Hello back to The Will of Revenge! In the previous chapter, the operation on Taurus III has come to shove, as allied fleet finally broke through the SoS fleet in the orbit and rained death upon the Sons air forces. Next, evacuation was carried out with all UTDF forces being loaded onto the transports to leave the planet to combat the certainly approaching battle on Flare Prime. Also, the months long journey of Dora, Royal Rangers and Herons have come to an end.

What will happen now? Read on and find out!

Chapter 5

September 14

22:31

Flareian System

Preparing the evacuation took several hours, but once it was done, the fleet immediately departed Taurus III, now completely occupied by Sons of Sadera. But it was a necessary sacrifice. Next, the fleet jumped out of the system and back into the Flareian System. The first thing they checked out, was the enemy fleet.

When they saw it, they felt two things. One of them was relief, as the fleet still didn't move, waiting in place, most likely for order to attack. Second was horror, when they saw that the size of the fleet basically doubled since they left, now numbering at around seven hundred ships. A number that was three times the size of the number of warships nations of Flare Prime could put into the field. When the battle will start, it will be extremely one-sided.

So, the fleet made it's way to Flare Prime. Once the ships arrived, they were greeted by already-setting-up defense. Ships from almost all space capable nations were visible. Corvettes with markings of Kingdoms of West. Frigates of the Kubliatan Empire. The most impressive sight was Kingdom of Western Orisia's Aircraft Carrier. There were basically all ships that the Andromeda Branch had remaining. And as expected, it paled in comparison with what Sons were gathering for the attack.

"I don't know if I should cry or laugh?"Tyuule asked, sitting in her chair.
"Maybe both?"Harlen asked.

General was standing next to her. He decided to be on the bridge to observe the whole return and to see the enemy fleet for himself. To say that he was shocked to see the sheer number of enemy vessels there were would be an understatement. When he saw them, he immediately got rid of all anger he harbored after leaving Taurus III.

"Now you see what we meant?"Tyuule asked.
"Yeah. At such a disadvantage, we will need everything if we even want to think about winning."General nodded."Do you think they have any plan to win this? I don't think they were just sitting and farting in their chairs?"
"Probably not. When I contacted Pina about it, she said they will try and figure out how to play with this."

"Admiral, we have an incoming call from the surface."comms officer reported.
"Patch it through."Tyuule ordered.

Comms officer pressed some buttons on his console and soon, Pina's face appeared on a screen in front of Tyuule.
"I see you're back."the Queen said."How did the operation go?"
In response, Harlen peeked over Tyuule's shoulder.
"Hello, Your Highness."he said with a smirk.
"Harlen!"Pina exclaimed and laughed."You have no idea how glad I am to see you still alive."
"Likewise. I see you're hard at work?"
"Considering our current situation?"Pina grinned sadly."Yes. Everyone's on edge because of that giant fleet we have in the system.

"I bet. We'll try to help, but I don't think we'll make any difference."General shook his head."But we'll try."
"Don't worry. For now, come to the surface and rest. You all deserve it."

"Yeah. We do."

With that, Harlen left the camera view and left Tyuule and Pina so they could talk to each other.

"How does it look?"Tyuule asked firmly.
"When the first information about the incoming enemy fleet leaked out into the public, we had a bit of…panic."Under Tyuule's gaze, Pina sighed."Alright, riots erupted across nearly the whole planet. But they were quickly quelled and full on lockdown and martial law. People can leave their houses only with special allowance. And if not, the military and police are delivering them all the necessary living products."
"Crap. But now it's calm?"Tyuule asked.
"Yes. But we expect that it will not be as calm when the battle inevitably starts. There are still enemy agents hidden across the planet, so we expect them to spring into action to use the chaos. Not to mention that enemy troops will most likely break through our defenses, because we're expecting some enemy ships and invasions forces to break through the blockade. It will most likely be the biggest single battle of the entire war."

Fleet Admiral had to agree with her superior. Andromeda Branch's forces were not ready to repel such a number of enemies. And when enemy troops touch the ground, there will be a real hell. They will most likely start shooting everything that moves and not pay attention what are they firing at. It will be bloody.

"Certainly."Tyuule agreed."And if we won't put our backs to it, will also be the last."

Pina nodded.
"Agreed. Now let's get ready. We don't have much time."she said.
"Yes, ma'am."

With that, the connection ended.

Few minutes later, the evacuation fleet reached the low orbit and immediately, ground forces that were with it started disembarking to the surface. Dropships were making transport runs back and forth, transporting soldier and equipment, while warships quickly took their places in the defensive cordon. Freighters made their way to the stations they moored at before leaving for the mission, to wait through the worst. In the defensive cordon, it was Dark Vengeance who took the main position. Few hours later, it was made a the flagship of the United Defense Fleet. It was time for the final encounter.

September 15

00:04

Castle Araluen, Araluen, Gernea

Dropship slowly came to landing. As it did, Maddie still couldn't believe it. They were home. But even if they were, the war was still just a few inches behind them. Soon, they will have to join the fight again.

"Hey."Will said from the seat next to her."Is everything alright?"

Maddie looked at her former teacher and smiled.
"Mostly."she admitted.
"Yeah, same here…"he admitted.

When the dropship took Maddie and the rest to the evacuation site, Maddie was skeptical. But when it turned out it was true, she felt so much happiness she couldn't describe it. She quickly found will and as Fenis and Simon told her, she was hugging him for at least an hour before she finally let go. Also, she learned that from nearly two thousand Rangers that came to the planet, just 300 were left. These were the most devastating losses the Corp ever took. But their sacrifices would not go in vain.

Or at least they hoped they wouldn't.

The machine settled down on the ground and the side door opened, allowing the two, as well as Fenis and Simon who were with them, left the insides of it. They stepped into the courtyard of Castle Araluen, where they saw numerous soldiers rustling and bustling around, setting up defenses and preparing vehicles for combat. The whole atmosphere was so tense you could cut it with a knife.

"This is a nice sight."Fenis commented."Seems like nothing changed…"
"At least we're home, right?"Simon asked, smiling.

"Maddie!"

Before they could turn towards the source of the voice, Maddie was wrapped by the arms of an older woman.
"Mom!"Maddie replied."Calm down!"
Queen Cassandra Altman of Araluen stopped hugging her daughter and looked at her with a tired smile.

"You have no idea how worried we all were about you."she said."I can't even remember the last night I slept well without thinking about what you must be going through on Taurus III. But I'm so glad you're back."

Maddie growled.
"Mom! I'm an adult already! Stop acting like I'm a child!"she exclaimed.

Fenis and Simon couldn't stop themselves from smiling and giggling.

"Seriously? I'm getting ignored again?"Will rolled his eyes."Nothing changed, I guess."

Cassandra looked at him.
"Oh, you're here too, Will."she said.
Will glared at her.

"You know her. She never changes."another familiar voice said.

They all looked in it's direction and saw two men approaching. Seeing them, Will smiled.
"Looks like you two are still kicking."he said.
"No kidding."Horace Altman, Cassandra's husband and commander of all Araluenian military forces, said.

"We are actually surprised."Gilan, acting Commander of Royal Rangers Corps, added."Some already thought you dead."

They both approached the four and quickly hugged or shook hands with Will and Maddie. Seeing Gilan, Fenis and Simon quickly saluted.
"Sir!"they both said.
Gilan looked at them.
"Excuse my rudeness, but since the expansion of the Corp to include External Branch, it became almost impossible to remember all names of all Rangers and Apprentices, so who are you?"he asked.
"Apprentices Fenis and Simon, sir."Fenis said.
"They were the only other ones who survived out of my squad."Maddie said."They've been with me through the whole time we were traversing the Taurus' wilderness."

Hearing that, Cassandra stepped away from her daughter and approached the two. Seeing Queen approach them, Fenis stepped from foot to foot, nervously, while Simon just stood there, casually. Cassandra stood before them and bowed.
"Thank you for helping my daughter during your stay on Taurus III."she said.
"No need to sweat it, Your Highness."Fenis said."Although…She was the one who helped us more than we did her, especially after our teachers got killed."

"Still, we take the credit."Simon said with a smile.

Fenis hit him on the back of the head, causing everyone to laugh. Will looked at Horace.
"How does it look?"he asked.

Horace's face immediately took a firm expression.
"Not good."he admitted."We took severe losses during the attacks that took place on the planet before the invasion begun. Our fleet is left with only a few operational ships, while our units are still trying to rebuild after losses they took. Of course, it looks better then three months ago, but it's still not as good as we'd like."
"In short, the situation looks like shit."Will deadpanned.
Horace nodded.

"I already sent Rangers across the country to form and train militia units that will be used in defense."Gilan said."We don't have much time, but that's the best we can do."

"Still better than nothing."Will admitted."We'll need everything if we want to stop whatever the Sons will throw at us."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Let's go. We're gonna present you the whole situation."Horace said.

With that, everyone followed him to the staff.

September 15

07:43

Orbit of Taurus III

Tyuule still sat aboard the Dark Vengeance, coordinating the whole defensive around the planet. Nearly entire fleet of Andromeda Branch was currently present above Flare Prime. It was the biggest grouping of ships in Andromeda galaxy she have ever seen and the fact it was gathered because of an impending invasion of the planet was something she really didn't like. But she had to live with it.

"Move these ships here."she said, pointing at two Skandian Corvettes.

"Yes, ma'am."comms officer said and quickly relayed the order.

Right then, Tyuule received a personal call. She accepted it and saw Tia's face on the screen. Her former FO was currently a captain of Selene and currently, the Guided Missile Cruiser was floating next to the Dreadnaught, acting as an escort and shield for it.

"What's the matter, Tia?"Tyuule asked."Crew not agreeing with new captain?"

Tia laughed.
"Not really."she replied."I'm just…worried."
"About what?"

"About what's gonna happen. And about how will I do. I didn't command in the heat of battle yet. Even in Taurusian System, I was told to hold in the back line. But now, there will be nothing like that…"

Fleet Admiral nodded in understanding. She knew Tia had her reservations when it came to commanding a vessel, but she agreed because Tyuule asked her to. She also told her former FO to keep Selene in the back, because she didn't want to stress Tia too much. But now, there would be none of it. If they wanted to defend Flare Prime, all of them had to be in the thick of it. No matter the experience.
"I know it's hard to you."Tyuule started."But I believe in you. And if I didn't, I wouldn't have made you take charge, right?"
"I guess so…"Tia replied.
"So, I know I will sound like some douche bag, but keep it together and give your all to this matter! Because if we fall here, there will be nothing to save anymore."

Tia thought for a second before nodding.
"Understood, ma'am."she said with a firm face."I will make sure to not fail your expectations. Selene out."With that, she disconnected.

Tyuule sure hoped Tia would take her words to heart. She did sound like a douche, but in their current situation, a little of that was needed to keep everyone from loosing their minds. And if they did, then goodbye everyone.

September 15

09:36

Royal Palace, Sadera, Flare Prime

Pina already moved back into the Royal Palace after the situation in the system was brought back under control. Her office was quickly rebuilt and she was sitting in it, checking documents and reports regarding the enemy fleet that was still gathering on the edge of the system. With every day it grew, currently encompassing over seven hundred ships. It was probably the second biggest grouping of ships she had ever seen or heard of. Only bigger one was the one that appeared over Mobius near the end of GGW. But still, seven hundred vessels was no joke either.

She put down the papers and leaned back in her chair. The war would end soon. That was certain. The only uncertain thing was, how will it end. Will it end with victory of the defending side? Or of the Sons? She let out a deep sigh, as she tried to clear her head. Worrying would not help with anything.

There was a knock on the door.
"Yes?"Pina asked.

The door opened and Hamilton peeked in.
"Pina, Gray is asking for a meeting."she said.
"You know the procedure. He can always enter."the Queen replied.
The assistant nodded and stepped back. Seconds later, commander-in-chief of Falmartian armed forces entered the office with a firm face. He approached the desk and sat down on the chair in front of Pina.
"So."Pina started."What do you want to talk about?"
"About our current situation."Gray replied.
"What else is there to say? It's either us or them."
"While that is true, there is also another thing."
"Which is?"

General looked around the room.
"RFIS managed to intercept the enemy communications."he said."Their target is, indeed, only Flare Prime. They assume that if they take the planet, the whole war will be won, as with the homeworld controlled, the others will not have the will to continue fighting."

Pina sighed again. It was actually as they feared. Deep down, they actually pleaded for any higher power to actually turn the enemy attack on other planets and facilities in the system, splitting the enemy fleet into smaller ones and making it easier for them to handle. Meanwhile, it seemed that they would actually have to face an entire strength of nearly a thousand vessels against them. A force barely anyone would be able to keep away from the planet with just a half of that number. This battle was gonna be bloody.

As the Queen and the general sat there, talking and thinking, suddenly, a communications request notification blinked on the desk. She pressed a button and a holographic window with Tyuule's face appeared in the air.

"What is it, admiral?"she asked.

Right then, she noticed the firm look on the Warrior Bunny woman's face. She held her breath.
"It's starting."Tyuule said.

September 15

09:42

Orbit of Flare Prime

Space distortions that appeared in front of the defense fleet were so numerical, that it looked as if space itself was about to distort and fall apart. It might as well been the case, when space distortions started turning into warships of all shapes and sizes, but all with the same design pattern. They hovered in space before the allied fleet, opening their hangars and letting out numerous fighters and fighter-bombers, as well as dropships. Defenders replied in kind, their less numerical fighters rushed to defend their home.

Among these fighters was Dora. She demanded that she would be given her own fighter to join the fight. Fortunately, it so happened the there was a spare machine aboard Dark Vengeance. Unfortunately, she also found out that her squadron from Taurus III didn't make it out. They were all shot down in the last days of battle. This is why she was assigned to a squadron led by, as it turned out, commander-in-chief of Royal Falmartian Air Force.

"Okay everyone."Salani said in the radio."This is the day you will be put through a trial. What you did on Taurus was just a baby play in comparison to what we're about to do today. Today, we're the only thing standing between victory and complete destruction of everything we love and hold close. This battle will go down in history as the greatest show of bravery and determination our planet has ever seen. No matter if we win or lose. This battle will become a legend passed down from generation to generation!"

Thunderous cheers erupted in the comms and Dora nodded. She heard a lot about Salani, but she had to give him credit here. He knew how to give a speech.
"Now, let's show 'em what we're made of!"general exclaimed.

Not long after, allied fighters rushed towards the SoS fighters as they approached them. Immediately, both sides let volleys of missiles fly towards them. They started dropping flares and chaffs, but as always, not all of them were effective and numerous missiles connected with their targets on both sides. Numerous explosions lit up the space as the spacecraft let the first strike fall. Next, the dance of death started among them.

Dora found herself chasing enemy fighter-bomber who was trying to break through the cloud of fighters towards the allied fleet. She started peppering it with her 25mm gun and then finished it off with a shot from a 50mm. She then saw another allied fighter being chased by two enemy fighters and immediately turned in that direction. She dropped behind the two and quickly unloaded on one of them. Surprised, the enemy pilot didn't have a time to react as bullets slammed into his machine's sheathing. He panicked and instead of banking hard right, he banked hard left, causing him to slam into his wingman, turning both machines into burning scrap metal.

Satisfied with this, Dora then banked hard left to another enemy fighter, which was probably piloted by some crazy asshole, as he was flying around, spinning around it's own axis and firing at everything that moved, no matter friend or foe, but doe to the sheer numbers of SoS force, it seemed like it made no difference. So she quickly landed behind him and fired her gun at him. Realizing he was being chased, enemy pilot stopped spinning like crazy and tried to lose her, making all sorts of maneuvers, turning up and down, left and right, banking hard in all direction, but Dora was well experienced enough to keep up with him. Thanks to this, when he tried doing it again, she pulled the nose of her machine up in the right moment and fired, causing her 50mm shell to slam right into the enemy cockpit.

"Major Hiedel, do you hear me?"Salani's voice sounded in the radio.
"Loud and clear, sir."Dora replied."What is it?"
"There is an enemy squadron that managed to break through. They're flying towards the surface and I need some help in chasing them down. You up?"

"Always."
"Then follow me."

She then turned and followed the general, who appeared on her radar, as they followed the enemy squadron. After a few minutes, as they started entering the atmosphere, she saw the squadron on her radar. It consisted of several dropships and fighter escorts, going somewhere towards Alnus. But the AA batteries at Fort Alnus already detected them and locked onto the approaching machines. Soon after, trails of white smoke flew out of the base and towards the enemy machines, who started evading and dropping countermeasures. Several missiles got caught on that, but not all and nearly 25% of the squadron was wiped out. Not long after, Salani, Dora and seven other fighters appeared and started mopping up the rest. Enemy fighters stood no chance against the battle hardened aces that this group was and soon, the first enemy group that managed to break through was taken care of. When this was done, allied fighters turned and sped back up towards the orbit, where battle raged on.

Back in the orbit, enemy ships also entered combat with the defending fleet. Fire from main ship guns and missiles now lanced between the two sides ad they exchanged volley after volley. Already some ships scored critical hits, getting put out of fight. Several small supernovas appeared among the fighting, as reactors went critical, but that only added to the fire of the battle. Seeing the demise of their comrades, both sides just intensified the battle. Cruisers, Destroyers, Frigates and Corvettes, all either engaged in hundreds of small duels or simply ganged up on the most vulnerable looking enemy ships. It was a complete chaos, only pretending to be a regular battle. Both sides were desperate to win the battle and in that situation, more than tactics of combat, it was pure ferociousness that counted.

Tyuule was shouting ordered to every position on the bridge as she observed the light show in front of her. The vessels popped like crazy on both sides, but as of now, the defenders were keeping their losses relatively low. Meanwhile, Sons were losing ship after ship, but with their numerical advantage, they didn't really bother. Missiles and PDC fire trailed after one another, filling the space with flashes that would make anyone blind.
"This is madness!"weapon systems officer exclaimed."We're firing ammo at such a pace, that we'll run out of it within few hours!"
"Deal with it!"Tyuule replied harshly."It's either that, or we can simply let them through!"
"Understood!"WSO suddenly had no objections.

Fleet Admiral looked at the radar in front of her. She expanded it's range to encompass the whole battlefield. Another things she had to give her regards to the ship's designers. This feature was pretty useful. Thanks to this, she could observe all of the fleet, both flanks and center. So she saw the problem before she got contacted by one of Araluenian commanders from left flank.

"Admiral!"the man exclaimed frantically on her screen."One of enemy Heavy Cruisers have broken through and is currently approaching the surface of the planet!"

Soon after, another commander contacted her.
"There's another group of enemy dropships and fighters that have broken through and are approaching the surface!"
"Enemy transports approaching Orisia!"

More and more frantic exclamations reached her ears. It was just as they expected. They couldn't contain all enemy ships and some were managing to break through. She shook her head. They'll have to leave these ones to the surface forces. They can't let any ship go, not if they wanted to make enemy breakthroughs as small as possible. The more ships they would send to chase them, the less they would have to stop the enemy here. Fortunately, Salani decided to keep his squadron close to the low orbit, to act as a rapid response unit and react to these situations. Or rather, the ones they could. They were already going after the dropship-fighter group. Rest was left in the hands of the ground units. Knowing that she had her current situation to worry about, she quickly turned back towards the battle at hand.

September 15

10:04

Skies over Endless Ocean, near Gernea

SoS Heavy Cruiser Gladius barreled through the clouds towards the surface. Leaving a trail of smoke behind it as it descended, it was tasked by the commander of the invasion fleet to land troops and overtake Skandian capital of Halasholm. It's captain counted on an easy task, which would also allow Sons to secure first landing zone on the planet. Captain was sure, that for doing so, he would be rewarded by the command. He would be the one to put the base for Sons invasion of the planet and he would make sure that it happened. Nothing was gonna stop him, especially with enemy anti-spaceship defenses destroyed and unrepaired since the start of the war. However, he didn't account for one thing.

Not all of them were out of commission.

This is why when an AATIS gun hidden within the mountains surrounding the skandian capital city came to life, it was such a surprise for the Heavy Cruiser. Shell from the gun slammed into the back side of the warship, obliterating it's engines. Immediately red lights and alarms started blaring across the vessel as it plummeted through the clouds towards the sea. Everyone aboard braced for impact or quickly rushed towards the escape pods, which were being launched behind it. Captain spoke a short prayer to Emloy, before his ship slammed into the ocean at full descent speed. The crew of the AATIS gun celebrated their first ever confirmed kill, but the celebrations didn't last long.

Combined speed and mass of Gladius was enough to cause a small tsunami that went in the direction of Halasholm. When services realized what was happening, they quickly made an emergency announcement. Panicked people started running for their lives, hoping to find a safe spot somewhere on the higher ground. Jarl Erak himself allowed numerous people to hide inside his Great Hall, while others made their way into the mountains. Unfortunately, not all of them were fast enough and when the wave hit, while spilling across the streets of the city, drowning homes and other buildings, it also took numerous people who didn't get to safety in time. It would take long weeks before the water would recede and the damage could be assessed, but it was certain, that it would be in millions.

September 15

10:54

Great Steppe, Kubliatan Empire

As the wind slowly howled through the empty steppes of the Eastern Orisia, rustle and bustle was taking place. Four SoS transports managed to land on the Great Steppe and immediately, they started disembarking their troops. Thousands of Sons started leaving the ships at a record speed, with vehicles and soldiers all coming off the ship within minutes. Now, they were setting up defenses and preparing to expand their current beachhead. They were most likely the first allied forces to touch down on the surface and it was a matter of time before they will start their offensive to get the Kubliatans under control.

Sons' general in charge of the whole force was hard at work, looking at the maps of Kubliatan Empire that were supplied by the intelligence. The nearest city in the Great Steppe was nearly 555 leagues from their position. Not a long distance all things considered. A few days march and they would be already taking it over.

But his thoughts were interrupted, when radar officer of the ship the general was inside of suddenly exclaimed, terrified. Before anyone could as what's happening, there was an explosion outside.

A rain of cruise missiles started falling onto the area, as Kubliatan missile forces detected where the enemy landed. Seeing the danger, the transports opened with their PDC, firing at all approaching enemy missiles. Some of them were destroyed, but majority broke through and started a massacre among the Sons. Missiles fell one after another, hitting defensive positions, single vehicles and the transport ships. The hits on the latter were most devastating, as the force of impact literally made the transports collapse on their sides. At one point, a missile struck a transport in their reactor. Explosion that ensued could be seen from hundreds of kilometers, as the wave of energy expanded and evaporated the entire area where Sons forces landed, alongside said forces.

All across the globe, situations like these happened as more and more SoS forces broke through the defensive cordon of the fleet in the orbit. Fortunately, allied forces on the ground were capable enough that the situation didn't go critical. Yet. But as more and more enemies did slip through, it was closer and closer to becoming so.

In short, the scales of battle were tipping closer and closer towards the SoS.

September 15

12:12

Royal Palace, Sadera

Pina was sitting in her throne room, observing the analysts and staff members moving around in all directions. By her side stood four Rose Knights of Burgundy Rose Brigade, acting as her personal guard. They were clad in their exoskeletons, weapons at the ready, prepared for any eventuality that might have arisen in the chaos of the battle. Which, considering how chaotic it was, was not too far from coming true.

Staff moved into the throne room due to it's better protection and it's placement deep inside the Royal Palace. Which was good when you were defending from enemy soldiers on the ground. If enemy ships managed to appear over the capital, then the placement of the throne room would not save them from a salvo from guns or missiles. Fortunately, Tyuule and the allied fleets were able to hold them off for the most part, but from the reports, it was just a matter of time before the defenses break.

Not to mention what was happening on the surface. In many cities, including Sadera, people panicked. Riots broke out in the streets. Law enforcement was occupied by trying to calm things down, with some help from the military. Additionally, it was observed that some suspicious people, most likely enemy agents, were seen sneaking around the city. It was certain that they are going to cause some trouble. In what way, nobody knew.

"Pina."Bozes said.

Queen looked at the Platinum Rose standing next to her. Acting commander of the Rose Knights was in her full battle gear, exoskeleton and all. She decided to be here to direct the operations of Rose Knights in case situation was critical. Although Pina knew, that the true reason she was here was to watch over the Queen.
"Yes?"Queen asked.
"You really should go to a shelter or something."Bozes stated.
"And how would it look like? I would end up as a coward who ran away when the world around fell apart."

"You and me both are well aware of the difference between cowardice and self preservation."

"Still, I can't leave the people at a time like this."

Bozes rolled her eyes, but nodded.
"I guess you're right."she admitted.
"Don't worry. If push comes to shove, I will not go down easily."
"I believe that."

Content with the end of this conversation, Pina looked towards the place Gray was standing and coordinating everything. It was probably the biggest endeavor in his whole career, commanding a defense of an entire planet. Everyone agreed that he was the most suited to be the defense's commander, but she could clearly see the toll it was taking on him. He wasn't the youngest and the stress would only make it worse.

"General!"one of the analysts exclaimed."We're getting reports from Fleet Admiral Tyuule!"
"What are they saying?"Gray asked.
"Our defense is slowly getting more and more thinned out. Our fleets are still holding the enemy back, but more and more enemy units are slipping through. Some of them are actually coming towards us. We already informed the city's air defense about it."
"Good. Keep me updated on it."general ordered.

"Yes, sir."

Analyst quickly returned to his work. But soon after, a loud boom reached the throne room, causing everything to cease working for a second. Everyone looked towards the door, which were swung open and then quickly closed by a group of three soldiers. They looked around the room, gasping for breath.
"Your Highness! General!"one of them exclaimed."There's a group of enemy operatives that have broken into the palace! They're coming here!"

Hearing the distress in his voice, Bozes immediately went into her command mode.

"You heard him!"she exclaimed."You know what to do as Burgundy Roses! Defend the Queen!"
"Yes, ma'am!"the Rose Knights replied.

"Wait."Pina said.

Everyone looked at her. Pina stood up from her throne and pressed a button placed on the armrest. The throne shuddered for a moment, before sliding into the ground. Everyone looked at it, confused. Seconds later, another platform appeared out of the ground and replaced the throne in it's place.

Standing on the platform, was Pina's old exoskeleton she used back in War of Flare Prime. Without saying a word, she started putting it on.
"Pina, what are you doing?"Bozes asked."And where did that come from?"
"I commissioned this o be constructed in secret."Pina said, strapping in."Whenever danger came to the palace. You really thought I'd just stay here, behind closed doors while a bunch of ruffians is trashing my place?"

"But…"Gray and Bozes tried to argue.
"No buts."Queen silenced them while finishing."Okay, time for some killing again."
"No talking you out of this one, are we?"Bozes asked.
"Nope."

Commander of Rose Knights sighed.
"Alright. Come with us."she said.

Pina grinned widely and soon, she joined the Rose Knights as they moved out to defend the palace.

September 15

15:05

Orbit of Flare Prime

Tyuule sat on the bridge, eyes closed, lost in thoughts. Everything was slowly coming to an end, she knew that.

The battle still raged on around her, but as it continued, everyone was slowly realizing that it was coming to a slow end. Ships on both sides were falling like flies, but it definitely hurt the Andromeda Branch more than it did the Sons. Not to mention that more and more enemy units managed to break through their defenses and was currently fighting on the surface of the planet. Ground defenses were holding them off, but then again, nobody knew how long will that last as well. She really wanted it to be a bad dream, but she couldn't lie to herself anymore. Space Battle of Flare Prime was slowly coming to an end. Ground battle will most likely stretch on for gods knew how long, but completely suppressed and left with no air or space support, the planet would fall.

Of course, Tyuule was not gonna simply surrender to Sons demands. They will fight until their last breath. They will fight on no matter the cost. Even if their defeat was but a matter of time.

Another enemy ship turned into a supernova as a well placed shell struck it's reactor. Dark Vengeance was basically the only ship of the defenders that was intact. Honestly, she smirked at the thought of irony. The ship that previously gave them so much trouble was no their final line of defense. Truly ironic.

Enemy ships were falling on them like a wave. No matter how many they destroyed, there were always more. It seemed as if SoS gathered their entire fleet here, with the sole purpose of delivering vengeance upon the ones that dared not to yield to their demands.

She wondered what will happen to her. If she survives and if…when…Sons will win and find her, will they send her to Zorzal, recognizing her as his old toy? Or will they have their way with her and simply throw her out the airlock? Both options were equally as possible.

They had their shot. Now, they would have to accept the reality.

"Our forces are at 67% of combat effectiveness, ma'am."radar officer reported.

She knew it. She could see everything on her screen. Meanwhile, enemy was still at nearly 88%. So long and so little damage dealt. As if the fate itself was laughing at them. Maybe it was and they just couldn't hear it in the vast emptiness of space? Who knew…

Radar officer looked at his sensors and blinked.
"Uhh, admiral?"he asked.
"What is it?"Tyuule asked.
"I…"Radar officer tried to find the right words."The…Intergalactic Gate…"

Ah, yes. Some ships were defending the Intergalactic Gate. Sons did send a small flotilla in that direction.
"Let me guess."she said."Sons took it over?"
"No…The fighting around it still continues, but…it's activating…"

The entire bridge came to a standstill, as if the time stop, even though fighting continued. Intergalactic Gate activating? At this point? After so long time of being closed? After capturing numerous SoS agents, everyone was well aware that while Sons were wrecking everything in Andromeda, their Laconian allies were having their way with Milky Way. Did Laconians and their allies finally win in Milky Way? Was UNSA and everyone else gone? Were these Galactic Concordance ships, coming to aid their Andromeda allies?

"There are ships coming out of the Gate…"Radar officer continued.
"Allegiance?"she demanded.
RO looked at his sensors for a few more seconds, before blinking, confused.
"These ships…are giving away UNSA signals…"he said.

Another silence.
"Are you sure?"Tyuule asked.
"Yes. Not only that…They engaged enemy force that was sent to take over the Gate!"

What the hell was happening here?
Before Tyuule could ask that question out-loud, comms officer turned to her.
"Admiral! We're being hailed! On UNSA frequency!"he said.
"Patch it through."she ordered.

It didn't take long and the connection was established. Tyuule looked at the screens in front of her and nearly fell off of her chair seeing who appeared on one of them.

"Howdy?"Admiral Frederick Richards asked, his smile showing a row of perfect white teeth beneath his blonde beard downcast with gray.

After making sure she was not dreaming for sure, Tyuule looked at the screen for few seconds, not saying anything.
"Howdy?"she asked."That's the first thing you're saying?!"
"Sorry if it sounds rude."Fred said."And sorry we're so late to the party. We had…problems on our end."
"We're aware."Tyuule replied."Enemy POWs told us."
"Good to know. Now, let's do explaining later. For now, let's focus on kicking some ass of these guys."
"Couldn't agree more."Fleet Admiral Tyuule grinned.

More and more UNSA, Nashini, Shakayan, Chakdrik and Tertan vessels made their way out of the Intergalactic Gate. They immediately started taking out more and more Sons ships as they made their way through the space of the system. Seeing the sudden arrival of new enemy forces, Sons of Sadera were thrown into complete chaos, as the only force they expected to see emerging from Intergalactic Gate would be the Galactic Concordance. Appearance of UNSA and their allies was something that was not in the plans.

The arrival of fresh forces quickly tipped the scales in the defenders' favor. Especially the arrival of UNSA Alvar Eriksson and it's air wings. Super Carrier barreled through the enemy forces, smashing enemy ships into scrap metal one by one. At one point, Tyuule saw the Super Carrier ram straight into enemy Heavy Cruiser-class warship and breaking it into two and not even getting a scratch from it.

The Milky Way forces fell on Sons and basically pushed them back within minutes, both in the orbit and on the surface, as fresh ground and air forces started pooling in, smashing into Sons from behind and from the top. The panic and chaos which subsequently spread throughout them only made it easier for the defenders. Ship after ship fell to the combined fire of the newly arrived fleet. The numerical advantage of the SoS suddenly meant nothing when it started dropping faster and faster. Seeing how the pressure put on them was slowly getting unbearable, the commander of the SoS fleet made one decision which he knew would get him executed, but at this point, he didn't care.

He ordered the remaining ships to retreat.

Out of nearly seven hundred ships that arrived, less than two hundred were leaving. Not all of them were destroyed, but some of them had their engines busted, what prohibited them from turning and running. They would be destroyed soon after. Ground forces on the surface would still fight for few more days, but after seeing no other option, they simply surrendered.

Tyuule fell on her chair and sighed deeply. They won. They actually won. If not for the timely arrival of the allied fleets, they would be toast, that was for sure. As the whole bridge of the Dreadnaught cheered and celebrated, there was only one thought it Tyuule's mind.
"I need a some sleep…"

XXX

And this is the end of it for today! As always, leave a review, follow and favorite. It will be highly appreciated!

Goodbye for now!