In the Taskforce's HQ the slow pace of yesterday was history and although the sun just had risen it already was bristling with activity and Security had been visibly strengthened also. SunTzu found Captain Santos, First Officer of the Far Side and Captain Motoki Furuhata, head of the Royal Guard of Crystal Tokyo, at the table showing a map of the galaxy in the middle of the Control Room inside the building.
"Good Morning Lieutenant, glad to see you. I heard your starfighter is back?"
"Yes Sir, we're ready to march. The Voyager is also getting ready. What's the situation?"
The second-in-command of the Taskforce's Flagship motioned to the map.
"Even worse than we expected. We have a rogue Vong Clan pouring into Wild Space from the Northeast, multiple CIS Fleets in the Outer Rim, attacking Geonosis and Saleucami among other planets, Ex-Imperial Forces coming out from the Deep Core and Marauders, Mercenaries and Pirates outfitted with former Republic Ships on almost any major Hyperlane behind the Colonies."
SunTzu nodded gravely, this was beyond bad.
"How's our reaction looking?"
"So far? Retained, as expected. Death Squadron is rushing to block the way to Empress Teta from the enemy forces heading north out of the core. First and Fourth Fleet are putting together Taskforces right now. Our friends over at the Seventh are still pretty weakened from the last enemy Offensive but it seems that the Eight Fleet is already mobilizing to at least disbursen them."
"I hope the Empire of the Hand and the Chiss hurry, a whole Vong Clan could devastate lots of the northwest." SunTzu commented over the situation in the Northern Wild Space.
"I hope so as well. At least there are some rays of hope like in the East the Anakin Solo and a small Task Force are already steaming towards the Outer Rim, Hapan is mobilizing in full and the Sixth Fleet as well as the Dac Home Fleet are about to fully deploy also. But all other fleets are still trying to figure out how many ships they can assemble at all. Same goes for the reserve fleets."
"So, again we're just reacting. Plus, our forces are probably less combat ready than before. Wonderful." SunTzu remarked.
"Oh, don't worry that's not all. Coruscant is ordering all RASP forces in the affected areas to fall back to defensive positions as they can't hold up. Same goes for most of the regional defense forces."
The door opened and Princess Serenity III., Sailor Saturn and Ambassador Naru Umino walked into the room. While Naru was all calm and all buisness and Saturn was in her Ice Princess demeanor, Chibiusa, wearing a dress in the style of her mother's, as well as a Tiara, seemed to be tired and nervous.
The three females walked up to the men at the table.
"Captain? How bad is it? And what can I tell the United Nations and the Prime Minister?"
Captain Santos waved a Intelligence Service Member over.
"Lieutenant Takahashi will brief you. The Japanese Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive here at around 08:00, he will probably be joined by the Minister of Defense and the American Defense Attaché."
A young officer with a folder came over to Naru and the two sat down at a table a bit aside.
Hotaru and Chibiusa were joining the table next to SunTzu.
"Where are my parents right now?" The pink haired princess asked.
"The Neon Queen and the King are currently getting ready to leave Sapporo. Right now you're the highest ranking offical
In the Kingdom, Mylady."
"Fantastic." Chibiusa busted out as she lost the color in her face.
"Chibs, you okay? You don't look so well." SunTzu leaned in asked Chibiusa with a hushed voice.
"I'm so damn unready to do this whole ruling a kingdom thing." She said equally hushed and then turned to Santos.
"What can we do right now?"
"Lieutenant SunTzu and his ship as well as the StarStruck and soon the Voyager could be deployed in Advance. We're diverting what we can to get the rest of the Taskforce here as soon as possible. At least we're not left completely alone. Earth Space Defense Force has one of its Ranger Gunships and a Squadron of Bombers forward deployed around Saturn. Admiral Kim also asks permission to let his TIE-Scouts and X-Wings patrol around the Solar System and the CTE. That's a case for the UN since they would leave the system but I'm pretty confident that Ambassador Umino will clarify the United Nations the seriousness of this situation and the Galactic Alliance and we need every help we can get."
Chibiusa nodded and looked to SunTzu.
"When can you leave?"
"Michiru is getting the Voyager ready and Haruka is probably arriving soon. The crew of the Starstruck was doing their preflight checks when I checked in before landing." SunTzu told the Princess.
"Team 3 is on standby on the base and ready to move out, we could pack them into the Starstruck." Santos amended. "Your call Princess."
"When will the Far Side follow?"
"Not before noon."
A stressed out looking Chibiusa glanced over to Hotaru that gave the slightest nod and then back to SunTzu.
"You guys will be good out there until the Far Side arrives?"
"We'll make do, as always." SunTzu told her reassuring, although he wasn't so sure about it at all also.
Chibiusa took a step back and straightened up. She took a deep breather, commanding people was something new to her and she had to think about the right words, as the people on the table turned around to her and the two pilots and the Fleet Officer straightened up.
"Lieutenant SunTzu, I order you to immediately leave for space and join the Galactic Alliance Forces with the Starstruck, AICA as well as Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus."
"Yes Ma'am." He saluted and nodded to Captain Santos before he turned around to leave the Command Center. Captain Santos began to give out orders to his Staff.
"Someone give me a comms channel to the Admiral."
As SunTzu passed Chibiusa he stopped next to her, leaned in and whispered into her ear.
"Good call Princess."
Her lips curled up slightly, she was proud to hear that.
"Do me a favor and stay safe out there."
"We'll take care."
That said he left the room, almost crashing into Sailor Venus at the next alley, who looked a bit tired but determinated.
"Good Morning, I was just on my way to the Command Center."
"Good Morning, sorry, I'm in a hurry." He said as he rushed past her.
"Where are you going?"
"Chibiusa just gave the orders, we're heading out in advance."
"Take care, will ya?"
"Of course! Who else would chauffeur you to University otherwise?" He said, walking backwards and smiling before he turned around again.
Before he jogged back to AICA he made a small stop in Ami's office, Ryu was there too. The blue haired Genius and her husband were about to leave for the Command Center, looking like they had been up working most of the night, as they tried to predict the enemy's inroad path.
"I knew you'd come here, that's why I made a copy of the data card for you as well, with the newest developments I'm gonna bring to the Command Center now."
"Thank you. We're heading out in advance."
"I wish I could help you out there."
"No, we need you here where you can assess as much data as you can get. We don't even know how far the enemy already really got right now."
The Pilot took AICA and landed on one of the landing spots outside the hangars.
Immediately ground crew personnel swarmed AICA and began to arm her up and refill her tank.
He walked into the hangar of the Voyager where Michiru was already in her Pilot Suit and was finishing the outside preflight check right now.
"We're moving out in advance."
"I just heard it through the comms. The Starstruck is also ready."
That moment a motorcycle drove into the hangar and stopped next to the Voyager.
Haruka parked her bike and pulled down her bike helmet.
"How's the situation?" She asked.
"Even more fucked up than usual. I just got the latest Sit-Rep from Ami, AICA will transmit them over to the Voyager." SunTzu told the blonde as she took her flight suit, that Michiru had placed on the wing rod of the TIE-Aggressor and began to open her one piece bike suit.
"We're ordered to head out in advance asap." Michiru continued.
"The Queen and the King are already back?" The ever nonchalant Tomboy asked as she dropped the bike suit, revealing just a sports bra and matching panty underneath, not caring, that SunTzu was standing next to her. Not that the male pilot was caring much, Haruka was like a sister after all. A cursing, drinking, tetchy sister that was.
"Nope, the Princess gave the order." SunTzu replied.
"They get big so bloody fast, don't they?"
"Seventeen years old and making decisions faster than a whole building full of alleged wise senators." SunTzu remarked and Haruka wheezed.
"And where are we heading?" Haruka asked as she put on her flight suit.
"First stop CTE, we hope to have a better overview till then. And then we'll see who needs us. Don't expect the Far Side to lift off till noon." Michiru continued.
"That's bloody fantastic."
"SNAFU. As always."
As the female couple got ready to take off SunTzu took out his phone, he had to make a last call and send a few messages before he would leave.
When he approached AICA he saw Sailor Saturn was walking over to the hangar where the Voyager was stored in.
"If you're asking to come along, I'm sorry. You won't."
"I know, I just wanted to wish you guys good luck. Mind if I go visit Haruka and Michiru first?"
"Not at all, i have to talk about something with you anyways afterwards."
"Okay, I'll hurry."
SunTzu talked with the ground crew, they were done with AICA and while the AI checked the systems he checked the outside.
Everything was in order, AICA fully filled up with coolant and Tibanna-Gas and loaded up.
SunTzu sat down in the cockpit, opened his tactical comm channel and put on his helmet, waiting for Hotaru.
The Force-Sensitive was checking the latest Intel Ami provided him with when Hotaru arrived back from the Hangar and stopped in front of AICA.
"So, what is it?"
"I just called your mom and asked her and the Royal Couple for a favor. Since you won't be able to train here, I asked them to allow you to go to Coruscant with Rei. I pulled some strings via a few contacts and got you a place in a regular A-Wing in the academy over there for the next two weeks."
"What about my duty as protector of the Royals? And fighting the enemy?"
"That's why I do this, we need you as combat approved as soon as possible. And I want you to have an eye on Rei."
The teenager began to grin.
"Jealous much?"
"No, I just don't trust Coruscant. And I rather want the both of you taking care of each other while I'm gone. And you out of immediate danger in combat also. Rei knows about it already too."
"I see." The black haired girl nodded dutifully. "If I'm allowed I'll go."
"Thank you. I'm sorry, me and AICA won't be here for you to exercise."
"Don't worry. Just come back home safe and sound."
"We will."
The radio came to life, it was Haruka.
"Voyager, ready for Take-Off."
"Starstruck, all systems green. We're ready too."
"SunTzu and AICA ready."
"HQ, to advance party. You're cleared to take off. We'll be catching up later with you."
"Time to go." SunTzu stated and nodded as goodbye to Hotaru, who answered with a nod as well.
He was about to close the canopy as someone came running in.
"Wait!"
"Rei?" She jumped up the steps on the side of the cockpit and her head was next to his.
"Hey TopGun." She said, breathing heavy.
"What are you doing here?"
"I thought I give up some of my sacred beauty sleep to give you a goodbye kiss."
She leaned in and kissed him on his mouth, he responded into giving in into her kiss.
"Go get them Tiger." Rei told him after they ended their kiss. Behind them the Voyager hovered out of it's Hangar.
"I love you." SunTzu whispered to his girlfriend and she smiled.
Rei jumped down and got back next to Hotaru, putting her arms around her.
"Take care up there." The designated Senator told him and Hotaru nodded in affirmation.
"Hey you guys know me, I always do." Before the expected objection came he continued. "You guys take care on Coruscant."
"Oh don't worry, Hotaru and her Onee-chan will have a great time rendering Coruscant uncertain." Rei said and winked at him.
SunTzu nodded again and took a last glance at the two raven haired girls next to AICA before he closed the canopy.
He took a deep breather and activated the engines.
"Showtime."
The two starfighters formed up left and right of the Starstruck as all three spaceships descended and flew over the palace as greeting.
They gave full throttle when they passed the Palace and rocketed into the sky.
From the Selene to their jump point between Moon and Mars the X-Wings of ESDF's Europe Squadron flew an escort of honor and the X-Wing Pilots told them to pounce hard at the enemy.
One and a half hour later they dropped out of hyperspace at the Coruscant Trade Exchange, near the Space Station that marked the Hyperspace beacon to the Sol System.
SunTzu, the two Outer Senshi and Nadrak, the Captain of the Starstruck established a communicator connection to Ami and Captain Santos in the HQ on Earth.
"What's the latest situation regarding the rest of the Taskforce?"
"Getting the units back proofs to be more complicated than thought. Right now we're looking for means of transport and even a landing spot for the Far Side near the Exercise Area."
"Great. And let me guess, that's the good news."
"It's at least not the worst ones. We have former Operation Shadow Hand Assets moving towards Sarapin. General Bel Iblis is rushing towards the planet with all he has and the Fourth is also sending units out. And we also have enemy units moving towards Vulpter. Death Squadron is blocking access to Empress Teta and a Taskforce from the First is rushing to Vulpter." Ami told them about the latest updates they had.
"And where are we heading to now?" Haruka asked, gritting teeth under her flight helmet.
"You and Captain Kaiou are the highest ranking officers. Your decision Captain."
"Vulpter and Sarapin are basically the same distance." Michiru stated.
"We're ready to go each way. Goes for Team 3 too, they relay." Nadrak told.
"Your call, Skipper." SunTzu told his friend.
Haruka closed her eyes, she hated to have responsibility for anybody else than her and Michiru, except maybe the Senshi.
"We're moving to Vulpter. Sarapin is the more important planet and I'm sure Coruscant knows this and acts accordingly. And they have ol' Bel Iblis moving in there. Set course for Empress Teta, maybe we can hang piggyback onto a larger unit there."
"Setting course to Vulpter." Nadrak responded.
"AICA you heard the lady. We're off to the core." SunTzu replied.
"We let you know, whenever we move off here." Ami said and the call ended.
A few moments later the Corvette and the two starfighters jumped into Hyperspace.
After a short navigational break at Coruscant they jumped to the Empress Teta System.
Six hours later, the Far Side was still on earth, Maintenance took longer than expected but at least they were packing up to leave now.
Endymion was on a shuttle to the United States to meet with the President and talk with him about the seriousness of the situation, Naru already was in New York on an emergency seating with the United Nations and Usagi, accompanied by Sailor Venus in the Royal Space Yacht was on her way to an emergency meeting with the head of states of Russia and the European Union in Berlin.
Chibiusa, although backed by Luna as well as morally by Diana and guarded by her beloved Sailor Pluto, was back in her Head of State Role as in the morning.
Ami and Ryu already had boarded the Far Side and were busy collecting Intel in her small office in the ship.
Artemis had assumed Control over the Taskforce again and waited with Captain Santos on the Bridge of the Farside for the notification that they were ready to take off.
In the Far Side's belly Makoto, loading up magazines, guns and blasters and checking and optimizing gear and equipment with the other two Commando Teams of the Taskforce was waiting for their departure as well.
Rei was already on her way to Coruscant, with Hotaru flying the Two-seater Y-Wing of the Taskforce as the shuttles were unavailable.
The advance party dropped out of Hyperspace near Empress Teta.
"You've been here before, right?"
"Yes, with Rei. Nice planet by the way. I hope the enemy doesn't reach him."
Gistess probably would tear all of them a new one, all on her own...
Space was filled with starships, Merchant, cargo and civilian ships tried to rush out of the system, military ones patrolled or used it as concentration area.
"Merde, that's more traffic than on Coruscant." Michiru exclaimed.
"Yeah, looks like everybody that can is trying to get out."
"It's nice when the people have so much faith in their military."
"Let's find out who's in charge of this bollocks."
"Starfighter Corps Captain Tenoh of Taskforce Sol to Galactic Alliance Ships in the Empress Teta System. Who's in charge here?"
After a moment a firm sounding voice came on.
"This is General Meizh Vermel, Imperial Remnant and Commanding Officer of First Fleet's Taskforce One Four One. State your buisness Captain."
"Good… err afternoon General. We are an advance party of our Taskforce and looking to help to defend Vulpter."
"Then I got good news for you Captain, we're amassing what we can to push to Vulpter. State your strength."
"Two Starfighters, a SpecForces Team and a CR90m."
A pause followed and Haruka had the urge to scratch the back of her head. She knew that they hadn't much to offer right now in terms of sheer numbers
After a short while the General came on again.
"Well, we take what we can get. Maybe you Starfighter Pilots want to land and stretch your legs out a bit."
That sounded wonderful.
Michiru came on on the Voyager's Intercom. "Yes we want. Urgently!"
Haruka shot a glance back to her and answered.
"That's an offer we would gladly take, Sir."
"Hold on, well send you our coordinates."
The two Starfighters and the Corvette veered to a cluster of ships near Atale, Empress Teta's moon.
The three ships headed towards the small flotilla made up of the Imperial Taskforce, consisting of the Imperial-Class I Star Destroyer Relentless, a crimson colored Victory II Star Destroyer 27x and three Enforcer Class Picket Ships, basically small Star Destroyers around as long as the Far Side, was as well as a frigate and several corvettes and gunships of the local Security Forces.
While the Starstruck joined the formation of the Capital Ships the two advanced starfighters headed for the Relentless' starboard hangar and landed there.
Inside the hangar was a Squadron of Preybird Fighters and a few shuttles.
They landed on landing spots a pilot assigned them too and got out.
A Lieutenant, escorted by two Navy Troopers, welcomed them on board of the ship.
The General and the Captain of the Ship wanted to meet the person in charge of the advance force.
"The other two of you are allowed to visit the ship's mess hall. I can imagine you are hungry. I'll have someone lead you there."
Michiru and SunTzu looked at each other.
"Too bad you can't join us for lunch Haruka. But I'm sure you'll have a nice meeting with the General." Michiru said to her girlfriend.
SunTzu reached his arm out for Michiru to link in.
"Shall we get going my dear Captain Kaiou?" Michiru linked in and and smiled a wide smile at SunTzu.
"Nothing more than that Lieutenant."
And off they went, grinning broadly at a visibly annoyed Haruka.
While her girlfriend and her best friend went to enjoy theirselves at lunch she followed the Lieutant to the Star Destroyer's large Bridge, where General Vermel and the Captain of the Star Destroyer, an elder man named Kraxtu where already for her.
They introduced each other and Haruka also told them that her two companions were in the ship's mess.
"Of course you can join them there soon. We just wanted to meet you in person, the reputation of Taskforce Sol precedes you and we wanted to meet one of the persons behind the myth."
"Thank you Sir, I'm flattered. We're doing what we can to make a difference in this war."
"Which obviously is quite a lot when even the Death Squadron is praising you."
"It was a pleasure to work with professionals like them."
"Anyways, we'll be heading out soon. I don't think there will be more ships coming soon. Are there anymore ships from your Taskforce inbound?"
"For the time being it's just us. Our flagship and it's escort as well as the bulk of our ground forces had been delayed."
"Pity. But you're a welcomed addition to our fighter force. And now go and have a meal."
"Thank you Sir!" Haruka saluted.
"Welcome on Board, Captain Tenoh." The General said and they dismissed Haruka.
A Navy Trooper lead the blonde Senshi to the officer's mess where Michiru and SunTzu had almost finished their lunch. Obviously they were enjoying themselves, but Haruka could see that both of them were tense. And Haruka herself wasn't completely calm either.
She looked at her two companions joking about something on their table, sighed and walked over.
One and a half Hyperlanes further Rei and Hotaru just had landed on Coruscant and were greeted by a group of befriended Senators, among them the Senator of Chandrila.
The Senshi's first questions were about any new developments of the enemy's attack.
While nearing the Galaxy's Capital, the two black haired Senshi noticed that around Coruscant Warships massed up.
After Empress Teta, Coruscant could be reached with one jump and the huge General Crix Madine Military Reserve, home of the Fourth Fleet and the First Reserve Fleet, was the destination of hundreds of Shuttles as Crewers, Pilots, Officers and Troops were rushed into action.
On planet there were also more security forces visible and patrolling than usual.
Rei wished she could have given SunTu a call but neither did she had the time nor did she know where he was at all. The last news the two Senshi got, was that her two fellow Senshi and SunTzu were heading to help at Vulpter.
As a Taskforce of three Star Destroyer arrived at Empress Teta with the orders to defend the planet at all costs, General Vermel gave the order to his small fleet to jump into Hyperspace, towards Vulpter.
Michiru, Haruka and SunTzu were still in the mess hall when they noticed that they had entered Hyperspace.
"It's on. C'mon, we should get our snubs ready and check in with the Starstruck."
Haruka told them and they got up and left.
On Earth the Far Side finally left off and steamed towards space, they were to head to Empress Teta also and planned to support their advance party at Vulpter.
Chibiusa and Sailor Pluto observed the ascension of the Gladiator Star Destroyer, escorted by the two Corvettes from inside the Crystal Tower as the huge ship's two main thrusters and the six smaller thrusters in between them glowed a light blue as the ship gave full energy into its engines.
Grey Clouds had formed over Tokyo this afternoon and soon the three ships pierced through them on their way to the sky and were gone.
On the Relentless the three Guardians arrived back at the hangar, the mile long Star Destroyer bustling with activity they noticed on their way, and noticed that their two ships draw quite the audience.
And of course, AICA didn't held back to introduce herself accordingly. Right now she was taking bets that her pilot and his wingmen would beat any score the pilots of the Relentless would account.
SunTzu shook his head in amused disbelief. He really had to take care, one day that ship would become a criminal otherwise.
Haruka on the other side just shrugged.
"I mean she's not wrong. I bet I can beat any Pilot in here as well."
They would be entering the Vulpter System soon so they climbed back up in their fighters and got ready. The two beautiful women in their black Tie Pilot Flight Suits were quite the headturner for the assembled personnel and while Michiru enjoyed the attention, visibly more as she actually did, as she wanted to annoy Haruka, Haruka got annoyed pretty fast. Especially with the Attention Michiru got.
SunTzu didn't get that much intention regarding himself but rather questions and praises for his starfighter, which was nothing new to him.
He strapped in and began a system check.
"Any new Intel regarding the war my gambling beauty?"
"Death Squadron still holds out a few system core wards but has officially requested backup."
Damn, when Darth Vader and his powerful fleet asked for support shit was bad.
"No more Intel from Vulpter. Communication is gone with the system."
More great news.
Well, has it been better somewhen?
"Any word from Rei or Hotaru?" He asked the Artificial Intelligence.
"I'm sorry, after the report that they were on their way nothing new."
They were probably busy and Coruscant was probably a madhouse right now, as war basically reached it's doorstep.
"Sent her a Message. We're going to Vulpter and will make sure to permit the enemy to reach Coruscant. And that I love her. And then sent one to Hotaru and tell her to take care." He sighed. "Tell Hotaru also to be ready to get Rei and immediately leave Coruscant if Empress Teta falls."
"Affirmative. You should show some more optimism. When didn't we ever stop the enemy? Even when things were dire."
There's always a first time.
Ten minutes later the mixed fleet around the Relentless fell out of Hyperspace at the Edge of the Vulpter System.
The three earthlings were in their cockpits waiting for the call to launch. They would disembark after the Relentless Preybird Squadron would be employed.
All three of them were tense but ready, eager to see against which odds they were up against now.
AICA was getting information out of the Capital Ships networks and she read them to the three guardians.
"Sensors picking up two Acclamators, three Modular Taskforce Cruisers, a bunch of smaller ships and a Tector Star Destroyer." The Starfighter reported.
"Who's taking bets, that those Modulars are configured as Carriers?"
"With our luck? Of course they are."
"Haruka was right, they're employing TIE-Droids. By the dozens." AICA chimed in.
"This means we have to take care of the Fighters so the Relentless and the 27 can slug it out with that Tector."
Tector Star Destroyers were basically Imperial Star Destroyers without Hangars, made for Ship-to-Ship-Combat and more armored. Although the Relentless had been modernized in it's long service besting the Tector alone would be a difficult task, so other Capital Ships would have to help the Impstar.
The Tie-Droids or TIE/D were usually easy to best but high numbers made up for this. Also they often were used as Kamikaze, so shooting them down before they came near a Capital ship was a priority.
Captain Nadrak from the Starstruck came on.
"We'll position us so, that we can get everything nearing the top side of the Relentless."
"Affirmative, stay in contact with the Relentless for any further orders. We're waiting for launch and try to get as many Droids as we can." Haruka replied, still waiting for the signal to start.
SunTzu sent a small prayer into heaven and dedicated his last non combat related thought to Rei.
Moments later the fighters were launched and the three friends watched as the twelve Preybird Fighter Bombers started.
Within seconds the fighters were all out of the hangar.
The Voyager, closely followed by AICA, lifted off.
"Let's do this. Stay close, we're trying to get as far into the enemy formations as possible. Try to take care about dedicated Anti-Fighter-Weaponry."
"Copy, I'll be on your lower five."
The two advanced fighters blasted into the darkness of space and within seconds they had the first squadron of Tie Droids in front of them.
Two well placed multi-lock-missiles, a long salvo of laser fire and the quick reactions of Michiru on the rear turret of the Voyager later, the Droid Squadron was History. The Droid Brains weren't programmed to such high developed adversaries.
"Man, i wish these imperial cousins of mine would be lead by a signal and not a droid brain. I totally could hack that signal." AICA stated, sounding a bit sad.
"AICA, concentrate on the battle and warn us of any immediate threats please." Haruka ordered the Fighter. This was not the place or time to boost about hacking skills.
"Well if I have too." The ship replied.
"Thank you." Haruka said with a firm voice.
"Don't take it to hard." Michiru cheered the Starfighter up.
SunTzu just shook his head, they were in the middle of battle after all.
The two starfighters helped the Preybirds and other starfighters of their fleet to gain space superiority around the capital ships. One Corvette, fortunately not the Starstruck, was hit by a suicide run of two Tie Droids and lost her shields and suffered moderate failure as well.
Meanwhile a squadron of TIE-Interceptor and the Starstruck had mad sure that the Relentless wasn't hit.
The Tector and the Relentless had begun to rake each other with Turbolaser fire now and the 27x rushed in to help the bigger Star Destroyer.
Meanwhile the three Enforcer Picket Ships and the Frigate slugged it out with the two Acclamators, that spew out more TIE-Droids and tried to flank the fleet. The four smaller ships only had one Squadron of small Defender Program Starfighters as defense.
"Looks like our Enforcers need a bit of Fighter protection. Heading over, bearing 175."
"Copy, I'm staying put on your five."
"Wouldn't thought so otherwise Pilot."
"Can't let two good gals like you just go without me."
The two advanced starfighters were a welcomed assistance and while the small Defenders swarmed around the own capital ships, Haruka and SunTzu took turns pouncing onto the clouds of TIE-Droids and at least at the beginning the droids were easy targets as they couldn't proceed the necessity to break up their formations.
As the Droid brains finally understood the flaw in their formations they were almost completely decimated already.
The leader of the leading Enforcer came in over the comms. The first Acclamator just broke apart and spew fire and atmosphere into space. One of the Enforcers had suffered minor damage but the three captains of the small Star Destroyers were combat proven Veterans and knew what they were doing.
"Thank you Pilots, we can take it from here."
As Roger Haruka waved with her wing and the Voyager and AICA shot away, looking for the next spot where they could make a difference on the battlefield.
"Eightteen. Pardon, nineteen."
"Twenty, keep up Franz, don't slack around."
The two pilots counted their kills, so far, as they rushed through the battlefield.
"You got some EMP-Missiles loaded?"
"Of course."
"Let's try to get one of the Modulars?"
"Fuck yeah! That one on the left is the least secured by corvettes."
"Then those wankers are our first target. AICA, do your thing."
"Affirmative."
A few seconds later both starfighters had a mark and each shot two EMP Torpedoes at one of the Droid Carriers.
The third torpedo overloaded their shields, the fourth paralyzed the ship.
Four regular torpedoes aimed at the structural weak point of the modular ship followed and the impact ripped the back part where engines and bridge were located on from the rest of the ship.
The explosion at the impact began to trigger more explosions at the engine section.
Meanwhile the two starfighters were already on the way back to friendly lines with Michiru covering their return with her rear turret.
"Bet those Wankers didn't see that one coming." Haruka laughed triumphantly as the two star fighters broke through the Tie Droids and began to help the friendly starfighters against the enemy fighters again.
A few kilometers away the 27x, covered by the Relentless, managed to round the Tector and hammered with everything it had against the enemy rear shields. This risky maneuver had costed the Relentless most of it's shield energy and they had to pull energy from the weapons into the shield but as soon as the rear and bridge shields on the Tector broke down the 27x could destroy the bigger ship's shield generators.
A TIE-Bomber Squadron on the Relentless had just waited for this moment and came soaring in dropping Proton Bombs from above onto the Tector.
Durasteel from the surface of the Star Destroyer melted and immediately solidified again in the cold of space.
A second Bombing run followed and on of the bombs hit one of the main shores of the hull, resulting in a huge hole in the midship.
The bombers now poured another round of proton bombs into the hole.
A few moments later a huge explosion rocked the whole Tector and ripped it apart in the middle.
Loud cheering came in over the tactical communication channel.
"Holly fuck, that was beautiful. Now let's mop up the rest!" SunTzu joined in and as reply Haruka curved in, shooting behind a pair of enemy fighters.
SunTzu stayed behind her of course and within seconds the Tie Droids were scrap metal.
Twenty minutes later, the fast 27x had steamed right into the only lightly armed Modular Cruisers, with the Enforcers following in, shooting at the Corvettes around the Cruisers, the battle was over.
As soon as the last Cruiser exploded the remaining Tie-Droids began to take course for suicide runs but were already so thinned out, that not one of them hit.
General Verm came in over the radio.
"That was outstanding work out there Sol. From you and your corvette. But I do have another task for you. We need someone to perform a recon flight over Vulpter to get a picture what's going on down there. Best would be around the Capital and the HQ of Arakyd Industries."
"Roger General. Voyager going in. We will be right back. Tell your Stormtroopers to board their shuttles already." Haruka replied and the Voyager and AICA peeled off towards the planet.
Half an hour later, they were back in space and heading for the Relentless.
Michiru and AICA already had sent over the data.
Opposition on the planet mainly consisted of airborne infantry and their transports and except a bit of incoming infantry fire from E-Webs and Plex Launchers they had been rather unoffended. They even managed to shoot down two Lartys near the capital. In the capital firefights between local forces and the attackers were going on.
Near the Headquarter of Arakyd, the company's Combat droids we're keeping Attackers at bay.
Apparently the enemy only had time to bring in the first wave of it's assault force.
As the Voyager and AICA came in to land on the Relentless the first shuttles and assault transporters full with Navy and Storm Troopers, escorted by starfighters and bombers, were already on the way to the planet.
At their landing spot the General himself waited for them, four Stormtroopers as Escort and an aide, the Lieutenant from earlier on, on his side.
The three pilots got out and hugged each tight other first before all.
Another win and what was even more important, another battle survived.
Haruka finally broke the hug, straightened up and saluted, Michiru and SunTzu behind her did the same.
"Excuse us General, but this is a tradition of ours. Pilots Tenoh, Kaiou and SunTzu reporting back."
"At ease Pilots. I understand, Traditions in the military are important as we all know." The Officer showed the hint of an smile before he continued. "That was outstanding work, the reports about you were not exaggerated."
"Thank you Sir. We feel honored."
The General nodded.
"You probably wonder what's next. We'll send down a prefabricated Garrison Base soon after the first opposition is broken. The Enforcers and smaller ships will stay here then while we, when the shields are up at a hundred again, will move to support Lord Vader. The 27x will go on a patrol and recon mission from here. We have a billet for you and your companions, If you want to refresh yourself."
"Thank you Sir, that would be excellent."
The General nodded again.
"Lieutenant, please guide the pilots to their quarters. Now,If you'd excuse me."
"Sir!" The three pilots saluted and the General responded with a salute also before he left with his Stormtrooper escort.
The room was small, just two bunk beds, some lockers and a small sanitary unit.
But it was perfect right now.
SunTzu and Haruka immediately jumped onto the beds and stretched out while Michiru checked the lockers before she opened her pilot overall and let it slip down to her hip, revealing a sports bra matching her hair color and the stripes on the side and arms of her pilot suit.
"Who's coming along to scrub my back, mes chéris?" The teal-haired Senshi asked as she turned around and looked at her companions while she stood in the door to the refresher.
Both other sat up and looked at her with dumbfounded faces.
Michiru broke into laughter.
"That was a joke. You two get up and organize us something to drink and a snack. I need a shower in peace and quietness after all this action."
Both pilots still looked at her dumbfounded.
"Allez, vite, vite, vite!" I'm thirsty so go and fetch me something."
She shooed them out of the room. As soon as they were out she smiled again. Finally she could enjoy her shower.
Haruka and SunTzu sauntered through the ship after asking a seaman the way to the nearest dinning hall.
"I didn't want to say it in presence of Michiru but this battle was won out of sheer luck, Mate. If the Relentless would have lost her shields and the droid brains would have learned a bit faster we would be toast by now." Haruka shared her thoughts with SunTzu.
"What counts is that we're still here now. Still standing. But yeah, I understand your concerns. Let's wait till we get to know what's happening corewards."
Haruka nodded.
They reached the mess and got something to drink and a few energy bars.
When they came back Michiru was back out of the shower and dressed again, just a towel around her hair was the single only sign that she just came out the shower.
"Hey, you're back."
"We brought some refreshments and energy bars."
"Wonderful. In there is actually a real shower, not just a sonic one."
Gentlemen he was SunTzu let Haruka use the shower first.
"I need time to thoroughly wash my beard. And we all know that you're always getting impatient so fast."
"Ladies first would have done it too, Fritz."
SunTzu blew Haruka a kiss and with a stern face she acted like she catched it before she hit up the shower.
After all of them had a shower and was adequately hydrated and restored, SunTzu called AICA.
"Darling, wake us up, when we're jumping into Hyperspace please."
Their Power Nap lasted exactly eighteen minutes before AICA called them and announced that they were in hyperspace now.
"Poutain! One day I'll have a profession where I can sleep properly!" An unnerved Michiru complained.
A few minutes later they were back in the hangar and in their starfighters, waiting for their next order.
SunTzu looked at his chrono, it would be evening on Coruscant now. Worth a try.
Rei and Hotaru were in the luxurious apartment the Senate provided them with. Today had been more of an orientation day for Hotaru as she met her class mates and trainers on Coruscant.
For Rei the day had been rather hard as the newest attack, just one jump away from Coruscant, was the main topic whereever she went, which made her think about SunTzu and the Taskforce the whole day. She still hadn't heard anything from him since ever AICA had sent a message telling her that they were going into combat on Vulpter now.
The waiting was always the worst.
Rei tried her best to appear calm but Hotaru could see that her friend was nervous.
She had the jacket from her outfit off and was walking up and down in circles in the apartment.
Suddenly her new communicator, basically a mobile phone for holo net communication, rang. Rei immediately ran to the apartment's living room where the communicator was lying on a table.
She grabbed the phone and instantly took the call.
"Hino?"
"Why so formal?"
"Oh thank the gods. How are you?"
"I'm fine, we're on a Star Destroyer from the Remnant. We defeated the enemy in space and they won't stand a chance on Vulpter itself. Now we're off to help Death Squadron corewards."
"That's great news. How are the girls? Are they okay too?"
"I think Haruka is possessed or something because she talks in a strange language but that's nothing new. Otherwise everyone is okay. We're back in the snubs and waiting for what's next. How is Hotaru?"
The teenager was now standing near Rei and looked relieved as well.
"She's here with me, doing good. She said she likes her class at the academy so far."
"Great to her, tell her I said hi."
"Will do."
"And how are you?"
Rei took a deep breather.
"Now that I know you're good, way better." She laughed out nervously. "God, listen to me, I sound like an ordinary woman that's worried about her man."
"I actually appreciate the concern."
"You're Welcome. But don't take it as excuse to do something even more stupid than usual just because you want more affection."
"Don't worry. I'll try to behave. How's things in the senate?"
"Most of the senators are shocked that the enemy is knocking at the door. If you ever got time to read about how the Galactic Government acted at the beginning of the Vong War you would be shocked how fast they forgot their faults."
"And the Fleet has to iron it out again. No wonder everybody hates the Politicians."
"Yeah." Rei began to laugh again. "We're like a modern day Romeo and Juliet now."
"In Space."
Rei laughed some more. "Yes, in Space." She said.
SunTzu paused for a moment.
"It's great to hear your laughter, really makes my day."
The Diplomat changed her voice.
"I miss you already."
"I miss you too. I'm trying to see you as soon as I can."
"Sounds great."
"I gotta go, I'll have to get ready."
"Okay. I'm glad to hear your voice. Please take care out there."
"Always. Take care on Coruscant."
"Of course, I also have Hotaru with me. Who would dare to attack the both of us?"
This earned Rei a smile from Hotaru.
"I love you Rei."
"I love you SunTzu."
They hung up and SunTzu just sat there for a moment, thinking about that he had to give his best in battle to be back with Rei as soon as possible.
Rei told the attentively listening Hotaru the greetings from SunTzu. The older Senshi had to smile nervously, not knowing what was going on with SunTzu really clogged here this time. Hotaru saw that Rei was relieved but the tautness still was strong within her friend so she decided the best thing she could do right now was to be there for her. She approached Rei, swang her arms around her waist and hugged her tight. Rei immediately returned the hug.
"Never date someone fighting a war, little one." Rei whispered.
The Relentless fell out of Hyperspace at Empress Teta again, where more and more war ships had assembled by now.
Supreme Commander Darth Vader had specifically requested fast ships and a small flotilla of corvettes and Frigates had just entered the Empress Teta System and jumped on corewards.
Vader's Death Squadron, a fleet consisting of an Executor-Class Super Star Destroyer, the Executor II, seven ISD-2s, some of them heavily modified, as well as a single VSD-3, was blockading the Hyperlane access from the Byss Run Hyperlane to Empress Teta in Keeara Major System a few dozen light years away.
Death Squadron packed immense Firepower with the Executor II being the most powerful ship in the whole fleet with her length of 19.000 meters. But something caused Lord Vader to sent for Reinforcements, especially for fast ships.
AICA fed SunTzu Informations about the Relentless they were stationed on. The Ship had quite the history and had already been part of the old Death Squadron in the Galactic Civil War, back when Darth Vader was the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces and loyal to his old Master, Emperor Palpatine.
Now the aging Imperial Star Destroyer was just one hyperspace jump away to become part of Death Squadron once again.
When the Relentless fell into the Keeara Major System, they dropped behind the Executor, where one of the ISD2-Mon Mothma Subclass Star Destroyers, with Gravity Well Generators hidden inside her frame, was running those. In front the Executor was surrounded by the remaining Impstars and the Victory Star Destroyer was kept back, probably as mobile reserve.
On the other side a Praetor Mark II Battlecruiser and the remaining rest of the enemy fleet, made up of smaller ships as well as some Star Destroyers and Cruisers lay in waiting position.
In between Corvettes, Gunships and Starfighters were brawling it out.
Haruka came in over SunTzu's headset.
"The Captain just informed me, that the Relentless will join the formation around the Executor. We fighters will then get permission to lift off. Apparently the enemy is trying to cover transports going in and out of the main planet, which has been partly seized already. Looks like they're trying to snatch as much civilians as they can from the planet. They're even using Dungeon Ships in their Fleet."
Why are they kidnapping Civilians? What kind of sense does that make?
And then it hit the Bavarian.
They probably enslaved them or bound their souls to become Deimons to strengthen the enemy forces.
While the Relentless moved forward along the 19km long Super Star Destroyer, SunTzu sent a message to Ami and Ada Wong.
As the Relentless slowly advanced into position SunTzu could sense something from the bridge of the Executor. Of course.
He expected it to be a pitch black dark vortex of the dark side energy but instead it was neither completely the dark side nor the light side but something in between, a bit like Master Durron's Aura, although way, way stronger. It at least was as strong as Grandmaster Skywalker's aura in the Force, if not stronger.
SunTzu was surprised, who would have thought that the Dark Lord Vader wasn't a complete Sith anymore?
"What's that immense force I presence from the Executor?" Michiru asked and tried to ask her mirror.
"That, my dear Michiru, is Darth Vader's energy in the Force."
Interesting, Vader's power is so strong that even the Senshi can sense it. Speaks for the man.
The General came in over the radio again.
"Sol, take what you have to disable ships and try to stop some of the enemy transports. Our assault transports will overtake them then. Your Corvette is ordered onto the ground, we need more troops down there."
Haruka acknowledged the order and they waited for the signal to lift off.
In front of them the Preybirds were already rushing out the hangar door.
Seconds later the Voyager and AICA joined them.
Almost instantly a recorded message flooded the tactical channel.
"What the bloody hell is that shit?" Haruka asked as a monotonous voice told them to give up before they would be overran and obliterated.
"Probably some kind of propaganda to fuck with our morale." SunTzu answered.
"It's not working with me than, Mate. I just want to fook 'em up some mo."
SunTzu laughed and nodded under his helmet.
"AICA, can you shut this shit down?"
"Give me a sec."
The two starfighter rushed on behind the dozen Imperial Remnant snubs towards the battle zone.
"This ship is so unbelievably huge." Michiru commented on the size of the Executor as they rushed over the frontal third of the SSD.
AICA came back on.
"I got it. The signal is coming from the enemy Battle Cruiser but I can shut it down."
"I have an even better idea. Can you also sent a signal back and instead sent something from us?"
The ship checked the signal and came back.
"I can. Any wishes."
"Oh, I do. Just a moment."
SunTzu pulled out AICA's datapad and selected a song.
"Excellent! I don't know about the enemy but I dig that." Haruka commented the song that started playing.
Dozens if not hundreds of TIE-Droids were already involved in dogfights with the Galactic Alliance Starfighters and the Preybirds in front of our hero's starfighters split up to participate in the action.
"I have a Kiltirin-Class Dungeon ship trying to slip away on our two." AICA reported.
"Tally Ho!" Haruka replied and SunTzu followed the Voyager into battle, in their usual formation where AICA was a bit behind on the underside of the Voyager.
"I'll get this one, switching to EMPs. If this isn't enough you have to take care of it Michiru."
Two EMP-Torpedoes shot out of the TIE-Aggressor and hit the corvette sized Dungeon Ship dead center.
It's engines and most of it's lights went out.
"AICA inform the Death Squadron that we stopped a Dungeon Ship and need a assault transport here, we'll be waiting here."
The two starfighters took turns around the bigger ship and had to shoot down two enemy Ties that came too close.
Suddenly the Intercom awakened and the Starstruck came in.
"Captain Tenoh, our troops down here could use some help but we're back in the atmosphere, guarding the entry lane for backup and can't help them."
"Copy that Starstruck. SunTzu we're good here, get down there and help."
"Aye aye Skipper. You Girls, take care."
That said SunTzu peeled off and headed towards the planet.
It was a temperate planet, similar to earth with oceans and continents.
The Forward Air Controller of Team 3, Codename Siegfried, after the Dragonslayer from the famous German Nibelungensage, which had been already on ground as Team 3 was tasked to secure a new landing zone for the incoming troops from Death Squadron lead SunTzu onto their position, came through with another heads-up.
"SunTzu, be advised, 60 kilometers west from here we got friendlies pinned down in the suburbs of the capital. Approach from west or southwest and support them."
"Copy Siegfried, I'm Oscar Mike."
Two minutes and thirty five seconds later AICA was almost over the suburbs and shot two missiles that destroyed two XR-85 Tank Droids that were pinning down a platoon of stormtroopers on a large, partially destroyed farmstead.
The XR-85, basically a tall turbolaser tower on tracks, was also a fully automatic Droid. These Droids were manufactured by Arakyd Industries.
"Good thing Vulpter didn't fall, so at least we cut the enemy's access to new exemples of those."
AICA remarked as the two Tank Droids exploded and SunTzu in the cockpit had to nod approvingly.
"SunTzu is that you?" A radio call came in from the troops on the ground.
"Captain Connor? Is it you?"
"The one and hopeful only. This galaxy sure is small."
"You tell me. Our Air Controller sent me, you guys need help I was told."
"Wait one, I'll let Cameron direct your ship, this is probably better than anything else. We have some E-Webs and Snipers pinning us down over here as well."
Probably. After all those two girls both were machines.
SunTzu let AICA fly in on her own, guided by a data eelais that sent data direct from AI to AI.
A few seconds later two houses nearby were leveled by missiles and a laser run on the space between the collapsed buildings followed.
AICA returned to a waiting position, hovering near the ground troops, scanning for targets.
The first Stormtroopers, one of them smaller than the rest but armed with a huge heavy repeating blaster stormed forward.
There wasn't any opposition coming from the first lines of buildings of the town anymore.
A Stormtrooper Sergeant Major greeted SunTzu from below with a sloppy two finger salute and SunTzu greeted back. Sergeant Major Connor, Mother and Badass.
Gradually the rest of the platoon moved on and took positions in the buildings.
"Thanks for the help, it's always a pleasure to work with you guys." Captain Connor came in. "If you're available, Command wants a recon of the other side of the city. Looks like the enemy is pretty massed there.
"We're on it."
SunTzu and AICA shot over the city, the south of it was bordering the sea and housed a harbor. The city center was made up of old and modern buildings and a few skyscrapers.
The Starfighter was mostly unoffended on his way over the city, just a bit of incoming blaster fire from different parts of the city.
But when SunTzu reached the eastern part of the city and the adjacent plain a storm of blaster and laser fire hailed onto AICA. A few shots were reflected from the shields and the pilot was forced to give more thrust and leave into the sky, followed by three surface to air missiles that AICA fortunately could evade by ascending almost back into space. On the Ground, from city to plains countless combat vehicles were visible.
"Holy Shit! That's at least a whole Regiment down there. AICA, forward that info to the Death Squadron immediately!"
The problem was that there were too much vehicles to attack them with the units that were already on the ground so far. For an air strike the defenses on the ground were too much as well as SunTzu just had learned. An Orbital Bombardment was out of the question as well, as it would probably have hit the city.
SunTzu returned to the location where the 501st's Special Operations Company had taken defensive positions and awaited reinforcements. Superior numbers was the only way to win this battle SunTzu thought.
Captain Connor told SunTzu to land nearby and as SunTzu got out the cockpit and AICA lifted off again, hovering nearby and scanning the area, Captain John Connor, his Mother Sarah and his Lieutenant Cameron Baum, the Android, came over. The Veterans greeted each other heartily and SunTzu had to explain Rei's absence to them.
After a few minutes SunTzu was lead to an makeshift observation post in the third floor of one of the buildings at the fringe of the city.
A radio call from the Executor came in for the Infantry Captain and when Connor had finished the call he went to SunTzu.
"You don't want to miss what's coming now. More of our reinforcements showed up and it seems that there are no more transports with kidnapped civies going out . The fleet will soon attack the enemy's position. And when it comes to that enemy Regiment, Lord Vader has a nasty surprise incoming for them. Oh, you gon' like it."
In space Haruka and Michiru escorted the now seized Kiltirin-Class, overtaken by Storm- and Spacetroopers in Assault Transports that had boarded the ship, back behind friendly lines. More and more ships were streaming in and Haruka noticed a Transport Ship she had never seen before, it basically looked like the enormous Y-85 Titan Dropships that were used to land several AT-ATs at once but it was even bigger, at least around 400 meters long.
And the ship, escorted by a Lancer-Frigate headed for the planet.
The Senshi really wondered what kind of hellish weapon or unit was in that thing.
A radio message made Haruka jolt up.
It was the Commander of Death Squadron and Number Two to Vader in the special fleet, Fleet Admiral Juno Eclipse, a Veteran of both sides in the Galactic Civil War.
The Fleet was to engage the enemy Capital ships now and the fighters were to form up for offensive operations.
A ferocious grin appeared on Haruka's face under her helmet.
Time to kick some more ass.
The Executor II and her Star Destroyer Escort slowly but steadily gained traction and accelerated towards the enemy formation with the triangular Praetor MK2 in the middle.
Soon the Super Star Destroyer opened fire with it's Long Range Turbolaser Batteries onto the enemy Battlecruiser.
In between the two clashing Capital ship Fleets hundreds of Galactic Alliance Starfighters, Bombers and Gunships pounced into the remaining enemy starfighters, not only TIE-Droids but piloted ships as well.
Haruka was flying in front of the Relentless Preybird-Squadron and lead the fighter bombers into a missile and laser run against an enemy Tie-Bomber-Squadron that headed for Death-Squadron.
Within minutes the twelve double framed Bombers were stardust and the thirteen Starfighters split up and engaged in dogfights with enemy snubs.
After a few minutes and two won dogfights against dedicated but finally unsuccessfully enemy Tie-Interceptors the Voyager was called back as escort for an transport heading down to the planet.
"C'est dommage! I was just getting warmed up." Michiru told over intercom as their Tie-Agrressor rushed back into friendly lines.
Behind them the Executor II just opened up all it had on the Praetor.
The Praetor MK2 was multiple kilometers long but was dwarfed by the Executor and within a few minutes it's shields broke down as the Super Star Destroyer relentlessly hammered turbo laser and ion cannon fire onto the Battlecruiser.
Around the Executor the six Imperial-Class Star Destroyers engaged against the enemy Star Destroyers and smaller ships in the enemy fleet.
SunTzu was on a rooftop with John and Cameron. The artificial woman, just like John, had her helmet off and was giving overwatch while Captain John Connor was directing his troops and reinforcements. Connor's Mother Sarah was upfront with the troops.
The rest of the company was about to flown in as well as combat vehicles and something specific that made the troops of the Special Operations Company of the 501. Legion anticipate it's arrival.
Through the cloudy sky a huge transport, looking like a larger Titan-Transport for AT-ATs came soaring in and headed for the coast down on the south side.
As the transport, greeted by some sporadic blaster fire from the enemy that couldn't breach it's shields, flew over them, the soldiers began to cheer.
SunTzu saw that the Transport was escorted by the Voyager among other fighters and Haruka answered the enemy flak with a concussion missile that made a vehicle explode somewhere in the city.
The transporter crossed the coast and decelerated, coming to a stop over the ocean.
It descended until it's cargo hold was in the water and then opened a huge cargo door under water.
A few moments later the transport rose up again and soared away, his escort forming behind.
A radio message came in.
"The King has been delivered. All units be advised, it will move up to the enemy regiment on the east side of the city. Stay clear of it's path and find immediate shelter when in range."
What the fuck? What do they mean with King? What kind of weapon is that? And how the hell can something take on an armored regiment on it's own?
"I love this." Connor said and pulled out a pair of macro binoculars, beginning to observe the coast.
"There he is!" He suddenly motioned to the sea where something gigantic was swimming towards the city, leaving a trail of churning water behind it.
SunTzu didn't know what It was but he could feel the energy emitting from it. It was a living creature. And it seemed to be huge, gigantic.
Haruka took another turn, looking for a target of opportunity when she noticed that whatever the transporter unloaded into the sea was moving towards the coast and it was huge, at least a few hundred meters long.
She slowed down and followed the moving shadow under the brown water.
The thing arrived the coast and climbed onto a dock on the city's harbor.
SunTzu' jaw dropped when he saw the creature.
It was a gigantic green theropodic dinosaur like animal, standing upright, tall as a skyscraper, shaking water off of its tail and fins on his back.
It stood there for a moment before it opened it's sharp teethed mouth and let out a loud, long and primeval sounding roar.
The stormtroopers began to cheer loud again and enlivened the Monster to smash the enemy.
SunTzu still was still dumbfound about what he saw as the gigantic dinosaur began to move forward, his huge legs making the ground shake beneath it.
Beside him John dropped his binoculars and turned to SunTzu, a satisfied grin on his face.
"The call him the King of Monsters, but we call him Vader's Pet. The Supreme Commander can communicate with him over the Force. He was also the one that found and more or less tamed him. Observe this!"
Haruka had stopped following the creature as she saw how huge it actually was and she was hovering afar behind the monster when it stepped on the dock.
"Holy shit! What is that?!" Haruka asked in awe as Michiru unstrapped at her seat and leaned over Haruka in the pilot seat.
"You feel it's energy? It's gigantic." The teal haired Senshi told.
"I do."
Seeing the Leviathan Michiru remembered something from her childhood, a tale her grandparents always told her.
"Wait… I know what this is! My grandpa used to tell me a spine-chiller when I was a small child, one of them being a huge dinosaur-like lizard that tore apart ships apart on the ocean. He called it… Gojira!"
The King of Monsters slowly but inexorably walked towards the enemy vehicles, crushing everything in it's path.
As soon as the enemy noticed the giant creature marching up on them they opened fire and soon whole platoons of hover tanks were shooting their laser cannons at the towering monster.
Gojira stoically marched onward, not even bothered by the laser fire hitting him.
Around a hundred meters in front of the armored formation the monster stopped, looking angrily at the small pests raking it with colored, hot light, as everything the enemy had was now shooting at the Giant.
It let an angry roar and blue light began to emit from it's fins on the back.
Suddenly it opened it's mouth and a blue beam shot out of it, looking like fire itself.
The beam must have been a few thousand degrees hot as it literally melted everything it touched.
Hover tanks and other vehicles melted down and exploded and within a few seconds everything that was left of the whole regiment were scorched wrecks.
"Holy…!" SunTzu shouted as the Monster started it's beam attack.
Cameron turned around to her company commander.
"Radiation values are still in good order. Wind is blowing away."
SunTzu's eyebrow went up.
"The beam is made out of pure nuclear energy, the Creature itself basically being it's own nuclear reactor. Just in case we measure the radiation values when the King attacks with his beam. But hey, you heard Cameron, everything is in order."
A nuclear Dinosaur, now i've seen it all.
"Cameron, we're packing up and moving into the city. Keep measuring the radiation, just in case. And tell Command that the enemy Regiment has been completely obliterated."
While the ginormous lizard turned around after laying destruction on a whole enemy regiment and vanished into the sea again, the 501. SOC moved out and SunTzu said his goodbye to John and Cameron.
"See you on the battlefield soon SunTzu. And give my Regards to Diplomat Hino." John said as both men shook hands.
Cameron gave him a stern Military Salute that he reciprocated.
"Goodbye Lieutenant. Give my regards to AICA."
"Will do Cameron. You guys stay safe!"
A few minutes later AICA lifted off and SunTzu shot back in the sky where he was soon joined by Haruka and Michiru in the Voyager.
"Mate, you've seen that. Michiru says that she heard about this… this thing before."
"His name is Gojira, Haruka. It's an old tale of a sea monster my grandpa used to tell me about."
"Good thing it is on our side tho. I honestly don't want to fight against it." SunTzu stated.
The three Guardians and their two starfighters formed around the Starstruck and together the advance force of the Earth ascended up, back to space.
When they arrived in space, the battle was already over and the enemy Fleet had been completely destroyed.
Debris was floating in the zero gravity and while the Death Squadron formed up again the Relentless was taking a turn into another direction, away from the Executor II and it's accompanying ships.
Squadrons of Starfighters were patrolling through the space and the debris.
The three ships of Taskforce Sol turned about also and closed up to the Relentless.
"I hope they have decent Caf onboard, I could go for one right now." Michiru stated over the radio as suddenly over twenty Capital ships of mostly older designs like MC80a Cruisers or Assault Frigates fell out of Hyperspace.
"There comes our relieve."
"And whaddya know, our friends finally show up too!" SunTzu stated as he spotted the remaining ships of Taskforce Sol in midst of the Ships of the Reserve Fleet that relieved Death Squadron in the system.
Haruka opened a channel to their mothership.
"Hey guys, too bad you missed the show. We won. Two times already."
Artemis answered directly.
"I hope you guys aren't too tired yet. We'll be quite busy the next days."
"Let me have tea time and give Michiru a Cafe au Lait and we're good to go for Round Three."
"I'll tell Mess. And now come home, I want a detailed report on what you guys were doing the last few hours before we head out again."
The three ships passed the Relentless and the snubs waved with their wings as greeting.
"Thanks for the hospitality General Vermel. We're back to our mothership."
"We're heading back to Empress Teta. Thank you for the help Captain Tenoh, it would be a pleasure to fight alongside you again. Taskforce One Four One Out."
The Starstruck joined the other two corvettes around the Far Side and AICA and the Voyager headed towards the Hangar.
Apart from the Report SunTzu wanted to ask Artemis for a favor.