never even detected a fleet coming in and starting to rip your own to shreds?
Some of you may be wondering about the Council date. The in game dates of 2157, 2183, etc are all the human gregorian calendar dates. The year I have here in this fic is the Galactic Standard used by Citadel from when the Council was formed by the Asari and Salarians. In canon that would match up with the human year 500 BC. For Evolution though, that matches up with 121 BC. So in short, to the Citadel its year 2657, to the USIF its 2538.
Now... Some of you anonymous reviewers have mentioned in your reviews that it has taken me a year to update this fic, or something similar along those lines. I don't know what calendar you go by, but I posted the first chapter to this fic back in late November of 2012, the second chapter was a week or so after that, and chapter three was put up a few weeks ago in February. That only amounts to a period of four or five months.
Don't get me wrong I appreciate any and all reviews, but I do ask that you double check what you put down. Again, I only EVER respond to reviews in PM's, never in a new chapter aside from a general response like I just did.
Again, I don't know when the next chapter will come out. With the final ME3 DLC out and Crysis 3 beaten, I am working on my primary fic The Unsung Hero: Redux.
For periodic updates, follow me on Twitter ( Mitchell_DN7). I usually try to put up a new tweet once a week updating you guys on what I'm doing.