On the Akira Massacre
The Akira Massacre, referred to as the Akira "Incident" by UNE politicians, was the result of a punitive expedition ordered by Francois le Marc, then secretary of commerce on the UNE Security Council. The target was the Akira colony, which grew out of a major transshipment center established by the Kobayashi-Mitsui combine. Due to its position and role in interstellar commerce, Akira had managed to acquire significant industrial capacity due to its need to service and maintain the many freighters that stopped over in the system. As such Akira was well positioned to compete with Sol based manufacturers, save for the restrictive regulations imposed by the UNE government.
In an act of economic and political defiance, the Akira colonists developed a self-sufficient economy wherein consumer needs were met by the colony's own resources. As Lucresent SA's attempt to stop even intra-system sales of colonial products had failed, there were no regulations that limited the Akirans from buying and selling from and to each other. Within a few years Lucresent SA's market share collapsed and Akira had established a model with which the colonies could resist economic serfdom to the UNE.
This fact was not lost upon the UNE government or its supporting commercial interests and once attempts to resolve differences diplomatically broke down, Akira was immediately targeted due to its potential to act as a major arms supplier for the Colonial Independence Movement. As such, Secretary le Marc determined that a preemptive strike to neutralize Akira's industrial capacity would cripple the ability of the colonies to resist occupation by UNE forces.
While the exact circumstances remain a mystery, one undisputed fact is that the commanding UNE officer refused to grant time for the civilians aboard Akira's industrial platforms to be evacuated. Whether it was because he feared the evacuation was a delaying tactic or a ruse to try to salvage equipment will never be determined, as almost all of the senior officers involved were killed in an ambush sprung by Colonial forces seeking revenge. This combination of events marked the beginning of the war between Earth and her colonies.
As for former Secretary le Marc, his involvement did not go unrewarded. In addition to instigating the events that sparked the war le Marc had overstepped his legal authority on two counts, first by issuing an order to the UNE navy despite not being in their formal chain of command and second by making a judicial decision regarding a colony despite only being the secretary of commerce. For his actions, le Marc was impeached from the Security Council and convicted on multiple accounts of abuse of power. Whether the war will end before his sentence is fully served is an open question.
Fleet Admiral Evangeline Kosygin
Commander in Chief
Colonial Independence Navy
Chapter 6: In Darkest Night
The faces of the men and women gathered in the briefing room was grim, but that grimness was a pale shadow compared to the seething fury that was barely concealed on the face of their wing commander. Anyone who knew Reynolds understood that while she was not quick to anger, she was passionate. When the lieutenant commander invested herself into something, she went all in and anything that threatened her charge would be mowed down or run through without remorse.
Generally if one was not run down immediately, that was only a deferment. No person currently in this room doubted that for a moment, just as no one doubted that one Captain Nicholas Bowman would rue the day he crossed Lieutenant Commander Grace Reynolds, rank be damned.
The plot behind Reynolds came alive, momentarily drawing attention away from Reynolds' scowling face.
"Ladies and gentlemen." Reynolds' voice was cool, serene, and sent a chill down the spine of everyone present. "Our target, Taranto."
The room was still, most of the pilots too shocked to mouth off any snide remarks or comebacks. The only ones not with their mouths open were the senior officers that had already been informed of the mission. They simply looked on grimly.
"Captain Bowman has determined that in light of the Cindies throwing everything they have at Earth, they must have uncovered critical rear area bases in the process. As such, Taranto should be severely under garrisoned and relatively open to a properly executed attack."
No one missed all of the qualifiers in that last statement and looks of shock quickly turned into grimaces to join the expression on the faces of the officers.
"Captain McCallum has agreed that destroying Taranto would be a significant blow to the Cindies, if we manage to save Earth. But to save Earth, we need a fleet to fight the Cindies with. As such, my orders state that the mission's highest priority is getting all of us out alive. Inflicting damage on Taranto will be a secondary objective."
There was no sign of relief amongst the pilots, but there was a noticeable lift of their spirits. This was not to be a suicide mission, a pointless last gasp that would only seal Earth's fate. Even if the taskforce commander was certifiably out of his mind, it was also readily apparent his insanity was not contagious.
"Perhaps counterintuitively, in order to make sure as many of us as possible are there for the final showdown at Earth, I'm going to be throwing all of us at Taranto in a single attack force. The formation will be simple. The fighter squadrons will act as the point of the spear. It'll be our job to blow holes in the enemy defenses. Behind us will be the bomber force covered by interceptors. The bombers will be our heavy hitters and it'll be their job to trash as much of Taranto as possible. The interceptors will stay close to keep anyone from interfering with their runs. If all of us stick to our roles, we'll make it out alive."
A few moments of silence passed before one of the other pilots nervously spoke up.
"What about the strike suit ma'am?"
That omission had not gone unnoticed, it seemed.
"The strike suit will not be deployed for this mission," Reynolds stated.
This time the surprise was vocalized, though in the flurry of sounds nothing more coherent than a 'what' could be made out.
"I'm sure all of you have already seen the ship with its guts spilled out in the hanger," Reynolds continued. "The fact of the matter is, the strike suit's refit won't be completed in time for the mission. Those upgrades also can't be delayed. As bad as Taranto's going to be, we're going to need the strike suit at peak performance come Earth because there we'll be facing the entire Cindy fleet and the Relic."
The mood darkened once more, which made Reynolds' sudden grin all the more out of place.
"Besides, this'll be a chance to see if Adams really deserves all those kills he's been racking up or if the strike suit is carrying him. I think most of us doubt he could get half as many kills without it."
The comment silenced the room once more and it lasted long enough for Adams to make his own retort.
If I win, everyone here buys my drinks at the bar any time we go out.
Laughter erupted and the pilots standing by Adams gave him hearty claps on the shoulder and shouts of "you're on" came from the others.
"And what do we get if you lose?" Reynolds shouted over the din.
The noise quickly died down as everyone waited for Adams' response. The lieutenant seemed to consider it before finally smiling again.
Anyone who tops my kill score gets a bottle of Daniels 96 grade on me.
Reynolds let out a low whistle. "Didn't know you were that loaded, Adams."
Don't have to be. None of you are going to beat me.
The room was eerily quiet as the other pilots watched the two's staring contest. Finally, Reynolds nodded.
"Challenge accepted."
"This isn't good ma'am," McBride said over a private channel.
The wing was preparing for the final jump before breaching Taranto's defensive perimeter and Reynolds did not need new problems. McBride's tone however was whimsical, leading Reynolds to believe her subordinate was going to bring up a slightly less immediate but no less critical problem.
"What isn't?"
"Reaper, did you see his kill score? He beat every single one of us and he was flying a paper airplane while doing it."
"Maybe," Reynolds said with a chuckle. "But right now he's stuck in a trash hauler and I don't think even he'll be able to do anything about that."
"That may be so ma'am, but we've technically already lost the bet," McBride said. "Reaper was making noise about hitting every bar in Geneva with the wing after this is over."
"Cocky bugger isn't he," Reynolds said. "Though I suppose it's his way of telling us we need to up our game if we want to save Earth. Let's not disappoint."
"Yes ma'am."
As the final calculations and checks were completed, Reynolds sent the execute signal to the wing. She was the first to disappear in a blue flash and thus the first to emerge. Alarms began blaring immediately as contacts appeared in the screen.
"Enemy fighters incoming," Reynolds said. "Take them out before they reach the bombers. Boomer, begin attack runs at your discretion."
"Aye ma'am."
Giving out further orders would have been unnecessary. At this point the wing was operating as a single, coherent unit now and her pilots needed no hand holding to do their jobs. Kern could take care of his squadron and the newly promoted Watson would do the same. Then there were the fighters flying in formation around Reynolds. Their coordination was almost unreal as pairs selected a single target to deliver a one-two punch that destroyed anything in their way. Attempts by the enemy to outmaneuver them came to naught as the squadron provided support for each other.
The first wave of enemies blown aside, Reynolds came about just in time to see the first dock explode. The turret platforms that should have been surrounding the dock were also absent, indicating Kern and Watson had done a clean sweep.
"First target down, moving onto second," Kern said.
"Acknowledged," Reynolds replied. "I'm seeing two squads headed at you. I think they've decided you're the bigger threat, Boomer."
"I'm flattered," said Kern. "I'll be sure not to disappoint."
The new group of enemy contacts might well overwhelm Watson, assuming they were still intact when they reached the interceptors. Reynolds however had no intention of letting them get that close. Again targets were distributed to the other fighters and missiles roared out once locks were acquired. Only half of the advancing enemy were targeted and Reynolds did not wait to confirm kills before latching onto another victim.
While the number of targets dropped, at least a few managed to break the missile locks and live on to fight for a while longer. Their charge however was broken as the enemy fighters and interceptors were forced to come about or be blasted to pieces from behind. The exchange was quick and brutal and at least one friendly signal disappeared after a brief cry, but no Colonials lived to celebrate that brief triumph. With another threat neutralized, the UNE fighters moved to regroup with the bombers and interceptors just as a second platform went up.
"Reading a lot of comm traffic ma'am," Khaldi said. "Won't be long before the Cindies try hitting us with something harder."
"Or bigger," Reynolds said. "But they're going to need a lot more ships if they want to stop us."
A beep alerted Reynolds to an incoming text message, one that had been sent squadron wide.
Stop trying to jinx us.
"Reaper, why are you listening in on this squadron channel?" Reynolds shot back. "You're a trash hauler today."
Not according to my kill count.
"What?"
The confusion turned to surprise as Reynolds pulled up the preliminary numbers. So far Adams had scored three confirmed kills and two assists, putting him at the average achieved by the actual fighters in the wing.
"Stick to your job Reaper," Reynolds growled. "You're here to shove torpedoes up the Cindy's ass, not play tag with their light craft."
Duly noted, I will stop shooting at the leakers that get through the screen.
That elicited another growl from Reynolds but she did not bother retorting. Adams did have a point after all, he would never have gotten those kills if her fighters had not let a few of the enemy through. Then again, taking down the leakers was the job of the interceptors riding herd on the bombers.
"Ma'am, looks like the enemy commander is pulling in his cruisers."
Reynolds grimaced. "How many does he have?"
"Comm chatter indicates at least five. It looks like Taranto wasn't nearly as undefended as Captain Bowman thought."
"If things get too hot we'll pull out," Reynolds said. "For now, focus on keeping the bombers safe."
A beep sounded, indicating that the bombers had just taken out another target.
"Alright, that's all the yards in this sector."
"We've got multiple squadrons folding in ma'am," Kern said. "I think we've pissed them off."
"I see them," Reynolds said. "Things are about to get interesting."
The number of contacts on her screen was climbing ever higher, which was not that surprising. Light craft were cheaper and faster to build after all so the Colonials probably had more than enough even with the Earth operation. Even the three or four squadrons that the wing had already blown out of space probably amounted to less than ten percent of Taranto's total force. If the Colonials could concentrate them, sheer numbers would probably overwhelm the wing. Reynolds however had no intention of finding out whether her concerns were valid.
"Boomer, split your squadron, one to each fuel tank. I want them punched out in one sweep."
"Aye ma'am."
"Aright, three escorts minimum for each bomber. Tag your charge and get moving."
Reynolds, McBride, and Watson settled around Adams and the quartet made for the furthest set of tanks. The enemy split up as well to counter all of the groups, a mistake Reynolds was thankful for. The risk of being isolated and defeated by greater numbers just dropped significantly. Still, the difficulty of their task had simply changed from insanely to mildly.
The enemy fighters began their attack run, trying to blow past Reynolds and McBride. There were too many to stop them all, though those that made it through found their shields depleted. Watson took full advantage of this, peppering the enemy with plasma. Only two fighters survived to engage Adams, only to find out this particular bomber had a set of very sharp teeth.
Clusters of swarm missiles erupted from the bomber, the sheer numbers catching the enemy pilots by surprise. Individually the missiles did little damage, but without shields and already battered the enemy fighters succumbed after only a handful of hits.
The way clear, Adams let loose a single pair of torpedoes. So close to the target, there was no time to intercept and the massive projectiles slammed into the tanks. The metal frame burst open from the force of the explosions as a chain of them detonated from the stored fuel. The container immediately to the side cracked from the shockwave and the heat ignited its contents in the process, leaving the entire platform a smoldering wreck.
"Target destroyed," Reynolds said. "Boomer, status."
"Lost one of my birds, but we got all the tanks."
"Alright, form up. We're hitting the cruiser pens next."
"Those are going to be harder nuts to crack ma'am," Kern pointed out.
"I know, but the rest of the taskforce will be providing support."
"Yes ma'am."
Even as the wing tried to form up, the Colonial defenders attacked without relent. The damage wrought upon Taranto was already catastrophic and it did not matter whether the UNE attackers were preparing for another run or simply retreating. These defenders had blood in their eyes and wanted Reynolds and her pilots dead.
"All ships in formation," Khaldi said.
"Jump in three, two, one, mark."
The wing disappeared but just as quickly reappeared deeper inside Taranto's perimeter. It did not take long for the Colonial defenders to follow and between them and the fixed defenses, Reynolds' wing was effectively trapped. At this point however the UNE force had no intention of running. There was still a job to do after all.
"Cruiser pens are wide open," McBride said.
"Assuming you ignore the flak platforms," Reynolds replied. "Boomer, you guys going to be able to break through or do you need escorts?"
"Just keep the Cindy fighters off our back," said Kern. "Those platforms won't be enough to stop us."
"Just don't get yourself killed," Reynolds said as she turned about to engage the pursing enemies. A moment paused before she switched to a private channel. "Reaper, I expect you to introduce me to your mom when we get back."
Promise.
And then the battle was rejoined. Plasma and bullets flashed through the void while here and there missiles left a white trail in their wake. Through it all Reynolds' fighter danced about, deftly avoiding the enemy while setting alight everything in her way. Red flares splashed across her shields before cooling quickly to a light blue. Throughout it all Reynolds' mind was clear and focused, absorbing all the little details about her. Enemies that tried to sneak up behind her suddenly found themselves face to face as the fighter flipped about to charge them instead. Here and there those hunting her comrades found themselves prey as Reynolds' guns zoned in on them. There was seemingly no pattern to her flying, no line an enemy could track. Reynolds was simply exactly where she needed to be, whether it be to smite an opponent or help another pilot from a tight spot.
"Ma'am, we've got cruisers folding in!" Khaldi shouted over the radio, finally breaking Reynolds' concentration.
"This is McCallum, hang tight, the taskforce is coming in."
Reinforcements were not long in coming and the taskforce emerged in a tight formation. The sudden appearance of four UNE capital ships forced the Colonial defenders to split their attention, giving the bombers more time to do their job.
"Enemy cruisers are beginning to undock," Control reported.
"What!? They can't possibly have gotten crews into them that quickly!" McBride said.
"They're probably trying to get them out of the line of fire," Reynolds said. "Boomer, switch targets, concentrate on the undocking cruisers. Leave the new arrivals to Bowman."
"Aye ma'am."
The surviving bombers pulled away from the latest wrecked dock and began a run against one such cruiser. Reynolds' suspicion was confirmed by the lightness of the point defense fire that rose to meet them. Still, there was no point taking risks and the fighters escorting the bombers went in first to soften up the target. Missiles and rockets splattered over the hull, tearing about the few active guns and opening a clear path for the incoming torpedoes. With no way to down them, the cruiser was helpless as they slammed into its hull and blasted apart the armor.
"One down," Kern said.
"We need to move faster," Reynolds said. "There's at least three more cruisers already undocked."
"Alright, bomber squad, split up into flights. Select targets of opportunity and take down as many Cindies as you can."
Reynolds fell into formation with a trio of bombers, hovering protectively over her charges. The cruiser before them turned about and its guns lit up, throwing up a wall of fire in their path.
"Holy crap, don't think that one has a skeleton crew!"
"Doesn't take a full crew to operate a few guns," Reynolds snapped. "Stay focused on the approach!"
Before anyone could respond the incoming fire narrowed and smashed into one of the bombers. A brief scream signaled its death as the others veered away to avoid the same fate.
"We've got ten cruisers undocked ma'am!" McBride reported. "Some of them are headed towards the taskforce!"
"Damn it, alright, all ships, prepare to fall back. We'll hit the enemy and-Reaper what the hell are you doing!"
One of the surviving bombers in her flight had continued charging their target. Somehow Adams managed to maneuver his ship behind the enemy cruiser and was now unloading torpedoes into its engines. The effect was rather spectacular as the ship literally cracked along the rear from the internal detonations. Pieces of the hull snapped off, leaving a trail of debris as the cruiser plowed along from its previous momentum. Finally the reactor lost containment and consumed the dying warship in a massive ball of fire.
Two down.
"He is completely and utterly insane ma'am," McBride said.
"No argument here. But we need to keep him alive if I'm going to give him the tongue lashing he deserves."
As she spoke Reynolds' fighter broke away from the rest of the wing and moved to join Adams. McBride was right behind her and even between the two there was an overabundance of targets. The Colonials were not taking the loss of a second cruiser lying down and quite a few were gunning for the bomber solely responsible. They quickly learned however this bomber had very long teeth indeed as massive salvos of swarm missiles smashed into their ranks. Those were quickly followed up by heavier missiles from the approaching UNE fighters and the three would-be targets extracted themselves with little damage.
"Coming up on enemy cruisers," Kern said. "Let's not let Reaper upstage us boys and girls."
The bombers were now split up and making runs on the engines of three separate cruisers. The tactic worked as well for them as Adams and soon the number of warships bombarding the UNE taskforce was halved with two confirmed kills and one badly crippled.
"I don't think we'll be able to do that again," Reynolds said. "I'm reading six squadrons of interceptors and fighters moving in, and they're not splitting up."
"Two more cruisers just folded in ma'am, and we have three undocked ones moving to support the others!"
"This is Captain McCallum," a voice suddenly interrupted over a fleet wide channel. "In accordance with the Articles of War, I am declaring Captain Bowman unfit for command and assuming control of the fleet. All ships are to rendezvous with the Arcadia at the jump point for immediate retreat."
"Damn you McCallum, I'll see you hanged for this!" Bowman's enraged cry came almost immediately.
"Alright, that's our cue," Reynolds said. "Cover the taskforce's withdrawal. Bombers, get your asses back now and don't try anything fancy. Fighters and interceptors will act as screen."
The taskforce was now separating with Arcadia and the cruiser and frigate moving towards the system perimeter. Tartarus stubbornly held its position even as it became the focus of the Colonial advance. Though Bowman may not have intended it, his ship was effectively stalling the enemy and covering the taskforce's retreat. For that at least Reynolds was prepared to admit some grudging respect for the soon to be deceased captain. Her only regret as she folded out was leaving so many others to die with Bowman. After all, at least some of the Tartarus' crew probably recognized the stupidity of their commanding officer.
End of Chapter 6
I really should be getting this out faster, considering the entire thing is finished. Consider it a sign of just how swamped with work I've been that this keeps slipping my mind or I get distracted by other things.