Engi ships in front created a wall, using defence drones to fire down missiles. More Engi ships hanged far back, sending waves of combat drones to overwhelm the Mantis ships. Federation cruisers held formation behind the Engi's defensive barrier, firing barrages at the Mantes while battleships fired their massive mounted cannons, crippling larger and slower ships. Zoltan ships cycled in and out periodically to keep their super shields charged up. Fighters fought each other in skirmishes across the battlefield. All the while several battles took place within the ships themselves as Federation soldiers and anti-personnel drones fought back the Mantis boarding parties.
This is the scene of a battle between the Federation and its allies against the Mantes. A scene not uncommon at the moment considering they are in a war. This one is currently taking place above Marces V. A planet in Engi space that the Mantes had occupied for a little over 3 months.
Incoming hail from Admiral Tul-
"Proceed."
"General Braxus, we have pushed the Mantes far enough back. You are clear to begin the ground assault on the capital."
"Understood."
"That is all. Good luck." Transmission ended.
The Rockman General respected Admiral Tully more than most. She was always straight to the point, no unnecessary details or explanations. He knew his job. Defeat the occupying Mantis force and keep casualties to a minimum. Civilians first, then his troops.
Braxus turned on the announcer and hailed his other ships. "Attention crew, we are about to begin the ground assault. We teleport on my command."
He turned to his Human captain. "I must make my way to the teleporter. Let me know once all ships are in teleporter range."
"Understood sir." Captain Avery began preparations as General Braxus made his way to join his troops.
"Welp. Guess it's time. Hope everyone remembered to save their last will." Brian said jokingly down in the teleporter room where the battalion troops waited for the assault to begin. Well the ones on this ship anyways. The whole brigade was split across 3 ships each with a battalion of 500 soldiers. As well as a ton of ships to carry the heavy duty equipment.
"Jesus Brian, way to set the mood." Katie teased back. "Look, we'll be fine. It's just a few bugs."
"Katie, I know you're a bit new but, have you ever seen a Mantis fight? Quleka and
Kelpeth wrestling for fun doesn't count." It was true that Katie has never seen a Mantis fight. Not in a real fight anyway.
"Yeah speaking of them, are we sure they should be coming along? Not sure if I trust them…" Jason said, eyeing the two Mantis siblings. It was hard to tell if that was a badly toned joke, or what he really thought.
"Wow!" Katie exclaimed, surprised. "Is this really the time to start being xenophobic?"
Kelpeth, the older Mantis brother, looked at Katie. "I mean, you did refer to our race as "just a few bugs" earlier."
Katie remembered she did say that just a few seconds ago and was a bit embarrassed and a little ashamed.
"Oh, umm… sorry…" She fidgeted self consciously as she stumbled through her words.
Kelpeth let out a playful laugh and gently patted Katie on the head with the side of his scythe-like appendage. It felt a little weird for Katie considering she's seen him use it in a much more terrifying manner, but it was surprisingly gentle and comforting.
"I'm just messing with ya. You don't gotta worry about us. We were both born on Mars. The Federation is our home."
Quleka, the younger Mantis sister, chimed in. "Besides, the Mantes down there would probably kill us before we could even offer to switch sides."
"I just wish we had more of you. At least then us Humans wouldn't have to do all the fighting for the Engi and Zoltan, just sitting pretty up there in their ships." Said a female Human voice. Katie groaned internally and the Mantis siblings silently backed away from the group. It was Marie.
Jason looked at Marie. She's been in a particularly bad mood lately. "You know a lot of Humans live down there too right?"
"And you know this is Engi space right?" Marie retorted. "So who's job is it to protect it?"
Katie could not stand people like her.
"All of us!" She snapped back, frustrated. "We're allies! It's not like they're sitting on their ass and doing nothing. They are literally up here fighting the Mantes! Not to mention giving us a ton of drones and equipment that are going to be helping us down there!"
"Of course. And we just so happen to be the ones who get the most dangerous job that they can't do themselves." Marie said sarcastically.
Brian calmly entered the conversation, hoping to bring things down. "And they just so happen to be the ones who give us half the tech we currently have. That's why we're allies. We cover for each other's weaknesses and benefit from each other's strengths."
"Well if we're so much stronger than them, they should just be grateful we-"
"I would think carefully about your next words, young lady." Marie froze. The whole group of bickering Humans froze. It was the General. He was stern but kind most of the time. But that was definitely not his happy voice.
"The Federation does not tolerate hostility towards our allies." The General continued. "And neither do I."
"General! I…" Marie scrambled.
"Will be talking with me later." The General cut her off. "For now, save your strength for the people we're actually about to fight."
Marie simply shrank and bowed her head. "Understood General."
Captain Avery contacted the General from the bridge. "General. We're in position. Ready on your command."
"Launch equipment and teleport us down once they land." Braxus responded.
"Understood. Commencing ground assault."
Braxus looked at his troops. Some were nervous and a few more confident than they should be. But he could see the resolve in their eyes before they began to put on their helmets. They were all ready and willing to fight. That alone made him proud.
"We should outnumber the enemy and have superior equipment but don't expect an easy fight." He warned. "Mantes are as strong as they are cunning. Keep an eye out for anything."
Equipment landed. Activating teleporter.